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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Nov 2009

Vol. 695 No. 1

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 10 to 46, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 47 to 55, inclusive, answered orally.

Overseas Development Aid.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

56 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas aid budget that was allocated to each of the core programme countries each year in 2007 and 2008; the reduction of such funding to each of these countries in 2009; the areas affected by these reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41877/09]

Tom Hayes

Question:

99 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for overseas aid funding for each of the core programme countries in 2010; if he will guarantee that there will be no further cuts in the overseas development aid budget allocated to these countries in the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41878/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 99 together.

The Government provides assistance through the aid programme to over ninety countries worldwide. Nine have been designated as Programme Countries, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. These are Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Vietnam and Timor Leste. Irish Aid provided direct programme funding of €185 million to these countries in 2007. Almost €220 million was provided in 2008. This year, €198 million is being provided. Breaking these figures down by Programme Country:

€32 million was provided in Ethiopia in 2007 and €36 million in 2008. The programme budget for 2009 is €27.8 million.

In Lesotho, €9.4 million was provided in 2007 and €9.1 million in 2008. The programme budget for 2009 is €11.4 million.

In Mozambique, €31 million was provided in 2007 and €34 million in 2008. The programme budget for 2009 is €40.5 million.

In Tanzania, €32 million was provided in 2007 and €38 million in 2008. The programme budget in 2009 is €33.5 million.

In Uganda, €35 million was provided in 2007 and €42 million in 2008. The programme budget for 2009 is €35.5 million.

In Zambia, €22 million was provided in 2007 and €23.5 million in 2008. The programme budget for 2009 is €23.2 million.

In Malawi, which was designated as the newest Programme Country in 2007, almost €10 million was provided in 2008. A programme budget of €8.8 million was allocated for 2009. I have recently approved funding of a further €2 million for the fight against hunger in Malawi.

In relation to the two Programme Countries in Asia:

€19 million was provided in Vietnam in 2007 and €21 million in 2008. The programme budget for this year is €13.75 million.

In Timor Leste, €4 million was provided in 2007 and €5 million in 2008. The programme budget this year is €3.42 million. In addition, over €1 million was allocated in 2008 and €990,000 in 2009 for a programme of conflict resolution activities in Timor Leste.

The Government channels additional funding to the Programme Countries in response to emergencies and humanitarian disasters, as necessary. Support is also provided through Irish Aid funding of the activities and programmes of Non-Governmental Organisations and through contributions to UN and other international agencies.

In deciding this year on the implementation of the budget adjustments which were necessary across the aid programme, priority was given to the need to protect funding to our Programme Countries, to the extent possible. We have in all cases ensured that the continuity of our programmes will be maintained. In some cases, funding timeframes have been extended and disbursement rates modified, but the planned final outputs will be delivered, even if they have been delayed somewhat.

The difficult process of preparing the Budget for 2010 is now underway, and the amount provided for Overseas Development Assistance will be announced by the Minister for Finance in his Statement to the Dáil on 9 December. The subsequent decisions on allocations for individual programmes will be made in consultation with our Embassies in the Programme Countries, which have maintained a strong dialogue with Governments and other local partners. The Government is determined to ensure that the high standards of Ireland's aid programme will be maintained, and that it will continue to deliver clear results for the lives of those most in need.

Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 55.

Offshore Islands.

Jack Wall

Question:

58 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding Rockall Island. [41920/09]

During the 1960s and 1970s the issue of Rockall was a source of legal and political controversy in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. Much of that controversy lay in fears at the time that jurisdiction over Rockall and similar rocks and skerries was thought to be central to claiming mineral rights in the adjacent sea-bed and fishing rights in the surrounding seas, as well as to the delimitation of maritime boundaries.

However, during the course of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which took place from 1973 to 1982, the Irish delegation worked hard to establish a satisfactory legal regime applicable to islands. This effort was ultimately successful. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was adopted at Montego Bay at the conclusion of the Conference on 10 December 1982, provides at Article 121, paragraph 3 that: "Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf." Article 121 (3) applies to Rockall. Both Ireland and the United Kingdom are parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is accordingly accepted by both states that Rockall cannot be used as a basis for delimiting their respective continental shelves or fisheries zones and this was duly reflected in the Ireland-UK continental shelf boundary agreement concluded in 1988.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 55.

Human Rights Issues.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

60 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recently published Goldstone report. [41943/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

79 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports the recommendations of the Goldstone report including that the perpetrators of war crimes be subject to trial by international and national courts under universal jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41912/09]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

80 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he and the European Union supports to address the immediate and environmental dangers to the civilian population in Gaza that were identified in the Goldstone report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41910/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

117 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Goldstone report is accurate; his further views on whether its recommendations should be followed and action taken in response to its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41913/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 79, 80, and 117 together.

The Goldstone Report is a serious and important document, which seeks to sift fact from allegations and rumour, and to determine so far as possible what happened in and around Gaza in the conflict at the beginning of this year, and how to pursue accountability for any violations of international humanitarian law which occurred. The members of the Fact Finding Mission led by Judge Goldstone, and including retired Irish Colonel Desmond Travers, are to be commended for the diligence and fairness with which they have attempted to carry out their mandate, including in rising above the regrettably one-sided nature of the original Human Rights Council Resolution which led to the establishment of the Mission.

Ireland has spoken in favour of the Report in our current capacity as observers at the Human Rights Council, and voted in favour of the Resolution on the Report at the UN General Assembly on 5 November. Ireland was one of five EU member States to vote in favour. Some partners opposed the Resolution while most abstained, because of issues which had as much to do with the terms of the Resolution as with the Report itself. We ourselves had some reservations about the terms of the Resolution. We felt that it was premature to be asked to ‘endorse' the Report as a whole and made this clear in our explanation of vote. However, on balance, we decided to support the resolution in order to send a political signal as to the importance that we attach to the report and the issues it raises.

While supporting the resolution, we made clear that, like many other States, we will need time to carefully consider the complex political and legal issues involved in some of the very wide-ranging recommendations of this lengthy Report. Our vote in favour does not pre-empt that consideration, or mean that we will necessarily agree with every word in the Report. Its recommendations intentionally have the potential — which I welcome — to set new benchmarks in international legal accountability for military actions, and for that reason require the most careful political and legal consideration by all States. This will not be a speedy process.

It is not for the Government to conclude if the Report's findings are accurate as to fact: that will be the task of the investigative and judicial mechanisms it calls for. Nor do we have information of our own on which to make a judgement. But clearly the Report marshals a strong case to be answered. In the first instance, the Report calls for all sides in the conflict to establish authoritative and transparent investigations into the allegations, and we fully supported that call, which was the main operative effect of the General Assembly Resolution. The possibilities of action by international courts, or national courts under universal jurisdiction, are among the alternative measures suggested if those local investigations are not held.

The conflict in Gaza has served to exacerbate many of the problems already facing Gaza, including in the environmental sphere and related issues of sewage treatment and the availability of drinking water. While the conflict did involve some additional destruction to the infrastructure in both areas, the main problem is the continuing blockade of construction materials which is preventing the urgent action necessary to avoid huge environmental problems. I have repeatedly stressed the urgent need for an end to the blockade and a full opening of the crossing points to Gaza to normal commercial and humanitarian traffic, and movement of people, and I repeat that call today.

Foreign Conflicts.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

61 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent political upheaval in Honduras; the likelihood for success of the United States-brokered deal there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41939/09]

On 26 June 2009, President Zelaya was ousted by a military coup which saw him forcibly transported to Costa Rica. Roberto Micheletti was declared interim President and the military took control of the capital Tegucigalpa. On 28 June, EU Foreign Ministers strongly condemned the military actions directed against President Zelaya and called on all relevant parties and institutions to refrain from violence and to strive to find a swift and peaceful solution to the situation.

Efforts to resolve the situation were led by the Costa Rican President, Oscar Arias and the Organisation of American States. Proposals put forward by Arias in July, known as the San José Accord, would have seen President Zelaya return to power and amnesty declared for any crimes committed; the creation of a unity government and early elections, due to take place on 29 November. The Accord also called for the establishment of a Verification Commission to investigate events which led to the crisis. This Accord was strongly supported by the EU. While some progress was made in a number of areas, President Zelaya's return to power and the question of amnesty remained a sticking point and stalemate ensued.

Following a mission led by US Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Tom Shannon, to Tegucigalpa, the Tegucigalpa-San José Agreement was signed on 30 October 2009. This eight point agreement created a government of national unity (to assume power by 5 November 2009); ruled out reform of certain articles of the constitution, which would have allowed for presidential re-election; recognised the elections and transfer of power to take place on 27 January 2010; transferred authority over the armed forces to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal until the elections; provided for the National Congress, in consultation with the Supreme Court, to decide whether to return the executive to the status quo ante of 28 June 2009; created a Verification Commission to ensure compliance with the Agreement and a Truth Commission to clarify events before and after 28 June 2009; called on the international community to restore relations with Honduras, drop sanctions and renew international financial cooperation and asked the signatories to submit differences in interpretation of the Agreement to the Verification Commission.

The Agreement did not, however, set a timeframe for the Congress to vote on President Zelaya's restitution. On 3 November, the Congress decided to seek an advisory opinion of the Supreme Court. Shortly after the 5 November deadline for the formation of a government of national unity, Micheletti announced a new administration, with himself at its head, made up of candidates proposed by political parties and other sectors of civil society. In response, President Zelaya has stated that the Agreement is null and void. Ireland and the EU have expressed concern over the interruption to the implementation of the Tegucigalpa-San José Agreement and have called on both sides to return to the dialogue. We have also expressed our firm support to the efforts made by the Verification Commission, as well as to the OAS and the USA to facilitate further dialogue to ensure the implementation of the Agreement. I would call on both sides to respect constitutional rules and human rights, which are the cornerstones of democratic governance.

Diplomatic Relations.

Damien English

Question:

62 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to extend relations with Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41864/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

100 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on such changes as are envisaged in the common position of the European Union in relation to Cuba. [41918/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

116 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held meetings with the newly installed Cuban Ambassador to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41919/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 100 and 116 together.

As the Deputy is aware, Cuba is undergoing a major transformation, and its relations with the EU have entered a new phase. Given this new context, I visited Cuba in February of this year and discussed a wide range of political, economic and social issues, including human rights. Following that visit, we are now examining how we might strengthen our bilateral relationship with Cuba and work is being taken forward with the Cuban authorities on that basis. In addition, at the Universal Periodic Review of Cuba at the fourth Universal Periodic Review Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva earlier this year, Ireland submitted a number of recommendations on human rights in Cuba.

The EU Common Position on Cuba, agreed during the Irish Presidency of the EU in December 1996, is reviewed on an annual basis at the June General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). During the review in June of this year, the Council welcomed the resumption of political dialogue with Cuba, which allows both sides to discuss openly issues of mutual interest. A high level political dialogue meeting between the EU and Cuba, which had been due to take place en marge of the UN General Assembly in New York in September was postponed and will now take place on 28 November in Brussels. Topics for discussion will include EU-Cuba cooperation, human rights and climate change. The EU Common Position on Cuba will next be examined at the June 2010 GAERC; discussions within the EU will commence in the Spring. I will meet with the Cuban Ambassador in the coming weeks.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Billy Timmins

Question:

63 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent visit to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41866/09]

I visited Belfast on 11 November 2009 for a series of meetings. At Stormont Castle, I met with First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, together with their Northern Ireland Executive colleagues, Margaret Ritchie and Robin Newton, for a North/South Ministerial Council meeting in Institutional Format. As on previous occasions, we had a very useful discussion on the economic and budgetary challenges facing both jurisdictions and the potential contribution cross-border cooperation can make in providing more effective and efficient services North and South.

We had a very good exchange on EU issues of mutual interest and areas where we might cooperate further to advance our shared interests. We also discussed the remaining obstacles to cross-border mobility and welcomed a plan to inform teachers about recent changes in pension arrangements for those looking to work in the other jurisdiction. We also discussed the implementation of efficiency savings in the North/South Bodies for 2009 and 2010. I used the opportunity to reiterate the Government's strong support for the Bodies as they continue to carry out their mandate and play a valuable role in the economic recovery of the island.

I later met with the SDLP leader, Mark Durkan, MP, MLA, and several of his party colleagues to discuss a range of issues including current political developments in Northern Ireland. Before leaving Parliament Buildings, I paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. William Hay, MLA. I visited the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Offices and met with the Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams and several of her Commission colleagues. We had a fruitful discussion of the Commission's work, including their co-operation with the Irish Human Rights Commission through the Joint Committee of the two Commissions. We also discussed progress towards the creation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.

While in Belfast, I also took the opportunity to visit the offices of the Policing Board. I met with the Chairman, Barry Gilligan, and the Vice Chairman, Brian Rea, who briefed me on the very impressive work of the Board, including an update on the transformation of policing in the North following the recommendations of the Patten Commission a decade ago. We also discussed the range of issues on the policing agenda in Northern Ireland.

Foreign Conflicts.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

64 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent incidents in the Hadramawt region of Yemen and the border region of that country with Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41937/09]

The deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Yemen was discussed by Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg at the end of October. Council Conclusions were adopted which expressed the EU's deep concern at the deteriorating security, political and economic situation across the country and underlined the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing the difficulties currently facing Yemen. The Council also reiterated the EU's continued readiness to support the Government of Yemen in addressing the challenges ahead.

Historically, Yemen is a country which has suffered from serious internal and political instability while, in more recent years, it has also experienced problems with Al-Qaeda-linked terrorism. Fighting has been occurring sporadically in Yemen's northern governorate of Saada since 2004, flaring up in adjacent regions and, in 2008, reaching the outskirts of the capital, Sanaa. The conflict in Saada, which has brought about extensive destruction, pits a predominantly Shi'a rebel grouping, known generically as the Houthis, against the predominantly Sunni Government forces.

There have been growing regional and international concerns about the deteriorating security, political and economic situation across Yemen. The situation was discussed at the most recent Ministerial meeting of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council, held in Muscat, Oman last April. In particular, there are concerns about the growing violence and deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Saada, which has caused an increasing number of civilian casualties and of internally displaced people. The Government, through Irish Aid, has allocated humanitarian assistance of €200,000 through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) to assist those displaced by the violence.

The issue is also a strategic one, as the Saada conflict carries grave risks, not just for Yemen's delicate political, sectarian and social equilibrium but for the stability of the region as a whole. The recent tensions with neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which has reportedly carried out a series of air raids on Houthi rebel positions in northern Yemen in recent days, and consequent warnings from Iran about foreign interference, have illustrated further the high stakes in this conflict. The EU will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep this issue high on the agenda, including in its ongoing political dialogue with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

International Agreements.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

65 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the EU’s Euro-Mediterranean agreement with Israel should be suspended in view of the Goldstone report; if he will communicate this view to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41911/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 311 on 10 November 2009, which was as follows:

"The Government does not consider that trade or other embargoes on Israel would contribute to the search for peace in the Middle East. I have also made clear that there would be no prospect of reaching consensus at EU level in favour of such a policy.

In these circumstances, to link this issue with the discussion of the Goldstone Report would serve to make more difficult a clear and constructive discussion on the Report and the important issues it addresses.

The Government have however made clear, in debates both at the Human Rights Council in Geneva and the United Nations General Assembly in New York, our support for the Goldstone report as a serious investigation which needs to be considered carefully and acted upon. Ireland was one of five EU Member States which voted in favour of the Resolution on the Report at the General Assembly last week. I have made clear my view that there must be accountability for actions taken."

Human Rights Issues.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

66 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the human rights activists from the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic who are incarcerated in Casablanca at the present time; if the international community is actively seeking to ensure that there will be a fair trial and that they are treated humanely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41936/09]

I am aware of the arrest of seven Saharawi human rights activists in Casablanca, Morocco, on 8 October this year. I understand that Moroccan police arrested the group at Casablanca Airport, on their return from a visit to the Saharawi refugee camps in South Western Algeria. While the Moroccan police authorities have confirmed the arrest, there are no further official details on the group's whereabouts or their current situation. However, unofficially, we understand that they continue to be held and that they may face serious charges, including treason. Unfortunately, prior to their return, the group's visit to the camps had been highlighted and strongly condemned in the Moroccan press, which has accused the group of treason.

Through our Embassy in Lisbon, which is accredited to Morocco, we have been in contact with our EU partners on the ground in Rabat who have been in discussions with the Moroccan authorities about the case. My Department has also raised our concerns regarding this case directly with the Moroccan Ambassador here in Dublin. We will continue to monitor the situation of the group and remain in contact with our EU partners through the Embassy in Lisbon. I understand that the President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) has expressed his concerns for the safety of these seven Saharawi detainees directly to the President of the United Nations Security Council and that he has also written to the President of the European Council.

The European Union's relationship with Morocco is conducted within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Association Agreement between the EU and Morocco. This relationship is based on a commitment to certain common values, including respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are an essential component of the Association Agreement. The situation in Western Sahara and its consequences are discussed at all meetings held in the context of the political dialogue between the EU and Morocco.

The plight of the people of Western Sahara remains an issue of great concern to the Irish Government and to the international community. I spoke on this issue and about the grave humanitarian aspects of frozen conflicts at the Ethical Development Action Conference in Cork in April. We would wish to see that human rights activists in Western Sahara and in Morocco enjoy freedom of movement and expression and that they are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, in accordance with international law. We will continue to follow this matter and to raise the importance of human rights protection with the Moroccan authorities at every available opportunity.

Overseas Development Aid.

Denis Naughten

Question:

67 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the impact of the budget cuts on overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41725/09]

In 2008, Ireland spent €920 million on Official Development Assistance (ODA). This represented approximately 0.59 % of our Gross National Product (GNP). For 2009 the total budget for ODA is expected to reach €696 million. Based on current projections this will represent at least 0.48% of Gross National Product (GNP). This means that Ireland will remain one of the most generous donors in the world on a per capita basis. This is an enormous achievement in the context of the current economic circumstances.

The Government very much regrets having to make the decision to reduce the 2009 development assistance budget. However, it must be recognised that this necessary decision was taken in the context of the economic situation facing the country. Its sole objective is to assist in stabilising the public finances. This is a fundamental prerequisite for the resumption of economic growth, which is the only sustainable way Ireland can meet its future ODA commitments. The Irish Aid programme is internationally renowned for its sharp focus on poverty reduction and hunger alleviation, and its concentration on the least developed countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In implementing the necessary budgetary adjustments we were determined to maintain this focus and protect the international reputation and quality of the programme.

We worked closely with our development partners to ensure the continuity of programmes by extending funding time frames and modifying disbursement rates. We are confident that planned final outputs will be delivered, albeit with some realignment of timeframes. In addition, there was no reduction in the important technical expertise which Irish officials bring to their work with our partners. Our aid programme remains one of the best in the world. It reflects our core values and commitments to supporting the poorest people in the world. The decisions that we have taken regarding adjustments to the aid programme were framed in the context of this commitment and our determination that, once the Irish economy has returned to a pattern of sustainable growth, we will resume the expansion of our aid programme.

Foreign Conflicts.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

68 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to assist in addressing the flight of the displaced persons in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41863/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

75 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will comment on reports that the Sri Lankan Defence Chief had agreed to provide testimony to the United States Department of Homeland Security regarding alleged human rights violations by a US citizen and Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41926/09]

Mary Upton

Question:

76 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Tamils detained in Sri Lanka; if aid agencies, in particular the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, have had access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41925/09]

Mary Upton

Question:

115 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41924/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 75, 76 and 115 together.

As I have stated on many occasions in this House, I am deeply concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka. The immediate priority is still the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) being held in camps in the north of the country, mainly in the Vavuniya area. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that a total of 73,180 IDPs have been returned from the camps to their places of origin in the period between 5 August and 1 November 2009. I welcome this report. However, it remains unacceptable that nearly 190,000 people remain in the camps some six months after the end of the conflict. In this respect, I have noted the various assurances and commitments made by President Rajapakse concerning the return of the IDPs to their homes. It is essential that these commitments are respected.

The Government has made representations to the Government of Sri Lanka regarding the need to ensure the dignified, safe and speedy return of the IDPs to their home areas, as well as making clear the need for both a comprehensive reconstruction programme and a political settlement. On 27 October EU Foreign Ministers urged the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that conditions for those remaining in the camps are in all respects in accordance with internationally accepted standards. Ministers also emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian agencies to be given full and unimpeded access to IDPs so that humanitarian aid and protection can be provided to them.

The ICRC has been reviewing its operations and presence in Sri Lanka. It has closed four offices in Eastern Province and activities in this region have been suspended. Activities carried out from its offices in Vavuniya and Mannar have been put on hold pending further clarification and agreement with the government. The ICRC does not currently have access to those detainees deemed ex-combatants. However, it continues to help displaced and resident civilians and non-combatants detained in the Jaffna peninsula, in Colombo and elsewhere in the country. Responding to the serious humanitarian crisis in the affected areas, Irish Aid has provided funding of €308,000 for emergency response through NGO partners, including emergency medical and nutrition support, the provision of shelter, and distribution of food and non-food items. In addition, a member of Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps is currently deployed in Sri Lanka to assist in the emergency response effort of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Deputies will appreciate that I have no access to information as to whether or not General Sarath Fonseka, who has since resigned as the Sri Lankan Defence Chief, had agreed to provide testimony to the United States Department of Homeland Security regarding alleged human rights violations while he was in the United States earlier this month. However, I understand from press reports that the General was not interviewed by the US authorities while he was in the United States. I believe that an independent review to consider the allegations of serious breaches of international humanitarian law by both sides in the course of the conflict in Sri Lanka should be established. On 18 May EU Foreign Ministers reiterated the need for all parties to respect fully their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and called for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry.

This call was reiterated by the EU Presidency at a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on the situation in Sri Lanka in Geneva on 26/27 May 2009. In its national statement at the Special Session, Ireland also called for an independent inquiry. My preference would be for this inquiry to be carried out under the authority of the Human Rights Council covering violations perpetrated by all parties. However, efforts by the EU to have a Resolution passed which would endorse a call for an inquiry into breaches of international law have regrettably been unsuccessful. Despite this, I remain committed to the principle of such an inquiry. I would see such an inquiry as one element in the overall response of the international community to Sri Lanka's post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction needs. Regrettably, I have nevertheless to concede that the chances of securing a UN-based inquiry now are very slim.

An inclusive reconciliation and peace process must also be initiated. It will be essential that arrangements and mechanisms are in place to ensure the representation of the Tamil population and facilitate dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation. Key to a successful process and sustainable peace will be political dialogue based on the principles of parity of esteem, consent, equality and the rule of law.

Emigrant Support Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

69 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date on resolving the issue of undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41726/09]

Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the US continues to be a high priority of this Government. We are also committed to developing our bilateral migration arrangements with the United States, through the establishment of a reciprocal two year renewable E3 visa scheme. In discussions with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, during her visit to Ireland in October, I stressed that the Government was continuing to pursue a three pronged strategy to address migratory flows between Ireland and the US. This strategy involves seeking a solution for the undocumented Irish, the establishment of an E3 visa and the continued expansion of the working holiday programme, which was concluded last year. In response to these issues, Secretary of State Clinton indicated that immigration reform may be addressed in early 2010, following the passage of healthcare legislation.

On my visit to Washington and New York on 14-17 October, I held extensive discussions on the prospect for progress on immigration reform with significant number of key Democrats and Republicans in Congress. These included the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator John McCain, Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Bob Casey, Senator Paul Kirk, the Chair of the House Sub Committee on Immigration, Zoe Lofgren and the members of the House of Representatives Friends of Ireland Group. There was considerable support expressed at these meetings for efforts to find a solution for the undocumented and for the E3 visa initiative. I received some indications that a comprehensive immigration bill which would address the concerns of the undocumented could be introduced in Congress in Spring 2010 but I was also told that such a timetable could be influenced by ongoing debate on health care reform and the fact that 2010 will be an election year in the US.

