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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jan 2010

Vol. 699 No. 1

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 76, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 77 to 84, inclusive, answered orally.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

85 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of interaction between her Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities on achieving savings in the cost of rent supplement by switching more tenants to the rental accommodation scheme. [1808/10]

Enda Kenny

Question:

124 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons claiming rent supplement more than 18 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1688/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 124 together.

There are currently over 93,000 tenants benefiting from a rent supplement payment — an increase of almost 26% since the end of 2008. Over 35,000 or 38% have been in payment for 18 months or more.

The Rental Accommodation Scheme or RAS, which was introduced in 2004, gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Details of these tenants are notified regularly by the Department to the local authorities. Local authorities meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, RAS.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has advised that, at end November 2009, local authorities have transferred almost 9,000 rent supplement cases to private sector RAS units. An additional 4,000 rent supplement cases have been transferred to voluntary sector RAS units. Housing authorities have also transferred a further 11,000 recipients to other social housing options, making a total of over 24,000 transfers since 2005. Almost 7,000 recipients were transferred in 2008 with a further 6,000 transferred up to November 2009.

It is accepted that progress in relation to RAS was initially slower than expected. However the pace of delivery has improved significantly, and in 2010 a target has been set of transferring an additional 8,000 households from rent supplement. The number of unsold affordable housing stock around the country and the move to long term leasing by local authorities, creates an opportunity to accelerate transfers and the current market conditions should contribute to achieving further savings.

Rent supplement tenants are required to make a minimum contribution towards their rent. This contribution was increased by €11 to €24 in two phases in 2009 as a budgetary measure. This change allows for a better alignment with the contribution payable under the differential rent scheme applying to RAS tenants. This will encourage more people to take up RAS offers.

A Value for Money and Policy Review of RAS is being conducted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Department and will commence this month. Officials of my department will participate in the review and will also continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.

Social Welfare Fraud.

Liz McManus

Question:

86 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated fraud rate within each scheme and the target savings she is setting for each scheme in 2010. [1793/10]

In order to identify fraud and error levels in schemes the Department carries out detailed fraud and error surveys on individual schemes. These surveys provide evidence based indicators for the levels of fraud and error within those schemes at that particular time.

As reported by the Comptroller and Auditor General the percentage of expenditure resulting from fraud identified in these surveys ranged from 0% for pensioners, to 0.1% for Illness Benefit, 0.8% for the Family Income Supplement, 1.8% for Child Benefit, 2.3% for the Disability Allowance and 6.4% for the One Parent Family Payment. A fraud and error survey is currently underway on Jobseeker's Allowance and the results of that will be available by quarter 2, 2010.

Although the level of fraud on most schemes is very low, within schemes, some categories of claimants can be a much higher risk than others and when these are identified the Department moves to address the issue.

Because of the resources involved, the Department's goal is to carry out fraud and error surveys on each of the major schemes every two years. This frequency is considered reasonable having regard to the need to consider the impact of measures taken to address issues raised in previous surveys.

The amount of money recorded as control savings by the Department at the end of 2009 was €484 million. This represented an increase of €8 million on 2008 figures.

In 2009 over 750,000 claims were reviewed, 20% more than the target for the year. The total control savings target for 2010 is €533m.

Additional savings are being sought on the One Parent Family and Illness Benefit payments, bringing the total targets for these schemes to approximately €100m and €110m respectively. A target of €110m has also been set for pensions, including additional savings on the non-contributory scheme.

Over €82million is being targeted on Child Benefit, approximately €81m is being targeted on jobseeker's payments and €16.5m is expected to be saved on carers payments.

The remaining sums are €17m on the Family Income Supplement, €10m on the Supplementary Welfare Allowance and €6m in the PAYE and PRSI areas.

The vast majority of people who seek a Social Welfare payment are doing so correctly and within their entitlement. However, I am determined to ensure that abuse of the social welfare system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected. To this end, the control programme of the Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective. The 2010 targets take account of the extra anti-fraud powers provided in the Social Welfare Bill.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Billy Timmins

Question:

87 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the processing time for each individual social welfare office to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1713/10]

James Reilly

Question:

106 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing time in respect of a claim for jobseeker’s benefit to be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1708/10]

Alan Shatter

Question:

112 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the processing time for each individual social welfare office to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1709/10]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

119 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing time for a claim for jobseeker’s allowance to be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1704/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 106, 112 and 119 together.

I fully appreciate that becoming unemployed and having to claim a jobseeker's payment is stressful enough in itself and that it is vital that people get access to financial supports as quickly as possible.

As Deputies will be aware, the number of people on the live register grew by over 45% in the 12 months to December 2009.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs has sought to manage this increase as well as it possibly can and to keep delays to a minimum. Improved processes and procedures have helped to increase productivity among existing staff, over 400 extra people have been assigned to claim processing since May 2008 and centralised units have been set up to relieve some of the pressure on the busiest offices.

The average processing times for claims decided in December was two weeks for jobseeker's benefit and just over six weeks for the jobseeker's allowance. This is the average nationally and there are fluctuations between offices. In December, 4 out of every 5 claims for jobseeker's benefit were processed within 3 weeks and 2 out of every 3 claims for the means tested payment jobseeker's allowance were processed within 6 weeks.

Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the availability of the necessary documentation from the applicant and or their employer. In the case of jobseeker's allowance claims, carrying out means assessments and determining whether a claimant satisfies the Habitual Residence Condition can also take time.

Processing times can also vary from office to office due to the extent of the increased claimload, the number of staff vacancies, the duration of such vacancies and the turnover of staff in the office.

From time to time the average processing time for an individual office can vary considerably. This can occur where, for example, an office concentrates on clearing the claims that have been awaiting a decision the longest.

I am making available a tabular statement showing the average processing time for claims decided in December for each local and branch office. Claims for branch offices are decided in their parent local office.

While I know that processing times are still too long in some areas, it should be noted that the additional resources and process improvement measures that have been put in place are having an impact. For example, the number of jobseeker's claims awaiting a decision on 9th January last was 30% lower than in July.

While every effort is made to ensure that applications are processed as quickly as possible, anyone who is under financial pressure while awaiting a decision on their claim for a jobseeker's payment can apply for supplementary welfare allowance which is subject to a means test and other qualifying conditions. It is open to anyone who is not satisfied with the decision on their claim to appeal that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I assure the House that the Department will continue to prioritise reducing the unacceptable delays in deciding welfare claims that are evident in a small number of offices.

Jobseeker Processing Times (In Weeks) December 2009

JB

JA

Achill

0.03

0.46

Apollo House

0.81

2.00

Ardee

4.26

9.15

Arklow

0.78

3.57

Athlone

2.88

3.58

Athy

1.65

7.89

Balbriggan

3.24

8.59

Ballina

2.19

7.47

Ballinasloe

1.34

5.12

Ballinrobe

1.36

7.55

Ballybofey

0.79

3.65

Ballyconnell

4.70

5.72

Ballyfermot

0.97

3.92

Ballymun

2.08

3.17

Ballyshannon

0.91

3.31

Baltinglass

1.12

7.87

Bandon

4.01

6.26

Bantry

1.73

6.93

Bantry Co

0.89

1.81

Belmullet

0.81

2.26

Birr

1.42

4.30

Bishop Square

2.04

9.26

Blanchardstown

1.31

9.19

Boyle

1.80

9.25

Bray

1.33

3.79

Buncrana

4.21

5.52

Cahir

1.05

2.47

Cahirciveen

2.48

3.77

Carlow

0.38

2.69

Carrickmacross

1.83

5.59

Carrick-On-Shannon

1.80

2.96

Carrick-On-Suir

2.80

9.22

Carrigaline

1.77

4.59

Cashel

0.94

3.63

Castlebar

1.91

4.86

Castleblayney

1.27

3.49

Castlepollard

6.95

19.62

Castlerea

2.03

11.62

Cavan

2.41

8.19

Claremorris

1.85

11.68

Clifden

2.00

3.75

Clonakilty

4.13

5.24

Clondalkin

2.76

5.86

Clones

0.96

4.77

Clonmel

0.65

2.54

Cobh

0.78

1.36

Coolock

2.51

4.73

Cork

1.67

5.49

Dingle

1.56

3.57

Donegal

1.34

3.94

Drogheda

2.81

10.25

Dundalk

0.90

2.17

Dunfanaghy

0.86

1.85

Dungarvan

2.73

9.46

Dungloe

1.75

1.77

Dun Laoghaire

1.74

7.03

Edenderry

2.19

13.24

Ennis

1.46

4.75

Enniscorthy

2.47

7.85

Ennistymon

3.11

2.93

Fermoy

2.44

6.24

Finglas

1.23

3.48

Galway

3.65

10.64

Gorey

3.04

5.22

Gort

2.20

8.49

Kells

2.36

8.63

Kenmare

1.78

3.09

Kilbarrack

1.86

4.57

Kilkenny

0.64

4.28

Killarney

0.87

8.44

Killorglin

1.59

4.76

Killybegs

0.83

2.71

Kilmallock

1.48

2.88

Kilrush

2.95

3.98

King’s Inns St

1.25

2.78

Kinsale

3.96

9.03

Letterkenny

0.68

2.99

Limerick

3.07

8.91

Listowel

0.92

4.29

Longford

2.68

11.67

Loughrea

1.70

6.50

Macroom

3.64

5.61

Mallow

1.82

3.47

Manorhamilton

1.89

0.41

Maynooth

3.04

6.87

Midleton

2.79

5.46

Monaghan

1.23

4.18

Muine Bheag

0.83

5.05

Mullingar

2.46

15.52

Navan

2.27

15.29

Navan Road

2.55

7.68

Nenagh

1.13

3.54

Newbridge

1.71

6.63

Newcastle West

1.31

3.13

Newmarket

5.00

3.65

New Ross

3.28

5.97

Nutgrove

0.71

1.84

Portarlington

0.87

8.11

Portlaoise

2.07

6.39

Rathdowney

3.00

9.23

Roscommon

1.65

5.02

Roscrea

0.98

2.81

Skibbereen

2.24

6.35

Sligo

1.52

7.67

Swinford

2.02

11.52

Swords Lo

2.52

3.24

Tallaght

1.44

5.70

Thomas Street

1.21

3.03

Thomastown

3.07

9.22

Thurles

1.06

4.48

Tipperary

1.59

3.20

Tralee

2.08

3.87

Trim

3.58

10.71

Tuam

1.19

10.51

Tubbercurry

0.71

0.90

Tulla

2.57

2.61

Tullamore

1.27

8.06

Tullow

1.09

6.66

Waterford

4.04

5.27

Westport

1.40

1.29

Wexford

1.01

4.67

Wicklow

1.65

3.96

Youghal

1.09

7.12

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Shane McEntee

Question:

88 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the waiting times to access the Money Advice and Budgeting Service money advisers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1691/10]

Responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) transferred to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) in 2009 and will provide strong management support to the local voluntary MABS companies. MABS assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisors is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors. MABS is now dealing with increasingly complex debt situations in respect of clients who are presenting with multiple creditors/debts. It is important that people coping with debt difficulties take early action and approach MABS for help and guidance. This can be the first positive step for people in addressing debt difficulties.

There are 52 independent MABS companies operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country, with national support provided by the MABS NDL. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie. The helpline dealt with 24,000 callers in 2009 and 11,000 in 2008. The number of calls received in 2009 remained constant throughout the year at 6,000 per quarter. Some 19,000 new clients approached MABS for assistance in 2009. This compares with 16,600 new clients in 2008 and 12,734 in 2007.

In 2009, funding of almost €18m was allocated to MABS and included provision for 19 additional money advisers, bringing the total number of staff to 271. The MABS funding for 2010 is included in the CIB allocation of €46.2m.

All MABS companies operate an appointment system for clients. Clients with urgent difficulties are prioritised for attention and are dealt with promptly. Less urgent cases are referred to the MABS Helpline and to the MABS website in the first instance. Over 90% of callers to the Helpline find that their money management and budgeting issues can be resolved with the assistance of the helpline advisor. Some 10% of callers are referred to the local MABS for assistance.

From first point of contact to first appointment with a money advisor the average waiting time is currently 4.5 weeks. This is the average nationally and there are fluctuations between offices. During the waiting period, clients are assessed and those in need of immediate assistance are given a priority appointment, others are provided with assisted self-help to ensure that they have taken steps to assess their situation and if appropriate they are supported to take holding action with their creditors.

I am satisfied that the additional resources provided to MABS will assist them to meet the demand for their services.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

89 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to improve processing times for all social welfare claims. [1801/10]

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. To this end, operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed in all areas of the Department. These reviews are supported by modern technology, the potential of which is continuously harnessed. Claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme.

Processing times vary across schemes because of both the volume of applications and the differing qualification criteria. For example, means assessments are required for all of the social assistance schemes; medical examinations are required for illness related schemes and customers must also satisfy the habitual residence conditions. In the case of the insurance based schemes, it may be necessary to ascertain details of foreign insurance records.

It should also be noted that many factors outside the Department's control can impact upon claim processing times e.g. the supply of relevant information by the customer, employers or other third parties.

From January 2009, new processing targets, based on processing 90% of claims within a particular timescale, varying from scheme to scheme, were introduced for all schemes.

Specific process improvements have been introduced across many areas of the Department. Some recent examples of these are as follows:

Jobseeker’s

A range of process improvement initiatives to deal with the increased volume of Jobseeker's claims has been introduced. In addition, five Local Office Support Units have been set up around the country to support the processing of claims. The number of claims awaiting a decision as of the 9 January 2010 was 58,800. This is huge reduction on the 82,000 that were pending in July and illustrates that the additional resources that have been assigned to local offices coupled with the range of process improvement initiatives are having a positive effect.

State Pensions

In order to ensure that entitlement to a pension is decided by the due date all pensioners are advised to apply at least three months in advance of pension age and people are pro-actively invited to claim. In addition, a desk assessment process has been introduced in State Pension Non-Contributory, whereby claims are processed and decided based on the information provided by the customer on their application form without recourse to investigation by a Social Welfare Inspector.

Automated processing and Online Application Forms

To ensure that claims are processed as efficiently as possible and that customers receive their entitlements in a timely manner all application forms have been designed to facilitate the use of scanning and automated processing. An online facility to enable applications for a number of schemes, i.e. State Pension (Contributory) and Household Benefits, to be completed and submitted online, has been implemented. This facility will be extended to other schemes in the coming months. The objective is to enable people to access services at a time and place that best suits their needs. The use of online application forms reduces the administrative burden for customers and facilitates efficient processing of claims by the Department.

Overall, I appreciate the need to ensure that people can receive financial support from the Department as early as possible and I assure the House that we continuously strive to improve processing times in all schemes. In the meantime, it is important to remember that people who have urgent income support needs can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) and that more than 95% of basic SWA applications are decided on and paid within a week.

Willie Penrose

Question:

90 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she plans to reform the back to education allowance to make it more compatible with the Central Applications Office application process for third level courses and the academic year. [1798/10]

The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is designed to help those in receipt of a social welfare payment to improve their employability and job-readiness by acquiring additional educational qualifications. It is a second chance education opportunities scheme that recognises the special difficulties that people on social welfare can face when attempting to gain a foothold in the labour market. It is designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education.

The scheme enables eligible people who have been getting a social welfare payment to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course. The scheme is self-selecting in nature and responsibility for securing a place on an approved course rests with the applicant. Once a place has been secured, an applicant can check with the Department as to whether the other eligibility criteria for participation in the back to education scheme are fulfilled. Payment under the scheme covers the relevant academic year and the scheme caters for approved courses where the starting date is not aligned to the standard academic year.

In order to qualify for participation, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for 3 months if pursuing a second level course or 12 months if pursuing a third level course. The qualifying period for access to third level courses is reduced to 9 months for those who are participating in the national employment action plan process or engaging with the Department's facilitator programme.

People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.

The requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period has always been a feature of the back to education scheme. A waiting period is considered essential to confer entitlement to income support for an indefinite period and is considered necessary in the context of targeting scarce resources at those who need it most.

The number of participants in 2008/2009 academic year was 11,646. Final figures for the current academic year are not yet finalised. However, the number of people on the scheme at the end of November 2009 was 20,418 which is 88% higher than the figure of 10,854 at the end of November 2008.

The back to education scheme has been subject to review and modification over the years to ensure that it continues to assist those furthest from the labour market. The qualifying conditions will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the scheme and the changing economic circumstances.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

91 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the planned vouched fuel allowance scheme for low income families to offset the increases in fuel costs associated with the introduction of the carbon tax. [1795/10]

Ulick Burke

Question:

110 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she will take to alleviate the impact of the carbon tax on lower income households that are more likely to rely on higher carbon fuels and to live in badly insulated homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1655/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 110 together.

The household benefits package is payable throughout the year to almost 380,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households to assist them with their heating, light and cooking costs. This scheme cost approximately €200m in 2009.

In addition, the national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the additional cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full and must be seen in the context of the overall level of income available to the family.

In Budget 2009, the duration of the payment was increased by an extra 2 weeks to 32 weeks, while the weekly value of the allowance was increased by €2 to €20 a week, or €23.90 in designated smokeless areas. This compares with just €14 and €17.90 respectively in 2006.

Proper household insulation is absolutely vital in tacking fuel poverty. Initiatives such as the Warmer Homes Scheme, operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland, under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources have a very valuable role to play in that regard, as does funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to improve the quality of existing local authority housing. Considerable progress has been made in this area in recent years.

The Government has announced its intention to introduce a carbon tax, which will come into effect on heating products from May 2010 and on solid fuels at a date to be set by commencement order.

Before the tax is applied to fuels for home heating, arrangements are being made to assist those most at risk of fuel poverty.

In his Carbon Budget Statement, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, outlined details of €130 million in funding for insulation, €76 million of which will be used to assist low income families. The Government is also conscious that families at risk of fuel poverty will need extra income support to meet the increasing costs of fuel as a result of the carbon tax.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio and has convened an Inter- Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy to coordinate and drive Government policy in this area. The objective is to ensure a shared understanding of the challenges and actions underway and to ensure a fully cohesive strategic approach to delivery of affordable energy initiatives and programmes.

The Inter Departmental/Agency Group has been asked to draw up an Energy Affordability Strategy for consultation early in 2010. This strategy will set out existing and future approaches to addressing energy affordability and will have regard both to the impact of the carbon tax on low income households and the range of supports outlined above in making its recommendations.

As part of its work, the Group will make recommendations as to the precise package of measures, including in the area of income support, that should be put in place to assist those at risk of fuel poverty in advance of the implementation of the carbon tax on home heating products.

Social Welfare Fraud.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

92 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding fraud control measures put in place by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1677/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

101 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the savings made in 2009 by her as a result of fraud detection; if she achieved her departmental target; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1480/10]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

116 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her estimate of the fraud detection rate arising from calls from members of the public. [1794/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 101 and 116 together.

The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. A key objective of the Department's control strategy is to ensure that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time.

The Department processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and it makes payments to over one million people every week. The vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them.

Welfare fraud is theft. It is a serious crime and the Department is doing everything that it can to crack down on people who abuse the system. There are over 620 staff working in areas related to control of fraud and abuse of the welfare system.

The level of fraud on most schemes is very low. As reported by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the percentage of expenditure resulting from fraud identified in the Department's Fraud and Error surveys was 0% for pensioners, 0.1% for Illness Benefit, 0.8% for the Family Income Supplement, 1.8% for Child Benefit and 2.3% for the Disability Allowance.

Nonetheless, the Department is conscious that in a small number of schemes, some groups of claimants present a higher risk than others and we have made changes to address this. For example, a number of individual surveys have highlighted a high level of risk that non-Irish nationals could claim welfare payments to which they are no longer entitled after they have left the State. Having identified this risk, the Department has sought to minimise it by removing the option to receive payments by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for new claimants of jobseeker payments.

Targeted control measures have also been put in place in relation to other customer segments in schemes where any form of high risk has been identified. Since the department started the cross-border operations, the percentage year-on-year increase in people signing on for jobseeker's payments in virtually all of the border offices had reduced.

Fraud detection systems have also been improved through data matches with organisations such as the Revenue Commissioners on commencement of employment data, the General Registrars Office on Marriages and Deaths information, and many other organisations including the Departments of Justice, Environment, Education and other state bodies. In addition, a data matching programme is now in place to ensure that relevant information available in one area of the Department is applied to all schemes.

Greater emphasis was also placed last year on prevention of fraud and error at the claim application stage. While this is of course the most cost effective mechanism of reducing unwarranted welfare expenditure, it should be noted that savings achieved in this way are not included in the published figures for control savings.

For 2009, the Department set a target of reviewing almost 620,000 individual welfare claims. In fact over 750,000 reviews were actually carried out last year — 20% more than the annual target. The total fraud and error savings recorded for the year was approximately €484 million. While this was lower than the target set for 2009, it represented an increase of €8 million on the 2008 figure.

In considering the level of savings recorded in 2009, it is important to note that the final average live register figure for the year, at 395,500, was significantly lower than the 440,000 that had been predicted when the annual target was set. Also, while it is difficult to identify exactly why the above-target number of reviews did not generate higher savings, it may be partially due to decreased opportunities for people to work and claim. Increased emphasis on preventing unwarranted claims at the initial application stage may also have led to a reduction in the number of claims having to be stopped after they have gone into payment.

It is also worth noting that the 2009 control savings from several schemes were ahead of target. These include Child Benefit, One Parent Family Payment, Illness payments and Pensions.

The number of anonymous reports from members of the public has increased dramatically in the past year, with over 6,400 reports made at end 2009 compared to approximately 1,000 reports made in 2008. Each report is followed-up and savings are included in the savings reported within the individual scheme areas.

The Department is committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective. As Deputies will be aware, the recent Social Welfare Bill included extra anti-fraud powers for the Department.

Social Welfare Code.

Denis Naughten

Question:

93 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No 62 of 11 November 2009, if a final decision has been taken as to the appropriate response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1481/10]

The earlier question, to which Deputy Naughten makes reference, asked about "plans to review the habitual residence condition rules or the existing legislation in view of the recent decisions of the appeals office regarding cases by asylum seekers".

Section 15 of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2009, passed by this House on 15 December 2009, provided for an amendment to the habitual residence provisions to deal with this matter. The new provisions list those who have a legal right to reside in the State and those who do not have such a right, and state that those who do not have such a right shall not be regarded as habitually resident for the purposes of any claim for social welfare.

A deciding officer or appeals officer may not therefore rule that a person, who has been refused permission to remain in the State, or whose application has not yet been determined, satisfies the habitual residence condition. Where a decision is given granting permission to remain, the question of whether that person is habitually resident will be made in the light of the factors set out since 2007 in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act. The determination will be made with effect from the date that permission is granted, or from the date of application for the payment in question if the application was not lodged until after that date.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John O'Mahony

Question:

94 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons on a national, county and local social welfare office basis awaiting for their application for jobseeker’s allowance and benefit to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1719/10]

The total number of jobseeker's awaiting a decision on their claim at 9th January 2010 was 58,878. A table showing the breakdown between Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) and Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) claims at each local office is as follows. This information has been compiled from data that is maintained on a Local Office catchment area basis and these figures do not correspond exactly with county boundaries.

Over the past number of months the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives to deal with the increased volume of claims which include:

A more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseeker's allowance when their jobseeker's benefit expires.

A streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years.

Application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. This means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps reduce queuing times.

More straight-forward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced

The process for casual employees has been streamlined and the employee can now self certify on a weekly basis without recourse to the employer. A compensatory periodic control measure has been introduced for employers.

One of the most significant initiatives introduced recently aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending the office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided. This system has already been introduced in 20 offices. The Department plans to extend it up to a further 25 offices and over the next few weeks it will be introduced in Cavan, Clonmel, Ennis, Tralee, Arklow, Wexford, Finglas, Navan Road, Kilbarrack, Swords and Dun Laoghaire.

I realise the importance of getting claims decided as quickly as possible and I want to assure the Deputy that staff in local offices and in the Department's inspectorate are doing all they can to reduce the numbers of claims awaiting a decision.

JA/JB Claims Pending by Local Office at January 9th 2010.

Local Office

JA

JB

Achill

4

0

Apollo House

137

53

Ardee

287

163

Arklow

145

100

Athlone

354

312

Athy

247

125

Balbriggan

557

204

Ballina

381

173

Ballinasloe

267

63

Ballinrobe

111

42

Ballybofey

161

80

Ballyconnell

97

77

Ballyfermot

223

74

Ballymun

130

61

Ballyshannon

65

30

Baltinglass

146

70

Bandon

157

104

Bantry

152

70

Bantry CO

32

14

Belmullet

33

23

Birr

169

122

Bishop Square

1038

280

Blanchardstown

1528

258

Boyle

101

52

Bray

197

103

Buncrana

538

219

Cahir

49

68

Cahirciveen

45

44

Carlow

154

62

Carrickmacross

147

55

Carrick-on-Shannon

174

77

Carrick-on-Suir

154

80

Carrigaline

252

145

Cashel

54

44

Castlebar

226

139

Castleblaney

119

43

Castlepollard

218

72

Castlerea

367

111

Cavan

565

239

Claremorris

233

92

Clifden

52

28

Clonakilty

124

80

Clondalkin

1026

346

Clones

53

37

Clonmel

103

40

Cobh

49

42

Coolock

522

337

Cork

2867

424

Dingle

30

48

Donegal

60

84

Drogheda

851

381

Dun Laoghaire

603

378

Dundalk

258

100

Dunfanaghy

69

57

Dungarvan

205

145

Dungloe

78

86

Edenderry

304

85

Ennis

522

319

Enniscorthy

503

191

Ennistymon

135

111

Fermoy

182

153

Finglas

358

182

Galway

1726

460

Gorey

386

273

Gort

151

98

Kells

216

112

Kenmare

43

35

Kilbarrack

285

195

Kilkenny

340

104

Killarney

437

119

Killorglin

50

38

Killybegs

26

27

Kilmallock

163

168

Kilrush

132

89

King’s Inns Street

416

207

Kinsale

113

53

Letterkenny

263

82

Limerick

1637

1167

Listowel

173

74

Longford

618

220

Loughrea

316

77

Macroom

184

169

Mallow

164

176

Manorhamilton

16

36

Maynooth

691

483

Midleton

327

140

Monaghan

160

157

Muine Bheag

127

35

Mullingar

852

308

Navan

1017

248

Navan Road

991

360

Nenagh

188

124

New Ross

348

211

Newbridge

1069

357

Newcastle West

140

159

Newmarket

164

361

Nutgrove

145

202

Portarlington

390

89

Portlaoise

337

249

Rathdowney

142

59

Roscommon

95

50

Roscrea

79

47

Skibbereen

137

72

Sligo

415

122

Swinford

233

76

Swords

396

347

Tallaght

1111

313

Thomas Street

279

72

Thomastown

129

84

Thurles

158

84

Tipperary

78

72

Tralee

240

245

Trim

513

282

Tuam

472

70

Tubbercurry

22

23

Tulla

93

156

Tullamore

179

88

Tullow

128

42

Waterford

1096

510

Westport

77

69

Wexford

414

241

Wicklow

48

57

Youghal

98

37

40,401

18,477

Róisín Shortall

Question:

95 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way she intends to achieve the €20 million projected savings on rent supplement as announced in budget 2010; and if these savings are based on the 2009 estimate, the 2009 outturn or otherwise. [1806/10]

Rent supplement is payable to people who are unable to meet the cost of renting private accommodation and is intended as a short-term support. There are currently over 93,000 tenants benefiting from a rent supplement payment — an increase of 26% since the end of 2008. The provisional outturn on Rent Supplement for 2009 is €507.68 million. Budget 2010 provided for expenditure of €509m in 2010, after the achievement of €20m savings.

Rent limits are set at levels that enable eligible households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the state.

It is essential to ensure that state support for rent supplemented tenants, who form a substantial section of the rental market, does not give rise to inflated rental prices with particular negative impact on those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low paid employment. The Government is determined to ensure that reductions in rent levels generally in the year to date result in savings for the taxpayer.

Maximum rent limits are prescribed in regulations and are time limited so that they can be adjusted in the light of rent levels generally. The most recent regulations cover the period 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2010. Rent limits can, however, be reviewed at any time. Notwithstanding rent limits, the Community Welfare Service may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure to meet special needs. Equally the Community Welfare Service also pays below prescribed rent limits in the light of rent levels in the local rental market.

Budget 2010 provided for €20m savings in the rent supplement scheme arising from a review of the maximum rent limits. To this end, the maximum level of rent supplement payable by the State will be reviewed early in 2010 on the basis of the latest data available on general trends in rental prices.

The review will be conducted with reference to analysis of rents recorded with the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the CSO private rent index and data from the Daft.ie property website. The maximum rent limits payable will then be adjusted and new limits will apply in respect of all new tenancies or renewals of tenancies from April 2010.

Indications are that rents in the private rented sector continue to fall since limits were reviewed in 2009. Based on current information available about decreases in rent levels, the Department expects the rent review to lead to savings of €20 million.

Social Welfare Code.

James Bannon

Question:

96 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the one parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1647/10]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

127 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she plans to end the cohabitation ban for lone parents. [1804/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

720 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the one parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2060/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

787 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the criteria for lone parents benefits; when these changes will take effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1941/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 127, 720 and 787 together.

The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. These included proposals for the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of childcare and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

The current duration of the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is not in the best interests of the recipient, their children or society. Social welfare supports for lone parents should be designed to: Prevent long term dependence on social welfare income support and facilitate financial independence. Recognise parental choice with regard to the care of young children but with the expectation that parents will not remain outside of the labour force indefinitely. Change the expectations surrounding receipt of the OFP, introducing an expectation of participation in education, training and employment, with supports provided in this regard.

Income supports are only one element of the supports required by those parenting alone. Other co-ordinated supports and services required include access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures. These must also be addressed by the relevant Departments and Agencies if lone parents are to be enabled to access employment.

It has not been possible to progress the proposals as outlined in the Government discussion paper, including the removal of the cohabitation rule, due, in part, to current economic conditions. These proposals have, however, informed deliberations regarding the scheme. The Government is considering various options for limiting the length of time for which the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) can be paid (including the age of the youngest child). Any such changes would be phased in over a period of years for existing recipients to enable lone parents to access education and training and to prepare for their return to the labour market.

