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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Dec 2009

Vol. 698 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 8 to 27, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 28 to 34, inclusive, answered orally.

EU Treaties.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

35 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the report on the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty provisions on the enhanced role for national parliaments of the joint committees on European affairs and European scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46840/09]

I welcome this report which contains a series of recommendations designed to enable the Houses to exercise their new powers under the Lisbon Treaty. I was happy to support the motion approved last week by this House which gives effect to a number of these recommendations. I am glad that arrangements are now in place which correspond to the powers laid out in S. 7 of the European Union Act 2009, the Act that brings the Lisbon Treaty into our domestic law. These cover Oireachtas interventions on grounds of breach of subsidiarity and in some limited areas of Treaty revision.

I fully appreciate that these are interim arrangements which will apply until the summer recess. During the intervening period, I understand the two Joint Committees intend to conduct a comprehensive consultation on the future role of the Houses of the Oireachtas in EU affairs and the permanent structures which should be put in place to enable the Oireachtas to engage more effectively on EU affairs. I note that the Committees intend to consult widely with key stakeholders, including the Government, as part of that review process. I welcome this initiative and I would be happy to participate in these consultations in due course.

I do not wish in any way to pre-empt the Committees' review process but, as members of this House will be aware, prior to each Council meeting I attend before the Joint Committee on European Affairs where we have had a number of useful conversations on the role of the Oireachtas generally in EU affairs. At a recent such meeting, I told the Committee that Ireland needs to develop a more strategic engagement with the EU in the months and years ahead. That will involve an intensification of engagement with our EU partners on a range of issues such as climate change, energy security and the global economy. The Oireachtas has an important part to play here and I hope the forthcoming review by the Joint Committees will lead to structures and arrangements which facilitate that role. It is not for me to prescribe any particular approach as to how the Oireachtas should engage with the EU from here onwards: that is a matter for the Oireachtas to judge. However, the particular arrangements proposed in this Report by the Joint Committees for dealing with the subsidiarity issue appear sensible to me and I support them.

As the Oireachtas undertakes its new role in EU matters in the coming months, my Department, in its coordinating role on EU matters, is ready to offer full cooperation and assistance to the Oireachtas and its European committees. The Department has already been in contact with all other Departments to ensure that every assistance is given to the Oireachtas in meeting the tight timelines for its new subsidiarity powers, as set out at Recommendation no. 5 of the Report. I am convinced that the effective exercise by the Oireachtas of its new role under the Lisbon Treaty will be an important contribution to the good functioning of the Union and to spreading a wider and more informed awareness in Ireland of EU developments and their relevance to us.

Seabed Sovereignty.

Billy Timmins

Question:

36 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the changes that have been made to the seabed sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46824/09]

The United Nations Law of the Sea Convention permits each state with a coast to claim a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles from its coastline, subject to the right of neighbouring coastal states. Beyond the 200 mile limit, continental shelf rights may be claimed only in accordance with rules set out in the Convention. Ireland claims continental shelf extending beyond the standard 200 nautical mile entitlement both to the west and to the south of the country. The Convention requires that 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 by the four countries.

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 Denmark/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. The Convention rules required that Ireland lodge its claim with the Commission by May of this year and this was done 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.

Human Rights Issues.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

37 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on plans for a reported general election in Sri Lanka in January 2010; if the European Union proposes to send observers for this election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46859/09]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

67 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on ongoing concerns surrounding the welfare of internally displaced persons being held in camps in the north of Sri Lanka, mainly in the Vavuniya area. [46860/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

76 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the need for an inclusive reconciliation and peace process to be initiated in Sri Lanka and the assistance the United Nations and other international bodies will be able to offer. [46861/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 67 and 76 together.

President Rajapakse has announced that elections will be held on 26 January 2010, two years ahead of schedule. Candidatures are being accepted up until 17 December. At the moment, the front-runners are considered to be President Rajapakse himself and former General and Chief of Staff, Saratha Fonseca, who played a major role in the defeat of the LTTE. President Rajapakse has given as one of his main reasons for bringing forward the date of the elections his wish to provide the Tamils in the north of the country with an opportunity to exercise their right to vote and to elect candidates to represent them. While this is indeed a desirable objective, there are likely to be considerable logistical challenges arising from the decision to mount an election campaign at this time.

Up until recently, over 280,000 Tamils in the north of the country were being held in camps under very poor conditions. Although around 130,000 have recently been released, many are returning to villages where their homes have been destroyed or to nearby areas where facilities are very limited and arrangements for their return are chaotic. In view of the serious humanitarian crisis in the affected areas, Irish Aid has provided funding of €308,000 for emergency response through NGO partners, to include 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 was deployed to Sri Lanka to assist in the emergency response effort of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The Government will continue to monitor closely the humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and the possible provision of additional emergency funding is being kept under review.

Conducting voter registration and the rest of the electoral process in such an environment is clearly problematic. In such a difficult environment, and with such a short time-frame, it will be very difficult for potential candidates in the Tamil north to mount campaigns and communicate with the voters. Despite these issues, the elections are going ahead and their outcome will have important consequences for the all the people of Sri Lanka. However difficult the circumstances may be, the elections present an opportunity to begin the process of overcoming the divisions of the past and moving on to genuine reconciliation. It is vital that this opportunity is seized by all involved in the election. The election will have to be followed by the initiation of a genuine process of dialogue and reconciliation with a view to securing sustainable peace for all the people of the island. Such a process should involve the UN and others in the international community. Without reconciliation there can be no return to long-term security or prosperity for Sri Lanka.

Given the short notice of the forthcoming elections, the European Commission has indicated that it is not in a position to deploy an EU election observation mission on this occasion. Had such a mission been organised, Ireland would have been prepared to make a contribution. As regards the current situation in relation to the internally displaced people in the Vavuniya region, the release last week of 130,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is indeed welcome, given the conditions in which they were living and the human rights abuses which were reported. The exact number of those remaining in camps is not known but is estimated to be in the range of 100,000. Greater freedom of movement for these people has been promised and the authorities have stated their intention to release all detainees and close the camps by 31 January 2010.

Concerns remain, however, not only about those who remain in the camps, but also regarding the welfare of those who have been released. The Army has cleared most of the conflict zone area of mines, but many of the returnees' homes have been destroyed and they are homeless. As access by non-governmental organisations to the north and east of the country remains very restricted, their ability to help with the resettlement of the IDPs is limited, and reporting on what is happening with regard to the returnees is slim. I call on the Sri Lankan authorities to allow the relevant NGOs free access to all areas and all displaced persons in need of assistance. The EU is monitoring the situation as closely as it can. We would like to step up our dialogue with the Sri Lankan Government in order to convey more clearly our concerns and expectations and to discuss ways in which the EU can support reconstruction and reconciliation.

Foreign Conflicts.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

38 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give an update on the situation in Honduras. [46856/09]

On 29 November, Presidential elections took place in Honduras. The centre-right National Party candidate, Porfirio Lobo, was declared the winner with approximately 55% of the vote and will take office on 17 January. These elections took place against the backdrop of the ongoing military coup, which saw President Manuel Zelaya forcibly transported to Costa Rica on 28 June and Roberto Micheletti declared interim President. Efforts to resolve the situation were led by the Organisation of American States (OAS). Since the beginning of this crisis, the EU has firmly and publicly supported these mediation efforts and has called repeatedly for a peaceful negotiated solution.

A settlement was finally reached when, on 30 October 2009, the Tegucigalpa-San José Accord was signed. Regrettably, this Accord has not been fully implemented. In addition, the elections took place under abnormal circumstances given that President Zelaya was unable to leave the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, where he has been seeking refuge since 21 September and given that there were restrictions on freedom of expression, including in the media and freedom of assembly.

However, it must be noted that the elections were a significant step forward in solving the crisis in Honduras. It has been reported that President-elect Lobo has called for national reconciliation and has started work on the formation of a Government of National Unity and the formation of a Verification Commission, as set out in the Tegucigalpa-San José Accord. It has also been reported that the Dominican Republic is seeking to bring President Zelaya and President-elect Lobo together for discussions on how to resolve the crisis. I would welcome any action which seeks to re-establish constitutional and democratic order in Honduras. Ireland and the EU remain firmly committed to a solution brokered by Honduras' neighbouring states and which fully respects the rule of law, good governance and human rights.

Overseas Development Aid.

David Stanton

Question:

39 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas development aid budget for 2010 being spent on the three priority areas identified by the hunger task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46647/09]

Bernard Allen

Question:

78 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for implementing the recommendations of the hunger task force in 2010 and subsequent years; the proportion of the 2010 overseas development aid budget being directed at implementing the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46646/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 78 together.

The Government is committed to giving effect to the recommendations of the Report of the Hunger Task Force, which it commissioned and which was launched by the Taoiseach at the United Nations in New York in September 2008 in the presence of the UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon. In particular, we are concentrating on the three specific thematic areas identified in the report, namely:

Supporting smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa;

Targeting maternal and infant under-nutrition; and

Promoting greater international leadership and action in tackling global hunger.

By addressing these three priorities I am confident that we will make an effective contribution to reducing world hunger, and I am very happy to report that we are making good progress in this respect.

We are currently allocating significant resources to the fight against global hunger by supporting programmes and projects which directly or indirectly address hunger reduction. In particular, we have undertaken to direct up to 20 percent of our Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) spending to hunger-related actions by the end of 2012, and we are well on track to meeting this target, even in the current challenging budgetary situation. A reorientation of the aid programme is underway and will continue in the years ahead as we focus increasingly on hunger reduction and associated sectors across our aid programme and as we appraise programmes through a "hunger lens". We will of course ensure that our hunger actions are well coordinated with other key priorities such as the fight against HIV/AIDS and the promotion of good governance and access to education and health.

A Hunger Unit is established within the Department and has been tasked with the coordination of Irish Aid's response to the key recommendations of the Task Force. In addition, the Special Envoy for Hunger, Mr. Kevin Farrell, is reviewing Irish Aid programming and advising on how Irish-funded programmes can achieve their full potential in reducing hunger. We are determined to make a difference on the ground in reducing hunger and we continue to advocate for sustained action by the international community to eradicate this scourge once and for all.

Global Irish Economic Forum.

Billy Timmins

Question:

40 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the composition of the new Global Irish Network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46825/09]

One of the main objectives of the Global Irish Economic Forum was 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 key recommendation of the subsequent Report of the Forum, published by the Government on 13 October, was the establishment of a new Global Irish Network. This initiative will formalise the relationship that developed at the Forum among those highly influential figures who attended and who now feel that they have a stake in delivering renewed economic growth in Ireland. The Network will also provide the means of further developing the strategic engagement of the global Irish community with affairs in Ireland while simultaneously giving greater focus to our economic and cultural work abroad. Furthermore, I am confident that the Network will serve to maintain the positive momentum that was generated at Farmleigh.

The Network will, in the first instance, be composed of those who were invited to attend the discussion at Farmleigh. In addition, I have requested that each of our bilateral Missions abroad propose additional members of the Diaspora, or individuals with a strong affinity to Ireland, that would also be suitable for inclusion in the Network. The focus remains on those individuals with strong experience in the business sector. This process is still ongoing and the final composition of the Network has yet to be decided. I expect to be in a position to make a public announcement on its formation in early 2010.

More broadly, I am pleased with the significant progress already achieved in taking forward the work begun at Farmleigh. The Government has established a new inter-Departmental Committee, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Taoiseach, to consider the proposals and monitor progress across Departments. The Committee has begun its work and will report to Government early in the New Year. One of the main themes to emerge from the attendees was the importance of Irish Culture to the image of this country abroad. I was therefore pleased to announce on 7 December that funding of €2.3million is being provided by my Department for a new landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York as a key outcome of the Forum. I have also recently allocated $250,000 to support the work of the Irish Technology Leadership Group in California and the establishment of an Irish innovation centre there — two specific recommendations that emerged from the Forum.

Other ideas which are being actively progressed include: the Gateway Ireland portal, which would serve as a key online focus for promoting Ireland abroad and engaging with our global community; an expanded educational exchange and scholarship programmes to increase engagement with younger generations; and an overseas graduate placement programme. I am aware that a number of other Departments are also taking forward initiatives suggested at Farmleigh. I am similarly encouraged by the fact that significant work has already been undertaken by participants themselves on a number of projects that are more suitably advanced by the private sector.

Nuclear Proliferation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

41 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views regarding Iran’s nuclear plans; if he supports the proposal for United Nations sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46812/09]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

52 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent announcement by the Iranian Government that it intends to build ten new uranium enrichment plants; the response of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46857/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

269 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding discussions between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Iranian Government. [47176/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 52 and 269 together.

I am deeply concerned by the Iranian Government's announcement on 29 November that it intends to build ten new uranium enrichment plants, in a major extension of Iran's nuclear programme. This is especially disappointing given the high level of engagement on the part of the E3+3, the EU generally and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in efforts to achieve a resolution of the long-standing nuclear dispute with Iran. The substantive talks in Geneva on 1 October and the subsequent IAEA inspection of the newly revealed facility at Qom raised hopes that progress was possible. An interim deal, which would have involved the transportation of Iranian low-enriched uranium to Russia and France for necessary refinement before being returned to Iran for medical use in an IAEA-approved facility, seemed close to agreement. It is greatly to be regretted that Iran seems to have backed away from its initial readiness for such an agreement and that it has instead consciously chosen to signal its intransigence with this new announcement.

It is important to recall that Iran has no nuclear power station, either existing or in development, in which to use the uranium it is already enriching. It is therefore very difficult to see how ten further enrichment plants can be part of a civilian power programme. The secrecy with which the second plant at Qom was constructed has also heightened fears about Iran's intentions, especially among Iran's Gulf neighbours.

These concerns are shared by the Board of Governors of the IAEA, who passed a resolution strongly criticising Iran on 27 November. The resolution urged Iran to comply fully and without delay with its obligations. The resolution also noted that Iran had constructed an enrichment facility at Qom in breach of its obligation to suspend all enrichment-related activities, and that its failure to notify the Agency of the new facility until September 2009 was inconsistent with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement. Any attempt by Iran to build more uranium enrichment plants would clearly be a further breach of existing UN Security Council Resolutions calling on Iran to halt all its enrichment activities.

The EU has been actively engaged with the Iranian authorities since 2004 in trying to reach a satisfactory resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue. This EU commitment was repeated in the Declaration on Iran which was issued by the European Council last week. An intrinsic element of this approach has been the need to introduce progressively stronger measures which might persuade Iran to reconsider its position. This need is reinforced by the continuing refusal of Iran to comply with its obligations under both IAEA and UN Security Council Resolutions and by the current stalemate in the negotiations. Consistent with this dual-track approach, the Council Declaration stated that the Union would support action by the UN Security Council if Iran continues to ignore its obligations.

In line with our consistent support for the efforts of the E3+3, Ireland has always made clear that, in the event of continuing non-compliance by Iran, we could contemplate the adoption of further restrictive measures against Iran. Our strong preference would be for this to be agreed at UN level. If this cannot be achieved, we would be ready to support EU action. The priority for Ireland and our EU partners remains that of achieving through diplomatic negotiations a lasting and stable solution to this most sensitive of current international issues, one which also impacts significantly on the wider Middle East region.

International Relations.

Damien English

Question:

42 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the composition and role of the Ireland-US Leadership Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46822/09]

The establishment of the Irish American Leadership Council is one of the central recommendations of the Ireland-U.S. Strategic Review, which was launched by the Taoiseach in March. The Irish-U.S. relationship is of enormous importance and benefit to both countries. The Taoiseach believed that we needed to take a fresh look at how we are managing our relationship with the US and our community here. The Review was also written against a backdrop of emerging grave economic challenges.

The Government recognises that we have a very special relationship with the US and that we need to give it priority and special attention. The Review was conscious of the success in the NI peace process and the opportunity this gives us to build a new platform for the future. It also focused heavily on the economic, cultural and educational aspects of our relationship and how we can develop these even further. The Government is very supportive of the recommendations contained in the Review and we are moving to implement them. To that end, I recently chaired the inaugural meeting of the Ireland-US Leadership Council during my visit to the United States in October.

I chaired the inaugural meeting of the Irish-American Leadership Council in New York on 16 October 2009. Some 29 organisations in total attended the meeting, including representatives from business, community and culture who travelled from Washington DC, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia as well as others based in New York. I have placed a list of the organisations represented at that first meeting in the Dáil library, for the information of Deputies. It is intended that the Council will be a point for collective consultation and advice for the Government across a wide spectrum of issues of interest to the Irish American community and the Government. We discussed the importance of engaging with the new generation of Irish Americans and indeed, with Irish citizens who have more recently located to the U.S.

At that first meeting of the Council, I briefed the Council on the discussions that had taken place at the Global Irish Economic Forum, which took place at Farmleigh the previous month. We identified the promotion of education and culture as measures which would assist in the development of economic growth. I also took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant role played by the United States in the Northern Ireland peace process and urged continued support for efforts aimed at developing long-term reconciliation between the two communities.

Overseas Development Aid.

Tom Hayes

Question:

43 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans in respect of overseas aid funding for each of the core programme countries in 2010 and subsequent years; his views on guaranteeing 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. [46644/09]

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. The development objectives for each of the Programme Countries are outlined in agreed country strategy papers, typically covering a period of five years. In recent years, Ireland and other donors have moved towards a more programmatic approach to aid, aligned with the national planning of partner countries. Priorities and strategies for engagement are based on the particular circumstances in each country, and on Ireland's strong overarching focus on the fight against global poverty and hunger.

Within this overall context, our development priorities concentrate on basic needs, including those in the key social sectors of health and education, and in the fight against HIV and AIDS. We also focus on the productive sectors, including rural development, the private sector and support for livelihoods. The aid programme places a particular emphasis on building democracy and good governance, and on promoting respect for human rights. This year, the Government has provided €198 million in funding for the programme budgets for our priority countries. Additional funding is channelled to the Programme Countries through Irish Aid funding for the activities and programmes of Non-Governmental Organisations, through our contributions to multilateral agencies, and in response to emergencies and humanitarian disasters, as necessary.

The Government will provide a total of €671 million for Official Development Assistance in 2010. On current projections, this will represent 0.52% of GNP, maintaining the level we expect to achieve for 2009. Decisions on the overall allocations to each of the nine programme countries have not yet been finalised. Through our Embassies, we are engaging in dialogue with our partners on the most effective way to deliver our programmes in 2010 in line with the priorities already agreed with them. The people of Ireland can be proud that, despite the enormous economic difficulties over the past year, we are delivering an internationally recognised aid programme which is sharply focused on the reduction of extreme poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries, especially in Africa. I can assure the House that the standards achieved by the programme will be maintained in 2010 and subsequent years.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

44 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of overseas development aid spending spent on education in 2008 and to date in 2009; the amount budgeted for education in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46649/09]

The Government's White Paper on Irish Aid recognises that education is an important driver of poverty reduction and is the primary vehicle by which economically and socially marginalised adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty. Support to education has always been a key component of our aid programme. In 2008, Irish Aid expenditure on education amounted to over €83 million. This represents approximately 12% of total bilateral aid and is above the international donor average of just over 7%.

Our funding for education is delivered through a number of complementary channels. We support national education sector plans through the Ministries of Education in our Programme Countries. We also provide direct support to Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), missionaries working in education, multilateral agencies and global initiatives such as the Education Fast Track Initiative. The bulk of education expenditure is provided directly to Irish Aid Programme Countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Thousands of young African boys and girls are at school as a result of our aid programme. This level of expenditure reflects Ireland's commitment to the Millennium Development Goal of achieving universal primary education by 2015.

Final expenditure for 2009 is not yet available and will be reported comprehensively in the 2009 Annual Report on Irish Aid. However, based on current projections we anticipate that expenditure on education will remain at around 12% of total bilateral aid. As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot provide details of the projected allocations for 2010. These will be finalised during the planning process over the next few weeks. However I can assure the Deputy that education, especially improving the quality of learning and teaching, remains a priority for our aid programme.

Foreign Conflicts.

Alan Shatter

Question:

45 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his proposed visit to Israel has been cancelled or postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46838/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

61 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent trip to Israel during which time he was refused access to Gaza; his views on whether the ongoing blockade of Gaza is unjustified and in breach of international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46869/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, the European Union or the United Nations has been in a position to influence developments in the Middle East regarding the need to work towards a peaceful solution in Gaza; if progress has been made towards the rebuilding of structures demolished in the past; the extent to which a permanent administrative structure which might facilitate ongoing peace talks and resolution of grievances as they arise has been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46827/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

70 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the ongoing conflict in Gaza has served to exacerbate many of the pre-existing problems in the region including in the environmental sphere and related issues of sewage treatment and availability of drinking water; if these ongoing problems have been discussed recently at European Union level; if progress is being made on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46870/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

257 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he directly or through the UN or EU has engaged with the Israeli or Palestinian authorities with a view to encouraging an ongoing peace process in the Middle East; if he will report progress with particular reference to the need to establish the necessary administrative structures for continuous peace negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47132/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

272 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views, following one of the conclusions of the Goldstone report, on whether there is an immediate and urgent environmental threat to the citizens of Gaza and their Israeli neighbours from the contamination of water, pollution, and release of raw sewage into the adjoining sea; the action that the European Union and he will take to address this issue. [47179/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 61, 69, 70, 257 and 272 together.

In relation to my intended visit to Gaza, I refer Deputies to my reply to Priority Question 31 earlier today. The reasons why this visit could not go ahead is that I was refused access to Gaza, a key component of the visit. I fully intend to renew in due course my request to visit Gaza. The effect of the Israeli authorities' decision has been to postpone a visit which remains a very important priority for me.

The blockade of Gaza is unacceptable in itself but also politically counter-productive. It strengthens the position of Hamas and other militant groups, and enriches them through their control of smuggling. It does not prevent these groups from bringing in building supplies and other materials through the tunnel systems, but it prevents ordinary citizens from rebuilding their homes and businesses. Virtually no reconstruction has been possible since the conflict at the start of the year, and families are heading into winter having been unable to rebuild their homes, or even replace windows and doors. I have also spoken before in the House of the urgent environmental problems of sewage and drinking water, which are threatening a major public health crisis, and which cannot be tackled without building materials.

It is in these senses that I have described the blockade of Gaza as the collective punishment of a population of one and a half million for the unacceptable actions of a small minority in their midst in launching attacks into Israel. It is also difficult to understand why, in periods such as now when the level of such attacks has been greatly reduced or minimised, the blockade continues unchanged. I have discussed these issues regularly with my EU colleagues. The Foreign Affairs Council last week adopted detailed Conclusions on the Middle East, including clear language on Gaza and the need for an immediate and unconditional opening of the crossing points. A lasting settlement in the Middle East will not be achieved if it does not resolve the problems of Gaza. Conversely, a full resolution of the problems of both Gaza and the West Bank will only come with an agreed settlement and an end to the occupation. We must pursue and support both objectives. The Council Conclusions last week set out in detail the EU's position on these complex issues.

The idea of a permanent administrative structure or secretariat to support peace talks has been put forward before in the House. It is unlikely that any such structure would be desired or agreed between the two parties themselves. It might be that such a structure could in due course be thought useful to support the work of the Quartet, which we would indeed wish to see play a stronger role. However, I would observe that there are already special representatives or envoys of the EU, the UN, the Quartet and the USA in the field, each with supporting staff. The problem is not lack of structures but of political will, both locally and internationally, to really press through to a solution.

Overseas Development Aid.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

46 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of the budgetary implications for overseas development spending over the past 12 months, his views as to whether Ireland will honour its 0.7% target for 2012 and the effects this cut will continue to have on the world’s poorest. [46853/09]

John Deasy

Question:

60 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for overseas development aid funding in 2010 and subsequent years; his views on guaranteeing that there will be no further cuts in the overseas development aid budget in the lifetime of this Government; his further views on achieving the target of spending 0.7% of GNP on overseas development aid by 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46643/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 60 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Government has, in the Budget for 2010, provided a total allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of €671 million. €536 million will be administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, while a further estimated €135 million will come from other Government Departments and Ireland's share of the EU Development Cooperation budget. On current projections, this will represent 0.52% of GNP, thus maintaining the level that we are likely to achieve for 2009. We expect that this level will also ensure that Ireland remains one of the most generous aid donors internationally in per capita terms.

Our aim in framing the 2010 Budget was to protect the aid programme to the greatest extent possible. Against the background of the budgetary pressures facing the Government we have now stabilised our funding to the aid programme. I am sure the Deputies will welcome this development and acknowledge it as a significant achievement. This decision reflects the Government's determination, supported by the Irish people, to help those in the world who are most in need.

As the Deputies are aware, we set ourselves a target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2012 — three years ahead of the EU target date of 2015. This goal was set in very different times and economic circumstances. During the recent estimates process we carried out a rigorous assessment of our capacity to meet this target. I want to firmly state the Government remains committed to expanding the aid programme once economic conditions improve. However it is now clear that the current economic circumstances prevent us from achieving our 2012 goal.

We are now committed, in line with our fellow EU Member States, to meeting a target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2015. I think is important to point out that Ireland remains ahead of most Member States in progress towards achieving the 2015 target and that we will exceed the interim target set by the EU of spending at least 0.51% of GNP on ODA in 2010. In the current circumstances, the contribution by Irish taxpayers of €671 million to meeting the needs of the world's poorest is a reflection of the strength of our core values as a nation.

Ireland's aid programme has an enviable international reputation and is praised for its sharp focus on poverty reduction and hunger alleviation, and its concentration on the least developed countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It is recognised by our peers as one of the best in the world and is described as "cutting edge" by the OECD. Now that we have stabilised funding to the aid programme, our challenge is to ensure we continue to effectively deliver our aid programme so that our contribution to development has the maximum impact and is rigorously focused on achieving clear results for the lives of the poor and the hungry.

Foreign Conflicts.

Joe Costello

Question:

47 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding Afghanistan; his views on whether the second surge of troops is the correct course of action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46873/09]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

77 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Afghanistan in view of ongoing tensions in that country; his views on the planned general election there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46855/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

273 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding loss of life in Afghanistan; his views on the suggestion that the second surge of troops is the correct course of action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47180/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 77 and 273 together.

The situation in Afghanistan remains difficult and fragile. The security situation has deteriorated further this year, with more casualties among the international forces there since the intervention began in 2001. The Taliban have retaken some areas from which they had previously been driven out. Narcotics production and trafficking remains a serious issue. The Presidential and provincial elections held in August this year were marred by fraud and other irregularities, further undermining public confidence in the central government and its leadership. It will be of key importance that every effort is made to ensure that similar problems are not permitted to undermine the credibility of the Parliamentary Elections due to be held next year.

As indicated in this House on 18 November, it will be essential, if Afghanistan is to achieve stability, security and progress, that President Karzai and his Government begin to play a much stronger and more effective role in the leadership and governance of the country. They must also work harder to build the capacity of the Afghan people, so that they can take full responsibility for their country's security and for its reconstruction and development. They must more effectively lead reconstruction and development efforts to ensure that the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Afghans — women as well as men — are improved in a concrete manner. The international community has pledged to support Afghanistan in its efforts to achieve stability, security and prosperity and the EU is at the forefront of these efforts. The EU is currently spending close to €1 billion a year on various civilian, political and developmental activities. We ourselves have allocated almost €22 million in relief, recovery and development assistance to Afghanistan since 2005.

The European Council last week reiterated the EU's commitment to Afghanistan, endorsing the recently adopted EU Plan of Action, and confirming the EU's willingness to support President Karzai in the implementation of the commitments he set out in his inauguration speech: on security, governance and anti-corruption; economic development including agriculture, peace and reconciliation; and on regional cooperation. The Council underlined the need to maintain a comprehensive approach to the challenges in Afghanistan, building on a combination of political, civilian/development and military instruments.

The European Council also welcomed the recent announcement by President Obama of a reinforced engagement by the United States in relation to Afghanistan and Pakistan. President Obama's new strategy involves both military and civilian dimensions. He announced that 30,000 additional US troops will be deployed in early 2010, to which a number of NATO and ISAF partners have agreed to add around 7,000 more troops. The aim is to achieve significant results in improving the security situation, and to train Afghan troops to take over the protection of their own country, so that it will be possible for international troop numbers to be decreased from around mid-2011. The military strategy also involves the training of the Afghan security forces so that they can take over full responsibility for the country's security. President Obama also promised to work with the international community, the United Nations, and the Afghan people to pursue a more effective civilian strategy, so that the Afghan government can take advantage of the improved security situation; to support efforts by the Afghan government aimed at encouraging Taliban members to renounce violence and join the political and social mainstream; and to increase co-operation with Pakistan to tackle the Al Qaeda and Taliban leadership on their side of the border.

At their meeting on 4 December, Foreign Ministers from countries contributing to ISAF emphasised that the priorities of the ISAF operation were the protection of the Afghan people, building Afghan security capacity and facilitating governance and development. While I am not in a position to judge the military reasoning behind the decision taken by President Obama to deploy additional US military in Afghanistan, I very much hope that this action, together with a renewed civilian engagement, will contribute to the achievement of the ISAF objectives. To do nothing, or to ignore the realities of the security situation, are not viable or desirable options, in terms of the security of Afghanistan, or that of the international community. The international community will have an opportunity to discuss the situation in Afghanistan with the Afghan Government at the International Conference on Afghanistan, which will be held in London on 28 January and which I will be attending.

International Relations.

Shane McEntee

Question:

48 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the impact President Obama’s foreign policy has had here to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46820/09]

I have engaged with the Obama Administration over the last eleven months across a range of foreign policy issues. The Administration has taken courageous initiatives with a view to facilitating progress on key global challenges such as disarmament, non-proliferation and climate change and towards the resolution of some of the world's most intractable conflicts, such as the Middle East peace process, the Iran nuclear issue and Afghanistan. President Obama has sought through engagement and dialogue to bring fresh perspectives to bear and to unlock potential for movement. In their efforts across a broad agenda, the President and his colleagues have had the full support of the Irish Government. More widely, the Irish people have, I believe, responded very positively to the initiatives which the Obama Administration has been taking.

On 16 March last in Washington, I had the opportunity for an early meeting with the new U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. In a productive exchange of views, we discussed the Middle East, Afghanistan, the global economic downturn, and developments within the European Union. More recently, on 11 October, I was delighted to have the opportunity to welcome Secretary of State Clinton to Dublin. During that meeting, we discussed, among other issues, Afghanistan, Iran, the Middle East peace process, EU-US relations and the situation in Sudan. The Secretary of State reiterated the United States' appreciation of Ireland's resettlement of two Guantanamo detainees. We also discussed the potential for cooperation on other issues such as our joint interest in promoting global food security. I expressed my appreciation at that meeting for the Secretary of State's decision to appoint Declan Kelly as U.S. Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland earlier this year. The appointment clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Obama Administration to Ireland and to ensuring that the achievements of the past decade continue to be supported and consolidated into the future.

I believe that the policies of the Obama Administration in many fields have found a strong resonance in Ireland. Ireland and the US, under this Administration, share many common foreign policy priorities, including in the areas of development, non-proliferation, promotion of human rights and many other current global challenges. I look forward to continuing close engagement with President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and their colleagues over the coming months and years.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

49 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Northern Ireland with particular reference to the full devolution of matters regarding policing and justice. [46863/09]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

63 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the devolution of policing and criminal justice matters in Northern Ireland will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46811/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 63 together.

As indicated in my response to Question No. 101 of 18 November, 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. In this connection, my own contacts with Secretary of State Woodward, those between An Taoiseach and Prime Minister Brown, including the meeting in Downing Street on 30 November, and contacts at official level have all intensified over recent weeks with a view to assisting the parties in Northern Ireland to resolve the remaining few issues and advance the full implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements which remain the bedrock of peace and stability on these islands.

Relevant legislation to establish a devolved Department of Justice completed its passage through the Northern Ireland Assembly on 1 December and the First and deputy First Ministers have launched the process of identifying the future Minister for Justice. In addition, the significant financial package brokered by Prime Minister Brown continues to offer a secure basis for completion of the outstanding work. The two Governments remain determined in our ongoing efforts to support the early devolution of policing and justice powers and wider political progress in Northern Ireland.

Diplomatic Representation.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

50 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Papal Nuncio being the dean of the diplomatic corps while it is the case elsewhere that the longest serving ambassador fills such a position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46850/09]

Alan Shatter

Question:

245 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the need for the dean or head of the diplomatic corps to be the longest serving ambassador resident in the State; if he supports the Papal Nuncio continuing as dean or head of he diplomatic corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47016/09]

I would propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 245 together.

The position of Dean of the diplomatic corps is a ceremonial one. The Dean leads and represents the diplomatic corps on certain State occasions. The longstanding practice whereby the Papal Nuncio assumes the position of Dean of the diplomatic corps is in full accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and is followed by a majority of EU Member States, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Malta and Italy, as well as by Switzerland and many other countries around the world.

Overseas Development Aid.

Noel Coonan

Question:

51 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas development aid spent on combating HIV and AIDS in 2008 and to date in 2009; the amount budgeted for HIV and AIDS in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46648/09]

According to recent UN figures over 33 million people are living with HIV, with approximately 2.5 million becoming newly infected and over 2 million people dying of AIDS related illnesses annually. Sub-Saharan Africa, where Ireland's development work is predominantly focused, continues to be the most severely affected region in the world and is home to over 22 million people living with HIV or approximately 68 percent of the global total. AIDS remains the primary cause of death in Africa.

Ireland has an excellent international reputation for our work in the fight against HIV, which has destroyed the lives of so many millions of men, women and children. Ireland supports the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa through focussed and evidence based approaches to ensure our support reaches those most at need. These include district programmes offering HIV treatment to communities such as that in remote mountain areas of Lesotho, national programmes such as our work with the Government of Mozambique to increase the availability of antiretroviral drugs and our work with international public-private partnerships such as the Clinton Foundation. We also support cutting edge research initiatives in the areas of vaccine development and the development of new prevention tools. We invest in empowering women and girls to protect themselves against infection. Our way of working is saving lives.

In 2008 Irish Aid spent approximately €148 million on HIV and communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria which are also affected by HIV prevalence. Our expected spend in 2009 is €114 million. Despite the current challenging budgetary situation, the Government will continue to give sustained priority to combating HIV and AIDS when the Irish Aid programme allocations for 2010 are made in the coming weeks.

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 41.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

53 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent meetings he has had on North-South relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46818/09]

The formal framework for discussion of North/South issues with the Northern Ireland Executive is the North South Ministerial Council, established under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement. Together with the Taoiseach and a number of Cabinet colleagues, I most recently attended a plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Limavady on 14 December 2009. The Northern Ireland Executive delegation was led by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. This was the ninth plenary meeting of the NSMC since its establishment and came almost ten years to the day since the inaugural meeting of the Council in 1999.

We had a good discussion on the common economic challenges facing both jurisdictions, which was particularly important and timely in the aftermath of the Budget published here last week and the publication of the U.K. pre-Budget outlook on the same day. We also considered how we might save money by working more closely together. We also reviewed progress made across all the areas of co-operation in the Council since the previous plenary meeting, including in the areas of transport, health, education, environment and agriculture. A total of fourteen sectoral meetings of the NSMC had taken place in these areas since the previous plenary meeting in July. Important issues discussed at these sectoral meetings included the re-opening of the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise train service, co-operation on planning and preparedness for dealing with swine flu on the island and progress in co-operation on child protection.

The North South Ministerial Council plenary meeting also reviewed progress on a number of institutional issues including the North/South Consultative Forum, the North/South Parliamentary Forum and the Review of North/South Bodies and Areas of Co-Operation arising from the St. Andrews Agreement. A schedule of further Council meetings was agreed for the first half of 2010.

I myself met 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 the Institutional Format on 11 November in Belfast. This is the format of the NSMC which looks at cross-cutting and institutional issues, including in relation to the EU. On that occasion, we had a good discussion on the potential contribution cross-border co-operation can make in providing more effective and efficient services North and South. We also had an interesting exchange of views on EU issues of mutual interest, looking at areas where we might work together to advance our shared interests in Europe. In the context of looking at the remaining obstacles to cross-border mobility, we welcomed a plan to inform teachers about recent changes in pension arrangements for those looking to work in the other jurisdiction. With regard to the North/South Bodies, we considered the implementation of efficiency savings for 2009/2010 and 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.

Human Rights Issues.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

54 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on reports that the Ugandan Government is to proceed with anti-gay legislation; the effect this will have on Uganda’s status as one of Ireland Aid’s target countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46864/09]

Uganda is one of the nine Programme Countries where Ireland has a commitment to long term strategic assistance. An important aspect of our programme of support for Uganda is a focus on good governance and respect for human rights. I am very concerned about the implications of the Private Members Bill which was tabled in the Ugandan Parliament in October, which is described by its proponents as an "Anti-Homosexuality Bill". I have followed this issue closely and have discussed it in detail with our Ambassador to Uganda. Through our Embassy in Kampala, the Government has expressed our deep concerns about the Bill to the Government of Uganda. We have also coordinated closely with our EU partners in order to raise our concerns with the Ugandan authorities as a human rights issue. On 3 December, through the Swedish Presidency, the European Union formally raised its concerns about the draft Bill in a meeting with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Our Embassy in Kampala has also been engaging with the Uganda Human Rights Commission on issues relating to discrimination against sexual minorities. It has also sought the views of local human rights and representative groups on how the international community can most effectively support efforts to oppose such discrimination. It is important to note that neither President Museveni nor the Government of Uganda has yet taken an official position on the Private Members Bill. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will remain actively engaged with the Government of Uganda, pressing it to ensure that the Bill does not pass into law.

European Council Meetings.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

55 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the recent referendum vote in Switzerland, at which it was agreed to ban the further building of minarets, has been discussed at European Union level; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46854/09]

In a referendum held on 29 November the Swiss people voted in favour of a proposal to ban the further construction of minarets. The Swiss Government and a majority of the Swiss Parliament had opposed the ban, which does not affect the four existing minarets in Switzerland. Nor does it represent a ban on the further construction of mosques, of which there are currently some 150 in the country.

The relationship between the EU and Switzerland is governed by a series of bilateral treaties covering, inter alia, the free movement of people, justice and security. In relation to these areas Switzerland is a member of a Mixed Committee (comprising the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) which meets in the margins of Justice and Home Affairs Councils whenever issues relating to the Schengen Agreement are discussed. The outcome of the referendum was noted by Ministers in the course of a meeting of the Mixed Committee which took place in the margins of an EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels on 30 November and 1 December.