In New York, I also had a very useful meeting with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, who are continuing to lobby for the undocumented Irish, with the assistance of former Congressman Bruce Morrison. Since 2006, funding of $285,000 has been allocated by this Department, through the Emigrant Support Programme, to support the work of ILIR.

Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 55.

Anti-Piracy Operations.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

71 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the intervention of the naval force has been successful in tackling the piracy off the coast of Somali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41874/09]

Operation Atalanta is the EU's naval operation acting in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions relating to piracy off the coast of Somalia. It forms part of efforts by the wider international community to address the piracy problem in the region. Operation Atalanta currently consists of naval units from Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden. Ireland fully supports the operation, and one Naval Service officer is currently assigned to the mission's Operational Headquarters in Northwood.

Under its mandate, Operation Atalanta contributes to the protection of vessels of the World Food Programme delivering food aid to displaced persons in Somalia; to the protection of vulnerable vessels cruising off the Somali coast; and to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. By early October 2009, the mission had successfully escorted vessels transporting approximately 280,000 tonnes of World Food Programme cargo to Somalia as well as protecting other shipping in the area. The mission has also led to the detention and prosecution of 68 suspected pirates in Kenya. The force is successfully performing its mission and makes an effective contribution to improving maritime security off the coast of Somalia.

Notwithstanding the achievements of Operation Atalanta, acts of piracy continue to occur in the region. Further efforts are required by the international community to address this situation, particularly the root cause of Somali piracy.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 55.

Foreign Conflicts.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

73 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and Colombia; and if the European Union proposes to seek to assist in any way in this matter. [41917/09]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

110 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his and the EU’s reaction to the establishment of US defence centres in Colombia in view of the ongoing crisis between Colombia and Venezuela; the reason for their installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41916/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 110 together.

On 30 October 2009, a bilateral agreement, entitled A Supplemental Agreement for Cooperation and Technical Assistance and Security, was signed by Colombia and the United States. Articles Three and Four of this Agreement provide for continued U.S. access to specific Colombian facilities in order to undertake mutually agreed activities within Colombia and for the location of up to 800 U.S. military personnel and up to 600 U.S. civilian contractors at seven military bases in Colombia. I understand that the Agreement was considered in the Union of South American Nations Defence Council on 10 August 2009. A number of countries, including Venezuela, have indicated their objection to this Agreement. Events on the Colombian-Venezuelan border in recent days are indeed a matter of concern and the EU is following them closely. We fully support Brazilian President Lula’s reported efforts to reduce the tensions that have arisen between these two neighbouring countries.

Official Engagements.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

74 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41862/09]

I visited Washington and New York from 14-17 October 2009. During my visit, I met with American politicians, members of the Irish community and the wider business community, including with clients of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. Every effort was made to promote Irish-American political, economic and cultural relations during the visit.

I addressed the European Institute in Washington on the theme of "Equipping the EU for global challenges: an Irish view". This was an invaluable opportunity to explain Irish attitudes to the EU and the Lisbon Treaty and to set out how the EU and US are working together to address global challenges. I then travelled to Capitol Hill, where I met senior members of Congress, including Senators John McCain, Chris Dodd, Paul Kirk, Lindsey Graham, Bob Casey, Jeanne Shaheen and Pat Leahy. I also met with 16 members of the House of Representatives, including Congressman Richie Neal, who is Chairman of the Friends of Ireland group in the US Congress, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Our discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the outcome of the Lisbon referendum in Ireland, the current economic climate, the situation in Northern Ireland, the Global Irish Economic Forum held at Farmleigh in September and, of course, the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States.

In New York, I chaired the inaugural meeting of the Ireland-US Leadership Council. The formation of the Council was a key proposal of the Ireland-US Strategic Review, which was launched by the Taoiseach in March. The grouping brings together leaders of the main Irish-American organisations in the business, community and cultural fields. In New York, I also met with a broad range of Irish community representatives including those from the main Irish advice and support centres across the US and the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). I also had an opportunity to see how we are providing practical support to Irish communities in the US when I visited a project in Rockland County, where the Irish Government and the GAA have jointly supported the development of local sports grounds for around 700 boys and girls who are actively involved in gaelic games.

I addressed a business breakfast for 60-70 guests at Ireland House in New York and briefed them on the outcome of the Lisbon referendum and on the steps the Government is taking to address the economic challenges we face. The guests included key clients of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland and I also met with business media. Other engagements included attending an interfaith service on Staten Island, in memory of Irish famine emigrants who died while quarantined on arrival in New York. The Irish-US relationship is of enormous importance and benefit to Ireland and my visit was an opportunity to maintain and further develop key relationships in Washington and New York.

Questions Nos. 75 and 76 answered with Question No. 68.

Overseas Development Aid.

Liz McManus

Question:

77 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the need to ensure a separation between the funding for overseas development aid and such financial commitments regarding climate change which may emanate from the Copenhagen conference. [41933/09]

Liz McManus

Question:

92 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the overseas development aid budget and future financing mechanism to tackle climate change should be kept separate in order to ensure that Ireland’s UN commitment to spend 0.7% of gross domestic product on development aid by 2012 is not diluted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41932/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 92 together.

The UN Secretary General has rightly described climate change as the greatest humanitarian challenge facing the world today. The communities which have been most severely affected by climate change to date have been those in the world's poorest countries. Through Ireland's work in developing countries we can see clearly that they are already suffering the effects of climate change. Increased incidences of adverse weather events are leading to further food insecurity, hunger, disease and an increase in humanitarian disasters. There is an inextricable link between development and climate change activities. Ireland's aid programme addresses the key vulnerabilities of the poor, including the additional challenge of climate change. Likewise, actions undertaken to combat the effects of climate change also need to focus on increasing the ability of communities to deal with other causes of poverty. For instance, climate change actions include improving agricultural productivity, increasing access to water and the availability of local health care.

Agreement on support to developing countries to enable them to respond to the climate change challenge will be a central part of a new global climate change agreement. The Government and all our EU partners are strongly committed to paying our fair share within such an agreement. As far as possible, any such funding commitments should be separate and additional to existing development funding commitments. Given the already considerable development challenges faced by the least developed countries it will be important to ensure that climate change financing does not undermine or jeopardise the fight against poverty and our continued progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. We believe that any financing provided must be adequate, reliable, and predictable. It must also be delivered in a way that complements development assistance.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

78 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent meeting and substantive discussions with his counterpart from the United Kingdom; if he has indicated his foreign affairs priorities, in particular in relation to continued stabilisation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41942/09]

As neighbours and fellow members of the European Union, Ireland and Britain enjoy excellent cooperation across a wide range of issues. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, my primary interlocutors are the British Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. David Miliband M.P., visited Dublin on 1 July and we discussed a range of issues including the Lisbon Treaty, Iran, the Middle East and the situation in Burma. I, of course, also have regular contact with the Foreign Secretary in the margins of EU and other international meetings.

I also meet regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Shaun Woodward, M.P., to discuss the situation in Northern Ireland. Our most recent meeting was on 13 November 2009. In my discussions with the Secretary of State, and with other relevant interlocutors, the focus is always on the consolidation of the Good Friday Agreement and its Institutions. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements, the Government is committed to the full and effective implementation of all aspects of these Agreements which provide the basis for sustainable permanent peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. To this end, I have stressed the importance of addressing those commitments which are outstanding. Currently the main focus is on the completion of the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to the Assembly.

The Government also continues to engage with the British Government, as well as with the Northern Ireland Executive, on other areas of high priority, particularly in relation to the strengthening of the North/South relationship and efforts to improve community relations in Northern Ireland.

Questions Nos. 79 and 80 answered with Question No. 60.

Human Rights Issues.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

81 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on comments made by a person (details supplied) that the conviction of alleged CIA and Italian intelligence operatives in an extraordinary rendition case in Italy is a clear message to all governments that, even in the fight against terrorism, they can not forsake the basic rights of democracies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41940/09]

I am aware of remarks in the press attributed to the Italian State prosecutor in the wake of the recent trial of US and Italian intelligence personnel in Milan. The Government is strongly of the view that, in the fight against terrorism, human rights must be preserved on all occasions. In this context, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the Government's strong opposition to the practice of extraordinary rendition, and our position has been made clear in this House and elsewhere.

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 54.

Foreign Conflicts.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

83 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will instigate an investigation into a company’s (details supplied) acquisition of a 25% stake in the Nesher Cement Company. [41978/09]

Ulick Burke

Question:

89 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures the EU is taking to prevent further Jewish settlements in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41871/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

97 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet with the Israeli Ambassador to highlight the Irish people’s opposition to the building of illegal settlements in Jerusalem. [41977/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 83, 89 and 97 together.

The Government has made very clear our strong condemnation of the continued building of settlements anywhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. This process is illegal, and involves of its very nature the continual expropriation of Palestinian land and the eviction of Palestinian families and demolition of their homes. I believe it is one of the principal drivers of the continuing conflict and, regrettably, it is one which has been created by the deliberate policy of the Israeli authorities. This position has been consistently conveyed to the Government of Israel at every opportunity, including by myself to the Ambassador and directly to Israeli Ministers. We will continue to do so.

The EU has consistently stated that it regards all such settlements to be illegal, and has called on the Israeli authorities to prevent their construction. The EU has also made clear that it regards all territory beyond the 1948 Green Line as belonging to the future Palestinian State, subject only to mutually agreed changes.

I do not propose to establish an investigation into the shareholding referred to by the Deputy, which dates back several years. As I understand it, the Irish company owns a minority shareholding in the Nesher Cement Company. Nesher, for its part, is engaged in the manufacture of cement, and has no control over where that cement is used. The question of investments by the Irish company is a matter for the Board and the shareholders of that company.

Human Rights Issues.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

84 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his policy regarding the issue of the taking of Armenians by Turkish forces in 1919; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41860/09]

The Deputy will be aware of the events which resulted in the tragic deaths of very large numbers of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in the early part of the 20th century. Relations between Armenia and Turkey have long been overshadowed by these events, on which both sides hold different historical interpretations.

However, more recently, there have been positive signs of an improvement in this difficult relationship. I welcome the signature by Armenia and Turkey of protocols on 10 October 2009 in which they agreed to establish diplomatic relations and re-open their common border. This development has the potential to enhance not only relations between the two countries, but also peace and stability in the wider region. Hopefully, as their relationship moves forward and develops, Armenia and Turkey will also be able to come to terms with their shared past. I understand that, as part of the agreement between Armenia and Turkey, it is intended to establish a sub-commission on historical issues.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that on 3 November 2009 the Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister visited Dublin and met with Minister of State Roche and officials from my Department. During her visit the Deputy Minister briefed on the Armenia-Turkey protocols. There was also an exchange of views on Ireland's experience of conflict resolution in relation to Northern Ireland.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

85 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the problems faced by ethnic minorities living in northern Iraq; if this matter has been discussed at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41875/09]

The disparate ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq have undoubtedly suffered from the instability of recent years. Nineveh, Iraq's second-most-populous province, has a unique concentration of minority groups. Violent attacks in and around the northern Iraqi city of Mosul and along the Nineveh Plain, a strip of land sandwiched between Mosul and Iraqi Kurdistan, have underscored how vulnerable minorities there continue to suffer the effects of a bigger struggle within Iraq for land, resources and control. I have noted with concern previously here in this House the serious problems Iraqi Christians have faced in this regard.

A recent report issued by Human Rights Watch has warned that the ethnic minorities living in northern Iraq are facing a human rights "catastrophe", as Arabs and Kurds vie for control there. The HRW report notes that the ethnic groups face attacks by Sunni Muslim extremists and harassment by Kurdish forces and calls on Kurdish leaders in the north and the Government in Baghdad to improve the protection of Iraqi minorities. I would agree with HRW that the Iraqi authorities, both Arab and Kurdish, need to send a message that minorities cannot be attacked with impunity and to work to ensure that they can participate equally in public affairs, without fear of retribution.

The EU has in its contacts with the Iraqi Government consistently stressed its responsibilities to protect all Iraqi citizens, and in particular vulnerable minorities. The Iraqi Government has acknowledged this responsibility and pledged to make every effort to meet it. It will be important for us to continue to urge the Government, beset as it is with many problems, to do everything it can to protect vulnerable groups. However, long term security for Iraq's minorities is likely to depend on the Government's success in combating violence throughout Iraq as a whole. Peace and stability in Iraq are vital to the welfare of the Iraqi people and to the prospects for the wider Middle East region. The EU is firmly committed to supporting a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous and united Iraq, with the capacity to play a constructive regional role. The EU has been one of the main contributors of non-military assistance to Iraq with total assistance since 2003 amounting to over €1 billion, including €830 million in Community aid.

On the political level, the EU strongly supported the early return of sovereignty to a democratic Iraqi Government. The Union has offered extensive support to the electoral process, including advice, expertise and financial assistance to the Iraqi Electoral Commission, and to the major task of drafting a new Constitution and key legislation. The EU and the Member States have used their influence consistently to encourage Iraqi political parties, and their leaders, in the process of national reconciliation which is the essential key to the restoration of lasting peace and stability. The EU has also been working closely on the ground with the UN assistance mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

Despite all too frequent reports of violence, it is clear that there has been some progress, albeit slow, in the political and economic reconstruction of Iraq. Nonetheless, the humanitarian needs of the people continue to pose a huge challenge to the international community. The ability of the Iraqi government to address the problems endured by ethnic minorities in Northern Iraq will continue to require the support and encouragement of the international community, including Ireland and its EU partners. One very positive development of note in recent days was the agreement within the Iraqi parliament on a new electoral law which clears the way for parliamentary elections for 21 January 2010, including in the ethnically mixed northern, oil-rich city of Kirkuk where agreement up to now on the electoral law had proved a major sticking point.

Seabed Sovereignty Claims.

Billy Timmins

Question:

86 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his submission to the United Nations to extend seabed sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41865/09]

Ireland claims continental shelf extending beyond the standard 200 nautical mile entitlement both to the west and to the south of the country. Under international law these claims must be examined by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. For the purposes of our claims we have divided the extended shelf into three sectors.

The first sector is to the south-west of the country near the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, an area which is approximately half the size of the State's land territory. It was the subject of Ireland's first submission to the Commission. The Commission issued recommendations in 2007. These confirmed Ireland's entitlement in this sector and set out details of where the new outer limit there should be established. The area involved is approx. 39,000 square kilometres, which is a very satisfactory outcome. The Government made an Order under the Continental Shelf Act 1968 on 31 March last which formally establishes the area concerned as Irish continental shelf.

The second claim is in the Celtic Sea, where there are unresolved boundary issues with the UK, France and Spain. The four countries made a joint submission for this 80,000 square kilometre area in 2006. Last March the UN Commission confirmed this claim and the question of establishing bilateral boundaries in this sector is now under consideration.

Ireland also claims part of the Hatton-Rockall Area of the North-East Atlantic, which extends up to 500 nautical miles from the coast. There is an agreed Ireland-UK boundary here but it is not accepted by Iceland or the Færoe Islands, which make their own claims. The four have met regularly since 2001 in an effort to resolve the overlapping claims issue but to date have been unable to reach agreement. In view of the 10-year deadline for the making of submissions to the UN Commission — which for Ireland expired last May — the State lodged its national claim for this area at the end of March. While the Commission's rules of procedure prevent consideration of this submission without the consent of all the states concerned, its lodgement at this time stops the clock on the deadline and preserves Ireland's legal position. In the meantime, the four states intend to keep the matter under regular review and we will continue to work for the creation of conditions that will permit consideration of the submission by the Commission as soon as possible.

Kidnapping of Irish Priest.

Pat Breen

Question:

87 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent release of a person (details supplied); if a ransom was paid for their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41868/09]

It was with great delight and relief that I announced the release on Wednesday last of Fr. Michael Sinnott after 32 days in captivity. His release was the result of an intense diplomatic effort by the Irish and Philippine Governments. On hearing of the abduction on 11 October, I immediately asked our Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Richard O'Brien, who is based in Singapore, to travel to Manila to work with the Philippine authorities to help secure his early release. He was joined in Manila on 25 October by an official from Ireland's Mission in Timor-Leste.

Ambassador O'Brien engaged in talks with the Government of the Philippines, representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), local officials in Mindanao, members of the Columban Order in the Philippines and several international NGOs. We worked closely with our EU partners and the European Commission Delegation. The Ambassador also met with the Papal Nuncio and with Philippine Church leaders. I would like to underline our deep appreciation to the United States Government for their assistance, as well as the Malaysian authorities. On 21 October, Ambassador O'Brien travelled to Mindanao as part of a high-level delegation of EU ambassadors, and while there he made a strong plea for Fr. Sinnott's release. Our Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr. Noel Fahy, was also in contact with the Columban Order in Rome.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Philippine Government for the consistently excellent cooperation they extended to us in securing Fr. Sinnott's release. I myself was in direct contact with my Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Romulo, on two occasions, to convey the great concerns held both by the Government and by the Irish public. To my knowledge, no ransom was paid to secure Fr. Sinnott's release. Neither was there any use of force. This was a victory for persuasion, perseverance, and patient diplomacy. The Sinnott family and the Columban Fathers demonstrated remarkable strength throughout Fr. Sinnott's captivity. I spoke to them on several occasions, and my officials were in daily contact withthem.

Fr. Sinnott displayed great forbearance in enduring more than a month in captivity, in spite of his age and difficult health. He has spent much his life working for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines, and I know that the ordinary people of the Philippines will be overjoyed to have him returned safe and well to his community. Working on this case has left me with an even deeper admiration for the work of our missionaries abroad. I assure you that we will be looking closely at how best to protect our aid workers and missionaries from such ordeals in the future.

Overseas Development Aid.

John Deasy

Question:

88 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for overseas development aid funding in 2010; if he will guarantee that there will be no further cuts in the ODA budget in the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41876/09]

In 2009 the total budget for ODA is expected to reach €696 million. Based on current projections this will represent at least 0.48% of GNP and will maintain Ireland's international ranking as one of the most generous donors in the world on a per capita basis. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has established a target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2012. We fully acknowledge that achieving this target by 2012 will prove to be a challenge in the current economic circumstances.

The estimates process for 2010, leading to the Budget next December, is now well advanced. This will be a difficult Budget, given the current financial climate and the many competing demands for scarce resources. The Government is determined to bring stability to the public finances and is seeking savings across all expenditure. While no area is considered immune from savings, I want to assure the Deputy that our aim is to protect the aid programme to the maximum extent achievable. The Deputy will also appreciate I am not in a position to provide, in advance of the Budget, detailed figures on the development assistance allocation for 2010. This is ultimately a matter for the Minister for Finance and will be announced on Budget day. However, I can state that both the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I continue to make the best possible case in support of the development aid budget.

Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 83.

International Agreements.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

90 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures which will be introduced to implement the enhanced role of the Houses of the Oireachtas in European Affairs under the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41967/09]

The Lisbon Treaty, through its Protocol no.1 and other provisions, will enhance the role of national parliaments in EU affairs and preparations are ongoing to ensure that the Oireachtas can play its full role as envisaged in the Treaty. The Treaty explicitly recognises that national parliaments contribute to the good functioning of the Union in many ways.

The European Union Act 2009 gives effect to the relevant provisions of the Lisbon Treaty in the domestic law of the State and S. 7 of that Act provides for the new powers of the Houses of the Oireachtas under the terms of the Treaty. These powers will include a power under S. 7(1) to object to a proposal, under the so-called general "passerelle" or bridging clause, to move from unanimity to qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers or to move from a special legislative procedure to the ordinary legislative procedure provided for under the Treaty. S. 7(2) of the 2009 Act provides for the operation of a similar power regarding the use of the ordinary legislative procedure in the area of family law matters with cross-border implications.

Perhaps the most significant enhancement in the role of national parliaments is in regard to the principle of subsidiarity. S. 7(3) of the 2009 Act sets out the legal basis on which each House of the Oireachtas can issue a reasoned opinion to the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission stating why it considers that an EU draft legislative act does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity. If, within eight weeks, at least one third of national parliaments (or of chambers of national parliaments) issue such reasoned opinions, the draft proposal must be reviewed. In the case of proposals in the areas of judicial cooperation in criminal matters and police cooperation the threshold for review is one third.

Work has advanced at official level to ensure that the necessary administrative procedures are in place in good time to give effect to this system, in particular so as to ensure that the Oireachtas can meet the eight-week deadline set out in the Lisbon Treaty for the provision of a reasoned opinion. National parliaments in the EU will evolve, no doubt, a system of communication in regard to this area in order to make the Treaty provisions effective.

Diplomatic Representation.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

91 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to develop the Ireland House concept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41867/09]

In 1987, the Government formulated a policy to bring together, where feasible, our Missions abroad and the offices of State Agencies in a single location, designated as Ireland House. The precise model of implementing such an arrangement would of course vary and has to reflect the local conditions and other factors. There are now a number of types of Ireland Houses currently operating overseas.

The largest Ireland House is in New York and comprises the Consulate, Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, the American Ireland Fund and CIE Tours. Ireland's Embassies in Brussels, Budapest, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow, New Delhi, Prague, Riyadh, Singapore and Warsaw share premises with Enterprise Ireland, while, in addition to Enterprise Ireland, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney and Washington also accommodate an IDA office at their locations. The Consulate in Shanghai shares premises with Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia; the Embassy in Tel Aviv shares premises with Tourism Ireland; the Consulate in Chicago shares premises with Bord Bia; the Ireland House in Madrid houses offices from Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, an Bord Iascaigh Mhara alongside the Embassy. In all cases the arrangement is one designed to increase the impact of Ireland's presence abroad, to improve coordination between all parties as well as to maximise cost-efficiencies.

In addition, I am aware that there are a number of other locations where state agencies share facilities with each other in the form of an Ireland House, which does not include the Irish Mission to that particular country. For example, in Paris where the IDA, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and BIM operate an Ireland House. There are no specific plans at present to expand the current network of Ireland Houses, as where it has been possible, the concept has already been put in place. However, where new Missions or Agencies are opening or moving to new locations, the possibility of expanding the current network of Ireland Houses is kept under review.

Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 77.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 55.

Human Rights Issues.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

94 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the position of the Rohingya community in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41927/09]

As I have stated on many occasions in this House, the situation in Burma/Myanmar has long been one of grave concern to the Government. The Rohingya ethnic group is one of the many ethnic groups which have been severely affected by the brutal policies of the Myanmar military regime. The situation of the Muslim Rohingyas is, however, even more difficult than that of other ethnic groups in Burma/Myanmar, as they tend to be discriminated against by Burma's majority Buddhist population and the regime does not even recognise them as citizens although they have been settled in northern Arakan (or Rakhine) state for more than a thousand years.

The area inhabited by the Rohingya is one of the poorest and most isolated in Burma. Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported that they have been subjected to persecution and human rights violations for decades. They report that, over the years, abuses have included summary executions, extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, forced labour, religious persecution, forced eviction, house destruction, land confiscation, arbitrary taxation and restrictions on marriage.

An estimated one million Rohingya are still living in northern Arakan. It is believed that a similar number of Rohingya refugees are based in other countries — the majority in Bangladesh. Conditions for the Rohingya in Bangladesh are also extremely grim. Some have become Bangladeshi citizens over the years, and 28,000 or so of them are recognised officially as refugees and permitted in UN-assisted refugee camps. But most of the rest — numbering more than 200,000 — have to survive outside the camps, without official documentation or employment, and are increasingly subject to crackdowns by the Bangladesh authorities. Others have fled to Thailand, where there are roughly 111,000 refugees housed in nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, but where there is also increasing intolerance towards Burmese refugees.

As a result, many Rohingyas have fled Burma over the past two or three years by boat into the Andaman Sea. Some have landed safely in Malaysia, where around 20,000 Rohingya are now believed to be based, some have reached Indonesia and the coast of Thailand, while many are believed to have perished in the Andaman Sea. Earlier this year international news reports highlighted the case of a large group of Rohingya refugees who were being towed out to sea in unsound vessels by the Thai navy, and set adrift without food or water. This incident shocked the world but it is unlikely to be an isolated one. Many of the Rohingya refugees found in such circumstances are simply deported back to Burma where they face an unknown fate.