Social Welfare Appeals.

David Stanton

Question:

97 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications received for domiciliary care allowance from April to December 2009, inclusive; the number refused; the number appealed to the social welfare appeals office; the number of same for which the decision was overturned on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1779/10]

David Stanton

Question:

125 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of domiciliary care allowance applications received by her Department each month from April to December 2009 inclusive; the number of these claims which were refused each month; the number of same for which appeals were submitted; the reason children were judged not to be eligible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1780/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 97 and 125 together.

Domiciliary Care Allowance is payable in respect of children who have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. The care and attention received must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the normal activities of daily life. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is not based primarily on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating the degree of extra care and attention required. Each application is assessed on an individual basis taking account of the evidence submitted by the applicant.

In the period 1st April 2009 to 31st December 2009 a total of 3,389 applications were received, of which 2,823 cases have to date been fully processed by the Department. Of these applications, 1,031 were awarded and 1,792 refused as they were deemed not to be eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance. 566 applications are still to be decided. The tabular statement sets out the number of applications received and the number of applications processed each month from April to December 2009. During 2009, decisions made on 564 claims were reviewed at the applicants request as new or additional medical evidence was available, of these 117 claims were subsequently allowed.

Where claims are deemed to be ineligible on medical grounds, it is because it is considered that the requirement of care and attention and/or supervision is not substantially in excess of another child of the same age who does not have a disability. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

There were 836 appeals of Domiciliary Care Allowance decisions received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 which variously consisted of appeals in relation to the commencement date of the claim, satisfying the Habitual Resident Condition or meeting the medical criteria for the scheme. The Social Welfare Appeals Office made decisions on 11 cases in 2009 and overturned the decision in 6 cases.

All claims that have had the original negative decision revised have been processed by the Department and payment has issued to the customers.

Number of DCA Applications received and processed per month from April 2009 to December 2009

Month

Applications Received

Claims Awarded of the 2,823 processed to date.

Claims Refused of the 2,823 processed to date.

April

155

7

8

May

399

48

84

June

482

124

145

July

499

136

249

August

301

139

259

September

496

123

212

October

366

214

420

November

394

156

241

December

297

84

174

Total

3,389

1,031

1,792

Job Facilitators.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

98 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the additional supports given to job facilitators to deal with the increased demand for access to support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1726/10]

Facilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VEC, other education and training providers and the local and community and voluntary sector. In addition, they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the back to education scheme, the back to work scheme, and the short term enterprise allowance scheme of the Department.

The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local network. Facilitators are assigned to cover a geographical area. They hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office, the employment support section or by other agencies.

Since September 2008, 23 additional facilitators have been appointed. The number of facilitators currently in place is 63. It is envisaged that this number will increase to 70 in the coming months.

Carer’s Strategy.

Michael Creed

Question:

99 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the future plans she has for carers following the decision not to publish the national carer’s strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1734/10]

The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for all those who are reliant on the State for income support.

Over the past decade, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended. Where people are caring for more than one person they receive a higher payment. This equates to the personal rate for a person with the same means who is caring for one person plus 50% of the maximum personal rate. Recipients with children also receive a qualified child increase in respect of each child.

Following this year's Budget, the carer's allowance rates for carers over 66 years of age have not been changed and remain at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.

Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reductions announced in last year's Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carers allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997.

The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package. These levels surpass the ‘Towards 2016' commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.

During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process to develop a National Carers' Strategy. However, because of the prevailing economic situation, it is not possible to set targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.

Affordable Energy.

Joe Costello

Question:

100 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the involvement of her Department on the inter-departmental group on affordable energy. [1785/10]

The Department of Social and Family Affairs assists social welfare recipients with heating costs, both through their basic payments and through the fuel allowance scheme and the household benefits package of electricity and gas allowances. These schemes have been improved significantly in recent years.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio and convened an inter-departmental /agency group on affordable energy, in June 2008, to coordinate government policy in this area. The group, which is co-chaired by the Social Inclusion Division of this Department, comprises officials of the departments of the Taoiseach, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Health and Children, Social and Family Affairs, the Commission for Energy Regulation, Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and the ESB and Bord Gáis. Officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs who have responsibility for the fuel allowance and household benefits schemes participate in the group. The objective of the group's work is to ensure shared understanding of the challenges and actions underway and to ensure a fully cohesive, strategic approach to the delivery of affordable energy initiatives and programmes.

The group has been asked to develop an affordable energy strategy encompassing the policies and initiatives required to improve energy affordability in Ireland. As part of its terms of reference, the group will seek to identify an appropriate methodology for the measurement and reporting of energy poverty in Ireland and to assess the extent of energy poverty in Ireland. I am advised that the group will commence its deliberations this month with a view to finalising the strategy following a period of consultation.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 92.

Social Welfare Fraud.

Noel Coonan

Question:

102 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the method of recording and calculating fraud control savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1664/10]

Liz McManus

Question:

128 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the methodology by which savings on fraud and overpayments are calculated by her Department. [1792/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 128together.

Control savings are calculated by applying validated multipliers to the difference in the rate of payment before and after the control activity. Multipliers used in assessing control savings estimate the total future savings to the Department of a revocation or reduction resulting from a control action. The multiplier used is based on the average amount of time the person whose payment is stopped will remain off the books before returning. This time varies from scheme to scheme.

There is a comprehensive control guideline which sets out:

(a) What constitutes a control saving in the various control activities;

(b) The various multipliers to be used in determining saving;

(c) The method of reporting reviews and savings.

Control Division carry out on-going validation exercises to ensure control savings are recorded correctly. There are no plans to change this method of identifying savings.

Departmental Funding.

Pat Breen

Question:

103 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the funding made available to the humanitarian assistance scheme for flood claims; the number of applications for support; the average time it takes to process an application; the number of applications refused support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1652/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

769 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the value to date of urgent needs payments paid to flood victims; the number of applicants involved; the corresponding figure for payments under the humanitarian assistance towards flood damage scheme; if the humanitarian scheme will consider permanent housing relocation payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1618/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

775 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her proposals to address the issues of hardship arising from recent flooding with particular reference to a simplification of assessment and process of applications for supplementary or emergency assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45570/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

780 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide additional emergency funds to help defray the extra energy costs incurred by persons affected by the recent flooding; if any relief is available to persons carrying third party insurance whose cars were damaged in the recent icy conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1866/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

785 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of families that have applied for a payment under the humanitarian assistance scheme or an exceptional urgent needs payment; the number of applications that have been approved and paid out; the details of the average and total payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1899/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 103, 769, 775, 780 and 785 together.

In recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the flooding from November 2009 onwards, the Government set up a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide income tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes not covered by insurance. An initial sum of €10 million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose.

The Department and the Community Welfare Service of the HSE are working with the various statutory and other agencies also working in this area, to ensure that the humanitarian assistance scheme will go towards alleviating the hardship which many hundreds of families have had to endure.

Community Welfare Service staff throughout the country have been providing support to families since this flooding occurred. Up to the 8th January 2009 they had already made over 1,748 payments to 1,038 individuals to the value of €652,000. The average payment per individual is €628, with the largest payment to an individual in excess of €8,000. All payments to those affected by the flooding are being provided for under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

While the timescale for determining applications for Humanitarian Assistance claims is dependant, among other things, on the availability of the required information, there is no backlog of undecided claims. According to the information available from the HSE, as of 8th January 2010, there were approximately 50 applications currently being assessed. Only one claim refused.

Payments have been provided for emergency financial and other assistance to cover items such as clothing, food, bedding, heating, hire of dehumidifiers and emergency accommodation needs. The Community Welfare Service will continue to make these payments as long as there is a requirement to do so. Such emergency payments under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme are made without delay and without regard to the household income as the primary objective of these payments is to address the person's immediate needs.

As the flood waters have receded in some areas, individuals are now in a better position to assess the extent of the damage to their homes. In these cases, payments have been made in respect of essential household items such as carpets, flooring, furniture and white goods. Assistance is also available for structural repairs to homes not covered by household insurance.

Very few large scale claims have been made at this stage as homeowners have not yet established the cost of repair. In many cases, they are awaiting builder's estimates. It is expected that large scale claims will be received over the coming weeks. These claims will take somewhat longer to process as they will require verification of the loss and the possible use of a loss assessor.

The level of payment available under the aid scheme to any qualified individual depends on the severity of the damage to that person's home and the extent of the loss experienced as well as household income and general family circumstances. The scheme provides hardship alleviation as opposed to full compensation. As on previous occasions, commercial or business losses are not covered by the scheme nor are losses which are covered by household insurance. The repair of cars damaged in the recent icy conditions is also not covered by the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

The question of permanent housing relocation payments is a housing issue to be dealt with by the relevant housing authorities. However, the Community Welfare Service will continue to work with any families in this position to ensure that the objectives of the humanitarian aid scheme are fully achieved in their case.

Applications under the scheme are being income tested to ensure that available assistance is prioritised for those who are most vulnerable. The basic objective of the income test is to determine the household's capacity to meet the costs of restoring their home to a habitable condition. All household income is considered when determining entitlement to payment.

Detailed guidelines have been provided to the HSE in relation to the income test. These guidelines also contain a list of the type of goods/appliances that are generally covered by the scheme and what replacement value should typically be attributable to each item. This list is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide only. The Community Welfare Service has full discretion to make payments at a higher level than a strict application of the income test would warrant in any individual case where it considers it appropriate to do so. This income test and guidelines simplify the assessment process and to allow for the speedy processing of applications.

People seeking assistance should contact their local Community Welfare Office. Further information and applications forms in relation to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme are available from the Community Welfare Service in the affected areas and from the Department's website (www.welfare.ie) and the HSE’s website (www.hse.ie).

Social Welfare Benefits.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

104 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will publish the outcome of the review of mortgage interest supplement. [1788/10]

Dan Neville

Question:

113 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to amend the mortgage interest supplement scheme; if she will make the revised guidelines publicly available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1697/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 113 together.

The mortgage interest supplement scheme provides support for people who have difficulty meeting their mortgage repayments and whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme provides a short-term income "safety net" within the overall social welfare system to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment or other changes in circumstances.

A supplement in respect of mortgage interest only may be paid to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. There are currently over 15,100 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, an increase of almost 87% (7,000) over the numbers in payment at the end of December 2008.

The assessment for the mortgage interest supplement scheme provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as earnings increase. Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules.

A review of the administration of the mortgage interest scheme is progressing. The main purpose of the review is to examine how the scheme can best meet its objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis where they are unable to meet mortgage interest repayments on their sole place of residence.

The review group includes representatives from this Department, the Community Welfare Service, the Departments of Finance, and Environment, Heritage and Local Government together with a representative from the Office of the Financial Regulator. The group is examining trends in programme and administrative costs, the impact of the Financial Regulator's statutory Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears on the mortgage interest supplement scheme and legislative and operational issues arising, including the cap on hours of employment. The review is also considering whether alternative approaches to achieving the scheme's objectives are warranted in the light of recent changes in the economic climate and the mortgage market. The full review should be complete and available for publication by the end of Q1 2010.

Guidelines on certain operational issues for community welfare officers administering the scheme, were updated in June 2009. The guidelines are available on the Department's website www.welfare.ie

Social Insurance.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

105 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will provide legislation for the planned PRSI exemption for employers who take on a person who has been on the live register for six months or more. [1797/10]

It is proposed that legislation for the PRSI Job Incentive scheme will be brought before the Houses of Oireachtas in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill in spring of this year.

Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 87.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Joe McHugh

Question:

107 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the capacity of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service to negotiate on persons’ behalf with financial institutions and sub-prime lenders in relation to mortgage arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1696/10]

The money advisers throughout the country focus on providing assistance, advice and intense support to people who have financial difficulties. The money adviser works out a budget and negotiates on behalf of the client with all creditors, including financial institutions and sub-prime lenders, to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of their debts. Where required by the client, the money adviser can assist with setting up a special account with a local Credit Union into which an agreed amount of money is lodged regularly and from which each month the money adviser makes the repayments to the creditors on behalf of the client. In 2009 some 2,618 special accounts were set up with the local Credit Unions.

Focused training programmes designed to equip money advice staff and local management boards to meet the demands on the services are provided by MABS NDL, the national support company. In addition, MABS NDL has introduced a number of community education and other initiatives to assist the services in managing their increased caseloads. These include a money management education programme for people facing redundancy to inform them about managing on a reduced income and how to avoid getting into debt.

Under the statutory code of conduct on mortgage arrears published by the Financial Regulator, all financial institutions including the banks and sub-prime mortgage lenders must, where circumstances warrant it, refer a borrower in difficulty for guidance to a local MABS office or to an appropriate alternative.

An operational protocol ‘Working Together to Manage Debt' is in place and is the result of almost 2 years work by MABS NDL and the Irish Banking Federation (IBF), the main representative body for the banking and financial services sector. The Protocol applies to all client debts, including mortgage debt owed to the major lending institutions in Ireland and includes a commitment that no legal action will be taken as long as there is compliance by the client with an agreed repayment plan.

Last year an additional 19 money advisers were recruited by MABS between September and December, bringing the number of MABS staff to 271. The additional advisors have been appointed to MABS companies throughout the country.

I am confident that the MABS is well equipped to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.

Departmental Schemes.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

108 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason back to work education allowance scheme is available to persons who are pursing higher diploma courses but not Masters courses; her plans to address the limitations with this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1786/10]

The objective of the back to education allowance scheme is to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. The scheme covers courses of education from second level to Higher Diploma level in any discipline (level 8 in National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) and to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching, level 9 in NFQ) which add significantly to a person's employability. Other postgraduate qualifications (level 9 or level 10) are not included.

The possession of qualifications at level 9 or above in the NFQ is not regarded as a prerequisite to re-entering the workforce. A small number of cases have arisen where a college has granted an exemption from the requirement to hold a primary degree and has admitted a person to a Master's course on the basis of relevant life experience. In the context of the ongoing review of the operation of the scheme, it was decided to extend entitlement to BTEA in these instances on an exceptional basis.

The focus of the back to education allowance is on providing assistance to the highest possible number of those in greatest need in terms of meeting the requirements of a modern labour market. People in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a high level of academic attainment which should impact positively on their employment prospects. There are no immediate plans to extend the scheme to cover Master's courses in general. The scheme will continue to be monitored in the light of the changed economic circumstance in order to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.

Social Welfare Code.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

109 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to progress the introduction of a unified means test. [1811/10]

The Department administers a number of social assistance schemes to meet the income support needs of certain people. The associated means tests are designed to reflect the particular circumstances of these individuals and their families as well as the different life cycle stages. Over the years, various developments in means testing have led to the system becoming complex and difficult for the individual to comprehend. The Department would wish to move to a simpler more unified approach to means testing, especially for those of working age.

As a separate but related exercise, the Department is currently examining the feasibility of introducing a single social assistance payment for people of working age. The review will examine the rules and conditions, including the means testing rules, that currently apply and the various supports available to people of working age with a view to ascertaining how these could be rationalised in the context of a single payment to meet the objective of supporting people back to work, education and/or training and other development opportunities, as appropriate. It is expected that the feasibility report will be finalised by early 2010.

An inter-departmental working group was established in March 2009, on foot of a recommendation in the Task Force Report Transforming Public Services, to undertake a detailed study on the feasibility and value of introducing mechanisms to simplify the provision of means information to all public bodies. This working group is chaired by a senior official of this Department. While the group is not examining a proposal for a unified means test, its work will include consideration of all possibilities in relation to simplifying and achieving other efficiencies across all public bodies with regard to means testing arrangements. The work of the group is progressing well.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 91.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Phil Hogan

Question:

111 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average time it takes to process social welfare appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1684/10]

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that during 2009 the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 24 weeks. However, if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to 15.8 weeks. This represents an increase of 2 weeks in the time taken to process appeals when compared to 2008, but must be seen in the context of an increase of 46% in the number of appeals received during 2009.

The processing time for appeals covers all phases of the appeal process including the submission by the Department of its comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examination by the Department's Medical Assessors in certain illness related cases, further investigation by Social Welfare Inspectors where required and circumstances may also arise where further information is sought from the appellant.

To deal with the increased workload being experienced by the Social Welfare Appeals Office, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed during the year. However, the Chief Appeals Officer and five experienced Appeals Officers retired during 2009. Although their positions have now been filled these retirements impacted on the processing of appeals.

The matter of assigning additional Appeals Officers is kept under constant review but any consideration of extra assignments must be taken in the context of overall government policy on civil service numbers.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 87.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 104.

Fuel Poverty.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

114 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has plans to develop a national fuel poverty strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1775/10]

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, which has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio, has convened an inter-departmental/agency group on affordable energy, to coordinate government policy in this area. The group comprises officials of the departments of the Taoiseach, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Health and Children, Social and Family Affairs, the Commission for Energy Regulation, Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and the ESB and Bord Gáis. Officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, that has responsibility for the fuel allowance and household benefits schemes, participate in the group and it is co-chaired by the Social Inclusion Division of the Department.

The objective of the group's work is to ensure shared understanding of the challenges and actions underway and to ensure a fully cohesive strategic approach to the delivery of affordable energy initiatives and programmes.

The group has been asked to develop an affordable energy strategy encompassing the policies and initiatives required to improve energy affordability in Ireland. As part of its terms of reference the group will seek to identify an appropriate methodology for the measurement and reporting of energy poverty in Ireland and to assess the extent of energy poverty in Ireland. The group will commence its deliberations shortly with a view to finalising the strategy following a period of consultation.

Pension Provisions.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

115 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will publish the national pensions framework. [1791/10]

As Deputies are aware, the Green Paper on Pensions outlined the challenges facing the Irish pensions system in the years ahead, including the sustainability of the system over the longer term in light of demographic change and the adequacy of contribution levels and benefits. The consultation process which followed publication of the Green Paper reflected the wide range of views and interests held by individuals and organisations throughout the country. While there was no consensus on ways to respond to the challenges facing our pension system, it was clear that there were significant issues and problems that people wanted addressed.

Since the Green Paper was published in October 2007, the economic environment has changed considerably and the Government need to ensure that any decisions we make in the pensions area will be robust enough to withstand the challenges which will arise in the future. We must make decisions now to ensure the adequacy of retirement incomes for this and future generations while, at the same time, develop a system which is affordable and sustainable for the State and for those who sponsor and provide pension schemes.

In the past 18 months or so the Government has taken a number of steps to respond to the immediate difficulties facing pension scheme members, particularly members of defined benefit schemes. These include the establishment of a pensions insolvency payment scheme and a reordering of wind-up priorities so that, in any defined benefit wind-up situation, employees and former employees who have not yet retired may still receive a large proportion of their benefits. Legislation to support these measures was passed in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009. The Government has also introduced provisions to allow for more flexible restructuring of pension benefits and stronger regulation regarding remittance of pension contributions. We have also protected people in receipt of the State Pension by retaining the rates of pension and other social welfare payments for older people in the recent Budget.

The Government is aware that the wider and longer-term pensions policy issues require a comprehensive and co-ordinated response and we have been considering a number of options to address the challenges facing our pension system. Uncertainty in the economic climate has increased the complexity of the decisions we must make but it does not prevent or deter the Government from making these vitally necessary decisions. However, it does require us to give very careful consideration, and it is precisely because the development of the framework involves decisions on such a wide range of future and complex issues that we have been spending a considerable amount of time working on it. I hope to be in a position to publish the framework shortly.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 92.

Social Insurance.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

117 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to deal with the eight month delaying in processing PRSI refund applications. [1781/10]

The Department endeavours to process applications for refunds of PRSI as efficiently as possible. However, the volume of applications for refunds of PRSI has increased dramatically in recent years; some 23,400 applications were received in 2009 compared to 14,000 in 2008 and 9,000 in 2007. The increased volume of applications has inevitably given rise to a delay in processing refund applications.

In order to speed up the processing of refund applications, the processes and procedures in the section have been reviewed and appropriate changes implemented along with new technical supports. Furthermore, in December 2009, an additional five staff were assigned to the area on a temporary basis to help clear the number of applications on hand. The Department is also continuing to examine ways of making better use of modern technology, e.g. payment of refunds by electronic fund transfer, online applications and enhancement of the current calculation functionality.

The additional staff, more streamlined processes and procedures and technical supports have already shown positive results. In December 2009, refunds were processed for about 265 applicants per week compared with about 160 per week in October and November 2009.

With the implementation of further process improvements and technical supports, I am confident that further improvements will be made in the processing of applications for refunds.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she has taken or proposes to take to streamline and speed up the process of applications for various social welfare payments with particular reference to means testing and assessment with a view to eliminating concerns, anxiety and hardship for those who find themselves unemployed, ill or otherwise dependent on a social welfare payment; if her attention has been drawn to the procedures in place in some respects; if she will acknowledge the need for a prompt and caring response in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1778/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

813 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she has taken to address the delays in the process of application for social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2183/10]

I propose to take Question No. 118 and 813 together.

Every effort is made to process claims for social welfare payments as quickly as possible. Staff in the Department are aware of the concerns of claimants who find themselves in need of a payment. Delays can occur in the processing of claims where additional information is required or where all documentation is not to hand. On means-tested schemes it may be necessary for the person to be visited in their home by a Social Welfare Inspector for the purpose of assessing the means and this can add to the time involved in finalising the claim. Cases involving self-employment or property (other than the family home) can also take longer to investigate.

The Deputy will be aware of the particular difficulties presented due to the huge rise in unemployment in the past 18 months or so and the pressure this has brought to bear on the network of local offices and in the inspectorate. To alleviate some of this pressure since May 2008, some 400 extra staff have been assigned to local offices, new Central Support Units and the Departments Inspectorate. At the same time the Department has been examining all aspects of the work associated with the processing of claims and streamlining them wherever possible without, of course, compromising scheme controls.

One of these streamlining initiatives, which is being trialled at present, relates to customers who are applying for jobseeker's allowance on the termination of their jobseeker's benefit entitlement. In any of these cases where there are no elements of self-employment or property involved in the means assessment, the person will self-certify the various components of their means and a decision will be made by the Deciding Officer without the need to refer the claim to an Inspector. As a control measure a certain proportion of these claims will be selected at random and will be referred to an inspector for verification of the declaration of means. It is expected that this initiative will be rolled out to the network of local offices in the coming months. In the State Pension Non-Contributory area a desk assessment process has been introduced whereby claims are processed and decided based on the information provided by the customer on their application form. This initiative has removed the requirement on Social Welfare Inspectors to investigate all claims and has led to a reduction in processing times for claims received under the scheme. Over the past year some 40% of all claims for State Pension have been fully processed by desk assessment. It is hoped to extend this initiative to other means-tested schemes. Anyone who is under financial pressure while awaiting a decision on their claim can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance from the Community Welfare Officer which is subject to a means test and other qualifying condition.

Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 87.

Public Service Identity Cards.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

120 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details on the public service card with photo ID to be rolled out from 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1659/10]

Legislative provisions in relation to the introduction of the Public Service Card have been included in Section 263 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended by Section 32 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007).

These specify that the Minister for Social and Family Affairs may issue a Public Service Card in the format that she deems fit, with the person's name, personal public service number, photograph, signature, card issue number and card expiry date to be inscribed on the card. Provision is also included for the person's name, personal public service number, date of birth, sex, all former surnames (if any) of the person's mother, photograph, signature and card expiry date to be electronically encoded on the card. In addition, provision is made for any other information that may be prescribed to be either inscribed or electronically encoded on the card.

There is still a number of outstanding parts of the project that need to be undertaken. Decisions regarding the final design of the card will be taken as part of this process. It will be necessary to develop a technical infrastructure within the Department to support the management and administration of the cards. Procurement for this development has just commenced. In addition, the managed service provider has significant preparatory work to undertake. For example it will be necessary to develop a secure site for the personalisation of the cards. These processes are expected to take several months to complete and, accordingly, it is not anticipated that cards will begin to issue before the latter half of this year.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

121 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated number of families eligible for the family income supplement; the number of families in receipt of the family income supplement; her views on the low uptake of the family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1667/10]

The Family Income Supplement is designed to provide support for people with families who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. FIS is a central element of a programme of reforms targeted specifically at addressing child poverty.

There are currently some 25,963 people in receipt of a weekly FIS payment. In 2009 the Department received 46,542 new and renewal FIS claims compared to 42,940 in 2008 and 37,861 in 2007 — an increase of over 8% on 2008 and over 22% on 2007.

With regard to the level of take up, it is not possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for their FIS entitlements. Accordingly the department completed a research project in 2008 to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme.

This research project included a survey of over 3,000 families which appeared to satisfy conditions for receipt of FIS. From over 1,000 valid responses received the survey identified that only 23% might actually be eligible.

The research also found that overall awareness of Family Income Supplement among potential recipients is high with nearly three in four claiming to have heard of the scheme. Despite high levels of awareness, there was a lack of awareness and understanding of the eligibility requirements with only one in three claiming to be aware of the qualifying criteria for FIS.

The report recommends that the Department needs to ensure that information about the scheme is advertised in a focused way with the eligibility and qualification criteria communicated as clearly as possible. The Department is addressing this by ensuring such information is highlighted as part of its ongoing information strategy.

Social Welfare Code.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the methodology used to determine whether partnership exists or is established to qualify for widows, widowers or old age pension entitlement in respect of the surviving partner or spouse in the case of the self employed with particular reference to those who have made contributions in respect of one or both partners over a ten year period; if her attention has been drawn to the number of such persons who do not qualify; if she intends to ease the qualification entitlements with a view to ensuring that the surviving partner will in all cases qualify for widows, widowers or old age pension even when self employed contributions were made in respect of one person only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1777/10]

Spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to meeting some of the general criteria outlined as follows:

There is a written partnership agreement

Each partner writes cheques on the business accounts in their own right

There is a joint business account

It is apparent to those doing business with the partnership that a partnership exists

Business accounts and activities are in joint names of the partners

Each partner makes a significant contribution to the running of the business

The business is owned jointly by the partnership

The profits and losses of the partnership are shared by each partner

The business stationery reflects the existence of a partnership.

Applications received in Scope Section are forwarded to Social Welfare Inspectors who interview the parties concerned and report back to Scope Section. A Deciding Officer subsequently issues a formal decision on whether a partnership exists or not. To date, of 579 applications finalised, 508 cases have been approved.

When approved, both spouses may incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI contributions and must discharge their liability before the contributions can be awarded. The person(s) concerned can then apply for pension or benefit in the normal way. Widows and widowers can qualify for one of a number of different schemes depending on their particular circumstances.

The widow(er)'s contributory pension is available to those who satisfy the necessary PRSI contribution conditions, either on their own record or that of the deceased spouse and, therefore, there are no disqualifications from entitlement to pension where relevant PRSI contribution conditions are satisfied.

In relation to the widow's contributory pension, the pension is automatically awarded, provided all other qualifying conditions are satisfied, where the late spouse was in receipt of either a state pension (transition or contributory) which included an increase for a dependent spouse (or would have but for the fact that the spouse was in receipt of state pension non-contributory, blind pension or carer's allowance).

While there are no plans to further ease the qualifying conditions at present, any further reforms to the state pension (contributory) will be addressed in the forthcoming national pensions framework.

To qualify for a state pension (contributory), a number of minimum qualifying conditions must be met. A person must have at least 260 paid social insurance contributions, a yearly average of at least 10 contributions paid or credited since entry into social insurance, and must have entered social insurance at least 10 years before state pension age. In addition, self employed contributors must have a minimum of one year's paid self employed contributions before reaching age 66 and have all self-employed liability, payable by them paid. From 6 April 2012, a minimum of 520 paid contributions will be required.

These conditions have been designed to ensure that those qualifying for payment have an adequate and sustained history of contributions to the social insurance fund over their working lives. The requirements for minimum pensions have been eased over the years and a number of special pensions were introduced.

Job Facilitators.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

123 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of job facilitators; the average waiting times to access support from a job facilitator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1723/10]

The number of facilitators currently in place is 63. It is envisaged that this number will increase to 70 in the coming months. The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local network. Facilitators are assigned to cover a geographical area. They hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office, the employment support section or by other agencies.

In the current economic climate the demand for the facilitator service is elevated. Actual waiting times for individual facilitators, which vary nationwide, are not available. An appointment can be made by contacting the facilitators directly or via the appropriate local office. Facilitators make every effort to contact customers as quickly as possible.

Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 85.
Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 97.

Social Welfare Code.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

126 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the back to education allowance does not cover participants in the labour market activation programme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that participants who start a course in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit but who subsequently move to jobseeker’s allowance at a reduced rate are faced with financial hardship particularly when they have dependants; if her further attention has been brought to the fact that there is no cost of attendance allowance; and if she will immediately review the terms of the scheme. [1805/10]

The Department's back to education programme includes the back to education allowance (BTEA) and the part-time education option (PTEO). The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities scheme for people on welfare payments who wish to participate in full time education and who would not other wise be able to do so. The allowance is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for the scheme. In addition, an annual cost of education allowance of €500 is payable.

In a joint initiative announced last year between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Education and Science and the Higher Education Authority, 1,500 part-time undergraduate places and 1,000 part-time postgraduate places are being provided to people who are unemployed and on the live register for at least 6 months or have an entitlement to statutory redundancy.

A jobseeker who wishes to participate in a part-time course may do so under the Department's part-time education option (PTEO). Participants may continue to receive their existing social welfare entitlements provided they continue to satisfy all the existing terms and conditions of their jobseeker scheme including availability for work. Approval to undertake a course must be obtained in advance from the local social welfare office.

Participation in a part-time course does not attract any increase in the rate of payment, a cost of education allowance or any extension of the payment period. A participant whose entitlement to jobseeker's benefit ceases during the period on the course is eligible to apply for jobseeker's allowance, entitlement to which is based on a means-test. Someone who qualifies for that allowance at reduced rate would therefore have existing assessable means. In such a case, the combination of the existing means and the reduced rate of jobseeker's allowance awarded would normally exceed the rate payable to a participant who qualifies for maximum rate of jobseeker's allowance.