On 10 December, responding to a statement on the referendum outcome by the Swiss Delegation to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the EU said that it took note of the result of the referendum and expressed the hope that the vote would not have a negative effect on the good integration of Muslims in Switzerland and that their freedom of belief would be fully respected in line with the commitments undertaken by OSCE member countries. Ireland fully supports that statement. It is a matter now for the Swiss Government to determine how best to address the implications of the referendum result.

Human Rights Issues.

Mary Upton

Question:

56 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details in the case of a person (details supplied) who has been given permission to return to their home at Layoune but whose passage was subsequently blocked by Moroccan authorities. [46871/09]

Mary Upton

Question:

65 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the plight of the people of Western Sahara; if he has had contact with the Moroccan Ambassador to explain his view on the topic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46872/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 65 together.

I am aware of the case of Ms. Arminatou Haidar, a human rights activist from Western Sahara who has been on hunger strike at Lanzarote Airport in the Canary Islands since mid-November. I understand that Ms. Haidar was returned against her will to Spain after she landed at Laayoune Airport on 14 November and was denied access to Morocco, having refused to state her nationality as Moroccan on her landing card. Although not a Spanish national, Ms. Haidar does have Spanish residency but is understandably concerned that any decision on her part to remain in Spain would prohibit her return to her family in Western Sahara.

There are obvious concerns about Ms. Haidar's health as she has now been on hunger strike for several weeks and has refused medical care from the Spanish authorities. Along with our EU partners, we are closely following the case and our Embassy in Lisbon (which is accredited to Morocco) is also maintaining contact with EU missions resident in Rabat. The Government has also been in contact with the Moroccan Ambassador on this issue. I have written to the Ambassador regarding the concern which exists about Ms. Haidar's health and well-being and to encourage the Moroccan Government to take speedy steps to alleviate and resolve the situation.

I remain very concerned about the plight of the people of Western Sahara as a whole and spoke on this issue at a conference organised by Ethical Development Action in Cork last April. Ireland continues to support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara as well as the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in Western Sahara based on the principle of self-determination. UN Secretary General Ban's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, is continuing his efforts to convene a fifth round of direct negotiations between the two sides, following the last such discussions held in March 2008 in Manhasset, New York. An informal meeting to discuss the prospects for resuming direct negotiations was held in Duernstein, Austria, last August but without any date for convening the fifth round of direct negotiations being set.

The Government regularly communicates its views on the situation in Western Sahara to the Moroccan authorities, including through the Moroccan Ambassador here in Dublin. We also raise issues related to human rights and to the importance of safeguarding freedom of movement and of expression for human rights defenders in both Morocco and Western Sahara.. These issues are also raised at EU level within the framework of the EU-Morocco dialogue. The most recent Association Council with Morocco took place last week, in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The EU used this occasion to convey its concerns over the situation of Western Sahara as well as the need to safeguard the rights of both Moroccan and Saharawi human rights defenders were raised.

Foreign Conflicts.

Willie Penrose

Question:

57 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding Darfur. [46868/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

271 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the humanitarian position and progress being made on eliminating the conflicts that are taking a toll on civilian life in Darfur. [47178/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 271 together.

The persistence of the conflict in Darfur, albeit at a lower level than the intense violence of 2003-2004, and the ongoing suffering of the people in the region is matter of grave concern. In March of this year, we became seriously concerned for the humanitarian situation after the Sudanese Government expelled thirteen international aid organisations from Darfur in protest against the ICC arrest warrant against President Bashir. The thirteen agencies concerned accounted for 40% of all aid in Sudan. Thankfully, the initial fears for a sharp deterioration in conditions did not materialise as concerted efforts by the international and Sudanese authorities, including a number of Arab and Islamic relief organisations, managed to fill the gaps and limit the disruption to aid delivery. Nevertheless, operating conditions remain very difficult and the security situation in particular remains critical with several incidents of kidnappings, banditry and inter-ethnic fighting. The Deputy will recall that two workers for the Irish aid agency Goal were held captive for over 100 days by an armed gang in Darfur until their safe release on 18 October.

International efforts to bring an end to the conflict are being led by the joint AU-UN chief mediator, Djibril Bassole, whose work Ireland fully supports. The "Agreement of Good Will and Confidence Building" was signed in Doha in February by the Sudanese Government and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebel group. Progress in the peace talks since then, however, has been disappointingly slow. Neither the Sudanese government nor rebel representatives took part in the most recent round of talks in Doha last month. Efforts to bring all parties to the negotiations are ongoing and will depend in part on the ability to unify the numerous splintered rebel movements around the two historical rebel movements, the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the JEM.

Other initiatives include the AU High Level Panel on Darfur, under the chairmanship of former South African President Thabo Mbeki, which last October released its report with recommendations for promoting accountability for grave international crimes committed in Darfur, one of which included the creation of a hybrid court for trying cases within Sudan. I look forward to further consideration at EU level of these recommendations. I would in the meantime stress that any hybrid court, would not, in Ireland's view, be a replacement for ICC cases.

Ireland has played an important role in the international response to the humanitarian situation in Darfur and other vulnerable areas in Sudan, providing €27.6million in humanitarian funding since 2007 for a range of programmes in areas such as education, primary health care, water & sanitation facilities, capacity building and rural livelihoods. Ireland and the EU have also been well served by Special Representative Torben Brylle who has played a very active role in efforts to bring peace to the region.

The outlook for Darfur is very dependent on the broader north-south Sudanese peace process, in particular the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which Ireland and the EU fully support. Progress on the CPA is now at a crucial juncture as the country prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections next April and a referendum on southern secession in 2011. Recent months have given grounds for some optimism in this regard, thanks in part to the mediation efforts of the US and the ruling on the Abyei region in The Hague. Significant political challenges remain, however, including the worsening humanitarian situation and fiscal crisis in the South as well as ongoing disputes over the conduct of the election and referendum preparations. The international community's efforts in the coming months will be focussed on preventing these difficulties from escalating into a destabilisation of Sudan, including of course Darfur, and the wider region with serious humanitarian consequences.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

58 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the situation in Iraq regarding the loss of life and injuries sustained in the bombing of government buildings in Baghdad as well as a reported figure of over 1,000 persons killed, or injured, during a bombing campaign in August and September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46865/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

62 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made towards the holding of proposed elections in Iraq in early 2010 in view of ongoing atrocities being committed in the country; the progress being made on the updating of electoral law in certain areas of the country in order to accurately reflect the ethnic make-up of various regions. [46866/09]

Willie Penrose

Question:

75 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the holding of a general election in Iraq in 2010 will have a successful outcome in view of the ongoing atrocities committed in that country; if nascent civil society will survive tragedies of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46867/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 62 and 75 together.

I strongly condemn the bombings and violence in Baghdad last week which resulted in an estimated 127 people being killed and some 450 injured. This violence represents a clear attempt to create further instability and undo the slow, if discernible, progress towards establishing improved security and strengthening the democratic system which has been evident in Iraq in recent months.

Last week's violence in Baghdad, following similar bombings of government buildings in August and October, clearly represent a response to the determined efforts of the Iraqi government, parties and people to re-build their country and democratic institutions. It was no coincidence that just two days previously, on 6 December, the Iraqi parliament had finally approved the long-debated electoral law which clears the way for national parliamentary elections now due to be held on 7 March next. The new law has resolved long-running disputes over the extension of voting rights to the various ethnic groups living in the disputed oil-rich territory of Kirkuk as well as providing seats for Iraqis (often Sunni) living abroad. Agreement on the electoral law represents a significant advance and demonstrates the determination of Iraq's political leaders to continue working for reconciliation and creation of a stable and democratic environment within the country. The national elections next March will hopefully build on the successful example of last January's local elections in Iraq which were conducted peacefully and without any major dispute.

Nonetheless, it remains clear that Iraq continues to face major challenges in ending violence and the threat posed by militant groups and fully establishing control throughout the entire country on the part of its security forces. Against such a background, Iraq will clearly continue to require the support and encouragement of the international community, including Ireland and its EU partners. The Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 8 December reiterated the EU's continuing support for Iraq's democratic development and stressed the importance of the national elections next March proceeding in a peaceful, democratically organised and orderly manner. The Foreign Affairs Council also underlined the EU's commitment to provide support to the elections, including by sending an enlarged team of electoral experts as well as through the engagement of EU diplomatic missions in Iraq.

Further demonstration of the EU's support for, and desire to strengthen relations with, Iraq has been the recent conclusion of negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Iraq. The PCA is intended to lay a solid foundation for further developing relations between the EU and Iraq in a wide variety of fields, including commitments designed to facilitate and promote trade and investment, and cooperation in improving living conditions for all Iraqis.

Ireland, along with our EU partners, will remain committed to support a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous and united Iraq with the capacity to play a constructive regional role. This is important not only for the welfare of the Iraqi people but for peace and stability throughout the wider Middle East region. The EU has been one of the main contributors of non-military assistance to Iraq which since 2003 has totalled over €1 billion, including €830 million in Community aid. The EU will also continue to work closely with the Iraqi government in order to improve the overall human rights situation and ensure that human rights are fully respected throughout Iraq.

European Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

59 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he will be expected to make a positive contribution to the future development of the European Union to ensure cohesive thinking in the areas of job creation, crisis management, enlargement, foreign policy and adherence to the European project to ensure that the development of the Union in the next 50 years is as positive as the past half century; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46826/09]

The European Union is a project whose historic scale and importance allows us to look towards developments in the decades to come with a confidence based on its achievements over the past half-century in building peace and prosperity in Europe. On 9 May next year we will mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Schumann Declaration which has been called Europe's birth certificate. In the depths of the Cold War, that visionary statement proposed both a grand political project and a practical economic plan.

The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty earlier this month, following its emphatic endorsement by the people of Ireland, marks a new phase for the European Union. As supporters of the Treaty stressed during the referendum debates, the Lisbon Treaty is designed to allow the EU to act more coherently and cohesively, both within the European Union and externally. The Treaty provides the EU with a number of instruments to facilitate concerted EU action on important issues like job creation and in responding to the economic and financial crisis. There are specific measures aimed at achieving greater coherence for EU actions in the wider world, ensuring that the EU's resources support activities are in line with its external policies.

At the highest political level, the European Council is now an institution of the European Union with its own President. The European Council is charged with providing the Union with the necessary impetus for its development and defining its general political directions and priorities. The new President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy will work to facilitate cohesion and consensus within the European Council. The European Council met for the first time last week under the Lisbon Treaty and, among other issues, it held an orientation debate on ideas for a new EU 2020 strategy. I argued in the General Affairs Council last week for a strong focus on jobs, growth and innovation in the new strategy.

The new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, will bring a new consistency and coherence to the Union's actions in the wider world, particularly in her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission. When I spoke with her recently, I underlined Ireland's support for her new role and I look forward to working with her, particularly in the Foreign Affairs Council which she will chair.

As regards my own contribution to the future development of the European Union, I will participate in the two new Council formations: the General Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council. The General Affairs Council has been given responsibility for ensuring consistency and continuity in the work of the different Council configurations. With my colleagues in the General Affairs Council I will be working closely with the President of the European Council and Commission in preparing the work of the European Council. In the Foreign affairs Council, I will be involved in the formation of EU positions on foreign policy and security matters, including international crisis management. As the Lisbon Treaty arrangements are implemented, I will be working with partners and within the EU institutions to ensure a significant EU contribution to policies which will deliver results for our citizens commensurate with the Union's goals.

Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 58.
Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 49.

Overseas Development Aid.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

64 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for overseas aid funding for each of the top ten non-governmental organisation partners in 2010 and subsequent years; his views on guaranteeing that there will be no further cuts in the overseas development aid budget allocated to these organisations in the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46645/09]

The Government's partnership with development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and missionaries represents a very important element of the development cooperation programme administered by Irish Aid. It reflects the consistently high level of commitment demonstrated by the Irish people over the years towards helping the world's poorest people. The OECD has confirmed that Ireland channels a higher proportion of development assistance through NGOs than any other international donor. This year, we are providing over €135 million in funding to development NGOs and missionaries.

The Government will provide €671 million for Official Development Assistance in 2010. When the process of allocating the aid budget has been completed, it will include very significant levels of funding for NGOs. Each year, Irish Aid provides funding to NGOs for long term development programmes, for emergency and relief operations and for development education. The precise levels of allocations are, of course, dependent on issues such as the extent and nature of emergency and humanitarian crises which develop over the course of each year. Emergency and humanitarian funding is decided on the basis of need, and the capacity of different organisations to respond to particular crises. By its nature, therefore, the level of funding for individual NGOs will vary annually, and it is not possible to set out the top ten organisations which will receive funding over the coming years. However, over recent years the four organisations which have consistently received the most significant levels of funding have been Concern, Trócaire, Goal and Misean Cara, which channels assistance to missionaries.

I strongly believe that at a time of limited resources both Government and NGOs need to redouble our efforts to ensure that our aid programmes operate to the highest standards of quality, effectiveness and accountability. The challenge in the year ahead must be for all involved in the delivery of Ireland's aid programme to work together more effectively, to ensure that the overall Irish contribution to development has maximum impact and is rigorously focused on achieving clear results in the lives of the poor and the hungry.

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 56.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

66 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of overseas development aid spent on promoting good governance in 2008 and to date in 2009; the amount budgeted for promoting good governance in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46650/09]

Building good governance is central to the work of Irish Aid across our development programme. Without good governance, long-term sustainable development is not possible. We are promoting governance by supporting the building of more democratic systems of government, and effective, accountable institutions for service delivery. Strengthening the protection of human rights and the rule of law are also important aspects of our aid programme.

As the Deputy will appreciate, categorising governance expenditure precisely is difficult. Good governance is reflected across the programme in all sectors. It is an important element of our support to partner governments and of programmes we fund through multilateral organisations, civil society, and in emergency and recovery initiatives. The OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) coding system, however, indicates that Irish Aid expenditure on governance and civil society amounted to over €97 million in 2008, or 15% of total bilateral aid. About 40% of this expenditure was directed at supporting governance and civil society in our nine Programme Countries.

Examples of Irish Aid assistance to governance include:

Strengthening the justice sector in Uganda and Timor Leste;

Strengthening audit functions within the Government in Ethiopia;

Supporting the work of the leading anti-corruption NGO Transparency International to reduce corruption worldwide, and;

Supporting the valuable governance work of Irish and national NGOs in areas such as citizen participation, human rights protection and civic education.

Final expenditures for 2009 are not yet available, and will be reported comprehensively in the Irish Aid Annual Report 2009. However, based on current projections, it is anticipated that expenditure on governance and civil society will remain at around 15% of total bilateral aid.

As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot provide details of the allocations for 2010. These will be finalised during the planning process over the next few weeks. Good governance is a prerequisite for reducing poverty. Irish Aid will continue to prioritise support to this important area and help to ensure effective and accountable governance in the countries in which we work.

Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 37.

Climate Change Conference.

Damien English

Question:

68 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role he played at the Copenhagen summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46823/09]

Preparation for the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference Summit has required sustained input and coordination involving a number of Government Ministers and Departments. Climate change involves global challenges that can only be met through non-traditional diplomacy. Scientific, political, development, energy and other responses have to be combined in a coherent way. I and my Department have been fully involved in the Government's preparations and our Embassy network has provided valuable information on other participants' positions in the lead-in to the summit.

Ireland's delegation to Copenhagen is being led by the Taoiseach. He will be accompanied by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D., and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan T.D. In addition, my colleague in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr. Peter Power T.D., attended a meeting between EU Development Ministers and key developing countries partners which took place in the margins of the Copenhagen conference.

Questions Nos. 69 and 70 answered with Question No. 45.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

71 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date at the Copenhagen climate change conference. [46851/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the negotiations in Copenhagen are ongoing. For the first week and the beginning of this week, negotiations have been conducted very much at a technical level, and the situation remains very fluid. It is anticipated that the Taoiseach will join over 100 other Heads of State and Government at the High Level Segment of the conference in the next few days. The EU goal is that leaders will be in a position to conclude an ambitious political statement that includes the essential building blocks of a new treaty and binds participants to completing a full legal text in the course of 2010.

Foreign Conflicts.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

72 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the recent situation in Guinea. [46862/09]

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. The security situation in the country has remained volatile ever since. On 3 December, President Moussa Dadis Camara was shot, reportedly by his chief aide. He is currently in Morocco recovering after surgery. Reports vary in relation to how serious his injuries are.

While we have few direct bilateral connections with Guinea, we fully support efforts by the European Union to secure greater stability and political progress there. The EU condemned the violence of September 28 and in October 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 Deputy will recall that on November 18, I welcomed 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 those incidents . This investigation is proceeding under the chairmanship of Mohamed Bedjaoui a former Foreign Minister of Algeria. It is expected to submit its report to the UNSG before the end of the year. President Camara and Guinea's ruling military council have pledged to cooperate fully with the UN investigation.

The Deputy may recall that I have also welcomed the response of the wider international community to the violence in Conakry. The European Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) are active in seeking 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. The Government of Guinea last week withdrew from these talks pending the return of President Camara. 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.

Ireland is engaged in efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Guinea. 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.

Emigrant Support Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

73 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. [46642/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

258 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made towards the regularisation of the undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47133/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 258 together.

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 visa scheme known as the E3 visa. 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 further development 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 numbers 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.

Foreign Conflicts.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

74 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding Somalia in view of the fact that several Ministers were recently killed in one of the areas of Mogadishu which is still under the control of the United Nations backed Somali Government. [46858/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

270 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the political, civil society and humanitarian position in Somalia. [47177/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 270 together.

The situation in Somalia is of extreme concern, as the country has been without an effective government since 1991. Since it was established in 2004, the UN-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has made little headway in establishing effective control over the country's territory and restoring peace and stability. Continuous instability and conflict, in addition to deepening drought, have caused a huge humanitarian crisis. The long-standing absence of authority in the country has led to Somali pirates becoming a major threat to international shipping in the area.

A change of leadership at the head of the TFG in early 2009 was welcomed as a potentially positive step in Somalia's decades-long political crisis. The administration still faces enormous challenges, not least the fact that it controls little of the country's territory, and that significant armed groups remained opposed to the President. The most recent attack, to which the Deputy refers, was the suicide bombing which killed the Ministers for Health, for Education and for Higher Education, and the injury of the Minister for Sports and Tourism, along with the deaths of 19 others, including journalists. This was particularly serious as it happened in Mogadishu, in an area which is nominally under the control of the TFG.

The first ever ESDP naval mission, Operation Atalanta, was launched in December 2008, with a mandate from the UN Security Council to contribute to the prevention, deterrence and repression of acts of piracy. It has been effective in delivering upon its mandate, protecting WFP shipments of food aid to Somalia and reducing the incidence of pirate attacks against shipping in the region. An estimated 3.64 million Somalis are currently in crisis, including a rural population affected by severe drought, urban poor who struggle with high food and non-food prices, and IDPs. According to the 2009 FAO/FSNAU assessment, the number of people in need of livelihood and humanitarian support has increased by 13%, from 3.2 million to 3.64 million since January 2009.

Since 2007, Ireland has contributed €17.8 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia. Funding over this period has been distributed to a variety of organisations, including NGO partners, Concern, Trocaire and World Vision and UN agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Over the same period €2,500,000 has been disbursed to two NGO partners, Concern and World Vision International, operating in Somalia. These partners are implementing programmes in areas such as health, HIV & AIDS, education and the building of sustainable livelihoods.

Ultimately, the insecurity and the piracy problem, the poverty and the humanitarian crisis which affect Somalis are consequences of the fact that Somalia remains a failed state. The only long-term solution is the restoration of effective government and the gradual building up of adequate justice and policing systems. The EU is strongly supportive of efforts to restore peace to Somalia and is the largest humanitarian donor to the country. But peace cannot be enforced from outside, the Somali people themselves must find a solution. The President has reached out to all parties and is open to dialogue and it is to be hoped that his efforts will be rewarded with success.

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 58.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 47.
Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 39.

National Census.

Sean Fleming

Question:

79 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he will consider the inclusion of a question on autism spectrum disorder in the 2011 national census questionnaire in view of the importance of such information for the national disability strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46978/09]

As part of the preparatory work for the 2011 census the CSO conducted a public consultation by inviting members of the public and various interest groups to make submissions on the topics to be covered, and on the outputs to be produced. A notice to this effect was published in the national press in September 2008 seeking submissions, and all government departments were contacted for their input. This phase of the process has now concluded.

A Census Advisory Group was set up in Autumn 2008 to consider the submissions received and advise on the questions to be tested in a pilot survey planned to be carried in April 2009. The Census Advisory Group is representative of central and local government, the social partners, universities, research bodies and other users of census data along with the relevant CSO personnel. Over 90 submissions covering 31 topics were received in total, among them submissions on the subject of disability, and in particular on the subject of autism. A specific sub-group was convened to consider the disability questions on the census form. This sub-group was composed of representatives from the National Disability Authority, the Equality Authority, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies. The proposal to list specific disabilities within the disability question, namely to make specific reference to autistic spectrum disorder, or downs syndrome, in the category ‘A learning or intellectual disability' was considered at the second meeting of the group.

The group concluded that it would not be appropriate, nor would there be enough room on the census form, to list all individual disabilities. However, in order to go some way towards accommodating this request the existing (2006) category ‘ A learning or intellectual disability’ was split into two categories ‘An intellectual disability’ and separately ‘A difficulty with learning, remembering or concentrating’ for testing in the pilot survey. The group felt that this approach narrowed the categories and thus helped address the issue of autism, while allowing the question to remain as inclusive as possible.

The new wording of the disability questions which were tested in the Census Pilot Survey in April 2009 were as follows:

Census Pilot Survey 2009 — wording of Disability questions (Form B)

14 Do you have any of the following long-lasting conditions or difficulties?

(a)

Blindness or a serious vision impairment

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(b)

Deafness or a serious hearing impairment

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(c)

A difficulty with basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting or carrying

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(d)

An intellectual disability

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(e)

A difficulty with learning, remembering or concentrating

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(f)

A psychological or emotional condition

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(g)

A difficulty with pain, breathing, or any other chronic illness or condition

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

15 If ‘Yes’ to any of the categories specified in Question 14, do you have any difficulty in doing any of the following?

(a)

Dressing, bathing or getting around inside the home

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(b)

Going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor’s surgery

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(c)

Working at a job or business or attending school or college

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

(d)

Participating in other activities, for example leisure or using transport

Yes [ ]

No [ ]

The CSO, in consultation with the Census Advisory Group, has now finalised its analysis of the results of the census pilot. This analysis has indicated that the revised questions on disability tested in the pilot have been successful and accordingly should be recommended for inclusion in the 2011 census questionnaire. In this regard it is important to bear in mind that only questions that have been tested and have been proven to have worked in the census pilot can be considered for inclusion in the 2011 census.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

80 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps taken or expected to be taken at European Union level to ensure the viability of the manufacturing and service sectors throughout the European Union with particular reference to the need to remain competitive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47137/09]

The economic and financial crisis has been a catalyst for one of the most significant and most extensive policy coordination endeavours among Member States. In December 2008, the European Commission proposed and the European Council agreed to the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP). The size of the total package is 5 per cent of EU GDP or some €600bn over 2009-10. The primary emphasis within the Plan is to preserve the Single Market and integrate Europe further within international markets.

The Plan broadly supports the strategic aims of the Lisbon Agenda, that is investing in R&D; developing the right skills; promoting energy efficiency and clean technologies that will speed-up the transition to a low-carbon economy; support for small and medium enterprises and investing in infrastructure and interconnection in network grids in order to promote efficiency and innovation. These measures are complemented by the Member States' determination to protect the most vulnerable and to avoid the drift into long-term unemployment.

Accelerated implementation of the Structural Funds Programmes has helped boost infrastructure development and is making a major contribution to retraining people and supporting social cohesion, particularly through the European Social Fund. Workers, including Irish workers, who lost their jobs in 2009 have also been targeted for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). In addition, a significant increase in lending this year by the European Investment Bank (EIB) of €25 billion and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) of €8 billion has supported access to finance, particularly for SMEs. In that regard, Ireland has benefited from some €300m provided by the European Investment Bank for lending by the main Banks to SMEs for investment and expansion of their activities.

The Commission has also launched three public-private partnership initiatives to support energy efficient buildings, green cars and factories for the future. Following a proposal from the Commission, some €5 billion of unspent resources in the EU budget has been reserved for investments in energy (€ 4 billion) and broadband infrastructure (€1 billion). In 2009, the Ireland-Wales electricity inter-connector project was included in the European Energy Programme for Recovery with funding of up to €110 million.

With a view to preserving and enhancing the competitiveness of European industry and improving the conditions for investment in Europe, the EU Competitiveness Council recently highlighted a number of priorities for the next decade under Four broad headings:

Sustainable competitiveness and industrial policy and transforming Europe into an eco-efficient economy

Creating the best framework conditions for growth and jobs

Global competitiveness through enhanced innovation and research

Keeping SMEs at the heart of Europe's economy

Exploiting innovation, both technological and non-technological, in order to develop new areas of business and enterprise will feature prominently as a key element of the new EU Strategy towards 2020. The EU Commission are also consulting Member States about the formulation of a revised Innovation Plan for Europe for discussion during the forthcoming EU Spanish Presidency in 2010. The Innovation Plan will be based on developing the synergies of the "knowledge triangle” (i.e. linkages between research, education and innovation which are key drivers of a knowledge based society).

I look forward to upcoming discussions to take place early in 2010 on the new strategy to replace the Lisbon Agenda. Europe needs an ambitious targeted Agenda to drive sustainable growth and jobs across the EU and to position us as the world's most significant market and competitive trading bloc. We also need a strategy that will both help to re-skill our unemployed and to prevent the drift into long-term unemployment and one that will create jobs in the new eco-efficient economy.

Redundancy Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

81 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding an application for redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork which was submitted in April 2009. [46555/09]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 4 April, 2009, claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer.

In this case, as in all cases where the employer claims inability to pay the employee(s) statutory redundancy, the Department requires the employer to provide sufficient proof to substantiate the claim. This includes providing the latest set of audited accounts for the company as well as certification from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the fact that the employer has insufficient assets to pay the redundancy entitlements. Providing this documentation is submitted and is in order, the Department pays the employee(s) directly from the Social Insurance Fund.

In this case, sufficient supporting information required from the employer was not provided to my Department. The employee has been advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy. Once such a determination is available, this allows the Department to make payment to the employee concerned. Should the outstanding documentation be provided by the employer during the period while the case is pending a hearing before the EAT, this would allow the claim to be processed by my Department in the usual way.

Tom Hayes

Question:

82 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when redundancy payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46580/09]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 1 December, 2009, claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This application is awaiting processing.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009. Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.

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

the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;

the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;

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

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

The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.

Job Creation.

John Deasy

Question:

83 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Waterford city and county that have been approved for funding by the county and city enterprise boards in each of the past three years and to date in 2009; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46585/09]

The role of the Waterford County and Waterford City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) is to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level throughout Waterford City and County. The CEBs deliver a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial (grant) and non-financial (training, mentoring and a wide range of business advice activities) assistance to a project promoter. Business growth and job creation are inherent considerations in the activities of the CEBs and they continue to support enterprise development in the Waterford city and county areas ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at local level.

The figures requested by the Deputy are attached in tabular format below. It should be noted that figures quoted for 2009 are preliminary; final figures will be available early in 2010. In addition, figures are also included detailing CEB training participation which also helps to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation and accompanying job creation. The figures relating to net jobs existing in CEB-supported micro-enterprises are gathered in a CEB Job Survey each year. Relevant data for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 is attached in tabular format below. As figures are compiled on an annual basis, figures in respect of 2009 will not be available until early in 2010.

Whilst figures show a net decrease in job creation for the CEBs (cited reasons for this include business closures due to the economic downturn and other normal operational conditions such as restructuring and businesses being sold on), a number of CEBs across the CEB Network have reported a significant increase in the number of informal queries from members of the public in relation to setting up their own businesses over the last few months with many Boards providing additional Start Your Business Courses and increased levels of mentoring for owner managers who are experiencing trading difficulties in order to meet the demand out there.

CEB

No. Projects Assisted (i.e. approved for Grants)

2006

2007

2008

2009**

No.

No.

No.

No.

Waterford City

26

24

20

30

Waterford County

21

22

21

25

Total

47

46

41

55

CEB

€ Grants Issued

2006

2007

2008

2009**

Waterford City

163,417.63

244,640.08

279,599.66

225,211

Waterford County

226,164.09

295,171.94

281,326.69

224,677

Total

389,581.72

539,812.02

560,926.35

449,888

CEB

Training Participants

2006

2007

2008

No.

No.

No.

Waterford City

298

266

330

Waterford County

151

281

383

Total

449

547

713

**Preliminary figures as of early December 2009.

Net Jobs Existing in CEB-supported companies (figures do not include job existing prior to CEB support)

CEB

2006

2007

2008

Waterford City

866.5

832.0

809.5

Waterford County

636.0

665.5

587.5

Total

1,502.5

1.497.5

1,397.0

Redundancy Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

84 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded their statutory redundancy. [46713/09]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum application for the individual concerned on 4 August, 2009, claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This application is awaiting processing.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009. Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.

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

the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;

the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;

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

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

The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

85 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the statutory instrument entitled the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme, 2000; the number of persons to whom the measures within this instrument apply; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46722/09]

The Statutory Instrument to which the Deputy refers, comprises the details of the Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme, 2002 for the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH), renamed the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in 2005. The measures apply to a contributing member of the Scheme who is a person serving as a pensionable employee of the Authority or a former member to or in respect of whom a pension or death gratuity, or preserved pension or preserved death gratuity, has been, or is, awarded in respect of his/her service. There are currently 4 people in receipt of a pension from the Health and Safety Authority, under the Spouses' and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme. The total cost for 2009 is €20,577. With effect from 23rd December 2009, the number of pensioners in receipt of benefits under the scheme will increase by 2. The cost of these two additional beneficiaries in 2009 is €207.81. I will provide the Deputy with a copy of the Scheme if he so wishes.

Unemployment Levels.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

86 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of apprentices within six to 12 months of completion of their apprenticeship without a job placement; the type of apprenticeship involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46724/09]

The number of apprentices who are currently in apprenticeship but are not currently in employment, and who are within six to 12 months of completion is 2,365. Please note that completion of an apprenticeship is contingent on satisfying the criteria for the award of the Advanced Certificate Craft. These apprentices are from the following family of Trade Groups:

Trade Group

Number

Construction

1,656

Electrical

536

Engineering

68

Motor

105

Redundancy Payments.

Michael McGrath

Question:

87 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the payment of statutory lump sum redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [46770/09]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 12 August, 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer.

In this case, as in all cases where the employer claims inability to pay the employee's statutory redundancy, the Department requires the employer to provide sufficient proof to substantiate the claim. This includes providing the latest set of audited accounts for the company, as well as certification from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the fact that the employer has insufficient assets to pay the redundancy entitlement. Providing this documentation is submitted and is in order, the Department pays the employee directly from the Social Insurance Fund. In this case, sufficient supporting information required from the employer was not provided to my Department. The employee has been advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy. Once such a determination is available, this allows the Department to make payment to the employee(s) concerned.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009. Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.

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

the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;

the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;

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

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

The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.

Cross-Border Shopping.

Denis Naughten

Question:

88 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to address the leakage of trade north of the border; the further steps she is taking to address this issue in the short and medium term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46790/09]

Whilst undoubtedly the single market offers opportunities to Irish consumers to shop anywhere within the European Union, the reality is that the majority of cross border shopping by Irish consumers occurs in Northern Ireland, which is not unexpected given our common land border and the current weakness of sterling against the Euro. The Government fully recognises the difficulties currently being faced by retailers and other businesses as an inevitable consequence of the current difficult economic climate and the importance of ensuring that we continue to have a viable and successful enterprise sector. It is all the more important in these difficult times that businesses, particularly those with a direct presence in the marketplace, ensure that they present as competitive an offering to the trade and the public as possible.

Over the past few months we have seen significant downward pressure on costs and on prices generally. Both the NCB Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Indices have shown a sustained and deep period of declining input costs for businesses in Ireland, driven, in part, by lower wage costs. This is matched by Consumer Price Index returns from the Central Statistics Office, which show that overall prices in Ireland fell by 6.6% in the year to October 2009. This compares with a fall of only 0.8 % in the UK for the same period. At the European level, the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, which is accepted as the most appropriate measure for community wide price comparisons, shows that in the year to August 2009 there was a fall of 2.4% in prices in Ireland as compared with an increase in prices of 0.6% throughout the EU as a whole.

The above returns clearly show that prices are falling more rapidly in Ireland than in Northern Ireland, the UK and in the EU as a whole. This narrowing in the differential in prices is very much to be welcomed and clearly will help the competitiveness of Irish businesses. The ESRI recently predicted that, with our current control of costs, productivity should grow by over 3 per cent in 2010. Combined with projected wage decreases of 2.5 per cent, this represents a significant improvement in the competitiveness of the Irish economy.

The Government decisions announced in last week's budget, relating to the reduction in the rate of VAT and also the reduction of duty on certain alcohol products will further enhance the competitive position of Irish retailers. An additional significant factor in helping to balance prices in the two jurisdictions will be the decision of the UK Government, as announced in the Pre Budget Report speech of their Chancellor of the Exchequer last week, that the temporary reduction in the UK VAT rate is being reversed with effect for 1 January 2010, so that the rate will revert to the former level of 17.5%.

Economic Competitiveness.

Denis Naughten

Question:

89 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to address the competitiveness challenge facing the manufacturing and service sector; the further steps she is taking to address this issue in the short and medium term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46791/09]

Restoring cost competitiveness has been a major priority to address the competitiveness challenges facing all industry sectors in the economy. Action has been taken on a number of fronts to reduce the cost of doing business in Ireland. We are progressing recommendations aimed at increasing the level of competition and removing anti-competitive restrictions in sheltered sectors of our economy, which will also drive down costs. The High Level Group on Business Regulation 2009-10 work programme initially contained more than fifty recommendations from business, and some twenty-five of these recommendations have already been processed by the Group which will result in administrative cost savings for business. Furthermore, prices are coming down sharply and we have also seen a decline in unit labour costs, which has a direct effect on competitiveness.

Overall, all categories of businesses, have benefited from significant energy price decreases in 2009. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has recently announced that the PSO levy will be zero for 2009/2010. The level of capacity payments, that compensate electricity generators for their long run costs, will also be 15% lower in 2010 compared with 2009. Just last week, Bord Gáis Energy announced a further cut in the unit price of gas by an average of 8pc for residential and SME customers. The cut will be applied from 1 February 2010 and will be the third gas price reduction in less than a year, adding up to a total price decrease of 25pc since May 2009.

A myriad of supports are available to companies to address their competitiveness concerns in both the short and medium term. Funding supports, advice on general cost cutting and energy reduction, productivity improvements, marketing strategies along with help to identify new sales opportunities are just some examples of the ways that assistance is provided. Enterprise Ireland are working with companies in both manufacturing and services sectors on a daily basis to help them enhance their competitive strengths and improve their export potential. Assistance is also being provided to help companies generate new sales by competing for public sector contracts, both domestically and internationally. The enterprise stabilisation fund, launched earlier this year, provides direct financial support to internationally trading enterprises that are investing in cost reduction or other measures to gain sales in overseas markets. Client companies of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Shannon Development across all sectors in manufacturing and internationally traded services are eligible to apply.

€114.5 million is being made available in 2010 for the Employment Subsidy Scheme, representing an increase of €94 million on the 2009 provision. This scheme was introduced to support the maintenance of vulnerable jobs and prevent people from being made redundant. The first call of the scheme will provide subsidies directly for 7,773 jobs. In addition, firms have committed to retain a further 36,260 jobs. This means a total of just over 44,000 jobs will be retained as a result of the first call of the scheme. I have decided to have a second broader call for applications with extended eligibility criteria open to both exporting and non-exporting firms.

Redundancy Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

90 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment. [46809/09]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 26 November, 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. The claim awaits processing. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing lump sum payments paid directly to employees in general, for claims dating from June 2009.

Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.

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

the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;

the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;

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

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

The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.

Insolvency Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

91 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the insolvency payment scheme. [46810/09]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department received an application under the Insolvency Payments Scheme on 27 November 2009 for Arrears of Wages, Holiday Pay and Minimum Notice on behalf of the person concerned and some former employees of this company. The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in a significant rise in the level of company receiverships and insolvencies. Consequently, an increasing number of claims are being submitted to the Insolvency Payments Section, with 20,227 new claims lodged up to the end of November this year — an 84% increase over the corresponding period in 2008. My officials endeavour to process all claims as quickly as possible and claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt. Current processing times indicate that the individual's claim should be paid by early March, however my Department is constantly endeavouring to achieve earlier completion and payment dates.

Industrial Development.

John Deasy

Question:

92 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority site visits to Dungarvan, County Waterford, that have taken place in the past two years and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46813/09]

John Deasy

Question:

93 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority site visits to Waterford city that have taken place in the past two years and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46814/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.

I am informed by IDA Ireland that since 2007, a total of 29 visits have been made to Dungarvan and Waterford City. The attached tabular statement gives the breakdown of these visits.

Site Visits to Dungarvan and Waterford City

Year

Visits to Waterford City

Visits to Dungarvan

2007

8

1

2008

12

1 — Company visited both locations

2009

7

1

Employment Support Services.

John Deasy

Question:

94 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies in Waterford city and Dungarvan approved for funding under the employment subsidy scheme; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs covered by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46885/09]

The objective of the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) is to provide an employment subsidy to vulnerable but viable enterprises in order to maintain as many jobs as possible within these enterprises. 9 companies were approved for funding under the Scheme in Waterford City & County. These 9 companies were approved funding of €2,374,100, for 261 employment subsidies. These companies committed to retaining 2,639 full time employees until the end of 2010. Enterprise Ireland do not provide the information on a geographic basis lower than county.

Job Creation.

John Deasy

Question:

95 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by agencies under her remit in Waterford city and Dungarvan in the past three years and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46886/09]

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the Industrial Development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualized basis and is aggregated at overall county level. Figures for Waterford City and County are outlined in the attached table. The figures relating to net jobs existing in CEB-supported micro-enterprises are compiled in a CEB Job Survey each year. Relevant data for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 in respect of County Waterford and Waterford City is attached in tabular format below. As figures are compiled on an annual basis, figures in respect of 2009 will not be available until early in 2010.

Net Jobs Existing in CEB-supported companies

CEB

2006

2007

2008

Waterford City

866.5

832.0

809.5

Waterford County

636.0

665.5

587.5

Total

1,502.5

1.497.5

1,397.0

Jobs Created in Waterford City & County

Agency

No. of Jobs created in 2006

No. of Jobs created in 2007

No. of Jobs created in 2008

Total

IDA Ireland

711

370

176

1,257

Enterprise Ireland

409

763

167

1,339

Departmental Programmes.