At the time of the Thai incident, our Government bilaterally, and the EU more broadly, appealed to Thailand, and to Indonesia where some of these boat-people washed up, to adopt a humane approach in relation to these refugees, to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to support fully the work of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in assisting them. As reported to this House in February, I am pleased that Ireland has been able to play a practical part in assisting Rohingya refugees. Through our support since 1998 for the UNHCR-led resettlement programme, 82 Burmese Rohingya refugees based in refugee camps in Bangladesh have been welcomed to Ireland for resettlement. I might add that 97 Burmese Karen refugees have also been resettled here.

Pat Breen

Question:

95 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent human rights reports of the existence of illegal detention centres in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41869/09]

Although there have been reports over a number of years of secret prisons operating in China, international interest in such places of detention has greatly increased since the publication on 11 November by Human Rights Watch of a report entitled An Alleyway in Hell: China’s Abusive “Black Jails”. The report contains allegations that Chinese government officials, security forces, and their agents routinely abduct people off the streets of Beijing and other Chinese cities, strip them of their possessions, and imprison them in what it describes as “black jails”. It claims that these “black jails” are often located in state-owned hotels, nursing homes, and psychiatric hospitals and that they are used primarily by local and provincial officials to detain petitioners who come to Beijing and provincial capitals seeking redress for complaints which have not been resolved at lower levels of government. The report alleges that detainees are often physically and psychologically abused in the jails; that many are deprived of food, sleep, and medical care; and that they are subject to theft and extortion by their guards. It suggests that the number of individuals detained in “black jails” each year reaches into the thousands.

As has been reported in this House on many previous occasions, human rights issues in China, including issues relating to prisons and detention centres, are regularly discussed on a bilateral basis with the Chinese Government, both in Beijing and in Dublin. The Government continues to stress at such meetings the great importance attached by Ireland to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and to urge the Chinese authorities to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Human rights issues also continue to be a constant and important point of dialogue with the Chinese authorities for the European Union, through the framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. This broad-ranging dialogue has allowed the EU to engage with China on such issues as freedom of expression, the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary, prison conditions, freedom of religion and minority rights. The next session of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue will take place on 20 November in Beijing. I note that the Chinese authorities have denied the existence of the "black jails". I am also informed that changes in the law on detention in China are in the pipeline, which will increase the rights of detainees, including provision for compensation and increased penalties for those who abuse detainees.

In the meantime, however, I believe that the allegations made in the Human Rights Watch report are sufficiently serious and documented to warrant further investigation and representations. We will certainly raise them with the Chinese authorities, bilaterally and through the EU.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

96 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent contract signed between the Israeli surveillance company (details supplied) and the Irish Army in view of the fact that the company supplies the surveillance equipment for the apartheid separation wall; and if this contract violates the State’s obligations under international law. [41979/09]

The purchase of equipment for the Permanent Defence Forces is a matter for the Minister for Defence. The Government's views on the illegality of the route of the Separation Wall, as confirmed in the 2004 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, are well known.

Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 83.

Diplomatic Relations.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

98 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if relations have improved between the EU and Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41872/09]

Syria is a key actor in the Middle East region and has increasingly demonstrated a willingness to play a more positive role in the peace process. This was certainly the strong impression I formed when visiting Syria last February where I met with President Assad, Prime Minister Al-Dardari and Foreign Minister Muallem. In my meetings, I encouraged President Assad and his government to use any influence they have on Hamasto encourage them to support and participate in the political process aimed at achieving an agreed two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Syria's desire to play a more constructive role within the region is also evident from its improving relations with Lebanon as well as with other key regional or international players, such as Saudi Arabia, the US and France. Only last month, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia made a very well publicised and successful visit to Damascus while President Assad met with President Sarkozy when visiting Paris on 13 November. The EU's High Representative, Javier Solana, also visited Damascus last August where he met with President Assad and Foreign Minister Muallem and confirmed that EU-Syrian relations are moving in the right direction.

Against this backdrop, I very much welcome the recent progress towards signature of the EU-Syria Association Agreement. Long-running negotiations going back to 2004 have recently reached a successful conclusion and it is to be hoped that the Agreement will be formally signed by both parties soon, most likely early next year. The signing of this Agreement will mark a substantive step forward in the strengthening of EU-Syria relations.

I confirmed Ireland's strong support for the signing of the EU-Syria Association Agreement when I met with the Syrian Ambassador to Ireland last month. We also discussed ways to enhance Irish-Syrian bilateral relations, particularly in the economic arena. I told the Ambassador that Syria is well placed to play a constructive role in the Middle East Peace Process and that we looked forward to developing our relationship at a bilateral level and in an EU context.

Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 56.
Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 62.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

101 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the devolution of policing and criminal justice matters in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41728/09]

The Government continues to liaise closely with British Government counterparts to encourage the parties in Northern Ireland to complete the transfer of policing and justice powers as soon as possible. As I said in my address to Seanad Éireann on 3 November, the devolution of these powers to the Assembly and Executive would demonstrate to the wider world that Northern Ireland is a politically stable place with a normal policing and security infrastructure. In its latest report, the International Monitoring Commission noted that early progress on devolution of policing and justice powers could prove ‘a potent intervention' against those who are seeking to destabilise the North through violence.

I welcome the fact that many of the preparations for the transfer of policing and justice powers from Westminster to Stormont are advancing. Legislation to establish a devolved Department of Justice is making its way through the Assembly. The agreement on a significant financial package, brokered by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, provides a secure basis for making progress on this important issue.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

102 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing work of the United Nations Association of Ireland and the fact that it has implemented efficiencies in terms of its budget already in 2009 and that the ending of its budget, as suggested by the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes report, would make it impossible for it to carry out its work in promoting the role and work of the United Nations and that this would damage Ireland’s reputation internationally, in view of the support Ireland received in getting the United Nations chair recently, and at a time when the United Nations is becoming more vital in people’s lives and when soldiers are serving abroad under the UN flag; his views on this matter; if he will intercede with the Department of Finance to bring to its attention the work of the United Nations Association of Ireland. [41727/09]

I refer the Deputy to the answer given to Parliamentary Question No. 313 on 10 November 2009, as outlined below. The Irish United Nations Association (IUNA) is a non-governmental organisation based in Dublin whose objectives are to promote the aims and activities of the United Nations and its specialised agencies in Ireland. IUNA has received funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs since 1972. In addition to this funding, my Department has also provided support to IUNA in terms of advice on strategy and internal governance procedures. In 2007-08, my Department, in cooperation with IUNA, conducted two extensive reports on the association which produced a series of recommendations identifying reforms geared to better enabling IUNA to fulfil its mandate. Consultations are still ongoing with IUNA on how to ensure appropriate follow-up to these two reports.

The proposal to cease funding of IUNA is one of a number of recommendations made in the McCarthy Report in relation to expenditure by this Department and which is currently being examined by the Government in the context of preparations for the 2010 Budget. In the meantime, I have recently written to IUNA outlining proposals to address their immediate financial situation, in line with our existing commitment to support their activities.

Human Rights Issues.

Ulick Burke

Question:

103 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports of child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe; if the EU has plans to make contact with the Zimbabwean Government in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41870/09]

The situation in Zimbabwe continues to be of great concern to the Government and to the European Union as a whole. I am gravely concerned by reports of continuing human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, torture of prisoners and abuse of the rule of law. Recent media reports of widespread physical and sexual abuse of children, which would appear to be the basis of the Deputy's question, are particularly distressing. It is regrettable that, notwithstanding the welcome improvements in the economic sphere in Zimbabwe in recent months, the day-to-day lives of many Zimbabweans are filled with insecurity, fear and pain.

The EU regularly raises its concerns over violations of human rights and the rule of law with the Zimbabwean authorities. Most recently, in September 2009 an EU ministerial troika meeting took place in Zimbabwe. In their meetings with President Mugabe, Prime Minister Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara, the EU delegation voiced their concern over continuing disrespect for human rights in Zimbabwe and urged their Zimbabwean counterparts to implement swiftly all aspects of the Global Political Agreement (GPA). The EU will continue to monitor the situation and press the inclusive government to fulfil their obligations to promote and protect human rights.

Ireland's engagement with Zimbabwe also has a strongly practical, humanitarian dimension. In keeping with other international donors, we do not provide funding to the Zimbabwean Government, but respond to the humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people through support for the work of multilateral and non-governmental organisations. In 2008, Irish aid to Zimbabwe totalled over €11 million. Thus far in 2009, Ireland has committed funding of over €5.24 million to a range of humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe.

Our work there has been able to fill crucial gaps in the overall security net for very vulnerable families, especially their children, ensuring that families can stay together and children can continue to attend school. Our projects include supplementary feeding to improve school enrolment and attendance rates; improving access to food for the highly vulnerable; livelihood supports; and health-care provision, to name but a few. Other projects we support are focussed on building up the strength and capacities of communities and civil society in Zimbabwe to support their most vulnerable.

Ultimately, we need a political solution that will bring greater stability and safety to the people of Zimbabwe, including of course its children. The formation of a unity government in Zimbabwe in February was a sign of some modest progress and a source of hope. However, I am very concerned that, nearly ten months on, a number of key provisions of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) remain to be implemented. This is as a result of continued obstruction by political forces that are hostile to the implementation of the GPA. In the meantime, Zimbabwe's neighbours have a critical role to play in encouraging reform, and can bring the greatest influence to bear in achieving progress in the protection and promotion of human rights in Zimbabwe. Ireland will continue to work with our partners in the international community to encourage a unity government that delivers on the promise of reform, and secures a safer future for Zimbabwe's people.

EU Enlargement.

Damien English

Question:

104 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his policy with respect to Turkish accession to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41885/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

105 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing ambitions of Turkey to accede to full membership of the European Union. [41934/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.

Turkey has had a perspective towards membership of the European Union since the conclusion of the Association Agreement of 1963. Negotiations on accession commenced in 2005 and are proceeding, albeit at a slow pace, on ten chapters of the accession framework. The Science and Research Chapter was provisionally closed in June 2006. The Commission has recommended — and the Council is currently discussing — opening an additional chapter, the Chapter on Environment.

The Commission's annual Progress Report, released on 14 October 2009, notes progress on matters such as free and fair local elections, judicial reform, and cultural rights. However the Report concludes that corruption remains prevalent in many areas and it calls for an acceleration in the pace of implementation of reform, in particular, in the fields of freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, trade union rights, civilian oversight of the military, women's rights, and gender equality. It highlights the lack of progress on normalisation of relations with Cyprus and on the implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement.

Successive European Councils have noted that Turkey has failed to meet its obligations under the "Ankara Protocol" by continuing to refuse to open its ports and airports to vessels and aircraft from the Republic of Cyprus. The Council decided in December 2006 that eight relevant chapters would not be opened and no further chapters would be provisionally closed until Turkey had fulfilled its commitments. The eight chapters are: Free Movement of Goods, Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services, Financial Services, Agriculture and Rural Development, Fisheries, Transport Policy, Customs Union and External Relations. Ireland supports the continuation of accession negotiations with Turkey, while insisting that Turkey fulfil its obligations, including contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. Complying with the "Ankara Protocol" would be a step in that direction.

Foreign Conflicts.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

106 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the situation in Guinea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41938/09]

The Government is greatly concerned by recent events in the Republic of Guinea, notably the violent crackdown by security forces on political demonstrations in Conakry on 28 September 2009. There, the armed forces opened fire on a crowd of unarmed protestors, killing 150 and injuring over a thousand. In the days following, there were reports of widespread rape and looting by soldiers.

While we have few direct bilateral connections with Guinea, we fully support efforts by the European Union to promote peace and political progress there. On behalf of the EU, the Swedish Presidency on 29 September issued a statement strongly condemning the violence and deploring the loss of life. The Presidency called on the authorities in Guinea to release arrested demonstrators and immediately to conduct a thorough investigation of the incidents. It noted with great concern the increasingly violent political climate in Guinea and urged the current leadership to respect human rights and allow a return to democracy and constitutional order.

In October, the EU Council of Ministers adopted conclusions on Guinea which reiterated its condemnation of the violence and welcomed the action taken by the UN, ECOWAS and the AU. The EU also agreed to impose an arms embargo on Guinea and to adopt targeted restrictive measures against individuals responsible for the violence and those impeding a return to democracy and constitutional order in the country.

The wider international community has also reacted swiftly and strongly to violence in Conakry. I welcome the establishment by the UN Secretary-General, with the approval of the UN Security Council, of an international and independent commission of inquiry to investigate the incidents of 28 September. The European Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have also sought a return to the rule of law in Guinea. ECOWAS, in particular, has taken a prominent role in the response to the crackdown. After suspending Guinea from its membership, ECOWAS appointed Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore as a mediator and, at an extraordinary Summit on 17 October, it mandated him to undertake negotiations on a transition to a constitutional order and credible elections. ECOWAS has also imposed an arms embargo on Guinea and, together with the AU, has imposed targeted sanctions on individuals who would pose a threat to the transition.

To date in 2009 Irish Aid has provided approximately €400,000 in assistance to partner organisations working in Guinea. This funding has been provided to Plan Ireland and Childfund Ireland in support of their work in the health sector, and to Concern Universal for their work in disaster risk reduction and community resilience to water-borne diseases. With our EU partners, Ireland will continue to follow developments in Guinea closely and will support efforts to secure a return to democracy and constitutional order in Guinea, with a particular focus on the elections to be held next year.

Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 55.

Overseas Development Aid.

Bernard Allen

Question:

108 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way the implementation of the recommendations of the hunger task force has been affected by the reduction in the overseas aid budget in 2009; his plans for implementing these recommendations in 2010 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41882/09]

The Government are committed to giving effect to the recommendations of the 2008 report of the Hunger Task Force which we commissioned and which was launched by the Taoiseach at the UN in New York in September 2008 in the presence of UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon. In particular, we are working on the three priority areas identified, namely, increasing smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa; targeting under-nutrition (especially maternal and infant); and promoting governance and leadership action on tackling global hunger.

We are making good progress implementing the key recommendations of the Report. Combating hunger is one of the cornerstones of our development programme and our foreign policy. We have undertaken to direct approximately 20% of our overseas development assistance spending on actions related to hunger by 2012, and we are well on track to meet this target, even with the current challenging budgetary situation. Our Special Envoy is working with us to identify opportunities to give effect to the recommendations of the Task Force.

Through Irish Aid, we are supporting, and will continue to support, smallholder and women farmers to intensify their agricultural productivity and produce more food. We are funding pro-poor agricultural research which helps farmers to increase productivity and become food sufficient. We are supporting nutritional interventions, especially those which target infant and maternal malnutrition. We are funding Non Governmental Organisations working with farmers to increase their productivity. We are saving lives and enhancing the quality of life of rural people and we will do more.

Some reorientation of the aid programme is expected in the years ahead as we focus even more on hunger reduction across the programme and as we appraise programmes through a "hunger lens". We will of course ensure that our hunger actions are well coordinated with other pressing matters such as HIV/AIDS, education, gender and good governance. It is unacceptable that one billion go to bed each evening without proper nourishment. We will do our utmost to make a difference on the ground on hunger and we will seek to influence and mobilise the international community to eradicate this scourge once and for all.

Diplomatic Representation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

109 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the status of immunity enjoyed by representatives of states with diplomatic representation here is not being abused and that such representatives are operating in compliance with domestic law and the Vienna Conventions. [41935/09]

Privileges and immunities of accredited diplomatic agents in Ireland are governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, as incorporated into Irish law, by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1967 and as amended by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1976. My Department expects all those diplomatic agents duly accredited here, who are entitled to privileges and immunities, in accordance with Article 31 of the Vienna Convention to respect Irish laws and regulations, as indeed, we expect our Embassies abroad to respect the laws and regulations of the host country.

I would recall that the purpose of diplomatic privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the effective performance of the functions of diplomatic missions. The Department is bound by the Vienna Conventions of 1961 and 1963 as well as the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1967, as amended by the Diplomatic and Immunities Act 1976. Any decision to waive the immunity of diplomatic agents rests with the sending state. As far as I am aware, there is no pattern of abuse of diplomatic immunity by diplomatic representatives based in Ireland who generally operate in full compliance with Irish law.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 73.

Foreign Conflicts.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

111 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent announcements by the President of the Palestinian authority that he does not plan to contest the next presidential elections scheduled for January 2010. [41945/09]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

118 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his policy on the Israel and Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41861/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals unilaterally or through the EU or UN to promote the peace process in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42345/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 118 and 227 together.

Successive Irish Governments over many years have afforded a high priority to efforts to resolve the long-running Middle East conflict, and that continues to be the case. We will support any efforts by Israeli, Palestinian and Arab leaders to negotiate an agreed solution to their mutual differences, and seek to mobilise and encourage international opinion in support of these efforts. While we do not prescribe an outcome, there has been broad consensus for a number of years that the only model which can satisfy the aspirations and need for security of both Israelis and Palestinians is that of two fully sovereign states established side by side in peace and security. As Minister for Foreign Affairs I will continue to work to achieve this goal through national action, at EU and United Nations level, and in other international fora.

The inauguration of President Obama this year has begun a new and more hopeful phase in the search for peace, in which the United States has once again committed itself to an active engagement with the parties to try and bring them to final status negotiations. We have noted with approval that two old friends of Ireland, Secretary of State Clinton and Special Envoy Mitchell, have been to the fore in this effort. The EU has endeavoured to support and encourage this effort, and is giving longer term thought to what more it can do.

There is no doubt that frustration has been growing at the continuing delay in moving to the stage of negotiations, as efforts continue to persuade the Israeli Government to suspend the construction of illegal settlements on Palestinian land. I regard it as a significant blow that President Abbas has apparently lost faith that the process is developing in a way which can deliver an outcome, and has decided not to stand for re-election next year. It is clear that he is sincere in this intention and that, if carried through, it would be a very negative development.

The Palestinian presidential and parliamentary elections are not now likely before next summer, so President Abbas will remain in office for the time being. I hope it will be possible to persuade him to reconsider his announced intention to resign. But this will require both the Israeli Government and the international community to grasp and act on the clear lesson that moderate Palestinian leaders must be able to show their people that the political process can yield results, and has a prospect of ending their intolerable position.

Overseas Development Aid.

David Stanton

Question:

112 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas aid budget that was spent on consultancies in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; his plans for spending on consultancies in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41881/09]

The information requested by the Deputy in respect of Vote 29 — International Co-operation is set out in tabular form as follows:

Year

Expenditure on Consultancies

€million

2007

4.25

2008

4.65

2009 (to date)

1.25

I am very conscious of the need to achieve value for money on consultancy expenditures. Irish Aid consultancy services are commissioned where specialised knowledge and/or skills are not available within the Department and where independent appraisal, audit, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects is required. Given the overall scale, range and diversity of the Irish Aid programme, as well as our commitment to the highest quality, accountability and evaluation, it is necessary, from time to time, to complement our in-house capacity with specialised skills and advice. For example this could include highly specialised knowledge on HIV/AIDS, tropical agriculture and climate and other sectors relevant to development cooperation with a focus on African experience.

I wish to point out to the Deputy that the decrease in the level of consultancy expenditure in 2009 is primarily due to the significant increase in the level of in-house specialised knowledge and technical experience acquired by Irish Aid from the beginning of the year. Pending finalisation of the Vote 29 budget allocation for 2010, I cannot be definitive on the anticipated level of spending on consultancies for the year. However, I can assure the Deputy that the expenditure will be constantly monitored to ensure that it does not exceed the level required for the proper management, oversight, monitoring, evaluation and audit of the aid programme.

Human Rights Issues.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

113 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the incarceration of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41944/09]

As I have stated in this House on many occasions, I deplore the fact that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been in detention for more than 14 of the last 20 years and that she was sentenced in August to a further 18 months of house arrest, following her conviction on the most spurious of charges. Ireland, and the EU more broadly have for many years called for her release and we will continue to do so.

It has long appeared that the military regime wish to keep her in detention and to silence her in the lead-up to the elections which they are planning to hold next year. The discredited Constitution they pushed through by referendum last year disqualifies her — and many leading members of the opposition — from running for election but, despite her years in detention, she retains influence and moral authority among her people. I was pleased that Aung San Suu Kyi was permitted in recent times to meet with three western Heads of Mission in Rangoon, even if that meeting was strictly supervised and controlled by the Burmese authorities. I was even more pleased that a US team, led by Assistant Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, was able to hold open discussions with her over a two-hour period, without supervision and in a location of their choosing.

It would be most welcome, indeed, if these developments are representative of a change of policy on the part of the regime and indicate new-found willingness to work for national reconciliation and greater democracy. No action could speak more eloquently in this regard than the release Aung San Suu Kyi.

Willie Penrose

Question:

114 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representations to the United States Administration of President Obama regarding extraordinary rendition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41928/09]

I refer the Deputy to the statement made by An Taoiseach in the Dáil on 1 April last after the visit he and I made to Washington over the St Patrick's Day period. In response to a question as to whether he had raised the matter of Extraordinary Rendition with President Obama, he referred to the assurances received from the US that Ireland was not being used by the US as a transit point for extraordinary rendition, and that, based on those assurances, it would not be right to raise the matter. This remains the position. The US Administration has been made aware that extraordinary rendition though an Irish airport would be illegal under Irish law and there are currently no plans to raise the issue further with the United States Administration.

Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 68.
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 62.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 60.
Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 111.

Overseas Development Aid.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

119 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recently announced increased investment by China in terms of overseas aid and investment in Africa; the implications this development may hold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41931/09]

China's overseas aid and investment in Africa has increased substantially in the past decade, and this has presented an opportunity for developing countries in Africa to progress towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. This is to be welcomed. I am aware, however, of the apparent contrast between what has been perceived as the commercial focus of China's policy in relation to Africa and the primary focus of Ireland and the EU on development issues including poverty reduction, human rights and good governance. However, there are signs that China is increasingly aware of the importance of peace and stability in Africa, and as such, there are areas of shared interest with Ireland and the EU. An EU-China political dialogue on Africa commenced in 2007 at official level, and is a useful process.

As the Deputy will be aware, the recently concluded 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Egypt saw China announce new measures to enhance cooperation with Africa. These measures are focused on helping African countries overcome the financial crisis, and also on long-term strategic areas such as improving living standards and sustainable development. China will provide US$10 billion in concessional loans to African countries and support Chinese financial institutions in setting up a special loan of US$1 billion for small and medium-sized African businesses.

This is obviously a landmark development and builds upon the strengthening relations between China and Africa in recent years. Trade between Africa and China has grown an average of 30% per annum in the past decade, topping US$106 billion last year. China has a large contribution to make to the sharing of experience on the reduction of poverty, including in some key areas for Africa such as raising agricultural productivity and harnessing international trade and investment for the benefit of poor people. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is now actively engaging with China as part of its "Enhanced Engagement" programme with Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa. This has led to the recent formation of the China-Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Study Group. The spirit of the Study Group is joint learning as the basis for discussing some central development issues.

We need to be able to reach out to new donors such as China in ensuring that aid effectiveness is strengthened on the ground in developing countries in Africa, and that investment where it does occur takes place in a transparent manner, and benefits the citizens of the country where that investment occurs

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

120 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42044/09]

No agencies under the remit of my Department have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

121 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42059/09]

There are no unnumbered statutory instruments signed by me or my predecessors over the past ten years.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

122 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42672/09]

My Department has achieved savings of €144,133 from 1st March 2009 to end October 2009 as a result of the introduction of the 8% reduction in professional fees. It is envisaged that the 2009 savings will be approximately €178,600.