The back to education programme will continue to be monitored in the light of changing economic circumstances to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.

Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 102.

Social Insurance.

Joan Burton

Question:

129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to improve the recovery rate of employer PRSI arrears. [1783/10]

Contributions due to the Social Insurance Fund are collected in the main by the Revenue Commissioners, together with income tax due. The Department's Inspectorate, appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 is responsible, inter alia, for ensuring that employers and self employed people comply with the Act in relation to Pay Related Social Insurance contributions.

Employer compliance, in this regard is monitored through inspections which include detailed examinations of employers' records to ensure that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all employees. In addition, any irregularity in a customer's PRSI record detected at claim processing stage or reported directly by the customer, is referred to the Inspectorate for follow up action.

The Department currently employs some 403 Social Welfare Inspectors throughout the country whose duties involve the investigation of eligibility to a broad variety of means tested schemes, as well as ensuring compliance by employers in regard to PRSI matters. Of the 403 Inspectors 86 are assigned to the Department's Special Investigation Unit and also work with the Revenue and the E.T. & E. Inspectorate in carrying out joint investigations of employment records of employers.

Employer inspections carried out by the Department's Inspectorate are comprehensive and involve:

detailed examination of employer records to ensure that accurate records of employees are being maintained and that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all their employees and that the correct PRSI class is being applied;

checks to ensure that employees are not concurrently working and claiming social welfare payments;

outlining employers responsibilities with regard to Social Welfare legislation and where Revenue staff are part of the inspection team, tax legislation;

general advice and information to employers on matters such as the operation of the PRSI system, incentives available to employers, the correct classes of contributions, employees' entitlements etc.

Where PRSI undercharges are established, the Inspector sets out PRSI arrears/underpayment in respect of each employee for each tax year and issues a demand to the employer for payment. Should the employer fail to respond satisfactorily, a statutory demand will issue by registered post and the employer given 14 days to respond. If the employer fails to respond the case is considered for prosecution.

The Department is committed to delivering an effective and efficient regime of employer inspections, and ensuring that PRSI deductions and remittances are made in an accurate and timely manner.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Joe Costello

Question:

130 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to temporarily increase the rate of fuel allowance to offset the significant increase in fuel costs during the recent prolonged cold weather. [1784/10]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

723 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to use the increased VAT revenues arising from increased fuel consumption during the recent prolonged cold weather to provide a once off increase in fuel allowance to poor families. [2064/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 723 together.

The Department's role is to assist social welfare recipients with heating costs, both through their basic payments and through the fuel allowance scheme and the household benefits package of electricity and gas allowances.

The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.

Fuel allowance is payable for 32 weeks a year. The standard allowance is €20 a week while the rate in smokeless zones is €23.90 a week. The scheme benefits almost 318,000 people a year at an estimated cost of €217 million in 2009.

Electricity and gas allowances under the household benefits package, are payable throughout the year to almost 380,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households towards their heating, light and cooking costs at an estimated cost of €200m in 2009. The electricity allowance covers standing charges plus VAT and up to 2,400 units of electricity in each billing period.

The gas allowance covers a cash equivalent amount. Up to 30% of customers availing of the electricity allowance consistently carry forward unused units to the next billing period.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, administered by community welfare officers, can be used to assist people in certain circumstances with specific heating needs due to infirmity or a particular medical condition. Heating needs can also be met under the exceptional needs payments provisions of the scheme where a person is unable to meet such needs out of his/her resources. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment.

Since the onset of the adverse weather conditions, community welfare officers have provided assistance to people to purchase additional fuel, heaters and clothing and also towards the payment of heating bills and for repairs arising from burst pipes. Over €72,000 has been paid out since 1 January 2010 in respect of such claims. Assistance will continue to be provided towards the payment of heating bills for those in need.

The exceptional needs payments scheme is considered to be the appropriate response to heating needs arising from the recent cold weather. Community welfare officers are best placed to deal with the situation having local knowledge and taking individual circumstances into account.

An increase in the fuel allowance, irrespective of need, would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in the light of resources available for improvements in social welfare payments generally.

Commission on Taxation.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

131 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has completed her deliberations and her conclusions on the Commission on Taxation report. [1810/10]

The Commission on Taxation's report directly addresses a number of areas within my Department's broad area of responsibility, most notably in relation to the social insurance system, the taxation of retirement savings and social welfare benefits including Child Benefit.

Given the very diverse nature of the issues which arise, I do not intend at this stage to present a single set of detailed conclusions around the relevant Commission's recommendations. I envisage that the proposals of the Commission will be considered on an ongoing basis in the light of emerging policy in these areas. For instance, in relation to retirement savings, the pension elements of the Commission on Taxation report are being considered in the context of the development of the National Pensions Framework. In relation to Commission's recommendation in relation to the taxation of Child Benefit, the Government decided not to tax this payment in the recent Budget.

Employment Statistics.

Michael McGrath

Question:

132 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of persons in employment in the public sector and in the private sector, including persons working part-time. [1054/10]

The table shows the estimated numbers of full-time and part-time employees in the public and private sectors in the second quarter of 2009, the latest period for which information is available. The figures are based on the Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS). As this is a survey of enterprises, persons with more than one job may be counted twice in the figures but the effect of this on the estimates is expected to be very low.

The EHECS figures do not include self-employed persons or enterprises with less than three employees. Estimates from the quarterly national household survey indicate that there were 330,000 self employed persons in the state in the second quarter of 2009, in addition to the number of employees given in the table.

Persons in Full-time and Part-time employment by Sector, Quarter 2 20091

Full-time

Part -time

Apprentices

Total

Total Private Sector

880,200

338,700

29,300

1,248,200

Total Public Sector

331,700

83,300

3,300

418,300

1Results for Quarter 2 2009 are subject to revision.

Michael McGrath

Question:

133 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of employees who work in businesses with fewer than ten employees. [1055/10]

The latest annual Business Demography statistics were published in June 2009 with respect to the year 2007. In 2007 there were 254,679 persons employed in active enterprises with less than 10 employees. Business Demography coverage is limited to NACE Rev 1.1 sectors C — K and does not include the non-traded service sectors or other community, social and personal services.

Employees in Active Enterprises with less than 10 employees

Employees in Active Enterprises (Number)

2006

2007

NACE sectors (C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K)

250,091

254,679

Mining and quarrying (C)

462

486

Manufacturing (D)

15,560

15,874

Electricity, gas, and water supply (E)

190

207

Construction (F)

70,798

72,084

Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal household goods (G)

68,788

69,222

Hotels and restaurants (H)

24,771

25,205

Transport, storage and communication (I)

11,752

12,123

Real estate, renting and business activities (K)

57,770

59,478

*NACE code 74.15Activities of holding companies is excluded from sector K.

Departmental Staff.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

134 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of constituency staff working for the Ministers of State in his Department in 2008 and 2009; and the cost involved. [47935/09]

The number of whole time equivalent staff in the constituency office of the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State in my Department in 2008 and 2009 was 4. The total salaries including overtime and allowances paid to staff in the constituency office was €200,078 and €166,769 in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

The Minister of State for European Affairs does not have a constituency office in my Department.

Disability Statistics.

Phil Hogan

Question:

135 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Taoiseach if he will consider the inclusion of a question in the 2011 census in order to fill a void in the statistics that relates to the disability autism or autistic spectrum disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47936/09]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

149 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Taoiseach when the content of the Central Statistics Office census 2011 is expected to be approved by him; the interdepartmental procedure for compiling such content; his views on the inclusion of autistic spectrum disorder as a category question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48497/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 149 together.

The Government at its meeting on 11 December 2009 agreed to the topics to be included in the questionnaire for the 2011 census.

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.

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 out in April 2009. The Census Advisory Group was 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)

14Do 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 [ ]

15If ‘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 [ ]

Live Register.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

136 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of persons unemployed on 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 in each district office (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48233/09]

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office.

The table contains monthly Live Register information for each local social welfare office in County Wexford, from January 2007 to December 2007 inclusive. It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.

Persons on the Live Register (Number) County Wexford by Local Office, January — December 2007

County

Date

Total Persons

Wexford County

Jan-07

6,889

Feb-07

6,868

Mar-07

6,724

Apr-07

6,587

May-07

6,440

Jun-07

6,730

Jul-07

7,060

Aug-07

7,002

Sep-07

6,705

Oct-07

6,706

Nov-07

7,042

Dec-07

7,511

Enniscorthy

Jan-07

1,722

Feb-07

1,738

Mar-07

1,736

Apr-07

1,721

May-07

1,713

Jun-07

1,792

Jul-07

1,843

Aug-07

1,879

Sep-07

1,797

Oct-07

1,832

Nov-07

1,876

Dec-07

1,930

Gorey

Jan-07

1,234

Feb-07

1,236

Mar-07

1,247

Apr-07

1,214

May-07

1,205

Jun-07

1,253

Jul-07

1,326

Aug-07

1,323

Sep-07

1,244

Oct-07

1,205

Nov-07

1,268

Dec-07

1,319

New Ross

Jan-07

1,208

Feb-07

1,255

Mar-07

1,207

Apr-07

1,189

May-07

1,163

Jun-07

1,281

Jul-07

1,367

Aug-07

1,319

Sep-07

1,277

Oct-07

1,276

Nov-07

1,324

Dec-07

1,403

Wexford

Jan-07

2,725

Feb-07

2,639

Mar-07

2,534

Apr-07

2,463

May-07

2,359

Jun-07

2,404

Jul-07

2,524

Aug-07

2,481

Sep-07

2,387

Oct-07

2,393

Nov-07

2,574

Dec-07

2,859

Paul Kehoe

Question:

137 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged under 25 years unemployed each month from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 for each district social welfare office (details supplied); the gender of each person unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48234/09]

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office.

The table contains monthly Live Register information for those aged under 25 in each local social welfare office in County Limerick by gender, from January 2008 to December 2008 inclusive. It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.

Persons under 25 on the Live Register (Number) County Limerick by Local Office, Month and Sex, January-December 2008

Month1

Males Under 25 years

Females Under 25 years

Total Persons Under 25 years

Limerick County

Jan-08

1,169

716

1,885

Feb-08

1,272

728

2,000

Mar-08

1,348

763

2,111

Apr-08

1,342

736

2,078

May-08

1,423

815

2,238

Jun-08

1,573

935

2,508

Jul-08

1,600

1,010

2,610

Aug-08

1,737

1,091

2,828

Sep-08

1,718

1,045

2,763

Oct-08

1,753

1,014

2,767

Nov-08

1,905

1,074

2,979

Dec-08

2,082

1,147

3,229

Kilmallock

Jan-08

127

82

209

Feb-08

131

74

205

Mar-08

137

75

212

Apr-08

144

74

218

May-08

167

77

244

Jun-08

199

103

302

Jul-08

197

101

298

Aug-08

210

97

307

Sep-08

214

101

315

Oct-08

229

101

330

Nov-08

266

102

368

Dec-08

285

114

399

Limerick City

Jan-08

879

521

1,400

Feb-08

954

544

1,498

Mar-08

1,008

582

1,590

Apr-08

1,002

551

1,553

May-08

1,051

619

1,670

Jun-08

1,157

699

1,856

Jul-08

1,177

763

1,940

Aug-08

1,277

837

2,114

Sep-08

1,263

796

2,059

Oct-08

1,279

767

2,046

Nov-08

1,380

809

2,189

Dec-08

1,491

858

2,349

Newcastle West

Jan-08

163

113

276

Feb-08

187

110

297

Mar-08

203

106

309

Apr-08

196

111

307

May-08

205

119

324

Jun-08

217

133

350

Jul-08

226

146

372

Aug-08

250

157

407

Sep-08

241

148

389

Oct-08

245

146

391

Nov-08

259

163

422

Dec-08

306

175

481

1State figures for October to December 2008 have been revised but revisions have not yet been applied to data contained in this table.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

138 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who were unemployed on 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 in each district office (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48235/09]

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office.

The table contains monthly Live Register information for each local social welfare office in County Limerick, from January 2007 to December 2007 inclusive. It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.

Persons on the Live Register (Number) County Limerick by Local Office, January-December 2007

Total Persons All Ages

Limerick County

Jan-07

7,278

Feb-07

7,375

Mar-07

7,252

Apr-07

7,227

May-07

7,243

Jun-07

7,967

Jul-07

8,421

Aug-07

8,362

Sep-07

7,395

Oct-07

7,286

Nov-07

7,630

Dec-07

8,236

Kilmallock

Jan-07

871

Feb-07

871

Mar-07

821

Apr-07

855

May-07

828

Jun-07

884

Jul-07

928

Aug-07

937

Sep-07

822

Oct-07

814

Nov-07

872

Dec-07

976

Limerick City

Jan-07

5,347

Feb-07

5,434

Mar-07

5,362

Apr-07

5,338

May-07

5,400

Jun-07

6,020

Jul-07

6,349

Aug-07

6,282

Sep-07

5,526

Oct-07

5,468

Nov-07

5,704

Dec-07

6,123

Newcastle West

Jan-07

1,060

Feb-07

1,070

Mar-07

1,069

Apr-07

1,034

May-07

1,015

Jun-07

1,063

Jul-07

1,144

Aug-07

1,143

Sep-07

1,047

Oct-07

1,004

Nov-07

1,054

Dec-07

1,137

Departmental Staff.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

139 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed by his Department on 1 January 2009; the number of staff employed by his Department on 10 December 2009. [48236/09]

George Lee

Question:

147 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48319/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

163 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of whole time equivalents serving in his Department in the grades of Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, higher principal officer, principal officer, higher assistant principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer, staff officer and clerical officer on 1 January 1998, 1 January 2007 and the latest date for which figures are available. [1953/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 147 and 163 together.

Statistics in relation to whole-time equivalent staff numbers in my Department are compiled at the end of each calendar month. On 31st December 2008, there were 211.96 whole-time equivalent staff in my Department, while on 31st December 2009, there were 198.1 whole-time equivalent staff in my Department, that is 13.86 fewer whole-time equivalent staff of year end.

It is not possible to give an accurate breakdown for the grades requested who were serving in my Department on 1st January 1998. The earliest records held in my Department in the format requested only go back to 2000. The information requested in relation to the grades who were serving on 31st December, 2001, 31st December 2006 and 31st December, 2009 is set out in the table.

Grade

Number of WTEs serving on 31st December, 2000

Number of WTEs serving on 31st December, 2006

Number of WTEs serving on 31st December 2009

Secretary General

2.0

2.0

1.0

Deputy Secretary

0.0

0.0

0.0

Assistant Secretary

5.0

4.0

5.0

Principal Officer (higher)

6.0

9.5

5.6

Principal Officer (standard)

2.0

3.0

10

Assistant Principal (higher)

16.0

18.8

9.65

Assistant Principal (standard)

2.5

6.4

12.6

Higher Executive Officer

17.5

24.4

22

Executive Officer

11.5

23.8

22.6

Staff Officer

10.5

9.0

9.93

Clerical Officer

46.0

48.6

41.1

While a number of staff in my Department hold primary degrees and post graduate qualifications in a range of subjects, including economics, the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Live Register.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

140 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged under 25 years who were unemployed each month from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 for each district social welfare office (details supplied); the gender of each person unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48237/09]

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office.

The table contains monthly Live Register information for those aged under 25 in each local social welfare office in County Wexford by gender, from January 2008 to December 2008 inclusive. It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance. It should be noted that the Live Register includes only those aged 17 years and over.

Persons aged under 25 on the Live Register (Number) in County Wexford by Local Office, Gender and Month, January-December 2008

Month1

Males Under 25 years

Females Under 25 years

Total Persons Under 25 years

Total Wexford County

Jan-08

1,099

707

1,806

Feb-08

1,149

751

1,900

Mar-08

1,198

746

1,944

Apr-08

1,190

724

1,914

May-08

1,273

747

2,020

Jun-08

1,403

823

2,226

Jul-08

1,448

916

2,364

Aug-08

1,490

948

2,438

Sep-08

1,484

906

2,390

Oct-08

1,563

950

2,513

Nov-08

1,707

994

2,701

Dec-08

1,854

1,005

2,859

Enniscorthy

Jan-08

310

193

503

Feb-08

317

193

510

Mar-08

327

195

522

Apr-08

345

189

534

May-08

361

195

556

Jun-08

407

222

629

Jul-08

436

256

692

Aug-08

437

268

705

Sep-08

432

244

676

Oct-08

443

249

692

Nov-08

479

250

729

Dec-08

511

250

761

Gorey

Jan-08

196

105

301

Feb-08

193

126

319

Mar-08

215

127

342

Apr-08

208

128

336

May-08

216

131

347

Jun-08

244

150

394

Jul-08

261

174

435

Aug-08

267

174

441

Sep-08

266

158

424

Oct-08

284

173

457

Nov-08

295

184

479

Dec-08

324

183

507

New Ross

Jan-08

183

140

323

Feb-08

192

151

343

Mar-08

206

147

353

Apr-08

204

140

344

May-08

229

143

372

Jun-08

245

160

405

Jul-08

241

179

420

Aug-08

268

185

453

Sep-08

256

173

429

Oct-08

274

172

446

Nov-08

298

179

477

Dec-08

335

181

516

Wexford

Jan-08

410

269

679

Feb-08

447

281

728

Mar-08

450

277

727

Apr-08

433

267

700

May-08

467

278

745

Jun-08

507

291

798

Jul-08

510

307

817

Aug-08

518

321

839

Sep-08

530

331

861

Oct-08

562

356

918

Nov-08

635

381

1,016

Dec-08

684

391

1,075

1State figures for October to December 2008 have been revised but revisions have not yet been applied to data contained in this table.

Departmental Agencies.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

141 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the breakdown, by programme, agency or other institution, of the programme changes that will be made by his Department to achieve the savings estimated for his Department in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48238/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

159 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1262/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 159 together.

The total allocation for my Department in the Estimates set out in the Budget Book for 2010 is €28,818 million. This is an overall decrease of 11.8% on the 2009 Revised Estimate allocation.

The following table details the programme changes to achieve the savings by my Department in the 2010 budget.

Agency/Programme

Savings Achieved

Description

€000

NESDO*

1,205

Expenditure reduction as a result of a review informed by the Value for Money Report

Commemoration Initiatives

70

Forum for Peace and Reconciliation

5

Subhead closed

Tribunal of Inquiry (Dunnes Payments)

1

Subhead closed

National Forum on Europe

360

Discontinued as a result of the 2009 Supplementary Budget

Newfoundland and Labrador Business Partnership*

300

Future work will be supported by existing staff within my Department

Commission of Investigation

1

Subhead closed

Active Citizenship Office*

56

Future work will be supported by existing staff within my Department

Total Savings

1,998

*Covered by the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, whose recommendations were taken into account.

Smart Economy.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

142 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the actions taken by him to implement the proposals set out in Building Ireland’s Smart Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48239/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

148 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the actions taken by him to implement the proposals set out in Building Ireland’s Smart Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47883/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 148 together.

The Government's Smart Economy Framework for sustainable economic renewal was produced in December 2008. Implementation is the responsibility of relevant Ministers but is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal, which I chair. Some examples include:

market testing of the Innovation Fund proposed is currently being undertaken by the NTMA, testing the best way to design the Fund with venture capital companies and other stakeholders;

tax changes to support the Smart Economy include an improved R&D tax credit, new tax arrangements for IP, tax incentives for start-up companies and to encourage venture capital companies to locate in Ireland;

the Innovation Alliance announced by Trinity and UCD to create a critical mass of research activity and dramatically increase the commercialisation of research outputs;

major new technology initiatives to support the Smart Economy including, development of a new International Content Services Centre and making Ireland the leading location for energy efficient data centres, like the Microsoft Centre I opened last September;

a smart metering initiative is being rolled out and there is an electric vehicles plan to have 10% of all vehicles powered by electricity by 2020. Progress is also being made towards our ambitious renewable energy target of 40% by 2020, including investment in new ocean wave technology research;

the Green Enterprise Group has reported with detailed proposals for the creation of new jobs and businesses in the Greentech area. As a result of that report, we are pressing ahead with ideas like the Green IFSC and Green Enterprise Zones; and the home insulation initiative which delivered in over 30,000 homes in 2009 is being increased dramatically with new funding for 2010.

a review of our Capital Programme to realign our capital investment — which is still over 5% of GNP — with the goals of the Smart Economy has been undertaken and as a result we will invest over €600m in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation this year, even at a time of great budgetary pressure.

The Smart Economy Framework is a comprehensive strategy, covering not just innovation and R&D, but all aspects of our economic renewal strategy. The Government expects to publish an overall progress report within the next month. Responsibility for individual measures rests with relevant Ministers, to whom any specific questions should be directed.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Question:

143 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of agencies under his remit who process entitlement payments; the number of staff who process entitlement payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48253/09]

None of the agencies under the remit of my Department process entitlement payments.

Richard Bruton

Question:

144 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in carrying out inspections; the number of staff involved in the carrying out of inspections broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48270/09]

None of the agencies under the remit of my Department carry out inspections.

Richard Bruton

Question:

145 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of agencies under his remit that have a role in the issuing of licences; the number of staff involved in the issuing of licences broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48287/09]

None of the agencies under the remit of my Department have a role in issuing licences.

Richard Bruton

Question:

146 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the agencies under his remit who have a role in the collection of payments; the number of staff involved in the collection of payments broken down by agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48304/09]

None of the agencies under the remit of my Department have a role in the collection of payments.

Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 139.
Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 142.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 135.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

150 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress made in establishing the innovation fund Ireland as proposed in Building Ireland’s Smart Economy; the total outlays from this fund to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47884/09]

Introduction of ‘Innovation Fund Ireland' is a commitment of Building Ireland’s Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewaland the Renewed Programme for Government. It aims to ensure greater availability of venture capital to help achieve our vision for transforming Ireland into the innovation and commercialisation hub of Europe by supporting innovative SMEs and help scale indigenous companies. It is also an objective to use the Fund to help attract leading Venture Capital companies to locate their European operations here.

Since the fund was announced the relevant Departments and Agencies have been working to design a detailed structure for establishing the Fund, which raises a number of complex issues which need to be resolved.

In particular, we want to ensure the design and operation of the Fund best reflects inputs from people with experience of venture capital markets, including the members of the Innovation Taskforce.

As agreed in the recent programme for Government, market testing is underway to engage with potential participants amongst US and other relevant Venture Capital companies as well as other Stakeholders. This process which should be completed towards the end of this month will provide the basis for putting the most suitable legal and financial structures in place to operationalise the Fund.

It is important to recognise that the Innovation Fund is just one aspect of the overall strategy to increase a world class innovation system, so it is important that it is brought forward as part of a coherent approach. For example, it will complement the existing seed and venture funds operated by Enterprise Ireland as well as the forthcoming Report of the Innovation Taskforce.

Live Register.

George Lee

Question:

151 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on the live register in September 2007 broken down by gender in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48483/09]

George Lee

Question:

152 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged 15 years to 24 years on the live register in September 2007 broken down by gender in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48484/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.

The following table contains live register information as requested for each geographical county. It should be noted that the Live Register includes only those aged 17 years and over.

Total persons and persons under 25 on the Live Register by County and Sex, September 2007

County

Males Under 25

Females Under 25

All persons under 25

Total Males

Total Females

Total Persons

Cavan

303

239

542

1,479

1,040

2,519

Donegal

1,018

795

1813

4,931

3,439

8,370

Leitrim

121

100

221

745

564

1,309

Louth

881

521

1402

4,073

2,565

6,638

Monaghan

235

194

429

1,248

900

2,148

Sligo

275

172

447

1,225

690

1,915

Laoighis

315

244

559

1,417

1,012

2,429

Longford

303

202

505

1,403

864

2,267

Offaly

376

310

686

1,790

1,276

3,066

Westmeath

533

394

927

2,284

1,717

4,001

Galway

1,126

861

1987

5,535

3,864

9,399

Mayo

542

386

928

2,898

1,940

4,838

Roscommon

185

100

285

852

558

1,410

Dublin

5,278

3,065

8343

26,136

14,386

40,522

Kildare

687

460

1147

3,324

2,411

5,735

Meath

328

249

577

1,820

1,361

3,181

Wicklow

549

299

848

2,726

1,653

4,379

Clare

461

301

762

2,329

1,745

4,074

Limerick

1,002

744

1746

4,662

2,733

7,395

North Tipperary

257

199

456

1,255

996

2,251

Carlow

292

246

538

1,336

937

2,273

Kilkenny

311

229

540

1,520

959

2,479

South Tipperary

404

293

697

1,821

1,142

2,963

Waterford

792

498

1290

3,838

2,363

6,201

Wexford

793

644

1437

3,822

2,883

6,705

Cork

1,867

1,207

3074

10,029

6,198

16,227

Kerry

616

438

1054

3,517

2,441

5,958

George Lee

Question:

153 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on the live register in the areas of Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council, Waterford City Council, Waterford County Council, Cork City Council and Cork County Council in September 2007 and September 2009 broken down by gender in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48485/09]

George Lee

Question:

154 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged 15 to 24 years on the live register in the areas of Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council, Waterford City Council, Waterford County Council, Cork City Council and Cork County Council in September 2007 and September 2009 broken down by gender in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48486/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.

The basis of the area classification used in the collection of Live Register data is the Department of Social and Family Affairs local office of registration. The areas served by Local Employment Offices do not correspond to specific geographic boundaries. Therefore, registrants at a given local office do not necessarily come from a particular region or area which can be precisely delineated. For example, the figure for the Cork City Local Office of Registration refers to all persons signing on in the Cork city office but may include persons resident outside the boundaries of Cork City. Consequently data from the Live Register are not considered to provide an exact breakdown of claimants by local authority administrative areas.

The following table contains Live Register information for each local social welfare office in the counties and cities requested, with a breakdown by gender and the age group under 25 years. For that age group, it should be noted that the Live Register includes only those aged 17 years and over.

Total persons and persons under 25 on the Live Register by County and Local Office, September 2007 and September 2009

Month

Male Under 25

Total Male

Female Under 25

Total Female

Total Persons All ages

Galway County

Sep-07

1,126

5,535

861

3,864

9,399

Sep-09

3,240

15,477

1,992

8,729

24,206

Ballinasloe

Sep-07

137

568

85

351

919

Sep-09

379

1,653

194

828

2,481

Clifden

Sep-07

70

362

51

222

584

Sep-09

132

706

90

373

1,079

Galway City

Sep-07

664

3,285

521

2,168

5,453

Sep-09

1,826

8,533

1,230

4,994

13,527

Gort

Sep-07

45

254

39

285

539

Sep-09

153

846

71

513

1,359

Loughrea

Sep-07

81

397

70

325

722

Sep-09

277

1,512

185

918

2,430

Tuam

Sep-07

129

669

95

513

1,182

Sep-09

473

2,227

222

1,103

3,330

Dublin County

Sep-07

5,278

26,136

3,065

14,386

40,522

Sep-09

13,709

68,533

7,950

34,546

103,079

Nth Cumberland Street

Sep-07

609

3,178

378

1,837

5,015

Sep-09

..

..

..

..

..

Navan Road

Sep-07

294

1,721

208

852

2,573

Sep-09

761

4,325

502

2,209

6,534

Thomas Street

Sep-07

257

1,535

141

589

2,124

Sep-09

508

3,022

299

1,325

4,347

Apollo House (Tara Street)

Sep-07

97

729

59

362

1,091

Sep-09

298

1,780

165

1,075

2,855

Ballymun

Sep-07

279

1,008

152

491

1,499

Sep-09

524

1,949

297

856

2,805

Kilbarrack

Sep-07

238

1,334

108

777

2,111

Sep-09

726

3,520

340

1,720

5,240

Ballyfermot

Sep-07

256

922

131

383

1,305

Sep-09

651

2,297

321

854

3,151

Finglas

Sep-07

394

1,541

196

774

2,315

Sep-09

921

4,137

493

1,847

5,984

Bishop Square

Sep-07

365

2,302

204

1,118

3,420

Sep-09

1,032

5,858

659

3,013

8,871

Blanchardstown

Sep-07

421

2,091

306

1,383

3,474

Sep-09

1,115

5,661

677

3,023

8,684

Coolock

Sep-07

321

1,489

201

840

2,329

Sep-09

850

3,617

444

1,707

5,324

Kings Inn Street

Sep-07

..

..

..

..

..

Sep-09

905

5,136

591

2,492

7,628

Tallaght

Sep-07

617

2,492

344

1,244

3,736

Sep-09

1,554

6,786

886

2,886

9,672

Clondalkin

Sep-07

602

2,367

355

1,327

3,694

Sep-09

1,411

6,653

854

3,120

9,773

Nutgrove (Rathfarnham)

Sep-07

170

1,039

91

844

1,883

Sep-09

582

3,237

302

2,005

5,242

Balbriggan

Sep-07

141

864

109

607

1,471

Sep-09

562

3,048

329

1,692

4,740

Swords

Sep-07

..

..

..

..

..

Sep-09

485

2,679

321

1,638

4,317

Dun Laoghaire

Sep-07

217

1,524

82

958

2,482

Sep-09

824

4,828

470

3,084

7,912

Limerick County

Sep-07

1,002

4,662

744

2,733

7,395

Sep-09

2,930

14,247

1,686

6,941

21,188

Kilmallock

Sep-07

102

495

75

327

822

Sep-09

404

1,691

182

843

2,534

Limerick City

Sep-07

772

3,549

543

1,977

5,526

Sep-09

2,067

10,222

1,245

4,986

15,208

Newcastle West

Sep-07

128

618

126

429

1,047

Sep-09

459

2,334

259

1,112

3,446

Waterford County

Sep-07

792

3,838

498

2,363

6,201

Sep-09

1,909

9,681

1,167

4,934

14,615

Dungarvan

Sep-07

80

564

50

334

898

Sep-09

288

1,486

170

700

2,186

Waterford City

Sep-07

712

3,274

448

2,029

5,303

Sep-09

1,621

8,195

997

4,234

12,429

Cork County

Sep-07

1,867

10,029

1,207

6,198

16,227

Sep-09

5,350

28,903

2,974

14,660

43,563

Bandon

Sep-07

59

349

31

224

573

Sep-09

190

1,087

86

457

1,544

Bantry

Sep-07

11

152

13

150

302

Sep-09

137

722

58

452

1,174

Bantry (SWLO)

Sep-07

5

50

2

73

123

Sep-09

39

178

15

133

311

Carrigaline

Sep-07

62

412

41

265

677

Sep-09

274

1,614

120

848

2,462

Clonakilty

Sep-07

25

222

26

252

474

Sep-09

106

798

66

499

1,297

Cobh

Sep-07

52

233

31

131

364

Sep-09

124

653

63

358

1,011

Cork City

Sep-07

1,158

5,399

653

2,559

7,958

Sep-09

2,681

13,604

1,541

6,398

20,002

Dunmanway

Sep-07

19

92

14

109

201

Sep-09

..