John Deasy

Question:

96 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications in Dungarvan, County Waterford, received under the work placement programme; the number approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter [46887/09]

To date, 43 clients have applied for vacancies advertised under the Work Placement Programme in Waterford City and 24 clients for vacancies in Dungarvan. These individuals have been screened for eligibility by FÁS and suitable candidates' details forwarded to employers. Out of the 67 applicants, 3 have been approved and have started positions with companies under the programme. Currently, there are 13 vacancies available to be filled under WPP scheme in Waterford City and 11 vacancies in Dungarvan.

Industrial Development.

John Deasy

Question:

97 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Waterford city and Dungarvan approved for funding under the enterprise stabilisation fund; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46888/09]

The provision of grant assistance to individual companies is a matter for the development agency or body concerned, and not one in which I have any function. However, I have been informed by Enterprise Ireland, that approximately €56m has been approved under the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund, of which €50m will be paid out this year. To date, €42m has been paid to applicants under this fund. Enquiries have also been received from a further 100 companies. However, these enquiries have not as yet progressed to formal applications. 10 projects have not been successful and alternative options have been examined for these companies. To date, there have been 2 successful companies, employing 82 people, approved for funding under the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund from Waterford City and County, totalling €940,000.

John Deasy

Question:

98 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Waterford city and Dungarvan approved for funding under the growth fund in each of the past three years and to date in 2009; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46889/09]

John Deasy

Question:

99 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Waterford city and Dungarvan approved for company expansion funding by Enterprise Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2009; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46890/09]

John Deasy

Question:

100 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Waterford city and Dungarvan approved for funding by Enterprise Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2009 under its schemes for exploring new opportunities; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46891/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 to 100, inclusive, together.

The provision of grant assistance to individual companies is a matter for the development agency or body concerned, and not one in which I have a direct function. Details of monies approved under the Growth Fund, launched in 2008, are available on a county basis only. Enterprise Ireland approved support of €799,394 to three companies in Waterford in 2008. In 2009 to date, Enterprise Ireland approved support of €481,791 to two companies in Waterford.

Funding for company expansion is designed to assist companies' expansion plans — this includes capital, training and employment supports, the focus of which is to increase exports. Since the beginning of 2006, Enterprise Ireland has approved support of €750,290 for four company expansion projects to three companies in Waterford. In 2006, Enterprise Ireland approved support of €310,527 to a company in Waterford, while in 2009 to date €439,763 was approved for two companies in Waterford.

Funding for exploring new opportunities is focused on investigating new ideas and markets as an essential aspect of business development. Enterprise Ireland provides financial assistance in a range of areas including support for: Feasibility Study Grants, Going Global (for Irish services companies), Commercialisation of Research and Development (CORD), Enterprise Platform Programme, GreenTech Support, EU 7th Framework Programme Support, Market Research, R & D Stimulation, Consultancy, Business Acceleration Programme (BAP), Graduate Placements, Export Orientation Programme (EOP), Mentors, Trade Fair participation, Supply Chain Management and eBusiness Management.

Since the beginning of 2006, Enterprise Ireland has approved funding to a total of 89 companies for 143 projects under ‘Exploring New Opportunities' amounting to €2,615,689 in Waterford. In 2006, Enterprise Ireland approved €548,963 to 31 companies. In 2007, Enterprise Ireland approved €703,692 to 35 companies. In 2008, Enterprise Ireland approved €879,185 to 42 companies. In 2009 to date, Enterprise Ireland has approved €483,849 to 28 companies.

John Deasy

Question:

101 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Waterford city and Dungarvan approved for funding by Enterprise Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2009 under its schemes for research and development; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46892/09]

The drive to encourage Irish companies to use science and technology to increase competitiveness and value added is a significant pillar of Government Policy, as recognised in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation and the Smart Economy Framework.

Ireland drives in-company Research & Development through a number of programmes administered through Enterprise Ireland. R&D funding for companies is one instrument of support for EI clients, which is used in conjunction with a range of soft and other financial supports such as Management Development and Productions Capability, to drive the development of indigenous companies. During 2009, funding for programmes of R&D activity in enterprise is projected to reach an investment level of €61m for companies, representing an increase of approximately 13% on 2008. This level of funding will be maintained in 2010. Companies in Waterford have benefited from R&D support as follows:

In 2006 three companies in Waterford were approved for in-company R&D support worth €1,034,502.

In 2007 one company in Waterford was approved for in-company R&D support worth €97,360

In 2008 seven companies in Waterford were approved for in-company R&D support worth €1,145,591

In 2009 three companies in Waterford were approved for in-company R&D support worth €336,907.

Enterprise Ireland also offers schemes whereby a Higher Education Institution is supported to undertake an R&D project on behalf of a company. In this way companies who do not have the necessary in-house capabilities to undertake specific R&D projects can source these R&D solutions from Universities or Institutes of Technology. One such industry-academic collaborative support is the Innovation Partnership programme:

In 2006 one company engaged in such a project and the collaborative college was approved for €87,280.00 in order to meet the industry partner's R&D needs.

In 2007 six companies engaged in collaborative projects and the partnering colleges were approved for €818,969 in order to meet the industry partners' R&D needs.

In 2008 one company engaged in a collaborative project and the partnering college was approved for €272,408 in order to meet the industry partner's R&D needs.

In 2009 three companies engaged in collaborative project and the partnering colleges were approved for €381,329 in order to meet the industry partners' R&D needs.

Another industry-academic collaborative support is Enterprise Ireland's Innovation Voucher Initiative which provides vouchers worth €5,000 to small businesses to introduce them to innovation by linking them with a network of 38 knowledge providers, North and South of the border. A simple application process and facilitation support from Enterprise Ireland can help small companies who have never engaged in research to engage high skilled researchers to address key company needs and provide innovative solutions to business problems.

This scheme commenced in 2007 whereby 27 Waterford companies received Vouchers worth a total of €135,000.

In 2008 25 Waterford companies received 27 Vouchers worth €135,000

In 2009 53 Waterford companies received 57 Vouchers worth €285,000.

It is clear that the global economic crisis is having a pronounced effect on the open Irish economy and accordingly in employment creation, particularly in sectors with limited R&D investment such as construction. The Government is keenly focused on supporting Irish enterprise with the ultimate goal of export growth, and subsequently sustainable employment. An analysis of Enterprise Ireland's client base in 2009 shows that Small and Medium Enterprise who invest in R&D enjoy significantly greater rates of growth in both employment and sales and exports than those who do not undertake R&D. The results of this survey are evident in the performance of companies based in Waterford, while enterprises in Waterford suffered an overall loss in employment over the period, a total of 1,339 jobs were created by Enterprise Ireland client companies based in the county.

John Deasy

Question:

102 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Waterford city and Dungarvan approved for grant aid by the Industrial Development Authority Ireland in each of the past three years and to date in 2009; the breakdown by each category of grant; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46893/09]

The amount of grant aid awarded by IDA Ireland to businesses in Waterford City and Dungarvan from 2006 to date in 2009 are shown in the attached tabular statements. In this period, a total of 25 businesses availed of such grants. The attached tabular statements give the breakdown of the grants given to these businesses. Job announcements associated with these grants are typically created over a period of between three and five years and grant payments are paid as jobs are created and the company makes a claim.

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey records jobs gained and lost in companies supported by the Industrial Development Agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. Data in relation to 2009 will not be available until early 2010. In the period, 2006 to 2008, a total of 1,403 jobs were created in IDA Ireland supported companies in Waterford. The attached tabular statement gives the yearly breakdown of this figure.

2006 Grant Payments to companies in Dungarvan and Waterford City

Grant Type

No. of Companies

Grant Total

Employment

4

1,127,264

Capital

1

2,928,958

R&D

3

574,445

2007 Grant Payments to companies in Dungarvan and Waterford City

Grant Type

No. of Companies

Grant Total

Employment

2

1,598,943

Capital

1

5,000,000

R&D

1

471,096

Training

1

194,630

2008 Grant Payments to companies in Dungarvan and Waterford City

Grant Type

No. of Companies

Grant Total

Employment

5

4,499,255

R&D

2

202,721

Training

1

37,614

2009 Grant Payments to companies in Dungarvan and Waterford City

Grant Type

No. of Companies

Grant Total

Employment

2

432,200

R&D

1

35,367

Training

1

59,757

Number of new jobs created in Waterford from 2006 to 2008

Year

New Jobs Created

2006

851

2007

376

2008

176

Arthur Morgan

Question:

103 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of itineraries she has, through the Industrial Development Authority, hosted by potential investors in each county to date in 2009; and for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46933/09]

IDA Ireland have only collated the figures on the number of itineraries to each county since 2003. Therefore, details of such itineraries prior to 2003 are not available. I am informed by IDA that to date in 2009, the Agency hosted a total of 1740 itineraries by potential investors to Ireland since 2003. The attached tabular statement gives the breakdown of these itineraries by county.

These figures are not indicative of the number of companies that visited the country. Companies can visit more than one region and more than one location within a county. Therefore, these figures indicate the number of individual site visits made to various sites around the country.

First Time Site Visits by County from 2003-2009

County

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Carlow

0

0

7

6

7

1

1

Cavan

0

1

2

4

1

1

0

Clare

6

3

1

3

3

2

9

Cork

38

39

35

16

27

41

29

Donegal

3

16

4

9

3

3

3

Dublin

32

45

71

90

91

92

90

Galway

30

17

14

20

15

14

22

Kerry

2

3

4

2

3

4

3

Kildare

2

0

0

0

1

1

1

Kilkenny

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Laois

4

1

7

5

6

6

1

Leitrim

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

Limerick

15

21

19

24

35

9

18

Longford

3

1

1

0

2

1

0

Louth

26

30

47

47

24

23

28

Mayo

7

8

2

3

4

3

1

Meath

10

8

12

2

0

3

2

Monaghan

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

Offaly

15

12

7

1

4

11

6

Roscommon

4

3

2

0

1

0

0

Sligo

11

11

6

5

6

2

5

Tipperary

2

1

1

0

0

0

1

Waterford

8

13

10

12

9

12

8

Westmeath

36

31

14

16

18

18

14

Wexford

8

3

2

0

1

0

0

Wicklow

1

1

0

0

0

2

2

Redundancy Payments.

John Cregan

Question:

104 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a redundancy payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46964/09]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received rebate claims on 1 April, 2009 from this employer in respect of two of his former employees.

I understand in this case that some queries arose in relation to the claims which my Department has been dealing with. In respect of one of the claims, all outstanding issues have been dealt with and I understand that payment on the claim should be made in early January 2010. In the case of the second claim, there remains an outstanding query and, once this is satisfactorily responded to, payment of the claim should also be possible.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009. Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.

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

the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;

the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;

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

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

The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.

Employment Support Services.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

105 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies in Cork city and county that have been approved for funding under the employment subsidy scheme; the amount of funding; the number of jobs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46969/09]

The objective of the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) is to provide an employment subsidy to vulnerable but viable enterprises in order to maintain as many jobs as possible within these enterprises. 55 companies were approved funding under the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) in Cork City & County. These 55 companies were approved funding of €6,605,600, for 726 employment subsidies. These companies committed to retaining 3489 full time employees until the end of 2010.

Consumer Protection.

Willie Penrose

Question:

106 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will consider amending consumer protection legislation in order to safeguard consumers who purchase a product from a company or source and when there is no requirement upon such a company or source to stock replacement parts or equipment once the warranty given has expired as long as such parts might be available somewhere else; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46992/09]

Section 12 of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 provides that, in a contract for the sale of goods, there is an implied warranty that spare parts and an adequate after-sale service will be made available by the seller in such circumstances as are stated in an offer, description or advertisement by the seller on behalf of the manufacturer or on his own behalf and for such period as is so stated or, if no period is stated, for a reasonable period. The Section further provides that any term of a contract exempting this implied warranty shall be void.

The thrust of the Deputy's question would seem to be that Irish legislation should place an additional express requirement on traders to stock replacement parts or equipment after any warranty they have given has expired provided that those replacement parts or equipment might be available somewhere else. While I sympathise with the aim of the proposal, it raises a number of issues requiring further and more detailed consideration. As the Deputy is aware, the European Commission published in October 2008 a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Consumer Rights. The proposal has been drafted on a full harmonisation basis and, if adopted on this basis, would preclude member states from going beyond its protections in national legislation. The proposal includes provisions on warranties and guarantees and, as it is still under discussion by the Council and the Parliament, I am not in a position to state whether a provision in domestic legislation along the lines suggested by the Deputy will be necessary or permissible in the future. Any judgement of this kind must await agreement on the final text of the proposed Directive.

I believe that, while everything possible and reasonable must be done to ensure that consumers are adequately protected, we should not place unrealistic or impractical obligations on traders. Supply chains for many consumer goods are long and complex. These goods often originate not just outside Ireland, but outside the European Community. It is proper to ask in this context if it is reasonable to require Irish retailers, particularly small retailers, to take legal responsibility for stocking replacement parts made by companies with whom they may have no direct commercial relationship and who may be located thousands of miles away.

It is relevant to note in this context that countries whose legislation goes further than current Irish legislation in requiring traders to make spare parts available also recognise the effective limits to statutory requirements of this kind. The New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, for example, provides that the manufacturers of goods supplied to consumers in New Zealand must take reasonable action to ensure that facilities for repair of the goods and supply of parts for repair are reasonably available for a reasonable period after the goods are so supplied. This obligation does not apply, however, where reasonable action is taken to notify the consumer at or before the time that the goods are supplied that the manufacturer does not undertake that repair facilities and parts will be available for those goods.

Redundancy Payments.

Noel Coonan

Question:

107 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons in north Tipperary waiting for redundancy payments from her Department; the length of time these persons have been waiting; when these payments will be awarded; the number of persons waiting nationally; the steps being taken to speed up the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47005/09]

I can advise the Deputy that the latest figures available to end November 2009 indicate that, on a national basis, the number of redundancy claims awaiting processing stands at 42,591. I should point out that my Department has, since 1 January processed 45,201 claims and made corresponding payments amounting to €287m (provisional figures) which results in average weekly payments to the value of €6.5m being issued.

Unfortunately, I am unable to provide the Deputy with the specific information he has requested as the Department does not collate statistics for claims awaiting processing on the basis of local authority boundaries. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that at this time my focus and that of my Department is on ensuring that redundancy payments are processed as quickly as possible. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.

Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first eleven months of 2009 is 73,024, up 96% on the same period last year (37,257). This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.

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

the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 52.5;

the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;

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

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

The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Noel Coonan

Question:

108 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons in north Tipperary waiting for FÁS training schemes; the waiting time for persons due to start these schemes; if she will provide this Deputy with a list of such schemes; if the number of staff working in north Tipperary FÁS offices has increased over the past year; the increase in the number of clients seeking assistance this year over last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47007/09]

I understand from FÁS that a total of 194 persons in North Tipperary are currently awaiting placement on a FÁS training scheme. Of these, 149 persons are waiting for training courses delivered in the county with the remaining 45 persons awaiting places on courses delivered at the FÁS Training Centre in Limerick. Waiting times for placement on these programmes varies from between one and six months depending on the specific initiative. The staff complement working in FÁS facilities in North Tipperary remains at the same level of one year ago. Thus far this year a total of 1721 clients have sought the assistance of FÁS, an increase of 25% from the same period last year. The list below sets out the training programmes currently operating in North Tipperary.

FÁS Training Programmes Delivered in North Tipperary

Training Programmes

Nenagh

Heritage Local Training Initiative

Nenagh

Childcare Training

Nenagh

Business Appraisal

Nenagh

Manual/Computerised Accounts

Nenagh

ECDL

Nenagh

HGV (Rigid)

Nenagh

Starting with Computers

Nenagh

Community Training Centre

Thurles

Community Training Centre

Thurles

ECDL

Thurles

Manual/Computerised Accounts

Tipperary

Lakeside Local Training Initiative

Roscrea

ECDL

Roscrea

Starting with Computers

Roscrea

Healthcare Assistant

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael McGrath

Question:

109 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding available in 2010 for Skillnets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47020/09]

As set out in the published budgetary estimates for 2010 the total allocation available to Skillnets next year is €16.595m.

EU Funding.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

110 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance if an application will be made to the EU for funding assistance following the recent floods here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46608/09]

A number of Government Departments and agencies have responsibility for emergency planning functions. In relation to the recent flooding, I am informed that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is asking the local authorities for reports on the impact of the flooding and an assessment of the remedial works required. In the course of attending ECOFIN in Brussels recently, I raised the issue of EU funding with the Commission. My Department has also been in contact with the Commission to establish eligibility criteria and the scale of funding that might be available. A delegation from the Oireachtas European Affairs Committee met with EU Commissioner for Regional Development, Mr Pavel Samecki on 4th December to impress upon him the serious damage the extensive flooding has done to lives, land, and livelihoods throughout the country and to push for money from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to assist Ireland in dealing with its worst effects.

The EU Solidarity Fund was created as a reaction to the severe floods in Central Europe in the summer of 2002. Under the EUSF regulation, Member States and countries negotiating accession can request financial aid in the event of a major natural disaster. A national application to the EUSF in regard to the current flooding would have to meet certain criteria, including a high threshold of damages amounting to 0.6% of Gross National Income (GNI) or, based on 2009 figures, damages amounting to €973m. When more complete information on the scale and cost of the damage arising becomes available, full consideration will be given to ways of meeting these costs, including if appropriate, making application to the EU for financial support.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

111 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the cost to date of acquiring, processing and securing the site in Wexford for the proposed Garda divisional headquarters; the cost of planning, legal and related works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46716/09]

The cost associated with the site to date is €1.95 million.

Tax Collection.

John Perry

Question:

112 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he will expedite payment in the case of a person (details supplied). [46913/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, following the submission of outstanding VAT returns last week, all outstanding VAT refunds for the person in question have now been processed. Two payments were credited to the relevant bank account on 8th and 11th December and a further payment is being credited on 15th December. I am also advised that refunds of income tax, which were delayed pending the receipt of outstanding VAT returns, have been processed and will be made to the person in question this week.

Tax Code.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

113 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on the taxation, carbon emissions and other pollutants associated with liquid petroleum gas in comparison to petrol or diesel; his plans to encourage greater use of liquid petroleum gas fuel in private cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46983/09]

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has tax advantages in comparison to petrol and auto-diesel. LPG for uses other than as a propellant has a zero rate of tax, and the propellant tax rate is currently set at the minimum permitted by the Energy Taxation Directive. The current excise duty rate on LPG used as a propellant is 6.395 cents per litre. This rate will increase by 2.464 cents to 8.859 cents per litre on foot of the carbon tax with effect from 1 May 2010. This compares with 54.32 and 44.92 cents per litre, of which 3.438 and 3.998 cents per litre relates to the carbon tax charge, for petrol and auto-diesel respectively.

Flood Relief.

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

114 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of flood relief funding provided in the constituency of Cork South West in the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 broken down by year. [47019/09]

The Office of Public Works has not undertaken any capital flood relief works in the Cork South West area in the years 2004-2008. However, maintenance works are carried out annually on the Ouvane and the Bandon River (Dunmanway) Catchment Drainage Schemes.

Tax Code.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

115 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if a rebate of carbon tax on public transport providers has been considered; the possible costs involved; if this would be deemed illegal for public service providers in view of the abolition of the excise duty rebate last year due to a European Union competition directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47155/09]

I announced in the Budget that exemptions from the carbon tax will apply only to participants in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in respect of fuels covered. There is scope under the Energy Tax Directive to apply a lower rate of excise duty on auto-diesel in respect of certain local public passenger transport services and certain other commercial users, once the EU minimum rate is observed. However, the introduction of any such preferential treatment would require an extensive rebate system. It is estimated that a relief from carbon tax for local public passenger transport services using the same criteria as the previous excise duty rebate would cost in the region of €5m per annum. However, using the same criteria would not be possible under EU law and any relief would need to be wider in scope, but would also exclude some of those companies that had benefited from the previous excise relief scheme. It is estimated that a general carbon tax relief for commercial users of auto-diesel would cost the Exchequer approximately €70m per annum.

Civil Service Staff.

Joe Carey

Question:

116 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the special Civil Service incentive career break scheme beyond 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46590/09]

The Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme 2009 was introduced as a once-off measure that was included in the Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009. There is no current proposal to extend the scheme.

State Properties.

Richard Bruton

Question:

117 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the revenue which will be raised from the sale of State property in 2010; the property which will be sold; the location of the property which will be sold; the current use of the property; the reason for the sale of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46614/09]

The figure included in the Budget arithmetic relating to property sales in respect of 2010 is €10m. This figure concerns a number of property sales to be organised by the Office of Public Works, the proceeds of which will be paid into the Exchequer. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, it is not proposed, at the present time, to divulge details of the properties to be sold or to provide pre-sale estimates of the amount expected to be received from the sale of any particular property.

National Asset Management Agency.

Richard Bruton

Question:

118 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has sought advice from the interim chief executive of the National Asset Management Agency regarding the impact the revisions in upwards only rent reviews will have on assets being transferred to NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46615/09]

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform sought the views of my Department prior to commencing the rent review provision contained in section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009. As a matter of course my Department consulted with the interim NAMA on this issue, prior to responding to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I would note that existing upward only rent review clauses are not affected by the legislation, and that so far as future contracts are concerned, the pricing of a contract will naturally reflect all of its features. For the future, impacts on NAMA of Government actions will of course be taken into account along with the broad range of issues that inform policy choices.

Redundancy Payments.

Michael McGrath

Question:

119 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the terms of the redundancy package which will apply to staff lay-offs at Anglo Irish Bank as part of the recently announced redundancy programme. [46678/09]

On 4 November, Anglo Irish Bank announced the terms for a redundancy programme, seeking up to 230 redundancies, as part of a programme to reduce the cost base of the bank and to improve efficiency. The bank's preference is to realise the targeted reductions through voluntary means in Ireland and the UK. The terms are: In Ireland, 4 weeks' pay per year of service, plus statutory entitlement, to a maximum of 52 weeks pay; in the UK, 4 weeks' pay per year of service, inclusive of statutory entitlement to a maximum of 52 weeks' pay; in the US, 2 weeks' pay per week of service, to a maximum of 52 weeks' pay. This is the first phase of the bank's redundancy programme and is as a result of the planned reduction in the size of the bank due to necessary restructuring and the transfer of loans to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA). The programme commenced on 9 November and will conclude in February 2010.

The bank has made it clear that there will be further reductions, similar in scale to the proposed reductions. Subsequent reductions in staff numbers will be framed against a review of Anglo's structures, processes and IT systems, and will be in line with the Restructuring Plan for Anglo, which will need to be approved by the European Commission under EU State aid rules. The bank submitted its Restructuring Plan to the European Commission on 30 November and a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the plan is now underway, in advance of any final decision by the Commission on the plan. The final terms for departing senior executives or ex-Directors of the Bank must be approved by the Minister for Finance under the Relationship Framework for the bank, and the bank's proposals will be considered in that context.

National Wage Agreement.

Michael McGrath

Question:

120 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his sanction was required prior to a bank (details supplied) confirming a 3% pay rise for its staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46679/09]

The Deputy will be aware that I have an "arms length" relationship with the named covered institution. As Minister for Finance I am not in a position to direct pay policy in a private sector company. I have previously pointed out that the pay award in question arose from an agreed interim Labour Relations Commission recommendation on remuneration matters before it involving non-senior staff and does not cover the payment of National Wage Agreement increases.

Tax Code.

Michael McGrath

Question:

121 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a query (details supplied) regarding the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009. [46680/09]

The windfall tax rate of 80%, which was introduced under the National Asset Management Agency Act, will apply to the portion of any profit or gain made on the disposal of land which is attributable to a rezoning, where both the rezoning and the disposal of land giving rise to the windfall occur after 30 October 2009. A rezoning for windfall tax purposes is defined as a change from a non-development land use to a development land use or a mixture of such uses, or a change of development land use. If no change of zoning is required, or if the land was rezoned before 30 October 2009, the windfall rate will not apply. A material contravention does not change the zoning of a piece of land, therefore the windfall tax rate would not apply to a disposal of land on which development had been permitted by way of a material contravention.

Tax Clearance Certificates.

Michael McGrath

Question:

122 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if a document will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [46682/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

123 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if documents will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [46684/09]

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

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that P21 Balancing Statements for the years 2005 and 2006 issued on 4th May 2007 and a P21 for 2007 on 29th May 2008. As there was not a request for a balancing statement for 2008, none has issued. The 2009 tax credit certificate issued on 3rd December 2008. The person in question may need to contact the Revenue Commissioners to update their record with details such as address. Contact may be made by telephone, email or written request to the following: Telephone: 1890 22 24 25; E-mail:wregionaloffice@revenue.ie; Address for posting: Office of the Revenue Commissioners, South West Region, PAYE Mail Centre, P.O. Box 63, Ennis, Co Clare.

Fiscal Policy.

Michael McGrath

Question:

124 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the details of the national debt; the amount owed, broken down to its component parts; the persons to whom it is owed; the level the debt is expected to rise to in 2010; and the estimated amount of interest on the debt to be paid in 2010. [46686/09]

The national debt stood at €72.3 billion at end-November 2009. In addition the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) held Exchequer cash balances which amounted to just over €29 billion at end-November. The NTMA advise that the overall gross debt at end-November comprised approximately 70% long-term bonds, 21% short-term debt and 9% government savings schemes.

Based on the projected Exchequer Borrowing Requirements for 2009 and 2010, as published in Budget 2010, it is estimated that the national debt, excluding the cash balances, will be some €76 billion at end-2009, and just under €95 billion at end-2010. While the nature of the international markets makes it difficult to quantify, the NTMA advise that it is estimated that almost 80 per cent of Ireland's gross debt is currently held by international investors. As outlined in the Stability Programme Update — December 2009, published on Budget day, it is estimated that interest costs on the national debt will amount to some €4.4 billion in 2010.

Tax Code.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

125 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if the 80% windfall tax under the National Asset Management Agency applies to the sale of a site for a one-off rural house; if so, if the land owner is exempt from the tax if they are over 55 years and farming the land for more than ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46727/09]

The purpose of the new windfall gains provisions is to apply a higher 80% rate of tax to the profits or gains from land disposals where those profits or gains are attributable to a rezoning decision made by a local authority rather than to any value attributable to the work of the landowner. Subject to certain specified exceptions, the provisions will affect any individual or company who disposes of land that is rezoned on or after 30 October 2009. There are only two situations where such rezoned land may be disposed of without attracting the 80% tax rate:

1. Where the land is sold to an authority possessing compulsory purchasing powers solely because of the exercise by that authority of its compulsory purchase powers or where such an authority has given formal notice that it will exercise those powers.

2. Where the land is sold by a 75% subsidiary company of the National Asset Management Agency.

Where these two situations do not apply, the new 80% tax rate applies to any part of the profits or gains from the sale of a site for a one off rural house that is attributable to a rezoning decision made on or after 30 October 2009.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that where gains arising from the sale of land that are attributable to a rezoning decision made on or after 30 October 2009 are chargeable to capital gains tax rather than to income tax, some, or all, of such gains may be relieved from tax. This relief is known as ‘retirement relief' and applies where certain conditions are met. In the case of a disposal of farmland, such conditions include the requirement for the landowner to be over 55 years of age and to have owned and farmed the land for the 10 years prior to disposal. The relief applies in full to an aggregate lifetime consideration for disposals of land and other farm assets of up to €750,000. Restricted relief applies to amounts that exceed this threshold. Farm assets include payment entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme where those entitlements are sold together with the associated land to the same person. In common with all taxation measures, I will review the application of the "windfall tax" measure to once-off disposals of sites for housing in the context of the forthcoming Finance Bill.

Joan Burton

Question:

126 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm receipt of correspondence dated 26 March 2009 and 14 October 2009 from a person (details supplied); his views on whether there exists an anomaly or anomalies in the tax system with respect to the creation of an up front tax liability in respect of stamp duty and capital gains tax in the example provided; if he will take steps to rectify this in the forthcoming finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46771/09]

Correspondence dated 26 March 2009 and 15 October 2009 was received in my Department from the person referred to by the Deputy. Replies issued to these letters on 5 June 2009 and 9 November 2009 respectively. In the case in question, a Stamp Duty liability may arise if property of an increased value is acquired, and a Capital Gains Tax charge may arise if property is disposed of. Neither the Minister for Finance nor Revenue is empowered to waive, defer or reduce Stamp Duty that may arise under the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999, or Capital Gains Tax that may arise under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

I do not currently propose to make changes in this area but as the Deputy is aware, all taxes and potential taxation measures are constantly reviewed in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill. However, it is not customary for the Minister for Finance to comment on the detail of possible tax and expenditure changes in advance.

International Monetary Fund.

Joe Costello

Question:

127 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he has made a commitment through G20 to make a contribution as part of an EU emergency package to the International Monetary Fund to finance new loans to countries in financial crisis; the amount promised; the method and timescale for contributing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46803/09]

EU Heads of State and Government agreed, at their informal meeting in September 2009, that they would provide a total of up to €125 billion to the IMF, as the EU contribution to the trebling of the IMF's resources, which was agreed at the G20 summit in London in April 2009 in response to the global financial crisis. Ireland's share of the €125 billion is estimated at about €2 billion which would be made available, in the first instance, through a bilateral loan to the IMF of €1.3 billion which would subsequently be rolled up into Ireland's contribution to the IMF's New Arrangement for Borrowing, known as the NAB. The NAB is a set of credit arrangements between the IMF and a number of member countries for providing supplementary resources when ordinary resources are run down. NAB is, in effect, a backstop credit facility available to the IMF.

Both the bilateral loan and the contribution to NAB involve the extension of a credit facility by the Central Bank to the IMF. The details of the bilateral loan agreement are under discussion with the IMF and will have to be approved by Government and enacted in new primary legislation. Ireland's membership of the NAB will also require Government approval.

Tax Collection.

Jack Wall

Question:

128 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a tax rebate for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46815/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a review (P21) for 2008 issued to the person concerned on 30 November 2009 and a refund was issued on 4 December 2009.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

129 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the annual cost of renting offices for staff displaced by the closure of the building at the Kells Road, Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46925/09]

Damien English

Question:

130 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the future use of the vacant building at Kells Road, Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46926/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.

The annual rent for the lease of the Government Offices at Athlumney, Kilcairn, Navan is €573,000. While the Commissioners of Public Works have no immediate use for the former Government Offices at Kells Road, Navan, it is a valuable and strategic site, which will be retained by the State. A range of option for its longer-term use is being considered.

Employee Earnings.

Michael McGrath

Question:

131 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of PAYE employees in Cork city and county earning less than €25,000 per annum; the number earning between €25,000 and €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,000 and €75,000 per annum; the number earning between €75,000 and €100,000 per annum and those earning more than €100,000 per annum for each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [46938/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant historical information available on the incomes of employees taxed under the PAYE system is derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2007, representing about 96% of all returns expected at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes. On this basis the numbers of PAYE employees in Cork city and county is set out as follows:

Income Tax Year 2007

Cork City

Cork County

Cork City and County

Range of Gross Income

Total Number

Total Number

Total Number

25,000

37,602

52,279

89,881

25,001

50,000

25,905

26,304

52,209

50,001

75,000

8,200

6,963

15,163

75,001

100,000

3,031

2,191

5,222

Over

100,000

1,814

1,109

2,923

76,552

88,846

165,398

An estimated breakdown of the figures on a geographical basis is available on the basis of "bailiwick", meaning, in this case, the jurisdiction or boundaries within which Revenue Sheriffs, County Registrars or their officers operate for the purposes of enforcement of tax debt. It equates geographically with "county", while also providing separate breakdowns for "city" and "county" in the case of counties Dublin and Cork.

The data relating to the allocation by city or county of PAYE employees should be treated with caution. This is because it has been the practice to associate each employee with the city or county in which his or her employer is registered for PAYE purposes, regardless of the address of the actual workplace or of the individual's home address. Companies are associated on the tax record with the county address of the head-office or branch with which contact is established for tax purposes, which may be different to the city or county addresses of other branches.

A married couple, which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. The source of the information provided in relation to numbers and tax is the P35 end year returns filed by employers in respect of their employees but does not include the corresponding figures relating to PAYE taxpayers who are required to return an income tax return form 11 where non-PAYE income is greater than €3,174.

Tax Code.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

132 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the impact of the second home tax on businesses operating holiday cottages; if his further attention has been drawn to a statement (details supplied) that this tax would be deductible as a normal business expense and this now appears not to be the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46966/09]

The Tax Acts apply different rules to the computation of taxable income depending on the source of the income. The income receivable from the letting of premises such as self-catering accommodation is regarded as rental income and assessed accordingly. Income from the operation of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments is regarded as trading income and different rules apply to the assessment of such income. While the computation of the tax liability is broadly similar for both types of income, there are some differences. For example, in a rental situation where expenses exceed rents, the loss can only be used to reduce taxable rental income in years subsequent to that in which the loss arises whereas trading losses can be used to reduce other non-trading taxable income in the same year as that in which the loss arises, but can only be used to reduce taxable income from the same trade where it continues to be carried on in subsequent years.

There is no provision whereby a homeowner could offset the €200 local authority charge in respect of non principal private residences. Nor is the €200 charge a deductible expense in respect of rental income where such properties are let.

Ministerial Remuneration.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

133 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the gross salaries of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State; the reduction effects the 10% pay reduction announced in October 2008, new levies, and any further pay reductions agreed since in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46967/09]

The information requested in respect of the named Office holders is set out in the following table:

Office Holder

Salary at October 2008

Voluntary Deduction at 10%

Current Salary

Taoiseach

285,583

28,558

257,025

Tánaiste

245,325

24,533

220,792

Minister

225,196

22,520

202,676

Minister of State

154,740

15,474

139,266

Taxation increases have also taken place during this period which affects the net pay of all income earners.

An income levy was introduced in Budget 2009 which applied at 1% on income up to €100,100, at 2% on income above €100,100 but below €250,120 and 3% on income in excess of this amount. These income levy rates were doubled and thresholds reduced to €75,036 and €174,980 in the Supplementary Budget in April 2009. The Health Levy was doubled from 2% to 4% and 2.5% to 5% and the higher threshold reduced from €100,100 to €75,036 in the Supplementary Budget 2009.

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 introduced several remedial measures for the public finances including a pension-related deduction (PRD) on the remuneration of public servants, including office holders. The rates and bands applying effective from 1 May 2009, are as follows:

Band

Rate

%

First €15,000 of earnings

exempt

Between €15,000 and €20,000

5.0

Between €20,000 and €60,000

10.0

Above €60,000

10.5

Because of the obligation by the Revenue Commissioners to conserve confidentiality in relation to the taxation affairs of all individual tax payers, the individual impact of taxation measures on the Office Holders concerned is not tabulated.

Legislation is currently before the Oireachtas which will implement the recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector in relation to the salaries of Office Holders. These recommendations are set out in Report No 44 which has recently been published. Under these recommendations the salary of the Taoiseach will be reduced by 20% to €228,466, and the Tánaiste and Ministers by 15% to €208,526 and €191,417 respectively. In accordance with the general recommendations of this Report the salaries of Ministers of State would be reduced by 8%. However, the Government intends to introduce an amendment to the Bill to reduce the salary of a Minister of State by 10% to €139,266.

Departmental Properties.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

134 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the request to waive his interest in a premises (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46988/09]

The Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of the Department of Finance, are responsible for the management of property under sections 28, 29, 30 and 31 of the State Property Act (1954), following the dissolution of companies, either voluntarily, or being struck off the Companies Register. The Minister may waive his interest in said assets, where appropriate, under the State Property Act (1954). The waiver applications received from both Lorcan Estate Residents' Association (LERA) and Santry Scout Group are currently being dealt with by the Chief State Solicitor's Office. There are a number of issues, which require clarification. Once these issues are addressed, the Chief State Solicitor will advise the Minister of the legal position. The Minister can then decide if it is appropriate to waive his interest or not.

Tax Code.

Michael McGrath

Question:

135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the exceptions to the time limit within which PAYE taxpayers can claim a tax refund for previous tax years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47021/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the time limits for claiming repayments of tax are contained in section 865 Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997. Under section 865 a claim for repayment of tax must be made within four years after the end of the tax year to which the claim refers. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are situations covered in tax law where, notwithstanding that the claim for repayment is bound by the four year time limit or other such time limit, the repayment itself may be for periods in excess of four years.

Firstly, section 480A of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 provides a relief from income tax in respect of certain earnings of sportspersons. The claim must be made within four years of end of the tax year in which the individual ceased permanently to be a sportsperson but such claim may refer to any ten tax years starting with the 1990-91 tax year.

Secondly, section 489 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides relief from income tax under the Seed Capital Scheme. The tax deduction must, in general, be claimed within two years from the end of the tax year in which the shares are issued and the deduction may be claimed for the tax year in which the investment was made or for any or all of six tax years prior to that tax year.

Thirdly, sections 774(7)(b)(ii) Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and 776 (2A) Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provide for relief for pension contributions that are not ordinary annual contributions (i.e. they are special contributions) to be allowed in certain circumstances over such a period of years as the Revenue Commissioner may think proper. Whilst the claim must be made within four years of the end of the tax year in which the pension contribution is made, the tax relief can be given for such tax years as the Revenue Commissioner may think proper.

Tax Yield.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

136 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of tax paid by the top 4% of earners in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected contributions for 2010; the figures for the next 4% and every successive cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47186/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant historical information available relates to the income tax liability of the top 4% of income earners as derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2007, the latest year for which such information is available. For that year it is estimated that the top 4% of income earners were liable for 42.4 % of the total amount of income tax due for that year.

The estimates for 2008, 2009 and 2010, based on Revenue's latest projections, are 44.5%, 45.2% and 48% respectively. The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007, adjusted as necessary to take account of the most recent data available for income and employment trends for the years in question. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the next 4% and every successive cohort is not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.

Food Labelling.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

137 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children when legislation will be introduced for the labelling of food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46607/09]

Food labelling is currently governed by Council Directive 2000/13/EC, transposed in 2002, with several amendments since. This applies to the labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer or for supply to mass caterers. The principle underlying this directive is that the purchaser must not be misled and it has helped to ensure that the consumer is provided with the information required to make healthy consumption choices. In January 2008, the European Commission presented its proposals on updating and harmonising this legislation. The proposal is still under discussion. This proposal envisages the consolidation of existing legislation in the area of food labelling and the introduction of new provisions for Country of Origin Labelling, a mandatory nutrition declaration and allergen labelling, amongst others.