Community Employment Schemes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

123 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of community employment workers employed in drugs projects here; the names and the numbers allocated to them; if there are proposals to increase the number of CE places which are ring-fenced to aid recovery and rehabilitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41996/09]

There are currently 1,000 places ring fenced for the CE Drugs Task Force. At present 947 of these places are filled. The number of places on the Drugs Task Force is kept under constant review. The list of projects with the breakdown of personnel requested by the Deputy is contained in the table.

Community Employment Projects with 1 or more DTF Places, as at 31/10/2009

(Projects with no DTF places excluded from List)

Region

Sponsor

Supervisors

Standard CE Places

Drugs Task Force Places

Grand Total

Dublin Central

245 DIY Clubs

1

11

1

13

A.S.E.S.P. — After School Ed.Sup

3

23

3

29

After Care Recovery Group

3

3

13

19

Age Action Ireland Ltd

2

29

1

32

Ballybough & Inner City C.E.

2

24

1

27

Ballyfermot Community Network

1

19

1

21

Ballyfermot Resource Centre

2

25

1

28

Ballyfermot Star Ltd

6

3

30

39

Ballyfermot Theatre Workshops

3

15

5

23

Belvedere Youth Club Ltd

1

10

1

12

Canal Communities Training Pro

6

6

37

49

Childcare Community Business L

1

16

1

18

City Of Dublin V.E.C.

2

11

13

26

Community After Schools Project

3

21

14

38

Dolphin House CE Project

2

24

1

27

Dublin Aids Alliance

2

12

3

17

Dublin Central Emp. Action Grp.

5

49

1

55

Fatima Groups United

2

38

1

41

Focus Housing

1

21

1

23

Fountain Resource Group

2

28

1

31

Franciscan Social Justice

4

0

8

12

Gateway Project (Nwicwn)

2

6

20

28

Jobcare Ltd

3

55

3

61

Matt Talbot Community Trust

2

9

3

14

Merchant Quay Project

3

0

12

15

Merchant’s Quay Contact Centre

2

1

13

16

Merchant’s Quay Drama Project

2

2

10

14

Mercy Family Centre

1

22

1

24

North West Inner City Trg & De

1

0

13

14

Oblate

2

27

4

33

Saol

2

2

15

19

St James Resource Centre

3

5

14

22

The Cavan Centre

2

5

8

15

The Community Links Project

4

2

32

38

The Orchard Comm. Dev. Scheme

1

13

1

15

DC Total

287

Dublin Fingal

Ballymun Welfare Rights Centre

1

13

1

15

Bonnybrook Youth Resource Cen

1

14

1

16

Coolmine Ltd

3

0

26

29

Corduff Childcare Service

1

15

1

17

Donnycarney Youth Project Ltd

1

1

15

17

Edenmore Drug Intervention Tea

2

2

17

21

Gormanstown Area CE Group

1

22

1

24

Kilbarrack Coast Comm. Program

2

0

27

29

North Dublin School League

1

13

1

15

Parish Of Ballymun

1

16

1

18

Rehabilitation & Support Prog.

2

0

24

26

Sankalpa Ltd

1

0

18

19

Star Project Ballymun Ltd

1

0

17

18

T.A.R.G.E.T.

1

14

1

16

The Fingal Centre

1

22

1

24

Vassin Ltd

2

34

1

37

DN Total

153

Dublin South

Addiction Response Crumlin Ltd

5

3

24

32

Athru Education & Training

3

4

19

26

Bawnogue Youth & Family Support

3

1

23

27

Carp — Killinarden Ltd.

2

6

11

19

Casadh

4

5

25

34

Catholic Youth Care

9

39

30

78

Clondalkin Addiction Support G

2

5

21

28

Clondalkin Ctr For The U/E Ltd

1

21

1

23

Co Dublin Vec/Southside E.A.G

1

19

1

21

Community Addiction Programme

3

3

17

23

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Outreach

3

1

25

29

Liberties Recycling Group

7

13

33

53

Loreto Development Group

1

14

1

16

National Basketball Arena CE S

1

14

1

16

Rade

3

6

15

24

Ringsend Dist. Res. To Drugs

1

2

20

23

South Dublin Co. Co. — Tallaght

1

22

1

24

St Aengus Community Action Gro

3

3

14

20

St Dominics Comm Response Pro

3

6

9

18

Tallaght Rehabilitation Proj.

2

9

10

21

West Dublin Disability Service

1

9

1

11

DS Total

302

Midlands

Ballymany Area CE Project

1

24

1

26

Cuan Mhuire Manpower

1

14

4

19

MR Total

5

Mid West

Aljeff Treatment Centre

2

2

12

16

MW Total

12

South East

Regional Drugs Task Force Wrys

2

0

14

16

St Fergals Resource Centre Ltd

1

20

1

22

Wexford Local Development

3

21

14

38

SE Total

29

South West

Cork Ymca

1

1

10

12

Grattan Project Ltd.

1

0

13

14

N.C.E. Outreach

8

8

115

131

SW Total

138

West

Athenry District C E Project

1

16

1

18

Cuan Mhuire

1

1

13

15

Michael Davitt National

1

19

4

24

Western Health Centre, Galway

1

17

3

21

WR Total

21

Grand Total

947

Employment Rights.

Chris Andrews

Question:

124 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the banks are meeting their statutory obligation under section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 by carrying out a hazard identification and a risk assessment in relation to their place of work and identifying the employees at risk due to the reasonable foreseeable risk of tiger kidnapping; and if so, if they completed training with those employees to ensure their safety, health and welfare in accordance with section 10 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the general principles of prevention contained in Schedule 3 of the Act. [42288/09]

I am not responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the operations of banks or any other industry sector. The obligations to identify workplace hazards, assess risk, put in place safeguards, including appropriate training, rest on employers. If employees have real concerns that such obligations are not being discharged, they should raise them with their employers in the first instance, via their safety representative where one exists. If their concerns are still not satisfied, they can contact the Health and Safety Authority on 1890 289 389 or email wcu@hsa.ie. However, in the specific case raised by the Deputy, the risk is highly distinct being of a security/law and order nature and it arises, almost by definition, outside the normal workplace. The HSA would have limited, if any, competence in the specific mitigation of such risks which would seem to require specialist security and law enforcement input.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

125 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State agencies under the remit of her Department who have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42037/09]

The Agencies under the remit of my Department that have the power to sign Statutory Instruments (SIs) are:

The Labour Court,

The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority,

The National Standards Authority of Ireland

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Injuriesboard.ie), and

FÁS.

These powers are delegated to the respective Agencies to enable them to deal effectively with the technical aspects of the functions assigned to them under the provisions of their parent Acts.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

126 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by her or her predecessors over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42052/09]

Details of the three unnumbered Statutory Instruments signed by my predecessors or myself in the last decade are set out in the table below. The Department applied for and was granted exemption under the Statutory Instrument Act 1947 for these schemes by the Office of the Attorney General. These exemptions were granted because of the limited application of the schemes and serve to avoid the unnecessary circulation of multiple copies of such schemes to the bodies designated under Section 3 of the Act, e.g., Universities and Libraries countrywide.

The Statutory Instrument listed in respect of the National Standards Authority of Ireland was, in fact, allocated a number (S.I. No. 573 0f 2006) in error.

S.I. Name

Purpose of Legislation

2006

National Standards Authority of Ireland Staff Superannuation Scheme, 2006

Superannuation schemes made pursuant to paragraph 3 of the Second Schedule of the National Standards Authority Act 1996

2002

National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health Spouses’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme 2002

Pension Scheme in relation to the staff of the Health & Safety Authority

2000

An Foras Áiseanna Saothair Superannuation (Amendment) Scheme 2000

Pension Amendment scheme for staff of FÁS

Industrial Development.

Martin Ferris

Question:

127 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a company based in Northern Ireland qualifies for the same capital grant aid from the Industrial Development Authority as overseas companies. [42061/09]

Section 8(a) of the Industrial Development Act 1993 provides that one of the functions of IDA shall be to promote the establishment and development, in the State, of industrial undertakings from outside the State. The level of grant paid to individual projects is a matter for the Agency itself, subject to upper limits set in WTO subsidy rules, EU state aid law and the provisions of Irish legislation.

Community Employment Schemes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

128 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated additional cost of increasing the number of community employment schemes by 5,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42093/09]

The estimated additional cost of increasing the number of Community Employment places by 5,000 is €82.5m. This figure may vary depending on the status of the individuals recruited.

Employment Support Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost per participant of the work placement programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42094/09]

The Work Placement Programme, is cost neutral to the exchequer as participants on the programme will continue to receive their social welfare entitlements whilst on the programme.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

130 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost per participant of the short time working scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42095/09]

The Short Time Training Programme has been allocated a budget of €1 million. The training cost for each of the 277 participants on the programme is approximately €3,600. The programme is being managed by FÁS and will provide training to 277 people on systematic short time for 2 or 3 days per week that they are not working. The training will last for a full year and participants on the programme will retain their social welfare entitlements. FÁS have recently developed a specific curriculum for this programme and its participants. FÁS are currently in the process of identifying and selecting appropriate companies and their employees to participate in the programme.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

131 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated number of apprentices by category who cannot progress with their training due to the non-availability of on-the-job experience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42096/09]

The number of redundant apprentices currently recorded on the FÁS Apprenticeship Database who cannot progress with their training due to the non-availability of on-the-job experience is as follows:

168 apprentices require on-the-job training and assessments at Phase 3

130 Apprentices require on-the-job training and assessments at Phase 5

391 Apprentices require on-the-job training and assessments at Phase 7

98 Apprentices require to complete the minimum duration of 4 years employed as an apprentice in the specified trade to qualify for the Advanced Craft Certificate.

My Department will forward a detailed breakdown of these figures to the Deputy for his information. I have set out the measures which are being implemented to assist redundant apprentices on a number of previous occasions in the House most recently in the answer to Parliamentary Question No. 40856 of 11th November 2009.

Employment Support Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

132 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated annual cost in a full year of the first round of temporary employment subsidy; if this is being paid from general taxation or the training fund surplus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42097/09]

The Employment Subsidy Scheme has been designed specifically as a preventative measure to retain jobs in vulnerable but viable firms that are in danger of being lost. Under the First Call of the Employment Subsidy Scheme 7,478 jobs will receive the subsidy of €9,100 over the 15 months duration of the scheme. This means that in 2009 the First Call of the Scheme is estimated to cost €19.5 million and in 2010 it is estimated to cost €48.6 million. However, Enterprise Ireland are still evaluating applications so it is possible these amounts could rise. The Scheme is being funded from the Exchequer. A Second Call for applications to the Scheme will be launched in the near future.

National Training Fund.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

133 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of the retained national training fund surplus; the estimated amount at the end of 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42100/09]

As published in the 2009 Revised Estimates for Public Services, the projected fund surplus in the National Training Fund at the end of 2009 is €204.678 million. The estimated fund surplus at the end of 2010 will be published next month in the Book of Estimates following the 2010 Budget.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Willie Penrose

Question:

134 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who are currently on waiting lists for FÁS training schemes; the number of these who were previously self-employed before becoming unemployed; the waiting time for persons on the waiting lists to start their courses; if she will provide a breakdown of the figures per administrative region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42118/09]

I understand from FÁS that as at 16 November 2009 the number of persons who were currently on waiting lists for FÁS training schemes totalled 41,157. The following table breaks this figure down into regions.

Region

Number of Applicants

Dublin

13,986

Midlands

2,510

Mid West

3,781

North East

2,947

North West

3,018

South East

5,361

South West

7,058

West

2,496

Total

41,157

Waiting times vary considerably among courses and depend on the type of course being applied for as well as its duration and the capacity of each class. For example short (modular) courses that on average run every 4-9 weeks have a shorter waiting time when compared to traditional longer courses that would tend to run from 10-49 weeks. The previous status of persons applying for FÁS courses is not transferred to FÁS by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, only their current unemployed status. Every effort is being made by FÁS to reduce course waiting times to an absolute minimum.

Employment Rights.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

135 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 3 November 2009, the bodies represented by the members of the review group at the two meetings that have taken place to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42136/09]

Representatives of the Department of the Taoiseach, my Department, and the Department of Finance; of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (and its affiliate unions SIPTU and IMPACT); and of the employers' body IBEC attended the two informal meetings of the Review Group on Employee Representation held to date (on 14th September and 13th October, 2009). The Group is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach. I understand that there is scope for additional representatives from the relevant Government Departments, IBEC and ICTU to attend meetings of the Review Group as appropriate.

Job Creation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

136 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the announcement by a company (details supplied) at a conference in Stockholm of its first large scale move into offshore wind power, potentially creating thousands of new jobs designing and manufacturing turbines; if she will approach this company to consider Ireland for its turbine manufacturing facility in Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42159/09]

The Government fully recognises the potential of the growing renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental sectors as a potential new source of foreign direct investment and job creation for Ireland. To this end IDA Ireland set up a new "Cleantech" Department in January 2009, specifically to target foreign investment from these sectors. I am aware of the announcement by General Electric that it has acquired Scanwind in a move to get into the fast developing offshore wind power sector. As a global multinational corporation with a substantial market presence in a range of renewable clean technology sectors, including offshore wind, General Electric is a major target company for IDA Ireland.

Air Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

137 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the impact on the numbers employed at Aer Lingus of the development of a new airline within the group; her further views on the fact that this will be a device to make workers here redundant or force them to re-apply for their jobs to the new entity at poorer pay and conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42282/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, Aer Lingus is a private limited company and, as such, any commercial proposal by the company to restructure or reorganise its operations such as suggested by the Deputy for the development of a new airline within the group is not one to which the Tánaiste or I are privy, or have any role. Primary responsibility for the aviation sector resides with my colleague the Minister for Transport.

I am of course aware of proposals announced by Aer Lingus in the media a few weeks ago involving a plan to undertake further rationalisation at the company and a collective redundancy programme involving up to 676 redundancies over a two year period. I understand that consultations with the relevant employee representative groups have already commenced in relation to this development.

The restructuring process within Aer Lingus is the subject of continuing dialogue with the trade unions representing the company's employees. I am satisfied that there is, an adequate legal framework in this country governing restructuring arrangements at company level in the form of legislation covering collective redundancies and legislation covering information and consultation requirements. I should point out, in this regard, that any allegations that workers are being made redundant and forced to reapply for their jobs under lesser terms and conditions of employment may be pursued under legislation introduced in 2007 entitled the "Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007".

Departmental Agencies.

Mary Upton

Question:

138 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will consider instructing bodies under her aegis such as Enterprise Ireland to present the work of Irish visual artists as part of their international work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42298/09]

The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, in cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), operates the "Per Cent for Art Scheme". Under the Scheme, all Government Departments and their Agencies are required to spend up to 1% of their budget for capital projects on art, subject to certain maximum limits. A set of national guidelines was published by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in 2004, the purpose of which was to outline a common national approach to the implementation of the Scheme and to provide a set of basic operational procedures to assist staff concerned in the process.

Following representations from the Secretary General of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in October 2007, my Department wrote to the Chief Executives of all the Agencies under the auspices of my Department, including Enterprise Ireland, enclosing a copy of the 2004 guidelines produced by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and exhorting them to co-operate in ensuring that the Scheme was adopted and promoted in respect of all construction projects for which their Agencies were responsible. In these circumstances it is considered that it is not necessary for me or my Department to issue any further instructions to the State Agencies that come under the aegis of the Department.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

139 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings she expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42646/09]

In February of this year, the Government decided that expenditure savings should be achieved through a general reduction of the order of 8% in professional fees paid by public service bodies in respect of services rendered to them from 1 March 2009. As a result of this decision, my officials issued instructions that all contracts held by the Department, its Offices and its agencies should be examined with a view to achieving savings through a reduction in professional and other fees. The savings yielded to date across my Department, its Offices and agencies through a reduction in fees is estimated to be €488,800. The total savings projected to the end the year is €605,000.

Tax Code.

Joe Carey

Question:

140 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance if negotiations have taken place with any airlines in relation to the €10 travel tax; his plans to have such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42026/09]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

143 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if discussions are ongoing between him and some airlines in relation to the €10 travel tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42005/09]

Joe Carey

Question:

145 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to comments made in relation to the €10 travel tax by the Tourism Renewal Group; his views on its advice that the travel tax be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42028/09]

Joe Carey

Question:

146 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to comments made in relation to the €10 travel tax by the chairman of Fáilte Ireland in Fáilte Ireland’s submission to the Commission on Taxation; his views on this submission; if further discussions have taken place between Fáilte Ireland and himself on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42029/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140, 143, 145 and 146 together.

A meeting took place with the airline in question to discuss a range of issues and the air travel tax arose in that context. It is policy to review all taxes in the lead up to the Budget; however, there is no specific review of the air travel tax. We currently face significant financial challenges and the air travel tax is an important revenue raising measure.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

141 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance when the planned building at the Curragh, County Kildare will go to tender by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42273/09]

The Office of Public Works has advanced the procurement process for the new Defence Forces Headquarters in the Curragh. The Part 9 planning process has already been completed. However, a decision to proceed to tender stage will be taken in the context of the estimates and budgetary process.

Tax Code.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

142 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he has received representations from an association (details supplied) in relation to a matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42003/09]

I received representation from the Association mentioned in the details supplied. As I outlined in the response to the Association in November 2008, I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, for reasons of confidentiality, they cannot comment on the tax affairs or obligations of named persons. However, I can confirm that, in my response, I did inform the Association that its members could make a submission to Revenue outlining the precise details of the arrangements that apply to them.

Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 140.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

144 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the savings made to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; if he expects the €67 million target for 2009 to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42020/09]

As the Deputy is aware, in February of this year, the Government decided to pursue a general 8% reduction on fees to legal, medical, veterinary and other professionals engaged by the public service from 1 March 2009. My Department wrote to each Government Department outlining how this decision should be implemented. The savings achieved to date by my Department and the offices under its aegis, together with the estimated additional savings for the remainder of the year, are as follows:

Savings to date in 2009

Estimated additional savings for the remainder of 2009

Total

Office of the Appeals Commissioner

0

0

0

Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments

13,217

3,043

16,260

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

1,812,000

600,000

2,412,000

Public Appointments Service

16,034

5,346

21,380

State Laboratory

450

0

450

Valuation Office

1,227

0

1,227

Office of the Minister for Finance

58,417

164,801

223,218

Full year total

2,674,535

In the time available to answer the question, the Office of Public Works was unable to compile the information sought by the Deputy. However, the information will be compiled by that Office and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

In response to your query as to whether the estimated €67m target for 2009 will be met, the 8% reduction in consultancy and other professional fees forms part of an overall savings package which the Government announced. Measures have been implemented across departments to achieve this level of savings. Other Departments have therefore been requested to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the implementation of the proposal within their Department and the savings achieved to date.

Questions Nos. 145 and 146 answered with Question No. 140.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

147 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the State agencies under the remit of his Department who have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42039/09]

The following bodies under the remit of my Department have advised that they have the power to sign statutory instruments.

The Office of the Revenue Commissioners

The National Treasury Management Agency in relation to the management of the Government small savings schemes.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority

The Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal Financial Services Ombudsman Council.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

148 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42054/09]

As the Deputy may already be aware statutory instruments made on or after 1 January 1948 in general are allocated statutory instrument numbers under the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 (the Act). However, under section 2 of the Act, the Attorney General has the power, where certain criteria are met, to exempt certain statutory instruments from the operation of section 3(1) of the Act. Statutory instruments so exempted do not require to be issued with a statutory instrument number. Every certificate or direction given by the Attorney General under section 2 of the Act is published in the Iris Oifigiúil. In relation to my own Department, I am not aware of any certificate or direction having been issued during the period outlined in the Deputy's question.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

149 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost of extending mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers to eight and nine years respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42090/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that sufficient data on mortgage interest relief is not available to enable a precise estimate to be provided. However, based on projected 2009 claims and making certain assumptions about the levels of mortgage interest payments appropriate to first-time buyers in year seven of their mortgages, the full year costs are estimated to be of the order of €12.5m for extending the relief by one year and €25m for extending it by two years.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the money that would be saved by the abolition of mortgage interest relief for principal primary residences purchased in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42091/09]

The position is that the yield from the abolition of mortgage interest relief for residences purchased in 2010 would be dependant on a number of inter-related factors such as the level of house purchasing, house prices, availability of credit and prevailing interest rates in 2010. In the current circumstances, it is not possible to predict these factors accurately enough to provide a reliable potential yield figure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

151 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the recent changes in the tax treatment of locum or sessional work pharmacists, doctors and veterinarians particularly regarding their self-employed as opposed to PAYE treatment; the reason for these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42102/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no recent changes of the kind mentioned by the Deputy but that cases come to their attention from time to time where individuals have been incorrectly classified, either by the individuals or by the person engaging those individuals, as self-employed in relation to particular engagements. If, on an examination of the facts and circumstances of any particular engagement, the Revenue Commissioners find that individuals are, in their opinion, employees rather than self-employed contractors, they will notify the person engaging those individuals to register for, and operate, the PAYE system on payments made to those individuals. Where there is a disagreement with the Revenue Commissioners on employment status, the matter can be appealed to the Appeal Commissioners and the courts.

The question of whether an individual pharmacist, doctor or veterinarian is engaged under either a contract of service (i.e. an employee) or a contract for service (i.e. self-employed) is a question of fact and of general law. Regardless of how the parties to an engagement may describe the relationship, all the relevant factors, including written, oral and implied details, that bear on that relationship are examined, given their proper weight and a decision made on their overall effect. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, an individual may be a full time employee, a part-time employee, a temporary employee, a casual employee or, indeed, genuinely self-employed. The fact that individuals may not have continual work does not, of itself, make such individuals self-employed contractors.

To provide some clarity as to whether an individual is employed or self-employed, the Employment Status Group (set up under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness) published a Code of Practice for determining Employment or Self-employment status of Individuals, known as ‘the Code'. Furthermore, under Towards 2016 — The Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement, a commitment was given to the Social Partners that the regulatory bodies i.e. the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), would be active in the area of correctly establishing the status — employed or self-employed — of individuals. Arising from this, the Code was updated with the assistance of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, the Construction Industry Federation, the Small Firms Association, ICTU and the regulatory bodes mentioned above. As stated in the Code, "its purpose is to eliminate misconceptions and to provide clarity. It is not meant to bring individuals who are genuinely self-employed into employment status".

Willie Penrose

Question:

152 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance, in circumstances in which a child has been diagnosed with dyslexia by a psychologist from the Department of Education and Science with a reading ability of 4% and IQ of 85, and the parents have been advised to look at private tuition and typing courses for dyslexic children, which costs approximately €260 per month and involves the purchase of a laptop with special software, and they also pay €750 for a special course to help the child, if they would be entitled to tax relief for this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42109/09]

The position is that there is no provision in tax law to allow relief for expenses relating specifically to the education or instruction of children with dyslexia. Nor would income tax relief be available for the purchase of a laptop and software, as these items are not medical, surgical, dental, or nursing appliances. Full details of the types of expenditure which qualify for relief under the heading of health expenses relief are available on the Revenue website at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it6.html

I should point out that in recent years the Government has increased significantly the supports available through the direct expenditure system for children with disabilities. In 2005, approval was given for the Department of Education and Science to move from individual allocation of resource teaching support for children with special needs, on foot of a psychological assessment, to an approach whereby all mainstream primary schools are allocated resources based on their enrolment without the need for individual psychological assessments for the high incidence categories of need, such as dyslexia and mild general learning disability. In all, it is projected that, of the total budget of the Department of Education and Science of almost €9.5 billion, over €1 billion is allocated across services for special needs.

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

Departmental Properties.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

153 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the number of buildings that are leased from private landlords for Government use on terms which include an upward only rent review; if this term is applicable to the Treasury Building at which National Asset Management Agency will be based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42151/09]

In the time available to answer the question, it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy. However, the information will be compiled shortly and forwarded to the Deputy directly.