..

..

..

..

Fermoy

Sep-07

120

592

76

408

1,000

Sep-09

347

1,697

190

882

2,579

Kinsale

Sep-07

14

237

25

313

550

Sep-09

91

771

71

575

1,346

Macroom

Sep-07

37

271

30

246

517

Sep-09

227

1,167

108

559

1,726

Mallow

Sep-07

97

529

70

290

819

Sep-09

338

1,713

190

784

2,497

Midleton

Sep-07

84

631

72

428

1,059

Sep-09

259

1,985

158

1,072

3,057

Newmarket

Sep-07

47

275

46

216

491

Sep-09

221

1,173

115

601

1,774

Skibbereen

Sep-07

24

169

17

184

353

Sep-09

141

700

76

432

1,132

Youghal

Sep-07

53

416

60

350

766

Sep-09

175

1,041

117

610

1,651

1State figures for September 2009 have been revised but revisions have not yet been applied to data contained in this table.

George Lee

Question:

155 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons in the labour force broken down by gender in each county according to the 2006 Census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48487/09]

The Census of Population 2006 shows the number of people in the Labour Force as 2,109,498 on Census Night. The table shows the breakdown by gender and County.

Persons, males and females aged 15 years and over in the Labour force in each County and City, 2006

Geographic Area

In the Labour Force

Persons

Males

Females

Carlow

24,337

14,569

9,768

Dublin

629,001

345,939

283,062

of which

Dublin City

274,310

149,691

124,619

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

92,836

50,751

42,085

Fingal

130,816

72,711

58,105

South Dublin

131,039

72,786

58,253

Kildare

97,719

56,378

41,341

Kilkenny

43,042

25,191

17,851

Laois

32,643

19,449

13,194

Longford

16,400

9,864

6,536

Louth

54,140

31,188

22,952

Meath

83,920

49,395

34,525

Offaly

34,134

20,417

13,717

Westmeath

38,649

22,492

16,157

Wexford

61,782

36,767

25,015

Wicklow

62,369

36,143

26,226

Clare

54,775

32,087

22,688

Cork

232,873

136,119

96,754

of which

Cork City

55,296

31,333

23,963

Cork County

177,577

104,786

72,791

Kerry

66,576

39,482

27,094

Limerick

88,566

51,613

36,953

of which

Limerick City

24,482

13,930

10,552

Limerick County

64,084

37,683

26,401

North Tipperary

31,733

18,951

12,782

South Tipperary

39,174

23,379

15,795

Waterford

51,424

29,751

21,673

of which

Waterford City

22,176

12,528

9,648

Waterford County

29,248

17,223

12,025

Galway

114,403

65,720

48,683

of which

Galway City

37,883

20,149

17,734

Galway County

76,520

45,571

30,949

Leitrim

13,781

8,181

5,600

Mayo

57,517

34,073

23,444

Roscommon

27,556

16,594

10,962

Sligo

29,545

16,607

12,938

Cavan

30,840

18,735

12,105

Donegal

65,092

38,356

26,736

Monaghan

27,507

16,427

11,080

State

2,109,498

1,213,867

895,631

Parliamentary Counsel.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

156 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if the recruitment of Parliamentary Counsel from other jurisdictions has raised any difficulties in achieving a uniform drafting style for legislation. [48538/09]

A small number of Parliamentary Counsel from other jurisdictions have been recruited to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government to provide legislative drafting assistance given the historical lack of qualified drafters in the State. They are all experienced in their home jurisdictions and are carefully chosen by the senior staff in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government having regard to their experience and expertise. They are required to conform to the same drafting conventions and legal requirements of all parliamentary counsel working in that Office.

Labour Force Statistics.

George Lee

Question:

157 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the labour force in the third quarter 2007 broken down by gender and region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48581/09]

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates relating to the labour force. The data requested by the Deputy are presented in the table in respect of the third quarter of 2007.

Labour Force Estimates by Sex and Region, Quarter 3 2007

In Employment ’000

Unemployed ’000

In Labour Force ’000

Unemployment Rate (%)

Participation Rate (%)

Q3 2007

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Border

129.0

93.8

222.8

8.7

5.1

13.8

137.7

98.9

236.6

6.3

5.1

5.8

71.6

51.7

61.6

Midland

75.8

51.2

127.0

2.6

2.2

4.9

78.4

53.4

131.9

3.4

4.2

3.7

76.2

52.3

64.3

West

120.8

85.0

205.8

5.2

4.9

10.0

126.0

89.9

215.9

4.1

5.4

4.7

74.4

53.2

63.8

Dublin

341.9

285.0

626.9

19.5

10.2

29.7

361.4

295.2

656.6

5.4

3.5

4.5

74.6

58.1

66.1

Mid-East

147.4

109.8

257.2

6.2

4.3

10.5

153.6

114.1

267.7

4.1

3.7

3.9

78.8

58.8

68.8

Mid-West

100.8

71.6

172.4

6.0

4.1

10.1

106.8

75.7

182.5

5.6

5.4

5.5

73.0

52.0

62.5

South-East

131.4

93.6

225.1

7.0

5.0

12.0

138.5

98.6

237.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

73.0

52.5

62.8

South-West

178.7

133.9

312.6

6.9

5.3

12.3

185.7

139.2

324.9

3.7

3.8

3.8

73.2

54.6

63.8

State

1,225.9

923.9

2,149.8

62.2

41.1

103.3

1,288.1

965.0

2,253.1

4.8

4.3

4.6

74.3

55.0

64.6

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar, q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

George Lee

Question:

158 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the details of the labour force in the third quarter 2009 broken down by gender and region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1038/10]

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates relating to the labour force. The data requested by the Deputy are presented in the table in respect of the third quarter of 2009.

Persons aged 15 years and over in employment, unemployed, in labour force, unemployment rate and participation rate by region and sex — Q3 2009

In Employment ’000

Unemployed ’000

In Labour Force ’000

Unemployment Rate (%)

Participation Rate (%)

Q3 2009

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Border

107.6

89.2

196.8

23.4

8.6

31.9

131.0

97.7

228.7

17.8

8.8

14.0

66.9

49.4

58.1

Midland

61.3

48.6

109.9

13.7

5.2

18.9

75.0

53.9

128.8

18.3

9.7

14.7

71.2

51.4

61.3

West

101.7

87.0

188.7

19.6

11.1

30.7

121.4

98.1

219.4

16.2

11.3

14.0

71.5

56.6

63.9

Dublin

290.6

262.8

553.4

46.1

22.5

68.5

336.7

285.2

621.9

13.7

7.9

11.0

71.1

56.7

63.7

Mid-East

130.8

103.9

234.7

21.8

10.1

31.9

152.6

114.0

266.5

14.3

8.9

12.0

76.2

56.2

66.1

Mid-West

83.9

69.7

153.6

17.8

6.8

24.5

101.7

76.5

178.2

17.5

8.8

13.8

69.0

52.4

60.7

South-East

110.4

92.1

202.5

24.6

11.6

36.1

135.0

103.6

238.6

18.2

11.2

15.1

69.9

52.6

61.2

South-West

153.7

129.2

282.9

25.1

12.1

37.2

178.8

141.3

320.1

14.0

8.6

11.6

70.6

53.8

62.0

State

1,040.0

882.4

1,922.4

192.0

87.9

279.8

1,232.0

970.3

2,202.3

15.6

9.1

12.7

70.9

54.3

62.5

Data may be subject to future revision.

Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.

Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar, q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 141.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

160 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the purpose of the hire of a hotel room (details supplied) on 30 September 2008 and two rooms on 11 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1379/10]

As the Stewards House, Farmleigh was not available to the Taoiseach on the dates in question, the costs incurred relate to the Taoiseach being unable to return home due to Dáil and other official commitments.

Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 1.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

162 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1516/10]

The receipt by office holders of gifts of goods or services is regulated by the Ethics in Public Office Acts. Issues of compliance with the Acts are matters for the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPOC). The particular arrangements to be observed by office holders in respect of gifts of goods or services are set out in the Code of Conduct for Office Holders issued by the SIPOC.

Statements made annually by office holders must include all gifts of goods and services which exceed €650 in value. These statements are published in Iris Oifigiúil and are available on the Houses of the Oireachtas website. Records are not maintained by my Department in relation to gifts of lesser value received from time to time.

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 139.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

164 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2174/10]

In accordance with the business needs of my Department, divisions and sections change from time to time. The tables give a breakdown of the staff working in the various divisions in my Department since 2007 to date in 2010. As statistics in relation to whole time equivalent staff numbers in my Department are compiled at the end of each calendar month, the current position is as at 31st December, 2009.

Position as at 31st December, 2007

Divisional breakdown (Department of the Taoiseach)

Staff Numbers (whole-time equivalent)

Government Secretariat and related

37.0

Private Offices (Taoiseach, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State Roche)

39.5

Northern Ireland

7.0

European and International Affairs

11.0

Economic and Social Policy

12.5

Social Partnership

12.5

Public Service Modernisation

21.5

The Knowledge Society and eGovernment

9.0

Corporate Services

69.8

Position as at 31st December, 2008

Divisional breakdown (Department of the Taoiseach)

Staff Numbers (whole-time equivalent)

Government Secretariat and related

33.3

Private Offices (Taoiseach, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State Roche)

40.8

Northern Ireland

9.5

European and International Affairs

18.4

Economic and Social Policy

17.8

Social Partnership

9.0

Public Service Modernisation

18.5

Corporate Services

64.6

Position as at 31st December, 2009

Divisional breakdown (Department of the Taoiseach)

Staff Numbers (whole-time equivalent)

Government Secretariat and related

39.6

Private Offices (Taoiseach, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State Roche)

34.8

Northern Ireland

9.9

European and International Affairs

8.6

Economic and Social Policy

10.3

Social Partnership

8.6

Public Service Modernisation

21.5

Corporate Services

64.8

Census of Population.

David Stanton

Question:

165 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach when he will publish call for tenders for printing of the census 2011 forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/10]

The printing contract for the 2011 census was part of a comprehensive census tender which was published on etenders in April 2009. The tender covered the software solution for the processing system, which was based on the system used for the 2006 census, the provision, installation and commissioning of the necessary hardware to carry out the processing and the printing of the census forms and enumerator record books. Following an open public tender the contract was awarded to a UK company, CACI UK Ltd in July 2009. The printing of the census forms and enumerator record books was sub-contracted by CACI to an Irish based printer DCK Ebrook.

Job Losses.

Finian McGrath

Question:

166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (details supplied). [48329/09]

While the decision of SR Technics to move operations from Ireland is regrettable, the relocation of companies, and with them jobs, is a reality of the modern global economic environment for a highly developed economy such as Ireland. This shift in the structure of international trade poses challenges to economic policy makers in all developed countries, not just Ireland. It must be remembered that Ireland also experiences the benefits resulting from globalisation as new markets and business opportunities open up for Irish companies.

The Government, through IDA Ireland, is committed to continued marketing of Ireland as a location for companies interested in establishing aircraft maintenance and aviation engineering businesses. The decision by Aer Lingus to undertake line maintenance operations, previously contracted to SR Technics, is a commercial decision, which is solely a matter for Aer Lingus. As regards any financial assistance provided to a company for establishment of operations in Malta or any Member State, the application and monitoring of exemptions to the general prohibition on State Aid in the EC Treaty rests exclusively with the European Commission.

The current Irish law in the area of "transfer of undertakings" is the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 — Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 131 of 2003. The Regulations implement the mandatory (i.e. mandatory to transpose) provisions of EU Council Directive 2001/23/EC of 12 March 2001 which is aimed at safeguarding the rights of employees in the event of a transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business to another employer as a result of a legal transfer (including the assignment or forfeiture of a lease) or merger. Section 21 of the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006 transposed a provision of the European Directive relating to the information to be provided by the original employer to the new employer.

Complaints relating to alleged contravention of the Regulations on Transfer of Undertakings can be brought in the first instance to a Rights Commissioner and, on appeal, to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. An application to a Rights Commissioner can be made by the employee, or by a representative (including a trade union representative) by contacting the Rights Commissioner Service of the Labour Relations Commission, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, or phone 01 6136700.

Community Employment Schemes.

Martin Ferris

Question:

167 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason community employment schemes are having their wages cut by 5.5% in comparison to cuts in jobseeker’s allowance for those of that age group at 4.1%. [48465/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

169 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the reduction in community employment scheme payment was higher than the cut in jobseeker’s allowance in view of the disincentive this may be to those who are working on the scheme (details supplied). [2002/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 169 together.

The Community Employment Scheme participant payments are comprised of their Social Welfare entitlement and a weekly allowance. The Jobseeker's Allowance was reduced by 4.1% in the December budget while the CE allowance was reduced by from €24.40 to €20 per week. The cuts in CE were necessary to fund increased activation measures in 2010 including an additional 500 CE places to bring the total number of CE places to 23,300.

National Minimum Wage.

Mary Upton

Question:

168 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will give a commitment that the minimum wage will not be targeted as part of an agenda to drive down wages here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48603/09]

The Government continues to monitor wage movements in the labour market, and related developments in Employment Regulation Orders, Registered Employment Agreements and Social Welfare rates, so as to ensure that the National Minimum Wage, at its current rate, is not having an adverse effect on vulnerable workers and enterprises in a time of rising unemployment and declining nominal wages.

The guiding principles that inform adjustments to the level of National Minimum Wage under the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, require account to be taken of the likely impact of any proposed change on employment, unemployment, overall economic conditions and national competitiveness.

Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 167.

Departmental Expenditure.

George Lee

Question:

170 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 17 November 2009, if further details are now available; when she expects examination and collation of the returns received in October 2009 to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48241/09]

The Government Decision of 19 May 2009 regarding the reduction of payment periods by Government Departments to 15 days included a requirement for Departments to report quarterly to my Department on their performance in meeting this target. These reports are to be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the end of the quarter. The Reports provide details of invoices paid within 15 days, between 16 and 30 days and over 30 days. The first returns by Departments cover the period 15 June to 30 September 2009.

Tables 1 and 2 contain the payment details received from Government Departments. In summary, these returns show a total of 62,860 payments were made by Departments in the above period amounting to €1.92bn; 49,890 payments totalling approximately €1.76bn were paid within 15 days. These payments represent 80 % of total payments made by Departments; in value terms 91% were paid within 15 days. A further 17% or almost 11,000 payments were made between 16 and 30 days and overall, 97% of payments during the period amounting to €1.86bn were paid within 30 days. Although there was some variation between the performances of individual Departments, 5 Departments were paying in excess of 90% of invoices within 15 days, a further 7 Departments were paying in excess of 83% of invoices within 15 days, while the remaining three had paid almost 50% of their payments within 15 days.

Some 9 Departments had paid between 98% and 100% of their invoices within 30 days and a further 5 had paid between 93% and 96% of their invoices within 30 days, while the remaining Department had paid 87% of invoices within 30 days. It is evident from the returns received, that Departments are playing their parts in assisting the cash flow of their suppliers, many of whom are Small and Medium Enterprises. The new procedures and processes introduced are having an impact in assisting Irish SMEs cash flow in the current difficult economic environment and I welcome this development. Future quarterly returns will show the overall consistency of Departments in meeting the 15-day payment requirement and any changes in the performance of individual Departments.

Prompt Payment Figures From Returns from Government Departments For the Period 15 June 2009-30 September 2009

TABLE 1

Government Departments

% No. of payments within 15 days

No. of Payments within 15 days

% of overall Total value paid within 15 days

Value of Payments within 15 days

%

%

Transport

98

4,348

100

685,528,088

Health and Children

98

1,278

100

122,705,387

Defence

92

9,959

90

34,978,685

Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

91

645

94

1,622,023

Finance

91

890

92

4,988,640

Agriculture, Fisheries & Food

89

10,220

88

23,839,408

Arts, Sport & Tourism

87

500

98

4,644,701

Foreign Affairs

87

1,732

86

7,259,005

Enterprise, Trade and Employment

85

1,699

99

41,989,012

Education and Science

85

4,734

98

181,848,232

Environment, Heritage and Local Government

84

5646

73

354,502,221

Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

84

969

98

115,587,358

Social and Family Affairs

52

3,137

96

130,055,768

Taoiseach

47

233

80

2,069,541

Justice, Equality & Law Reform

45

3,900

88

43,708,489

Total

49,890

1,755,326,559

TABLE 2

Government Departments

No. of payments within 30 days

No. of payments within 30 days

Value of overall total value paid within 30 days

Value of payments within 30 days

%

%

Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

100

703

100

1,721,903

Transport

100

4,425

100

686,005,133

Health and Children

100

1,303

100

122,755,401

Arts, Sport & Tourism

99

570

100

4,732,167

Finance

99

970

99

5,395,130

Agriculture, Fisheries & Food

99

11,317

99

26,802,795

Foreign Affairs

98

1,958

99

8,340,111

Justice, Equality & Law Reform

98

8,407

100

49,335,544

Defence

98

10,665

95

37,169,992

Environment, Heritage and Local Government

96

6,479

89

433,939,549

Education and Science

96

5,346

100

184,765,623

Enterprise, Trade and Employment

95

1,913

100

42,435,723

Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

94

1,088

100

117,835,278

Taoiseach

93

459

99

2,544,361

Social and Family Affairs

87

5,226

99

135,341,483

Total

60,829

1,859,120,192

Departmental Investigations.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

171 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 3 of 17 September 2009, if the report mentioned was sent to the bodies concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48242/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

172 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 3 of 17 September 2009, if the report mentioned was sent to the bodies concerned; if not, the reason for same; and if this will now be rectified. [48246/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.

I can advise the Deputy that the position as outlined in the reply given on 17 September last remains largely unchanged. As outlined at that time, following the successful appeal to the Supreme Court in this case, judgment was issued on 30th April 2009. The final step in the legal process is the granting of a final perfected Order by the Supreme Court which the Court asked the Minister to prepare. A draft Order has been prepared and is with the Office of the Chief State Solicitors Office for presentation to the Supreme Court. The Order, when perfected, will contain the definitive list of the parties to whom the report may be circulated. I am therefore not currently in a position to circulate this report until the Order has been perfected. Upon delivery of the perfected Order, I will ensure that the contents of the report are promptly brought to the attention of the parties specified in the Order.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

173 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Civil Service staff in her Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48312/09]

Some 1,056 civil servants are currently employed in my Department and the Offices under its aegis. This equates to 988.98 in fulltime equivalent terms. A number of the staff of my Department have studied economics, or economics-related subjects, prior to joining the Department. As my Department does not currently have a comprehensive record of the educational qualifications achieved by staff prior to joining the Department, I am not, therefore, in a position to answer the question fully at present. However, it is envisaged that a comprehensive skills audit of the staff of my Department will be undertaken in the near future as part of the development of longer-term workforce planning in the Department.

Information on the number of staff whose qualifications in economics were funded by my Department is given below. In common with other Government Departments, my Department operates the Refund of Fees Scheme. Under the Scheme, fees for approved courses of study undertaken by staff members in their own time are repaid on successfully completing their examinations. Courses are approved based on their relevance to the business needs of the Department. The number of staff currently working in the Department who have attained third-level qualifications in which economics formed part of the course of studies, and who were refunded their course fees by the Department is as follows:

Number

Primary Degree

35

Post-graduate qualification

5

Ph D

Nil

In addition, my Department has sponsored 15 staff to participate in the Diploma and M.Sc programmes in economic policy analysis. To date 8 staff have successfully completed the Diploma programme and 7 staff have completed the M Sc programme. The Department also has access to considerable economic expertise through its Agencies such as Forfás, IDA and Enterprise Ireland. Economics is but one of the areas of expertise required to assist the Department to achieve its strategic mission. Consequently, my Department has sponsored its staff to pursue relevant qualifications across the range of studies relevant to the work of the Department.

National Minimum Wage.

Finian McGrath

Question:

174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (details supplied). [48331/09]

The matter referred to in the Deputy's question is a call from the Restaurant Association of Ireland for the abolition of the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) system and the reduction in the minimum wage in the Catering sector to €8.65 per hour. The Government is committed to upholding the arrangements for the making of the Employment Regulation Orders under the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) system. The Government has undertaken to provide for the modernisation of the existing system through the implementation of a series of measures, including the introduction of new legislation. This commitment is being met within the framework of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009 which has recently passed all stages in the Seanad.

It is the parties represented on a JLC that are best placed to address the impact of the economic crisis on employment levels and the viability of services in the relevant sector. This shared capacity for co-operation has already been demonstrated by the employer and trade union interest in the catering sector when agreement was reached in 2009 to fix a uniform set of terms and conditions in the sector, including the harmonisation of the Sunday premium to time plus one third.

I intend to bring forward proposals to include in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009 a provision providing for the inclusion of an inability to pay provision in future Employment Regulation Orders. I consider such a provision to be necessary in order to reconcile the current demands of both trade unions and employers through continuing to modernise and streamline the JLC system, while also alleviating the pressures that employers facing financial difficulty currently experience. The final details of this provision have still to be settled and I intend to introduce an amendment to the Bill in the Dáil to give effect to this objective.

Job Creation.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

175 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State aided jobs which have been created in County Meath since 1998; the breakdown of same by job description and location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48350/09]

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the industrial development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. Therefore, information on individual locations or breakdown by job description is not available. As companies provide data on a confidential basis, for statistical purposes only, information on individual companies is not disclosed for reasons of client confidentiality. Details of the number of IDA supported jobs created in County Meath, for the period in question is set out in the following tabular statement.

Enterprise Ireland monitors the employment trends in the companies it supports through the Annual Employment Survey, conducted in conjunction with Forfás. The results of this survey are released each January. In 2009 total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies in County Meath was 3,787. Enterprise Ireland does not collect statistics on employment by job description, and employment numbers are collected on a county basis only. Gross employment gains by Enterprise Ireland client companies in County Meath, for the period in question, are illustrated in the following tabular statement.

Statistical information on job creation in companies supported by the County Enterprise Boards is held by the Department on an individual board basis rather than by specific locations within the Board's locality. Figures in respect of 2009 will not be available until early February 2010. Statistical information in relation to jobs created in companies supported by Meath County Enterprise Board, for the period in question is presented in the following tabular statement.

Jobs created in IDA supported companies in County Meath 1998-2009

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

114

116

145

73

62

35

65

149

55

111

83

24

Jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in County Meath 1998-2009

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

363

313

722

483

260

507

405

597

973

396

282

291

Net number of jobs created in CEB supported companies in County Meath 1998-2009

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Total 1998-2008

243

139

259

-15

148

-128

46

92

84.5

2

-39

830.5

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

176 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State aided jobs which have been created in County Louth since 1998; the breakdown of same by job description and location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48351/09]

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the industrial development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. Therefore, information on individual locations or breakdown by job description is not available. As companies provide data on a confidential basis, for statistical purposes only, information on individual companies is not disclosed for reasons of client confidentiality. Details of the number of IDA supported jobs created in County Louth, for the period in question is set out in the following tabular statement.

Enterprise Ireland monitors the employment trends in the companies it supports through the Annual Employment Survey, conducted in conjunction with Forfás. The results of this survey are released each January. In 2009 total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies in County Louth was 4,541. Enterprise Ireland does not collect statistics on employment by job description, and employment numbers are collected on a county basis only. Gross employment gains by Enterprise Ireland client companies in County Louth, for the period in question, are illustrated in the following tabular statement.

Statistical information on job creation in companies supported by the County Enterprise Boards is held by the Department on an individual board basis rather than by specific locations within the Board's locality. Figures in respect of 2009 will not be available until early February 2010. Statistical information in relation to jobs created in companies supported by Louth County Enterprise Board, for the period in question is presented in the following tabular statement.

Jobs created in IDA supported companies in County Louth 1998-2009

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

162

351

1012

155

179

39

101

150

289

198

121

34

Jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in County Louth 1998-2009

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

579

319

268

537

269

214

508

469

427

661

447

318

Net number of jobs created in CEB supported companies in County Louth 1998-2009

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Total 1998-2008

179

182

258

-11

189

45

78

220

54

-95

14.5

1,112.5

Job Losses.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

177 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect to receive their state redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48551/09]

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 15 September 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This claim awaits processing. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from April 2009 and those filed online from May 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 July 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 2009 of 77,001. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for 2008 (40,607) by 90% 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. There has also been 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), with the centre having 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 we are currently looking at ways in which additional resources can be allocated to the area in the first quarter of 2010.

Job Creation.

Mary Upton

Question:

178 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to develop a hub for game development here; her further plans to explore this area as part of the smart economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48607/09]

Enterprise Ireland is the lead government agency responsible for the development of indigenous enterprise. It supports companies employing 10 or more people and start-up companies which have the potential to employ 10 or more people and reach or exceed €1m in exports over three years. Enterprise Ireland offers a comprehensive range of services, including both financial and non-financial supports, to companies with a business strategy that encompasses the elements required for business success.

Enterprise Ireland has been very active in the digital sector through ongoing funding support for third level institutions, start-up companies and also established and scaling companies. Enterprise Ireland has labelled the digital sector TIME (Telecom Internet Media and Edutainment). The sector consists of approximately 350 EI client companies and growing. Approximately 60 companies have a high profile having closed significant deals (between €200k and €12m) with telecom operators, such as Telefonica, Sprint and Vodafone and also with media/entertainment companies including Nickelodeon, CBBC, Disney and Facebook. The establishment of Facebook's European headquarters here in Ireland, follows the positive trend set by Google, Microsoft, eBay and Intel.

In relation to developing a hub for game development, Enterprise Ireland has funded or co-funded the majority of incubator/hub space in Ireland for early stage business. Incubator space for start-ups in the Gaming/Entertainment sector is focused in Dublin and provided by the Digital Depot located in Thomas St and Media Cube in Dun Laoghaire's Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Both centres provide spaces for over 50 digital related companies. Other incubator centres around Ireland have assisted in developing successful digital companies over the last number of years.

However, while the prospect of a dedicated hub focused on just gaming/entertainment has been investigated, the Digital Hub approach appears to be the preferred approach at the moment. Enterprise Ireland will continue to monitor and influence changes in strategic focus of the digital hubs as new business models emerge. Enterprise Ireland's new Software Strategy document (launched in 2009) has highlighted the importance of specific clusters with internet/gaming clusters as one of the clusters highlighted for growth. Enterprise Ireland continues to support the games sector in Ireland and actively engages with the companies involved with regard to clustering and sectoral development.

Semi-State Bodies.

James Bannon

Question:

179 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether it appropriate that the new chief executive officer of FÁS should be given a €60,000 car; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48614/09]

The Director General of FÁS is provided with a car by FÁS in accordance with the terms of his contract of employment.

Job Creation.

Joe McHugh

Question:

180 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a possible enterprise start-up (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1007/10]

My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses.

Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing micro-enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of priming, expansion/development and feasibility/innovation grants. In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow. All of the CEBs operate to the same criteria in relation to the assistance which they can offer i.e. they can support the establishment and/or the development of enterprises provided that the projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability and which over time may develop into strong exporting entities.

However, I would stress that priority is given to projects in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It is considered inappropriate to support other areas such as retail enterprises, personal services (e.g. hairdressers, gardeners, etc), professional services (accountants, solicitors, etc) lacking export potential, construction, as it is considered that these enterprises generally give rise to unacceptable deadweight (where projects would have proceeded anyway) and/or displacement (where the projects simply displace business from other players in the market) concerns.

In order to more fully explore the range of options that may be available to them the company are advised to contact their local CEB to discuss their business needs with the relevant staff of the Board. Contact details for individual CEBs can be found by accessing the following website: www.enterpriseboards.ie.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

181 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 12 November 2009, the further discussion she has had with the industrial development agencies with a view to securing replacement jobs in the Waterford Constituency. [1014/10]

As stated in my previous reply, IDA Ireland continues to actively promote the Waterford region to overseas investors. Currently there are 31 IDA Ireland supported companies in Waterford City and County employing approximately 5,960 people. Clear evidence of a transition to more knowledge based and higher value activity is seen in the resilience of companies such as Bausch & Lomb, Honeywell, and GlaxoSmithKline, as well as newer additions to the county's portfolio, such as Citi Hedge Fund Services, Genzyme and Sun Life Financial.

Key interventions in support of attracting investment in recent years have been the development of the Waterford Business & Technology Park (28 hectares), the Dungarvan Business Park (additional 14 hectares developed) and a large scale 55 hectare Greenfield site in Belview, specifically targeted for larger scale utility intensive overseas investments. A further 20 hectare site (Knockhouse lands) adjacent to the Genzyme facility on the Kilmeaden road in Waterford City is also available for Greenfield investment. In addition, Enterprise Ireland and the Cork County Enterprise Board offer a range of supports to businesses to facilitate them in the creation and retention of jobs, and to assist those wishing to start their own business.

Job Losses.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

182 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 10 December 2009, the position regarding the European globalisation adjustment fund application containing proposals for the co-financing of a range of measures including occupational guidance, training, upskilling, entrepreneurship and educational opportunities for a total of 653 workers who were made redundant at companies (details supplied) in County Waterford. [1015/10]

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund was submitted to the European Commission on 25 September 2009. The application has been circulated by the Commission's EGF Unit in the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities to other relevant Directorate Generals within the Commission for consideration. Thereafter, and subject to any further clarifications required, the application will be placed before the College of Commissioners for approval. The application must also be considered and approved subsequently by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. This procedure can, as in the previous case of the application lodged by Ireland on behalf of redundant DELL workers, take a significant period of time to complete.