In November 2008, Ireland submitted its position paper on the proposal. This paper was informed by submissions made to the FSAI by many of the key stakeholders. Ireland's position was further informed by the recently published Food Safety Authority of Ireland 2009 labelling survey. In its position paper, Ireland

supports mandatory Country of Origin Labelling,

shares the concerns of a significant number of other member states with regard to National Schemes,

welcomes the proposal for mandatory allergen labelling and supports the highlighting of allergens on labels,

supports the equal treatment of all alcohol products,

asks that consideration should be given to bringing alcohol products into the scope of the legislation,

supports the retention of the Commission's proposal with regard to the use of "per portion" expression alone in certain cases, and

does not support the proposal for a minimum font size of 3mm for display of mandatory particulars and suggests that other aids to legibility, such as contrasting background, be explored.

Since January 2008 a number of meetings have taken place at European Union Working Group level, attended by officials from Department of Health and Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The next meeting is due to take place on 11 and 12 January 2010. On 16 March 2009, the European Parliament examined the proposal. Parliament has indicated, however, that it will not be in a position to conduct the first reading of the document until early 2010.

Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

138 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the social welfare officer who regularly called to a premises in County Cork has ceased calling and has informed persons that they must now go to Macroom resulting in inconvenience to local persons; and her plans to reverse the situation. [46699/09]

Bernard Allen

Question:

193 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the welfare officer who regularly called to a premises in County Cork has ceased calling and has informed persons that they must now go to Macroom; if she will reverse this. [46984/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 193 together.

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

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

139 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the procedure for the adoption of babies from India and the Philippines by couples here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46728/09]

Both India and the Philippines have ratified the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of inter-country Adoption. The annual report of the Adoption board for 2007 indicates that the board processed three adoptions from India and two from the Philippines under the Adoption Act 1952. The Adoption Bill 2009, is designed to give force of law in Ireland to the Hague Convention. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future inter-country adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.

The current policy position, as set out in the Adoption Bill 2009, is that for an adoption to be registered under the Bill it must be effected in a contracting State to the Hague Convention or in a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. The issue of transitional measures for prospective parents who are at a definable stage in the adoption process when the Bill is enacted and who wish to continue to adopt a child from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country, is being examined. Prospective adoptive parents have waited a long time and it is my intention to be as flexible as possible in relation to applicants.

Medical Cards.

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

140 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards provided to children for the years 2004 to date in 2009, broken down per year. [47010/09]

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

200 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of providing medical cards to children for the years 2004 to date in 2009, inclusive, broken down per year. [47011/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 200 together.

Details of the number of medical card and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. As the information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the HSE to my Department as a matter of routine, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

141 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will accept a letter from a firm of accountants certifying the level of income and assets of a person (details supplied) in County Meath when assessing their eligibility for an over 70 years medical card. [46560/09]

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

Patient Private Property Funds.

Denis Naughten

Question:

142 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 15 October 2009, the value of payments to date; the number of payments which have issued; when repayments will be made in the western region and in the remaining regions; the timetable for the completion of this process; the reclaim procedure for the next of kin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46566/09]

The task of calculating and preparing payments of interest previously retained on invested patient private property funds by the HSE is continuing. The first payments of interest have now been made in the HSE South in respect of funds invested during 2005. To date interest of €60,900 in total was distributed to 1,120 clients. It is envisaged that payments to clients in the HSE West region will commence in early 2010 and payments to clients in the remaining regions will also commence later in 2010. The HSE is identifying the amount of retained interest due in each individual case and the recipient of each payment from records retained at each of the local care centres. There is no requirement for clients or next of kin to submit an application to receive a payment of retained interest.

Medical Cards.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

143 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card renewal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46568/09]

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

Michael Ring

Question:

144 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card has not been renewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if it will be renewed. [46569/09]

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

Michael Ring

Question:

145 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card has not been renewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if it will be renewed. [46570/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

146 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual cost to the Exchequer of providing a chaplaincy service in national health institutions. [46571/09]

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

Health Services.

Mary Wallace

Question:

147 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason dental services provided in a health centre have been withdrawn from a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46574/09]

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

John Perry

Question:

148 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if an outstanding bill for day care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be waived in view of difficult financial circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46576/09]

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.

John Perry

Question:

149 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim will have their general practitioner visit cards upgraded to full medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46583/09]

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

Seán Barrett

Question:

150 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the 235 bed extension to a hospital (details supplied) in Dún Laoghaire; the timescale for the commencement of work on the development, in view of the urgency of the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46587/09]

I understand that the National Rehabilitation Hospital has recently submitted a business case for the development of a new national rehabilitation hospital to the Health Service Executive. This submission and developments at the hospital will be considered in the context of capital and revenue funding available for the health services in 2010 and the competing priorities for this limited funding.

Medical Cards.

Joe Costello

Question:

151 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; the level of coverage provided by the general practitioner visit card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46594/09]

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

Adoption Services.

Joe Costello

Question:

152 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the UNICEF Report on Adoption from Vietnam, 2009; the reason she asked the Adoption Board to investigate an agency (details supplied); if the investigation is complete; if there is a conflict of interest between the membership of the Adoption Board and this agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46599/09]

I recently received the UNICEF report ‘Adoption from Vietnam: Problems and Challenges' carried out by the International Social Service (ISS). I have discussed the findings of the report with a number of groups representing persons wishing to adopt from Vietnam. This consultation is an important component of my consideration of the issues raised in the report. I intend to complete my assessment shortly and recommend a course of action to Government with regard to future adoptions from Vietnam.

My Office became aware of concerns around aspects of the operation of the mediation agency in question upon receipt of the ‘draft Final Report' of the ‘Assessment of the Adoption System in Vietnam' by ISS in mid August this year. The Adoption Board were contacted immediately upon receipt of the draft report. The Adoption Board's role in registering adoption societies, including the mediation agency in question, make it the appropriate body to consider the issues raised. The matters under consideration in relation to the agency, along with the wider issue of adoptions from Vietnam are currently being considered in the context of the ISS, and the earlier MoLISA, reports.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

153 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to develop podiatry services as a priority in a national diabetes service framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46612/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

154 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the development of a post (details supplied) in County Mayo will be progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46613/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

156 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when priority will be given to fund one whole time equivalent podiatrist in each hospital diabetes centre here, as per the recommendations of the Health Service Executive’s diabetes expert advisory group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46654/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 153, 154 and 156 together.

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

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

155 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [46622/09]

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

Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 153.

Child Care Services.

James Reilly

Question:

157 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the funding for the newly opened crèche at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin when there appears to be a deficit in start up funding that has put the crèche in danger of closing after an allocation of more than €1 million in capital funding; if she will resolve this situation in order that the crèche and voluntary and paid workers will continue to provide this much needed service to disadvantaged families in the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46655/09]

I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 — 2010, under which capital grant funding is made available to community and commercial childcare providers for the development of childcare facilities, and also for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which provides funding to community-based not for profit childcare facilities to enable them to charge reduced fees to disadvantaged and low income families.

In 2008, the company in question received capital grant approval under the NCIP for €1 million to develop a community childcare facility. In addition, as a large-scale capital project scheduled to open in February 2009, the company received CCSS grant approval for €54,600, to assist with the start up costs of the project from January to December 2009. The project did not open until September 2009 and I understand that a payment of €22,570 has been made to the company in respect of the period August 2009 to December 2009 and that the balance will be paid to the company to cover the period January to July 2010.

NCIP funding is subject to contractual requirements to safeguard the State's investment. My Office has arranged for Pobal, which assists in the administration of the NCIP including the CCSS, to engage with the company to ensure that they develop a more robust financial plan to support the future sustainability of the project.

Health Insurance.

Michael McGrath

Question:

158 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who held private health insurance for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; her views on whether there will be a significant reduction in the number for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46661/09]

The table shows changes in the numbers and percentage of the population covered under a private health insurance contract from 2007 to the end of June 2009.

Total (000’s)

% Pop

Mar-07

2,192

50.8

Jun-07

2,204

50.8

Sep-07

2,226

51.1

Dec-07

2,245

51.2

Mar-08

2,254

51.2

Jun-08

2,269

51.3

Sep-08

2,282

51.6

Dec-08

2,299

52.0

Mar-09

2,286

51.7

Jun-09

2,278

51.5

There has been a small decrease in the number of people covered under a private health insurance contract in the first six months of 2009. It is not clear at this time the extent to which this is due to individuals ceasing to hold private health insurance or to individuals not taking out private health insurance for the first time. In the case of individuals who may have ceased to hold private health insurance, no survey of reasons for such a possible cessation has taken place, so it is not possible for me to give any numbers of or statement with regard to individuals who have ceased to hold private health insurance due to income pressure.

Data are not available at this time with regard to the use of health services by persons who may have ceased to hold cover. However, all persons who hold private health insurance also have eligibility for services as public patients in acute hospitals which they can use while holding private health insurance cover.

Health Services.

James Bannon

Question:

159 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be called for an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46664/09]

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

Billy Timmins

Question:

160 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if they will receive an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46677/09]

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

Hospital Procedures.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

161 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients residing in County Waterford treated for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation, in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46685/09]

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

162 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients under 65 years residing in County Waterford treated for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation, in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46687/09]

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

163 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full or partial lower limb amputations carried out on patients residing in County Waterford in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46688/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

183 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients treated for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46908/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

184 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients under 65 years of age treated for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46909/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

185 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients residing in County Cork treated for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46915/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

186 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients under 65 years of age residing in County Cork who were treated for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46918/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

187 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full or partial lower limb amputations carried out on patients residing in County Cork in 2007 and 2008; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46921/09]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 161 to 163, inclusive, and 183 to 187, inclusive, together.

The information requested is contained in the table.

Area of Residence

Waterford

Cork

National Total

2007

2008

2007

2008

2007

2008

Number of admissions with a diagnosis of foot ulcerations and without a full or partial lower limb amputation

109

120

390

339

3,826

3,775

Number of these patients with a diagnosis of diabetes

54

55

136

133

1,361

1,297

Number of admissions aged under 65 with a diagnosis of foot ulcerations and without a full or partial lower limb amputation

28

22

89

97

1,100

985

Number of these patients with a diagnosis of diabetes

15

13

32

38

412

420

Number of full or partial lower limb amputations

15

13

90

99

703

667

Number of these patients with a diagnosis of diabetes

8

6

45

53

334

338

Number of bed days used by patients with a full or partial limb amputation and diabetes

447

271

2,098

1,452

12,937

11,637

Source: Hospital Inpatients Enquiry.

Note: Data refer to discharges from publicly funded acute hospital. Private hospitals are not included.

The HSE is currently developing a programme for diabetes which will establish an integrated diabetic service between community and hospital. Its objective is to improve specific targets to reduce both acute and chronic complications. It will also include effective foot care to reduce severe infection and amputation in diabetes. The recommendations of the Expert Advisory group will be progressed within the context of the Diabetes programme.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

164 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 4 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [46692/09]

My Department has referred the parliamentary question concerned to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. I understand that the Executive is preparing a reply in the matter which will issue to the Deputy in the near future.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

165 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 4 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [46693/09]

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

Arthur Morgan

Question:

166 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a copy of the service level agreement that exists between a nursing home (details supplied) in County Donegal and the Health Service Executive will issue to this Deputy. [46697/09]

Service level agreements are an operational issue conducted between the Health Service Executive and individual organisations. Therefore this matter has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

167 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No 533 of 3 November 2009, the progress made on this issue. [46705/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

168 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of national assistant directors in the Health Service Executive; the number of national assistant directors there have been each year since the establishment of the HSE; the average salary of a national assistant director in the HSE in 2009 and each year since the establishment of the HSE; the amount of bonuses awarded to the national assistant directors in each of the years since the establishment of the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46733/09]

The salaries of Assistant Directors/Assistant National Directors, since the establishment of the HSE, are set out in the following table:

Date of Salary Scale

Salary Scale

2005

Grade did not exist

January 2006

€87,651 to €107,128 (Assistant Director)

June 2006

€89,842 to €109,806 (Assistant Director)

December 2006

€92,537 to €113,100 (Assistant Director; National Hospitals Office (HSE)) €92,537 to €113,100 (Assistant Director; Primary, Community, and Continuing (HSE)) €92,537 to €113,100 (Assistant Director; Population Health (HSE)) €91,176 to €111,165 (Assistant Director; Finance/HR/ICT (HSE))

June 2007

€94,388 to €115,362 (Assistant Director; National Hospitals Office (HSE)) €94,388 to €115,362 (Assistant Director; Primary, Community, and Continuing (HSE)) €94,388 to €115,362 (Assistant Director; Population Health (HSE)) €92,999 to €113,388 (Assistant Director; Finance/HR/ICT (HSE))

March 2008

€96,748 to €118,246 (Assistant National Director; National Hospitals Office (HSE)) €96,748 to €118,246 (Assistant National Director; Primary, Community, and Continuing (HSE)) €96,748 to €118,246 (Assistant National Director; Population Health (HSE)) €95,342 to €116,223 (Assistant National Director; Finance/HR/ICT (HSE))

September 2008

€99,166 to €121,203 (Assistant National Director; National Hospitals Office (HSE)) €99,166 to €121,203 (Assistant National Director; Primary, Community, and Continuing (HSE)) €99,166 to €121,203 (Assistant National Director; Population Health (HSE)) €97,707 to €119,129 (Assistant National Director; Finance/HR/ICT (HSE))

2009

As at September 2008

As the details of the number of Assistant National Directors employed and bonuses awarded to them are matters for the Health Service Executive, these parts of the question have been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

169 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 265 of 20 October 2009, the reason a formal reply has not been issued by the Health Service Executive; and if she is in a position to furnish a reply to this question. [46735/09]

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

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

170 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claims received under the nursing homes repayment scheme; the amount paid out in repayments; if all claims have been settled; the amount paid to outside companies or agencies in respect of administration of the scheme; the companies and the amounts paid in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46740/09]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Health Repayment Scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG accountants and McCann Fitzgerald solicitors. A total of 35,300 claims have been received for the scheme. In excess of 35,000 or 99.3 % of all claims have been concluded. To date a total of €420.243 million has been paid to claimants. The remaining claims are being progressed currently and it is expected these will be finalised in the coming weeks.

Since the scheme commenced in 2006, a total of €19.312m has been paid to companies that have been involved with the scheme. A breakdown of payments made to each of the companies is contained in the following table:

30/11/2009

2008

2007

2006

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Scheme Administrator

2.611

8.653

2.274

1.118

14.656

(KPMG & McCann Fitzgerald)

IT Consultancy Services

Client Solutions

0.00

0.011

0.00

0.00

0.011

IBM

0.001

0.031

0.034

0.028

0.094

Iron Mountain (USA)

0.002

0.001

0.002

0.002

0.007

Advertising

Drury Communications

0.00

0.069

0.019

0.097

0.185

BBDO

0.00

0.00

0.417

0.727

1.144

Legal Expenses

0.578

1.245

0.770

0.486

3.079

Contract Consultancy — Accenture

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.012

0.012

Appeals Office

IT Consultancy

Complete Network Technology

0.00

0.015

0.007

0.005

0.027

IT Force

0.009

0.024

0.009

0.044

0.086

Printing

Brunswick Press Ltd (Printing Costs)

0.00

0.005

0.00

0.00

0.005

Audit

Grant Thorntan

0.006

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.006

Annual Totals

3.207

10.054

3.532

2.519

19.312

Total to 30th November 2009

19.312

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

171 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 417 of 3 November 2009, the reason a formal reply has not been issued by the Health Service Executive; if she is in a position to furnish a reply to the question. [46745/09]

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

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

172 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or any of the agencies under her remit made a payment to a contractor for work completed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46746/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Michael Creed

Question:

173 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46748/09]

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

Health Services.

James Bannon

Question:

174 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department considers one day’s home help sufficient for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the support available to the person the other six days a week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46758/09]

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

Hospital Staff.

James Bannon

Question:

175 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that elderly patients are being turned away from St. Joseph’s Hospital, County Longford despite beds being empty; her views on the impact that the moratorium on staff recruitment in the Health Service Executive is having on this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46759/09]

The Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at facilities such as St. Joseph's Hospital Longford. I understand that the HSE is currently restricting new admissions to the long stay unit, however the Unit is still providing respite admissions. The Employment Control Framework, which was agreed in March of this year sets out the overall policy for staffing levels in the health sector for 2009. The Framework incorporates the general moratorium on recruitment in the public sector. However, the moratorium has been modulated to minimise the impact on front line services and, in particular, on areas such as disability, services for older people, and child care.

One of the key features of the Employment Control Framework for 2009 is that the approved employment ceiling for the health sector for 2009 is 111,800 WTEs. In addition, within this employment ceiling there will be a 3% payroll reduction for management and administrative grades in 2009 leading to a reduction of at least 500 in the numbers employed in these grades. The employment control framework specifically exempts staff in the following front line grades in the health sector from the moratorium: Medical Consultants, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Clinical Psychologists, Behaviour Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, and Emergency Medical Technicians.

The framework actually allows for a growth in the number of those posts within the overall approved employment ceiling (111,800 wtes) for the health sector. The framework also includes provision for the creation of 225 new development posts this year for cancer, mental health, and disability services. Following a submission from the Health Service Executive earlier this year, it was agreed that special provisions would also apply in relation to Clinical Engineering Technicians, Dosimetrists, Physicists, and Radiation Therapists, which are specialist grades under the National Cancer Control Programme). The framework also provides that a proposal for the filling of a post on exceptional grounds will only be considered through the redeployment of a member of staff of the same or equivalent grade from another post or, the suppression of another or a number of other posts of an equivalent salary value to the post being proposed for filling.

Furthermore, staff will be redeployed within and across pillars and from one institution to another to support the development of integrated care delivery. Health employment levels are monitored by the Joint Employment Control Monitoring Committee, which comprises officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and the HSE. This committee also reviews the implementation of the moratorium and any issues arising.

Medical Cards.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

176 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card renewal will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [46767/09]

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

Health Services.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

177 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if the medical needs of a child (details supplied) in County Meath have been assessed; if so, the length of time this child will have to wait before receiving the required medical treatment from the Health Service Executive. [46772/09]

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

Michael McGrath

Question:

178 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national guidelines for the selection of patients for insulin pump use will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46788/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

179 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the bed designation system that applies in the acute hospitals; the number of beds designated for public use and the number for private use; the details of the public and private patient mix for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and the estimated loss to the Health Service Executive due to the fact it is not permitted to charge for accommodation in respect of a large number of private patients who occupy beds designated for public use. [46799/09]

Although patients may be treated in public hospitals on a private basis, the core purpose of the public hospital system is to provide services for all patients under the statutory eligibility provisions. All persons ordinarily resident in Ireland have full eligibility for hospital services, meaning that there is universal access to public hospital care. The fact that a person may have private health insurance does not take away from his/her eligibility for services as a public patient. Care is needed to ensure that a perceived need to generate income does not operate to the detriment of service provision to public patients. The primary objective must be to avoid an excessive ratio of private practice within public hospitals and, subject to that being achieved, to recover whatever income is due in respect of that level of private practice.

The Government's focus is to achieve fair access by patients to publicly-funded hospital capacity based on medical need. The new consultants' contract includes new rules on consultants' public-private mix of patients and new measures to manage these rules by newly-appointed clinical directors. These contractual features complement existing bed designation rules.

Bed designation was introduced as part of the overall framework to control the level of private activity in publicly funded hospitals. Under the Health (In-Patient) Regulations 1991, beds in public hospitals are categorised as public, private or non-designated. Under these regulations, no private patient being admitted electively may be accommodated in a designated public bed. The regulations contain reciprocal provisions regarding the accommodation of public patients in beds designated as private. There is provision for some exceptions to cater for emergencies. An approximate 80:20 public/private ratio applies.

The national average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals in 2007, the latest year for which validated data has been compiled by the HSE, is 13,688. Of these over 10,200 were categorised as public, over 2,400 were categorised as private and the remainder as non-designated.

The HSE Performance Reports indicate that the percentage mix of activity in acute hospitals in 2007 was 75.1% public to 24.9% private and in 2008 was 74.1% public to 25.9% private. The corresponding figure up to September 2009, the latest month for which data is currently available, stood at 75.2% public to 24.8% private. While this data indicates some slight improvement in the public /private activity mix it shows the importance of ensuring that the range of measures to control private activity that are now in place are fully implemented.

Medical Cards.

Joe Costello

Question:

180 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who applied for renewal of a medical card more than two months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46802/09]

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

Health Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

181 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if the D-DOC service in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin will close at midnight on Wednesdays and her views on whether one mobile general practitioner oncall is adequate for all of north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46877/09]

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

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

182 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days used by patients with diabetes who had full or partial lower limb amputations carried out in 2007 and 2008; the total inpatient cost of caring for them in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46906/09]

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

Questions Nos. 183 to 187, inclusive, answered with Question No. 161.

Joe McHugh

Question:

188 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that frontline services are retained for persons with multiple sclerosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46930/09]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

189 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [46935/09]

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

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

190 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of medical circumstances; and if she will expedite the matter. [46970/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

191 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled at a hospital (details supplied) between 23 November 2009 and 7 December 2009; the reason they were cancelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46976/09]

The Health Service Executive is responsible for the monitoring of elective activity in each acute hospital. This includes the collection and publication of performance data on acute hospitals nationally — including information on cancellation rates. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

John O'Mahony

Question:

192 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when a procedure will be performed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [46977/09]

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

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 138.

Health Services.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

194 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people with diabetes here; the number of podiatrists in the public service; her views on the development of podiatry services to reduce the risk of amputations arising from diabetes. [46987/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Question:

195 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the change in policy regarding expiry dates on the issuing of medical cards to people aged over 70 years; the reason a renewed medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will expire in 18 months as compared to the person’s previous medical card which was valid for five years. [46999/09]

The administration of medical card applications, including assessment and dates for review, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

196 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children following the signing of contracts for a new endoscopy unit at Nenagh General Hospital, County Tipperary, the reason the contract for the endoscopy unit at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare, has not yet been signed; when she expects this contract to be signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47000/09]

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

Community Care.

Noel Coonan

Question:

197 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for reinstating a community welfare officer to a village (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if accommodation in the village has been sourced for the CWO; if her attention has been drawn to the inconvenience that this is causing the residents who have to travel to another town to avail of the CWO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47004/09]

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

Ambulance Service.

Noel Coonan

Question:

198 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a proposed new ambulance base in a town (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in progressing this project; when in 2010 this project will progress as planned; the timeframe for the completion of the new facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47006/09]

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

Health Service Reform.

Noel Coonan

Question:

199 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of recommendations outlined in a report (details supplied) that have been carried out to date in 2009 and if they were completed on schedule; if the remaining commitments are on schedule and when they will proceed and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47008/09]

The HSE reconfiguration plans which are underway in the Mid-West Region are informed by the Teamwork/Horwath Report referred to by the Deputy. The Report highlighted the need for changes to be made in the organisation and provision of acute hospital services across the region as it found services there to be too fragmented, to carry increased risks for patients and staff and to be unsustainable in their present form. The reconfiguration of services in the Mid-West Region began in early April, 2009. This involved the cessation of 24-hour Accident and Emergency services at Ennis and Nenagh. These hospitals now provide an urgent care/minor injuries service for 12 hours a day as part of a regional Accident and Emergency structure.

The level of staffing of the ambulance services in Clare and North Tipperary has been enhanced and an advanced 24-hour paramedic service is also now in operation. Protocols are in place to ensure that all trauma, paediatric and obstetric emergency cases are brought directly to the major tertiary centre at Limerick Regional Hospital. All planned and emergency in-patient surgery has been moved from Ennis and Nenagh to Limerick Regional Hospital since early October, 2009. Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals are undertaking an expanded range of day case surgery and diagnostic work.

I am pleased with the progress being made in this important project. I believe that the measures are necessary and appropriate to ensure the provision of safe and effective health services to the people of the Mid-West Region. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy in relation to the detailed information that he has sought.

Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 140.

Health Insurance.

Michael McGrath

Question:

201 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding health insurance cover. [47022/09]

I have no role to play in the day to day operations of any private health insurance company, including issues relating to the settlement of claims. If the individual in question is not satisfied with decisions made by the private health insurance company, they may contact the Health Insurance Authority (www.hia.ie, Canal House, Canal Road, Dublin 6). In addition, complaints may be registered for investigation with the Financial Services Ombudsman (www.financialombudsman.ie, locall 1890 882090, 3rd Floor, Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2)

Medical Cards.

John Deasy

Question:

202 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the sanctions specified in legislation to be applied to those who were automatically granted over 70 years medical cards and subsequently failed to inform her Department that their incomes exceeded the new income limits introduced in January 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47154/09]

The Health Act 2008 provided for the removal of the automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 and over. A new and much simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 and over, based on gross income rather than net income, as applies otherwise for means-testing of eligibility for medical cards. The simplified approach taken for persons aged 70 and over who held a medical card prior to 31st December 2008 is close to a self-assessment system. In introducing the measures, I emphasised my belief in the honesty and integrity of the vast majority of older persons in our society.

There are measures in the legislation that allow for the sharing of data between State agencies and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to allow the HSE to verify in any particular case if the person has income, as declared, under the gross income limit. Long-standing provisions of the Health Act 1970, as amended, continue to apply. For instance, there is a requirement for a person to notify the HSE of any change in his/her circumstances which would render him/her ineligible for services. In addition, when a person has obtained a service and it is later ascertained that he/she was not entitled to the service, the HSE may charge the individual for any services provided to him/her for the period for which he/she had no entitlement.

The Health Act 2008 provides that the HSE shall provide any necessary supports to any person aged 70 or over in the making of an application for a medical card where, by reason of any incapacity, such person requests such assistance.

Road Traffic Offences.

Chris Andrews

Question:

203 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if legislation is in place regarding cycling speeds in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46601/09]

There are no provisions in the Road Traffic Acts regarding cycling speeds in urban areas. There are, however, requirements on all vehicle drivers (including cyclists) to drive with due care and attention and reasonable consideration for other persons using the place.

Parking Regulations.

Mary Wallace

Question:

204 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding funding for park and ride facilities; if lands for the park and ride facilities must be in the ownership of the local authority or if they can equally be in the ownership of community organisations who would be willing to provide the land for park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46563/09]

Funding for Park and Ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area is a matter for the National Transport Authority. The NTA has appointed an Oireachtas Liaison Officer to respond to questions raised by Deputies. The Oireachtas Liaison Officer is Matt Benville and he may be contacted at 6041098 or at the National Transport Authority, 59 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

My Department also makes funding available for bus priority and Park and Ride projects in the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. It is a matter for the local authorities in these cities to prioritise projects and apply to my Department for funding. My Department is open to considering applications for Park and Ride funding in the regional cities on the basis of the business cases provided and in the light of available funding. There is no requirement for the lands in question to be in local authority ownership.

Statutory Instruments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

205 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 18 November 2009, the occasions over the past decade on which he signed a statutory instrument but that statutory instrument was subsequently not numbered in accordance with section 4(1) of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947; if, in each case, this was the result of an exemption sought under the act from the Attorney General; the reason for seeking such an exemption; if it was the result of departmental oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46698/09]

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

State Property.

Michael Ring

Question:

206 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 417, 150, 151 and 152 of 3 December 2009 (details supplied), his views on whether this is contradictory to the response received from the local authority in question; the papers that were sent to the local authority; when same were sent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46738/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

207 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the way a matter (details supplied) will be progressed in view of the fact that it has been ongoing for more than two years; the cost in legal and other fees in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46739/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.

The Chief State Solicitor's Office has issued clear advice that all the necessary legal and contractual issues involved in this matter have not been resolved. The principal items of these issues include the registration of Common Areas, property management of the building and differences in the planning drawings. The Chief State Solicitor's Office, acting on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard, forwarded a draft Caretaker's Agreement to Mayo County Council's solicitors on the 18th February 2008.

During a meeting between the Irish Coast Guard, the Chief State Solicitor's Office, Mayo County Council and their solicitors on the 11th June 2008, the Coast Guard was advised that such an Agreement was unacceptable at that time. The CSSO Office have advised that the present proposals are unsatisfactory for the Department, and that the Irish Coast Guard would be in a weak position if there was a disagreement in the future which could expose the Department to additional costs. The Irish Coast Guard has recently reminded Mayo County Council that it is still willing to proceed along the lines of a Caretakers Agreement to allow the volunteers enter the building whilst legal difficulties are corrected and that the Coast Guard would be willing to pay a reasonable percentage of the remaining monies due on foot of such access.

No legal fees are applicable in this case. I have asked, and been assured that, the outstanding issues will be dealt with in the appropriate manner and as quickly as possible. Indeed the Director of the Coast Guard and the Director of Services for Mayo County Council are currently dealing directly on the matter.

Road Network.

Joe McHugh

Question:

208 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport when his Department received an application from a local authority for a project (details supplied); if the funding sought by the applicant will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46876/09]

In December 2008, my Department received an application from Donegal County Council for funding for the Fanad approach road to the Mulroy Bay Bridge. This proposed strategic project is an addition to the original Mulroy Bay Scheme. The project will be considered for funding in 2010, subject to the availability of resources and the position regarding other competing strategic projects from local authorities.

Appointments to State Boards.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

209 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the background information on the persons that he has appointed to the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46903/09]

I refer to my reply to Question No. 31 on 9 December 2009.

Road Safety.

Sean Fleming

Question:

210 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a copy of the statutory instruments or legislation passed by his Department and a copy of the original European Union directive to which they relate, in respect of rules and regulations governing the testing of motor cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46973/09]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Copies of statutory instruments are available on the Irish Statute book website at www.irishstatutebook.ie. Copies of European Union Directives are available on the European Union law website at www.eur-lex.europa.EU.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Question:

211 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the funding available for a road (details supplied); and the plans to have this road upgraded. [47001/09]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a matter for Mayo County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. In 2008, and again in 2009, Mayo County Council received funding for design work on the R312 Belmullet to Castlebar Road, under the Department's regional and local road strategic grant scheme. The project is up for consideration for further funding in 2010. The 2010 regional and local road grant allocations will be announced early next year.

Legislative Programme.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

212 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when section 132 regarding upward-only rent reviews of Statutory Instrument 356 will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46923/09]

I can inform the Deputy that Section 132 will come into force on 28 February 2010 (Statutory Instrument No. 471 of 2009 refers).

Garda Training.

Noel Coonan

Question:

213 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the last class of students was taken into the Garda Training College, Templemore, County Tipperary; the number of staff who have lost their jobs there since the supplementary budget in April and in what areas; when he expects the next class of students will enter the college; if he is aware of the effect this embargo is having on the town in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47009/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the latest intake of Garda recruits was in May of this year and that there are currently a total of 326 unattested students in training in Templemore. The Deputy will be aware that approximately 900 student Gardaí will have become attested to the force throughout the course of 2009. While the moratorium on Public Service recruitment applies to Garda recruitment, I intend to review the position during the course of 2010 in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.

The determination of canteen and restaurant personnel numbers is a matter for the Director of Training at the Garda College and the Restaurant Manager in consultation with Senior Garda Management. The personnel at the Garda restaurant are engaged under the terms of a contract which was negotiated some years ago in association with SIPTU and this contract clearly sets out their conditions of employment. As a result of the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service, a review of the staffing arrangements in the Garda College was carried out in consultation with all concerned. Arising from this review, the Director of Training and members of his management team negotiated the terms of a redundancy package for 21 restaurant staff, as provided for in the contract, with union members and the SIPTU representative in relation to the restaurant personnel. These terms were agreed to by the personnel involved and their union representative.

To date this year approximately 8,000 student and full time Gardaí have participated in courses in Templemore and the number of courses is increasing. It should be noted that the College is one of the largest employers in North Tipperary. The situation in relation to recruitment and training will continue to be monitored to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources available at the Garda College.

Probation and Welfare Service.

Bernard Allen

Question:

214 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy of the probation service in locating probation centres in residential areas; if it is planned to do so at Westview House, St. Patrick’s Hill, Cork; the guarantees the probation service gives to allay the concerns regarding the safety of school-going teenagers in five adjacent secondary schools and for local residents; and his plans to move the young persons probation service from the centre in Cove Street. [46562/09]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the Probation Service has developed a partnership approach over many years within communities and developed local links where projects are established. It is the policy of the Probation Service when deciding where to locate facilities for offenders to take local concerns and accessibility for clients into account and to consider a range of issues including public safety, in the operation of the centre and its activities.

In line with this approach the Probation Service recently held an open evening at Westview House for local residents and received positive feedback from residents that the premises was back in use. A number of local residents also offered to do voluntary work with the young people at the premises. The young people who attend Westview House have been deemed by a court to be suitable candidates for community supervision or activities. I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 168 on 9 December 2009. The Deputy will note that the premises in question have been used by the Probation Service for over 25 years.

Road Traffic Offences.

Chris Andrews

Question:

215 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offences regarding bicycle lighting in 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46601/09]

There are no provisions in the Road Traffic Acts regarding cycling speeds in urban areas. There are, however, requirements on all vehicle drivers (including cyclists) to drive with due care and attention and reasonable consideration for other persons using the place.

Citizenship Applications.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

216 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a certificate of registration will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if there is a problem with this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46620/09]

I am informed that the person to whom the Deputy refers was granted permission to remain in the State in January of 2002 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish citizen children. The most recent permission to remain granted to the person in question expired on 23 November, 2009. The person concerned is advised to write to my Department at INIS, PO Box 10003, Dublin 2, outlining his current family circumstances. Consideration will then be given to renewal of his status and the person in question will be contacted directly and notified of any decision made.

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March of 2003. On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality Act, 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to him on 4 March, 2005. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements.

Drugs in Prisons.

Michael McGrath

Question:

217 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the quantity, type and value of drug seizures in each prison here for 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [46659/09]

The confiscation of drugs (or suspected drugs) was recorded by our prisons under the generic description of "prohibited articles/substances" in 2007 and 2008. Therefore an accurate breakdown as requested by the Deputy for that period is not available without the manual examination of records going back over a considerable time period.

From May 2008 (when new security initiatives were first introduced) to 31 December 2008, there were 351 drug seizures within the Irish prison system. In 2009 to date, prisons recorded seizures of drugs as set out in the table below. Statistics for Arbour Hill, Loughan House and Shelton Abbey will not be available until the end of the year and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.

Prison/Place of Detention

Number of Drug Seizures in 2009

Arbour Hill Prison

Available at end of year

Castlerea Prison

62

Cloverhill Prison

83

Cork Prison

31

Dóchas Centre

10

Limerick Prison

69

Loughan House

Available at end of year

Midlands Prison

88

Mountjoy Prison (male)

505

Portlaoise Prison

19

Shelton Abbey

Available at end of year

St. Patrick’s Institution

85

Training Unit

3

Wheatfield Prison

151

The Irish Prison Service does not have the facility to test substances found or seized and therefore cannot state definitively the type or value of drugs seized. Gardaí are contacted once suspected drug seizures are made and issues of investigation and prosecution fall within their remit.

The Irish Prison Service continues to work to implement its Drug Policy & Strategy, entitled "Keeping Drugs Out of Prison", which was launched in May 2006. Working to fulfil the commitments contained in the Policy and Strategy involves the implementation of stringent measures to prevent drugs from getting into prisons while, at the same time, continuing to invest in services within prisons to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population as well as meeting prisoners treatment and rehabilitative needs.

Drug Users present with multiple and complex problems. The evidence would indicate that a multidisciplinary approach is needed to effectively care for this group and that maintenance of a personalised therapeutic relationship yields the best outcomes. Prisoners have access to a range of medical and rehabilitative services such as psychosocial services and work and training options which assist in addressing their substance misuse issues.

The Irish Prison Service has committed significant investment in recent years in responding to addiction issues in the prison system. The most significant new development was the awarding of a contract for addiction counselling services to Merchants Quay Ireland. The Addiction Counselling Service is, in conjunction with other developments, now delivering nearly 1000 hours per week of prisoner access to addiction counselling across the prison system. The priority of my Department and the Irish Prison Service is, notwithstanding present resource difficulties, to ensure that an appropriate range of treatment services is available to all prisoners requiring same.

Immigration Procedures.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

218 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of United States citizens refused entry into Ireland; the reason for the refusal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46662/09]

I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that the number of American citizens who have been refused entry to Ireland between 1st January 2009 and 30th November 2009 is one hundred and fifty-five (155). I have also been informed that the person referred to by the Deputy, arrived in Dublin Airport on 23rd November 2009 on an Aer Lingus flight from Chicago. Following enquires made at the time by an Immigration Officer, this person was refused permission under section 4.3(a) of Immigration Act 2004 -" that the non national is not in a position to support himself or herself and any accompanying dependants". A notice to that effect was served on this person. The reasons as to why he was being refused entry to the State were also clearly explained to him. All passengers arriving in this State must pass through Immigration Controls to ensure that those persons, who, by law, require the permission of an Immigration Officer to enter the State are subject to the proper controls.

Citizenship Applications.

James Bannon

Question:

219 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46663/09]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 2008 and September 2009. On examination of each application submitted it was determined that the person concerned did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The person in question was informed of this in letters issued to him on 15 August, 2008, 11 May, 2009, 10 September, 2009 and 15 September, 2009. It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements.

Garda Investigations.

James Bannon

Question:

220 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the assistance available to persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath who are being intimidated by a neighbouring family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter referred to by the Deputy is under investigation by them. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Garda Deployment.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

221 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of serving gardaí in the Limerick operational district at all levels; the number of applications for retirement made by gardaí to date in 2009 within the Limerick district; the number of retirements anticipated in 2010 in tabular form; the impact this will have on the operations of An Garda Síochána in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46676/09]

Limerick Garda Division is made up of the Districts of Askeaton, Bruff, Henry Street, Newcastle West and Roxboro Road. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the total personnel strength of the Limerick Division, as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 644 compared to 634 on 31st December 2008. The number of applications for retirements throughout 2009 from the Limerick Division is as set out hereunder and is based on the latest available figures:

C/Supt

Supt

Insp

Sgt

Garda

Total

2009

1

0

4

7

37

49

While the rate of retirements in 2009 increased compared to previous years, a not unexpected factor in this increase is the impact of the three year extension of the retirement age which was extended to the Garda Síochána in 2006. There have been no applications received to date from members in the Limerick Division for retirement during 2010.

Garda Reserve.

Niall Collins

Question:

222 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if recruitment of Garda Reserve members is subject to the recruitment embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46736/09]

The moratorium on recruitment and appointments in the public service does not apply to the Garda Reserve as its members are volunteers and do not draw a salary.

Garda Retirement.