Tax Code.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

154 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles that have been confiscated due to vehicle registration tax evasion in each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. [42154/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

155 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the average time applying from actual confiscation for vehicle registration tax evasion to case conclusion in Counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. [42155/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

156 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue he has raised from fines imposed for vehicle registration tax evasion in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 in the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. [42156/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Table below sets out the number of vehicles that have been seized due to Vehicle Registration Tax evasion and the amount of resulting fines imposed in each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 in Counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the average time from seizure to release of the vehicles is as follows:

60% within 24 hours;

A further 15% are dealt with within 7 days;

A further 10% are dealt with within 1 month.

In exceptional cases, vehicles may be held for a period exceeding one month, whilst awaiting a response and/or payment of penalties by the owners.

2006

2007

2008

Seizures

Fines

Seizures

Fines

Seizures

Fines

Donegal

137

72,837

108

87,847

189

133,368

Sligo

6

700

11

7,100

8

7,570

Leitrim

8

3,325

19

6,830

7

3,785

Cavan

73

29,480

82

74,860

69

40,967

Monaghan

133

62,600

102

62,230

121

76,185

Louth

153

91,619

129

97,795

175

115,395

Public Sector Pay.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

157 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the number of public sector workers earning between €100,000 and €110,000, €110,000 and €120,000, €120,000 and €130,000, €130,000 and €140,000, €140,000 and €150,000, €150,000 and €160,000, €160,000 and €170,000, €170,000 and €180,000, €190,000 and €200,000, €200,000 and €250,000, €250,000 and €300,000, €300,000 and €350,000, €350,000 and €400,000, €400,000 and €450,000, €450,000 and €500,000; and the number of public sector workers earning in excess of €500,000. [42158/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No: 39451/09 which was based on earnings data supplied by the Revenue Commissioners in relation to the income tax year 2007, which is the latest year for which data is available. Because of the obligation by the Revenue Commissioners to conserve confidentiality in relation to the taxation affairs of individual tax payers, the breakdown by income bands requested by the Deputy is not provided in relation to incomes in excess of €220,000 due to the small numbers of income earners with incomes in excess of that level.

The income figures supplied includes public service income and income earned from other sources for that year. The data also includes various forms of income from public sources to groups that would not normally be regarded as being employed within the public service, e.g. those receiving fees, those on State Boards etc. It should also be noted that as the data dates from 2007, it does not reflect developments since then; in particular the revised contracts for Hospital Consultants which are being implemented this year.

Property Valuations.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

158 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the valuation of the National Aquatic Centre dated 25 October 2002, carried out by the Valuation Office, is valid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42278/09]

The Valuation Office is the State property valuation agency. In addition to its statutory functions, the Office also provides a valuation consultancy service to Government departments and public bodies. The Valuation Office provided a valuation of the National Aquatic Centre dated 25th October 2002 on foot of a valuation request from the public body concerned. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties and I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.

Tax Code.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

159 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42285/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that due to their policy of confidentiality as regard taxpayers' affairs it is not possible to supply the information requested.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

160 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42286/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that due to their policy of confidentiality as regard taxpayers' affairs it is not possible to supply the information requested.

Tax Yield.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

161 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money received by the Exchequer from the sale of alcohol from 2004 to 2008; the amount he has received to date in 2009; his views on whether there is a major transfer of tax into Northern Ireland; if he will ensure that budget 2010 will recognise same and resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42312/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the yield received by the Exchequer from the sale of alcohol from 2004 to 2008 is in respect of Alcohol Products Tax and VAT, are as follows:

Alcohol Products Tax Yield

Beer

Spirits

Wine

Cider

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

2004

458.2

314.9

184.8

64.2

1,022.1

2005

457.3

319.8

195.1

66.1

1,038.3

2006

460.7

338.0

209.2

69.2

1,077.1

2007

464.8

367.6

230.2

68.3

1,130.9

2008

427.1

350.9

231.3

60.6

1,069.9

2009 (Jan to Oct)

338.4

200.2

194.0

48.5

781.1

The data on Alcohol Products Tax for 2009 is for the period January to the end of October 2009 and is provisional.

The VAT yield provided below in respect of alcohol is estimated, as the information to be furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified.

Estimated VAT Yield

Alcohol

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 (Jan to Oct)

Est.

Est.

Est.

Est.

Est.

Est.

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Beer

510

521

532

542

536

397

Spirits

218

226

240

270

259

197

Wine & Cider

258

275

302

310

294

223

Total

986

1,022

1,074

1,122

1,089

816

A Report prepared by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Statistics Office into the implications of Cross Border Shopping for the Irish Exchequer, was published in February this year and is available on my Department's website. The Report noted that the main causes for the change in price differentials between goods in Northern Ireland and the Republic over recent years has been the rapid depreciation of Sterling against the Euro. It is a long-standing practice for the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or expenditure matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions and I do not propose to deviate from that practice.

Tax Code.

Finian McGrath

Question:

162 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [42318/09]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the recommendation by the Commission on Taxation that the artists' exemption scheme be abolished. The artists' exemption scheme along with all other recommendations will be borne in mind in the context of consideration and examination of the Commission's report by the Government.

Tax Collection.

John Perry

Question:

163 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) will receive their full VAT reimbursement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42324/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they do not have a record of any outstanding claim for ‘VAT reimbursement' from the person in question. Upon receipt of any such claim, it will, as is the normal practice, be examined as expeditiously as possible.

Health Services.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

164 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [42063/09]

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

Youth Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding to a youth project (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of its worthy track record to help tackle early school leaving within the community and the positive impacts it has had on tackling social disadvantage and exclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42075/09]

The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department received an application on behalf of the Youth Project referred to by the Deputy, to be considered for funding in 2008 under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. Due to the large number of applications received and the limited funding available, it was not possible to provide the funding requested. The 2009 budget allocation for youth services is €48m, a decrease of 8% on the 2008 figure. In light of budgetary constraints, it is intended that the 2009 Youth Affairs budget will continue to focus on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities. In that context, Youth Affairs Unit will not be in a position to consider any new applications for funding this year.

Health Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

166 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a cancelled orthodontic appointment for a person (details supplied) will be rescheduled. [41995/09]

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

Damien English

Question:

167 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children when the contracts for the Health Service Executive patient transport services in the north-east region commenced; the expiry date of the contracts; the number of tenders received for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41999/09]

Damien English

Question:

168 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if providers of the Health Service Executive patient transport services for the north-east region are permitted to subcontract services under the terms of contract; if so, whether a monitoring mechanism exists to ensure services are carried out as per terms of contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42000/09]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.

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

Departmental Reports.

George Lee

Question:

169 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the Integrated Workforce Planning Strategy for the Health Services 2009 to 2012 report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42010/09]

My Department and the Health Service Executive published the Integrated Workforce Planning Strategy for the Health Services on 6th November 2009. The strategy was designed and developed to ensure integration of workforce planning activity with the broader objectives of financial and service planning in the Irish health care and social care system. As a significant proportion of health funding is spend on staff costs, it is necessary to ensure that it is spent efficiently and delivers on key health goals. The strategy is particularly relevant in the current economic climate as it ensures a credible check that workforce demands are achievable and can be met within current financial or human resources or through dedicated funding.

The strategy supports the development of health service human resources including initiatives already underway such as improved Consultant/NCHD ratios, Nurse Prescribing and SKILL development for support staff. It also provides health service planners with the tools to assess other sources of supply through redeployment, retraining or changed skill mix.

The strategy sets out to enhance existing workforce planning analysis in the Irish health service for a wide range of health care occupations. For example, the Strategy follows the publication in June of the report by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and FÁS —A Quantitative Tool for Workforce Planning in Healthcare. That report contained workforce planning analysis for selected health care occupations and provided a valuable evidence base for workforce planning decisions resulting from policy and demographic changes. The strategy was published on the Department’s website and a copy is available to download at the following address: http://www.dohc.ie/publications/workforce_planning_strategy.html.

Health Services.

George Lee

Question:

170 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make arrangements for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 to be placed in a secure environment so that they can receive suitable treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42011/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

171 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be reached in respect of a medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42021/09]

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

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

172 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be awarded payment under the children’s clothing and footwear scheme 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42030/09]

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

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the State agencies under the remit of her Department which have, or have had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42041/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department but it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it has been collated.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by her or her predecessors over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42056/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department but it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it has been collated.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Mary Upton

Question:

175 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 13 October 2009, if each publicly funded hospital is allocated a quota for referral to the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if so, the quota for each hospital; if it is the case that a person may apply to the NTPF, thus bypassing the hospital quota arrangement; if such is in place, the agreed waiting time for a person before being referred to the NTPF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42064/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

176 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a child (details supplied) in County Cork to be assessed. [42071/09]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

James Reilly

Question:

177 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children, with regard to private nursing homes approved under the nursing homes support scheme, if the €190 licensing fee per designated place in a nursing home was included in the detailed costing that formed part of the negotiations on the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42077/09]

James Reilly

Question:

178 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding she will make available to the nursing homes support scheme in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42078/09]

James Reilly

Question:

179 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the role the county registrar will play in approving care representatives to the nursing homes support scheme; if county registrars have been briefed on the processes and procedures with regard to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42079/09]

James Reilly

Question:

180 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if patients registered under the nursing homes support scheme in public hospital care who do not have a medical card will be charged additional moneys for care services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special incontinence wear, special bandages and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42080/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 180, inclusive, together.

Under the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has agreed a price with each private nursing home provider wishing to partake in the scheme. This price forms the maximum agreed price for "long-term residential care services" provided under the scheme. A resident who avails of the scheme should not be charged any additional fee over and above this price, except where he or she chooses to obtain additional services (i.e. any services not coming within the definition of "long-term residential care services") such as hairdressing or delivery of daily newspapers.

In addition, the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 specify that the registered provider shall agree a contract with the resident within one month of their admission, included in which are details of the services to be provided for that resident and the fees to be charged.

The €190 annual fee is payable by the registered provider and residents should only be charged those fees set out in their agreed contract with the provider. The Minister for Health and Children has indicated that she would anticipate that the registration fee should factor into negotiations with the NTPF in the context of agreeing a price for the purposes of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. I also understand that the NTPF has endorsed this by accepting that the fee should be included as part of the reasonable day to day running costs associated with the provision of long-term residential care services.

The Deputy has also raised the issue of charging for a number of services which fall outside of the definition of "long-term residential care services". The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 defines "long-term residential care services" as maintenance, health and personal care services. The legislation further provides for the details of the goods and services which constitute "long-term residential care services" to be specified in writing. In the case of approved private nursing homes, the details are stipulated within the agreement with the NTPF while, in the case of public nursing homes, they are set out in a document laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Health and Children.

In stipulating the goods and services that constitute "long-term residential care services", it was imperative that both the care recipient and the taxpayer would be protected, and that the scheme would not facilitate double-counting. Medications and aids that are prescribed for individuals under an existing scheme, such as the medical card or drugs payment scheme, are not included in the cost of long-term residential care services as this would involve the tax payer and the care recipient effectively paying on the double. Accordingly, a person's eligibility under these other schemes remains unaffected. In particular, the Deputy has asked about specialised dressings and I wish to confirm that non-Medical Card holders who are eligible for the Drugs Payment Scheme can avail of specialised dressings in accordance with the terms of that scheme. Furthermore, existing arrangements with regard to the provision of incontinence wear to residents in public and private nursing homes will also remain in place.

The issue of therapies extends much more widely than nursing homes. It is a subject that is currently being examined comprehensively across all care settings in the context of eligibility legislation. With regard to the funding available for the scheme, Budget 2009 provided €55 million for the introduction of the scheme this year. In advance of the introduction of the scheme, a dedicated subhead for long-term residential care was established within the Health Service Executive's Vote (Subhead B16 in Vote 40). The total funding in Subhead B16 currently stands at €909 million. This represents the total State funding available for long-term residential care in 2009. Planned expenditure levels for the Health sector will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. Deliberations by Government on the expenditure allocations for next year are likely to continue until the Budget.

Finally, as regards the role of County Registrars in the Care Representative process, an application for appointment as a care representative must be made to the County Registrar in any county in the Circuit in which the person requiring a care representative now lives or in which he or she has lived at any time during the past three years. Where an application is not contested, the order appointing a care representative may be made by a County Registrar. All of the County Registrars have been briefed on the Care Representative process and the President of the Circuit Court has issued a Practice Direction.

Hospital Staff.

Michael Noonan

Question:

181 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the appointment of additional rheumatologists; when additional rheumatologists will be appointed in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42098/09]

Following the 2005 report of Comhairle na nOspidéal, there have been significant developments in the area of rheumatology treatment. One of the key recommendations of the report was the recruitment of a number of additional consultant rheumatologists. The number of consultant posts overall increased from 16 in 2002 to 25.7 at present, including a post for children and young people at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. As the issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Joe Costello

Question:

182 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in processing applications for renewal of medical cards; the status of an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42105/09]

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

Child Care Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

183 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to reduce the minimum number of children a child-care provider needs to cater for in order to be able to participate in the early childhood care and education scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many child-care providers who wish to participate in the scheme but due to the fact that they care for fewer than ten children they have been turned away; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42106/09]

I have responsibility for the implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010. The scheme as announced allows for a minimum enrolment of 8 children who qualify for the free Pre-School Year, rather than 10 as stated. In addition, exceptions to this requirement are provided for. As a result, services which, for good reason, have an enrolment of not more than 8 children of whom 3 or more are in their pre-school year and the remainder will be eligible in the following year, and childminding services with an enrolment of 5 children, all of whom are in their pre-school year, can apply to participate in the scheme. These minimum requirements are considered appropriate to ensure that a satisfactory standard of pre-school provision is delivered.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Willie Penrose

Question:

184 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to admit a person (details supplied) to hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42110/09]

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

Grant Payments.

James Bannon

Question:

185 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford was refused a transport grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42114/09]

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

Medical Cards.

James Bannon

Question:

186 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a child (details supplied) in County Longford has been denied a medical card on medical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42142/09]

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

James Bannon

Question:

187 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford was refused a medical card. [42145/09]

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

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Michael Noonan

Question:

188 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 16 September 2009, if she will fulfil the commitment made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that even though an appointment for 26 November 2009 in a hospital was arranged for them under the National Treatment Purchase Fund scheme, the NTPF has informed the person that no new case authorisation numbers are being issued and the surgery is being deferred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42161/09]

I have been advised by the NTPF that this person's case is being processed at present. The Fund envisages that the private hospital concerned will be in contact with the patient during the coming weeks to arrange the treatment.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

189 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [42284/09]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

190 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of the methadone programme over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42295/09]

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

Medical Cards.

David Stanton

Question:

191 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42308/09]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

192 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appeal against a decision by the Health Service Executive not to grant a medical card to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved. [42311/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

193 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 13 October 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [42317/09]

I understand that the HSE issued a response to the Deputy on the mental health aspects of Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 13 October 2009. The HSE will respond further to the Deputy in relation to the acute hospitals aspect of his question.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

194 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings she expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42647/09]

I have made a number of sets of Regulations under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (FEMPI) to reduce the fees and allowances payable to health professionals. These include general practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians who hold contracts with the HSE, persons providing smear taking services as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme and consultant psychiatrists who participate in the Mental Health Tribunal process. Although the amount of savings made to date under the FEMPI Act is not readily available, I am confident that savings of €75 million will be achieved in 2009.

Air Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

195 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has received representations from an association (details supplied) regarding a matter. [42004/09]

The issues raised by the Deputies are commercial matters for the Board and management of Aer Lingus to address. I have no function in this regard.

State Airports.

Joe Carey

Question:

196 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport his views on the well-being of Shannon Airport with the strong prospect that its main passenger provider (details supplied) is to reduce its activity at the airport by 75%; the action he has taken to prevent the loss of this business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42027/09]

Negotiations between the Shannon Airport Authority and airlines are day to day operational matters for the authority and I have no statutory function in this regard. I have been informed however by the Shannon Airport Authority that while the current economic climate remains difficult that they will continue to work with all airlines to deliver commercially viable routes to the Shannon region. As the Deputy will be aware there has been very substantial investment in the airport in recent years including the provision of preclearance facilities which enabled U.S. preclearance to commence at Shannon this summer and it is hoped that these facilities will provide an opportunity for Shannon Airport to realise its full potential.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

197 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the State agencies under the remit of his Department that have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42045/09]

Harbour Authorities, Port Companies, the Dublin Airport Authority, the Railway Procurement Agency and CIE have power to make bye-laws. The Commission for Taxi Regulation and the Railway Safety Commission have power to make regulations. The Irish Aviation Authority has the power to make orders and regulations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

198 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42060/09]

Under the Interpretation Act 2005 a statutory instrument means an order, regulation, rule, bye-law, warrant, licence, certificate, direction, notice, guideline or other like document made, issued, granted or otherwise created by or under an Act. In view of the wide range of documents that are defined as statutory instruments the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.

Public Transport.

George Lee

Question:

199 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIE is not subject to parliamentary questions, freedom of information requests, Comptroller and Auditor General audits and investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42297/09]

In common with other commercial semi state agencies, CIE and its subsidiary companies are not subject to FOI as it would compromise their ability to compete effectively in the markets in which they operate. While as Minister I am not answerable in the Dáil for the operational activities of autonomous state bodies I regularly address, in the context of PQs, Estimates debates, Private Members Business, legislation etc, broader policy, legislative and funding issues relating to the provision of public transport services by CIE and its subsidiaries. The position in relation to audit of accounts is that the legislation establishing CIE and its subsidiaries requires that their accounts be audited annually by an auditor or auditors appointed by their Boards with the consent of the Minister. These audits are carried out to the same auditing and accounting standards as apply to audits by the C&AG.

It should also be noted that the capital funding paid to the CIE companies under Transport 21 for public transport development projects is subject to a rigorous monitoring and auditing regime including cost benefit analysis. Some cost benefit analyses have been published on my Department's website. In addition the annual subvention paid to CIE towards the cost of public service obligation services and the 2nd Railway Safety Investment Programme have been subject to VFM Reviews under the Department of Finance's Expenditure Review Process in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Both reports are available on my Department's website.

The Chairman and/or Chief Executives of the CIE companies also appear regularly — on 9 occasions since 1 January 2008 — before Oireachtas Committees particularly the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

200 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42649/09]

My Department has identified savings estimated to be €256,000 to date in 2009. It is expected that my Department will have savings estimated to be €306,000 for the full year.

Departmental Staff.

Frank Feighan

Question:

201 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim filling a vacancy in the agriculture office in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. [41980/09]

I have requested from the Garda Authorities the information sought by the Deputy, and I will write directly to the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Road Traffic Offences.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

202 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speed cameras here on a county basis; the road types or classifications they are situated on; if same are in a permanent position or randomly placed; the number of times their locations are changed if they are randomly placed; the person who is responsible for maintaining and locating these speed cameras; the cost of purchasing and maintaining speed cameras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42065/09]

Mattie McGrath

Question:

203 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons caught speeding each year for the past five years by road classification; the number of persons caught speeding each year on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42067/09]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

The emphasis in Garda enforcement of speed limits is on the use of mobile speed detection equipment because of the nature of our road network. Eight new Garda mobile speed detection vehicles came into operation in September, 2008. These state-of-the-art vehicles represent a substantial upgrading of the resources available to An Garda Síochána to address the problem of speeding on our roads. In addition, An Garda Síochána has over 400 hand-held speed detection devices.

The Garda authorities procured an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system last year for installation in 104 Garda vehicles. This system allows for automatic in-car detection by An Garda Síochána of stolen vehicles, untaxed vehicles and vehicles on Garda lists. As a result of the availability of this system, An Garda Síochána not only gains improved intelligence on persons known to them, is able to deny the use of roads to criminals and detect drivers who do not pay their motor tax, they also have enhanced traffic law enforcement capabilities, including the detection of speeding.

In addition, as part of a pilot programme introduced some years ago, there are a number of fixed camera installation posts at various locations in the Dublin area and the Louth-Meath Garda Division, and cameras are rotated between these posts. As none of these cameras are fixed in one location, they are not allocated on a county basis. They are used on all road types and are maintained and located by An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána is engaged in a procurement process for outsourcing the provision and operation of safety cameras, in accordance with EU Directives, national public procurement procedures and relevant legislation. Contract discussions between the Gardaí and the preferred bidder have now concluded. Provision has been made for funding for the project, and it is hoped to enter into the contract shortly. This initiative will make a significant contribution to maintaining the progress being made in increasing the safety of our roads. Details of the number of persons caught speeding by year, road classification and county could not be obtained without a disproportionate use of Garda resources.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

204 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the conviction for a person caught driving under the influence of drugs; the number of persons who have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42068/09]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

205 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the responsibility his Department has in the national disability strategy; the amount expended on this strategy to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42322/09]

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform co-ordinates Government policy on the National Disability Strategy and provides the Secretariat to both the Senior Officials Group on Disability and the National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group. The Department of the Taoiseach chairs both Groups. Each relevant Government Department is responsible for its own expenditure on disability. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has been allocated €2.66 million for expenditure under this heading in 2009 and expenditure to date is under €2 million.

Prisoner Transfers.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

206 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there have been developments regarding the proposed transfer of certain Guantanamo detainees to here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41941/09]

In response to US requests for assistance in bringing about the closure of the Guantanamo detention facility, EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers adopted a framework at the June Ministerial Council in relation to the resettlement of former Guantanamo detainees. Two individuals arrived in Ireland for resettlement on 26 September 2009 as a humanitarian measure. The primary reason for agreeing to resettle them here is that, although they were cleared for release by the US authorities and were not to be prosecuted by the US, it was considered that, they could not, for compelling reasons, be returned to their home countries. I hope they will be afforded the time and space to adjust to their new circumstances and to rebuild their lives in Ireland.

Garda Investigations.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

207 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken by gardaí to stop the recent escalation of thefts in a village (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42023/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the District Detective and Drug Units and Traffic Corps personnel. Members of An Garda Síochána carry out high visibility checkpoints in the area, including under Operation Anvil and mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints. I am further informed that there has been an active investigation of incidents in the area which resulted in a number of arrests and a file will be prepared for submission to the Law Officers. I am also informed that there is ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána and the local community, where an active Neighbourhood Watch scheme is in place.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

208 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42042/09]

I can inform the Deputy that the State Agencies under the remit of my Department who have, or have had over the past decade, the power to sign Statutory Instruments are as follows:

The Private Security Authority

Section 51 of the Private Security Services Act 2004 provides for the making of Regulations with the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and hence such Regulations contain the signature of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and that of the Chairperson and Chief Executive of the Private Security Authority (PSA). Section 3 (2) of the Private Security Services Act 2004 provides that the Authority may exempt by order persons from any or all of the provisions of the Act. Such orders are signed by the Chairperson and Chief Executive of the PSA and published in Iris Oifigiúil.

The Data Protection Commissioner

The Data Protection Commissioner has limited powers, subject to the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to make regulations under the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2003.

The Courts Service

The Courts Service has the power to sign Statutory Instruments under section 29 of the Courts Service Act 1998.

An Garda Síochána

The Commissioner of the Garda Síochána has the power under section 9 of the Phoenix Park Act 1925 to make regulations governing traffic in the Phoenix Park.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

209 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42057/09]

I can inform the Deputy that no unnumbered Statutory Instruments were signed by me or any of my predecessors over the last ten years.

Proposed Legislation.

Pat Breen

Question:

210 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation in relation to social networking sites; the need for privacy default settings following the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42086/09]

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the internet is an international and world wide phenomenon, it has no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Therefore efforts to combat illegal and harmful materials and activities on it can often be hampered by the multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems and differing societal norms. Many of the major Social Networking Sites available here in Ireland, including the service referred to, are hosted outside this jurisdiction, principally in the United States. As such they are subject to the US jurisdiction and generally their Terms of Service explicitly provide that users agree to be governed by US law.