Consumer Rights.

Joe McHugh

Question:

183 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on an advertisement (details supplied) that is currently being run by the Consumer Agency; if she will take steps to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1022/10]

The protections afforded consumers in circumstances where they purchase goods which turn out to be faulty are set out in the Sale of Goods legislation, principally the Sale of Goods Act 1893 and the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, and also in the European Communities (Certain Aspects of the Sale of Consumer Goods and Associated Guarantees) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 11/2003 refers). The essential protection provided in Irish law in cases of breaches of a condition under a sales contract, such as instances concerning the sale of faulty goods, entitles a consumer to reject the goods and repudiate the contract. Where the consumer has paid for the goods then he or she may sue for damages and /or seek recovery of the price paid.

Notwithstanding the essential right of consumers to reject faulty goods and seek recovery of the price paid, provisions were inserted into the Sale of Goods legislation allowing consumers who purchase goods which turn out to be faulty a choice of remedies. This choice affords the consumer the opportunity on the one hand to seek a remedy to the fault or a replacement of the goods whilst still retaining the entitlement to reject the goods or have them repaired elsewhere where the seller fails or refuses to facilitate the request. In practical terms the consumer is afforded the right to "cure" the defect without losing the right to reject. Thus the consumer has a second chance to reject where the seller fails to facilitate the request for repair or replacement.

Insofar as the European Communities (Certain Aspects of the Sale of Consumer Goods and Associated Guarantees) Regulations 2003 are concerned, these Regulations added a broader dimension to the palate of remedies available to Irish consumers. It is important to point out, however, that these remedies are in addition to and not in substitution for the protections afforded consumers under the Sale of Goods legislation. The Regulations essentially require that goods delivered under a contract of sale to a consumer must be in conformity with that contract. The Regulations provide that goods are in conformity with the contract for sale if they comply with the description given by the seller, are fit for the purposes for which such goods are normally used, demonstrate the quality and performance which are normal in goods of the same type and which the consumer can reasonably expect etc. The Regulations further provide that where there is a lack of conformity in relation to a contract for the sale of goods, the seller shall be liable to the consumer for any lack of conformity and that the consumer is entitled to a range of remedies, including that the goods are brought into conformity, free of charge, by repair or replacement, or an appropriate reduction is made in the price, or the contract is rescinded with regard to those goods.

As regards the suggestion that there is a 30 day limit on vendors' liability in respect of refunds, I am not aware of the provenance of that suggestion. It may be that the 30 day limit may refer to the returns policy operated by some retailers, whereby they allow consumers to return goods, which are not faulty, within a particular period subject to certain conditions. I would wish to assure the Deputy, however, that there is no such limit in relation to the statutory protections afforded consumers in instances where they purchase goods which turn out to be faulty, indeed any policy which would seek to limit those protections would not be binding on the consumer.

I am satisfied, therefore, that the information campaign being run by the National Consumer Agency is not misleading and indeed is providing useful and timely advice to consumers as to their rights in instances where they purchase goods which turn out to be faulty.

Community Employment Schemes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

184 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will cut the amount received by participants on community employment schemes beyond what was reduced as a result of social welfare cuts in budget 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1210/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

191 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding plans of FÁS to cut payments to community employment participants; the impact that this will have on the rural social scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1398/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 191 together.

As part of Budget 2010 a number of savings were identified in relation to Community Employment (CE). These changes were mainly in the area of training allowances that are linked to Social Welfare payments and certain FÁS Allowances that are provided in addition to the core training allowances. The FÁS training allowance for Community Employment and Job Initiative participants has been reduced from €24.40 and €48.80 per week to €20 and €40 per week respectively. In addition, new entrants to FÁS training programmes will only be paid an allowance if they had been entitled to Job Seekers Allowance or Job Seekers Benefit.

The funding in respect of training and materials for those on CE programmes will be reduced from €1,500 to €750 per head per annum. These savings will allow for an increase of 500 CE places bringing the total number of places available to 23,300. The changes in CE do not have implications for the Rural Social Scheme which is under the aegis of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

This Government will continue to support the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. I am keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review in the context of the current difficult unemployment situation.

Job Initiative.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

185 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide details of the activation fund announced in budget 2010 that is intended to assist those who have lost their jobs, in the construction and other sectors, secure work, education or training; if the fund has commenced; the way in which an application is made; the amount approved to date in 2010; if the community sector can access this fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1248/10]

The Labour Market Activation Fund announced in the Budget 2010 is intended to provide additional effective training and education opportunities to the unemployed through a market-driven and innovation seeking mechanism. It will specifically target the low skilled, the under 35s and those suffering from structural unemployment in the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors. The Government has made €20 million available for the Labour Market Activation Fund in 2010 and it is expected that a call for proposals will issue in the coming weeks with successful proposals starting to come on stream as soon as possible. All sectors of the economy including the public, private and community and voluntary sectors will be able to submit their proposals.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

186 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for her Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1255/10]

Details of savings arising out of recommendations in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which are incorporated in my Department's Estimate for 2010 are provided on the table. In addition to the savings outlined on the table, further savings will be realised in 2010 through the reduction in staff numbers and in pay levels across my Department and its agencies. The 2010 Budget Day Estimates for my Department included an indicative provisional adjustment to public service pay of €39.658 million, to be apportioned across my Department, its Offices and its agencies in the Revised Estimates Volume.

My Department is continuing to examine all of the proposals made by the Special Group in respect of my Department and its agencies, to determine the scope for the implementation of the recommendations and for the achievement of further savings going forward. Some proposals, such as the rationalisation of agencies, may be quite complex to implement and may require legislative provision if they are to be achieved. There are also a number of recommendations in the report affecting my Department which will require cross-Departmental consideration. However, my Department will examine these proposals and will also look at alternative ways of finding savings which meet the general thrust of the Special Group report.

Recommendation in the Report of the Special Group

Saving in 2010

Comments

€m

Reduce IDA capital and administrative costs, including rationalisation of regional offices in Ireland and shared services

0.857

Administrative costs have been reduced by €857,000 for 2010. The question of rationalisation of offices requires further consideration.IDA’s Capital allocation for 2010 is directly related to its legal commitments. However, €10m was cut from the agency’s budget in 2009 on a once-off basis.

Enterprise Ireland — efficiency saving in administration.

3.024

Enterprise Ireland’s administrative budget has been reduced by €3.024m for 2010.

Cease funding FÁS Services to Business and Skillnets

6.000

Reduction of €6 million has been made in 2010 Estimates for FÁS’s Services to Business

Abolish FÁS training allowances for participants who do not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance

3.200

This recommendation is being implemented in Budget 2010

Formally merge the functions of the Registrar of Friendly Societies and Companies Registration Office and secure additional efficiencies

0.146

The CRO and the RFS currently operate on a shared office basis. Legislative change is required to formally merge the bodies. The Department is currently reviewing the Industrial and Provident Societies (co-operatives) and Friendly Societies legislation. In the meantime, administrative efficiencies of €140,000 have been identified for 2010.

Savings in Corporate Services; reduction in Administrative Budget.

0.468

Non-Pay savings of €468,000 and substantial Pay savings in the Administrative Budget will be reflected in the Revised Estimates Volume.

Total

13.695

Semi-State Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

187 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will explain the term one time staff vendors with respect to purchases made by FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1319/10]

The term referred to by the Deputy relates to a sundry costs account maintained in FÁS. The account, which is operated on a vouched basis, is used for the reimbursement of costs to FÁS personnel for the purchase, by staff members in the first instance, of sundry items on behalf of the Agency.

Consumer Rights.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

188 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has made representations to the European Commission regarding the fact that many retailers cannot purchase from suppliers’ sterling price lists and may only purchase goods from Euro price lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1321/10]

Responsibility in relation to the negotiation of commercial contracts between parties such as retailers and suppliers is essentially a matter for the contracting parties themselves. It should be appreciated that such negotiations are not homogenous in their nature and reflect the fact that considerations may apply in relation to negotiations between a supplier and a particular retailer that do not apply in relation to negotiation between that supplier and another retailer. Such considerations would include issues such as volume discounts etc. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that the fact that a supplier and a retailer may agree to contract for the supply of goods at a particular price does not necessarily mean that price will apply in respect of every negotiation between the supplier and other retailers for the supply of those goods given the variants that apply in relation to different negotiations.

In so far as competition law has an effect on business relationships in the grocery goods sector, Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 and Article 101 of the Treaty prohibit agreements, decisions and concerted practices that have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition. Anti-competitive practices such as price fixing, limiting or controlling production and markets, market sharing, applying dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties (thereby placing them at a competitive disadvantage) and making the conclusion of contracts subject to the acceptance of supplementary obligations are specifically prohibited.

However certain agreements or concerted practices entered into between two or more undertakings operating at different levels of the production or distribution chain, which relate to the conditions under which the parties may purchase, sell or resell certain goods or services within the State may fall outside the scope of Section 4 or Article 101. For example, non-exclusive distribution agreements whereby the supplier agrees with the buyer to supply the contract goods or services to the buyer for a certain territory but without any restriction on supplying other buyers within that territory are deemed to be outside the scope of section 4. It is also the case that certain agreements and practices can avail of a block exemption from competition rules, others require assessment on a case by case basis while hard-core anti-competitive practices (e.g. price fixing) is always prohibited.

Section 5 of the Act 2002 and Article 102 of the Treaty prohibits abuse of a dominant position. The creation or existence of a dominant position does not breach competition law, rather it is the abuse of that position that constitutes the breach. The Competition (Amendment) Act 2006 strengthens the provisions of the 2002 Act by prohibiting practices such as: the imposition of resale price maintenance in regard to the supply of grocery goods (resale price maintenance is the practice whereby manufacturers or suppliers specify the minimum prices at which their goods may be resold); unfair discrimination in regard to the supply of grocery goods. This is a reference to a supplier offering preferential terms to one buyer over another even though the transactions involved are equivalent in nature.

The legislation outlined above provides for the investigation of a breach by the Competition Authority and for prosecution on indictment by the Director of Public Prosecutions, which the Deputy will be aware are both independent bodies in the exercise of their statutory functions. Alternatively, aggrieved suppliers may take a private action for relief by way of injunction, declaration or damages including exemplary damages. Depending on the specific details of any individual case the EU Commission may also have a role.

With regard to the practices referred to in the Deputy's question, there may be jurisdictional considerations given that the practices may have a cross border dimension. I would urge the Deputy to bring any details of the practices concerned to the attention of the Competition Authority in order that the relevant competition body can be identified to follow up on the matter and to investigate if the said practices are in conformity with the provisions of competition law.

Job Losses.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

189 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which the moneys provided from the European Globalisation Fund for former Dell and associated workers will be allocated and monitored. [1322/10]

Pat Breen

Question:

192 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No 63 of 13 October 2009 the way the monies from the EU Globalisation Fund will be allocated to former employees of a company (details supplied); the timeframe involved for spending these funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1428/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 192 together.

Since the announcement of the DELL and related redundancies in Raheen in January 2009, FÁS has already provided guidance service and training courses to over 1,500 workers made redundant. Enterprise Ireland and the local Vocational Education Committees also continue to promote and offer their business advice, grant aid and educational services. A number of affected workers have already enrolled on training courses and in further and third level education at institutions in the Mid-West region to date.

The application for co-funded assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) towards the costs of a personalized package of occupational guidance, training, employment, entrepreneurship and educational measures for workers made redundant at the DELL plant in Raheen, Co. Limerick, and in ancillary enterprises, was made by my Department in mid-June 2009. It was subsequently approved by the European Union budgetary authorities in late December 2009. The transfer of EU funds is anticipated later this month. Provision has been made in my Department's Vote for the national financing element required. The timeframe permitted for eligible expenditure under the Fund is 24 months from the date of submission of an application, or from the date of commencement of relevant measures provided this is no later than 3 months after the application's submission. As such in the case of the DELL related application the latest date for expenditure is September 2011.

My Department will be the managing authority for EGF funding in the State while the Department of Education and Science, FÁS and Enterprise Ireland will be designated intermediate bodies for funds transfer, reporting and monitoring purposes. Approved funding will be made available to public beneficiaries delivering services on the ground to the eligible redundant workers. All intermediate bodies shall certify expenditure in their particular area of responsibility and report to my Department. All relevant EU and national accounting and auditing procedures and requirements must be adhered to by the relevant intermediate bodies and public beneficiaries.

It is imperative that the wide range of measures being provided to eligible redundant workers is co-ordinated in the most effective and efficient manner locally and regionally. To that end, I have charged FÁS to establish a dedicated EGF Co-ordination Unit in Limerick to ensure that all relevant supports across all service providers are coordinated on the ground in a timely, effective and efficient manner. The Unit shall act as the primary coordination agency for the Department in the implementation of the EGF programme for DELL worker related supports.

The EGF Co-Ordination Unit is now contacting all potential beneficiaries of the Fund from DELL and the other ancillary enterprises to outline the supports on offer. They are also inviting the workers to a 2 days information fair in Limerick early next month at which all service providers will be in attendance to explain their programmes and supports, to answer queries and to provide for course registrations. In parallel, a steering group is being established to include worker representative bodies in order to ensure that the views of the redundant workers and other key stakeholders are made known and fed into the implementation process.

The Minister for Labour Affairs will be meeting the DELL Redundant Workers Association as part of this process in the coming days. A review of the operation of the Fund shall be undertaken by the Department in June 2010.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

190 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to apply for funding from the European Globalisation Fund with respect to regions other than the mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1323/10]

To date my Department has made two applications, and is in the process of finalising a third application, for assistance under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). These applications are in relation to major redundancies at the DELL plant in Raheen, Co. Limerick, the Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry, Co. Waterford and the S R Technics facility at Dublin Airport.

Strict eligibility criteria apply under the EGF Regulation in order for a Member State to sustain the making of an application for assistance under the Fund. My Department continues to monitor all relevant redundancy and related information sources on a national basis to ensure that where it is considered that a viable application can be made and sustained under the EGF, irrespective of geographic location, it will be duly made.

Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 184.
Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 189.

Task Force Report.

Pat Breen

Question:

193 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 16 September 2009 the status of the mid-west jobs task force report; when the final report will be finalised; the number of recommendations of the interim report which have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1430/10]

The wide range of recommendations in the Mid-West Task Force report cover both local and national issues. In that respect, the Government has been responding to the economic downturn generally and has taken numerous initiatives, for example in relation to competitiveness and cost competitiveness, industrial employment stabilization, and employment activation measures. All of these measures have benefited regions affected by or threatened with job losses, including the Mid West region. Workers in the Mid West are the subject of a substantial package assembled by the Government in response to the redundancies arising from developments at Dell in Limerick and knock-on effects in other companies in the region.

In addition, the State agencies IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and the County Enterprise Boards have redoubled their efforts to stimulate industrial employment in the Mid West region. For example, IDA is supporting eight industrial projects with a job potential of 1,073 which were announced by multinational companies in the Mid West in 2008 and 2009 and are now being brought into operation.

The measures mentioned above are outlined more fully in an initial response to its recommendations which I sent to the Task Force in late September. Given the wide range of recommendations in the report, I have also brought the report to the attention of my colleagues in Cabinet and it is currently being further considered in a number of other Government Departments as well as in my own Department following the recent budget. I am very grateful for the work Mr Brosnan and the other members of the Task Force have undertaken to date. I shall continue to keep the Task Force informed on the Government's work on matters covered in the interim recommendations. The Task Force has identified a number of issues for further study in its Final Report which I look forward to receiving in the coming months.

Community Employment Schemes.

Jack Wall

Question:

194 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if changes have been made in community employment schemes following Budget 2010; if so, if a person can remain on a CE scheme longer than three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1462/10]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

Budget 2010 contained some changes to Community Employment Schemes however, the qualifying criteria and rules for participation remain unchanged. A number of savings were identified, mainly in the area of training allowances that are linked to Social Welfare payments and certain FÁS Allowances that are provided in addition to the core training allowances. The FÁS allowance for CE and JI participants will reduced from €24.40 and €48.80 per week to €20 and €40 per week respectively. In addition, new entrants to FÁS training programmes will only be paid an allowance if they had been entitled to Job Seekers Allowance or Job Seekers Benefit.

The funding in respect of training and materials for those on CE programmes will be reduced from €1,500 to €750 per head per annum. These savings will allow for an increase of 500 CE places bringing the total number of places available to 23,300. A person can remain on a CE Scheme for longer than 3 years if they are aged 55 years or over. In addition persons in receipt of the following disability-linked Social Welfare payments may be eligible for an additional 1 year's participation: Disability Allowance; Blind Pension; Invalidity Pension; Illness Benefit for 6 months or more.

Joe McHugh

Question:

195 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will, through FÁS, explore the possibility of developing community employment schemes on developing walkways and cycle routes on disused railway lines nationally in view of the fact that there are more than 400,000 persons unemployed here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1487/10]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The purpose of CE is to help unemployed people to re-enter the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

Eligible projects are those which: respond to an identified community need; provide development for participants in areas involving heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport and the environment; have the agreement of relevant trade unions; do not displace or replace existing jobs; offer valuable work experience for participants. FÁS would welcome proposals from Local Sponsors to carry out projects such as those mentioned by the Deputy. All proposals would be considered within allocated budgets and participant numbers.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

196 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1509/10]

Under the Ethics Acts, gifts, favours and hospitality given to office holders and valued at over €650, must be included in the "Annual Statement of Registrable Interests" made to the Standards in Public Office Commission. During the period in question one gift, favour or item of hospitality valued in excess of €650 was received: Miniature Gilded Boat presented by the Minister for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates during a Trade Mission to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in November, 2008. This gift was surrendered to the State and declared in my Statement of Registrable Interests submitted to the Standards in Public Office Commission. Gifts, favours or hospitality received under the threshold are not recorded because they are not subject to declaration.

Departmental Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

197 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the charges levied or set by his Department or agencies for the provision of goods or services to individuals or businesses; if those charges have been changed during 2008 or 2009; the revenue in 2009 accrued from these charges; the anticipated income from such charges in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1592/10]

In the time available since this Question was tabled my Department has not been able to collect information on all the issues raised by the Deputy. In this regard, I would point out that my Department includes such Offices as the Companies Registration Office and the Patents Office, which provide several services for which charges are made. I will forward the information to the Deputy.

Employment Rights.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

198 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason former employees and pension holders of a company (details supplied) are not covered under the Protection of Employee Rights on Transfer of Undertakings Regulation 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1642/10]

The current Irish law in the area of "transfer of undertakings" is the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 — Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 131 of 2003. The Regulations implement the mandatory (i.e. mandatory to transpose) provisions of EU Council Directive 2001/23/EC of 12 March 2001 which is aimed at safeguarding the rights of employees in the event of a transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business to another employer as a result of a legal transfer (including the assignment or forfeiture of a lease) or merger. Section 21 of the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006 transposed a provision of the European Directive relating to the information to be provided by the original employer to the new employer.

Complaints relating to alleged contravention of the Regulations on Transfer of Undertakings can be brought in the first instance to a Rights Commissioner and, on appeal, to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. Any such case should be taken within six months of the date on which an employee considers that there has been a contravention of the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations. I understand that no complaint has been made to the Rights Commissioners Service in relation to this case. In accordance with the Transfer of Undertaking Regulations, it would be a matter for a Rights Commissioner to determine in law if any particular case does, in fact, constitute a transfer of undertakings situation. Thus, the circumstances of each individual case would have to be considered by a Rights Commissioner, in the first instance, in the light of all previous case law including European Court of Justice case law.

An application to a Rights Commissioner can be made by the employee, or by a representative (including a trade union representative) by contacting the Rights Commissioner Service of the Labour Relations Commission, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, or phone 01 6136700.

Proposed Legislation.

John McGuinness

Question:

199 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on expanding the role of the registrar of friendly societies in line with the role and function of the certification officer in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1817/10]

As the Deputy will be aware I have directed my Department to extend the scope of the reviews of the existing legislation relating to industrial and provident societies (co-operative societies) and friendly societies to include the functions of the Registrar of Friendly Societies under the Trade Union Acts. The Deputy may also be aware that the McCarthy report made a recommendation in relation to the Office of the Registrar of Friendly Societies, and this too is being taken into consideration in the context of the reviews.

Our trade union legislation is very much based on the UK Acts, the principal Act being a UK Act of 1871, and whilst there have been some amending Acts in the intervening years the basic registry functions have remained relatively similar in the two jurisdictions. I would anticipate, insofar as the review of the legislation will consider the functions of the Registrar under the Trade Union Acts, that it will have due regard to the functions discharged by comparable regulatory bodies in other jurisdictions, in particular the UK, given the historic linkages.

Semi-State Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

200 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff working in FÁS; the number of staff grouped by grade; the number of staff employed on a temporary short term contract; the number of staff on a fixed contract; the number of staff involved in providing direct training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1857/10]

The table shows the number of staff working in FÁS broken down by grade. Of the total number indicated below 10.5 persons are employed on fixed term contracts and the remainder are permanent FÁS staff. A total of 456.75 persons are involving in providing direct training. Information on temporary staff is currently being compiled and will be communicated to the Deputy when it is available.

Grade

Total

1

1.00

3

5.00

4

25.00

5

2.00

6

88.00

7

136.84

8

786.53

9

150.46

10

197.04

11

569.14

13

94.39

Total

2,055.4

Leo Varadkar

Question:

201 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÁS premises; the number of FÁS premises grouped by function; the amount of rent paid by FÁS in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1858/10]

The current total number of FÁS owned or leased premises is 130. This number breaks down by function as follows:

FÁS-owned main Training Centres: 17

FÁS-leased main Training Centres: 2

FÁS-leased main Training Centre sites: 1

FÁS-leased temporary Training Centre satellite units: 45

FÁS-leased Head Office premises: 5

FÁS-owned Head Office sites: 1

FÁS-leased Employment Services Offices: 54

FÁS-owned Employment Services Offices: 2

FÁS-leased Community Services/Service to Business premises: 3

The information above excludes leased Employment Services temporary "clinic" type premises, Local Employment Service premises and all Community Training Centre type premises. The provisional estimated rent for 2009 is €10.805m.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

202 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of training courses provided directly by FÁS; the number of training courses sourced by FÁS in other educational institutions and in the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1859/10]

I understand that FÁS is currently collating the information requested by the Deputy. I will write to the Deputy again once this has been completed.

Job Losses.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

203 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on her application for funding under the European globalisation adjustment fund for former employees at a company (details supplied); when a decision will be made on the application; the structures she is putting into place to disperse funding allocated to former employees under the European globalisation adjustment fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1879/10]

Last October, my Department submitted a provisional application to the European Commission seeking co-financing support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The application relates to the provision of a personalised package of training, educational and entrepreneurial supports to workers made redundant at SR Technics. The Commission has recently sought additional information in relation to the application which my Department is currently preparing. State agencies such as FÁS, Enterprise Ireland and local Vocational Education Committees have made, and continue to make, the full range of their employment, training, guidance and advisory services available to workers made redundant at S.R. Technics.

Redundancy Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

204 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. [1884/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

206 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. [1886/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 206 together.

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 statutory lump sum claims for the individuals concerned and some former employees of the company on 26 November 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. These claims await processing.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from April 2009 and those filed online from May 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 July 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 2009 of 77,001. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for 2008 (40,607) by 90% 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. There has also been the provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website and 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 we are currently looking at ways in which additional resources can be allocated to the area in the first quarter of 2010.

Michael Ring

Question:

205 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. [1885/10]

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 August, 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This claim awaits processing.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from April 2009 and those filed online from May 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 July 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 2009 of 77,001. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for 2008 (40,607) by 90% 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. There has also been the provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website and 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 we are currently looking at ways in which additional resources can be allocated to the area in the first quarter of 2010.

Question No. 206 answered with Question No. 204.

Michael Ring

Question:

207 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. [1887/10]

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 21,411 new claims lodged in 2009 — a 78% increase over the volume received 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 end February/beginning of March, however my Department is constantly endeavouring to achieve earlier completion and payment dates.

Semi-State Bodies.

Michael Ring

Question:

208 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits to County Mayo conducted by Industrial Development Authority in 2008 and in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1904/10]

I have been informed by IDA that in the years 2008 and 2009 there was a total of 4 site visits by potential investors to County Mayo. During 2009 there was one visit to Ballina, while in 2008, there were two visits to Westport and one visit to Claremorris. For reasons of commercial sensitivity and client confidentiality, details of the potential investors involved are not disclosed.

Michael Ring

Question:

209 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons currently employed in Industrial Development Authority supported companies in a location (details supplied); the comparison figures for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1905/10]

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the industrial development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis. The numbers of persons employed in IDA supported companies in County Mayo in each of the past five years is set out in the following tabular statement.

Table showing the number of people employed in IDA supported companies in County Mayo in each of the years 2005 to 2009.

Year

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Numbers employed

3,038

2,973

3,004

3,010

2,992

Industrial Development.

Michael Ring

Question:

210 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the number of units that are available at that location; the number of units that have been occupied; if there is any active interest in the location by investors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1906/10]

The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including the creation and development of business parks, are day-to-day operational matters for the agency and not matters in which I have a function.

I have been informed by IDA that the Westport Business and Technology Park consists of 14.88 hectares of which 9.56 hectares are available for investment projects. One unit has been built on the park and is currently occupied. There are no other units available on the Park. IDA continues to market the Park to potential investors but, in the final analysis, it is the investor who decides where to locate.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

211 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way a person on a FÁS course with child dependants is to be compensated for the cut in child benefit. [2055/10]

Budget 2010 provided an increase of 14.6% in the weekly child dependent allowance for qualifying participants on FÁS training and employment schemes.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

212 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in her Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2167/10]

The table outlines the number of staff in my Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010. The figures reflect the number of staff (full time equivalents) serving at the end of December each year and to date in 2010. In addition to the figures, my Department has 3 staff serving in the Irish Mission in Geneva.

Corporate Services Division:

Section

2007

2008

2009

January 2010

Ministers & Secretariat

38.60

45.80

41.80

41.80

Secretary General

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Corporate Services

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Personnel Unit

31.40

30.88

24.90

24.90

PIAB Unit

2.10

2.60

1.00

1.00

Press Office & FOI Unit

8.00

7.80

6.00

6.00

Business Services Unit

26.00

26.83

22.23

22.23

Service Officers / Attendant/ Cleaners

47.00

47.00

48.00

48.00

IT Unit

25.73

27.80

28.00

29.00

Management Support Unit

11.80

12.60

10.80

10.80

Finance Unit

35.83

34.83

34.73

35.73

Internal Audit / ESF

11.70

15.00

18.00

18.00

Division Total

240.16

253.14

237.46

239.46

Competitiveness & International Affairs Division:

Section

2007

2008

2009

January 2010

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Bilateral Trade

7.23

7.60

5.50

5.50

Market Access

17.30

17.70

15.30

15.30

EU Affairs

8.60

9.80

8.80

8.80

Environment

3.60

3.60

3.00

3.00

Division Total

37.73

39.70

33.60

33.60

Enterprise & Agencies Division:

Section

2007

2008

2009

January 2010

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Enterprise & Agencies

11.60

14.40

9.80

9.80

Enterprise Policy and Standards

7.80

8.00

9.00

9.00

PSOP & Small Business

7.30

7.10

8.90

8.90

Local Enterprise

8.60

7.60

5.60

5.60

Sectoral Enterprise and E-Business

10.15

9.15

5.60

5.60

Division Total

46.45

47.25

39.90

39.90

Consumers, Competition & Commerce Division:

Section

2007

2008

2009

January 2010

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Company Law Administration

7.90

8.40

8.40

8.40

Company Law Financial Services and Legislation

9.00

9.10

7.60

7.60

Company Law Review

4.00

4.00

5.00

5.00

Office of the Director of Corporate Services

32.90

36.50

40.60

40.60

Companies Registration Office, Dublin

103.20

98.36

74.89

72.89

Companies Registration Office, Carlow

27.95

28.45

31.95

31.95

Registry of Friendly Societies

8.00

7.00

6.55

6.55

Competition and Consumer Policy

14.10

13.40

10.40

10.40

Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs (NCA)

53.10

44.80

34.50

34.50

Division Total

261.15

251.01

220.89

218.89

Science, Technology and Intellectual Property Division:

Section

2007

2008

2009

January 2010

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Science Policy & Int. Research

6.80

8.50

7.50

7.50

National Programmes & Policy

6.30

9.10

6.80

6.80

Intellectual Property Unit

9.60

10.00

6.80

6.80

Patents Office

60.50

60.10

56.40

56.40

Division Total

84.20

88.70

78.50

78.50

Labour Force Development Division:

Section

2007

2008

2009

January 2010

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Employment and Training Strategy

9.00

8.80

8.80

8.80

Policy Unit on Employment

3.50

4.50

2.00

2.00

European Social Fund Policy & Op

14.00

13.00

8.00

7.00

Labour Market Policy

7.00

9.00

6.00

6.00

Work Permits

36.33

34.70

23.30

22.30

Division Total

70.83

71.00

49.10

47.10

Employment Rights and Industrial Relations Division:

Section

2007

2008

2009

January 2010

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Employment Appeals Tribunal

30.00

34.60

36.40

36.40

Health and Safety Policy / Liaison

5.00

5.00

4.00

4.00

REACH

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

Employment rights

10.80

8.80

8.80

8.80

Employment rights Compliance Legislation

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

NERA DUBLIN (Labour Inspectorate)

30.50

29.50

28.30

28.30

NERA CARLOW

62.20

59.83

55.33

53.33

NERA CORK

16.00

12.00

12.00

NERA SHANNON

14.00

13.00

13.00

NERA SLIGO

11.00

10.00

10.00

Information Unit

Redundancy Payments

20.20

23.20

57.20

56.20

Insolvency Payments

9.80

11.60

14.90

14.90

Industrial Relations

9.00

8.50

7.60

7.60

Labour Court

39.60

38.50

28.50

28.50

Labour Relations Commission

48.00

47.60

47.50

47.50

Division Total

273.10

316.13

331.53

328.53

Tax Code.