Joan Burton

Question:

223 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a newspaper article (details supplied) stating to the effect that senior members of An Garda Síochána who were retiring in great numbers of late had been just hanging on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46750/09]

It is my top priority as Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform to maintain the crime-fighting capacity of the Garda Síochána. In this regard, the Garda Commissioner, mindful of the general moratorium on public service appointments and of the need to make a strong case for any exceptions, carefully monitors the situation and will continue to assess the policing capacity available to him in light of ongoing developments. My officials and myself will remain in close touch with him to ensure he is kept in a position to maintain a viable command structure going forward.

Despite an increase in the rate of retirements in 2009, over 900 members were also attested as Gardaí this year so that the net effect is an actual increase in the overall strength of the force. It should be noted that practically all Garda retirements, whether they occur early or late in a member's career, are in a technical sense voluntary, in the sense that they do not occur on the last day of potential service. Only an exceptionally small number choose to serve until the day upon which they must retire compulsorily on age grounds.

While the current rate of retirements has increased appreciably compared to previous years, it must be remembered that the retirement age for the ranks of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector was increased in 2006 by 3 years to 60, so that we may now, 3 years on, be seeing an element of deferred retirements.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Chris Andrews

Question:

224 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions in the period 2007 to date in 2009 for bogus charitable collectors; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46751/09]

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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the statistics sought by him.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Michael Ring

Question:

225 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding closed circuit television cameras for a town (details supplied) in County Mayo; if funding has been made available for this purpose; the position regarding the application; when closed circuit television will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46762/09]

The Community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a community CCTV system. The scheme also offers pre-development (Stage 1) grants of up to €5,000 to enable qualifying applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal. To date there have been two major rounds of this Scheme, in 2005 and 2007.

Pobal, who administer the Scheme on behalf of my Department, indicate that an application for funding under Stage 1 was received in 2007 from an organisation in the town referred to by the Deputy. Following a thorough assessment of the application, it was deemed not to have met a number of the qualifying criteria and was therefore not approved for funding. I am further advised that feedback was provided to the unsuccessful applicant by Pobal in May 2007.

Garda Retirement.

Michael Ring

Question:

226 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí, for each rank, that have retired from the Garda Síochána to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46763/09]

I have requested the latest information on the number of retirements, including late applications, from the Commissioner and I will revert to the Deputy immediately on receipt of that information.

Garda Training.

Michael Ring

Question:

227 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí currently training in Templemore, County Tipperary; the expected date of their graduation to the rank of full garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46764/09]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the number of recruits in Templemore on the latest date for which figures are readily available is 326. It is expected that over 100 of these will attest as sworn members in December 2009 with the remainder attesting in 2010. While the moratorium on Public Service recruitment applies to Garda recruitment, I intend to review the position during the course of 2010 in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Resettlement Programmes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

228 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to date in 2009 and the projected annual cost of a resettlement programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46789/09]

I do not consider that it would be appropriate to publicly disclose details in relation to the resettlement programme in respect of the individuals to which the Deputy refers. Any costs incurred to date have been met from the general provision for the resettlement expenses of programme refugees.

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

229 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications received by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner from unaccompanied minors in each of the past five years and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46792/09]

The number of asylum applications from unaccompanied minors received by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner in each year from 2004-2009 (30/11) is set out in the following table.

Asylum applications from Unaccompanied Minors 2004-2009 (30/11)

Year

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 (30/11)

Applications Received

128

131

131

94

98

54

Garda Operations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

230 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Irish passports seized at each port and airport here in 2008 and to date in 2009; the corresponding figure for non-Irish nationals’ travel documents; the proportions of each category which were forged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46793/09]

Records on PULSE indicate that there were 199 passports recorded as seized in 2008, with 121 passports seized, to date, in 2009 (9th December, 2009). The majority of these seizures — 59 (30%) in 2008 and 25 (21%) in 2009 — are recorded at Dublin Airport and in Pearse Street Garda District, where the offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau are located. Information recorded on PULSE does not indicate whether the passports seized are Irish or from other jurisdictions and it would necessitate a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to establish same, as it would require each individual entry to be examined to establish the origin of the documents seized and / or if it was forged.

I informed the Deputy in response to Question No.379 in July, 2009, that records in PULSE indicated that the number of passports seized up to 5 July 2009 was 132. I have now been informed by the Garda authorities that the actual figure at that time was, in fact, 70 and that the 132 figure referred to is the total number of passports seized for all of 2007. I regret any confusion that may have been caused by the earlier erroneous information.

Immigration Procedures.

Denis Naughten

Question:

231 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the development of an Irish Border information system; when the project will become live; if it will assist the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46795/09]

On 11 March 2008, the Government approved the development of Phase 1 of an Irish Border Information System (IBIS). IBIS will operate by collecting passenger information from carriers which will be screened against immigration, Garda, and other watch lists of persons of interest to agencies participating in the project. Where a match occurs, the system will generate an alert which will be relayed to front line staff for appropriate action. The UK is currently rolling out such a system, known as "e-Borders".

A Project Development Team (PDT) has been put in place chaired by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to scope out and progress the development of this system. The PDT comprises representatives from all the Agencies which may benefit from the advancement of the concept in this country including An Garda Síochána, the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, the Departments of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Social & Family Affairs, Enterprise, Trade & Employment, and Transport. It will be a matter for the individual agencies to identify areas where IBIS can be of benefit to their operations. The PDT has unanimously supported the development of such a system in Ireland.

It is proposed to develop IBIS in two phases. Phase 1 will initially involve the collection of Advanced Passenger Information (API) on one or two routes and matching this against one or two watch-lists. Building on this over a two year period, the system will be rolled out in stages until all air and sea passenger journeys between Ireland and destinations outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) are captured. During this roll-out period, Phase 2 of the project — likely to involve the capture of Passenger Name Record (PNR) information, passenger data from travel within the CTA, as well as building profiling and intelligence gathering functionality — will be explored.

From the outset, our priority has been to put in place a system which would initially allow us to monitor persons of interest entering and leaving the CTA. A vital element of this will be close cooperation and interaction with the UK e-borders system to enable both States to know if a person of interest to one State has entered or left the other. Officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and the UK Border Agency are examining ways to maximise such cooperation and interaction which would effectively ring fence the Common Travel Area and provide a basis for an entry/exit control system.

The effective monitoring of persons moving within the CTA continues to present a major challenge. Both States have confirmed that there will be no fixed controls in respect of persons travelling between North and South. Of course I am concerned, and I know that this concern is widely shared both here and in Great Britain, that persons can exploit this absence of fixed controls to move illegally within the CTA, including for the purposes of abusing the social welfare systems of both countries. In this regard, I would like to emphasise that the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the UK Border Agency and the British police work closely together and run regular intelligence led operations aimed at interrupting such illegal movement. These joint operations have successfully prevented foreign nationals moving illegally between the two jurisdictions. Officials from my Department, the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the UK Border Agency are examining ways to further build on this cooperation.

Underpinning legislative provisions for IBIS are being developed at the present time and will be taken forward in the context of the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill. Consideration of this Bill by the Oireachtas is due to resume in the new year. The country's economic circumstances in the last 15 months have meant that we have had to re-examine our thinking in how to bring forward this project. We are now developing in house a prototype which will inform a tendering process for the full scale system. It is intended to develop and implement the prototype during 2010 and early 2011 with a view to holding a tender competition for the full system soon after that.

Asylum Support Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

232 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda has completed the review of the joint protocol with the Health Service Executive on the disappearance of separated children from hostels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46798/09]

A joint protocol between An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive on missing children was signed by the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Executive of the HSE on 22 April last. I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána is currently undertaking an examination of the operation of the joint protocol. It is expected that a review of it by both organisations will commence in early 2010. It was felt that it was necessary for the protocol to be in operation for a minimum period before a meaningful review could be carried out.

Immigration Procedures.

Martin Ferris

Question:

233 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason 155 citizens of the United States were refused entry here in 2009. [46800/09]

I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that provision is made at Section 4, Immigration Act, 2004 for an Immigration Officer to authorise a non-national to land in the State. However circumstances are provided, at section 4(3)(a) to (k) , under which an Immigration Officer may, on behalf of the Minister, refuse to give a person a permission to land in the State. In performing his or her functions under the Immigration Act, 2004, an Immigration Officer is obliged, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, to have regard to all the circumstances of the non-national concerned known to the officer or represented to the officer by him or her.

The following table provides the reasons for which US citizens have been refused Permission to Land to date in 2009:

Section 4(3) Immigration Act, 2004

Reason for refusal

a

that the non-national is not in a position to support himself or herself and any accompanying dependants;

b

That the non-national intends to take up employment in the State, but is not in possession of a valid employment permit (within the meaning of the Employment Permits Act 2003);

d

That the non-national has been convicted whether in the State or elsewhere of an offence that may be punished under the law of the place of conviction by imprisonment for a period of one year or by a more severe penalty;

g

that the non-national is not in possession of a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of a authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality;

h

that the non-national— (i) intends to travel (whether immediately or not) to Great Britain or Northern Ireland, and (ii) would not qualify for admission to Great Britain or Northern Ireland if he or she arrived there from a place other than the State.

j

that the non-national’s entry into, or presence in, the State could pose a threat to national security or be contrary to public policy;

k

that there is reason to believe that the non-national intends to enter the State for purposes other than those expressed by the non-national

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kildare were refused nationalisation; if his attention has been drawn to the discrimination, hardship and anxiety caused to them; if he will review this case in view if the circumstances with a view to addressing the issues arising under international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46894/09]

The person referred to in the Deputy's Question has taken judicial review proceedings and the matter has yet to be determined. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the case at this time.

Prison Inspections.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

235 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will implement in full the recent report into a prison (details supplied) by the Inspector of Prisons; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 16 of the recommendations are cost neutral; if his further attention has been drawn to the constant overcrowding in the prison; his plans to open the separation unit in the prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46910/09]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 10 December, 2009. As I indicated to the House on that occasion the recent report on Mountjoy Prison by the Inspector of Prisons has been considered by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service and his Senior Management Team. A number of the Inspector's recommendations have been implemented or are in the course of being implemented, subject to the availability of resources.

I want to reiterate that the Government is acutely aware of the limitations of the existing Mountjoy Prison. That is why the decision was taken to replace it with a completely new prison campus on a green field site at Thornton, North County Dublin. I am determined to push ahead with the Thornton project but in the intervening period, it is necessary to maintain Mountjoy as a prison.

Let me again repeat that the Irish Prison Service has been engaged in an extensive programme of investment in prisons infrastructure which has involved both the modernisation of the existing estate and the provision of extra prison spaces. This is evidenced by the fact that since 1997 in excess of 1,670 new prison spaces have come on stream in the prison system. For example, we have built new prisons in Castlerea, the Midlands, Cloverhill, the Dóchas Centre and new accommodation blocks, wings or units in Limerick, Portlaoise and Castlerea prisons and at the open centres in Shelton Abbey and Loughan House.

I am glad to say that current projects will see a further 250 prison spaces provided in the short term by means of:

A new block in Wheatfield Prison which will accommodate approximately 200 prisoners; and

The re-opening of the Separation Unit in Mountjoy which will provide an additional 50 spaces.

In addition, work is expected to commence in 2010 on a new accommodation block in the Portlaoise/Midlands prisons complex which will provide 300 additional prison spaces.

Furthermore in order to reduce the volume of prisoners committed to Mountjoy on a daily basis, male offenders committed to prison by the District Courts sitting in Dun Laoghaire, Swords, Tallaght, Cloverhill and Blanchardstown will in future be committed to Wheatfield Prison. A suitable order to give effect to this operational change, will be made by me when the additional capacity becomes available in Wheatfield Prison with the opening of the aforementioned new accommodation block at that location.

In June 2009 the Irish Prison Service tendered for the refurbishment of the Separation Unit in Mountjoy Prison with the intention of creating a specific unit within the prison for protection prisoners. Work in this regard commenced in September 2009 and is due to be completed shortly. This will provide 50 spaces with in-cell sanitation and secure exercise yards.

I have already communicated to the House that the Director General of the Irish Prison Service has advised me that he will use the re-commissioned Separation Unit to house protection prisoners thus enabling the provision of an enhanced regime giving greater out of cell time for such prisoners. The opening of this Unit will also allow for the introduction of a dedicated area for vulnerable prisoners. The feasibility of a dedicated committal area is also being examined. The Director General has also instructed the Governor of Mountjoy to personally address all local management issues raised by the Inspector in his Report including matters relating to basic hygiene, cleanliness, accommodation of prisoners at night, implementation of Governors Orders, maximum operation of regimes activities, maintenance and the investigation of prisoners complaints.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Fines Bill 2009 includes a number of non custodial measures to deal with non payment of fines and it is my intention to have the Fines Bill enacted at the earliest time possible . I am confident that the measures in this Bill will reduce the number of people committed to prison for non payment of fines.

Asylum Support Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

236 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which persons who are seeking regularisation of their status are allocated to hostels for the duration of this assessment; the method of tendering for such hostels; the selection process; the criteria; the guideline costings; and details of such allocations as have been made from the beginning of the scheme. [46919/09]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is the body responsible for providing accommodation for asylum seekers. RIA currently operates 54 accommodation centres across 21 counties. Of these, 17 centres are designated for single persons only while 35 provide accommodation either solely for families, or are mixed-use centres housing both families and single persons in separate units. The 2 remaining centres are Reception Centres in Dublin where all asylum seekers are accommodated initially for a few weeks prior to being dispersed around the country.

Since its inception in April 2000, RIA has made over 53,000 allocations across its accommodation portfolio. RIA has to have regard to the Government policy of dispersal which means that, as far as practicable, asylum seekers are accommodated evenly throughout the State. All allocations are made on a case by case basis. Where an asylum seeker is dispersed to is determined by a number of factors. These include the profile, age and size of the family unit concerned; whether there are any specific health, educational or other needs involved; and where available vacancies exist at the time of dispersal. RIA policy is to ensure, wherever possible or practicable, that all family members of an applicant are accommodated together.

On an annual basis, the RIA places advertisements seeking applications for expressions of interest from persons who wish to offer services relating to the provision of asylum seeker accommodation. It should be noted that, in fulfilling its general accommodation responsibilities, the RIA does not ‘lease' premises from commercial contractors. Rather it ‘contracts-in' a comprehensive range of services, which include accommodation, catering, housekeeping, etc., for a fixed period of time. The assessments made in relation to those who offer such services take into account such matters as the likely capacity of the potential provider to provide the full range of services required, the cost of the services, and the location of the service on offer, having regard to dispersal policy referred to above.

The RIA endeavours to achieve the best value for money in relation to such contracts, in respect of which negotiations can take place with a number of commercial entities. While it is not possible, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, to give details of individual contracts, I can say that the average daily rate paid to contractors in respect of types of centres — reception, accommodation and self catering — is €30 per person.

Garda Investigations.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

237 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [46920/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the member was examined by the Chief Medical Officer, Garda Síochána on 15th October 2009 in relation to his application for compensation under the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, 1941 and 1945. I understand that the reports of the Garda Chief Medical Officer and the Garda Commissioner are currently being prepared. The application will be dealt with as quickly as possible by my Department on receipt of the full report from the Commissioner.

Crime Prevention.

Billy Timmins

Question:

238 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46958/09]

My Department has no function in relation to the regulation of legal transactions in gold. Furthermore, the informal purchase of gold is not specifically regulated in criminal legislation. However, if members of the public have suspicions that goods being sold or traded may have been stolen, the correct action is for these suspicions to be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation. An Garda Síochána enforce the provisions of the criminal law in respect of theft and robbery, including theft and robbery of jewellery and precious metals.

Garda Equipment.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

239 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to allocate additional public order vans to a Garda station (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46959/09]

The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements and priorities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are two Public Order Vehicles allocated to the Station referred to by the Deputy and there are currently no plans to allocate an additional Public Order Vehicle to the Station.

Legislative Programme.

Billy Timmins

Question:

240 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the concerns of a person regarding the new Civil Partnership Bill. [46968/09]

The position regarding the policy contained in the Civil Partnership Bill is as set out in detail in my speech in the House on Second Stage of the Bill on 3 December 2009. The text of the speech may be viewed at www.oireachtas.ie.

Departmental Properties.

Sean Fleming

Question:

241 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if heating will be provided in a building (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46971/09]

I am informed that improvement works are being carried out on the heating system at the building referred to by the Deputy.

Departmental Correspondence.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

242 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an acknowledgement has been issued to correspondence sent by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46980/09]

Having examined the file of the person concerned, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of having received correspondence from him which would match the dates referred to in the Deputy's Question. However, my Department's file does contain an un-dated item of correspondence which was received on 7 January 2009 and acknowledged on that date. No further correspondence has been received from the person concerned since that date.

Magdalene Laundries.

Noel Coonan

Question:

243 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Act or legislation governing persons who were made serve and spend their time in the Magdalene laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47002/09]

I understand that arrangements were occasionally made under which a female convicted of a criminal offence might be offered the choice of going to a Magdalene laundry rather than serving a prison sentence. Such arrangements had no statutory basis. A person charged with a criminal offence may in certain circumstances be remanded in custody by the courts pending trial or sentencing. The Criminal Justice Act 1960 provided that a person between 16 and 21 years of age who had been charged with criminal offences may be committed to custody to a remand institution (other than a prison) whose use for this purpose has been approved by the Minister. One Magdalene laundry was approved as a remand centre for young women who were aged between 16 and 21 years of age. That was St Mary Magdalene's Asylum, Lower Sean McDermott Street, Dublin.

Passport Fraud.

Denis Naughten

Question:

244 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 18 November 2008, if he will provide complete figures for 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46794/09]

The figures for Irish passports reported as lost or stolen for 2008 and from 1 January to 4 December 2009 are:

Year

Total passports issued

Lost or mislaid

Stolen

Total lost, mislaid or stolen

% of total issued

2008

577,000

31,262

5,002

36,264

6.3%

2009 to 4 December

550,406

28,602

4,612

33,214

6.0%

Since 1 October, 2009 the Department increased the frequency of its reporting of the serial numbers of all lost/mislaid or stolen passports to Interpol through An Garda Síochána, to daily reports. This information is then made available immediately to police forces worldwide in the Interpol database to protect against the fraudulent use of these Irish passports.

The holders of lost/mislaid or stolen passports are advised not to use them again for any travel if they are subsequently recovered. When completing the statement of loss as part of their new passport application, applicants undertake not to travel on a missing passport if subsequently found. However, a number of individuals either unknowingly or mistakenly use their previously reported lost or stolen passports. This may account for the following numbers of Irish citizens who were delayed at international border controls because of the lost or stolen status of their passports: 87 in 2008 and 121 in 2009 to date.

There has been increase in these incidents which is due to in part to heightened security at international ports and airports and an increase in the number of border stations worldwide that are electronically reading passports. In each of the cases above, the Passport Office has received a request from Interpol to verify the identity of the travellers. The Passport Office has been able to resolve these cases after checks of the relevant passport details against its own database were done.

Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 50.

Official Engagements.

Alan Shatter

Question:

246 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, at their recent meeting, the Papal Nuncio agreed that he and the Vatican would furnish the Murphy commission with all documentation and information previously sought by it in connection with its inquiry into the archdiocese of Dublin; if he confirmed that there would be similar co-operation with regard to the inquiry being conducted into the diocese of Cloyne and with regard to any other diocese that may be the subject of investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47017/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

268 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the talks he has had with the Vatican and its representatives regarding the Murphy report on child sex abuse in the diocese of Dublin. [47175/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 268 together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Questions 29 and 30 earlier today. I understand that elements of the Holy See's response to the report of the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation are still under consideration by the Vatican. I can assure the Deputies that I impressed upon the Papal Nuncio at our recent meeting the desire of the Government that the Holy See would provide the fullest possible cooperation with the ongoing work of the Commission and with any other such investigations that might be established. He undertook to pass on my strong views on the need for full cooperation with ongoing and future investigations.

World Trade Negotiations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

247 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding developments at the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47122/09]

The seventh WTO Ministerial Conference took place in Geneva from 30 November to 2 December. The Irish Delegation was led by the Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher T.D. The Conference was an important opportunity for WTO Trade Ministers to assess the progress made on concluding a new trade liberalisation deal by the end of 2010. Negotiations on a new trade deal — referred to as the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) — have been ongoing since 2002. The meeting also enabled Ministers to provide political perspectives on the broader WTO policy agenda, including its contribution to recovery, growth and development and to combating climate change.

At the Ministerial meeting, there was broad consensus on the important role that trade and the Doha Round can play in aiding the global economic recovery and in addressing poverty alleviation in developing countries. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the centrality of the development dimension to the Round. They also pledged to continue to support the Aid for Trade initiative, which seeks to help the poorest developing countries to strengthen their capacity to expand trade and foster economic growth. There were widespread calls to conclude the Doha Round by the end of 2010. Ministers also underlined the importance of maintaining agreement on what has already been negotiated, a reference to attempts by a small number of countries to re-open elements of the deal that have already been agreed. A stock-taking exercise is planned for the first quarter of 2010 in order to assess the extent to which the conditions for concluding the DDA are in place.

In reference to the 29 countries who have applied for WTO membership, Ministers highlighted the importance of accessions in broadening and strengthening the WTO and agreed that there should be a sharing of experiences with accession countries, especially by those members that have recently joined the organisation. Some concern was expressed at the growing number of bilateral and regional trade agreements outside of the framework of the multilateral trading system but there was broad agreement on the need to ensure that the two approaches should continue to complement each other.

WTO rule making and multilateral trade liberalisation has had a profound impact on Ireland's economic development. Against that background, Ireland wishes to see an ambitious, fair and balanced outcome to the current negotiations; one which would respect Ireland's national interests and reflect adequately the aim of the Doha Development Agenda to give greater prominence to development issues, especially the needs of the poorest developing countries.

Foreign Conflicts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Mozambique with particular reference to the evolution of the democratic process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47123/09]

Mozambique has made good progress in recovering from the 1977-1992 civil war and is one of Africa's most successful examples of post-conflict reconstruction and development. It is both stable and democratic, even though there has been no change of government since the transition to democracy. Political stability has been underpinned by national reconstruction and relatively rapid economic growth. The fourth Presidential and Legislative and first Provincial Assembly elections took place on 28th October this year. A number of election observation missions monitored the process, including an EU mission, and all commended the well-managed and peaceful election day which experienced little violence and few incidents. The summary of the preliminary report by the EU Election Observation Mission which was presented on 30 October is that the elections were well managed and the campaign had been constructive.

However, the period before the elections was marked by controversy arising from the rejection by the National Elections Commission (CNE) of some of the party lists for the parliamentary and provincial contests, as well as the opaque manner in which the process was managed. More specifically, the CNE rejected a large number of party lists submitted by an emerging opposition party, Movimento Democrático de Moçambique (MDM), as well as by a number of smaller parties, all allegedly on the basis of irregularities in their submissions. As a consequence, voter choice was significantly reduced. These pre-election events should be seen against a background in which Mozambique has made solid progress over a decade or more in poverty reduction. However, in spite of that progress, a significant number of governance concerns remain. The events before the elections, by reducing voter choice, disappointed high expectations for the election process.

Final results were published on 11 November, less than fifteen days after voting day as required by law. In the Presidential elections, incumbent Armando Guebuza, with a 75% of the vote, won the second of two permitted terms. Afonso Dhlakama of Renamo fell to 16% from 32% in 2004, while Daviz Simango of MDM, won 9%. In addition, with 76% of the seats in parliament, control of 42 out of 43 municipalities and of all provincial assemblies, Frelimo is now the dominant political force in Mozambique. Voter turn-out, at 44 %, was 8% up on the low turn-out in 2004 of 36% (there are about 9.8 million registered voters).

Arising from our concerns about the elections process, Ireland — as a member of the Group of 19 lead donors — has been playing an active role in the dialogue which is underway on this subject between donors and the Government of Mozambique. Along with our EU and other donor partners, we remain committed to ensuring that both the wider governance agenda and issues underlying the recent elections are fully addressed.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47124/09]

Since 2002, the political situation in Chad has been dominated by threats of armed rebellion against the government of President Idriss Déby. While the government signed an accord with civilian opposition parties in 2007, providing for a degree of political reform, armed rebel groups have remained active and intent on overthrowing the government by force.

The most recent threat to the Government came from a rebel offensive in eastern Chad in May. The government's success in halting the rebel advance seems to confirm that the Chadian armed forces have achieved military superiority. The emergence of new tensions in the UFR rebel coalition, composed of eight rebel groups, suggests that they are unlikely to be able to pose a substantial military challenge to the Government in the foreseeable future. The Government's financial and military advantage also suggests that a political change of leadership in Chad is unlikely in the immediate future. Parliamentary elections due later this year and presidential elections due in 2010 have been deferred by another year, due to the slow pace of preparations.

Relations with Sudan deteriorated sharply after the failed rebel offensive, with Chad accusing the Sudanese government of supporting the rebels. In recent months, however, relations between the two countries appear to have improved. In October a high-level Sudanese delegation visited N'djamena where they met with President Déby. At the same time, relations between the two countries traditionally have been volatile and the current phase of improving relations may not continue.

The European Union operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR Tchad/RCA) was established for a period of one year from March 2008. It played a key role in ensuring the security of refugees and displaced persons living in camps along the eastern border of Chad, and in facilitating the provision of humanitarian relief. I wish to pay tribute to the success of EUFOR and to the professionalism of the members of the Irish Defence Forces who participated in the mission, including Lieutenant General Pat Nash, the Operation Commander. EUFOR transferred authority to a UN mission, MINURCAT, on 15 March 2009. Over 400 Irish troops are now serving with MINURCAT. The mandate of the military aspect of MINURCAT is similar to that of EUFOR. Since the UN took over responsibility it has faced a number of challenges, including the upsurge in rebel activities, and difficulties with force generation. Ireland has strongly supported the EUFOR mission from the outset, and we will continue to support MINURCAT.

Instability in eastern Chad is closely linked to the conflict in neighbouring Darfur, and any progress towards a peace settlement in Darfur is likely to have a positive impact on the political situation in Chad. Conversely, any deterioration in the situation in Darfur is likely to have a serious destabilizing effect on the parts of Chad that border it. Cooperation between the governments of Sudan and Chad in addressing the causes of instability in the region is also vital, and I urge both governments to work together towards this objective. Ireland will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Chad, and support humanitarian relief efforts, to which Irish Aid has contributed more than €14.5 million since 2007.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the EU is engaged in promoting good relations between Russia and Georgia and the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47125/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps necessary either here or at EU level to promote and improve relations between Russia and the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47129/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 254 together.

The EU remains closely engaged with both Russia and Georgia in conflict resolution efforts following the August 2008 conflict over the break-away regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The September 2008 peace plan, brokered by the French EU Presidency, provided for talks to take place in Geneva under the co-chairmanship of the EU, UN, and the OSCE. The talks have taken place on eight occasions, most recently on 11 November 2009. While progress have been limited, the talks are important as they are the only forum in which all the parties to the conflict are involved.

In October 2008, the EU deployed a Monitoring Mission in Georgia. This Mission plays an important role in stabilising the situation on the ground. The EU also intervenes with both sides when incidents arise which threaten the fragile peace. In October 2009, the EU-backed independent Tagliavini Report into the origins of the conflict was published. The Report found fault on both sides and made useful recommendations on how such a conflict could be avoided in the future. Ireland strongly supports EU conflict resolution efforts in Georgia, particularly its co-chairmanship of the Geneva Talks and the deployment of the EU Monitoring Mission, to which Ireland contributes four personnel. Along with our EU partners, we continue to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

Turning to Ukraine, as the Deputy may be aware, disputes over energy have strained its relations with Russia in recent years and have led to disruptions to gas supplies, including earlier this year. The disruptions also affected other European countries, including some EU member states. The EU took an active role in helping to resolve these disputes and continues to engage both sides at a high level. In July this year, the European Commission negotiated a deal with Ukraine and international financial institutions (including the IMF, World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) on modernising Ukraine's gas transportation system. Meanwhile, in November, the EU and Russia signed an agreement establishing an early warning mechanism to improve prevention and management in case of an energy crisis.

An EU-Russia Summit took place in Stockholm on 18 November 2009 while an EU-Ukraine Summit took place in Kiev on 4 December 2009. Both Summits provided an opportunity to discuss regional issues, including energy security. Ireland supports EU efforts to improve relations between Russia and Ukraine.

Finally, I would note that both Ukraine and Georgia are members of the EU's new Eastern Partnership initiative which seeks to enhance relations with our Eastern neighbours. The Taoiseach attended the launch of the Eastern Partnership in May 2009.

Human Rights Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the well-being of a person (details supplied), an Iranian academic, who was arrested in Iran on 9 July 2009; if an appeal hearing against the person’s sentence met international good practice regarding the person’s right to a defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47126/09]

As the Deputy will be aware from my previous replies to him, most recently on 24 November, we have been following this case closely through our Embassy in Tehran.

Following his arrest at his home on 9 July and his subsequent appearance at one of the televised show trials, Dr Kian Tajbakhsh was sentenced on 20 October, reportedly on allegations of espionage and playing a role in the public unrest which followed the disputed June Presidential elections in Iran. The exact charges which were brought against Dr. Tajbakhsh, and indeed the length of his sentence, were not made clear at that time. Dr. Tajbakhsh's lawyer initially indicated that he would be imprisoned for 12 years or more. Recent reports that he now faces additional charges of espionage are causing profound concern. Our understanding is that Dr Tajbakhsh remains in detention in Tehran as he awaits a date for his appeal which has not yet been set. Unfortunately, as I stated in my previous reply, the situation in Iran, post-election, remains tense and complex and the legal system to which Dr Tajbakhsh is now subject is both opaque and slow moving. Many hundreds continue to remain in detention in Iran and it is still not clear when, and by what process, these will be properly tried or released.

The case of Dr. Tajbakhsh, as an American citizen, continues to be dealt with actively by the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents US interests in Iran. In a strong statement on Dr. Tajbakhsh's case on 1 December, the EU Presidency reiterated its concerns and described the reports of Dr. Tajbakhsh facing additional charges as "deeply worrying". The EU statement also urged Iran to comply with all international and regional human rights instruments which it had ratified, and not least with the relevant articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights regarding the right to a fair trial, which is also enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In a Declaration issued on 11 December, the European Council also reiterated its deep concerns about continued violations of human rights in Iran.

Senior officials of my Department have raised Dr. Tajbakhsh's case directly with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and have made clear our concerns at his sentencing and the possibility of his facing additional charges. I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to bring the case of detainees such as Dr. Tajbakhsh to the attention of the Iranian authorities. We will also avail of every opportunity to express our concerns about the marked deterioration of human rights in Iran, both nationally and in an EU and international context.

Energy Resources.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken or expected to be taken at EU level to ensure energy and food security in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47127/09]

Energy security is a major priority for the European Union, and Ireland supports and actively contributes to the EU's efforts to diversify its energy supply and improve the Community's capacity to prepare for and react to energy emergencies. To tackle the challenges facing the EU, the European Commission undertook a second Strategic Energy Review in 2008. The resulting EU Energy Security & Solidarity Action Plan identified 5 areas for action: Infrastructure needs and diversification of energy supplies; External energy relations; Oil and gas stocks and crisis response mechanisms; Energy efficiency; and Maximising indigenous EU natural resources.

At present, action is focussed on infrastructure development and revising the EU legislative framework on the security of gas supply, with an overarching emphasis on ensuring that the EU is capable of ‘speaking with one voice' in its energy relations with third countries. A guiding principle is that a properly functioning internal energy market is critical for ensuring security of supply. In this regard, the adoption of the 3rd Energy Package during 2008 is a significant milestone.

The Russia-Ukraine gas crisis last January proved to be the biggest gas supply crisis the EU has seen. Since then, the European Commission has worked with the two sides and with the International Financial Institutions (IFI) to minimize the possibility of a further crisis. In July, political agreement was reached with Ukraine on the reform of its gas sector which opened the way for a financial assistance package to be provided by the IFI. It is hoped that this agreement will provide the stability needed to reduce the risk of a further gas crisis. Nevertheless, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

While the Russia/Ukraine gas crisis did not directly impact Ireland, the increasing reliance of the EU on gas imported from third countries has clearly underlined the strategic importance of diversifying our sources of gas supply. In this regard, the European Commission has recently proposed a new Regulation on gas supply, and Ireland is actively participating in discussions on the proposal. The aim is to improve cooperation between Member States on arrangements for security of supply and response to disruption of gas supply and energy emergencies. Another important element of energy security policy is the diversification of sources and routes of gas supply into the EU and creating alternative routes to that transiting Ukraine. The EU and Turkey recently signed the Nabucco Intergovernmental Agreement, while two Russian led pipeline projects, Nordstream and Southstream, are also set to bypass Ukraine. The EU also receives gas supplies from Norway and Algeria.

As regards food security, the Deputy will know that the 2008 food crisis severely worsened the livelihoods of millions of people in development countries. To provide a fast response to the urgent situation, the EU adopted a Regulation establishing the so called ‘Food Facility' in December 2008. This new instrument provides for €1 billion funding to be applied over three years, nearly half of which in 2009. The fund will bridge the gap between emergency aid and long-term development aid. Its chief objectives are to: encourage food producers to increase supply; deal directly with the effects of volatile food prices on local populations; and increase food production capacity and improve the way agriculture is managed in the longer term.

In concrete terms, it will support: measures to improve access to agricultural inputs and services including fertilizers and seeds — with special attention to local facilities and availability; safety-net measures to maintain or increase agricultural production capacity and help meet the basic food needs of the most vulnerable populations, including children; and other small-scale production-boosting measures based on countries' individual needs — microcredit, investment, equipment, infrastructure and storage — and vocational training and support for agricultural professionals. By October this year, 56 projects in partnership with International Organisations were underway in 41 developing countries. A second call for proposals was launched in May, for €200 million, which was open for applications from Non-State Actors. In addition, for certain activities, there is a regional value added, such as trade facilitation, harmonisation of policies and regulations. These types of activities will be channelled through Regional Organisations for an amount of €60 million.

Finally, one part of the programme will be implemented via national budgets of the beneficiary countries through Budget Support for an amount of €165 million. There is also a link between energy security and food security, seen in the last few years in particular where rises in food prices were attributed, in part, to moves by farmers to grow bio-fuels instead of food. The EU recognises that the promotion of bio-fuels has had some unintended effects. To address these, the Union adopted a Directive on renewable energy, which includes as one of its aims to ensure that as we expand the use of bio-fuels in the EU, we use only sustainable bio-fuels which generate a clear and net greenhouse gas saving and have no negative impact on biodiversity and land use.

EU Enlargement.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding European enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47128/09]

Enlargement of the European Union has helped to consolidate democracy and the rule of law in Europe. It has enhanced economic opportunities and increased the EU's capacity to tackle global challenges such as climate change. As a beneficiary of enlargement, Ireland looks forward to welcoming other European countries into the Union once they meet all of the conditions for accession. I am convinced that the accession process provides strong encouragement for political and economic reform and that future enlargement will help to promote stability, security and prosperity in Europe.

I attended the General Affairs Council last week where EU Foreign Ministers had a comprehensive discussion on enlargement based on the Commission's 2009 report. The Council's conclusions, subsequently endorsed by the European Council, underlined that enlargement is based on consolidating commitments, fair and rigorous conditionality and the EU's capacity to integrate new members, and that each country is assessed on its own merits. The General Affairs Council commended Croatia for the considerable efforts it has made over the past year and the good overall progress achieved in meeting benchmarks in the accession process. Negotiations are now entering their final phase. Council underlined that building on the progress made, further efforts will be required over the coming year in a number of areas of reform and in relation to cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. A working group will commence work on the drafting of the Croatian Accession Treaty later this month. I would hope that if the pace of reform can be accelerated and the remaining challenges addressed, it may be possible to bring negotiations with Croatia to a successful conclusion next year.

On Turkey, the Council welcomed progress in some areas of reform and stated that it was encouraged by the Turkish Government's democratic initiative. It noted that further efforts are required in a number of areas including freedom of expression, freedom of the press and trade union rights and invited Turkey to step up the pace of reform. Recalling previous conclusions, the Council noted with deep regret Turkey's continued non-compliance with its obligations under the Ankara Protocol and that it had not made progress towards normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. It called for progress without further delay and invited the Commission to monitor and report on these various issues in its next annual report.

The Council welcomed the progress made by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in a number of important areas and that the country had substantially addressed the key priorities of the accession framework. It stressed that the reform agenda must be continued. The Council noted Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with FYROM and will return to the matter during the Spanish Presidency. The Council welcomed the progress over the past year made by Montenegro and Albania and highlighted areas where further efforts are required. It agreed to consider the opening of formal negotiations with both states, as well as with Iceland, when the Commission provides its formal opinions in respect of each application.

Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 250.

International Relations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken at EU level to augment relations and trade with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47130/09]

The legal basis for EU relations with Russia is the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) which came into force in 1997. Negotiations are continuing between the EU and Russia on a new agreement to replace the PCA. The successful conclusion of these negotiations will be important for developing the EU-Russia relationship further. The PCA established an institutional framework for regular consultations between the EU and Russia. This includes Summits of Heads of State/Heads of Government, which take place twice a year and define the strategic direction for the development of EU-Russia relations.

As the Deputy may be aware, the most recent EU-Russia Summit took place in Stockholm on 18 November 2009. The discussions took place in an open and constructive atmosphere and covered a comprehensive range of regional and international issues, including the Western Balkans, Georgia, Iran, Afghanistan/Pakistan and the Middle East Peace Process. The Summit also focussed on developments in EU-Russia relations, climate change, the economic and financial crisis and energy security. During the Summit, Russia expressed its readiness to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by between 20 and 25 percent by 2020. Five cross border cooperation agreements were also signed between the EU and Russia at the Summit.

Russia is an important strategic partner for the EU, particularly in terms of trade, energy and regional cooperation. EU-Russia trade has grown substantially in recent years. In 2000, total trade in goods between the EU27 and Russia stood at €86.5bn while in 2008 this figure €278.6bn. 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 believe that it is important for the EU to build a comprehensive relationship with Russia which covers areas of shared interest and addresses differences.

Foreign Conflicts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the ongoing progress towards peace in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47131/09]

Together with its EU partners, Ireland attaches considerable importance to achieving peace and stability in the countries of the Western Balkans, which were recognised as having a European perspective by the European Council at Thessaloniki in 2003. The General Affairs Council (GAC) of 7/8 December 2009 considered the Commission's comprehensive report of 14 October 2009 on progress made by Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Kosovo. The Council reaffirmed its full support for the European perspective of these Western Balkan countries, which remains essential for stability and reconciliation in the region. The Council stated that, by making solid progress in economic and political reform and by fulfilling the necessary conditions and requirements, the remaining potential candidates in the Western Balkans should achieve candidate status, according to their own merits.