While acknowledging these difficulties, I should emphasis that there is a robust self-regulatory framework for internet service providers (ISPs) in operation here in Ireland which actively encourages the adoption of best practice procedures aimed at limiting the proliferation of illegal and harmful content on-line. The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland (ISPAI) Code of Practice and Ethics sets out clear guidelines and minimum standards in respect of dealing with complaints regarding suspected illegal or harmful material on-line.

The first thing someone should do if they are having issues with content on a Social Networking Site is report the matter to the website owners. A person can use the website reporting tools to do this and should also contact the service provider through its Customer Care or Report Abuse facility. Specifically in relation to the service referred to by the Deputy, I would note that it does have an explicit Privacy Policy which indicates that a user of the service can control who their profile information is shared with. For users aged under 18, the default setting for profiles is private.

I wish to advise that in 2008, the European Commission convened 18 of Europe's major social networking operators, including the service referred to by the Deputy, as well as researchers and child welfare organisations, to form a European Social Networking Task Force to discuss guidelines for the use of social networking sites by children. These guidelines, the Safer Social Networking Principles for the EU, were adopted voluntarily by the European industry and were signed on Safer Internet Day 2009, February 10 2009, in Luxembourg. The Safer Social Networking Principles for the EU have been developed to provide good practice recommendations for the providers of social networking and other user interactive sites, to enhance the safety of children and young people using their services. The Principles provide that social networking providers should, inter alia, provide a mechanism for reporting inappropriate content, respond to notifications of illegal content or conduct and should review their systems for examining reports of inappropriate or illegal content. The European Commission has indicated that it will monitor on an ongoing basis the implementation of the Social Networking Principles and I understand that a comprehensive review by the Commission of the implementation of the Principles is currently underway.

Garda Recruitment.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

211 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when the last group of Garda trainees who completed and passed their training at Templemore College, County Tipperary, in September 2008 and who were due to be recruited in August 2009 will be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42115/09]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the group of candidates who have passed the entry requirements and were due to commence training in August 2009. I refer the Deputy to PQ no 105 of Tuesday 10th November 2009 in which I stated that the moratorium on Public Service recruitment, introduced in May 2009, applies to Garda recruitment. I intend to keep the position under review during the course of 2010 in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Registration of Title.

Michael Ahern

Question:

212 Deputy Michael Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay with the land registry in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [42280/09]

I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round. I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.

Global Irish Economic Forum.

Billy Timmins

Question:

213 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the conference for Irish diaspora held at Farmleigh, Dublin, on 18 to 20 September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42165/09]

The Global Irish Economic Forum took place in Farmleigh over the weekend of the 18-20 September. The Forum was convened by the Government with two broad objectives: to explore how the Irish at home and abroad, and those with a strong interest in Ireland, could work together and contribute to our overall efforts at economic recovery; and to examine ways in which Ireland and its global community could develop a more strategic relationship with each other, particularly in the economic sector.

A total of 180 individuals, invited by the Taoiseach, were present, not only from the traditional Irish Diaspora countries such as the United States, Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Canada but also from the Middle East, Asia, France, Germany, Argentina, Sweden and South Africa. They were joined by the Government, State Agencies and by a number of leading domestic business figures. Those invited from abroad shared a record of very high achievement in business and culture. The Forum was widely regarded by the participants as a very significant success. The discussions held on a range of mainly economic issues over the weekend were frank and open and marked by expressions of considerable enthusiasm and optimism about the future of Ireland, despite the present economic difficulties.

The Government has moved quickly to take forward the work begun at Farmleigh. At its meeting on 13 October, the Government considered a comprehensive report prepared by my Department and the Irish Management Institute. This document was subsequently made available to the public on www.dfa.ie and www.globalirishforum.ie and was circulated to all Forum participants.

The Report contains details of the main themes to emerge, the specific initiatives proposed and the medium term objectives identified. Some of the proposals contained in the Report may be progressed more effectively by the private sector, others will need to be led by Government and some may involve a public/private partnership. I am encouraged by the fact that significant work has already been undertaken by some participants on the initiatives they advocated at Farmleigh.

The Government has also established a new inter-Departmental Committee of senior officials, Chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Taoiseach, to consider the proposals and to report directly to Government. The post Forum process will complement the work already underway across many of the areas discussed at Farmleigh, including through the Innovation Task Force and the implementation of 'Building Ireland's Smart Economy'.

One outcome of particular significance is the emergence of an invaluable network of highly successful business figures across the globe who now feel that they have a stake in delivering renewed economic growth in Ireland. I have therefore decided to establish a new Global Irish Network made up of those invited to Farmleigh and other leading business figures in our global community. This network will give greater strategic focus to our economic and cultural promotional work abroad.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

214 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42040/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

215 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42055/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.

There are no State agencies operating under the aegis of my Department. There is a list of all statutory instruments brought by my Department from 1935 to date available at the following link of my Department's website, http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=3034#instruments. Details of all statutory instruments, together with details of all legislation, are available on the following link to the website of the Irish Statute Book, which is produced by the Office of the Attorney General, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/home.html . I am not aware of any unpublished, and therefore unnumbered, statutory instruments which have come into force, since taking up my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

European Economic Policies.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he proposes to influence the future development of the EU with particular reference to the Common Agricultural Policy, Common Fisheries Policy and the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42313/09]

The coming year will be an important one for the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy, and for the World Trade Organisation negotiations. The European Commission is expected to bring forward a formal communication in mid 2010 on the future of the CAP. In addition, the consultative process on reform of the CFP is expected to be finalised around the same time. As regards WTO negotiations, the next WTO Ministerial meeting will take place at the end of this month. It will be a timely opportunity for countries to reiterate the importance of bringing the Doha Round to a successful conclusion before the end of 2010.

Along with my colleagues in Government, in particular the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I will consistently outline the Irish position on these issues in the clearest possible terms at official and political level, in both formal meetings and in informal contacts. I will also work closely with other like-minded Member States to ensure that Ireland's interests are taken into account within the EU and in the wider international negotiations in order to achieve the very best possible deal for Ireland.

Commodity Markets.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends, in the context of discussion with his colleagues at EU or UN level, any proposals to discourage market speculators in commodities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42314/09]

Commodity prices clearly impact on all of us, not least in the energy area, where market speculation is considered to be one of the factors which contributed to the volatile prices that we saw in 2008. Volatility in wholesale energy prices has been a cause for considerable concern for the EU Commission and the International Energy Agency (IEA). As a member of the IEA, Ireland has access to a considerable body of ongoing research on international energy matters. At EU level, we are working with our EU colleagues on strategies to enhance security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness. These include acceleration of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, ongoing investment in energy infrastructure and enhanced dialogue with oil and gas producing countries.

Food prices are also of crucial import. The EU Commission has over the past 2 years carried out a number of reviews and launched several initiatives regarding food prices, anti-competitiveness practices and better functioning of the food supply chain. In June 2008 a High Level Group (HLG) on Competitiveness within the Agro-Food chain was established led by Commissioners Verheugen (Enterprise and Industry), Fisher Boel (Agriculture), Kuneva (Consumer Protection) and Vassiliou (Health), 8 Ministers, industry, professional organisations and UK MEP Neil Parish. In July 2009, the HLG adopted a roadmap which comprised a total of 30 recommendations across the topics which it had considered, including the food supply chain.

In October, the Commission launched a Communication that aims to improve the functioning of the food supply chain in Europe. This Communication, which takes on board the report of the above-mentioned HLG, will be discussed at High Level Expert Groups in the relevant sectors with a view to taking concrete policy actions at Member State and EU level to improve the functioning of the food supply chain in Europe. The Commission will report on the advancement of these proposals by the end of 2010. Ireland is currently participating in these discussions at the meetings of the High Level Experts on Milk.

EU External Relations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he intends to instigate the promotion of better relations between Russia and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42315/09]

Russia is an important strategic partner for the EU, particularly in terms of trade, energy and the Common Neighbourhood. Trade and investment between the EU and Russia have grown substantially. The EU is Russia's largest trading partner while Russia is now the EU's third biggest trading partner. Negotiations are currently underway between the EU and Russia on a new agreement to replace the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The successful conclusion of these negotiations will be important in the context of developing the EU-Russia relationship further.

As the Deputy may be aware, an EU-Russia Summit is taking place in Stockholm today. The Summit agenda includes: (i) climate change and energy; (ii) the economic and financial crisis; (iii) EU-Russia relations; and (iv) international issues. Other issues expected to arise include the important issue of human rights, the Common Neighbourhood, energy and Russia's WTO membership.

Ireland supports the development of the EU-Russia relationship and the potential that it offers, not just in economic terms but also in terms of peace and real security for the continent and beyond. We see the Summit as an opportunity to review developments in the relationship on many fronts, including the negotiations on a new EU-Russia agreement. We believe that it is important for the EU to maintain a constructive and frank relationship with Russia which develops areas of shared interest while at the same time addressing areas of difference. The improved relationship between Russia and the US is something I particularly welcome. I believe it offers an opportunity for us all, and notably the EU, to forge a more stable and balanced relationship with Russia for the future.

Our bilateral relationship with Russia has also developed in recent years, particularly in terms of trade. In 2008, Russia was Ireland's 32nd largest merchandise trading partner with trade valued at €467m. In 2007, Russia was Ireland's 15th largest services trading partner, with trade valued at €1.2bn.

EU Defence Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he proposes to influence defence policy at EU level in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42337/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the European Union's security and defence policy, ESDP, has developed as the operational arm of the Union's common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and is primarily intended to help prevent conflict overseas and to strengthen security and stability in regions such as the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. As reflected in the Ministerial Declaration on "ESDP Ten Years — Challenges and Opportunities", adopted at this month's meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the development of ESDP has enabled the Union to become an ever more active, capable and credible global actor, allowing it to combine in a comprehensive approach crisis management capabilities with longer term assistance and development policies.

Along with the successive deployment of 22 ESDP missions and operations in three continents — across a wide range of conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict peace-building tasks — Ireland and its EU partners have streamlined and continue to reform ESDP structures; refine ESDP planning capability; improve the EU's crisis management and rapid response capabilities; and increase cooperation with key partners, none more important than the United Nations. Ireland has sought to play a positive, constructive and active role in the evolution of ESDP that accords with our traditional policy of military neutrality. Along with like-minded partner countries, we continue to influence the overall parameters within which ESDP operates by acknowledging and placing particular emphasis placed on the primary role of the United Nations Security Council for the maintenance of peace and security. Conflict prevention has also been at the core of the Union's approach and Ireland has worked to ensure that this centrally important dimension to ESDP is given prominence.

The Union's security and defence policy is an inclusive project that has been conceived and elaborated with the engagement of all EU Member States — the intergovernmental nature of ESDP and the continued application of unanimity to decisions taken by the Union in the security and defence area has helped to safeguard Ireland's influence on developments. Once the Lisbon Treaty enters into force, ESDP will be known as the common security and defence policy (CSDP). CSDP will remain an integral part of the common foreign and security policy and will continue to provide the Union with an operational capacity to undertake missions outside the Union for peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Ireland will continue to work with our EU partners to ensure that the EU, in the service of UN objectives, continues to make an effective contribution to a more secure, just and stable world and we will work to influence the development of the Union's security and defence policy towards that end.

Question No. 220 answered with Question No. 55.

Protection of Aid Workers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals directly or at EU and UN level to protect aid workers overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42339/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his or his EU or UN colleagues’ proposals to discourage or prevent the kidnapping of development workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42340/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.

The welcome release on 11 November of Fr Michael Sinnott after 32 days held captive by kidnappers on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines is yet another reminder of the commitment and sacrifice that aid workers and missionaries make in providing assistance to the most vulnerable across the developing world, particularly in conflict zones. The security of aid workers is a priority for the Government and for aid donors internationally. We maintain regular contact with our partners at EU level and at the UN on the complex issues involved.

A recent independent report on the provision of aid in insecure environments found that attacks against humanitarian aid workers have increased sharply in recent years, with 122 aid workers killed, 76 injured and 62 kidnapped in 2008. Some 60 per cent of these incidents occurred in three areas: Sudan, Afghanistan and Somalia.

It is clear that there are no simple security solutions for humanitarian aid workers operating in difficult and unstable situations, often during or in the aftermath of serious conflict. There is no comprehensive, universally applicable international convention on the protection of personnel engaged in humanitarian assistance. During armed conflict, or military occupation, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other relief organisations benefit from the protections provided by the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. The 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and its 2007 Optional Protocol prohibit attacks on UN or associated personnel, including those deployed by a humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisation under an agreement with the UN. They require States to take all appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security. Some NGOs and their personnel are also protected by the terms of specific bilateral agreements between a donor country and the State in which they operate as part of a programme of official development aid.

The role of the United Nations is particularly important in relation to the security of aid workers in humanitarian emergencies and other volatile situations. The UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) plays a pivotal role, overseeing security management, and often making available resources for the wider humanitarian community, including information, security officers and dedicated security radio channels. Many NGOs cooperate with the UN on security matters, exchanging information, agreeing security standards and coordinating emergency planning. Given its vital security management oversight and coordination function, as well as heightened security concerns amid increasing attacks against UN and other aid workers in both Afghanistan and Somalia I recently approved funding of €500,000 to UNDSS for its work in the two countries.

The safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of UN personnel is the subject of a recently agreed resolution which will be put before the UN General Assembly in New York in early December. The resolution condemns all violence against humanitarian workers and urges that States act to ensure that such acts of violence are fully investigated, and perpetrators brought to justice. Ireland participated actively in the negotiations and, along with EU colleagues, co-signed the resolution. The issue was also raised in a very recent statement to the UN Security Council by the Irish Ambassador to the UN in New York, Ms Anne Anderson.

In addition, Ireland is presently co-chairing the international Good Humanitarian Donorship group of 36 donors — including all EU 27 member states and the European Commission — which works to promote best practice in humanitarian aid and adherence to an agreed set of humanitarian donorship principles. In this role, we will schedule a detailed consideration over the coming months of the complex range of issues involved in assisting the security and effective operation of humanitarian aid workers.

Domestically, the Government continues to work with development NGOs on issues of access and security for aid workers. In 2009, the Irish Aid Rapid Response Initiative has sponsored the attendance of representatives of a number of NGOs, including Concern, Christian Aid, Goal and Trócaire, at field security training courses for humanitarian aid workers run by the Defence Forces. The Department of Foreign Affairs also supports the work of Cómhlámh, the Irish Association for Development Workers, in protecting the interests of development workers and volunteers. In particular, Irish Aid funded the development of the Cómhlámh Code of Practice for organisations sending volunteers to developing countries, which commits organisations to ensuring the protection, safety and well being of the volunteers.

The Code also highlights the need to ensure that volunteers are fully informed about health, safety and security issues relating to their assignment. More than 30 Irish volunteering organisations are involved in this important initiative. Irish Aid also provides funding for a counselling service organised by Cómhlámh for aid workers when they return to Ireland. The Government will continue to work closely with both our international partners and with development NGOs in Ireland to ensure that the security of aid workers is safeguarded to the maximum degree possible.

European External Relations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current and future international commitment to the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42341/09]

Together with its EU partners, Ireland attaches considerable importance to achieving stability in the countries of the Western Balkans, which were recognised as having a perspective towards EU membership by the European Council at Thessaloniki in 2003. The European Union's Stabilisation and Association process provides the framework for co-operation on economic, political and legal matters and aims to bring countries closer to EU standards and principles. Progress Reports on each of the countries of the Western Balkans were issued by the European Commission on 14 October 2009. It is expected that the reports will be discussed at the December GAERC.

On 15 November, the first democratic elections organised by the Government of Kosovo were held. I am pleased to note that initial reports suggest that they were organised in a professional manner and took place peacefully. The international community's commitment to assisting political progress in Bosnia-Herzegovina was underlined by the joint EU/US initiative, the "Butmir process". Two rounds of meetings were held last month with the leaders of the three main communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The EU and US made a series of proposals designed to improve the functioning of the political system there.

The Dayton Peace Agreement had established the Office of the High Representative. The High Representative is responsible for monitoring implementation of the Agreement and coordinating the activities of international organisations operating in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He is advised by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC). The PIC comprises 55 countries, including Ireland and all other EU Member States, as well as international organisations. In February 2008, the PIC agreed on five objectives and two conditions to be met before the Office of the High Representative could be replaced by a European Union Special Representative.

The Butmir initiative placed a particular focus on resolving the major impediments to this transition which include the need for agreement on the division of state and defence property as well as constitutional issues. While the parties were not in a position to accept the necessary compromises during the Butmir talks, the Presidency saw grounds for cautious optimism and EU/US expert teams are following up. The Commission has said recently that, due to lack of progress in a number of key areas, there was concern that, while its neighbours progress towards their European perspective, Bosnia-Herzegovina could get left behind.

I welcome the signature by Slovenia and Croatia in Stockholm on 4 November 2009 of an arbitration agreement to resolve their maritime and land border dispute. I am pleased to see the resumption of negotiations on the remaining chapters of Croatia's accession negotiations. These had been blocked, pending resolution of this dispute. Ireland together with our EU partners remains committed to influencing positively the situation in the Western Balkans. We will do everything possible to ensure lasting stability in the countries of the region.

Overseas Development Aid.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of commitment at EU and UN level in the fight against AIDS in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42342/09]

The European Union and United Nations have provided international leadership in the global response to HIV and AIDS. Their respected track record of action in Africa reflects their commitment to deliver on a number of high profile pledges to support those countries most affected by the pandemic, the majority of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. The EU and UN have a strong history of effective collaboration around AIDS and both are not only committed to realising the Millennium Development Goals that include ambitious global targets for HIV and AIDS, they are co-authors of the concept.

That the UN convened a special session of the General Assembly dedicated exclusively to HIV and AIDS is a measure of the UN's commitment. Recognising the cross-agency nature of response required, the UN has established UNAIDS, the Joint UN Programme on AIDS that brings together the efforts and resources of ten UN organisations including UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank. This impressive joint effort aligns not only these agencies, but their considerable portfolio of implementing partners that includes Non-Government Organisations. The joint UN programme is guided by its Outcome Framework for AIDS that optimises the partnership between the UN co-sponsors, guides their investments and holds co-sponsors accountable for making the resources of the UN work for results at country level.

The European Commission's Communication, A European Programme for Action to Confront HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis Through External Action, to the European Council and Parliament guides the EU’s overall strategy. This EU programme emphasises country level action in Africa in particular and the need to increase efforts to scale up interventions that have shown results.

Ireland recognises the importance of winning the battle against this epidemic for attaining all the Millennium Development Goals and Irish Aid commits more that €100 million each year to HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases. At country level in Africa, Irish Aid works closely with the UN family, EU Member States, the EC and others in supporting national level responses to AIDS. Our experiences point to the valuable contribution and commitment of both the EU and the UN to AIDS work in Africa.

The UN and EU have been important contributors to the encouraging gains reported by UNAIDS. In the past decade we have seen a six-fold increase in funding for HIV and AIDS and this has supported a remarkable acceleration in delivery of services, commodities and activities for AIDS in those countries most affected. In Africa death rates from AIDS are declining due to improved access to anti-retroviral treatment, the epidemic has been reversed in a number of African countries and an unprecedented number of people affected by AIDS, including children, are benefiting from care and support work.

Foreign Conflicts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top 15 priority locations worldwide in which the EU and UN are involved in the prevention of war, genocide, starvation and human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42343/09]

Preventing war, genocide, starvation and human rights abuses are key priorities for the EU and UN worldwide. Unfortunately, no part of the world is totally free from all of these challenges. It is not the policy or practice of the Government to draw up a ‘league table' on such issues. The complexity and specificity of individual country situations would render such an exercise difficult and the outcome would be of limited value. I can assure the Deputy, however, that Ireland is actively engaged in work to address these enormous challenges at both national and international level, with our EU and UN partners.

Tackling war, genocide, starvation and human rights abuses is undoubtedly among the most critical tasks facing the international community in the 21st century. Ireland's active participation in multilateral institutions such as the EU and the UN provides us with an opportunity to voice our concerns, to work to alleviate hardship and suffering and to contribute to the development of a sustainable approach to properly address the root causes of these problems. A comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling poverty, conflict and security stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people. Ireland will, of course, continue to address these challenges bilaterally and through the EU and UN.

European External Relations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he proposes to promote and extend better relations between the Ukraine and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42344/09]

Relations between the EU and Ukraine have developed in recent years on a number of fronts. At a Summit in September 2008, it was agreed to begin negotiations on a new EU-Ukraine Association Agreement to replace the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. These negotiations have made substantial progress. Ukraine has also been an active participant in the EU's new Eastern Partnership initiative, which aims to enhance relations with our Eastern neighbours. As the Deputy may be aware, the next EU-Ukraine Summit will take place in Kiev on 4 December 2009. The agenda items for the EU-Ukraine Summit in December are expected to include: (i) the financial and economic crisis; (ii) climate change and energy; (iii) internal developments in Ukraine; (iv) internal developments in the EU; (v) EU-Ukraine relations; (vi) Eastern Partnership and (vii) international issues.

Ukraine has been hit particularly badly by the global economic downturn. The European Commission has been examining ways in which it can help Ukraine deal with the economic crisis. The European Commission has also helped Ukraine secure financing to reform its gas sector with the aim of promoting stability and avoiding another gas dispute with Russia. This is not just a domestic matter for Ukraine but has wider repercussions for the EU, and some of its member States in particular, as we witnessed last winter. Ireland supports the development of the EU-Ukraine relationship and welcomes the progress made on the new Association Agreement. We believe that it is important that the EU continues to engage and assist Ukraine in dealing with the effects of the economic crisis. We support the Eastern Partnership initiative, the launch of which the Taoiseach attended in Prague in May 2009.

Ireland's bilateral relationship with Ukraine has also developed in recent years. During a visit to Dublin in February 2006, the then Ukrainian Foreign Minister signed Memoranda of Understanding on the holding of regular high level political consultations (two rounds of which have since taken place), as well as in the fields of education and culture. Negotiations continue on concluding a Double Taxation Agreement. In 2007, Ireland contributed €1 million to a civil service reform project which is being run in conjunction with UNDP and the Central Civil Service Department of Ukraine.

Question No. 227 answered with Question No. 111.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

228 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will continue the funding for the sports inclusion disability officer for Waterford for all of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42321/09]

John McGuinness

Question:

229 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding for the sports disability officer programme will be continued after 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41992/09]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

233 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the concerns and proposals in correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42291/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

234 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42319/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228, 229, 233 and 234 together.

Special funding of €2.5 million was allocated from the dormant accounts fund for the appointment of 20 Sports Inclusion Development Officers (SIDOs) in Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in 2008. The SIDOs were appointed on two-year contracts to provide opportunities for persons with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity. A network of 33 LSPs have been set up throughout the country by the Irish Sports Council (ISC) to coordinate and promote sport at local level especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people, and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities. The special dormant accounts funding was in addition to the annual funding provided to the LSPs by the ISC for programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in recreational sport. The ISC has allocated €6 million to the LSPs in 2009. The continuation of the SIDO scheme from 2010 will be dependent on negotiations on the 2010 Estimates.

Arts Funding.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

230 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is committed to maintaining funding for the arts, particularly the Irish Film Board, the Arts Council and Culture Ireland; his views on whether the livelihoods of thousands of persons working in the arts are under threat if funding of the arts is not maintained into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41998/09]

As Minister for the Arts, I am committed to supporting the arts and the Government will continue to fund the arts sector within available financial resources. Decisions regarding funding, whether within my Department's Vote or on the part of other relevant Departments will be taken in the context of the ongoing Estimates and budget preparation process. My policy on the arts reflects Government Policy in this area as set out in the Programme for Government and further elaborated in my Department's Statement of Strategy. This policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.