Mary Upton

Question:

213 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recently introduced carbon levy as a environmental measure in view of the fact that public transport operators have been forced to cut services due to reduced funding; his further views on whether this will force persons back into private cars thus negating environmental benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1062/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

214 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the carbon levy is appropriate as an environmental measure in view of the fact that it has not been accompanied by increased support for public transport to encourage a modal shift in behaviour but has instead been accompanied by further funding and service cuts by public transport operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1063/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.

The Deputy must bear in mind that the emissions from the transport sector account for around 30% of non-ETS emissions. The carbon tax is about sending price signals to the sector as a whole. The carbon tax does not differentiate between private and public transport per se, however, the impact on public transport will be far less than on private transport by virtue of the fact that the higher cost of fuel is dispersed amongst more people, for example, using a bus compared to an individual in a car. Consequently, the carbon tax will be proportionately less for users of public transport which should be an incentive for its use. In addition, the carbon tax provides an incentive for both private motorists and providers of public transport to invest in fuel efficient cars and buses when they are making future purchasing decisions.

It should also be noted that the Government has invested record levels of public funds in developing transport infrastructure and services over the last decade. In particular, under Transport 21, over €3bn has been invested in public transport since 2006. In rural areas, in addition to the provision of more buses for Bus Éireann, the Rural Transport Programme funding has more than doubled since 2005, and funding levels in 2010 is being be protected at that provided in 2009 (€11m).

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

215 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will assist a person (details supplied) in County Cork in obtaining her P45. [1548/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an Officer from Roscommon District will call to the taxpayer's former employer, who is based in Roscommon, and will give priority to securing the outstanding P45.

Departmental Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

216 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons that have applied for the position of Secretary General at his Department following recent advertisements; if a person has been appointed; when the appointment will be made; the location at which the secretary general will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1891/10]

Fifteen persons applied for the post of Secretary General, D/Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs. An appointment was made today Tuesday 19th January 2010. On foot of Government decisions on the Decentralisation Programme, the headquarters of the Department will move to Charlestown, Co Mayo and the person appointed Secretary General will serve at that location.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

217 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the policy regarding the term of office of Secretaries General; the policy regarding the renewal of such terms; if such renewals are consistent with the terms of the strategic management initiative and other policy documents in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1933/10]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

218 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the number of Secretaries General whose term of office as head of a Department or office has expired and whose term of office as head of a Department or Office has been renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1934/10]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

219 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the number of Secretaries General whose term of office as head of a Government Department or office has expired and who have stepped down as head of that Department or office but remain as civil servants; if, in each instance, the salary of such persons is equivalent to or lower than a Secretary General who is currently the head of a Government Department or office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1935/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, together. Secretaries-General are appointed for not more than 7 years and are obliged to retire at 60 years of age. If, on appointment as Secretary, a person is between 56 and 60 years of age, the Government may, at its discretion, (a) waive that person's obligation to retire at 60 and (b) permit the person to serve as Secretary for a period not exceeding 4 years in any case.

In the case of a Secretary-General appointed for not more than seven years, who has served a term of office before reaching 60, the Government should then formally decide on one of the following courses: to appoint him or her to an appropriate position (carrying the same remuneration) elsewhere in the civil service; to arrange for such an appointment (in agreement with the officer) in another area of the public service or in an international institution; to allow him or her to opt for early retirement on a voluntary basis with immediate pension and lump sum and a special severance gratuity of one half of annual salary on the term specified in Sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963.

Secretaries General appointed for a seven year period may, during their fifth year of office, be invited to indicate their interest in a further appointment, either in their existing or another Department, for a total of ten years at the discretion of the Government.

Two serving Secretaries General have had their original terms extended and two Heads of Offices who are at Secretary General level have also had their terms extended.

Currently no Secretary General who has stepped down as head of a Department or Office remains as a civil servant.

National Asset Management Agency.

George Lee

Question:

220 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance the purpose of the National Asset Management Agency meetings with county managers and if NAMA had been lobbying to have land rezoned to increase its value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2048/10]

George Lee

Question:

296 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance the purpose of the National Asset Management Agency’s meetings with county managers; if the National Assets Management Agency will be lobbying to have land rezoned to increase its value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1931/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 296 together.

I am informed that NAMA officials held a meeting with local authority officials at the request of the latter. As NAMA had not acquired any assets, the meeting was limited to a discussion of general issues and did not focus on how NAMA would operate in detail.

As regards the matter of lobbying referred to by the Deputy, I can assure the House that NAMA has not been lobbying to have land rezoned in order to increase its value. Neither do I expect such lobbying to occur in the future.

Tax Code.

George Lee

Question:

221 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance the changes to mortgage interest relief outlined in the budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48244/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

262 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the nature of all reliefs for first-time house buyers pursuant to budget 2010; if first time buyers receive just tax relief for seven years in total irrespective of the date of purchase; if reliefs for first-time buyers in certain categories of first--time buyers extended to 2017; if so, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1203/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 262 together.

The position in relation to mortgage interest relief is as I stated in my Budget speech on 9 December 2009. As a support to homeowners who may now find themselves in negative equity, I am extending mortgage interest relief up to the end of 2017 for those who took out qualifying loans from 2004.

To encourage those who want to buy a house over the next three years I will provide that qualifying loans taken out before 1 July 2011 will continue to get relief at current levels, and transitional arrangements will apply to loans taken out in the subsequent 18 months at a reduced level and duration.

It is my intention to abolish mortgage interest relief entirely by the end of 2017. Full details in relation to the new rates, ceilings, duration of the relief and other provisions required will be set out in the Finance Bill.

Pension Provisions.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

222 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if, further to his budget 2010 speech, he will apply the proposed public sector pension reforms to public servants who are due to retire in 2011 and beyond; if these proposed reforms will only apply to new public servants in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48276/09]

In the Budget I announced that there would be a new single public service pension scheme introduced for new entrants to the public service. Relevant legislation will be introduced in 2010 and the scheme will be in place by the end of the year.The introduction of a single pension scheme will provide a standard, consistent and efficient structure for the future management and control of public service pensions. As this reform is for new entrants, it will not apply to those who are currently in the public service.

The Budget also made clear that the Government will consider using the Consumer Price Index as the basis for post-retirement increases for both existing and future pensioners.

I would add that the term public sector is usually taken to comprise all those who are employed, both directly and indirectly, by a public body. The public service is, broadly speaking, the public sector less the commercial semi-state bodies.

Tax Collection.

Joan Burton

Question:

223 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an analysis of the numbers of individuals on interest returns made by financial institutions received by the Revenue Commissioners by county for the years 2007 and 2008 within the following bands, up to €10,000, between €10,001 and €25,000, €25,001 and €50,000, €50,001 and €100,000, €100,001and €200,000, €200,001 and €300,000, €300,001 and €400,000, €400,001 and €500,000, €500,001 and €600,000, €600,001 and €750,000, €7500,001 and €1,000,000 and in excess of €1,000,001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48295/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested is as follows, insofar as it is available.

Range of interest reported

Number of Records reported

2007

2008

<= 10,000

474,327

1,375,937

Between: 10,001 & 25,000

29,851

39,414

Between: 25,001 & 50,000

9,820

12,715

Between: 50,001 & 100,000

4,683

6,030

Between: 100,001 & 200,000

2,019

2,825

Between: 200,001 & 300,000

658

884

Between: 300,001 & 400,000

290

459

Between: 400,001 & 500,000

173

273

Between: 500,001 & 600,000

95

162

Between: 600,001 & 750,000

88

164

Between: 750,001 & 1,000,000

88

156

>= 1,000,001

211

417

Financial Institutions report each party to an account where the account is a Joint Account. This could mean that a joint account is included more than once i.e. for each of the parties.

The figures relate to all accounts not just those of individuals. The Financial Institutions do not classify the accounts into individuals, companies, trusts, charities etc.

A county-by-county breakdown is not provided. Financial Institutions made their returns to the Revenue Commissioners on behalf of their entire organisation. To provide a breakdown by county would require text analysis of address details reported which would be very labour intensive and, in any event, the results would not be accurate.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

224 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48314/09]

At 31 December 2009 there were 606 people (560.78 wholetime equivalent) employed in my Department.

There are currently 57 officers who hold degrees in Economics and related disciplines, 44 who hold a Masters graduate qualification in Economics and related disciplines, and 2 officers who hold a PhD. Some officers will, of course, be included in more than 1 of these categories.

My Department has a long-standing policy of recruiting economists. Individuals with skills and qualifications in economics are employed at almost all levels in the Department. The Deputy will be interested to know that, of the last 7 appointments at Assistant Secretary level in the Department, 5 had Masters qualifications in economics or related disciplines, while 2 had primary degrees in economics or related disciplines.

Pension Provisions.

Pat Breen

Question:

225 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of the 21 October 2009, if the report of the interdepartmental committee on the issues of ethical investment in the National Pensions Reserve Fund has been completed; if this report will be presented to the House of the Oireachtas in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48338/09]

Further to my reply to the Deputy on 21 October 2009, I understand that considerable progress has been made towards completion of this report. Many of the issues involved are of a complex nature and have required considerable discussion and consideration by members of the Committee and their respective Departments. The Committee is now finalising its report and I look forward to receiving it in the near future.

Decentralisation Programme.

John O'Mahony

Question:

226 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) who is on the central application facility transfer list for transfer to any Department in counties Mayo, Sligo, Galway, Roscommon and Longford; if the transfer will happen in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48344/09]

My Department does not hold details on the status of individual applications made through the Central Applications Facility (CAF). Responsibility for the implementation of the projects included in the decentralisation programme is a matter for the individual organisations concerned and these would be best placed to advise in relation to the status of applications made in respect of their decentralised or decentralising location.

I have forwarded the details you have provided to the relevant Government Departments and have asked each Department to provide you with an update in relation to any application made by the person concerned to that organisation, or to any agencies under its aegis, as soon as possible.

Public Procurement.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

227 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if the national public procurement operations unit has begun the process of implementing green public procurement principles into government procurement practices; if a timeframe has been drawn up for the implementation of EU directives 17 and 18 of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48355/09]

The National Public Procurement Operations Unit (NPPOU) has begun the process of implementing green procurement principles by having a systemised referral of all procurement projects to a working group consisting of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Department of Communications Energy and National Resources and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The purpose of the referral is to identify policies and national targets that can be supported through the procurement process. This leads to the inclusion of green, social and commercial principles and objectives in the NPPOU's procurement strategies.

The NPPOU operates in full compliance under the terms of Directive 2004/18/EC. Directive 2004/17/EC applies to the utilities sector. The NPPOU has not acted in that sector to date. When it does so, the requirements of the Directive will be complied with fully.

Tax Code.

Michael McGrath

Question:

228 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a query regarding the calculation of income tax liability (details supplied). [48366/09]

The position is that neither income levy nor employee PRSI are allowable deductions in arriving at an individual's taxable income for income tax purposes. However, the public sector pension-related deduction is an allowable deduction in arriving at an individual's taxable income for income tax purposes.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

229 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the reason an increase in general taxation might lead to a reduction in revenues at this point in time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48369/09]

Budget 2009 and last April's Supplementary Budget introduced measures designed to yield around €3.8 billion in additional revenue in 2009. This was a considerable figure, particularly in the context of falling economic growth. A third set of increases in the tax burden over such a short period would have a negative impact on enterprise and on growth prospects in general for 2010. As I outlined in the Budget 2010 Statement in relation to tax increases, a limit had been reached and job creation would be impacted by further increasing the penalty on work and investment.

Public Sector Expenditure.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

230 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the course of action recommended by the European Central Bank regarding the measures that need to be taken to reduce our borrowings by €4 billion in 2009, in terms of taxation policy, public sector bill, social welfare bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48370/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

232 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the reason the cost of borrowing would increase under the agreement with the European Central Bank if action were not taken on reducing the social welfare and public sector bills, as opposed to a general increase in taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48372/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 232 together.

The Government has set out a multi-annual framework to restore sustainability to the public finances and to reduce the General Government Deficit to below 3% of GDP by end-2014. Over the course of 2008 and 2009 the Government has already taken significant action on curbing expenditure and raising revenue. Budget 2010 represented a further phase in the consolidation of the public finances and as I outlined in my statement on Budget day, taking account of the fact that there had already been tax increases in the previous two budgets, a limit had been reached and job creation would be impacted by further increasing the penalty on work and investment. Consequently, Budget 2010 delivered an adjustment of €4 billion (2½% of GDP) for 2010. The adjustment mainly focused on reducing expenditure, including measures to further reduce the public sector pay bill, reduce Social Welfare spending and also to reduce other Departmental spending including an adjustment on capital expenditure.

The measures taken to date by the Government, including those in Budget 2010, have been welcomed by the EU Commission and the European Central Bank.

On foot of these measures it is forecast that the General Government Deficit will stabilise in 2010 at the 2009 level. Failing to stabilise the deficit in 2010 and to progressively reduce it to below the Stability and Growth Pact limit by 2014 would necessitate further increases in borrowing. This would in turn lead to an unsustainable rise in our debt servicing costs. Debt servicing costs have a first call on available resources, therefore an increase in these costs impacts on the resources available for other priorities. This serves to underline the ongoing importance of the corrective measures to be introduced in the period to 2014 and the Government is determined to take the necessary action as set out in Budget 2010.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

231 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the public sector and social welfare sector as a proportion of the overall State bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48371/09]

I take it that the State bill referred to is gross Voted current spending. The Public Service pay bill is estimated at €18,675 million in gross terms for 2010, or 34% of gross Voted current spending. Social Welfare expenditure, net of pay, is estimated at €20,879 million or 38% gross Voted current spending.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 230.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

233 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the application of section 19 of the 1994 Finance Act; the rationale for the introduction of this section; if this section is still in force or has been subject to amendment; the number of applications made in each year since enactment under this section; the number of such applications approved each year since enactment; the cost to the Exchequer of this provision each year since enactment; the number of persons, businesses or organisations that have benefitted from this provision each year since enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48373/09]

Section 19 of the Finance Act 1994 (now section 236 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) allows a company to make a loan of an art object, being a work of art or a scientific collection, to an employee or a director, without that individual suffering an income tax charge on the loan as a benefit in kind or as a distribution.

The art object must be on display and available for viewing by members of the public in an approved building or garden, as defined in section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, which is owned or occupied by the individual and to which reasonable public access if afforded.

The section was introduced in the Finance Act 1994 following representations made by the Irish Georgian Society who were concerned about the possibility of art objects leaving the country. The Society suggested a tax relief for collections on view to the public in houses approved under section 482 and the then Department of Arts, Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht supported the proposal.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that only one taxpayer has ever made a claim under section 19 of the Finance Act 1994 and that the income tax exemption was granted to that taxpayer. The cost to the Exchequer of tax foregone cannot be determined as an individual who claims the exemption is not required to establish the cost incurred by his/her employer in relation to the loan of the art object.

The section remains in force.

Public Relations Contracts.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

234 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the cost of public relations incurred by Anglo Irish Bank in the past two years by company and contract price in each case; if tenders were sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Anglo Irish Bank is run on an arms length commercial basis by the Board of Anglo. Consequently, matters which relate to the normal commercial business of the bank, including public relations and other business services contracted by the bank, are a matter for the Board of Anglo.

Information on the bank's contracts and contracting processes are commercially sensitive and it would therefore not be appropriate to release such information. As the Deputy may be aware, comprehensive financial information on Anglo is published in bank's annual accounts in line with the requirements for publicly quoted companies. These requirements however, do not extend to the level of individual service contracts concluded by the bank.

Flood Relief.

Pat Breen

Question:

235 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance the status of a report (details supplied); when he expects this report to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48442/09]

Following flooding, in February 2008, of the railway line running between Limerick and Ennis at Ballycar, OPW Engineers met with Iarnród Éireann officials, at their request, to discuss the matter. The OPW's environmental consultants for the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme were subsequently requested to submit a costed proposal for a flood study of the area at Ballycar. A proposal and quotation to undertake a flood alleviation study of the flooding at Ballycar was subsequently received from the consultants. OPW has referred the consultants' study proposals to Iarnród Éireann for their consideration. As the body responsible for the maintenance and safety of the railway line network, any works relating to the permanent way that may be recommended by the consultants in their study would be a matter for Iarnród Éireann to implement.

Tax Code.

Joe Carey

Question:

236 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance if, in the interest of balanced regional development, the adjustments he will make in the Finance Bill to abolish the air travel tax applying to Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48463/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

280 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount raised in 2009 by the travel tax; and the estimate of the amount expected to be raised in 2010. [1378/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 236 and 280 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that since the introduction of the air travel tax on 30 March 2009, it has yielded a total of €84.4 million in 2009. The expected yield for the full year in 2010 is approximately €125 million.

It should be recognised that tourists are only subject to the tax on their return journey. The additional €10 or €2 in the context of a much larger purchasing decision involving travel, hotel expenditures etc. should have only a limited effect on tourist numbers. The Government appreciates the airline industry continues to go through a difficult period. However, this difficult trading period arises primarily from weak world economic activity.

We currently face significant financial challenges and the air travel tax is an important revenue raising measure. The Government has tried to be as fair as possible in looking at areas for additional tax revenues. It is also worth noting that fuel used by commercial airlines is completely exempt from tax, so it's a sector that already has considerable preferential treatment. I have no plans to abolish the air travel tax.

Tax Collection.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

237 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons earning between €26,000 to €27,480; the amount of money raised by the Exchequer from the health levy from persons earning between €26,000 and €27,480 on a yearly basis; the amount that was raised in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48464/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of income earners with income between €26,000 and €27,480, estimated by reference to the income tax year 2009, is of the order of 60,500.

The amount of health levy payable by these income earners in respect of 2009 is estimated to be about €47 million; a breakdown on a geographical basis is not available.

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007, adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2009. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

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.

Tax Code.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

238 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the amount refunded under section 848A of the Tax Consolidation Act 1997 in 2008; the details of the amounts received, brought down, benefits, charities, overseas aid groups and religious congregations. [48540/09]

Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a scheme of tax relief for donations to eligible charities and other approved bodies. The precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on donations vary depending on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a person subject to self-assessment or a company.

For PAYE-only taxpayers, the relief is given on a "grossed-up" basis to the approved body rather than by way of a separate claim to tax relief by the donor. The claim is therefore made to the Revenue Commissioners by the approved body. In the case of a donation made by an individual who pays tax on a self-assessment basis, the individual claims the relief and there is no grossing up arrangement. In the case of a company, it will claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense and there is no grossing up arrangement

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, because of the different arrangements, as outlined above, for claiming the tax relief and the fact that the records maintained by them do not readily differentiate between the different types of charities and approved bodies availing of the relief, the detailed information sought by the Deputy cannot be easily compiled.

However, the following table sets out the estimated cost to the Exchequer of tax relief on donations to approved bodies and eligible charities, insofar as they are available, for the years 2007 and 2008. The figures shown for companies relate to accounting periods ending in 2007 and 2008. I am advised by Revenue that they are not yet in a position to provide data for 2008 in respect of self-employed donors, as all tax returns filed for that year have not yet been processed.

2007

2008

€m

€m

PAYE

25.3

29.5

Self-Employed

18.6

N/A

Companies

0.6

1.2

Public Sector Schemes.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

239 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48543/09]

As the Deputy will be aware the Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme was introduced as a once-off measure that was included in the Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009. Following implementation on 30 April the measure was extended to staff in the different areas of the public service, including the local government sector and the HSE. The closing date for participation in this scheme has expired. There is no current proposal to extend the scheme.

Excise Duty.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

240 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to losses incurred by a small wholesaler of wines and spirits (details supplied) as a result of the downward change in excise duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48550/09]

The Deputy will be aware that some difficult choices had to be made in framing recent Budgets. The Government has over the past 18 months made very significant budgetary adjustments including those announced on 9 December last. Those reductions had to be made in many areas, including reductions in Social Welfare expenditure, cuts in public service pay rates and the deferral, reduction or withdrawal of various schemes, to mention just a few.

Despite having to make those considerable reductions in other areas, I nevertheless, following requests from the drinks industry, decided to make reductions in alcohol excise duty. The reductions were designed to provide some relief to the business community, but represent a significant concession which is projected to cost the Exchequer some €90 million in a full year. Consequently, to provide further relief to the drinks industry as is now being suggested is out of the question.

In that regard, I would also point out that in my Budget speech, I stated that "I expect the drinks industry to play its part in making the cost of alcohol more competitive. There was no burden placed on traders to reduce prices immediately following Budget night. I would hope that those involved in the drinks industry would be able to find some arrangement with individual traders, and between the various sectors of the industry, to balance out any effects of the excise reductions.

I want to take this opportunity to re-confirm that the reductions in excise duty apply to stock taken out of bond on or after 10 December 2009, and that no compensation will be given by the Exchequer to traders in respect of stock purchased before 10 December 2009.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

241 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of whole time equivalents serving in the grades of chairman, commissioner, assistant secretary general, higher principal officer, principal officer, higher assistant principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer, staff officer and clerical officer in the Revenue Commissioners on 1 January 1998, 1 January 2007 and the latest date for which figures are available. [48582/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, historically, there were several departmental grade structures in Revenue which have, through a series of collective agreements in accordance with the C&A scheme, been integrated into the general service. Some departmental grades were still in existence in January 1998 but for the purpose of this reply, the nearest general service grade equivalent has been used throughout.

Grade

Jan 1998

Jan 2007

Jan 2010

Chairman

1.00

1.00

1.00

Commissioners

2.00

2.00

2.00

Deputy Secretary

1.00

1.00

0.00

Assistant Secretaries

14.00

15.00

15.00

Principal Officer (Higher scale)*

17.00

111.80

110.00

Principal Officer

107.00

35.00

5.00

Assistant Principal (Higher Scale)*

13.00

205.43

203.51

Assistant Principal

352.00

280.63

217.00

Higher Executive Officer/Administrative Officer

887.50

1,071.92

992.97

Executive Officer

1,345.00

1,832.09

1,762.66

Staff Officer

231.50

264.00

236.44

Clerical Officer

1,905.00

2,534.82

2,380.12

Clerical Assistant

818.50

*It should be noted that the Principal Officer and Assistant Principal Officer Higher Scale posts in 2007 and 2010 include posts provided in accordance with the provisions of pay agreements under the Programme for Competitiveness at Work (PCW) and under the agreements referred to above.

Joan Burton

Question:

242 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of whole time equivalents serving in the Public Appointments Service in the grades of secretary general, deputy secretary general, assistant secretary general, higher principal officer, principal officer, higher assistant principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer, staff officer and clerical officer on 1 January 1998, 1 January 2007 and the latest date for which figures are available. [48583/09]

The following table contains the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

Public Appointments Service

Grade Title

01/01/1998*

01/01/2007

31/12/2009

WTE

WTE

WTE

Secretary General

0.00

0.00

0.00

Deputy Secretary

0.00

0.00

0.00

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

Principal (Higher)

1.00

1.00

1.00

Principal

1.00

2.00

1.00

Assistant Principal (Higher)

2.00

2.00

2.00

Assistant Principal

3.50

5.00

3.50

Higher Executive Officer

22.60

18.40

15.03

Executive Officer

26.40

23.30

20.73

Staff Officer

12.70

9.90

8.80

Clerical Officer

60.55

65.05

42.40

Total

130.75

127.65

95.46

*As the PAS is only in existence since 2004, statistics are not available for 1998. I have, however, provided figures from the date of its existence as a separate body.

Tax Code.

Mary Upton

Question:

243 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated saving that would occur from the standardisation of all pension tax reliefs at 20%; his views on the recent report by the Economic and Social Research Institute that showed that €8 out of every €10 of tax relief in this area goes to the top 20% of earners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48600/09]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to individual pension contributions, the tax relief on which is allowed at the taxpayer's marginal tax rate, that is, at the standard or higher rate of income tax as appropriate in each case.

A breakdown of the cost of tax relief on employee contributions to occupational pension schemes is not available by income tax rate, as tax returns by employers to the Revenue Commissioners of employee contributions to such schemes are aggregated at employer level. An historical breakdown is available by tax rate of the tax relief claimed on contributions to personal pension plans — Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) — by the self-employed and others, to the extent that the contributions have been included in the personal tax returns of those taxpayers. The latest full historical data available in this regard is in respect of the tax year 2007.

There is, therefore, no statistical basis for providing definitive figures. However, by making certain assumptions about the available information, it is estimated that the full year yield to the Exchequer from confining tax relief to the standard rate of 20% in respect of individual contributions to occupational pension schemes, RACs and PRSAs would be about €500 million.

I assume that the ESRI Report referred to by the Deputy is that entitled Pension Policy: New Evidence on Key Issues published in November last. The Report deals mainly with the question of whether existing tax incentives for private pension provision would be better targeted to encourage improved coverage by allowing relief on contributions at the standard income tax rate or at a hybrid rate of 30% rate. While apparently seeing merit in both approaches, the Report favours tax relief on pension contributions at the standard income tax rate in conjunction with sustaining the State Pension and schemes to increase pension coverage among lower to middle income earners.

The recently published Renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a single 33% rate for tax relief on private pension provision in the context of the National Pensions Framework. This would result in a reduction in the tax relief on pension contributions available to higher rate taxpayers and an additional incentive to pension savings for standard rate taxpayers. However, the full detail and timing of the introduction of this measure have yet to be decided. I will bear the ESRI Report in mind in the context of delivering on the Government's commitment in this area.

Mary Upton

Question:

244 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the average effective tax rate including all levies for a person earning €15,000, €25,000, €35,000, €45,000, €55,000, €75,000 and €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48602/09]

I assume the Deputy is referring to a taxpayer on PAYE and paying the full rate of PRSI. On that basis, the effective average tax rates for the annual earnings as requested are set out as follows:

Single Person

Income

Effective Average Tax Rate

%

15,000

0.0

25,000

10.3

35,000

18.8

45,000

25.3

55,000

30.0

75,000

35.6

100,000

39.2

Married Person, One Income with Children

Income

Effective Average Tax Rate

%

15,000

0.0

25,000

4.9

35,000

11.0

45,000

15.2

55,000

21.6

75,000

29.4

100,000

34.6

These rates include income tax, PRSI, health levy and income levy, as appropriate.

Mary Upton

Question:

245 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the reason he did not impose a one off wealth tax on high net worth persons; his views on the fact that many high net worth persons are suffering in the economy, there are many who continue to be wealthy; if he will consider introducing a one off wealth tax as part of a call to patriotic action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48604/09]

As part of my recent Budget I announced a "domicile levy", full details of which will be announced in the Finance Bill. The levy of €200,000 will apply to Irish-domiciled individuals whose worldwide income exceeds €1 million and whose Irish-located capital is greater than €5 million.

Although all taxes and potential taxation measures are constantly reviewed in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill, I do not have any plans at present to introduce a Wealth Tax. One of the difficulties with such a tax is that asset values can fluctuate considerably over time and the potential yield from such a tax may not be significant in the current climate.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) are, in effect, taxes on wealth, in that they are levied on an individual or company when they dispose of an asset (CGT) or acquire an asset through gift or inheritance (CAT). The rate of both these taxes was increased to 25% in the 2009 Supplementary Budget.

Flood Relief.

James Bannon

Question:

246 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive compensation for extensive damage to their lands. [48615/09]

The Office of Public Works does not provide compensation for losses sustained to property as a result of flooding. However, in recognition of the devastation suffered by people due to the recent flooding, the Government has launched a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, which is being administered by the Community Welfare Service on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The aim of the scheme is not to provide compensation but rather to provide financial support subject to certain conditions to people who have suffered flood damage to their property. It is a matter for the individual concerned to apply direct to the Community Welfare Service for any Humanitarian Assistance.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also launched a Fodder Aid Scheme of €2 million. The scheme requires farmers to demonstrate that the fodder was damaged, the extent of the damage and that it is necessary to purchase feed supplies to prevent animal welfare problems.

Tax Code.

Michael Creed

Question:

247 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the impact of tax individualisation on a married couple, when one of the partners, due to a personal disability is not in a position to take up employment opportunities outside the house; his views on introducing some specific tax relief for persons in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48621/09]

As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 81 of 17 December 2009, the position is that a married one income couple benefit from a standard rate band of €45,400 which is €9,000 higher than the band for a single person. They also have the benefit of the married person's credit in the amount of €3,660, which is double the single person's credit. Where the stay-at-home spouse in a married one earner couple cares for a dependent person, e.g. their child or an elderly relative, the couple may benefit from an entitlement to the home carer tax credit, which has a value of €900.

The Commission on Taxation considered the issues associated with tax individualisation in its 2009 report. The Commission concluded that the present arrangements with regard to band structure and credits which apply to married one-earner and married two-earner couples should remain in place.

With regard to the question of introducing a specific tax relief for persons in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, the position is that tax relief provisions are reviewed regularly, particularly as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.

Michael McGrath

Question:

248 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to the suggestion made in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the administration of the research and development tax credit. [48642/09]

A tax credit of 25% of the incremental expenditure incurred by a company in an accounting period on Research and Development (R&D) activities can be offset against a company's corporation tax liability. Finance (No.2) Act 2008 contained a number of very significant enhancements to the R&D tax credit scheme including: an option to carry-back unused tax credits for set-off against a company's previous year's corporation tax payments, if there is insufficient corporate tax liability in the current year, thereby creating a tax refund; a further option, if unused tax credits still remain, to claim payment of the remaining unused credits which will be paid in instalments over a 3 year period.

Other positive changes made to the scheme in Budget 2009 and Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 include an increase in the rate of tax credit from 20% to 25% and the permanent setting of 2003 as the base year under the scheme. The scheme has been improved in most Budgets and Finance Acts since its introduction and the latest enhancements introduced in Budget 2009 and Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 will act to make the scheme one of the most competitive of its kind anywhere.

There are difficulties in allowing companies to offset the R&D tax credit against payroll taxes, not least the fact that these taxes are paid over to the Exchequer by companies on behalf of their employees on a fiduciary basis. Given the significant improvements already made to the scheme, notwithstanding the current difficult economic and fiscal environment which we face, I regret that I am not in a position at this time to agree to the suggestion contained in the details supplied with the question.