The Council decided to implement the Interim Agreement with Serbia which covers the trade aspects of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). It will consider the next step, ratification by member of the SAA, in six months' time. The Council stated it will return to the question of opening accession talks with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) during the next Presidency, while noting the need to reach a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution of the name issue. With respect to Kosovo, the Council welcomed the orderly conduct of the recent local elections. The Council urged Kosovo to cooperate with the EU's rule of law mission, EULEX.

Last October, the Swedish EU Presidency, working with the United States, convened a series of meetings with leaders of the three ethnic communities in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH). This so–called "Camp Butmir" initiative was aimed at facilitating political progress in BiH. Despite these efforts, however, no substantive advances have been made so far. The Peace Implementation Council (PIC), the international body charged with implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement, met in Sarajevo on 18 and 19 November 2009. While it welcomed the engagement of BiH's political leaders in the "Butmir" process, it noted insufficient progress had been made in delivering the five objectives and two conditions set by the PIC for the closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR). In the light of this, the PIC took no decision on OHR transition. It will revert to the issue on 24-25 February 2010.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council of 30 November and 1 December decided to establish a visa free regime with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. This will start from 19 December 2009. A visa free regime may also be extended to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina from next year if these countries meet the necessary benchmarks set out by the Commission. This arrangement only affects travel to Member States participating in the Schengen Agreement. Ireland is not a party to the Schengen Agreement.

On 2 December I had a meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Jeremic en marge of the OSCE Ministerial in Athens, during which we discussed Serbia's perspective for European integration. During this meeting, I encouraged Serbia to continue with reforms aimed at eventual EU membership. I am pleased that the Council meeting the following week was able to agree to implement the Interim Agreement with Serbia. In Athens, I also met Albanian Foreign Minister Meta and discussed his country's application for EU membership, including the Council's request to the Commission in November for a formal opinion. I also encouraged my Albanian colleague to persevere with his country's reform programme. While each country in the Western Balkans region must make progress at its own pace towards EU integration, it will be important in the years ahead to ensure no country is left too far behind.

Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 73.

Human Rights Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the locations worldwide, excluding Africa, in which the international community has identified ongoing human rights abuses; the action taken or proposed at EU level to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47134/09]

Unfortunately, no part of the world is totally free from human rights abuses. As I have stated on previous occasions, in response to similar Questions, it is not the policy of the Government to draw up a ‘league table' of countries deemed guilty of the most serious human rights abuses. Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official and non-governmental organisations.

Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this either bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, including, in the case of the latter, through the new Universal Periodic Review process whereby the human rights performance of each UN State is reviewed. We support the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses, including supporting the role of UN Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures and Mandate Holders and the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. At these UN bodies, the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in a number of countries from all regions. Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.

Active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU, the UN and the Council of Europe provides opportunities for Ireland to voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for the violation of human rights. The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings.

Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court's Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely. The extent to which individual States comply with international human rights standards and obligations varies. Ireland urges all States to comply with their international obligations and in this regard stands ready, if requested, to assist States in complying with their obligations.

The risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak. Development is essential to allow people the full enjoyment of their human rights, and this is a key concern for Ireland's development co-operation programme. Irish Aid supports specific actions designed to promote human rights, including by strengthening government systems and in-country human rights institutions, in particular through legal training. Support is also provided for legal aid programmes targeted at victims of human rights abuses. Irish Aid has a specific focus on governance in several programme countries. The Government will continue to avail of all the above-mentioned mechanisms as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU and UN have focused on African countries generally known to have the most serous human rights abuses; the action or actions taken or proposed to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47135/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community continues to monitor human rights abuses on the African continent; the degree to which pressure is being applied on the perpetrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47136/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.

One of the principal ways in which the international community, which includes the EU and the UN, promotes human rights is through action at the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. The Universal Periodic Review is one of the major new aspects of the Human Rights Council, which subjects each UN Member State to a thorough review of its human rights performance every fourth year. The reviews are based on information provided by the concerned State, compilation reports prepared by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and input from NGOs. Each review is facilitated by three States members who act as rapporteurs. During the UPR working group sessions, states and NGOs have the opportunity to participate in an interactive dialogue with the state under review. The 6th UPR session took place in Geneva from 30 November-11 December 2009, at which Ireland raised the human rights situations in Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Cote d'Ivoire.

Through the Government's official overseas development aid programme, Irish Aid, Ireland actively supports Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in African countries, both in our priority countries and in countries where there are human rights concerns. This year, Irish Aid is providing funding to over fifty NGOs working in African countries which actively promote and defend human rights. Through Irish Aid, the Government has allocated over €2 million this year to NGO involved in human rights projects in African countries. Additional funding is provided through Irish Aid's significant support for the development programmes of the main NGO partners.

Respect for human rights is of course an important priority of the Cotonou Agreement, the agreement governing the aid framework between the EU and the 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, which was signed in 2000 and revised in 2005. The Partnership sets ambitious targets for the next twenty years centred on the reduction of poverty, the prevention of violent conflicts and improved governance. Under the Agreement, the EU and the ACP countries regularly monitor progress through a comprehensive political dialogue that focuses on respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. There is also provision for consultations on important issues of concern.

In the coming months, the EU will hold discussions with Madagascar, Niger, Zimbabwe, Guinea and Fiji in an effort to resolve matters of concern. If the consultations do not lead to a solution acceptable to both sides, measures can be taken including the possible suspension of the Agreement, although this is recognised as a last resort and is only applied to cases in which sustained political dialogue has failed to produce the desired reforms.

When necessary, Ireland and the EU have employed a system of targeted sanctions against members of a regime responsible for serious human rights abuses. In the case of Zimbabwe, a system of restrictive measures is in place against individuals responsible for the violence and human violation committed under the Mugabe regime. Most recently, similar measures were introduced against members of the military regime in Guinea following the violent security crackdown against civilians in Conakry last September.

Finally, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means for bringing to justice those responsible for the most serious abuses of human rights. To date, the ICC has instigated investigations into allegations of serious human rights abuses in Northern Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and the Darfur region of Sudan.

HIV Infection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is effectively combating HIV and AIDS in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47138/09]

Recent data from the UNAIDS World Report for 2008 demonstrates that the global HIV prevalence in most southern African countries is either approaching, or has reached, a plateau and that death rates are declining. More than 4 million people are now on effective anti-retroviral treatment. This is an enormous achievement in a relatively short period of time and Ireland has played an important role in this progress. The UNAIDS Report points to a six-fold increase in funding available for HIV and AIDS in this decade so far, and describes a remarkable boost in delivery of important HIV and AIDS services and activities at global, regional and country levels. There is particular emphasis on reaching those countries in Africa which are most affected.

Outstanding features of the increase in resources mobilised by the international community include the presence of private philanthropic donors and the unprecedented number of civil society groups that have become active in HIV and AIDS work. These groups have joined hands with their government counterparts and with international donors to more effectively tackle HIV and AIDS through partnership.

Ireland has emphasised the fight against HIV and AIDS as fundamental to poverty and vulnerability reduction and is working with other donors, international bodies, national governments and civil society. Ireland spends over €100 million annually on HIV and other diseases of poverty and our assistance is targeted at those countries most affected by the pandemic, including Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Uganda. Success in a number of African countries offers hope that, with international support, it will be possible to get ahead of this infection. In Mozambique, for example, over 78,000 people are now on HIV treatment, up from less than 2,000 people at the end of 2002. In Zimbabwe, despite the well recognised governance difficulties, HIV prevalence in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics has declined significantly in recent years, from 26% in 2002 to 18% in 2006 and recent reports indicate a further 5% decline. Similar slowdown is evident in Kenya and Uganda.

These gains represent major steps to overcome AIDS. However deaths from the final stages of AIDS remain a major concern and the disease continues to spread. The international community's response needs to be sustained and Ireland will continue to play a significant role both globally and at country level.

Overseas Development Aid.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which it is expected to meet overseas development aid requirements in 2010; the way this will compare with 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47139/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

266 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has set interim targets for achievement of the United Nations target for spending on overseas development in accordance with the programme for Government; and if he will he set out those targets. [47173/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

267 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs how he proposes to make savings of more than €25 million in 2010 on Vote 29b relating to bilateral aid. [47174/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 263, 266 and 267 together.

For 2010, the Government has provided a total allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of €671 million. Of this allocation €536 million will be administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and a further estimated €135 million will come from other Government Departments and Ireland's share of the EU Development Cooperation budget. Based on current projections, this level of expenditure will represent 0.52% of Gross National Product (GNP) and means that Ireland will maintain its expected 2009 percentage spend on ODA in 2010. This level is also expected to ensure Ireland will remain one of the most generous aid donors internationally in per capita terms.

Ireland had set itself a target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2012 — three years ahead of the EU target date of 2015. This target was set in different times and different economic circumstances. During the recent estimates process a rigorous assessment of our capacity to meet this target was undertaken and it now clear that the current economic circumstances prevent us from achieving our 2012 goal. The Government is now committed, in line with our fellow EU Member States, to meeting a target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2015. It is important to point out that Ireland remains ahead of most Member States in progress towards achieving the 2015 target and will exceed the interim target set by the EU of spending at least 0.51% of GNP on ODA in 2010.

The Government's determined decision to maintain aid allocations against the background of enormous budgetary pressures reflects the Irish people's core values of solidarity and commitment to supporting the world's poorest and most marginalised communities. The 2010 budget allocation now needs to be effectively delivered with and through our development partners to ensure Ireland's contribution to development cooperation has maximum impact. Detailed allocations across the programme have yet to be finalised but will reflect the aid programme's core objectives of poverty reduction and aid effectiveness. Hunger and food security will also remain a priority for us in the light of the Report of the Government's Hunger Task Force.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of debt write-off agreed by the international community some years ago; the elements that have been concluded in accordance with commitments; those outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47140/09]

In 2005, the leaders of the G8 countries, at their Summit in Gleneagles, agreed to establish the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), with a focus on the cancellation of the heavy debt burden on developing countries. It was intended to supplement the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative which was launched in 1996 to reduce the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels.

The MDRI came into effect on 1 July 2006, and provides for cancellation of eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development Fund and the IMF for many of the world's poorest and most indebted countries, most of them in Africa. In 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank agreed to provide similar debt relief to the five poorest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The overall aim is to relieve these countries from the burden of servicing debt and assist them in making progress on the UN Millennium Development Goals.

In September 2009, the World Bank and the IMF reported that debt relief provided under these international initiatives has substantially alleviated the burden on developing countries, aided by continued flexibility on the part of the World Bank International Development Association, which provides grants and zero-interest credits to the poorest countries. To date, debt relief has been delivered to 26 countries under the MDRI initiative. In addition, eleven countries have made good progress towards qualifying for this relief, and another six have been identified by the World Bank as potentially eligible. Despite this progress, some important challenges remain in order to fully implement the Initiatives. A key conclusion by the World Bank is that long-term debt sustainability ultimately depends on a country's broader success in building the institutions to support sustained economic growth. This must be an essential element in any poverty-reduction programme in developing countries.

Ireland is recognised internationally for the role we are playing in focusing on the reduction of global poverty and hunger and making international aid more effective for developing countries. We have strongly supported initiatives to ease or cancel the debt burden. Importantly, Ireland's bilateral assistance to the developing world is exclusively in the form of grants rather than loans. Ireland's share of the total cost of debt relief provided by the World Bank under the MDRI is €58.64 million. The Government contributed this amount in full in 2006. Ireland has also contributed over €20 million towards the cost of implementing the HIPC initiative.

The Government's debt policy strategy was prepared jointly by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Finance, and was launched in 2002. It supports the total cancellation of the debts of the world's poorest countries. A joint review of the strategy is currently being undertaken by the two Departments and I expect it will be completed within the coming months.

Middle East Peace Process.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

265 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that Israel has no security concerns regarding a person (details supplied), he will make representations to ensure that the person is allowed to continue their studies at Bethlehem University; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47167/09]

In my reply of 4 November to a Question from the Deputy on this case, I stated:

This Israeli action has very negative implications for the future of Bethlehem University and the ability of young Palestinians to receive third level education. I call upon the Israeli authorities to reverse this apparently unjustified and mistaken action, and allow the person concerned to return to Bethlehem immediately.

Subsequently, I wrote directly to the Ambassador of Israel in the same terms. At that point there seemed reason to hope that a judicial appeal in Israel might reverse this decision. I was therefore disappointed at the end of last week to learn that the Israeli High Court has refused to overturn the Israeli Army's decision to deport the person concerned to Gaza. Initial reports of the hearing indicate that the military authorities made no claim of any security risk from this student. The Court had asked the Army to reconsider its decision and also to produce the student's entry permit, a crucial document in the case which was misplaced after it was taken from her.

Despite the Army's failure to meet either of these requests, the Court declined to act further. This is in line with reports from many sources that the Israeli courts are becoming increasingly reluctant to exercise judicial oversight of the actions of the military in the Occupied Territories. This has the effect of denying Palestinians legal redress for the actions of the state. I regret the action taken in this case and the refusal to reconsider it. A number of disturbing implications arise. The student was arrested while travelling between two areas of the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority. It is difficult to see why Israel should be interfering in something which relates to where Palestinians live within Palestinian territory — except in the specific circumstances of a clear security threat.

Second, the community of Palestinian Christians in Gaza is being cut off from Bethlehem University, a key centre of their community life. Third, the case raises unsettling questions about Israel's view of Gaza and the rights of its inhabitants. I am concerned about an approach in this case which seems deeply counter-productive in terms of political reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

Questions Nos. 266 and 267 answered with Question No. 263.
Question No. 268 answered with Question No. 246.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 41.
Question No. 270 answered with Question No. 74.
Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 57.
Question No. 272 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 273 answered with Question No. 47.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

274 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent discussions at the meeting of European Union foreign Ministers regarding the future status of Jerusalem. [47181/09]

At its meeting on 8 December, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted comprehensive Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process, including a number of important references to the status of Jerusalem, and East Jerusalem in particular. The Council stated that "the EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties." The Council further recalled that "it has never recognised the annexation of East Jerusalem" and declared that "If there is to be a genuine peace, a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states". These principles have long formed the accepted basis for the EU's policy in relation to Jerusalem, and are widely accepted also in the broader international community. The Council had not previously stated explicitly that it saw Jerusalem as the future capital of both states, but this has been clearly implicit in the EU's position for many years. I welcome this clear statement of principles.

This clear statement from the EU comes at a vital juncture in the peace process. Ireland, along with its EU partners, considers it timely for the EU to send a strong signal to President Abbas and the Palestinian population that they can reasonably expect that their legitimate national aspirations will be satisfied through engaging in substantive negotiations with Israel, overseen by the international community. Clearly, the status of Jerusalem will be a core issue for eventual negotiation. But it is equally clear that any status to be determined will involve sharing the city between both sides as a shared capital. In view of progressive Israeli actions to alter the demographic balance in the city, and push many Palestinians out of East Jerusalem, it is essential that the EU state clearly that it will not accept this process.

Foreign Conflicts.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

275 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on ongoing tensions between Colombia and Venezuela. [47182/09]

On 30 October 2009, a bilateral agreement, entitled A Supplemental Agreement for Co-operation 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.

A number of countries, including Venezuela, have indicated their objection to this Agreement. I understand that it was considered in the Union of South American Nations Defence Council on 10 August 2009 and again at the Union of South American Nations Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting on 28 November 2009. Recent incidents on the Colombia-Venezuela border are indeed a matter of concern. On 19 November, the EU issued a statement which called on both parties to abide by international law and existing mutual agreements; to refrain from any actions or statements that may further deteriorate the situation, and to take steps to seek solutions by dialogue and possible confidence building measures, including through the support of regional bodies. The EU will continue to monitor the situation carefully.

International Agreements.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

276 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the negotiations on a free trade agreement between the European Union and Colombia; his views on whether negotiations should be suspended in view of attacks on human, and trade union, rights and if such a view has been communicated to the European Commission. [47183/09]

EU relations with Colombia are conducted in the framework of regional relations between the EU and the Andean Community comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In 2007, negotiations aimed at concluding a comprehensive Association Agreement between the EU and the Andean Community were formally launched. This Agreement will cover all facets of relations between the EU and these countries, including political dialogue, cooperation and trade. In addition, a multiparty free trade agreement is being negotiated between the EU and two member states of the Andean Community — Colombia and Peru — within the overall framework of the Association Agreement. The negotiations are being carried out by the Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council.

The negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia is part of an EU strategy to support and encourage the Colombian Government as it tries to restore the authority of the State after decades of violent civil conflict. By engaging with Colombia in this way, the EU strongly believes it can influence the Government in a manner that also results in greater respect for human rights. Ireland fully supports that strategy. We recognise that the promotion of peace and stability in Colombia requires a comprehensive, multi-strand strategy which tackles simultaneously the various social and economic elements underlying the conflict. Our approach and that of the European Union is to engage with the Colombian Government as it emerges from decades of terrorism and to influence that process in a manner that strengthens the Government's commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

I am aware of and share the deep concern that has been expressed at the manner in which trade union activists, human rights defenders and journalists have been treated in Colombia. Ireland, along with its EU partners, monitors the human rights situation in Colombia and raises issues including such human rights abuses with the Colombian Government through the ongoing EU-Colombia dialogue on human rights and in regular contacts at political level.

Last month, during a visit to Colombia to present credentials, Ireland's Ambassador to Mexico raised these issues at meetings with the Colombian Minister for Foreign Affairs and with senior officials in the Foreign Ministry. The Ambassador emphasised the importance that Ireland attaches to the protection of human rights defenders and trade unions leaders and explained the considerable attention that their plight has attracted in Ireland. The Foreign Minister confirmed that this is a priority issue for Colombia and that every effort was being made to address the position in the context of a difficult security situation. In the course of his visit the Ambassador also met with representatives of Irish NGOs to hear at first hand about their concerns regarding human rights and their views in relation to the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement.

I am of the view that continuing the FTA negotiations with Colombia at this time offers the best opportunity to ensure that the concerns of EU Member States at the human rights situation in that country and, in particular, the treatment of trade union activists are fully addressed by the Colombian government. To this end, Ireland, along with other EU partners will continue to input to the European Commission negotiators to ensure a balanced outcome to the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and one which gives due prominence to the protection of human rights. In addition, I am writing to the EU Trade Commissioner to underline our interest in an effective human rights clause being included in the agreement.

Tourism Industry.

Joe McHugh

Question:

277 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the policy regarding eco-tourism projects that use sustainable technology (details supplied) that brings investment to the local economy and provides jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46932/09]

My Department is committed to supporting the balanced implementation of the broad sustainability agenda in tourism development, in line with Programme for Government commitments. With specific regard to eco-tourism and the use of sustainable technology, such commitments include, inter alia, seeking, with the Tourism Agencies and Local Authorities, suitable areas to develop and promote eco-tourism, as well as enhancing the existing Northwest Project, the Green Box, as well as the promotion of best practice in terms of environmental sustainability. Delivering on such commitments involves a combination of actions at a strategic, policy level by my Department, as well as operational actions by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.

At the sectoral policy level, the current tourism development strategy, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action 2003-2012, recognises the importance of good management practices in maintaining and enhancing the attractiveness of both the built and natural environments. The recently published Report of the Tourism Renewal Group further recognises the fact that tourism is particularly well-positioned for a green economy/sustainable development approach and acknowledges the importance of Ireland’s environment to the visitor experience.

At the operational level, the promotion of good environmental practice within the tourism industry, including the use of sustainable technology, is a matter for Fáilte Ireland. Similarly, Fáilte Ireland also has responsibility for the development of tourist facilities and services, including specific product segments such as eco-tourism. I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that, following overseas market research undertaken during summer 2009, it is currently devising a strategy for the development of the natural heritage tourism product, part of which is focused specifically on ecotourism. This follows the launch in March 2009 of an "Ecotourism Handbook", published by Fáilte Ireland in association with the Greenbox eco-tourism project, which is a practical guide designed to assist tourism businesses that want to develop as eco-tourism businesses in order to increase their overall sustainability and generate new business.

I am further advised by Fáilte Ireland that it has also been involved with a group in the Burren to establish it as a destination for eco-tourism. This project involves training in environmental standards, certification and the development of a holistic tourism experience in the area that meets the needs of international customers, as highlighted in recent research.

In addition to strategies and programmes under my own Department and Fáilte Ireland, I understand that there are further supports available to help Irish businesses (including those in the tourism sector) make more efficient and sustainable use of resources, thus benefitting the business itself, the local economy and the environment. Such supports include guidance available from and programmes administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for which my colleagues the Ministers for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are responsible, respectively. Furthermore, there is also a scheme of accelerated capital allowances for energy equipment, a tax incentive aimed at encouraging companies across all sectors to invest in energy saving technology (as approved and listed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources), which was extended in Budget 2010 to include catering and hospitality equipment.

Departmental Agencies.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

278 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 8 December 2009, the reason Bord na gCon failed to comply with section 19 (2) of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 regarding its accounts for the years referred to in the question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46965/09]

Section 19 (2) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 provides that the Board shall, within ninety days after the end of each accounting period or such longer time as the Minister shall in any particular case allow, furnish to the Minister an abstract of the accounts of the Board for that accounting period and a report of its proceedings during that accounting period. While compliance with the provisions of the Act is a matter for the statutory Board of Bord na gCon, nevertheless, I have asked my Department to remind Bord na gCon of their statutory responsibilities.

European Capital of Sport.

Joe Costello

Question:

279 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to mark the occasion of Dublin becoming the European Capital of Sport in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46998/09]

I welcome the successful bid by Dublin City Council to be the European Capital of Sport for 2010.The Deputy will be aware that Dublin has been selected by the European Capitals of Sport Association as the European Capital of Sport for 2010. I expect to attend a number of the initiatives which the Council will be organising during the year starting with the official launch in February 2010. I understand that the Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department and Sport Northern Ireland will be supporting Dublin City Council in the hosting of a sport development conference in the new National Conference Centre in October 2010.

Bogus Charities.

Chris Andrews

Question:

280 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action being taken to tackle the problem of bogus charitable collectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46751/09]

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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the statistics sought by him.

Community Development.

Finian McGrath

Question:

281 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [46744/09]

As I outlined previously to the House and Seanad, my Department has seen the need to redesign its community development/social inclusion programmes, particularly the Local Development Social Inclusion (LDSIP) and Community Development Programmes (CDP), drawing on good international practice and to support the ongoing evaluation of the programmes. The LDSIP and the CDP are my Department's two main social inclusion/community development programmes. Both have a community development element and are currently delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes come to an end on 31 December 2009 and will be superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme.

New Programme

The aim of the new programme is to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the existing CDP/LDSIP programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities.

CDP Review

Earlier this year my Department commenced a review of the performance of Community Development projects funded under the Community Development Programme. This work is now completed and I understand that all concerned are being notified of the findings. I acknowledge that the past while has been a time of uncertainty for CDPs. It is my wish that CDPs have clarity on funding and on implementation arrangements for the new programme. This is now being addressed.

Structural Change

It is also my intention that CDPs and Partnership/Integrated company structures should align so as to minimise structures and provide a single integrated delivery structure for all areas. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for programme roll-out in 2010. This will build on discussions with groups at an Information Session on Wednesday 25th November and subsequent contacts. I am committed to the new programme and to implementing it in the best possible way. My Department will engage positively and constructively with all stakeholders in this process.

Security of the Elderly.

Jack Wall

Question:

282 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of panic alarms issued by agencies under the remit of his Department; if the scheme is still issuing such alarms as of today’s date; if so, the body to whom a person will make an application within each constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46749/09]

Sean Fleming

Question:

284 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to make funding available in respect of personal alarms for elderly people living on their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46972/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 284 together.

This Scheme of Community Support for Older People is administered and funded by my Department with the services delivered locally by community and voluntary groups. It currently provides support to these organisations to fund the once-off installation costs of socially monitored alarms, small items of physical security and in the case of qualifying older people living on our offshore islands, interior emergency lighting. The socially monitored alarm system remains the property of the organisation that receives the grant aid.

The Scheme had funded 410 community groups to date in 2009 providing 6,235 older persons with security equipment with the vast majority of them receiving the socially monitored alarm. The Scheme will remain open until revised arrangements are put in place in 2010. Details of all payments made to beneficiary groups under the Scheme are published monthly on a county basis on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

283 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if security lights will be provided for an elderly person (details supplied) under the community alert scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46874/09]

My Department is responsible for the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The Scheme supports qualifying older people, aged 65 and older, by providing funding towards personal alarms and other items of security and safety equipment including smoke alarms. Applications should be made through the individual applicant's local community or voluntary organisation. My Department has contacted the relevant local community group operating the Scheme in the area in question and this group will be in touch with the person referred to with a view to submitting an application on their behalf.

Question No. 284 answered with Question No. 282.

Social Welfare Code.

John McGuinness

Question:

285 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if consideration will be given to persons whose homes have been repossessed in terms of their qualification for rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46624/09]

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. The Supplementary Budget introduced in April 2009 provided for new arrangements for applications for rent supplement. In order to qualify for rent supplement, a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where the person is deemed by a housing authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.

The aim of this restriction on entitlement to rent supplement is to ensure that the housing authorities remain the principal agents both for assessing housing needs and for meeting the long-term housing needs of qualifying persons. People whose homes are being repossessed should therefore apply to their local housing authority for a housing needs assessment in the first instance in order that their eligibility for social housing or rent supplement can be assessed.

Civil Registration.

Jack Wall

Question:

286 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding legislation regarding a court decision in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46720/09]

The High Court case in question found that the Irish State is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights in not having a process and a register to legally recognise the acquired gender of transsexual persons. The judgement, however, allows the State a degree of latitude in the design of the mechanisms to give such legal recognition. In the revised Programme for Government the need to provide legal recognition for transsexuals was accepted. I will be moving to progress this matter in the near future. The means by which legal recognition will be effected may include legislation and in any event will require careful consideration and consultation.

Jack Wall

Question:

287 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures open to a family to register their two children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46929/09]

The registration of births, including the assignment of surnames in births entries, is governed by the provisions contained in the Civil Registration Act, 2004. Under the provisions of section 22 of the Act, the parents may assign the surname of their choice to their newborn child, by means of mutual agreement.

In relation to their first-born, the position is that the child's birth was registered on 7th November 2004 and re-registered by both parents on 4th October 2007, under the provisions of section 23 of the Act, in order to include the particulars of the father. At the time of the re-registration, the parents were entitled to change the surname of the child but did not opt to do so.

Under the provisions of the Act, a birth which has been re-registered under section 23 may be re-registered only under the provisions of section 24, following the inter-marriage of the parents. Consequently, I am sorry to inform you that there are no statutory provisions currently available that would allow for any alteration to the surname entered in the register of births.

However, there are no provisions within the Act, or elsewhere, which stipulate that a child must be known by the name contained in the register of births. Under common law, names are a matter of usage and repute, and the parents in this case are free to refer to the child by a surname of their choosing. In some instances, it may be useful to swear out a deed poll, as documentary evidence of a change of surname. This will not, of itself, allow for a change to the birth entry but a deed poll can be presented along with a birth certificate, as required. Further information regarding deed polls is available from the Courts Service, Deed Poll Section, The Four Courts, Dublin 7 (Tel 01 888 6508).

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

288 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants granted their three year incentivised career break who applied for one-parent family payment while on career break; the number of these who were granted one-parent family payment; the number who were refused one-parent family payment while on career break; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46634/09]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

289 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants granted the three year incentivised career break who were granted one-parent family payment while on a career break; the number of civil servants who took the career break for a purpose other than educational reasons; the number of civil servants who were refused one-parent family payment who took career break for other than educational reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46635/09]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

290 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants granted the three year incentivised career break who were granted one-parent family payment while on a career break who took a career break for educational reasons; the number who were refused one-parent family payment who took a career break for educational reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46636/09]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

291 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants granted the three year incentivised career break who were granted a social welfare payment under each type of social welfare payment; the weekly amount payable; the breakdown on the number of civil servants granted three year incentivised career break who were refused a social welfare payment under each type of social welfare payment; the reason for refusal in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46637/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 to 291, inclusive, together.

Civil servants are entitled to claim and receive payment under any social welfare scheme provided they satisfy all the conditions of the appropriate scheme. The fact that a civil servant is availing of the incentivised career break scheme does not necessarily preclude them from Social Welfare payments. Since April 1995 all newly recruited civil servants pay full PRSI which entitles them to claim some social welfare payments such as treatment benefits, maternity benefit, illness benefit. The one-parent-family payment, while not based on PRSI contributions, has always been available to civil servants whose income does not exceed the prescribed limit of €425 a week. These benefits would still be available to a person on the incentivised career break. The Department does not maintain statistics in relation to persons who are on an incentivised career break and in receipt of a social welfare payment. Consequently I am unable to provide the Deputy with the information sought.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

292 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on paying rent supplement directly to the landlord rather than to the tenant to ensure that the money is spent on rent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46689/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

293 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action taken against persons who retain their rent supplement and do not pay their landlord the rent owed; the number of occasions reported in the past two years in which this has occurred; the number of persons who have had benefit or payments suspended as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46690/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Under the relevant legislative provisions, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs.

Legislation does however provide for the making of a rent supplement payment to another person on behalf of the recipient, at the tenant's request and with the consent of the HSE. Almost 20,000 (21%) rent supplement payments are made to a person other than the rent supplemented tenant, for example to a relative, a landlord or landlord's agent. It is open to the landlord to bring to the attention of the HSE any instance where a tenant is receiving rent supplement but is not paying their rent. Where a Community Welfare Officer becomes aware that a person receiving rent supplement is not using that supplement to meet housing costs, payment of the supplement is suspended and the matter investigated. Any overpayment of rent supplement incurred in circumstances of this kind may be recoverable from the tenant.

Statistics are not readily available on the number of incidences of the non-payment of rent to a landlord where rent supplement is in payment. Where a landlord has a grievance in relation to the non-payment of rent by a tenant, s/he may apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board to have the dispute resolved through the board's dispute resolution process.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

294 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the appeal against the decision to refuse jobseeker’s allowance will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46695/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be notified when the necessary arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

295 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision on an appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46709/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been received and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

296 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a decision has been reached regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 which was originally submitted July 2008; and if they will be notified of the decision. [46734/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Finian McGrath

Question:

297 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [46743/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Staff.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

298 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff processing social welfare payments in 2009; and the way this figure compares with the past five years. [46766/09]

I understand that the Deputy is mainly interested in the processing of claims for unemployment benefit payments. Currently there are 2447 posts in the regional network of the Department. This figure includes staff working in the Local Offices, new Central Support Units, the Department's Inspectorate, the Regional Director's Office and Regional Offices. While the main work of the Local Office Network is the processing of claims for unemployment payments, the offices also deal with other Social Welfare claims. In addition, inspectors of the Department undertake means testing and other work associated with processing claims for unemployment payments, along with carrying out means testing for the other schemes of the Department. The following table details the staffing levels in the Regions of the Department since 2005.

Year

Number of Posts

2009

2,447

2008

1,987

2007

1,917

2006

1,882

2005

1,910

Public Service Cards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

299 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will roll out the integrated public service card; the cost of the project in 2010; the number of cards that will be issued in 2010; the timetable for the complete roll-out; the target groups which will receive such cards in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46796/09]

The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other government departments, the specifications for a Public Service Card (PSC) under the SAFE (Standard Authentication Framework Environment) programme. The specification provides for identification features, including a photograph. The PSC is to act as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and helping to authenticate individuals. Department of Finance sanction to proceed with the PSC project was received on 23 October 2009. The remobilisation plan for the project began immediately. It will be necessary to procure a new registration and card management functionality, to support issuing the new PSC. Separate sanction from the Department of Finance will be required before the request for tender can issue.

The necessary development work and organisation change will mean that implementation of the Project will not be achieved until the second half of next year. It is anticipated that the managed service provider will also be in a position to provide a card personalisation and bureau facility at that time. It is not possible at this stage to predict the number of cards that will issue next year. Last week's Budget provided €7 million to allow the roll out of cards to commence in 2010.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

300 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance, including arrears, will be awarded in the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46896/09]

The position remains, as advised in Parliamentary Question No. 828, which I answered for the Deputy on 3rd November 2009. A community welfare officer issued a letter to the person concerned on 17 September 2009, seeking documentary evidence in relation to a number of matters, including details of the lease on her rented property and her financial position. The Executive has advised that while it has received some of the documentation sought from the person concerned, it is still awaiting the provision of other supporting documentation.

James Bannon

Question:

301 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been refused a disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46979/09]

Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.

The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate Disability Allowance with effect from 16 April 2008. She was assessed with means derived from her spouse's farming. The person's claim was reviewed by a Medical Assessor on 18 November 2009 who deemed that she was no longer medically suitable for Disability Allowance. Her claim was disallowed with effect from 9 December 2009 on the basis that she is not substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment, by reason of a specified disability, for a period of at least one year. She was notified of this decision by letter on 25 November 2009 and of her right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Social Welfare Offices.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

302 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the catchment area served by the social welfare office in Ballyconnell, County Cavan; the number of people registered as signing on and dependent on the claimant; the total population of the entire catchment as per the 2006 census; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46996/09]

The Department provides it services through its Local Office and Branch Office network. The Department's Branch Office in Ballyconnell deals with Jobseeker applications and payments for a sizeable geographic area covering most of North Cavan and parts of County Leitrim, including the towns of Belturbet, Carrigallen, Corlough, Killeshandra, Redhills and Swanlinbar. All persons living in these areas or catchment areas, if they require a jobseekers payment, will be dealt with by the Ballyconnell Branch Office.

As of 5th December 2009 there are 1,437 persons claiming Jobseeker Allowance and Benefit payments. The population covered by the area served by this branch office based on 2006 Central Statistics figures is 13,981. Recent media reports stated that the number of persons signing in this office is in excess of the population of Ballyconnell and implied that this was due to fraud. Because the office serves a much wider area than Ballyconnell itself, it is not accurate to isolate the population of Ballyconnell from the wider area it serves. Neither is it appropriate to extrapolate that the increase in, or composition of, the Live Register is exclusively down to cross border claiming.

It is true that the Department has identified a risk that people who live in Northern Ireland may attempt to fraudulently claim welfare payments in the Republic. A number of measures have been put in place to address this risk. Since the department started these cross-border operations, the percentage year-on-year increase in virtually all of the border offices had reduced. The most recent statistics for Ballyconnell Branch Office show that between December 2008 and December 2009 the number of people on the Live Register in this area increased by 39%, from 862 to 1,202 persons. This was lower than the percentage increase in the Live Register nationally in the same period.

Departmental Properties.

Simon Coveney

Question:

303 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to open negotiations with Cork County Council in regard to a matter (details supplied); when this issue will be resolved; and the time scale expected to be involved. [46554/09]

The lands owned by my Department at Templebreedy, Crosshaven comprise 37 acres and are no longer used for military purposes. Cork County Council recently added the structure of Fort Templebreedy to the Record of Protected Structures under Section 12(6) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. My Department had previous discussions with the Local Authority concerning the transfer of the property to it. In that regard my Department is obliged to obtain the market value of the property. However, the Local Authority had sought to acquire the property free of charge and discussions were concluded at that stage. Should the Local Authority now wish to purchase this property, it should contact my Department.

Overseas Missions.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

304 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the distance from the Irish base in Goz Beida in Chad to the location of the nearest dedicated casualty evacuation helicopter; the flight time for that journey; the helicopter casualty evacuation procedures in place for troops on long range patrols; if he can provide an assurance that troops injured or wounded on long range patrols can be airlifted by helicopter within the crucial first hour following injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46805/09]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

305 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the circumstances surrounding the delay in providing casualty evacuation for an injured soldier on duty in Chad; the distance the soldier was from the Irish base at the time of the injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46806/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.

There is currently a contingent of some 420 Defence Forces personnel deployed as part of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). There are two United Nations helicopters based in Goz Beida alongside the Irish Camp, which are available to be used for casevac purposes. In addition, a dedicated Casualty Evacuation (casevac) helicopter is located on a 24/7 basis in the MINURCAT Force Headquarters (FHQ) Camp in Abéché, which is approx 200km (70 mins flying time) from the Irish Camp in Goz Beida.

UN medical guidelines indicate that a casualty should be seen by a doctor within one hour of sustaining an injury/illness and transferred to a Level 2 Medical facility, similar to that located in Abéché, within four hours of sustaining the injury/illness. The arrangements in place by the Irish contingent meet these requirements in that, a doctor and medical orderly accompanies all long range patrols conducted by Defence Forces personnel. This ensures that a soldier injured or wounded on a long range patrol would receive immediate medical attention. Where necessary, the injured soldier can then be airlifted to Abeche, either using the helicopters at Goz Beida or the dedicated casevac helicopter from Abeche.

Following the transfer of authority from the EUFOR TCHAD RCA to the UN–led MINURCAT mission on 15 March 2009, the provision of air casevac/medevac to Sector South (Irish unit) caused some concern, namely the lack of clarity regarding the provision of a casevac/medevac facility by MINURCAT and the arrangements for calling in helicopter support. On 24 March 2009 a non-commissioned officer was injured 20km from Camp Ciara while on patrol to Koukou Angarana. The injured party received immediate medical attention on the ground. However, the UN was unable or did not respond to a request for an airlift of the patient for some time and outside of the agreed standard response times. While the injury in this particular case was not serious, the response of the UN raised concerns in relation to the response capacity of the UN in cases where a significantly more serious injury might be involved. As a result, it was decided to retain the Irish Helicopters in Goz Beida until such time as the UN reached full operational capability, such that the military authorities were satisfied with response levels.

The onset of the rainy season and the importance of support for logistics and resupply of the Irish contingent through the rainy season was also a matter of concern. In September, 2009, the military authorities indicated that they were satisfied with the service being provided by the UN and, as such, the contract for the Irish contingent helicopters was terminated in accordance with the terms of the contract.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

David Stanton

Question:

306 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of application forms for enlistment in the Defence Forces held in each brigade; his plans in regard to these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46901/09]

As you are aware recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve the reduction of 3% in payroll costs that had been applied, in common with other areas of the public service, to the Defence Forces. The present position is that arising from the Government Decision on Public Service numbers, which took effect from 27 March 2009, recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force remains suspended.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that having conducted a review of the applications on hand there were concerns regarding the validity of the applicants' data due to the passage of time since the last induction of recruits to the Permanent Defence Force. The Military Authorities therefore are in the process of writing to all the individuals on their registrar of applicants for recruitment to return their forms to them and advising them that they may re-apply when recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force re-opens provided they still meet all the eligibility criteria. The process of returning the forms has already been completed in the Western Brigade and is ongoing in the other Brigade areas. Competitions for recruitment will be advertised on www.military.ie when they arise.