The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Since 2002, funding for the Arts Council has increased by over 50% from €47.7 million in 2002 to €73.4 million in 2009. It is my aim to continue to support the Arts Council in its role, working within the financial and other resources available to me, into the future. I regard Culture Ireland as a key element of my Department. Its remit is to promote Irish arts and artists worldwide across all art forms including theatre, music, dance, literature, visual arts and film. Since its establishment in 2005 Culture Ireland has made a wide impact worldwide through the promotion and support of over 1,350 Irish cultural initiatives and events in 74 countries.

The Irish film industry is one of our most important industries, providing substantial levels of employment and significant inward investment. Our film industry is dependent on the combined supports provided by the Irish Film Board, the tax relief afforded by the Section 481 scheme, the continued presence of a studio infrastructure (currently Ardmore Studios) and a stock of world-class talent. It is an internationally traded sector and is subject to external competitive influences and incentives that require our systems to be continually updated and upgraded. The Government recognises the benefits to Ireland of having a vibrant film industry and audiovisual sector. This is evident in the commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government to maintain the funding supports of the Irish Film Board.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

231 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the State agencies under the remit of his Department who have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42032/09]

Since the Department was established in June 2002, two agencies under its remit have had, and continue to have, the power to sign statutory instruments, namely, Bord na gCon and Horse Racing Ireland.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

232 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42047/09]

Pursuant to the Statutory Instruments Act 1947, as amended, the Attorney General has the power, where certain criteria are met, to exempt certain statutory instruments from the operation of that Act. Statutory instruments so exempted do not require to be issued with a statutory instrument number. Since the Department was established in June 2002, my Ministerial predecessors and I have signed no unnumbered statutory instruments.

Questions Nos. 233 and 234 answered with Question No. 228.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

235 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42641/09]

In February 2009, the Government mandated the securing of a general reduction of 8 per cent in all professional fees, including medical, construction, financial and legal-related fees. The Department, including the National Archives, is not a significant user of these professional services, so the scope for savings in monetary terms was and is correspondingly very limited. Nevertheless, to date, savings of approximately €4,838 have been realised, with approximately a further €1,400 in savings anticipated by year end, bringing the total savings for 2009 as a whole to approximately €6,238. In addition to these quantifiable savings, in certain cases, new procurement exercises have been conducted in order to achieve up-to-date market rates for services.

Íocaíochtaí Deontas.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

236 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil dul chun cinn déanta maidir le deontas a chur ar fáil le hobair dheisiúcháin a dhéanamh ar an ionad lae do dhaoine le riachtanais speisialta ar an gClochán Liath, Contae Dhún na nGall, agus le méadú a chur leis; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [41983/09]

Níl aon iarratas faighte ag mo Roinnse maidir leis an obair seo. Tuigim go bhfuil an t-Ionad faoi chúram Feidhmeannas na Seirbhíse Sláinte agus mar sin is gnó dóibh siúd aon obair atá le déanamh air.

Gréasán Bóithre.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

237 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé chun sochar airgid a chur ar fáil in 2010 le hobair feabhsúcháin a dhéanamh ar bhóthair áise ar Árainn Mhór, Contae Dhún na nGall; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [41984/09]

Ón mbliain 2002 go dáta, tá os cionn €1.3m ceadaithe i ndeontais ag mo Roinnse do Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall chun oibreacha a chur i gcrích ar bhóithre áise ar oileáin i gContae Dhún na nGall faoin Scéim Mionoibreacha d'Oileáin. Bhain €983,853 de seo le bóithre ar Oileán Árainn Mhór amháin. Beidh cinneadh maidir le maoiniú tograí i 2010 faoi na scéimeanna éagsúla atá ag mo Roinnse ag brath ar an soláthar airgid a bheidh ar fáil agus ar an líon gealltanas atá ann cheana a d'fhéadfadh a bheith le cur i gcrích i gcaitheamh na bliana sin.

Road Network.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

238 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the substandard road from Crolly to Donegal Airport at Carrickfin with a particularly dangerous stretch at Meenaleck, it is envisaged to make an allocation of moneys under the Gaeltacht strategic roads programme for this road in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41985/09]

In the first instance, it should be noted that responsibility for the regional road referred to by the Deputy rests with Donegal County Council. Since 2002, my Department has allocated a sum in excess of €2 million in grant aid to improve this road under the Gaeltacht Strategic Roads Scheme. The question of allocating further funds under this scheme will be considered in the context of the funding available to my Department in 2010, as well as outstanding commitments.

Community Development.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

239 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the future plans for a community development programme (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42007/09]

I refer the Deputy to Question No. 104 answered yesterday, 17 November 2009.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

240 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42034/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

241 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42049/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.

My Department was established on the 6th June 2002. Since its establishment, my Department has not enacted any statutory instruments of the type referred to by the Deputy. Waterways Ireland, an agency under the aegis of my Department, has the power to make statutory instruments.

Community Development.

Tom Hayes

Question:

242 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the community support scheme for older people based in south Tipperary will be reopened. [42074/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 52, 63 and 110 on 17 November 2009.

John Deasy

Question:

243 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the sports inclusion disability officer programme will continue to receive funding under the dormant accounts scheme when the current funding arrangements expire in February 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42150/09]

Special funding of €2.5 million was allocated from the Dormant Accounts Fund, through the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the lead Department for this measure, for the appointment of 20 Sports Inclusion Development Officers in Local Sports Partnerships in 2008. I would draw the Deputy's attention to the response by my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, to question 171 on Thursday 5 November 2009 on the matter raised.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

244 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42643/09]

Savings made to date in 2009 in professional fees in respect of contracts that were in place when the reduction was introduced amount to €33,176. This is the total expected savings for this year. I can assure the Deputy that efforts will continue to negotiate the most advantageous terms for fees, based on current market conditions, as and when contracts come up for renewal.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Willie Penrose

Question:

245 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a young child who has been diagnosed with dyslexia by her departmental psychologists, and whose reading is just 4% and whose IQ is 85, is entitled to domiciliary care allowance; the criteria which applies in such a case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42108/09]

The transfer of the Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme from the Health Service Executive to this Department arises 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 Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme is now a statutory scheme with the primary legislation provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008. As there were no agreed national medical guidelines for the scheme while it was administered in the Health Service Executive, an Expert Medical Group was established in advance of the transfer of functions. This Group was chaired by the Department's Chief Medical Advisor and comprised of senior medical personnel from the HSE as well as eminent professionals in the areas of physical disabilities which affect children, and child psychiatry/psychology. This report was reviewed independently by external medical experts. The primary purpose of this Group was to agree a set of consistent and objective guidelines for use in determining eligibility of children for Domiciliary Care Allowance.

The Group considered that the most appropriate way for the Department to conduct assessments for medical eligibility was by assessing evidence submitted by the claimant rather than by way of individual examination by the Department's Medical Assessors as they are not involved in advice or treatment of the child. The new process in operation in the department involves the submission of a detailed statement by the parent or guardian of the child; a detailed statement by the child's General practitioner; and any other relevant evidence from qualified experts who have examined the child.

In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months. Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is not based primarily on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating the degree of extra care and attention required. Each application is assessed on an individual basis taking account of the evidence submitted. As such it is not possible to say, in general, if a child with dyslexia or any other intellectual disability will qualify for a payment under the scheme.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Social Welfare Code.

Mary Upton

Question:

246 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will put a system in place which makes allowances for the sporadic nature of income of visual artists so that they are not penalised for inconsistent PRSI contributions and are able to access State benefits such as old age pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42300/09]

Self-employed people including Artists are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 3%. Consequently, they are 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. PRSI Class S contributors are entitled to the following payments: the Widow's or Widower's (Contributory) Pension; the Guardian's Payment (Contributory); the State Pension (Contributory); Maternity Benefit; Adoptive Benefit, and the Bereavement Grant.

Self-employed workers who do not qualify for an insurance-based benefit may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments such as Jobseeker's 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.

Similarly, any person who does not satisfy the social insurance contribution criteria for the State Pension (Contributory) may apply for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), award of which is, inter alia, subject to a means test. In addition, self-employed persons who are no longer covered by compulsory PRSI can opt to pay Voluntary Contributions if they meet the necessary requirements. Payment of Voluntary Contributions can help to maintain or improve an individual's contributory pension entitlement. Self-employed persons pay a special rate for Voluntary Contributions and the current amount payable is €253 per year.

David Stanton

Question:

247 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will consider reducing the amount of time people have to be in receipt of social welfare benefits in order to qualify for the back to education scheme, especially at third level, in view of the current unemployment situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42323/09]

Since its introduction, the underlying objective of the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme has been to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. It is a second chance educational opportunities scheme for people on welfare payments who wish to participate in full time education and who would not otherwise be able to do so.

Improvements to the scheme were announced in the supplementary budget and came into effect from 1 May 2009. In order to qualify for participation, an applicant must now be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for 3 months if pursuing a second level course or 12 months if pursuing a third level course. The qualifying period for access to third level courses is reduced to 9 months for those who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan process or engaging with the Department's facilitator programme. People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.

In general, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. However, lone parents and recipients of jobseekers' payments who are out of formal education for at least 2 years can qualify at 18 years of age. The requirement to be in receipt of a social welfare payment for a minimum period has always been a feature of the scheme. A waiting period is considered essential to confer entitlement to income support for an indefinite period and is considered necessary in the context of targeting scarce resources at those who need it most. The back to education allowance has an important role to play in enhancing the employability skills of jobseekers. The conditionality of the scheme will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the scheme and changes in the economic climate.

George Lee

Question:

248 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to introduce a three-tier system of child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42016/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the rates of Child Benefit have increased significantly since 2001, having trebled for the first two children and increased by over 185% for the third and subsequent children. Partly as a result of this, and partly as a result of an increase in the number of eligible children, overall expenditure on Child Benefit grew from just under €965 million in 2001 to nearly €2.5 billion in 2008.

If the Government does not take steps now to reduce overall public expenditure and restore stability to the public finances, we risk making the economic situation far worse for everyone, including welfare recipients, in the long term. Excessive borrowing and an unsustainable increase in the national debt will hamper our ability to fund social services, including welfare, in the future. We must find an appropriate balance between protecting the most vulnerable people in the short term and taking necessary action to avoid prolonging our country's current economic difficulties.

It is in this context that the Government is considering how savings might be made in Child Benefit. We are considering a range of options, including but not limited to those set out in the reports of the Commission on Taxation and the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The Government has not yet made a final decision on the future of Child Benefit. I can assure the Deputy that in considering this issue we are mindful of the needs of families that have come to rely on their Child Benefit income. Our final decision will be outlined on Budget day.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

249 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the State agencies under the remit of her Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42043/09]

The four statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department. The Combat Poverty Agency has been integrated into the Office of Social Inclusion in the Department since 1 July 2009. None of the above agencies has or had the power over the past decade to sign statutory instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

250 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by her or her predecessors over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42058/09]

No unnumbered statutory instruments have been signed by me or by any of my predecessors over the past ten years.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

251 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and paid their fuel allowance. [42089/09]

A claim for Fuel Allowance was received from the person concerned on 13 October 2009. The Allowance was awarded on 20 October 2009, with effect from 25 September 2009. A formal notification of this decision issued on 20 October 2009. All arrears due were issued on 23 October 2009.

Social Insurance.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

252 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated yield from employers, employees and self-employed PRSI in 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42092/09]

The estimate of €7,500 million for total PRSI income was published in the revised estimates volume for 2009.

2009 PRSI Estimated Income

Total

Employer

Employee

Self Employed

€7,500 million

€5,216 million

€1,868 million

€416 million

The forecast for 2010 is being addressed in the context of the 2010 Estimates and Budget process which is currently underway.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

253 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an oral hearing will be heard in relation to a carer’s allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42137/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing is appropriate in this case. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Question:

254 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal in relation to jobseeker’s benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42140/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

255 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal in relation to carer’s allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42141/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

257 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42146/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

258 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42147/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

259 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an invalidity pension appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42148/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

262 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for carers allowance will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.. [42153/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254, 255, 257 to 259, inclusive, and 262 together.

Further to my response to 34699/09 on 07 October 2009 and 35166/09, 35167/09 & 35391/09 on 13 October 2009 and 37057/09 on 20 October 2009 and 39201/09 on 03 November 2009, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.

James Bannon

Question:

256 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford was refused a carer’s allowance. [42144/09]

On 28 September 2009 the person concerned was refused Carer's Allowance on the grounds that full time care and attention is not required in this case. He was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of his right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. He has appealed this decision and an appeal has been opened in this case. On 16 November 2009 his Carer's Allowance file was submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office will be in contact with him directly regarding his appeal. Under Social Welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These Officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Questions Nos. 257 to 259, inclusive, answered with Question No. 254.

Michael Ring

Question:

260 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal in relation to a carer’s allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42149/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Question:

261 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal will be heard in relation to domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42152/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned 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. 262 answered with Question No. 254.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

263 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings she expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42648/09]

Savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees total some €1.84 million. The vast bulk of the savings arise from fee reductions applied in respect of dentists, opticians and medical appliance providers (hearing aids) under the Department's Treatment Benefits schemes. A small amount of the saving (approx €8,000) arises in respect of a number of drawdown contracts for the provision of technical advice and expertise in the ICT area.

Professional fees paid to GPs in respect of medical certification were not directly reduced in response to the consultation process; however notional savings of some ten million euro have accrued up to the end of 2008 due to the absence of an annual review mechanism. As part of the consultation process it was agreed that the current fees would stand and an annual review mechanism would be put in place from June of this year. It is estimated that a further €700,000 may be saved in the Treatment Benefits area during the remainder of 2009. With regard to the draw-down consultancy contracts, it is not possible to accurately project further savings in 2009 given the nature of these contracts.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

264 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42035/09]

There are no agencies under the remit of my Department who have the power to make statutory instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

265 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42050/09]

Under the provisions of subsection (4) of section 2 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 (No. 44 of 1947) the Attorney General may, if of the opinion that certain statutory instruments are of limited application, exempt such statutory instruments from the provisions of subsection (1) of section 3 of the Act. On 22 October 1954 the then Attorney General made a declaration that statutory instruments made under the following sections of the Defence Act 1954 (No. 18 of 1954) had only limited application and exempted these from the provisions of subsection (1) of section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947. The sections of the Defence Act 1954 to which the exemption from the provisions of subsection (1) of section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 are 17, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 40, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, 55, 56, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 72, 73, 75, 80, 81, 82, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90, 92, 93, 94, 97, 98, 100, 102, 103, 114, 115, 116, 117, 180, 182, 184, 243, 244, 246 and 292. In addition, on 3 April 1991 the then Attorney General, again because of their limited application, exempted section 2 and 5 of the Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 (No. 6 of 1990) from the provisions of subsection (1) of section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947.

In the period since 1 January 2000 a total of 226 statutory instruments have been issued under the Defence Acts which are exempt from the provisions of subsection (1) of section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947. There is considerable work involved in compiling a full list of the 226 statutory instruments concerned but if the Deputy desires the full list this can be provided to him by my Department.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

266 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel which have been recruited into the Reserve Defence Force since his decision to lift the embargo on recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42271/09]

The military authorities have advised that as at the beginning of November 2009, 200 recruits had been attested since the embargo on recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force was lifted. The Directorate of Reserve Forces has approval to proceed with further recruitment to replace existing members of the Reserve leaving and being discharged in the normal manner.

As with the broader public service, the Defence Organisation is required to operate with reduced funding in 2009. In this context, my first priority for the Reserve was to consolidate the gains that have been made over recent years. Limited recruitment in order to replace existing members who leave during the course of the year was sanctioned. This ongoing limited recruitment is being closely monitored and will be kept under review in the light of the future budgetary provision available to the Department of Defence.

Departmental Reports.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

267 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the reason his Department’s annual report for 2008 was only published in November 2009 in view of the fact that the military submissions were complete by April 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42272/09]

The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report was published in November 2009. The report covers the many functions and activities of both the civil and military elements of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. The report was therefore produced in close co-operation of both the civil and military elements of the Department with editing and re-drafting, as required, throughout the process.

Defence Forces Properties.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

268 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when St. Bricin’s Hospital will move to the Curragh in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42274/09]

The Government decision of 14 October 2008 approved a programme for consolidation of Defence Forces formations and included the closure of St. Bricin's. This closure of St Bricin's is linked to previous decisions regarding decentralisation, rather than the barrack consolidation programme. At this stage, it is necessary to arrange to transfer the services provided in St. Bricin's to the Curragh prior to its closure. The arrangements required to facilitate the transfer of the relevant facilities to the Curragh are being considered by my Department in consultation with the Defence Forces in the context of the overall decentralisation programme for my Department and Defence Forces headquarters.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

269 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the reason one building was not built to accommodate all military and civilian personnel in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42275/09]

The Government decision of December 2003 in relation to decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department and Defence Force Headquarters (DFHQ) to two separate locations in county Kildare. My Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with about 55 military personnel, are being decentralised to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and DFHQ to the Curragh, Co Kildare. Construction and fitting-out of new accommodation at Station Road, Newbridge is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The building is under construction and is expected to be available for occupation early in the New Year.

Procurement of the new building for DFHQ is also being handled by the OPW. A State owned site has been identified in the Curragh, planning permission has been granted and a short-list of tenderers has been drawn up by the OPW. The question of proceeding to the next stage of the project (invitation of tenders) is dependent on the necessary funding for the project being available to the OPW. This will be decided as part of the on-going Estimates and budgetary process.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

270 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when the vacancy in Collins Barracks, Cork for a military pharmacist will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42276/09]

The vacancy for the post of military pharmacist, Collins Barracks, Cork, has arisen as a result of the retirement of the previous incumbent. Following discussions with the Department of Finance, sanction has now been received to permit my Department to recruit a civilian pharmacist to fill the position on a temporary basis. Arrangements are being made to complete this process as soon as possible.

Commemorative Events.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

271 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when the 1916 commemoration committee will have its next meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42277/09]

Arrangements are being made for a meeting of the Oireachtas Consultation Group to be held on 2nd December 2009. The Group will be briefed on progress of commemorative projects during 2009. It is also proposed to arrange site visits that day to view some of the works in progress.

Proposed Legislation.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

272 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his views on correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42292/09]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 349 and 352 of 10 November 2009 where I stated that I have decided not to proceed with the establishment of the Authority, which was a primary focus of the Bill. I also stated that the way forward will involve a review by my Department of the varying usage of the lands by a range of different interests in the Curragh, not least the Defence Forces, with a view to establishing how these can be best accommodated and managed within the existing administrative framework and within existing resources.

Air Corps Aircraft.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

273 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when the Pilatus PC-9 that crashed in October 2009 will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42325/09]

An accident involving an Air Corps Pilatus PC9 aircraft occurred in Cornamona, Co. Galway on the 12th October, 2009 resulting in the tragic loss of the lives of Captain Derek Furness and Cadet David Jevens. The Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Department of Transport is investigating the cause of the accident. The Air Corps grounded the PC9 fleet following the accident as a precaution. The remaining seven aircraft were cleared to resume their role as training aircraft on the 19th October, 2009. The aircraft involved in the accident was damaged beyond repair. There are currently no plans for its replacement.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

274 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the size and role of the First Line Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42326/09]

The military authorities have advised that as at 31 October 2009, the First Line Reserve (FLR) comprised 360 personnel (132 Officers, 31 Non-Commissioned Officers and 197 Privates). The FLR is intended to provide a pool of trained personnel who are available at short notice to supplement Permanent Defence Force (PDF) units in times of emergency. The FLR is a potentially valuable resource and my primary concern is to ensure that the former PDF members who make up the FLR are utilised to the maximum benefit of the Defence Forces.

Phase 1 of the RDF Review Implementation Plan introduced significant changes for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve. Phase 2 is being implemented. As the Plan is reaching its conclusion, there is a requirement to critically examine the progress that has been made to date and to consider options for the future. This will be informed by the valuable lessons learned from the implementation process. In addition, the RDF was selected for review as part of the 2009-2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and this Review is scheduled to commence in the near future. It is anticipated that this review, together with the general budgetary situation, will also assist in informing decisions regarding the future development of the Reserve.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

275 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42644/09]

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

Nuclear Plants.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

276 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has been in contact with the British Government following recent disclosures that it is planned to open ten new nuclear facilities there, predominantly on the west coast; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41930/09]

As an EU Member State, Ireland recognises the right of every Member State to determine its own energy mix. It is a matter for the UK Government to determine its own energy policy, and nuclear energy has been a part of that policy for many years. My Department is in regular contact with the relevant UK Government Departments and agencies on radiological protection matters and nuclear safety. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) also has regular contact with the regulatory bodies responsible for radiological protection and nuclear safety in the UK, and meets frequently with my Department to discuss these matters.

Through these ongoing contacts, I am informed of key policy developments with regard to nuclear power in the UK. As part of this ongoing contact, my Department and the RPII continue to discuss the UK's plans to build new nuclear power stations with the relevant UK officials and regulators. I mentioned the issue during a meeting last week with the UK Ambassador and I have asked my officials to follow up on the UK proposals recently published for consultation at a meeting with British officials next week, and to seek information predominantly on any safety and waste issues associated with the proposals.

As a non-nuclear nation, Ireland does not stand to benefit from the next wave of developments in nuclear energy, but must still bear any transboundary risks which might arise from these facilities. In view of this, the Government continues to press for the fullest possible information from the UK authorities on activities that might contribute to that risk, and the need for any planned nuclear facilities to conform to international safety standards is of clear importance in this regard. My Department's priority in all discussions with the UK on its nuclear energy programme is the safety of the Irish people and the protection of our environment, particularly the shared marine environment of the Irish Sea.

International Agreements.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

277 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the prospects for progress on the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen. [41914/09]

I refer to the statement which I made at a meeting with the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security on 11 November 2009. Towards the end of my statement, I addressed the recently changed outlook for the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be held in Copenhagen next month. It is now the case that a politically-binding agreement rather than a legally-binding treaty may be the outcome. This is disappointing given in particular the clear commitment of the Parties at the 13th Conference in 2007 to finalise a new treaty in 2009.

However, the EU commitment and determination to achieve a new legally-binding treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol is undiminished. The fact that it may not be achieved at the Copenhagen conference is disappointing for many Parties, including Ireland, and the focus must now be on exerting maximum pressure to finalise the new treaty in the shortest possible time.

Waste Management.

George Lee

Question:

278 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a protocol on the reuse of computers in view of the fact that reuse is 20 times more effective than recycling at reducing the life cycle energy costs of a computer and the best practice in dealing with end of life computers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42012/09]

My Department has brought a group of key stakeholders together to develop proposals to promote and maximise opportunities for the reuse of electrical appliances, including the reuse of computers. This group includes representatives of producers (some of whom have their own reuse programmes), retailers, the waste management sector, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the social economy sector. Following on from this, a reuse protocol is currently being developed, which will set out the responsibilities of all stakeholders. It is envisaged that this process will be completed shortly.

Planning Issues.

George Lee

Question:

279 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 966 of 6 October, 2009, the classes of use that are specified in Part 4 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42013/09]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

CLASS

CLASS 1

Use as a shop.

CLASS 2

Use for the provision of—

(a) financial services,

(b) professional services (other than health or medical services),

(c) any other services (including use as a betting office),

where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public.

CLASS 3

Use as an office, other than a use to which class 2 of this Part of this Schedule applies.

CLASS 4

Use as a light industrial building.

CLASS 5

Use as a wholesale warehouse or as a repository.

CLASS 6

Use as a residential club, a guest house or a hostel (other than a hostel where care is provided).

CLASS 7

Use—

(a) for public worship or religious instruction,

(b) for the social or recreational activities of a religious body,

(c) as a monastery or convent.

CLASS 8

Use—

(a) as a health centre or clinic or for the provision of any medical or health services (but not the use of the house of a consultant or practitioner, or any building attached to the house or within the curtilage thereof, for that purpose),

(b) as a crèche, (c) as a day nursery, (d) as a day centre.

CLASS 9

Use—

(a) for the provision of residential accommodation and care to people in need of care (but not the use of a house for that purpose),

(b) as a hospital or nursing home,

(c) as a residential school, residential college or residential training centre.