Pension Provisions.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

249 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if the cuts in pay provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009 applies to employees of organisations funded under section 30 of the Health Act 2004 who currently qualify for a pension under the nominated Health Agencies Pension Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48643/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

301 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that recently introduced public sector pay cuts only apply to those already subject to the public sector pension levy; if there are any instances where individuals are subject to the pay cuts but were not subject to the pension levy; if he will clarify the position in respect of the Health Service Executive funded posts in grant aided agencies which were not subject to the earlier pension levy and were not included in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2047/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 301 together.

The definition of a public servant in the legislation governing the pension levy and the pay reductions is the same. Therefore, in general the reductions in pay under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 will apply to employees who are paying the pension related deduction. However, there are a small number of situations where the pay reductions could apply to a public servant who was not subject to the pensions levy. The pay reductions apply to employees of public service bodies, whether or not the public servant is a member of a public service pension scheme or receives a payment in lieu. Furthermore, the income exemption threshold that applies to the pensions levy does not apply to the pay reductions.

Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 apply to HSE service providers and other bodies in receipt of funding assistance from the HSE. Organisations that are directly funded by the HSE under Section 38 of the 2004 Act are public service bodies, as defined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act which provided for the pension levy deduction and the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, which provided for the reduction in public service pay. Employees in these bodies have access to public service pension schemes or, in a small number of cases, the state funds an employer contribution to a private pension scheme. The pension levy and the reduction in salary apply to all these employees. Accordingly, the pay reduction legislation applies to all members of the Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme.

Under Section 39 of the 2004 Act, the HSE provides a grant towards the overall costs of running certain organisations. Neither the pension levy nor the reduction in salary applies to such employees.

Decentralisation Programme.

Joe McHugh

Question:

250 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1008/10]

The Government has decided to defer the proposed decentralisation moves to Carlow and Mullingar for further consideration until 2011. Any matters relating to the sites in question will be clarified following that consideration.

Tax Collection.

Niall Collins

Question:

251 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in tabular form analysed by county registered as tax exiles for the year 2006, 2007 and 2008; the amount of tax paid by these persons in each year to the Revenue here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1023/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners there is no register or list of so called ‘tax exiles' and there is nothing in Irish tax law that makes reference to ‘tax exile' status.

The taxation of individuals in the State is in line with that prevailing in most other OECD jurisdictions, that is to say (a) individuals who are resident in the State for tax purposes (based on the number of days presence in the State) are taxable here on their worldwide income; and (b) individuals who are not resident here for tax purposes pay tax here only on income arising in the State and on income derived from working here.

I am informed by Revenue that for the 2007 tax year (the latest year for which figures are available), 7,228 non-resident individuals filed Irish tax returns in respect of their Irish-source income or income derived from working here. The total amount of tax paid by these persons was €43m. For the 2006 tax year, 5,993 non-resident individuals filed Irish tax returns in respect of their Irish-source income or income derived from working here. The total amount of tax paid by these persons was €44.5m.

The equivalent figures for 2008 are not yet available. Returns for 2008 were due by 31 October 2009 or, in the case of returns made on ROS (Revenue Online System), by 16th November 2009. The data capture of information of these returns is currently under way and when completed will facilitate the compilation of statistics for 2008.

Many of the individuals that show on their tax return that they are non-resident in the State do not have an Irish address. It is not therefore possible to provide an analysis of the total number of persons claiming to be non-resident for tax purposes on a county basis.

It should be noted that many of these non-residents are foreign nationals or have a foreign domicile; and many of the non-resident Irish citizens or Irish domiciliaries included in this figure may have become non-resident for reasons unrelated to taxation, but who may have retained Irish investments (such as rental property). These individuals could not be categorised as ‘tax exiles' under any reasonable definition of that term.

Revenue Investigations.

Niall Collins

Question:

252 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if a person who passes information to the Revenue Commissioners which results in an investigation and possible tax liability by a third party will be assured that their identity will not be disclosed by the Revenue to the third party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1024/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that where a person, who does not wish their identity to be disclosed, passes information to them, it is their policy to protect the identity of that person.

However there may be circumstances where disclosure would be ordered by a judge, for example, if the information triggers a criminal investigation and a prosecution, it may be a matter for the Trial Judge to determine whether the interests of a fair trial require disclosure of the name of an informant.

There is also strong protection under the FOI Acts for the non-release of the identity of a person who passes information to Revenue. However for completeness, it should be also noted that every FOI case is subject to review on appeal by the Office of the Information Commissioner and that in such circumstances a situation might possibly arise where Revenue might be obliged to disclose the identity of such a person.

It should also be noted that individuals always have the option to pass information to Revenue anonymously.

Courts Service.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

253 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 1 December 2009, the stage of the process that the proposed extension to the Waterford court house has reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1032/10]

The provision of court accommodation is, in the first instance, a matter for the Courts Service. Preliminary plans have been prepared for the refurbishment and extension of the Courthouse in Waterford, taking account of initial discussions with the Judiciary locally, staff, and court users. Further consultations regarding these plans will be undertaken in January 2010. It is intended to complete the planning process and to prepare tender documents in the course of 2010 with a view to work commencing on site in 2011, subject to the availability of resources.

Pension Provisions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

254 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposed pensions insolvency payments scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1043/10]

Section 22 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 provides for a Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme (PIPS) for the making of payments to or in respect of the relevant pensioners of participating pension schemes.

I have recently signed the statutory instrument giving effect to PIPS from 1 February 2010 for a pilot period of three years. From that date, it is open to any pension scheme that meets the criteria to apply to participate. The principal qualifying conditions for PIPS are that the sponsoring employer must be insolvent (in accordance with the definition used in the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984) and the defined benefit pension scheme must be winding up in deficit.

Details of the application procedure and other guidance is being made available on my Department's website www.finance.gov.ie

Excise Duty.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

255 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reason the duty drawback relief which on 9 December 2009 was to be made available to those holding stocks of alcoholic drinks was withdrawn, giving rise to substantial losses to those holding such stocks, even though a methodology had been agreed with the Revenue Commissioners for the taking and the verification of such stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1050/10]

I want to draw to the Deputy's attention that, in relation to the reduction in excise duty on alcohol products announced in my Budget Statement of 9 December 2009, no excise duty relief was provided in respect of alcohol products released prior to 10 December 2009.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the communication regarding the excise duty drawback relief, was unauthorised and issued in error on Thursday 10 December 2009 by a Revenue officer to a small number of traders that were dealt with by that particular officer. As soon as the error was identified, the recipients were notified by lunch-time on Friday 11 December 2009 and the communication was withdrawn. The Revenue Commissioners also issued a clarification to all staff to the effect that there was no provision for the application of the reduced rates before midnight on 9 December; and that the previous rates of tax were to apply in all such cases. This clarification was also posted on the Revenue website. There is no provision in law to allow the refund of the difference in excise duty rates applicable pre- and post-Budget 2010.

Departmental Properties.

Michael McGrath

Question:

256 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the sale of a property to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1051/10]

OPW and the Purchaser agreed to carry out certain works on the premises prior to closing the sale. OPW has discharged its responsibilities, but the Purchaser has yet to carry out the works he agreed. OPW will complete the sale when the Purchaser has executed these works.

Public Sector Expenditure.

Niall Collins

Question:

257 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if his decision to cease performance bonus payments to certain grades in the civil and public service includes the cessation of such payments to local authority managers and directors of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1102/10]

I confirm that the scheme for the payment of performance awards in the local authorities has been terminated.

Tax Code.

Joe McHugh

Question:

258 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the VAT margin scheme that was introduced in budget 2010 imposes credit flow problems and cash flow problems on vendors of agricultural machinery, who heretofore traded via the special VAT scheme for used agricultural machinery; his further views on whether the new VAT margin scheme makes allowances for the seasonal nature of the agricultural machinery trade; if these considerations will be taken into account when structuring the Finance Bill 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1119/10]

The VAT Margin Scheme was introduced on 1 January 2010 in respect of second-hand means of transport and agricultural machinery. Under the Margin Scheme, dealers will account for VAT on their profit margin, that is, on the difference between the cost of acquiring the means of transport and agricultural machinery and its reselling price. This will apply to all second-hand means of transport and agricultural machinery sold on or after 1 January 2010.

Up to now all EU Member States applied the Margin Scheme to second-hand vehicles with the exception of Ireland and Denmark. When the Margin Scheme was introduced under the EU VAT Directive in 1994, Ireland, following strong representations from the industry, negotiated a derogation in the form of the Special Scheme which applied up until December last, which is also provided for under the VAT Directive. Introducing the VAT Margin Scheme brought Ireland into line with the vast majority of other Member States.

Although under the new Margin Scheme dealers may experience a cash-flow change where they will be no longer entitled to claim VAT input on the purchase of a second-hand vehicle, this is being compensated for by appropriate transitional measures. In this respect, second-hand vehicles or agricultural machinery acquired by dealers before 1 January 2010 and resold after 1 July 2009 are taxed on their resale price. In effect this means that there will be no clawback of VAT in the case where such vehicles or agricultural machinery are sold at a loss.

In addition, as part of the transition measures, for second-hand vehicles or agricultural machinery purchased from 1 January 2010, dealers will be entitled to claim VAT input credit on those vehicles for six months up to June 2010 at a reducing scale of 40% in the period January/February 2010, 30% in the period March/April and 20% in the period May/June.

It should be noted, as already stated, that moving to the VAT Margin Scheme brings the VAT treatment of second-hand means of transport and agricultural machinery in the State into line with the treatment applying in the vast majority of other Member States.

Public Sector Expenditure.

Joe McHugh

Question:

259 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the Departments and grades of the 600 managers and senior civil servants who will be exempted from the salary cuts outlined in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1158/10]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

266 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the rationale for reversing the pay cuts of senior civil servants who will now take much less of a wage cut than lower paid civil servants; the reason the final pensions should not be similarly affected irrespective of bonus cuts, like those struggling to make a living at the lower end; if his attention has been drawn to the anger amongst the general public as a result of harsh but necessary measures to reduce our growing deficit, but who feel additionally discriminated against as a result of this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1272/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 266 together.

The remunerations packages of Assistant Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries in the civil service and related grades in other parts of the public service included a scheme of performance-related pay which gave an average payment of 10% of salary. The related grades in other areas of the public service include groups at comparable levels in the local authorities, HSE, some State Bodies, Garda Síochána and Defence Forces. In 2009, it was decided this scheme would be terminated subject to discussion on the implementation of the decision with the relevant staff association.

In applying the recent reductions in pay, I considered that account had to be taken of the reduction in remuneration for Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries and related grades arising from the termination of the scheme of performance-related pay. Otherwise, the total reduction in remuneration for these grades would have been greater than those for other public servants including higher paid groups at the level of Secretary General or above. I decided that the reductions should comprise both a reduction in the salary scale and the termination of the scheme of performance-related pay previously payable to the grades. The resulting adjustments including the effect of the termination of the scheme of performance-related pay produce significant reductions in remuneration of 14% in the case of the grade of Deputy Secretary and 11.8% in the case of the grade of Assistant Secretary. These reductions are higher than those applying to other groups at lower salary levels.

As regards pensions, the arrangements applying to these grades in 2010 are the same as those applying to all public servants under the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009.

Foreign Conflicts.

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

260 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 215 and 223 of 16 September 2009, the reason the €41 million of imports from Israel in 2008 did not qualify for preferential duty; if he will give assurances that the reason was not due to the fact the these imports were of produce from Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1162/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, in September 2009, in response to the parliamentary questions mentioned, the Tánaiste explained that it was not possible to state with any certainty the reasons a preferential duty was not claimed in respect of particular imports. Accordingly it is not possible to give the assurance that the Deputy seeks.

However, it may be helpful for the Deputy to note that, I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that apart from the possibility that the goods were the produce of non-qualifying settlements, there are a number of other reasons why preference might not be claimed. The goods may not qualify under the rules of origin in as much as that they may have been originally imported into Israel from another country or may have been manufactured in Israel using raw materials sourced in another country. It may also be the case that, in the case of particular imports, claiming preference would have no impact on the duty payable and the importers saw no necessity or commercial benefit in claiming preference to which they had a technical entitlement.

Pension Provisions.

George Lee

Question:

261 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance the protection that is provided to employees by legislation when a pension scheme (details supplied) is wound down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1195/10]

Section 22 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 provides for a Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme (PIPS) for the making of payments to or in respect of the relevant pensioners of participating pension schemes. The Act does not provide for the inclusion or exclusion of any particular pension scheme in PIPS.

I have recently signed the statutory instrument giving effect to PIPS from 1 February 2010 for a pilot period of three years. From that date, it is open to any pension scheme that meets the criteria to apply to participate. The principal qualifying conditions for PIPS are that the sponsoring employer must be insolvent (in accordance with the definition used in the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984) and the defined benefit pension scheme must be winding up in deficit.

Details of the application procedure and other guidance is being made available on my Department's website www.finance.gov.ie

Question No. 262 answered with Question No. 221.

Flood Relief.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

263 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance when funding will be approved for the second phase of the Fermoy flood relief scheme in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1205/10]

Detailed design of the second and final phase of the overall Fermoy flood relief project, including the Fermoy South and South West schemes, is currently under way and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2010, after which the procurement process for the appointment of a civil engineering contractor will be commenced. The contractor is expected to be appointed in late 2010 or early 2011. OPW has profiled expenditure for this scheme in its 2009-2013 budget for the flood relief programme.

Public Sector Remuneration.

James Bannon

Question:

264 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants who received sanction from him to receive fees on top of their normal salary for sitting on state boards, commissions or other such bodies in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 in each Department; the numbers in each grade who received permission; the number of applications that he rejected and the boards involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1234/10]

The general policy is that public servants should not receive additional remuneration for undertaking other duties in the public service, such as acting as chairpersons or directors of State-sponsored bodies or serving on commissions or other such bodies. The principle, usually referred to as the "one person one salary" principle, or OPOS, was first enunciated by the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector in 1972, and it has been a feature of the public service since then.

The review body on higher remuneration in the public sector subsequently recommended that payment of fees could be sanctioned in exceptional circumstances. This policy has been implemented on the basis that each of the following conditions must be met:

(1) that the duties involved are neither a part nor an extension of the officer's normal duties,

(2) that a rigid insistence on the principle of one person-one salary would deny scarce skills to the State,

(3) that payment is permitted for one additional appointment only,

(4) that the approval of the Department of Finance for additional payments is required in each case,

(5) that in no case should payment exceed the normal fee for the activity concerned, and

(6) that the duration of such payment should be limited to one term or five years whichever is greater.

Twenty one public servants received such a sanction in the years 2005 to 2009.

The personnel in question were five civil servants ranging in grade from clerical officer to assistant secretary, five employees of State bodies, four HSE staff, three local authority staff, two teachers and two lecturers.

The Boards in question were as follows:

Audit Committee of the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Equality Authority

Campus Stadium Ireland

Combat Poverty Agency

Dormant Accounts Board

E.S.B. Industrial Council

Health Service Executive

Heritage Council

Health Information and Quality Authority

National Library of Ireland

National Museum of Ireland

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Pensions Board

Property Registration Authority

As written instructions are available on the limited circumstances in which a public servant may receive a fee and as oral advice in provided, as required, applications for payments of fees to public servants are made only where the Department concerned considers that all the necessary conditions have been fulfilled.

However, during the period in question, five applications which were made for an exception to the OPOS principle were rejected. The boards in question were the Property Registration Authority and the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority. There are many other cases where public servants serving on State boards do not receive a fee but no application for an exception was made.

Separate arrangements apply to the chief executive officers of State-sponsored bodies and are incorporated in the code of practice for the governance of State bodies which is available on the website of my Department —www.finance.gov.ie

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

265 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1257/10]

As the Deputy is aware the report of the special group on public numbers and expenditure programmes outlined a wide range of proposals across all Departments, a number of which can only be achieved through restructuring over a number of years. The implementation of the proposals for my Department and the Offices under its aegis is ongoing, and initial progress has been made in this regard in budget 2010.

The savings outlined for my Department and the Offices under its aegis together with savings identified as being achievable in budget 2010 are set out in the following table.

Office

Annualised Savings Identified

Savings Accepted in Budget 2010

€m

€m

Valuation Office

2

1.031

Public Appointments Service

7.9

4.308

Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments

0.3

0.240

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

26.6

26.6

Office of Public Works

41.0

21.0

Office of the Minister for Finance

5.0

5.0

Total

82.8

58.179

21 recommendations were made by the special group in respect of the finance group of votes. At present, 14 of these have either been implemented or are in progress, with the remainder under consideration. €58.179 million is the projected 2010 saving arising from the recommendations that will be fully or partly completed in 2010. The remaining savings are expected to be achieved over a number of years.

Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 259.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

267 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a referendum facilitating a reduction in pay for members of the Judiciary, similar to other public servants; if he will outline a reason for not considering this option in view of the anger amongst members of the public who have had to suffer as a result of pay cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1273/10]

The introduction of referenda on the Constitution is a matter for the Government.

In its report late last year, the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector concluded that the Constitution precluded them from recommending a reduction in judicial pay. Had they not been so precluded, they would have considered a downward adjustment. For the same reason the pension levy was not applied to the Judiciary, though many judges have contributed an amount on a voluntary basis. As I indicated in budget 2010, the Chief Justice and the Presidents of the Courts have urged all judges to make appropriate voluntary contributions from salary in respect of the levy and I will make provision in the Finance Bill to facilitate these payments.

I also indicated that since the review body would have considered a reduction of judicial salaries, I have decided that there will be no increase in judges' pay during the lifetime of this Government. Future Governments may choose, as in the past, to continue this course of action.

Tax Code.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

268 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Finance if he will exclude the surcharge on undistributed investment income under section 440 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to construction and manufacturing companies and allow these companies to use the funds from the franked investment income for productive investment in their companies and safeguard employment in the current difficult economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1286/10]

Section 440 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a surcharge of 20% on any investment and rental income of a close company which is not distributed within 18 months of the end of the accounting period in which that income was earned. Broadly, a close company is a company under the control of five or fewer participators (including associates), or of participators who are directors. Most Irish owned companies are close companies.

The purpose of the close company surcharge is to prevent avoidance of personal income taxation through the accumulation of income within a corporate structure. With company profits subject to the 12.5% rate of corporation tax there would be a strong incentive, in the absence of a surcharge, for persons to earn and accumulate their income within a company and thereby avoid income tax at the higher 41% rate.

Aside from the strong arguments for retaining the surcharge as an anti-avoidance measure, it would be invidious to remove or reduce the surcharge for particular sectors while retaining it for other sectors. Moreover, such an approach would have State-aid implications from an EU perspective, in that it would favour certain companies and sectors here over others. For these reasons, I would not propose to change the existing arrangements along the lines suggested by the Deputy.

Tax Collection.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

269 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange a refund of stamp duty to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1287/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant instrument for stamping was lodged by the solicitors acting for the person concerned on 29 June 2009, together with the appropriate payment of Stamp Duty.

To date, the Revenue Commissioners have not received an application for a refund of the duty paid. If the person concerned wishes to claim a refund he should apply in writing to the Dublin Stamping Office, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.

Banking Sector Investigations.

Michael McGrath

Question:

270 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the progress of the investigations into certain transactions at Anglo Irish Bank; if he is satisfied with the progress and pace of these investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, several regulatory bodies are carrying out investigations of behaviour at Anglo Irish Bank including in particular, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Garda Fraud Office and the Financial Regulator.

While the agencies involved are independent in carrying out their functions, I understand that the investigations are proceeding satisfactorily and that considerable resources are being committed to the investigations, with a view to bringing these to completion as soon as possible.

In the case of the director of corporate enforcement, for example, considerable resources are committed to the investigations. I am informed that the investigation into Anglo Irish Bank is a primary focus of ODCE work at this time. I understand that some 16 full-time equivalent staff (or one-third of available personnel in the ODCE) are now supporting this investigation. These staff include gardaí and staff with accounting, administrative, IT and legal expertise.

However, investigations of this nature are by definition complex, and in particular the acquisition of potential evidence in such large-scale commercial investigations is a painstaking process. It is, of course, essential that each investigation proceeds fully and comprehensively to conclusion so that any wrong doing identified at Anglo on foot of these investigations can be fully and appropriately pursued, in accordance with the law.

The various regulatory bodies will make their reports in due course and I am of course anxious that these investigations are completed as swiftly as possible.

National Debt.

Michael McGrath

Question:

271 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the details of the amount of borrowing expected to be undertaken by the National Treasury Management Agency during 2010 and the current spread, in terms of basis points, between Irish and German government bonds of different duration. [1313/10]

Michael McGrath

Question:

272 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the Irish national debt including the amounts owed attached to different debt instruments; the amount owed on bonds of varying durations and a breakdown of the debt which is the subject of a variable and fixed yield or rate of interest. [1315/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has advised that at end-2009 the national debt stood at €75.2 billion. Some €71.5 billion was outstanding in medium and long-term liabilities and €9.3 billion in retail saving scheme products. These amounts included a carryover of more than €5 billion in long-term funding available to finance the deficit in 2010.

The NTMA has announced that it plans to raise up to €20 billion in the bond market in 2010 — this is significantly less than the €35.4 billion raised in long-term funding in 2009. On 14 January last, the NTMA announced that it had raised €5 billion in a long-term syndicated bond issuance, this accounts for 25% of the funding programme for 2010.

The spread over Germany which Ireland pays on its bonds is usually measured in terms of the ten year bond. At end-2009 this spread narrowed to 1.45% compared to nearly 3% in March 2009. The NTMA advise that at close of business on Friday, 15 January, the spread on the ten year bond was 1.56%.

The NTMA advise that at end-2009 approximately 95% of the national debt was subject to fixed interest rates. The following table sets out the details in relation to the total medium and long-term debt that was outstanding at end-2009.

Table 1 — Medium and Long-Term Debt Outstanding at end-2009

€m

Irish Government Bonds

4% Treasury Bond 2010

790

8.5% Cap Stock 2010

7

4% Treasury Bond 2011

4,690

3.9% Treasury Bond 2012

5,545

8.75% Cap Stock 2012

31

5% Treasury Bond 2013

6,030

4% Treasury Bond 2014

8,594

8.25% Treasury Bond 2015

7

4.6% Treasury Bond 2016

7,281

4.5% Treasury Bond 2018

7,506

4.4% Treasury Bond 2019

7,700

5.9% Treasury Bond 2019

6,802

4.5% Treasury Bond 2020

8,875

5.4% Treasury Bond 2025

7,000

Total Irish Government Bonds

70,858

Medium/Long Term Loans/Swaps

665

Other Medium/Long Term Debt

5

Total Medium/Long Term Debt

71,528

Union Subscriptions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

273 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if it is the practice to deduct union dues from the payroll of civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1346/10]

It is the practice to deduct union subscriptions from certain staff associations. The general instructions covering deducting union subscriptions from civil servants pay are set out in circular 38/1977.

In 1977, the Minister for the Public Service accepted an agreed recommendation made by general council under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Civil Service. This recommendation concerned amendments to the deduction arrangements to enable the ordinary membership subscriptions of certain staff associations to be deducted from the pay of members.

The circular sets out the deduction arrangements and a copy of the circular is available on www.personnelcode.gov.ie.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

274 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if a general practitioner registrar working in the community and participating in a recognised training programme is eligible to claim work related expenses against income tax under schedule E under the category as non consultant hospital doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1347/10]

Schedule E flat rate expenses of non consultant hospital doctors are only available to non consultant hospital doctors employed in that capacity and paying tax under Schedule E (and within the scope of PAYE), in respect of expenses wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the individual's employment. It is not possible to provide a more detailed answer based on the information supplied.

However, if the Deputy's question is in respect of any individual that has a doubt as to the tax deductibility of expenses actually incurred by him or her (and not reimbursed by his or her employer or another party), he or she may make a submission outlining the particular expenses to his or her local Revenue office which will examine the matter.

Tax Yield.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

275 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his plans to allow alcohol distributors and wholesalers to claim back the excise paid on products in their warehouses prior to the reduction in excise duty in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1348/10]

I want to take this opportunity to re-confirm that the reductions in excise duty apply to stock taken out of bond on or after 10 December 2009, and that no compensation will be given by the Exchequer to traders in respect of stock purchased before 10 December 2009.

The Deputy will be aware that some difficult choices had to be made in framing recent budgets. The Government has over the past 18 months made very significant budgetary adjustments including those announced on 9 December last. Those reductions had to be made in many areas, including reductions in social welfare expenditure, cuts in public service pay rates and the deferral, reduction or withdrawal of various schemes, to mention just a few.

Despite having to make those considerable reductions in other areas, I nevertheless, following requests from the drinks industry, decided to make reductions in alcohol excise duty. The reductions were designed to provide some relief to the business community, but represent a significant concession which is projected to cost the Exchequer some €90 million in a full year. Consequently, to provide further relief to the drinks industry as is now being suggested is out of the question.

In that regard, I would also point out that in my budget speech, I stated that "I expect the drinks industry to play its part in making the cost of alcohol more competitive. If I find this reduction has not been passed on to the consumer I will reverse today's reduction". There was therefore no burden placed on traders to reduce prices immediately following budget night. I would hope that those involved in the drinks industry would be able to find some arrangement with individual traders, and between the various sectors of the industry, to balance out any effects of the excise reductions.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

276 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if companies and sole traders can claim VAT back on corporate dining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1349/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioner that businesses that are registered for VAT are generally entitled to claim input credit for VAT charged to them on goods and services used in the course of their taxable activities, except where entitlement to input credit is expressly disallowed by legislation. Section 12(3) of the Value Added Tax Act 1972, as amended, provides for the disallowance of input credit in respect of VAT relating to certain expenditure, including expenditure incurred on food and drink for a VAT-registered person or such person's employees or agents. This means that companies and sole traders cannot claim VAT back on corporate dining.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

277 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if staff working in a press office or public relations may claim their expenses against income tax under schedule E under the category of journalists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1350/10]

The position is that section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for an income tax deduction in respect of expenses incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily by an individual in the performance of the duties of his or her office or employment.

As regards the Schedule E flat rate expenses of journalists, these are only available to journalists employed in that capacity and paying tax under Schedule E (and within the scope of PAYE).

Finally, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that if an employee wishes to claim a tax deduction in respect of expenses wholly and exclusively and necessarily incurred (and not reimbursed by his or her employer or another party) in carrying out the duties of his or her employment, he or she may submit such a claim, including precise details of the expenditure, to his or her local Revenue office which will examine the matter.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

278 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of retired public servants who have made a voluntary surrender of all of some of their pension; if they are former Oireachtas Members, retired civil servants, teachers, gardaí, doctors, judges, presidents, local authority officials and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1351/10]

The Minister for Finance has responsibility for the administration of Civil Service pensions and for pensions paid from the Central Fund. In these categories, to date a voluntary surrender of all or some of their pensions has been made by seven retired persons, comprising civil servants and retired former office holders who are no longer members of the Oireachtas or members of the European Parliament. Responsibility for the administration of other public service pension schemes is a matter for the respective Government Ministers and the relevant State bodies.

Tax Collection.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

279 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue collected from the health levy and the income levy in 2009; the estimate of same for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1362/10]

The income levy is collected by the Revenue Commissioners as a component of income tax. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that approximately €1.1 billion was collected from the income levy in 2009. In budget 2010, it was forecast that income tax receipts of €11,530 million would be collected in 2010. It is expected that the yield from the income levy will be of the order of €1.5 billion.

The 2009 outturn for the health levy was approximately €1.8 billion. The 2010 budget provided for an estimate of €2.4 billion. This estimate is subject to revision in the Revised Estimates Volume in light of the 2009 outturn.

Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 236.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

281 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans to provide a relocation grant for the victims of the flooding in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1394/10]

I understand that the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government does not operate a home relocation scheme to assist households who wish to relocate in the aftermath of a flooding event. I have no plans to introduce such a grant.

However, in recognition of the problems faced by people in many areas of the country due to the recent flooding, the Government allocated an initial sum of €10 million to fund a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. The scheme is being administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The scheme, which is means tested, is intended to provide emergency financial assistance to households who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs in the period immediately following flooding. The scheme covers emergency income support payments to those in need and damage to a person's home and its basic essential contents, such as: carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding. Structural damage may also be considered.

Tax Code.

Denis Naughten

Question:

282 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans to have Annex III of the EU VAT Directive amended to include road safety products and thereby reduce the rate of VAT applicable on such products; if he will review this situation in the context of the forthcoming 2010 Finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1400/10]

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. While Annex III provides for the reduced rate of VAT to be applied to children's car seats, it does not provide for the reduced rate to be applied to road safety products in general, which are subject to the standard VAT rate of 21%.

Regarding children's car safety seats, in Budget 2007 Ireland availed of the option under Annex III to apply the reduced rate of 13.5% to these products with effect from 1 July 2007.

In relation to amending Annex III, the Deputy will be aware that this could only be done in the context of an overall review at Community level of reduced rates. In May 2009, EU Council Minister's adopted a proposal to slightly expand the list of goods and services to which a reduced rate can apply under Annex III of the EU VAT Directive. The proposal primarily concerned reduced VAT rates for locally supplied labour intensive services, including housing, restaurant and catering services. The proposal does not, however, include road safety equipment in general in Annex III. In this context, it remains not possible for Ireland to apply a reduced rate to road safety products in general.

Flood Relief.

Phil Hogan

Question:

283 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance when construction work will commence on flood defence works at a location (details supplied) in County Laois, particularly in view of the urgency of this work, taking into account the reports already completed by relevant local authorities and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1499/10]

A Flood Risk Management Study of Portarlington identified a preferred option for a flood relief scheme.

In the light of the publication of the Guidelines for Planning Authorities "The Planning System and Flood Risk Management", it is incumbent on the Local Authorities to consider flood risk and development needs of the town. On completion of this examination, I expect the Local Authorities to revert to OPW to assist in advancing their priorities in relation to flood risk management.

Pending final decision regarding a full flood relief scheme, it is open to Laois and Offaly County Councils to apply for funding for minor mitigation flood relief measures under OPW's Minor Flood Relief Programme, which can be used to address immediate flood problems in the Portarlington area.