The number of applications for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force, currently held by Brigades and Formations is as follows: 2 Eastern Brigade: 1,005 1 Southern Brigade: 1,049 4 Western Brigade: Nil DF Training Centre: 194 Naval Service: 218 Air Corps: 35 In my statement on the Defence Budget, I confirmed my commitment to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which I have secured Government approval in the context of Budget 2010.

Reserve Defence Force.

David Stanton

Question:

307 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel that are effective and non-effective respectively in the Reserve Defence Force; the number of these in each rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46902/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is presented in the tabular statement. Defence Force Regulation R5 (new series) Reserve Defence Force outlines the criteria for retention on the effective strength of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve. Paragraphs 39, 49 and 50 refers. Personnel who fail to meet these criteria are removed from the effective strength of their units. This is primarily for failure to meet prescribed training requirements. These personnel remain liable for call out on permanent service or service in Aid to the Civil Power.

Personnel who are posted non-effective are not permitted to undertake training unless they re-apply and are accepted back on the effective strength. Where personnel remain non-effective for a period of two years they may be discharged.

Army Reserve (AR)

AR

Lt Col

Comdt

Capt

Lt

2/Lt

Total Offrs

Sgt Maj

BQMS

C/S

CQMS

SGT

CPL

Total NCOs

Ptes

Total

Effective Total

2

104

195

215

50

566

15

15

95

88

657

846

1,716

3,476

5,758

Non Effective Total

0

2

8

18

0

28

1

0

1

2

58

118

180

594

802

Total Army Reserve

2

106

203

233

50

594

16

15

96

90

715

964

1,896

4,070

6,560

Naval Service Reserve (NSR)

NSR

Lt Cdr

Capt

Lt

2/Lt

Total Offrs

WO

SCPO

CPO

SPO

PO

LS

Total NCOs

Sea

Total

Effective Total

4

11

4

2

21

0

3

10

0

11

32

56

108

185

Non Effective Total

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

9

10

20

88

108

Total Naval Service Reserve

4

11

4

2

21

0

3

11

0

20

42

76

196

293

House Prices.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

308 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action taken since the agreement of the revised programme for Government to amend the Data Protection Act to allow for a database of house sales prices; the Departments and agencies involved; when heads of a Bill will be agreed; when legislation is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46671/09]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

309 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the impediments to publishing final sale price statistics of residential property; the contact he has had with representatives of the residential property industry to overcome impediments in addition to a proposed legislative solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46672/09]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

325 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role he will have in publishing final sale price statistics of residential property; the contact he has had with representatives of the residential property industry to overcome impediments; his views on the issue of over valued property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46673/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 309 and 325 together.

The renewed Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment to create and maintain a comprehensive House Price Database based on sales prices. My Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Property Services Regulatory Authority, and the Central Statistics Office, as well as representatives from consumer and industry representative organisations, will be engaging in the coming months on the development of the new house price index.

Among the issues to be considered in that context is the degree to which the existing legislative framework supports the development of such an index. For example, the Data Protection Act currently precludes the publication of data relating to specific sales prices achieved for individual houses without the consent of the purchaser and vendor involved in each transaction. Amendment of the Data Protection legislation to allow publication of the sale price of property is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

In terms of house prices, like housing markets throughout the world, the Irish housing market has moderated significantly over the course of the last 18 — 24 months. Since the peak, new house prices have fallen by 26% nationally and 40% in Dublin, while second hand house prices have dropped by 20% nationally and 33% in Dublin. This brings house prices back to levels seen in Q3 2004 (Q2 2002 for Dublin) for new houses and Q4 2004 (Q1 2004 for Dublin) for second hand houses. In addition, as a result of this price moderation combined with historically low interest rates, affordability for first time buyers has now returned to a level last seen in the mid 1990's.

Housing Grants.

Joe McHugh

Question:

310 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reinstating the disabled person’s grant for persons with disabilities with limited access in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46931/09]

In order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, and following a review of the old Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes, a revised suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability was implemented on 1 November 2007. The revised schemes target the available resources to those in most need, streamline operational and administrative procedures and ensure equity and consistency of operation across all local authority areas.

The new Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability replaced the older Disabled Persons Grant Scheme and assists in the provision/adaptation of dwellings to meet the accommodation needs of people with a disability. The maximum grant was increased from €20,320 to €30,000 and may cover up to 95% of the cost of approved works. The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants of up to €6,000 to cover up to 100% of the cost of a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily but not exclusively, associated with ageing.

At my Department's request, the Centre for Housing Research is currently carrying out an evaluation of the grant schemes in consultation with stakeholders, including the local authorities, representative organisations for older people and persons with a disability, and with a cross-section of grant applicants. The evaluation report will inform any future policy decisions with regard to the scope and operation of the schemes.

Local Authority Housing.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

311 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the portion of the allocation in his Department’s Estimates for local authority estate regeneration and remedial works and urban regeneration planning that is intended to be spent on regeneration in Limerick city; the amount that will be spent on regeneration in Limerick; if the Limerick northside and Limerick southside regeneration plans have been formally endorsed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47382/09]

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

339 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the implications of budgetary cuts and changes made under budget 2010 for the Limerick regeneration project; the amount of funding that will be made available to Limerick regeneration in 2010 for capital and current purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47171/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 339 together.

I am pleased that the Government has committed a total of €240 million under the 2010 estimates for the Local Authority Estate Regeneration and Remedial Works programme, including a new Energy Efficiency/Retrofitting provision of €45m. This represents a significant increase on the 2009 provision of €190m, reflecting the importance I attach to protecting and improving the fabric of the existing local authority housing stock as well as supporting an ambitious programme of regeneration projects, both large and small, across the country. This increased provision will enable me to continue to prioritise the requirements of the Limerick Regeneration Programme when allocations for individual programmes for 2010 are being made early next year.

In this regard, I particularly welcome the recent Government decision to endorse the overall vision for a ten year transformation of the Limerick Regeneration areas set out in the Limerick Regeneration Programme. The Government has requested the relevant Departments and Agencies to complete the remaining work required to finalise the Programme by the end of the first quarter of 2010, for final consideration by the Government at that stage. Work will now advance on a range of issues, particularly in relation to the detailed costings and phasing of the implementation of the Programme, and the mechanisms to leverage essential private investment in the areas, in order to deliver, in a sustainable manner, the much needed integrated physical, social and economic regeneration of the combined Regeneration areas. My Department, the Regeneration Agencies, the relevant local authorities and the wider range of Government Departments and State Agencies involved will be working intensively on this over the next few months.

EU Directives.

Brian Hayes

Question:

312 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imposition of SI 268 on batteries and accumulators by his Department is costing jobs in this economy in view of the fact that no similar requirements apply in Northern Ireland; the number of companies that have been accredited as certified suppliers under the statutory instrument; his views on the damage caused to legitimate businesses here because of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46556/09]

European Parliament and Council Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators, which came into force in September 2006, placed a legal obligation on each Member State to give effect to the provisions of the Directive from 26 September 2008. Failure to transpose a Directive may result in infringement proceedings being brought against a Member State by the Commission. Following a public consultation process, and with the assistance of the Batteries Working Group which represents key stakeholders, the Directive was transposed into Irish law on 16 July 2008 by the Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 2008.

Under the Regulations, producers (e.g. importers) placing batteries on the domestic market must, inter alia, finance the collection, treatment and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) and ensure that all such waste is treated in accordance with prescribed standards and that prescribed recycling efficiencies are achieved. Businesses procuring batteries outside the State, including Northern Ireland, have producer obligations.

Battery producers must also register with the industry based National WEEE Register Society Limited and report on quantities of batteries placed on the market to the "Black Box" function of the WEEE Register. My Department is advised that 508 battery producers, 461 of whom are also producers of electrical and electronic equipment, are registered with the WEEE Register and that an additional 153 battery producers, 126 of whom are also producers of electrical and electronic equipment, have applications for registration pending. My Department is aware that regulations transposing the Directive in the United Kingdom are now in place and that measures providing for producers' financial obligations will come into effect on 1 January 2010.

Local Authority Charges.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

313 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if section 2(1)(c) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 does not exempt a building in the personal ownership of a Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46567/09]

Section 2(1)(c) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 exempts from the charge a building let by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive. This provision was included to prevent an unnecessary circular flow of public money. The provision exempts buildings let by a Minister as head of a Government Department. It does not exempt any property which that Minister might own as a private citizen.

EU Directives.

Joe Costello

Question:

314 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are EU directives which require to be transposed into primary or secondary legislation; the directives; the date they were drafted by the Commission; when he intends to transpose them into domestic law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46593/09]

There are currently four Directives in my Department's area of responsibility, which are outstanding for transposition. A further twelve Directives are due for transposition between the end of 2009 and the end of 2012. Details of these Directives are set out in the Table below. My Department is working to ensure the comprehensive transposition of these Directives.

EU Directives to be transposed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Directive Number / Subject

Date of Adoption and Deadline for Transposition

Expected Transposition Date

Likely Method of Transposition

2003/35/EC

26/05/2003

At the earliest possible date

Statutory Instrument

Directive on public participation in plans and programmes relating to the environment (already partially transposed)

25/06/2005

2006/21/EC

15/03/2006

End of December 2009

Statutory Instrument

On the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC

01/05/2008

2006/118/EC

12/12/2006

End of January 2010

Statutory Instrument

On the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration

16/01/2009

2007/2/EC

14/03/2007

End of January 2010

Statutory Instrument

On establishing an Infrastructure for Spatial In-formation in the European Community (INSPIRE)

15/05/2009

2008/50/EC

21/05/2008

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

On ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

11/06/2010

2008/56/EC

17/06/2008

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

Establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive)

15/07/2010

2008/98/EC

19/11/2008

By the Transposition Date

To be determined

On waste and repealing certain Directives

12/12/2010

2008/99/EC

19/11/2008

By the Transposition Date

To be determined

On the protection of the environment through criminal law

26/12/2010

2008/101/EC

19/11/2008

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

Amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community

02/02/2010

EU Directives to be transposed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government — continued

Directive Number / Subject

Date of Adoption and Deadline for Transposition

Expected Transposition Date

Likely Method of Transposition

2008/105/EC

16/12/2008

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

On environmental quality standards in the field of water policy, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directives 82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC, 84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC and amending Directive 2000/60/EC

13/07/2010

2008/112/EC

16/12/2008

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

Amending Council Directives 76/768/EEC, 88/378/EEC, 1999/13/EEC and Directives 2000/53/EC, 2002/96/EC and 2004/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council in order to adapt them to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures

16/12/2008

2009/29/EC

23/04/2009

Statutory Instrument

Amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to improve and extend the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme of the Community

31/12/2009 and 31/12/2012

Early in 2010 and By the Transposition Date

2009/30/EC

23/04/2009

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

Amending Directive 98/70/EC as regards the specification of petrol, diesel and gas-oil and introducing a mechanism to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and amending Council Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the specification of fuel used by inland waterway vessels and repealing Directive 93/12/EEC

31/12/2010

2009/71/EURATOM Establishing a Community Framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations.

25/06/2009 22/07/2011

By the Transposition Date, if necessary.

Transposition may not be required in this case as Ireland does not have any nuclear installations. It is hoped that this will be confirmed in the first quarter of 2010.

2009/90/EC

31/07/2009

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

Laying down, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, technical specifications for chemical analysis and monitoring of water status

21/08/2011

2009/126/EC

21/10/2009

By the Transposition Date

Statutory Instrument

On Stage II Petrol Vapour Recovery during refuelling of motor vehicles at service stations.

01/01/2012

Local Authority Housing.

Finian McGrath

Question:

315 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin City Council housing procedures have been breached; if he will investigate this matter and the role of politicians in this issue. [46610/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

316 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [46611/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 316 together.

The operation of Dublin City Council's allocation scheme is a matter for the Council itself. I understand that a review of allocation protocols and procedures has already been undertaken.

John McGuinness

Question:

317 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the options available to local authorities regarding their applications for housing; if consideration will be given to persons whose homes have been repossessed in terms of their qualification for the rental accommodation scheme or a local authority house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46624/09]

It is open to any household to apply to a housing authority to undergo an assessment as to whether they are eligible for and in need of social housing support. The determination of an individual household's eligibility, or ineligibility, is a matter for the housing authority making the assessment. Once an authority has determined that a household is in need of support there are a range of housing options, including local authority housing, the Rental Accommodation Scheme, the Social Housing Leasing Initiative, housing provided by approved bodies and sites for households to build on, that can be made available to these households.

Special Protection Areas.

John Cregan

Question:

318 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has been deemed to be ineligible to qualify under the hen harrier farm plan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46640/09]

In order to be considered for acceptance into the National Parks and Wildlife Service Hen Harrier Farm Plan Scheme, farmers and landowners/occupiers must have been actively farming stock for a minimum of two years in a designated hen harrier Special Protection Area (SPA). I understand that the person in question has not been farming stock in the SPA for the requisite period and therefore does not qualify for entry into the Scheme.

Waste Disposal.

Michael McGrath

Question:

319 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding his policy on incineration; if he plans to change this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46660/09]

Government policy in relation to waste management is grounded in the internationally recognised hierarchy of waste options. The most favoured option is waste prevention, followed by minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and the least favoured option of disposal to landfill. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.

The Programme for Government agreed in 2007 included a number of objectives relating to waste management, among them a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and to act on the conclusions. An important milestone was reached recently with the delivery of the report of consultants engaged to carry out a study to underpin the conclusion of the review. This report will act as a launching pad for the policies we now need to mark a new departure in our approach to waste management. I intend to develop a new waste and resource management Bill and a policy statement on waste management arising from recommendations in the report, which I shall bring to Government as soon as possible in 2010. This will set a policy context which will ensure that waste management services are delivered by the public and private sectors in an environmentally progressive and cost efficient manner.

Local Authority Housing.

James Bannon

Question:

320 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason residents of housing estates (details supplied) in County Longford are without heating, hot water and so on in view of the fact that wood pellets are running out despite a software system being in place to notify them when the supply is low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46666/09]

James Bannon

Question:

321 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason residents of housing estates (details supplied) in County Longford are obliged to pay a €20 monthly heating charge as well as a monthly heating bill when no notification of this charge was given at their tenancy meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46667/09]

James Bannon

Question:

322 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason residents of housing estates (details supplied) in County Longford are without heating in view of the fact that it was stated by the council that the houses were fuel efficient but are costing more to heat than previous dwellings and the added monthly charge of €20 makes the bills unsustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46668/09]

James Bannon

Question:

323 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is equitable that residents of estates (details supplied) in County Longford, suffering from health problems and disabilities are without heating due to high costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46669/09]

James Bannon

Question:

324 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason residents of housing estates (details supplied) in County Longford are living in houses regarded as a fire hazard due the fact that they have no back door and bedroom windows do not open more that a couple of inches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46670/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 to 324, inclusive, together.

All matters relating to the management and maintenance of social rented accommodation funded under my Department's Social Housing Investment Programme are the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority, in this case Longford Town Council. I understand that technical issues have arisen with regard to the operation of the heating systems used in this recently completed 72-house estate. These are currently being addressed by the Council and the contractor in consultation with householders. Longford Town Council have confirmed that all houses in this new development have been designed and constructed in compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations, including compliance with Part B (Fire Safety).

Question No. 325 answered with Question No. 308.

Departmental Bodies.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

326 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made regarding the setting up and implementation of the architectural registration body’s technical assessment board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46691/09]

I understand that the Technical Assessment Board referred to in the Question has been established by the Registration Body under the Building Control Act 2007. The assessment of applications will commence shortly.

Pension Provisions.

James Bannon

Question:

327 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford must confirm in writing every year that she is not working for a local authority, and have the letter countersigned by an authorised person, to be paid a widow’s pension; and if he will make a statement on this waste of public money and harassment of this person. [46757/09]

Under Article 112(2) of the Local Government (Superannuation)(Consolidation) Scheme 1998, a local authority may require persons in receipt of pension benefits to make a pension declaration to them. This is in line with other public sector pension schemes.

Proposed Legislation.

Willie Penrose

Question:

328 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make regulations under the Control of Dogs Acts in relation to dog breeding establishments; if hunt kennels will be included in such regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46760/09]

I will publish a Dog Breeding Establishments Bill in the near future. The draft Bill proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. The Working Group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as "a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential". The draft Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. It is also proposed to amend a number of the existing dog control provisions.

The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) made submissions to me in relation to their activities and the nature of these. As a consequence and in recognition of the "not for profit" basis of these activities, and as communicated to the HAI directly and in response to representations on their behalf, I decided to provide exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made clear that their premises operate in accordance with comprehensive and appropriate standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the legislative regime should cause difficulty to their members. Regulations made under the Control of Dogs legislation will be amended on enactment of the Bill and will provide for consultation with interested parties, including the HAI, in developing guidelines to meet the requirements of the legislation.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Joe Carey

Question:

329 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of sewage facilities at Carrigaholt, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46774/09]

Joe Carey

Question:

330 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of sewage facilities in Broadford, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46775/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 330 together.

The sewerage schemes for Carrigaholt/Labasheeda and Broadford are included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. I approved grant assistance of €1.547m for the Carrigaholt/Labasheeda sewerage scheme in June 2008 following examination of Clare County Council's Preliminary Report Review for the Carrigaholt element of the scheme and its Design Review Report for Labasheeda. My Department approved Clare County Council's revised Preliminary Report for the Broadford sewerage scheme in December 2006 along with grant assistance of €1.3m. Local authorities were asked in July 2009 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 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

331 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to revise the nitrates regulations; his plans to review the inspection regime of the local authorities and of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46797/09]

Primary responsibility for the implementation of the Nitrates Regulations has rested with the local authorities since 2005. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also checks for compliance with the Regulations during the cross-compliance inspections carried out as part of the Single Farm Payment scheme. Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and local authority representatives to rationalise the existing arrangements and to put in place a robust regime that benefits both the State and the farmer. The aim is that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will commence carrying out inspections for the purposes of the Nitrates Regulations early in 2010. In the meantime the existing arrangements continue to apply. In accordance with the Regulations, and following consultation with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and with other interested parties, a new Nitrates Action Programme will be prepared and published by 30 June 2010. Any adjustment to the current Action Programme will require the agreement of the European Commission.

Building Regulations.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

332 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46907/09]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

333 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46914/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.

My Department's involvement with inspections under the Homebond Structural Guarantee Scheme ended in 2004. Details of receipts in respect of these inspections for the period 2000 to 2004 and receipts in respect of applications for Certificates of Reasonable Cost under the Tax Incentive Schemes for the period 2000 to 11 December, 2009 are also set out in the following table:

Year

Homebond Structural Guarantee Scheme

Applications for Certificates of Reasonable Cost

2000

1,610,747

36,454

2001

1,203,309

48,834

2002

2,352,440

48,847

2003

2,386,183

52,509

2004

220,320

54,391

2005

49,681

2006

60,136

2007

19,889

2008

3,262

2009

5,537

Total

7,772,999

379,540

Receipts in respect of the Homebond scheme and the Tax Incentive Schemes are treated as Appropriations-in-Aid under my Department's Vote, details of which are set out in the Appropriation Account for the years in question.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Michael McGrath

Question:

334 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to facilitate persons who purchased houses under the affordable housing scheme to re-mortgage their property. [46948/09]

I have requested my Department to arrange to have the provisions that will facilitate existing affordable housing purchasers to remortgage their properties included in the first available appropriate legislative vehicle.

Regeneration Schemes.

Joe Carey

Question:

335 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be provided in 2010 for the development of a regeneration scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46951/09]

Water Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

336 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is planned to commence the roll-out of domestic water meters; the funding that has been made available to local authorities; the anticipated average cost per house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46975/09]

The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to the introduction of charges for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. Accordingly, I will be bringing forward proposals as a priority for the installation of water meters in households, on the basis that households will be allocated a free basic allowance, with charging only for water use in excess of this allowance.

My Department will now develop the necessary arrangements for the procurement and installation of meters to begin as soon as possible, and will examine the scope to apply smart metering technology in this context. I will be bringing detailed proposals to Government early in 2010. The cost of metering households will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of meters to be installed, and the restoration works involved in urban and rural locations.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

337 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Bandon sewerage and drainage works, County Cork.. [47012/09]

My Department awaits the submission of Cork County Council's contract documents for the Bandon Sewerage Scheme, which is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 at an estimated cost of almost €15 million.

Local authorities were asked in July 2009 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 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

338 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the submission from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on turf cutting; his plans to address the issues raised in this correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47162/09]

I have received the submission in question, and I will consider its content and reply to the Committee as soon as possible.

Question No. 339 answered with Question No. 311.

Postal Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

340 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will publish the three reports he has in his possession regarding the introduction of postcodes here; and the reason for the delay to date. [46776/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

343 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way and the person who will pay for the introduction of the proposed postal code system here; if it is his intention to implement it by 2011; if so, the way this date will be achieved in view of the fact that it is less than 13 months away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46779/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

344 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of each of the three reports to date regarding the introduction of postal codes here. [46780/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

345 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the predicted cost of the roll-out of the introduction of postal codes here; the reason there is a divergence between the initial €50 million estimated for the project and the figure he mentioned recently of €15 million; and the way that costing was calculated. [46781/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

346 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the cost he will be imposing on An Post with his plans to introduce postal codes here, particularly in terms of having to upgrade and replace recently purchased advanced scanning technology which cannot read post codes. [46783/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

347 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take when introducing postcodes here to ensure that it does not lead to an increase of junk mail to households. [46784/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 343 to 347, inclusive, together.

The Government has recently approved the implementation of a national postcode system for Ireland as recommended by the National Postcode Project Board. For any developed country, a postcode system is a key piece of national infrastructure that can deliver economic and social benefits across the whole economy. The introduction of postcodes will bring opportunities for all players in the postal sector, including An Post, and while there may also be some costs associated with An Post incorporating postcodes into its existing operations, An Post has said it will in principle fully co-operate with implementing postcodes.

It has been long-standing Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market. The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. Following the report of the Postcode Working Group which recommended the introduction of postcodes, the National Postcodes Project Board's report in 2006 estimated up-front costs of establishing a postcode address database, implementing and promoting the postcode would be in the region of €15 million. This cost is to be met by the Exchequer.

The board was assisted in its work by technical and economic consultants, recruited and funded in 2005 by ComReg, at a cost of approximately €479,000. Following a Government decision in May 2007, consultants were asked to review and quantify the public sector benefits of introducing postcodes. This analysis incurred fees of €54,450. The relevant reports are available on my Department's website at www.dcenr.ie.

Finally, on the issue of "junk mail", I know that the public receives a wide variety of mail from a number of sources, much of which could be regarded as unsolicited mail, including unaddressed mail material, which may be delivered by An Post or other operators. Some media reports suggest that postcodes will result in increased "junk mail" and direct marketing mail. This is not necessarily so. Postcodes will enable more accurately targeted addressed mail and measures already exist to manage the impact of direct mailing. Under the Data Protection Acts, individuals have the right to request that they be removed from any direct mailing lists used by businesses. I have no plans to introduce additional measures in this regard.

My officials and I are now working to address the next steps in the postcodes project, including the process of retention of a body to implement the proposed system. It is expected that postcodes will be assigned and in use during 2011.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

341 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had communications with the postal authorities in Northern Ireland in relation to ensuring in the event of him agreeing to proceed with the introduction of the postal code system here, that it is compatible with postal codes in Northern Ireland or compatible with future changes they may be considering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46777/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

342 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Assembly or if the issue has been raised at an all-Ireland ministerial level that consideration will be given to an all-island approach to the postal service, with or without postal codes. [46778/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.

The Government has approved the implementation of a national postcode system for Ireland as recommended by the National Postcode Project Board. This Board was established to look at the costs and benefits of implementing postcodes and to recommend the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland. There have been no discussions with the postal authorities in Northern Ireland with respect to the postcode model chosen. As regards the issue of an all island postal service, the Deputy should note that the 55 cent stamp charged by An Post for delivering single piece mail covers delivery for the whole island of Ireland.

My Department is currently preparing legislation to transpose the 3rd EU Postal Directive which provides for full market opening of EU postal services market by 1st January 2011. This legislation will provide for the removal of the reserved area for An Post, meaning that legally there will be no barriers to postal operators offering services on an all-island basis.

Questions Nos. 343 to 347, inclusive, answered with Question No. 340.

Electric Vehicles.

Michael McGrath

Question:

348 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the emergence of electric cars here; his policy on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46787/09]

The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020 and to that end all relevant Departments and Agencies are working intensively to position Ireland at the forefront of electric vehicle deployment. The Minister for Finance has confirmed in Budget 2010 the Government's commitment to encourage the increased use of environmentally friendly electric cars and related technology development. To that end the VRT exemption for electric vehicles and the VRT reliefs of up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles are being extended until end-2012. The Government will also provide support to offset the initial battery costs for electric vehicles.

The Inter Departmental/Inter Agency Taskforce chaired by my Department is working on the costed options and timeframes for putting in place the necessary infrastructure and other arrangements for the cost effective deployment of electric vehicles on a national basis. ESB Networks is already developing a programme for infrastructure roll out with the first installations due in 6 months. Global developments will be factored in as the technologies mature. In addition to the Memorandum of Understanding on vehicle deployment already agreed with Renault and Nissan, Memoranda of Understanding are being developed with other car manufacturers.

It is increasingly clear that the electrification of transport will accelerate over the coming years with positive impacts in terms of reducing transport related emissions and security of energy supply. In that context I have welcomed the commitment of the incoming Spanish Presidency of the EU, to include electric vehicles among its priorities and will be working with my EU colleagues to progress that agenda next year.

Electricity Generation.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

349 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1074 of 16 September 2009, when a report by a company (details supplied) will be published, made available to Dáil Deputies and brought into the public domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46941/09]

I understand that the TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) report is currently being finalised. EirGrid expects that the report will be completed and published very shortly and I can confirm that it will be made available by EirGrid to the Deputy and to any other Members of the Oireachtas who wish to receive a copy, as well as being published alongside other reports on the EirGrid website.

Natural Gas Grid.

Tom Hayes

Question:

350 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his plans for connection of gas for a town (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46986/09]

The development and operation of the natural gas network is, in the first instance, a matter for Gaslink, a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann, which as the gas transmission system operator, is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has, since 2002, had statutory responsibility for all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.

In 2006, the CER approved a new networks connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. This is to ensure that over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. CER allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns. Exchequer funding is not provided for the roll-out of new towns connections.

Gaslink has carried out Phase 3 of a comprehensive assessment of towns not already connected to the national gas network. I am advised that Tipperary town is included in a total of 42 towns examined as part of Phase 3 of this assessment, which has been completed. Gaslink has submitted its Phase 3 report to the CER and I am advised that the CER's review of the report has been finalised, and will be published thereafter. The report will outline which towns or groups of towns would be economically viable for connection, within the revised connection policy criteria.

Broadcasting Services.

John O'Mahony

Question:

351 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications for community television when RTE goes digital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47169/09]

The RTÉ NL network operates from about 140 sites throughout the country providing coverage of RTÉ to about 98% of the population. In addition, in remote areas, there are small local community sites which re-broadcast the RTÉ services and which are operated by local communities. Many of these sites would have originally been set up with the assistance of RTÉ and were then taken over and operated locally. This is an operational matter for RTÉ and is outside the remit of my Department.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

352 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the single farm payment, area based payment and the REP scheme payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46582/09]

An application in respect of the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2009. Processing of the application revealed that a number of the land parcels declared by the person named had also been claimed by other scheme applicants. In keeping with standard processing procedures, all parties were written to and asked to clarify the position regarding their entitlement to claim the parcels in question. In addition, an official of my Department has been in direct contact with the agricultural advisor of the person named, who is working for and on behalf of the person named, with a view to reaching an early resolution of the matter. However, until such time as the person named, or his agricultural advisor, reverts to my Department, it is not possible to indicate precisely what the outcome might be.

Food Labelling.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

353 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans for labelling country of origin on agricultural produce here or at European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46606/09]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). This is done through service contracts with other relevant agencies, including the Health Service Executive, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and my Department.

My Department had taken steps to try to introduce origin labelling for meats other than beef, which is already subject to specific legislation since September 2000. In conjunction with the Department of Health and Children my Department drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. The Commission's main contention is that only harmonised rules with EU-wide applicability may be applied to food labelling other than in exceptional circumstances.

Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations, which were discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels on 8 December. The Department of Health and Children represented Ireland at these meetings and I understand that the next meeting is scheduled for 11th January 2010. Products carrying the Bord Bia quality assurance label provide consumers with assurance on product origin.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

354 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when area aid, REPS 4 and single farm payments will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46627/09]

An application in respect of the 2009 Single Payment Scheme received from the person named on 6 May 2009 has been fully processed, and payment due under the scheme will issue shortly. My officials are about to complete the initial administrative processing of REPS 4 applications and I hope to be in a position to start making payments on valid applications later this week.

John McGuinness

Question:

355 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, further to previous parliamentary questions, the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be examined by a deciding officer of his Department in view of the fact that they claim that they are actively farming the 92 acres for the past 12 years approximately and have stock on the land; and if the matter will be expedited. [46629/09]

The Deputy is aware of the background to this case following replies to previous Questions on the matter. The person named established 24.47 entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme, but these entitlements reverted to the National Reserve, as the person named did not submit an application under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. A subsequent appeal of this decision to my Department's Agriculture Appeals Committee proved unsuccessful. The person named then appealed to the Agriculture Appeals Office and, during an oral hearing, undertook to furnish my Department with medical evidence in support of his claim for force majeure in 2005. The medical evidence, which was subsequently furnished to my Department on 21 August 2009, was deemed to confirm the claim of the person named for force majeure, on foot of which the 2005 application form, submitted by the person named to my Department on 26 August 2009, was accepted. However, as the person named had not included a map of the land declared on the application, a letter, requesting an appropriate map, issued on 28 August 2009.

The person named lodged the map in question with my Department on 11 September 2009. Following initial processing, it transpired that some of the land being claimed by the person named had also been claimed by another scheme applicant under the 2005 Scheme. It is necessary, therefore, to establish who had use of the land and, in this regard, both parties were written to in order to clarify the matter. I can confirm that, in the interim, payment has issued to the person named in respect of that portion of the land included in his application not under dispute.

Decentralisation Programme.

John Cregan

Question:

356 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his policy regarding the closure and decentralisation of his Department’s offices in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46639/09]

On 15 July, the Government approved my plan for a reorganisation of my Department's Local Office Network. The plan involves reducing, from 57 to 16, the number of offices from which the Department will operate District Veterinary, Forestry and Agricultural Environment and Structures support services in the future.

The decision to close some forty offices of the Department was made only after a detailed study of the Department's operations at local level. Decisions were made in relation to the overall strategy and against a background of major changes in the Department's operating environment in recent years brought about by the impact of the Single Farm Payment, benefits derived from substantial investment in Information Communications Technology and significant reductions in the incidence of disease.

Insofar as County Cork is concerned, the Mallow AES and South Mall AES/DVO offices will be closed and the work transferred to a new office to be located in Fermoy. The Office of Public Works is in discussions in relation to this accommodation and staff will be advised as soon as a final decision has been made.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

357 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 24 September 2009, the funds provided by the EU regarding the establishment of Natura 2000 sites; the breakdown of the funding between REP scheme and non-REP scheme farmers; the funding available to non-REP scheme farmers up to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46683/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

370 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 24 September 2009, the way provision is to be made for participants in REPS 3 with land designated under a Natura 2000 site if REPS 4 is closed to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47151/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 370 together.

Under the rural development programme 2007-2013 (RDP) EU funding amounting to €220m was allocated for designated Natura 2000 sites. This amount is co-funded by national exchequer funding at the rate of 45%. To avail of this funding a beneficiary was required to be actively farming a designated Natura 2000 site and participating in the rural environmental protection scheme (REPS 4). In July 2009 the REPS 4 scheme, including Natura, was closed to new applicants, but payments under this scheme will continue until the end of the current programme and existing beneficiaries will continue to receive their individual payments until their contracts expire.

A Natura 2000 measure with an indicative allocation of €12m is proposed under the revised RDP and will be funded from the modulated and European Economic Recovery Plan funds. This will complement the proposed new agri environment scheme which will also be funded by modulation and European Economic Recovery Plan funds. The Natura 2000 measure will be open to all farmers including those whose REPS contracts have concluded. Both proposed new measures await approval by the EU Commission.

Afforestation Programme.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

358 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of hectares of forestry planted here for each of the past 15 years; the number of hectares that will be planted in 2010; if he is satisfied that enough is being done to encourage and promote forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46702/09]

The area planted under the Afforestation Programme for each year from 1994 to 2009 is as follows:

Year

Area (Ha)

Year

Area (Ha)

1994

19,459

2002

15,054

1995

23,710

2003

9,097

1996

20,981

2004

9,739

1997

11,434

2005

10,096

1998

12,928

2006

8,037

1999

12,668

2007

6,947

2000

15,695

2008

6,248

2001

15,464

2009

6,500 (Estimate)

The increased allocation for forestry in the 2010 Budget will facilitate a higher level of planting, in the region of 7,000 hectares, in 2010. My Department promotes the planting of new forests through a range of attractive support measures — the Afforestation Grant Scheme, the Forest Environment Protection Scheme and the Native Woodland Scheme. These schemes provide 100% establishment grants and annual premiums for up to 20 years. In addition, my Department also provides supports towards the provision of forest infrastructure such as harvesting and management roads, along with grants to encourage forest owners to actively manage their forests and improve the quality of the final crop. The increased budget allocation for forestry in 2010, at a time when many other expenditure programmes are being reduced, is evidence of the Government's continued commitment to forestry.

Grant Payments.

John O'Mahony

Question:

359 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when will a person (details supplied) in County Mayo receive a decision in respect of their area aid application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46710/09]

An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2009, in respect of 1.80 hectares, a parcel of 12.80 hectares having been deleted from the application by the person named. An advance payment issued on 19 October 2009 and the balancing payment will issue shortly. As the area declared is less than the 3 hectares minimum required to qualify for payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, no payment is due to the person named under that scheme.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

360 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of REPS 4 applications year one and year two from County Mayo on which all administrative checks have been completed; his plans to expedite this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46711/09]

My officials are about to complete the initial administrative processing of REPS 4 applications, and I hope to be in a position to start releasing payments on valid applications later this week.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

361 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 payment. [46712/09]

An issue has arisen during the processing of the REPS 4 application from the person named. Processing of the application cannot be completed until these have been resolved. My officials will be in contact with her shortly.

John Perry

Question:

362 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be awarded the second payment under the farm waste management scheme grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46741/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. In the case of the second instalment of 40 per cent, I have recently announced that I intend to commence payment in December 2009 with the remainder of farmers being paid in early 2010. The final instalment of 20 per cent will be paid in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Registration of Herd Numbers.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

363 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 393 of 26 May 2009, if a person (details supplied) in County Louth was the registered owner of a herd number prior to 1989; and if so, the process undertaken to transfer the herd number to another person. [46752/09]

As already notified to the legal representative of the first named person under the Freedom of Information Act, the documentation relating to the registration details of the herd number in question and the transfer of the herd number into the name of the second named person cannot be located. However, there is no record of any payments being made at any time to the first named person under various schemes administered by my Department.

The herd number system is an administrative arrangement under the disease eradication scheme and is designed primarily to assist in disease control. Assigning an individual to the role of "herdowner" does not confer a legal title to any lands or animals relating to the herd number.

Forest Lands.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

364 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for introducing Statutory Instrument No. 151 of 2009; if there was consultation with users and traditional stakeholders of Coillte lands before introducing these regulations; if these regulations apply to lands managed by Coillte in partnership with private landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46761/09]

I made the Forestry Act 1988 (Section 37) (Coillte Teoranta) Bye-Laws 2009 [Statutory Instrument No. 151 of 2009] on foot of a request from Coillte under Section 37 of the Forestry Act 1988. Coillte requested the making of the bye-laws to assist the company in controlling unauthorized activities on Coillte property, examples of which included indiscriminate illegal dumping of domestic and commercial waste, damage to security barriers and property and inappropriate operation of All Terrain Vehicles such as quad bikes and motorbike scrambling.

The company operates an Open Forest Policy, whereby the general public are permitted and welcome to use forest lands for non-commercial, informal and recreational purposes. In 2004 Coillte undertook a major review of its recreation policy in consultation with stakeholders, including NGOs, Local Authorities, state agencies, etc.; 170 of whom responded to an invitation to contribute to the review. The Bye-Laws apply to those Coillte lands in respect of which a Notice of Application of Bye-Laws has been posted in a visible location where the public might reasonably gain entrance to those lands (Bye-Law 3); "Coillte lands" are defined in these Bye-Laws as meaning lands owned, managed or used by Coillte (Bye-Law 2).

Departmental Investigations.

Mary White

Question:

365 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a report into the problems on a north Kilkenny farm (details supplied) has been peer reviewed by independent scientists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46807/09]

Mary White

Question:

366 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to have the report into the problems on a north Kilkenny farm (details supplied) peer reviewed by independent scientists in advance of publication of the report. [46808/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.

A peer review has recently been completed on the report on the farm in question. A number of independent expert opinions have been used in compiling the report, which was produced under the Interagency Protocol for the investigation of potential environmental issues. Under this protocol other state agencies are kept advised, consulted and asked for peer opinions before a report such as this is finalised. In the case of this investigation the appropriate agencies were the EPA, Teagasc, the HSE and Kilkenny County Council. I expect that the Report will be released shortly.

Foreshore Licences.

Michael McGrath

Question:

367 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for a foreshore lease or licence (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46940/09]

An application for a foreshore lease was received from Maulbawn Ltd in January 2009 to carry out reclamation works for the installation of a 261 berth marina, plus three foul/surface drainage pipes at Passage West, Cork Harbour. This was circulated to my Department's consultees in the normal manner. Further information was requested by the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport and by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. These requests for further information were communicated to the applicant and responses are awaited. The applicant has also claimed ownership of some of the area in which the proposed development will be carried out. My Department has requested proof of title from the company and this is awaited. In addition the planning permission granted by Cork County Council has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála and my Department is awaiting its decision.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

368 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the area based payment and single farm payment have not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46956/09]

An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2009. Following initial processing, the application was found to be incomplete, which necessitated writing to the person named. The issue was subsequently resolved, which allowed payment due under the scheme to issue on 1 December 2009. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme had earlier issued directly to the person named on 22 September 2009.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

369 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the single farm payment for 2009 has been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the amount of area based payment paid to this person and the amount of REPS paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46957/09]

An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2009. The 70% advance payment (€9,435.09) under the Single Payment Scheme issued on 9 October 2009 and the 30% balancing payment (€4,322.17) issued on 1 December 2009. Payment of €2,257.68 under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued directly to the person named on 22 September 2009.