CLASS 10

Use as—

(a) an art gallery (but not for the sale or hire of works of art),

(b) a museum,

(c) a public library or public reading room,

(d) a public hall,

(e) an exhibition hall,

(f) a social centre, community centre or non-residential club,

but not as a dance hall or concert hall.

CLASS 11

Use as—

(a) a theatre,

(b) a cinema,

(c) a concert hall,

(d) a bingo hall,

(e) a skating rink or gymnasium or for other indoor sports or recreation not involving the use of motor vehicles or firearms.

George Lee

Question:

280 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will reply to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42014/09]

George Lee

Question:

281 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet with a residents association (details supplied) regarding the request from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to designate land at Cherrywood as a strategic development zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42015/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 372 of 10 November 2009 and 953 and 971 of 3 November 2009. I am aware of the views of the Kilternan Residents Association and some other local residents regarding development on the proposed SDZ site. I will be making a decision on the SDZ proposal shortly, taking into account all of the relevant issues.

Local Authority Funding.

Joan Burton

Question:

282 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some landlords are in financial difficulty and struggling to pay the €200 levy on non-principal private residences; if he will instruct the relevant authorities to make arrangements for payment of the levy in staged instalments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42019/09]

The charge on non-principal private residences is an essentially modest charge of €200 per annum, payable by owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence. I have no plans to make provision for payment by instalments. As it stands, there is a three-month period following the liability date in which to pay each year before any additional charges commence. The Act places collection of the charge under the care and management of the relevant local authority, and interpretation and implementation of the legislation is a matter for the local authorities in the first instance.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

283 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42038/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

284 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42053/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.

None of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department has or had over the past decade the power to sign statutory instruments within the meaning of the Statutory Instrument Act 1947.

Directions have been issued under Section 2(4) of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 exempting superannuation schemes under a range of Acts, including in the case of my Department's remit, the Heritage Act 1995 and the Radiological Protection Act 1991, from the operation of the 1947 Act. In addition certain Ministerial Orders do not come within the scope of the 1947 Act, for example orders which must be published in the Iris Oifigiúil such as an Order under Section 26 of the Local Government Act, 2001 fixing the polling day for local elections. Any such orders or schemes are unnumbered. The identification and listing of such Orders made over the past decade would take an inordinate amount of time and effort as they are not archived centrally. However, if the Deputy wishes to have information on any such orders made under a specific Act, my Department will assist accordingly.

Urban Renewal Schemes.

Mary Upton

Question:

285 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the installation of a scheme for the allocation of vacant buildings to artists and artist co-operatives presents a transformational opportunity for towns and cities which may have been blighted by development of the past decade. [42301/09]

I have no function, as Minister, in the matter of the allocation of vacant buildings to artists and artist co-operatives. Under the Urban and Village Renewal measures of the two Regional Operational Programmes 2000-2006, grant assistance was provided by my Department to local authorities for a range of interventions to upgrade the fabric of the built environment in cities, towns and villages. Final funding allocations under this Programme, which ended in early 2008, involved total EU and Exchequer co-financed expenditure of over €158m.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

286 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will give an assurance that the long awaited Maretimo and Carysfort drainage scheme, which has been proposed by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, will commence in early 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42307/09]

The Carysfort to Maretimo Sewerage Scheme (Stream Improvement) is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007–09 and I understand that Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council will shortly be putting the contract out to tender.

Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department has commenced consideration of these assessments, which will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-12 will be published in early 2010.

Fire Stations.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

287 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the provision of fire services at a location (details supplied) in County Meath; if a fire station will be provided for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42320/09]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting fire authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and through setting of general policy. There are seven fire stations in Co. Meath, located in Navan, Trim, Kells, Oldcastle, Nobber, Dunshaughlin and Ashbourne. Meath County Council has not applied to the Department under the fire service capital programme to construct a fire station in Stamullen.

Commodity Markets.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

288 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has had discussions at EU or UN level to prevent or discourage speculation causing price hikes in the world energy markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42316/09]

The past twelve months have seen major upheavals in energy markets around the world. The global financial crisis and ensuing recession have had a dramatic impact on the outlook for energy markets over the next few years. World energy demand in aggregate has already plunged with the economic contraction. How quickly it rebounds depends largely on how quickly the global economy recovers.

The current global decline in fossil fuel demand is reflected in the sharp decline in oil and gas prices in world markets during 2009 as compared with 2007/2008. The 2007/2008 scenario, which saw unprecedented volatility in oil and gas prices was due to a number of complex factors including market speculation. The consensus is however that as fossil fuels are a finite resource the outlook is for prices to permanently arise above the current level but the timing of this will be dependant on the economic cycle and a future availability of supply. This fact underlines the need to promote and invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

I have regular discussions with my Ministerial colleagues on energy policy in the European Union and most recently attended the Ministerial meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which focussed on the World Energy Outlook and the urgent actions needed to ensure security of energy supply and to address the urgent challenge of climate change. EU and IEA Energy Ministers are committed to ensuring the transformation of the energy sector by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

289 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have or had over the past decade the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42033/09]

In the time available, it has not been possible to conclude an examination of the relevant legislation. Officials within my Department are continuing their examination of the position and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

290 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42048/09]

In the time available, it has not been possible to conclude an examination of the relevant records. Officials within my Department are continuing their examination of the position and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

291 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an appropriate assessment is required for the licensed recreational or commercial angling for salmonids in freshwater special areas of conservation designated under the habitats directive and as transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; the national competent or consent authority charged with drawing up such assessments; the bodies, institutions or authorities that were consulted in the process of drawing up the requirements for the assessments; the average cost and length of time for carrying out such an assessment; if the assessment template was submitted to Directorate General for the Environment in the European Commission for prior approval; if final agreement or signing off by the national parks and wildlife service was required before the assessment template was submitted to Directorate General for the Environment for approval; the breakdown of assessments that finished at the screening stage compared with those which went on to have a full assessment; the role the competent authority will have in collecting the baseline data against which projects are assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42116/09]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

292 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an appropriate assessment is required for the licensed rearing and deliberate release of salmonids, for ranching purposes, in freshwater special areas of conservation designated under the habitats directive, as transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations; the national competent or consent authority charged with drawing up such assessments; the bodies, institutions or authorities that were consulted in the process of drawing up the requirements for the assessments; the average cost and length of time for carrying out such an assessment; if the assessment template was submitted to the Directorate General for the Environment in the European Commission for prior approval; if final agreement or signing off by the national parks and wildlife service was required before the assessment template was submitted to Directorate General for the Environment for approval; the breakdown of assessments that finished at the screening stage compared with those which went on to have a full assessment; the role the competent authority will have in collecting the baseline data against which projects are assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42117/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.

Under the National Salmon Commission and Standing Scientific Committee (Terms of Reference and Procedure) Order 2006, (SI 483 2006), the Standing Scientific Committee (SSC) is tasked to provide the Minister with any appropriate assessment of salmon stocks for special areas of conservation and for all fishery districts prepared by the SSC for purposes of Regulation 31 of the European Communities (National Habitat) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997). These latter Regulations give effect to Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive).

The SSC, which comprises scientific advisers drawn from the Marine Institute, Central Fisheries Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Loughs Agency, the Agriculture, Food and Biosciences Institute for Northern Ireland and the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), carries out an annual assessment and the Minister publishes their report on the Status of Irish Salmon Stocks and Precautionary Catch Advice. The Directorate General for the Environment of the EU Commission has accepted the reports of the SSC as an appropriate assessment of wild salmon stocks.

The cost of the annual assessment is largely borne by the Fisheries Boards and the Marine Institute but not separately identified from fishery management budgets of which it is an integral part. The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards are responsible for reporting on the status of specific fish species and special areas for their protection identified in the Habitats Directive through the National Parks and Wildlife Services of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The licensing of salmon rearing for aquaculture is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Energy Conservation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

293 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the guidelines for the home insulation grant; if 100% of a house cannot be completed, whether a dwelling would meet the grant guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42290/09]

The Government's Home Energy Saving Scheme, which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), provides grant assistance to homeowners for retro-fit energy efficiency measures such as attic and wall insulation, very high- efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. While a householder is free to choose which measures to install in his or her home, the householder must undertake works attracting grant payments of at least €500, not including the BER grant. The scheme, which is open to all householders in homes built before 2006, is stimulating the upgrade of a significant number of homes to the optimum standard achievable and to date almost 31,000 households have been grant approved.

All works carried out under the scheme are underpinned by a comprehensive Technical Specification and Code of Practice for contractors which ensure that works undertaken represent best value for each homeowner's investment and also best value for all public monies expended. In particular, contractors must ensure that, in the case of insulation, an optimal whole-surface solution is provided where physically and economically feasible e.g. this comprises internal or external insulation of all walls exposed; and in the case of roof insulation that this comprises insulation of the whole surface of the ceiling/roof-space as appropriate. All grant applicants are required to use a Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) registered contractor and in applying accept that their application relates to works which are economically and physically practicable and which will secure the optimal energy efficiency improvements to its home.

Partial works are only accepted in very exceptional circumstances e.g. where it is not physically possible to provide complete roof insulation coverage due to small inaccessible areas of the roof, or where a home may require significant additional modifications over what would normally be expected and that such modifications would make the initial investment inappropriate compared to the benefit the homeowner will get out of the investment. Where only part-home coverage is achieved, this must be detailed in the Declaration of Works (grant request) and the contractor must inform the customer that this may impact on their ability to draw down support from the scheme.

Taking this approach ensures that the homeowners gets best value for their money, that the Exchequer gets best leverage for its investment and with optimum works being undertaken, no further disruptive works are required at a later date.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

294 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42642/09]

The savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009 are €845,000 on an annual basis.

Departmental Investigations.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

295 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to inquire into the dioxin contamination incident of December 2008; if a formal inquiry was established; if not, the reason for same; the status of an investigation into the incident; the conclusions which have been reached; the steps which have been taken to ensure that such an incident will not recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41981/09]

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 Review Group is considering the report and recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas committee, which it received on 26th May 2009, in addition to a range of submissions from interested parties. The report will be available in the coming weeks.

In the meantime my Department, in accordance with risk assessment practice, has amended the 2009 Animal Feed Inspection Programme to:

Identify the drying of feed and grain drying operations as a higher risk category

place greater emphasis on the checking of HACCP plans of the Feed Business Operators

remind operators involved in the drying of grain and feed that only gas in particular fuels (diesel & kerosene) can be used for such drying.

The Department has also reminded feed business operators of their obligation, under the Hygiene Regulations, to take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of the feed chain.

Dealer Licences.

John McGuinness

Question:

296 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all issues relative to the renewal of a dealer licence have been resolved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if not, if he will confirm the issues outstanding; the way these may be addressed; if he will expedite a conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41994/09]

Following an inspection by my Department, the person in question has been granted approval to operate as a dealer from 29 October 2009 to 31 October 2010.

Food Safety.

Michael Creed

Question:

297 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he commissioned an analysis during 2009 of samples of chicken fillets imported during the summer of 2009; the key findings of this analysis; if he will make this report publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41997/09]

My Department had analyses conducted on samples of imported poultry this year. This was specifically in the context of the gas flushing of poultrymeat. The results of these analyses are presently being assessed and any follow-up action that is considered necessary will be taken. My Department is working in close liaison with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on this matter. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has issued guidelines on the handling of poultry (e.g. setting use-by dates) that was gas-flushed and that is opened prior to sale.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

298 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42031/09]

Other than the Veterinary Council of Ireland no other state agency under the aegis of my Department has or had power to sign statutory instruments. The Veterinary Practice Act 2005 gave power to the Veterinary Council to sign statutory instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

299 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42046/09]

No unnumbered Orders, Regulations, Rules or Bye-laws have been made by me or to my knowledge by any of my predecessors over the past 10 years.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

300 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received their headage and single payment for 2009; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42069/09]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 8 May 2009.

This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and animal identification and registration inspection. During the ground eligibility inspection, discrepancies were found in relation to parcel D23411019. As a result of this discrepancy the claimed area of 14.67ha was reduced to 14.23ha. If the total area found is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held, penalties will be applied as per the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. In this case the number of entitlements held by the person named is 15. As the difference between the area declared and the area found is more than 3%, under EU Regulations, the difference between the area found and the area claimed is doubled and deducted from the area found. As a result the area put forward for payment under the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is 13.35ha.

Also during the course of the animal identification and registration inspection non-compliance was found under Statutory Management Requirement 8A in that the flock register had not been maintained. This resulted in a cross compliance penalty of 5% being applied to 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

The person named was informed of these findings on 5 October 2009 and of his right to seek a review of this decision within 21 days and of his right to appeal the outcome of any such review. To date, no review has been sought. The person named will have the right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. The inspection is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme will issue this week with payment under the Single Payment Scheme due on 1 December.

Michael Ring

Question:

301 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive his disadvantage area scheme payment for 2009 in view of the fact they submitted their REP scheme plan in September 2009. [42088/09]

An application under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2009. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments have continued to issue, as outstanding issues are resolved. The application of the person named has now been fully processed with payment due to issue this week.

Michael Ring

Question:

302 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their forestry road grant payment. [42138/09]

I understand that payment of a forestry road grant was made to the person in question on 22 October 2009.

Michael Ring

Question:

303 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, will be awarded their REPS 4. [42139/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007– 2013 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.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

304 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [42283/09]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 28 April 2009. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and animal identification and registration inspection. The inspection is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the 70% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme has issued with the balancing payment on the Single Payment Scheme due on the 1 December 2009.

Pat Breen

Question:

305 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1044 of 6 October 2009, when the review will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42304/09]

Further to my reply to the Deputy's previous Question, I can confirm that an official of my Department was in direct contact with the person named and that the review referred to has now been concluded. The outcome is that the proposed penalties will not now apply, as the applications of the person named will be processed on the basis of the area found at inspection. A letter outlining of the outcome the review will issue shortly to the person named.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

306 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42640/09]

The decision to apply the 8% reduction in professional fees resulted in an adjustment of €3.42m on my Department's 2009 Revised Estimate. This adjustment related to professional fees payable to private veterinary practitioners engaged periodically by the Department on food safety inspections and animal health testing work. The reduction in fees for veterinary practitioners is provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Reduction in Payments to Veterinary Practitioners) Regulations 2009, (S.I. No. 216 of 2009).

Apart from the reduction in veterinary practitioner fees payable, the actual level of expenditure on such fees is dependent on the level of operational activities requiring the engagement of veterinary practitioners e.g. the number of animals sent for slaughter at meat plants, the level of disease testing in farm animals. In addition, my Department has applied the 8% reduction to professional fees across a number of other activities such as IT, financial and other professional service areas. The latest information available indicates that the saving in these areas will be in the region of €2.5 million for 2009 as a whole.

Schools Building Projects.

George Lee

Question:

307 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the conditions at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16; if he will prioritise funding to rectify these problems within the next six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42008/09]

A major capital project at 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 my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.

In the meantime, however, it is open to the school authority to apply to the Planning and Building Unit of my Department for emergency works funding for capital works of an urgent nature. Grants from this fund are available for very urgent works, primarily of a major health and safety nature, to schools that require them. My Department has not, as yet, received an application for emergency funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. My Department has recently received correspondence from the school regarding possible progression of the school hall element of the major project. My Department has responded directly to the school in this regard with a request for more detailed information on what is proposed.

School Accommodation.

George Lee

Question:

308 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used by the forward planning section of his Department to identify and prioritise areas of high population growth that require school accommodation; the use of district electoral division data collected during the census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42009/09]

The Forward Planning Section of my Department utilises the latest in GIS technology to assist in planning school requirements in the future. The Geographical Information System contains information on all schools in the country, primary and post primary level, geo-coded to their location. The information is then linked to the relevant demographic information for those areas — typically the demographic information will be from the Central Statistic's Office Census data, the General Registrar of Births, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, An Post's Geo-directory and information supplied by Local Authorities through Development Plans. Growth projection figures are applied to the existing population with a view to assessing future requirements and areas of highest growth at primary and post-primary level.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

309 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the State agencies under the remit of his Department which have, or had over the past decade, the power to sign statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42036/09]

Agencies under the aegis of my Department do not have the power to sign statutory instruments currently nor have they had such power over the past decade.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

310 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a list of all unnumbered statutory instruments signed by him or his predecessors over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42051/09]

There are no unnumbered statutory instruments in the name of the Minister for Education and Science during the period in question. All statutory instruments made by myself and my predecessors have been numbered in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947.

Higher Education Courses.

Michael Fitzpatrick

Question:

311 Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Science the initiatives that are being proposed to match labour market needs with skills training; the tools which are being proposed to be used to anticipate labour market needs and to predict which skills will be needed here for the future. [42070/09]

Higher education institutions as a standard practice engage with employers in the review and development of higher education programmes. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) advises the Government on current and future skills needs and on other labour market issues that impact on Ireland's enterprise and employment growth. The Group brings together industry, academia and State agencies in identifying the overall skills requirements in the economy. The research and reports of the EGFSN also provide a valuable input to the development and amendment of course curricula

In addition, since the beginning of the year almost 6,000 additional places have been provided on flexible higher education courses and Post Leaving Certificate courses specifically to address the upskilling needs of people who have lost their jobs. This includes 2,500 places on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas that have been identified by the EGFSN as being relevant to the skills needs of the enterprise sector and to the needs of the Smart Economy.

Schools Patronage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

312 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of his talks with the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church concerning the transferring of Catholic schools to alternative patronage models; if he has received an indication of the schools which would be likely to be transferred; if a national forum on patronage would be a useful step forward in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42073/09]

In recent talks between my Department and the Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church there was a wide-ranging and constructive discussion about the different issues that may arise in planning for the future development of provision for primary education.

The Catholic School Patrons and my Department agreed that it was essential to engage in planning for change in a way that takes account of demographics, settlement patterns and a diversity of provision to accommodate parental choice. In the context of increasing diversity of provision, it was agreed that the next step would be for my Department to use its databases and other information to identify some locations where an implementation framework could be developed in consultation with all stakeholders.

While I would not rule out the possibility of holding a further forum on school patronage in the future, I believe that considerable further thought must be given to the timing and format of such an event. There will be ongoing contact between my Department and the Catholic School Patrons to progress this work.

Capitation Grants.

James Bannon

Question:

313 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the accusations of discrimination against minority religions in cutbacks of capitation grants and the pupil-teacher ratio, which continues to deteriorate, and whether he will stand over these discriminatory actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42076/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

317 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will restore the previously agreed classification, as it was before in October 2008, for Protestant voluntary secondary schools in the free scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42135/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 317 together.

I wish to reassure the Deputies that I, along with my colleagues in Government, recognise the importance of ensuring that students from a Protestant background can attend a school that reflects their denominational ethos. I have emphasised that the Government decided to continue to provide the Block Grant, which was increased this year and amounted to €6.5 million. It is targeted as a support to individual pupils to enable them to attend Protestant schools. I have made clear that I am prepared to work with the Protestant fee-charging schools to identify particular problems and issues that may be arising in some of their schools, or in respect of some students in their schools, and to examine how these might be addressed in a manner consistent with the Constitution.

In this regard I have met with Protestant educational representatives, including the Church of Ireland Board of Education; Monaghan Collegiate School; the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and the Committee on Management for Protestant Schools. In addition, my officials have also met with the Secondary Education Committee. I have explained that a simple reversal of the measures taken in Budget 2008 applicable to all Protestant fee-charging schools and determined solely on a denominational criterion was not legally possible. I believe that engagement between my officials and representatives of the Protestant schools is the best way to seek to resolve the issues that are of concern.

Proposed Legislation.

Mary Wallace

Question:

314 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the Student Support Bill 2008; if this legislation was debated on Second Stage in the timeframe to bring same to Committee Stage; and if he would make a statement on the matter. [42085/09]

The Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments to the 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 the current financial situation may necessitate retention of the existing administrative structures in the immediate term, I am assessing organisational options for the grants administration function in the longer run, with a view to streamlining operations and achieving more effective administrative efficiencies.

Possible options for a more significant aggregation of functions are now being explored in the context of budgetary considerations and the Government's overall programme of public service reform. These developments also require consideration of a complex set of legal options in relation to further amendment of the Bill and my Department is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to explore the issues 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 as soon as possible.

Teaching Qualifications.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

315 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the postgraduate diploma in primary school teaching will proceed in February 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42099/09]

The postgraduate diploma in primary education is currently provided by four state-funded Colleges of Education. The issue of providing such courses in the coming year is currently being considered in the context of likely demands in the system and the resources available. A decision on the matter will be communicated to the relevant colleges as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe Carey

Question:

316 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to correspondence from a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42101/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding for an extension including ancillary accommodation. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 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 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.

In the meantime, the school was recently approved for funding for the provision of additional accommodation for one Mainstream Classroom. The Department has recently received a letter from the school and will be in contact with the school authorities shortly in this regard.

Question No. 317 answered with Question No. 313.

School Accommodation.

James Bannon

Question:

318 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new school building at a school (details supplied) in County Longford, which was given the go-ahead in 2006, will be constructed in view of the recent engineer’s report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42143/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that plans are well in train to re-locate the school to which he refers to alternative and more suitable accommodation. The Planning and Building Unit of my Department is working closely with the school authority to ensure that the transfer to this accommodation is as smooth as possible.

With regard to the school's application for a new building, this, in common with all such applications, has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project in question, are now available on my 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 initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Schools Parking Facilities.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

319 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are any laws, regulations, or guidelines on the use of space in primary school grounds for staff parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42157/09]

In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children, staff and others in their care, including traffic management measures within the vested area of the school site. My Department is prepared to consider applications from school authorities for grant-aid towards improving safety arrangements, including car parking, at individual schools. Guidelines are in place for parking facilities in respect of new school buildings and major extensions and my Department also meets the requirements of relevant Local Authorities in the matter. In the case of existing schools the provision of adequate on-site parking may be compromised by site issues.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

320 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and address of new schools that were built in County Kerry since January 1998 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42160/09]

The following eleven new schools were constructed in County Kerry since 1998. Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk, Tralee; Mean Scoil Nua an Leith Triuigh, Castlegregory; Coláiste na Sceilge, Caherciveen; Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine, Kenmare; Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore; Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Bóthar an Spá, An Daingean; Rathmore National School, Rathmore; Aghacasla National School, Cloghane, Tralee; Tulloha National School, Kenmare; Knockaderry National School, Farranfore; Gaelscoil Faithleann, Killarney.

Grangegorman Development Agency.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

321 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date in 2009 regarding the strategic plan for Grangegorman, Dublin 7. [42293/09]

The Grangegorman Development Agency was established under Section 8 of the Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005. The general aim of the Agency is to oversee the development of the lands at Grangegorman on behalf of the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children, Dublin Institute of Technology and the Health Services Executive. Section 12 of the Act provides that the Agency following its establishment must prepare a Strategic plan consisting of a written statement and a plan indicating the objectives for the development of the Grangegorman site, including the setting of a budget for the strategic plan subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Science together with a strategy for its delivery within the set budget. The draft Strategic plan and budget was received by my Department in 2009 and I intend bringing proposals on this plan to Government for consideration as soon as possible.

Schools Amalgamation.

John Deasy

Question:

322 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school for the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Waterford; the process of tendering involved; the estimated time scale for such a process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42310/09]

The new post primary school project for Tramore, Co Waterford, to replace the 2 schools referred to by the Deputy is one of the eight schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being prepared and outline planning applications have been submitted to the relevant local authority for all eight schools. On successful completion of this process, it is my intention that the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement. The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

323 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the savings to date in 2009 yielded from the 8% reduction in professional fees introduced in February 2009; the savings he expects to be made as a result of this 8% reduction in 2009 as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42645/09]

The information sought by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department. The Department is currently in the process of compiling the information for the Deputy and it will be forwarded as soon as possible.

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