The person named has received €38,027.62 in REPS payments to date and has submitted a 2009 REPS 4 payment application. My officials are about to complete the initial administrative processing of REPS 4 and I hope to be in a position to start releasing payments on valid applications later this week.

Question No. 370 answered with Question No. 357.

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

371 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 18 June 2009, when he intends to publish the animal health and welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47163/09]

Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the area of animal health and welfare contained in the Programme for Government and the renewed Programme for Government is ongoing in my Department. The legislation will amend and consolidate previous legislation in the area of animal health, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals and will update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, is properly protected and penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The proposed legislation will also provide for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals within my Department. Drafting of the bill is now continuing taking account of the comments received following the consultation process initiated on the draft Bill, together with the animal welfare commitments re-affirmed in the renewed Programme for Government.

Schools Building Projects.

Mary Wallace

Question:

372 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the planning, design and building of a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if he is in a position to appoint a design team to enable this school to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46561/09]

The project to which the deputy refers, was included in the list of 25 major school building projects which I announced on the 12 of February last to enter into architectural planning. Officials in my Department are currently assessing the most appropriate construction model for this project. I anticipate that my officials will be in contact with the school authorities shortly.

Higher Education Grants.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

373 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the decision reached on an application for a third level grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [46575/09]

The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in her/his case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Barrett

Question:

374 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the construction of a replacement second-level school in south County Dublin (details supplied); the date that construction will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46586/09]

The project for the school referred to by the Deputy has been approved to progress to tender and construction and is currently at stage 2a of architectural planning. In late April, the Department issued detailed comments on the stage 2a submission (developed sketch design) and requested additional information from the design team relating to the project. This was received in June and reviewed by the Department's Technical staff and further detailed comments issued in September. The Design Team was requested to consider and respond to each of the comments listed. The Design Team's response was received at the end of October and is currently being considered. My Department will be in contact with the school authority and the design team when this consideration has been completed.

Summer Works Scheme.

Joe Carey

Question:

375 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Clare will expect sanction under the summer works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46588/09]

The closing date for the receipt of applications under the summer works scheme 2010 was 27 November 2009. Following an assessment process, projects will be selected for funding from all valid and approved applications on a top down basis, in accordance with the prioritisation criteria published with the scheme. In keeping with the timetable published with the governing circular letter, I expect to be in a position to publish the list of successful applicants in March 2010.

Schools Building Projects.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

376 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Cork will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46591/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

381 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the recent progress made regarding a school project (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46681/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 381 together.

The project to which the Deputies refer is at an early stage of architectural planning. Officials from my Department recently visited the school and discussed the project with representatives from the school and the design team. Following the meeting, it was agreed that the design team would proceed to submit proposals for an appropriate design solution for the school. The progression of 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 for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Site Acquisitions.

Brian Hayes

Question:

377 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his efforts to provide a permanent location for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; the contact he has had with Dublin City Council and other bodies regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46598/09]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

379 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide funding to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 to build the overdue building. [46653/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 379 together.

My Department has held a series of meetings in recent months with the City Council and the local GAA club in relation to the possibility of leasing local authority lands that are currently leased by the GAA Club. In July 2009, the response of the City Council to the Department's proposed design of the new school building was forwarded to the GAA club summarising the views of the local authority. A meeting has been scheduled with the GAA club to discuss this matter.

Higher Education Grants.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

378 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if a direction was given to local authorities regarding fee scholarships as income, which has rendered many PhD students ineligible for the local authority grant; if he will review this in the case of students who have already started their degree in view of the fact that the subsequent hardship may force them to drop out of their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46638/09]

I wish to refer to clause 2.2 and 2.3 of the Higher Education Grants Scheme 2009 and Clause 2.1 and 2.2 of the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme 2009. Clause 2.2 states:

2.2 A candidate shall not be eligible to hold a grant under this Scheme if he/she holds:

(i) a scholarship/grant awarded by another Local Authority, a Vocational Education Committee or the Department of Education and Science, or

(ii) any other award payable from public funds, or

(iii) the equivalent of (i) or (ii) from another E.U. Member State.

The provisions at (ii) or (iii) do not include awards such as scholarships, prizes or bursaries, made by the institution being attended or postgraduate research grants where the grant received does not exceed a specified amount, which for the 2009-10 academic year, is specified to be €16,000. In addition, the provision at (ii) does not include awards to candidates under the Student Assistance Fund, the Millennium Partnership Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Clause 2.3 states:

2.3 Notwithstanding clause 2.2 above holders of the following scholarships, if eligible, may also hold a maintenance grant:

Easter Week Scholarship Holders

Donagh O'Malley Scholarship Holders

All Ireland Scholarship Holders

Science Foundation Ireland/Dell Scholarship for Young Women in Engineering.

Under these clauses, the full value of the award to the student, from public funds, is taken into consideration. Such awards may include two elements: one in respect of fees — either an amount towards the cost of fees or a fee waiver — and, the second, a stipend paid directly to the student for living costs. Where the full value of the award does not exceed the limit specified in the schemes, the student may also be approved for funding under the student grant schemes subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme.

Question No. 379 answered with Question No. 377.

Billy Timmins

Question:

380 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46675/09]

The statutory framework for the maintenance grants scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full-time third level education. The position is that the Third Level Student Support Schemes operated under my Department do not extend to postgraduate study outside of Ireland. The student support schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing certain full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in another EU Member State, with effect from the 1996/97 academic year. The extension of the schemes at that time did not include courses at postgraduate level.

There are no plans at present to extend the current arrangements to provide for students pursuing post-graduate courses outside Ireland. Any such extension could only be considered in the light of available resources and other competing demands within the education sector. However, Section 21 of the Finance Act 2000 provides for the introduction of tax relief for postgraduate fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU Member States as well as in private colleges in this state. This relief, which applies at the standard rate of tax, is available to full time and part time postgraduate students and includes distance education courses offered by publicly funded colleges in other EU Member States. Further details on claiming this relief are available from local tax offices or on Revenue's website, www.revenue.ie.

Question No. 381 answered with Question No. 376.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

382 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the average waiting times for the processing of the third level grants available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46694/09]

The process of assessing eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant Local Authority or VEC. Both VECs and local authorities are experiencing pressures due to the increased workload associated with the increased demand for the schemes, particularly in the context of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector which, in some instances, is affecting the processing of grants. However, every effort is being made by these bodies to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.

The average waiting time for the processing of grant applications varies between the 66 awarding bodies depending on a number of variables including the volume of applications received, staffing resources and whether or not completed application forms have been received. This information is not available at present, but will be collected as part of the Department's January survey of grant applications in the VECs and local authorities.

School Accommodation.

Finian McGrath

Question:

383 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [46708/09]

The school premises to which the Deputy refers was retained for educational use after the school closed in 2007 with City of Dublin VEC, as the anchor tenant for the premises. The VEC was charged with ascertaining and regularising the status of any arrangements which were in place with third-parties at the time for the use of some parts of the building. The VEC is providing further education courses for the local community and St. Michael's House Special School will provide education for children with autism.

This special school has opened in temporary accommodation pending completion of extensive refurbishment works and will transfer as soon as these works are completed. The works required to enable this provision are being co-ordinated by the VEC in collaboration with the special school. Part of the building will meet the administration requirements of the National and Regional Offices of the Skillvec Project. Courses offered in the school include Performing Arts, Business, Sports Science, Fashion Design and Special Needs. The Business provision includes a two-year VTOS course in Business, Computers and Languages. One of the classrooms is set aside as a Training Room for delivering Learning at Work and Upskilling Courses, including courses on Building Energy Ratings, Solar Panel Installation, Personal Development, Effectiveness in the Workplace, Communications and IT.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

384 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of moneys paid in compensation payments and legal fees in respect of claims made to the Residential Institutions Redress Board; the final cost in terms of compensation payments and legal fees; the amount paid to outside companies or agencies in respect of the administration of the scheme; the company or agency in each case and the amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46725/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the total paid in Redress Board Awards from inception to the end of November is €800,749,870. The total third party legal costs associated with these awards and including the costs for those applicants who took High Court actions is €148,506,089. A detailed breakdown of other expenditure of the Board including the amount in legal fees of counsel employed by the Board and other legally related services is attached. At this point overall anticipated expenditure associated with the Redress Board is estimated at up to €1.1 billion. This estimate is tentative given that the Board is still in the process of making awards and the level of award in these remaining cases may vary substantially.

Expenditure from inception to 15-12-09

Category

Totals

Advertising

899,367.02

Stenography Services

841,719.28

Phones (Service)

249,824.73

Phones (Equipment)

13,768.67

Postage

496,144.00

Postage — Rental & Services

26,006.27

Computer Hardware/Software

184,426.22

Computer Support Services

431,064.16

Photocopying

72,890.67

Office Machinery

50,835.10

Heat, Power & Light

128,039.39

Contract Cleaning

161,518.46

Office Supplies

272,739.53

Printing

66,906.68

Furniture & Fittings

214,688.03

Travel & Subsistence

622,747.66

Taxi/Courier Service

187,568.61

Vending Machine & Water Supplies

67,538.60

Maintenance

58,573.00

Hotel Room Hire

131,692.98

Medical Fees*

1,502,352.00

Legal Fees**

10,186,550.99

Advice as to Financial Management of the Award

613,352.00

Administrative Salaries

8,638,123.50

Board Members Fees

8,599,598.61

Training

79,928.75

Publications

13,153.55

Security

633,637.46

Board Catering

172,907.60

Agency Staff

581,026.52

Miscellaneous

264,509.24

Total

36,463,199.28

*These fees are for medical reports prepared by doctors appointed by the Board under section 11 of The Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002.

**These fees relate to Counsel employed by the Board and other legally related services.

Student Support Schemes.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

385 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application for a grant in respect of a person (details supplied). [46729/09]

The organisation and management of student support schemes grants is a matter for individual Vocational Educational Committees and Local Authorities. These bodies seek to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible. The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in her/his case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

Third Level Fees.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

386 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a university (details supplied) has increased the cost of postgraduate research fees from September 2010 to the extent that students who are in their fourth year of research will have to pay the same level of fees as in the initial three years; if his further attention has been drawn to the long-standing tradition of reducing fees for research students after their third year; if he will direct the Higher Education Authority to examine this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46732/09]

As the Deputy is aware, in the context of discussion with my Department regarding overall funding and proposals for fee changes at a sectoral level, third level institutions are autonomous bodies and may determine the level of fees to be charged in cases where the Free Fees Schemes do not apply. As such, post-graduate level fees are set by individual higher education institutions.

In the 2009/10 academic year, PhD fees at University College Dublin for the first three years of studies are €5,200 per annum for Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines and €5,800 per annum for Science and Engineering disciplines. UCD had a historical practice of reducing the fees after the third year to half the standard fee. This was on the basis that the traditional PhD was normally expected to be completed within 3 years, while acknowledging that students may require additional time to complete their thesis.

The traditional PhD model is changing and institutions in Ireland are now moving to a structured 4-year programme model. The PhD thesis will remain the primary focus but students will also receive generic and transferable skills training. This is in line with trends internationally. As part of its structured PhD programmes, UCD provides taught modules, online modules and workshops covering a wide range of transferable skills, including project management, time management, team working and communication skills. UCD reviewed its fee structures in 2007 and determined that the full fee should apply to all years of the PhD as a result of this shift to 4 year programmes. It was initially intended that this would be effective from the 2009/10 academic year, however, this was postponed until the 2010/11 academic year to ensure students were given adequate notice.

School Curriculum.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

387 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork must participate in Irish classes in second level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46747/09]

As part of both the primary and second level school curriculum Irish is a compulsory subject. The second-level programme in Irish has the capacity to cater for a wide diversity of ability. The programme currently includes a Foundation level Irish syllabus, which is specifically designed for those pupils who are experiencing difficulty with the subject. Under certain circumstances, school management in State funded recognised schools may grant an individual an exemption from the study of Irish. The criteria used by school management in their determination of an individual application for an exemption at a second level school are set out in Department Circular M10/94. The same criteria apply at primary level schools and are set out in Departmental Circular 12/96. Exemptions granted within the stated criteria to a student in a State funded primary school will be carried forward to their second level school.

With regard to the particular case referred to by the Deputy, the position is that if the school concerned determined that the student in question did not satisfy the requirements of the circular, the advice of the Inspectorate of my Department may be sought on this case, by forwarding to Schools' Division, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath all of the evidence submitted by the student's parents and all supporting documentation from the current school.

Schools Building Projects.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

388 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will increase the grant approved to the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny towards the cost of building a hall in view of the fact that the amount of grant approved and fund-raising locally will not meet the cost of this project. [46769/09]

The School to which the Deputy refers made two applications to the Department in the 2008. The first application, in February 2008, was for large scale capital funding to provide a classroom, a resource room, a GP room and ancillary facilities. The application was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.4 rating. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

The second application, in March 2008, was in respect of additional accommodation for a Resource room. The application was assessed and an all-in devolved grant for €60,000.00 was approved. My Department has since learned that the school proceeded with a project involving work over and above that approved, leading to additional costs. As the Deputy will be aware, it is not the policy of my Department to provide retrospective funding to schools for work which was carried out without prior approval. A letter to this effect issued recently to the school.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

389 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) has not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46801/09]

The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to facilitate tuition for children of school going age awaiting an educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism where no educational placement is available. I wish first of all to advise the Deputy that the tuition grant for the child in question has not been cut back. The position is that a number of educational placements have recently become available in a nearby school. The child's parents were aware that these placements would become available in November 2009 and were advised by my Department in September to remain in contact with their SENO in relation to securing one of these placements. Funding has been sanctioned to the 22nd of December 2009 to allow for transitional arrangements.

Ministerial Appointments.

Brian Hayes

Question:

390 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his nominees to State and semi-State bodies since his appointment; the qualification of each successful nominee; the income for each nominee from each board; the number of unfilled vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46804/09]

The information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

391 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans for the provision of services for autistic children; if he will continue grant aiding children who are attending facilities as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46817/09]

The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to facilitate tuition for children of school going age awaiting an educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism where no educational placement is available. The position is that a number of educational placements have recently become available in a nearby school. The child's parents were aware that these placements would become available in November 2009 and were advised by my Department in September to remain in contact with their SENO in relation to securing one of these placements. Funding has been sanctioned to the 22nd of December 2009 to allow for transitional arrangements.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

392 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) who has received notification from the national educational services that they are dyslexic and eligible for a laptop computer from his Department to support their educational development. [46905/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

My Department has no record of receiving a recommendation for a laptop for the child in question. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Schools Building Projects.

John Deasy

Question:

393 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the projects in Waterford city, Dungarvan and the remainder of County Waterford that are currently out to tender; the deadline for receipt of tenders; the period for assessment of tenders received and awarding of contracts; when construction will commence in each case; the estimated duration of the construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46911/09]

There are four primary school projects in County Waterford currently on the construction programme. They are: 1. Holy Cross School, Ballycarnane, Tramore (new school), 2. Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lismore (extension), 3. Campus Project at Carrickphierish (new schools for Gaelscoil na Deise and Waterford Educate Together NS incorporating enhanced facilities for shared community use). All four projects are currently out to tender. Each stage of this process will be completed as quickly as possible. It is expected that all four projects will commence construction in the first quarter of 2010.

The construction period will be finalised upon award of each contract. For a new primary school, the construction period averages from 12 to 18 months, depending on project scale and complexity. Details of the requirements of the Tender Action and Award Process, including time standstill constrictions etc, are set out in the Department's Design Team Procedures, which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

Pat Breen

Question:

394 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of the 19 November 2009, when a decision will issue to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46927/09]

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. Recently, the school requested the Department to review their band rating under the prioritisation criteria. This is being considered and a letter regarding this matter will issue directly to the school authority in due course.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

395 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the planning process and construction plans for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [46943/09]

The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

396 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for the school building programme that have not received or are still awaiting planning permission; the name, address and roll number of each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46944/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

397 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for the school building programme which have received full planning permission but have yet to proceed to stage four and commence construction; the name, address and roll number of each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46945/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 397 together.

An application for Planning Permission forms part of stage 2(b) of the architectural planning process. The information requested by the Deputy in respect of planning permission for those projects in architectural planning is contained in the tabular statement below. In addition, there are almost 1200 applications for major capital works listed on my Department's web-site. As these have not yet commenced the architectural planning process, none of these applications would have yet reached the stage of applying for planning permission.

Roll Number and School Name

County

Planning Permission Received

17501Q (S N Beann Na Gcaorach)

Carlow

Yes

18363M (S N Muire Gan Smal)

Carlow

Yes

17127S (St Josephs Ns), Hacketstown

Carlow

Yes

11135K (St Marys N S)

Carlow

No

70420R (Carlow Vocational School)

Carlow

No

06998Q (S N Tulach A Mhile)

Cavan

Yes

61060M (St Patrick’s College)

Cavan

Yes

19439B (Holy Family S S)

Cavan

No

18857O (S N Carraig A Bruis)

Cavan

No

81005Q (St Aidans Comprehensive School)

Cavan

No

15042A (Ennis N S)

Clare

No

62460K (St Francis Capuchin) Rochestown, Cork

Cork County

No

91388S (Carrigaline Community School) Cork

Cork County

No

20106E (Grange Frankfield Ns)

Cork City

Yes

19993E (Gaelscoil An Ghoirt Alainn)

Cork City

Yes

13828F (Douglas B N S)

Cork City

No

13450F (Rushbrook Con Mercy N S)

Cork County

Yes

18279A (Carrigaline 3 N S)

Cork County

Yes

20105C (Star Of The Sea)

Cork County

Yes

16746S (Ballygarvan N S)

Cork County

Pending

19415K (Scoil An Athar Tadhg)

Cork County

No

17609N (Rathcormac N S)

Cork County

No

17667E (S N Padraig Naofa)

Cork County

No

13828F (Douglas B N S)

Cork County

No

19351K (S N Cill Criodain)

Cork County

No

62310O (De La Salle College, Macroom)

Cork County

No

62690E (Scoil Mhuire, Sidney Place)

Cork City

Yes

81008W (Ashton Comprehensive School)

Cork City

No

62640M (St. Angela’s College)

Cork City

No

18219F (Sn Chonaill)

Donegal

Yes

71240U (Finn Valley College)

Donegal

Yes

18052S (S N Muire Gan Smal) Letterkenny

Donegal

No

19971R (Gaelscoil Adhamhnain)

Donegal

No

16672P (St Patricks N S) Lurgybrack

Donegal

No

12077E (Illistrim No 1 N S)

Donegal

No

19724A (Little Angels Spec Sch)

Donegal

No

62830R (St Eunan’s College)

Donegal

No

20150H (Holy Family National School)

Donegal

No

60860Q (Our Ladys School)

Dublin Belgard

Yes

19474D (Scoil Colmcille Naofa) & 19742C (Scoil Colmcille Senior)

Dublin Belgard

Pending

19817H (St Marys N S)

Dublin Belgard

No

19878E (Ballycragh N S)

Dublin Belgard

No

13447Q (Scoil Mhuire) Lucan

Dublin Belgard

No

60263V (St Josephs College)

Dublin Belgard

No

19782O (St Brigids N S)

Dublin Belgard

No

19834H (Brookfield 2 N S)

Dublin Belgard

No

60341P (Sancta Maria College)

Dublin Belgard

No

19006Q (Eoin Baisde B Sois)

Dublin City

Yes

09932B (Stanhope St Convent)

Dublin City

No

19373U (St Michaels Hse Sp Sch)

Dublin City

No

20228S (St. Laurence O’Toole Girls’ School)

Dublin City

No

09750S (St Josephs Boys N S)

Dublin City

No

13815T (Howth Rd Mxd N S)

Dublin City

No

17976R (Scoil Assaim B)

Dublin City

No

17977T (Scoil Aine C)

Dublin City

No

17978V (Naiscoil Ide)

Dublin City

No

19727G (St Mary’s Central N S)

Dublin City

No

19819L (St L O Tooles 2 Spec)

Dublin City

No

60660I (St Patricks Cathedral Grammar School)

Dublin City

No

70020B (Grange Community College)

Dublin City

No

76085N (Coláiste Lán Ghaeilge An Ghráinseach)

Dublin City

No

60010P (Loreto Secondary School)

Dublin Fingal

Yes

76062B (Castleknock Community College)

Dublin Fingal

Pending

20095C (Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe)

Dublin Fingal

Pending

20145O (Swords Educate Together N.S.)

Dublin Fingal

Pending

00697S (St Brigids Mxd N S), Castleknock

Dublin Fingal

No

17914S (St Oliver Plunkett)

Dublin Fingal

No

18046A (Scoil Bride B) & 18047C (Scoil Bride C)

Dublin Fingal

No

19636D (St Patricks Senior Ns)

Dublin Fingal

No

19660A (Rush Ns)

Dublin Fingal

No

81002K (Mount Temple Comprehensive)

Dublin Fingal

No

18778S (S N Naomh Mochta)

Dublin Fingal

No

17961E (S N Lusca)

Dublin Fingal

No

19535U (Brackenstown Senior N S)

Dublin Fingal

No

19545A (Corduff N S)

Dublin Fingal

No

19624T (Scoil Nais Caitriona)

Dublin Fingal

No

20161M (Donabate/Portrane Educate Together Ns)

Dublin Fingal

No

20240I (Hansfield Ns)

Dublin Fingal

No

60370W (St. Fintan’s High School)

Dublin Fingal

No

19374W (Garran Mhuire)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Yes

70030E (Senior College Dunlaoghaire)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Yes

60180R (C. B. S. Monkstown Park)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Yes

60650F (St Andrews College)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Yes

18451J (Scoil Lorcan Buach)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

No

19355S (Ballyowen Meadows)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

No

20028K (Setanta School)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

No

20190T (Holy Trinity National School)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

No

60092U (Clonkeen College)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

No

81001I (Newpark Comprehensive School)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

No

19795A (Tirellan Heights N S)

Galway City

No

19994G (Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh)

Galway City

No

16937C (Fursa N S)

Galway City

No

19401W (S N Caitriona Sois) & 19468I Sn Caitriona Sinsear

Galway City

No

19506N (Cappatagle Central Sch)

Galway County

Yes

20199O (Oughterard Ns)

Galway County

No

08512U (Iomair N S)

Galway County

No

12706J (Sn Sailearna)

Galway County

No

20042E (Scoil An Chroí Naofa)

Galway County

No

63070C (St Raphaels College)

Galway County

No

91412M (Scoil Phobail), Clifden Cs

Galway County

No

15071H (S N Cillini Dioma)

Galway County

No

17668G (S N Na Bhforbacha)

Galway County

No

19529C (Scoil Mhuire)

Galway County

No

63090I (Holy Rosary College)

Galway County

No

62970K (Colaiste Iognaid)

Galway City

Yes

62960H (St Joseph’s College)

Galway City

No

17646T (S N Uaimh Bhreanainn), Ballymcelligott

Kerry

Yes

61440W (St. Mary’s Cbs)

Kerry

Yes

20196I (Ballybunion National School)

Kerry

Yes

20197K (Kenmare National School)

Kerry

No

61410N (Presentation Secondary School)

Kerry

No

61320M (Coliste Bhranainn)

Kerry

No

17674B (S N Aine Naofa)

Kildare

Yes

11976K (Clochar Coca Naofa N S)

Kildare

Yes

09414C (St Laurences N S)

Kildare

No

18018S (Scoil Bhride N S)

Kildare

No

20114D (Scoil Brid)

Kildare

No

20271T (Scoil Na Naomh Uilig) Phase 2

Kildare

No

16705E (Scoil Phadraig Naofa) Phase Ii

Kildare

No

18988G (St Raphaels Special Sch)

Kildare

No

61580P (Loreto Secondary School), Granges Road, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

Yes

15160G (The Rower Mixed N S)

Kilkenny

Yes

14260F (Abbeyleix Sth N S)

Laois

Yes

20071L (Scoil Bhride) Rathdowney

Laois

Yes

07442U (Borris In Ossory Conv)

Laois

Yes

17064U (Scoil Padraig), Ballylinan, Athy Co. Kildare

Laois

No

17617M (Scoil Chomhgain Naofa)

Laois

No

19747M (Scoil Bhride)

Laois

No

18991S (J F K Memorial School)

Limerick City

Yes

17445J (Scoil Lile Naofa)

Limerick City

No

20193C (Scoil Mocheallóg)

Limerick County

No

64240G (St Munchin’s College)

Limerick City

No

20128O (St Matthews National School)

Longford

Yes

71690F (V S. Ballymahon)

Longford

Yes

19429V (St Christopher’s S S)

Longford

No

20124G (Edgeworthstown N.S..)

Longford

No

91436D (Moyne Community School)

Longford

No

18069M (Naomh Seosamh)

Louth

Yes

20205G St Mary’s Parish School.

Louth

Yes

63870L (Drogheda Grammar School)

Louth

Yes

63920A (Dundalk Grammar School)

Louth

No

18635T (S N Tigh An Iubhair) (St Buites)

Louth

No

19215C (S N Ard Mhuire C)

Louth

No

19678T & 19479N (St Pauls Senior & Junior Ns)

Louth

No

91441T (Ardee Community School)

Louth

No

91441T (Community School)

Louth

No

13667H (Sn Muine Chonallain)

Mayo

Yes

20142I (Scoil Íosa)

Mayo

No

16122D (Knock N S)

Mayo

No

64570E (Our Lady’s Secondary School), Belmullet

Mayo

No

64660F (Sancta Maria College)

Mayo

No

91461C (Ballyhaunis Community School)

Mayo

No

17213L (S N Mhuire) Moynalty

Meath

Yes

20180Q (St. John’s N.S.)

Meath

Yes

19253K (Wilkinstown N S)

Meath

Yes

02905J (S N Naomh Padraig), Baconstown

Meath

No

71960I (Dunshaughlin Community College)

Meath

No

91508C (Boyne Community School)

Meath

No

17821L (Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa)

Meath

No

16100Q (Mercy Convent N S)

Meath

No

18762D (S N Realt Na Mara (B))

Meath

No

18767N (S N Realt Na Mara (C))

Meath

No

19671F (St Pauls N S)

Meath

No

20215J (St. Paul’s NS)

Meath

No

18028V (S N Corr A Chrainn)

Monaghan

Yes

07751K (Monaghan Model School)

Monaghan

No

64820B (St. Louis Secondary School)

Monaghan

No

72190N (Ardscoil Lorgan)

Monaghan

No

17637S (S N Sheosaimh Naofa)

Offaly

Yes

18267Q (Croinchoill N S)

Offaly

Yes

65610S (Coliste Choilm)

Offaly

Yes

72530L (Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa)

Offaly

No

65170Q (Summerhill College)

Sligo

Yes

19495L (Carbury Nat Sch)

Sligo

No

72370P (Borrisokane Community College)

Tipperary N.R.

Yes

72440K (Nenagh Vocational School)

Tipperary N.R.

Yes

65440T (Our Ladys Secondary School)

Tipperary N.R.

No

65470F (Ursuline Convent Thurles)

Tipperary N.R.

No

65240L (Scoil Mhuire Presentation Secondary School), Ballingarry, Thurles

Tipperary S.R.

No

17779P (Powestown N S)

Tipperary S.R.

No

72430H (Scoil Ruain)

Tipperary S.R.

No

20050D (Gaelscoil Na nDéise) And 20160K Waterford Educate Together.

Waterford City

Yes

20076V (Scoil Bhóthar Na Naomh)

Waterford County

Yes

20170N (Kilmacthomas)

Waterford County

No

64970U (Coliste Na Maighdine)

Waterford City

Yes

63290Q (Loreto College)

Westmeath

Yes

19848S (St Etchen’s)

Westmeath

Yes

17025K (S N Na nDun)

Westmeath

No

17903N (Corr Na Madadh N S)

Westmeath

No

17932U (Odhran Naofa N S)

Westmeath

No

18505G (Naomh Clar N S)

Westmeath

No

18640M (Naomh Iosef N S)

Westmeath

No

18864L (S N An Cusan)

Westmeath

No

17017L (S N Phadraig)

Wexford

No

08221J (St Senans National Sch)

Wexford

No

20003R (St Aidans Parish School)

Wexford

No

17450C (S N Mhaodhoig)

Wexford

No

17913Q (S N Mhuire)

Wexford

No

19240B (St Patricks Spec School)

Wexford

No

63660A (Loreto Secondary School)

Wexford

No

71600B (Coliste Abbain)

Wexford

No

20016D (Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh)

Wicklow

Yes

09760V (Powerscourt N S)

Wicklow

Yes

19522L (St Catherines Spec Sch)

Wicklow

No

61790D (St Brendan’s College) Bray

Wicklow

No

70740M (Arklow Community College)

Wicklow

No

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

398 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new schools being constructed at stage four under the school building programme; the name, address and roll number of each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46946/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

399 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extensions or refurbishments occurring at stage four under the school building programme; the name, address and roll number of each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46947/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.

There are currently 26 school building projects involving 28 schools at Stage 4 (details attached). A further 26 projects involving 28 schools have been completed in 2009.

County

Roll Number

Name/Address

Brief

Clare

14830U

Barefield N.S., Ennis

Extension/Refurbishment

Donegal

16642G

Clonmany Mixed NS

New School Building

Donegal

17268N

SN An Br M O Cleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon

Extension/Refurbishment

Donegal

19333I

Dooish NS, Ballybofey

Extension/Refurbishment

Donegal

20054L

Scoil Eoghan, Moville

New School Building

Dublin (City)

18646B

Springdale NS, Lough Derg Rd., Raheny

New School Building

Dublin (Fingal)

20202A

Balbriggan ET

New School Building

Dublin (Fingal)

20231H

St. Benedicts Ongar NS, Littlepace

New School Building

Dublin (Fingal)

20247W

Scoil Ghráinne Community National School, Phibblestown

New School Building

Dublin (Fingal)

76098W

Pobail Scoil Setanta, Phibblestown

New School Building

Dublin (Fingal)

76104O

Donabate Community College1

New School Building

Galway

91514U

Glenamaddy Community School, Glenamaddy

New School Building

Kildare

00779U

Presentation Convent, Maynooth

Extension/Refurbishment

Kildare

17662R

Scoil Bhride NS, Kill2

New School Building

Kildare

20023A

Gaelscoil Chill Dara

Extension/Refurbishment

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Extension/Refurbishment

Kildare

20271T

Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge

New School Building

Kildare

61710C

Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas

Extension/Refurbishment

Kildare

70650L

Athy Community College (St. Bridgets Post Primary School)

New School Building

Limerick

16237U

Dromtrasna NS Abbeyfeale

New School Building

Limerick

64201T

Ardscoil Ris, North Circular Rd, Limerick

Extension/Refurbishment

Louth

19598V

Muire na nGael NS, Bay Estate, Dundalk

Extension/Refurbishment

Mayo

76060U

Davitt College, Castlebar

Extension/Refurbishment

Meath

00885T

Ratoath Jnr NS, Ratoath

Extension/Refurbishment

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Snr NS, Ratoath

Extension/Refurbishment

Meath

16646O

St Marys Convent NS Trim

Extension/Refurbishment

Meath

17964K

SN Mhuire Naofa, Rathfeigh

Extension/Refurbishment

Meath

20216L

Scoil Oilibheir Naofa, Laytown

New School

1Design and build contract. Contract awarded however project will not commence on site until early 2010.

2Original contractor went into receivership recently. Project is currently being re-tendered.

Schools Amalgamation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

400 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Galway; if a site has been acquired; the reason it has taken so long to bring the proposed amalgamation to a satisfactory conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46953/09]

The Deputy will be aware that the amalgamation of the schools in question was agreed in principle a number of years ago. Officials from my Department have met with the Trustees of the schools to discuss an offer by the Diocesan Trust of a site for purchase in relation to the proposed amalgamation. The acquisition of the site for the schools in question will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. I am not in a position to say at this time when the acquisition will be concluded.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Joe Costello

Question:

401 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Bethany Home, Dublin 6, will be included under the redress scheme for victims of child abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46997/09]

The issue of including Bethany Home in the redress scheme has previously been considered but it was decided it should not be included. My Department is examining further information submitted to it in relation to Bethany Home together with a renewed request for its inclusion. This examination will be completed as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Noel Coonan

Question:

402 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a capital school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the timeframe for the completion of the project; the works to be carried out at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47003/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Planning permission was granted in November. Representatives from the VEC, the school and the design team attended a stage 2(b) briefing which was held in my Department Offices in Tullamore on 9 December 2009. The school has now been authorised to progress to stage 2b (detailed design). The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

403 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new schools in the Dublin area being built on flood plains in view of recent flooding across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47018/09]

It is my Department's policy not to build on flood plains. I am not aware of any new schools in the Dublin area that are being built on flood plains.

Brian Hayes

Question:

404 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of the 78 projects announced as commencing construction in 2009 which have completed the tendering process; the number which will begin construction in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47160/09]

The position in relation to the 78 school projects announced to go to tender and construction in 2009 is as follows: 7 projects have reached practical completion, 21 projects are currently under construction, 30 projects are at tender and the remaining 20 projects are pre-tender. I expect that up to 5 further projects will commence on site before the end of 2009. The balance of the projects at tender, approximately 25, will commence on site in the first quarter of 2010. Those projects that are currently pre-tender will commence on site as soon as possible in 2010.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

405 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of unqualified persons who are on regular teaching contracts of employment within primary and secondary sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47161/09]

The number of persons who are on regular teaching contracts of employment within primary and secondary/community/comprehensive schools and are being paid at the untrained rate are as follows: Primary 129 Post Primary 33 Contracts of employment are sometimes offered to teachers pending verification of their qualifications with the Teaching Council. On receipt of this verification, their status is updated to qualified.

School Curriculum.

Denis Naughten

Question:

406 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1255 of 16 September 2009, the progress of the review and a date for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47164/09]

The Inspectorate conducted a thematic evaluation of the provision for English as an Additional Language (EAL) in 30 primary schools and 15 post-primary schools in 2008. Each school was issued with an individual report setting out the findings and recommendations relating to EAL provision in the school. General findings and conclusions from this evaluation activity have been included as part of the Department's Value For Money (VFM) review of EAL provision which is currently being finalised. The Inspectorate is preparing composite reports on the quality of EAL provision in primary and post-primary schools and these will be published on the Department's web site in 2010.

School Staffing.

Denis Naughten

Question:

407 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole-time equivalent language support teachers for migrant pupils employed in the primary school system in September 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the total number of pupils in receipt of such support in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47165/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

408 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of whole-time equivalent language support teachers for migrant pupils employed in the post-primary school system in September 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the total number of pupils in receipt of such support in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47166/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.

The level of extra teaching support provided in respect of language support to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible pupils enrolled and the associated assessed levels of these pupils' language proficiency. This is done through an annual application process in the Spring/Summer of each year. Following on from the Government decision in Budget 2009 in relation to language support provision my Department published Circular 0015/2009 which sets out a structured and transparent process for the allocation of up to 4 language support teachers to schools. The Department's circular also states that additional support is available for those schools which have at least 25% of their total enrolment made up of pupils that require language support.

Such applications for additional language support are dealt with through the Staffing Appeals process which resulted for the current school year in the allocation of 73 additional language support posts to 64 schools. This resulted in some of these schools having up to 5 or 6 EAL teachers because their specific needs were deemed to warrant this intensive support. Overall, the total number of whole time equivalent Language Support posts in the current school year is 1,182 at primary level and 365 at post-primary level. The challenge for schools is to ensure that this very significant resource is used to maximum effect. The number of whole time equivalent language support posts allocated to primary and post primary schools for the past three years is as follows:

Primary Post-Primary 2006/07 1,168 388 2007/08 1,517 479 2008/09 1,620 560

My Department's centralised record of the applications for language support for the current school year show that about 32,200 pupils at primary level and about 6,200 pupils at second level are currently benefiting from English language support in our schools. Similar information for the previous three years is held on individual school files and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Question:

409 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional schools he intends to provide in County Westmeath in 2010; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47189/09]

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall primary and post-primary accommodation requirements in County Westmeath will be considered in this regard. The progression of all large scale building projects, including projects in County Westmeath, 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 projects at this time.

Departmental Properties.

Niall Collins

Question:

410 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has clear title to a property (details supplied) in County Limerick which was closed two years ago as part of an amalgamation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47190/9]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Cashel and Emly Diocesan Trust Limited, is the full owner of the property referred to by the Deputy. My Department holds a 99 year lease on the property.

Schools Building Projects.

Niall Collins

Question:

411 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the unspent and unallocated capital schools building budget for 2009; if this funding has been surrendered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47191/09]

As the Deputy is aware, we have not yet reached the end of the financial year so the final position regarding capital expenditure in the primary and post-primary sector is not yet known. However, as previously indicated, I expect that schools' capital expenditure in 2009 will be less than the corresponding allocation. I have discussed the matter with the Minister for Finance and agreement has been reached regarding the carryover into 2010 of the unspent allocation as is permitted under the Capital Investment Framework. The funding carried over will be re-allocated to schools' capital in 2010.

Higher Education Grants.

Sean Fleming

Question:

412 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science his views in relation to third level education grants (details supplied); his plans to change this rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47192/09]

Sean Fleming

Question:

413 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47193/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 413 together.

Under the student maintenance grant schemes, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to residence, means, age, nationality and previous academic attainment. For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or guardians, dependent mature students or as independent mature students. A mature student is defined as a person of not less than 23 years of age in the year of entry to an approved course. An independent mature student is defined as a mature student who was not ordinarily resident with his or her parents from the October preceding entry to an approved course.

When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the schemes specify that parental income must be taken into account. Independent mature students, on the other hand, are assessed without reference to their parents' income. The reckonable income of an independent mature student is that of the candidate only and of his or her spouse where appropriate. The Student Support Bill will provide the Minister with the power to regulate for different classes of applicants. This power would enable me, if there are compelling reasons and adequate resources to do so, to consider the circumstances where a student could be assessed without reference to parental income. Any extension of the provision of assessment as an independent mature student will have to be carefully considered to ensure it is highly targeted at very specific circumstances where students can demonstrate that they have been genuinely self-supporting and living independently for a period before the commencement of their studies.

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