Registerable Interests.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

284 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1511/10]

As the Deputy may be aware, under the Ethics Acts, gifts, hospitality, etc given to office holders which are valued at over €650 must be included in the annual statement of registerable interests to the Standards in Public Office Commission. The legislation does not require any declarations in respect of gifts, hospitality, etc under €650. The information returned to the Standards in Public Office Commission is available on the Register of Members interests published on the Houses of the Oireachtas website. In line with the Acts, I will be forwarding my annual declaration in respect of 2009 to the Standards in Public Office Commission by the required date of 31 January 2010.

Court Accommodation.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

285 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Finance if the plans for the Waterford Courthouse were completed and received by the end of 2009 as was previously indicated; and if these plans are available for viewing. [1617/10]

The provision of Court accommodation is, in the first instance, a matter for the Courts Service. Preliminary plans have been prepared for the refurbishment and extension of the Courthouse in Waterford, taking account of initial discussions with the Judiciary locally, staff, and court users. Further consultations regarding these plans will be undertaken in January 2010. It is intended to complete the planning process and to prepare tender documents in the course of 2010, with a view to work commencing on site in 2011, subject to the availability of resources.

Flood Relief.

Denis Naughten

Question:

286 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if aerial surveys of flood affected areas in counties Roscommon and Leitrim have been completed, including hydrometric information; if this information has been provided to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1619/10]

The Office of Public Works captured a considerable amount of aerial survey data for the River Shannon from Boyle to Athlone during the period of the flooding events of 2009. OPW has requested local authorities, in the areas affected, to submit all available information on the flood events of November 2009. In addition, OPW has received further relevant data from other State agencies and the EU and this information will be processed and made available. OPW is producing a number of copies of the data at present for distribution to relevant State bodies on request. A large number of requests for data have been received recently, and these are being processed at present. In due course, the available data will be publicly available on the following OPW website www.floodmaps.ie

Denis Naughten

Question:

287 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a statement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1620/10]

I would like to take this opportunity to update the Deputy on my remarks to the House on November 24th, 2009 during the severe flooding that affected certain parts of the country at that time.

Since I spoke on that occasion, the Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to address the situation. The most pressing issue at the time was to provide assistance to those immediately affected and also to assist the Local Authorities in the post-flood clean-up. An initial sum of €10m was provided for a Humanitarian Aid Scheme, which is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, to alleviate the hardship caused. The Government also indicated that further funding would be made available, if required.

A further €2m was allocated for a targeted Fodder Aid Scheme to assist farmers who were experiencing a fodder shortage, which might have led to financial hardship and potential animal welfare issues on affected farms.

Funding of €14m was provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the post-flood clean-up by Local Authorities.

In addition to these immediate initiatives, the Government has allocated €50m for flood risk management activities for 2010, which is administered by the Office of Public Works. This increased allocation will allow OPW to extend the number of Capital Works schemes already underway throughout the country. Within the overall allocation, I have also announced an increase for Minor Flood and Coastal Protection Works to be undertaken by Local Authorities in 2010. This Programme, which I initiated in 2009, has been increased initially to €6m and is to cater for works or studies which can be completed in 2010. OPW is currently seeking applications from Local Authorities and when the applications are received and evaluated the allocation may be reviewed.

OPW has undertaken a rigorous collection of data and information since the November 2009 floods and has already met with several local authorities to review the recent flood events and identify actions required. This may well lead to further areas where works can be undertaken by OPW, in addition to the major schemes already under construction in Clonmel, Co Tipperary; Mallow, Co. Cork; Fermoy, Co. Cork; Ennis, Co. Clare; Mornington, Co. Meath; and the River Dodder in Dublin, and the schemes at various stages of development which include Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Templemore, Co. Tipperary, Bray and Arklow, Co. Wicklow amongst others.

As the Deputy may be particularly interested in the River Shannon area, I can confirm that the Shannon Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study will be commissioned in mid-2010. This will identify the level of flood risk in the catchment as well as a prioritised plan of measures to address the risks identified. The study will involve all of the main stakeholders who have a role in the management of the Shannon, with a view to ensuring that all flood risk factors are managed in a co-ordinated way. Included in the Study will be the area of Ballinasloe which has been subjected to severe flooding since November. OPW has already met the local authority to identify interim measures to mitigate the flood risk in the town, and I met with them myself yesterday, 18 January, in Ballinasloe.

Finally, I would like to like to confirm that tender documents for the procurement of consultants to undertake a National Flood Warning System are currently being finalised with the relevant stakeholders and will issue shortly.

Tax Code.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

288 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties caused to the drinks distribution companies here as a result of the withdrawal of the drawback relief for duty paid stock already held on their premises on the night of Budget 2010, in view of the excise duty reductions announced that day; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the companies involved will lose millions as a result and may have to lay off staff; the solutions he is proposing to tackle the unintended difficulties of this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1832/10]

The Deputy will be aware that some difficult choices had to be made in framing recent Budgets. The Government has over the past 18 months made very significant budgetary adjustments including those announced on 9 December last. Those reductions had to be made in many areas, including reductions in Social Welfare expenditure, cuts in public service pay rates and the deferral, reduction or withdrawal of various schemes, to mention just a few.

Despite having to make those considerable reductions in other areas, I nevertheless, following requests from the drinks industry, decided to make reductions in alcohol excise duty. The reductions were designed to provide some relief to the business community, but represent a significant concession which is projected to cost the Exchequer some €90 million in a full year. Consequently, to provide further relief to the drinks industry as is now being suggested is out of the question.

In that regard, I would also point out that in my Budget speech, I stated that "I expect the drinks industry to play its part in making the cost of alcohol more competitive. If I find this reduction has not been passed on to the consumer I will reverse today's reduction". There was therefore no burden placed on traders to reduce prices immediately following Budget night. I would hope that those involved in the drinks industry would be able to find some arrangement with individual traders, and between the various sectors of the industry, to balance out any effects of the excise reductions.

I want to take this opportunity to re-confirm that the reductions in excise duty apply to stock taken out of bond on or after 10 December 2009, and that no compensation will be given by the Exchequer to traders in respect of stock purchased before 10 December 2009.

Tax Collection.

James Bannon

Question:

289 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive a refund of emergency tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1845/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Sligo Revenue Office wrote to the Deputy on 11 January 2010 advising him that:

(a) a balancing statement for the year 2008 had issued to the person in question on 20 May 2009; and

(b) the Sligo Office had spoken to the person in question, also on 11 January 2010, asking him to forward a Form P60 for 2009 in respect of his employment with the relevant VEC.

On receipt of the latter, a review of 2009 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Question:

290 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when works at a location (details supplied) in County Mayo will commence. [1895/10]

The Office of Public Works is currently awaiting a response from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the ecologist's report regarding the proposed flood mitigation works.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

291 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a copy of the report that was completed on the Cairn Centre, Kiltimagh, County Mayo which was being looked at for decentralisation purposes. [1896/10]

The Office of Public Works completed a confidential technical report on the Cairn Trade Centre building in Kiltimagh for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. It is my understanding that this report has recently been furnished to the owners of the building, IRD Kiltimagh Ltd, by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Michael Ring

Question:

292 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation proposals for the town of Claremorris, County Mayo; if a site has been purchased; if the decentralisation will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1898/10]

In light of the budgetary constraints at this time and affordability issues, I have decided to defer proceeding with permanent accommodation in Claremorris for the Office of Public Works. This location, along with other deferred locations, will be considered as part of the overall review of the programme in 2011.

Customs Service.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

293 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if a second x-ray container scanner has been delivered to the Customs Service; if not, the stage of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1925/10]

A second x-ray scanner was delivered to the Revenue Commissioners in November 2009 and entered service following testing in December. In early January the new scanner was involved in the detection of the attempted illegal importation of some eight million cigarettes worth an estimated €3.1 million.

Revenue Cutter Service.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

294 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the number of revenue cutters that are currently in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they currently have two cutters in service, RCC Suirbhéir (brought into service in 2004) and RCC Faire (brought into service in 2009).

Both vessels are involved on an ongoing basis in the patrol and monitoring of the State's maritime jurisdiction and adjacent waters. These patrol/monitoring activities are aimed at the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of prohibited and restricted goods (including narcotics) smuggled or illegally imported into, or intended to be exported out of, the State/E.U. They are also involved in servicing national and international Memoranda of Understandings and Mutual Assistance requests from other jurisdictions; servicing maritime call-outs; co-operating with other national enforcement agencies to combat drugs trafficking by sea and co-operating with international customs agencies to combat international drugs trafficking by sea.

Tax Code.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

295 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many persons who should still be entitled to mortgage interest relief since 2009 have been cut off from receiving same; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners website does not allow persons who have been cut off from mortgage interest relief to query the decision made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1927/10]

This is a matter in the first instance for the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. However, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in a limited number of cases, approximately 2,500 mortgage holders, who were entitled to continued mortgage interest relief in 2010, did not receive the recent payment due for January. This arose because of an error in the information provided by the Revenue Commissioners to lenders in respect of such customers.

The position is that the Revenue Commissioners are working with each financial institution to rectify the matter without delay. There will be no loss of relief to any customer affected by the error and there is no need for any action on the part of a mortgage holder. The Revenue Commissioners will rectify the situation with the financial institution involved or exceptionally, the mortgage holder will be contacted directly.

Question No. 296 answered with Question No. 220.

Customs Service.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

297 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the number of customs checks which took place at each airport, including small and private airports, here in 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1960/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Table below sets out the number of customs checks at the airports/aerodromes that have flights into and out of the State, on a scheduled or an on-going basis. The type of customs checks vary significantly depending on the type and origin of traffic and the level of risk in each case.

Some other aerodromes do have occasional flights into or out of the State when permission is usually given on a one off basis. These aerodromes, together with all other small aerodromes/airstrips where there is a possibility for flights to arrive from outside the State, are also subject to customs checks having regard to the level of risk at the aerodrome. However, it is not appropriate to publish details of the number of checks in each case as this could prejudice the control being applied.

2009

Cork

263,100

Donegal

75

Dublin

3,964,041

Galway

322

Kerry

3,200

Knock

1,380

Shannon

86,400

Sligo

72

Waterford

245

Weston

38

Note: In some cases the numbers provided are based on an extrapolation of figures as detailed statistics are not maintained for every type of check.

Capital Projects.

Joe McHugh

Question:

298 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of all new national development projects from 2008 onwards that are designated for funding in Budget 2010; the funding that has been allocated to each of these projects in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2029/10]

Funding for individual projects is a matter for the relevant Government Departments, and the Deputy should forward queries about any such projects accordingly.

Pension Provisions.

Denis Naughten

Question:

299 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the assets and liabilities at 31 December 2009 of the covered pension funds listed in Schedule 1 to the Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2035/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is in preparation by the Bodies concerned but is not yet available.

Public Sector Pay.

Joan Burton

Question:

300 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the mechanism for calculating public sector pay cuts, announced in budget 2010, for those with a job-sharing work arrangement; if the percentage pay cut is calculated on the basis of actual gross income or on the basis of a full-time equivalent gross income; if his attention has been drawn to any anomalies arising from the method of calculation which would lead to individuals on identical gross incomes being subject to differing cuts in gross pay because one or other was in a job-sharing work arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2045/10]

It is a well established principle that the pay of work sharers and those on atypical work patterns is calculated by reference to the whole time equivalent pay rate for the grade or post in question and the reduced pay rates are, therefore, calculated in this way. This practice is consistent with the legislation governing the conditions of employment of part-time workers.

Question No. 301 answered with Question No. 249.

Fiscal Policy.

Joan Burton

Question:

302 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on reports in a newspaper (details supplied) that the model of small and medium enterprises loan guarantees being operated successfully in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions has been ruled out here; his further views on whether a risk sharing element of 25% to 50% on the part of the loan originating institution would ensure an appropriate alignment of interests between lender and guarantor; his views on whether such a scheme would allow for the easing of credit conditions for small and medium enterprises while minimising the impact on the capitalisation and capital requirements of the loan originating institutions; if he has studied the operation of such schemes in other jurisdictions and, if so, the conclusions he has drawn; if such a scheme has been costed here; if such a scheme has been recommended to him by a company (details supplied) contracted by his Department to survey the small and medium enterprise credit environment here and to make recommendations regarding the way this environment could be ameliorated; if he will give further consideration to the implementation of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2154/10]

The Government has taken numerous measures to ensure the continued stability of the Irish financial system: the Guarantee scheme, nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank, recapitalisations and NAMA. These measures have facilitated continued lending to SMEs. Indeed, the recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland in February 2009 specifically encompassed commitments from the banks to provide additional capacity for SME lending.

The initial Independent Review of Credit Availability conducted by Mazars did not recommend the establishment of a risk sharing structure but rather that such a structure be considered. Risk sharing was assessed and it was clear that there were considerable obstacles to that approach, including the danger that such a scheme would detract from the ordinary process of credit and act as a further subsidy in the banking system. The Deputy will be aware that under the NAMA legislation I am issuing guidelines to all banks participating in NAMA who lend to SMEs, to ensure that SMEs, sole traders and farm enterprises will have recourse to an independent, external review of decisions of credit refusal by the banks. I hope that banks not participating in NAMA or covered by the Government guarantee will also decide to participate. My aim is to have a simple, effective appeals process, run by people with experience and credibility. The banks must comply with the recommendations of the appeal process, or explain satisfactorily why they cannot do so.

In addition to dealing with individual cases, the credit review system will examine the credit policies and practices of the banks in respect of SMEs. This will help me to decide what further action might be necessary to secure the flow of credit. I intend to publish the analysis from the review process so that the performance of the banks participating in NAMA will be clear to all. Mr John Trethowan, an experienced banker with a demonstrated commitment to public and social service, is overseeing the establishment of this credit review system with initial administrative support from Enterprise Ireland. Work has commenced on the logistical aspects of the review system and it is envisaged that this will be completed in the near future.

As the Deputy will be aware, there are many supports provided by the State to various parts of the business community. The Government continues at all times to seek to provide appropriate assistance and support to the generation of employment in the State.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

303 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2169/10]

The following table sets out the breakdown of staff numbers in my Department for the periods requested. However, the Deputy should be aware my Department has undergone a number of organisational changes during this time, reflected in the number of Divisions, which currently stands at five. It is not possible to accurately reflect the section breakdown within these constraints.

Division

01/01/2007

01/01/2008

01/01/2009

01/01/2010

Budget & Economic

77.70

Budget, Finance & Pensions

164.20

Budget, Economic & Pensions

184.26

Taxation & Financial Services

68.23

Budget, Taxation & Economic

138.23

135.83

Financial Services

46.73

49.73

Public Service Management & Development

128.41

145.71

Sectoral Policy

92.63

103.43

173.01

143.11

Pay & Remuneration

54.55

50.85

26.70

Centre for Management & Organisation Development

82.22

77.60

Organisation, Management & Training

23.40

20.80

Corporate Services Division

82.20

82.30

68.43

59.00

Other

45.53

41.23

31.40

27.40

Total

622.43

628.70

612.91

560.78

Other includes senior management, CMO's office, ministerial staff, seconded staff, benchmarking and review bodies.

Preschool Services.

George Lee

Question:

304 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make an exception to the age criteria of the early childhood care and education preschool scheme and allow a child (details supplied) in Dublin 16 avail of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48327/09]

I have responsibility for implementation of the free Preschool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced this month. Children will qualify for a free pre-school year place when they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months at 1 September each year. The application of this age range is being interpreted as generously as possible to include children who are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This means that in January this year children born on or after 2 February 2005 or on or before 30 June 2006 will qualify. Children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will be eligible for the free preschool year in September 2010. I understand that the child referred to by the Deputy will qualify for the free preschool year in September 2010, however, if his parents choose to send him to primary school at that time he will not be able to avail of the scheme.

The majority of children participating in the scheme would be expected to commence primary school between the age of 4 years and 3 months and 5 years and 6 months. The age range for eligibility under the scheme is designed to allow parents the opportunity to take up the free school place at a time that is more suitable to them. It is also necessary to the objectives of the scheme that the free preschool provision is delivered within a structure which supports the best delivery of preschool education. This requires a reasonably consistent age range of children attending and it is considered that the age range is appropriate.

Michael McGrath

Question:

305 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the future of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20; if the school will be closing in the near future; if so, the implications for the staff at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1122/10]

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

Child Care Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

306 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of grant funding allocated to a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [1383/10]

I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010 (NCIP), which includes the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), as well as the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which came into effect earlier this month. I understand that the service referred to by the Deputy received approval for an NCIP capital grant amounting to €583,157 of which €291,579 has been paid to date and that this is in addition to capital grant funding amounting to €17,972 which it received under the previous investment programme, the EU co-funded Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP). I also understand that the service has been approved for entry in 2010 into both the CCSS, which provides funding to community not for profit childcare services to enable them to provide childcare services at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income families, and the ECCE scheme, which provides funding to pre-school services for the provision of free pre-school year places to children within the qualifying age range.

The service should have already received its initial 2010 ECCE payment, amounting to €11,223, from my Office and I understand that Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the NCIP, is currently processing the service's initial 2010 CCSS payment. Following receipt of the service's January 2010 return under the CCSS and ECCE, the final amounts payable to the service in 2010 will be determined and further payments will be made as appropriate.

Medical Cards.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

307 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will grant an oral appeal hearing to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is seeking renewal of their medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1864/10]

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

Prescription Charges.

Noel Ahern

Question:

308 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the workings of the new prescription charge scheme; when it will be introduced; if it needs legislation; or will it be done by ministerial order. [2353/10]

James Reilly

Question:

347 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons eligible for the drug payment scheme in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48514/09]

James Reilly

Question:

348 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons eligible for the general medical services and long-term illness schemes in 2009; the legislative changes required to introduce a new prescription charge; if she will include in this legislation a commitment not to increase the prescription charge of 50 cent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48515/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 347 and 348 together.

Figures from the Health Service Executive indicate that as of 31 December last, 1,478,560 persons were covered by medical cards and 98,325 were covered by GP Visit Cards. A total of 1,587,448 persons held Drugs Payment Scheme cards. In addition, 64,267 persons availed of the Long Term Illness Scheme during 2009.

To address rising costs in both the GMS and Long Term Illness schemes, and to influence to some degree demand and prescribing patterns, a 50 cent charge per prescription item shall be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. The details will be set out in new legislation which is required to give effect to the introduction of prescription charges and the expected implementation date is 1st April 2010.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

309 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the date on which the fair deal scheme commenced for persons who are already in a nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48254/09]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced on the 27th October 2009. Individuals who were in long-term nursing home care prior to that date can retain their existing arrangements or they can apply for the new scheme. For all new entrants to long-term nursing home care after that date, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, is the single system of State Support for such care. The legislation provides that applicants to the scheme who were in an approved nursing home on the date the scheme commenced shall have their State Support backdated to that date. Moreover, the HSE's Guidelines on the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme state that, subject to overall resources, people who enter nursing homes after the commencement of the scheme will have their support paid either from the date that the application was made or from date of admission to the nursing home, whichever is the later.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

310 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time at Cork University Hospital for a consultation in the ophthalmology clinic; the guidelines whereby persons over 65 years will be seen as quickly as possible. [48255/09]

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

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

311 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children the pay bill for each job title for all staff employed by the Department in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48256/09]

George Lee

Question:

318 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the pay bill for each job title for all staff employed by her Department in 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48272/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 318 together.

The total charge to the relevant subhead in my Department in 2008 in respect of pay was €32.010 million. The pay bills for relevant job titles are detailed in the following table, which is inclusive of arrears and historic payments made to certain individuals and other Departments.

Grade

Total

€m

Administrative Officer

0.845

Assistant Principal Officer

7.016

Assistant Secretary

1.295

Clerical Officer

3.568

Executive Officer

4.013

Higher Executive Officer

4.891

Principal Officer

3.887

Services Officer/Porter

0.475

Staff Officer

0.465

Secretary General

0.239

Ministerial Salaries

0.331

Special Advisors to Ministers

0.615

Ministerial Staffing (Non Civil Servants)

0.863

Other*

3.507

Total

32.010

*Includes payments made to the following non general civil service grades:

Chief Medical Officer

Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Professional Accountant

Senior Statistician

Statistician

Pharmacist

Chief Environmental Health Officer

Nursing Advisor

Therapy Advisor

Dental Advisor

Senior Welfare Officer

Welfare Officer

Probation and Welfare Officer

Legal Advisor

Advisory Counsel (Grade III)

Head of Communications (Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs)

Research Officer (Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs)

Dental Advisor,

Nursing Advisor

Certain payments associated with the running of the Adoption Board e.g. members of the Board.

Due to the length of time elapsed since 1997 it is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown by grade of the pay bill for that time. The total charge to the subhead for pay in 1997 was €12.993 million. I understand that the Deputy is also seeking information on all job titles in the public health service in 1997 and 2008. I wish to advise that a list of all grades in the public health service, together with the numbers employed, for the years 1997 to 2008, along with a copy of the relevant salary scales, was provided to the Deputy in September 2009 in response to Question No. 30539/09. The actual pay expenditure by grade category for the public health service in 2008 was as follows:

Pay Expenditure 2008

Management/Administration Total

888,947,741

Medical/Dental Total

1,158,339,443

Nursing Total

2,500,654,072

Paramedical Total

866,327,240

Support Services Total

1,259,051,395

Maint./Technical Total

90,000,667

Superannuation Total

514,067,193

Pay Total

7,277,387,751

Notes: (i) Source: CRS System, Finance Directorate of the HSE. (ii) CRS data do not include data for a number of Disability agencies.

Medical Cards.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

312 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for an over 70 years medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [48257/09]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

313 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application under the State support nursing home subvention in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48258/09]

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

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

314 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria used by the Health Service Executive to determine if orthodontic treatment required by a child is covered by the Health Service Executive public orthodontic scheme for children. [48259/09]

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

Mental Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

315 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48261/09]

In 2008, €50m in additional funding was allocated to HSE as part of that years allocation under the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009. This funding given in the Budget was to meet the costs associated with a range of elements in the Multi-Annual Investment Programme. The Health Service Executive proposed to allocate the funding as follows:

Services for Persons with Intellectual Disability and those with Autism Residential/Community Care

200 additional residential places.

Day Care

467 additional day places.

Respite Care

53 additional respite places.

Services for Persons with Physical or Sensory Disabilities

Residential Care

80 additional residential places.

PA/Home Support hours

200,000 additional PA/Home Support hours

Disability Act

This will create 140 additional multidisciplinary team posts to provide assessment and ongoing intervention services to children with a disability and in particular with reference to the implementation of the Disability Act, 2005.

However during 2008, the HSE indicated that due to delayed start to some of these developments, it envisaged spending just €33m (out of the allocated €50m) in 2008. The remaining €17m was included in this Department's budgetary consolidation savings measures announced in the Dail in July 2008. In 2009, the full €50m was available to HSE as the full year costs of implementing the measures announced in the 2008 budget for the provision of disability services. As the remainder of 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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

316 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case being made by the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin for a new 235 bed hospital; if consideration is being given to the proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48266/09]

The development of a new National Rehabilitation Hospital needs to be considered within the context of a national policy for the delivery of rehabilitation services. My Department and the Heath Service Executive established a Working Group to develop a policy/strategy for the provision of rehabilitation services. Its terms of reference include the development of an appropriate policy framework for rehabilitation and a preferred model of care for the provision of rehabilitation services. The Working Group has met on a number of occasions to date and it is expected to complete its work early in 2010.

In the current economic situation, there is a need to ensure that all developments are planned and implemented to give best value for money and with the most appropriate mix of national, regional and local services. The proposal to develop a new National Rehabilitation Hospital at a capital cost in excess of €100m and a very substantial additional revenue requirement annually, must also be considered in the context of the current economic climate, available funding and competing priorities for limited funding. The National Rehabilitation Hospital has submitted a business case for the development of a new 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.

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

317 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in arranging an appointment for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [48267/09]

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.

Question No. 318 answered with Question No. 311.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

319 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a list of all job titles of employees employed by her Department in 2008; the jobs that are front-line staff; the jobs that are administrative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48273/09]

George Lee

Question:

320 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a list of all job titles of employees employed by her Department in 1997; the jobs that are front-line staff; the jobs that are administrative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48289/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 320 together.

The grade titles of employees serving in the Department of Health and Children at end December 1997 and end December 2008 are detailed in the table below.

The function of civil servants employed in my Department is to provide support to myself and the Government by:

advising on the strategic development of the health system including policy and legislation;

supporting their parliamentary, statutory and international functions;

evaluating the performance of the health and social services; and

working with other sectors to enhance people's health and well-being.

As such all staff employed in my Department could be considered to have administrative roles and functions, e.g. social workers in the Adoption Board. However, a number of these staff would deal directly with the public on a professional level.

Grade Titles Serving in the Department of Health and Children

31st December 1997

31st December 2008

Secretary General

Secretary General

Assistant Secretary

Assistant Secretary

Director

Director

Principal Officer

Principal Officer

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

Administrative Officer

Administrative Officer

Higher Executive Officer

Higher Executive Officer

Higher Executive Officer Systems Analyst

Executive Officer

Executive Officer

Staff Officer

Staff Officer

Clerical Officer

Clerical Officer

Clerical Officer Typist

Head Services Officer

Head Services Officer

Services Officer

Services Officer

Head Porter (Industrial Grade)

Head Porter (Industrial Grade)

Porter (Industrial Grade)

Porter (Industrial Grade)

Night Porter (Industrial Grade)

Personal Assistant (Ministerial)

Personal Assistant (Ministerial)

Personal Secretary (Ministerial)

Personal Secretary (Ministerial)

Special Advisor (Ministerial)

Civilian Driver (Minister of State)

Civilian Driver (Minister of State)

Chief Medical Officer

Chief Medical Officer

Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Legal Advisor

Legal Advisor

Advisory Counsel Grade III PPC

Professional Accountant

Professional Accountant Grade 1

Senior Statistician

Statistician

Statistician

Pharmacist Health

Librarian

Therapy Advisor

Chief Pharmacist

Appeals Officer Long Stay Charges

Pharmacist

Office of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Head of Communications

Office of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Research Officer

Survey Officer Nursing Services

Senior Welfare Officer

Senior Welfare Officer

Welfare Officer

Welfare Officer

Probation and Welfare Officer

Social Work Advisor

Social Worker

Chief Environmental Health Officer

Chief Environmental Health Officer

Chief Nursing Advisor*

Nursing Advisor

Nursing Advisor*

Youth Health Promotion Officer

Palliative Care Advisor*

Dental Advisor*

Chief Architectural Advisor

Deputy Chief Architectural Advisor

Architectural Advisor

Principal Engineering Advisor

Engineering Advisor

Principal Quantity Surveyor

Quantity Surveyor

*On secondment to the Department of Health and Children.

A list of all grades in the public health service, together with the numbers employed (for the years 1997 to 2008), and a copy of the relevant salary scale was provided to the Deputy in September 2009 in response to Question 30539/09.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

321 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [48294/09]

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

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

322 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Civil Service staff in her Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48316/09]

There were 485.88 Whole Time Equivalents employed in my Department at 31st December 2009. As of now my Department's records do not include the information requested by the Deputy. However, my Department will shortly commence a comprehensive survey of all qualifications held by staff the results of which will be regularly updated. This information will inform future staff assignments and staff development programmes.

Adoption Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

323 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford. [48330/09]

The issue of the adoption of children of marriage is being considered by the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children (JCCAC). The Committee, which was established by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas in November 2007 is due to report at the end of January. The matters raised in that Report will then be considered by Government.

Services for the Homeless.

James Reilly

Question:

324 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available for homeless services nationally for each year from 2000 to date in 2009; the amount of funding that will be allocated in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48356/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

325 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available for homeless services in Dublin city for each year from 2000 to date in 2009; the amount of funding that will be allocated in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48357/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

326 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of all homeless facilities in Dublin city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48358/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

327 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of homeless facilities in Dublin currently unused due to a lack of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48359/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

328 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children, in view of the Health Service Executive commitment to end long-term homelessness in Dublin by 2010, as outlined in the Homeless Agency Action Plan for Homelessness 2007 to 2010, her views on the progress made in tackling homelessness; if she is satisfied that homelessness will be eliminated in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48360/09]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of health services to homeless adults in the Dublin area and jointly funds the activities of the Homeless Agency with Dublin City Council and the local authorities serving County Dublin. Accordingly I am referring your question to the HSE, for a direct reply.

Departmental Funding.

Seán Connick

Question:

329 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children if the level of section 39 funding allocated per county is allocated on the basis of the population of the county; the basis on which it is allocated within each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48431/09]

I have referred this matter to the HSE for direct reply.

Infectious Diseases.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

330 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if Lyme disease will be a notifiable illness in order to increase public awareness and assist in the speedy diagnosis and treatment of the disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48445/09]

Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borelliosis) is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can sometimes be more severe involving other organs. Ramblers, campers and those who work in such areas especially if they come into contact with large animals are at greatest risk of being bitten by ticks and of going on to develop the disease.

Lyme disease is not a notifiable infectious disease in Ireland. This means that there is no legal requirement on doctors to report cases to their local Director of Public Health, so this makes estimates of incidence difficult. However, the schedule of infectious diseases is reviewed on a periodic basis and inclusion of Lyme disease will be considered in the future. A number of cases are diagnosed each year, but the true figure is unknown. However, research has determined that there are about 30 human cases per year in Ireland. In 2007, 71 specimens were confirmed positive for Lyme borreliosis, suggesting a crude incidence rate of 1.67 per 100,000 that year. A recent study in the west of Ireland at Galway University Hospital suggests that the disease incidence may be higher in the Galway area.

A fact sheet on Lyme disease, developed by the Vectorborne Subcommittee of the Scientific Subcommittee of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), is available on their website (www.hpsc.ie) to provide members of the general public and media with advice on minimising the risk of Lyme disease. In the future, this committee intends to publish Clinical Guidance on the management of Lyme disease and raising awareness of this condition among clinicians.

Prescription Charges.

Michael McGrath

Question:

331 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application of the prescription charge for persons under the long-term illness scheme who may have multiple items on their prescription. [48452/09]

To address rising costs in both the GMS and Long Term Illness schemes, and to influence to some degree demand and prescribing patterns, a 50 cent charge per prescription item shall be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. The details will be set out in new legislation which is required to give effect to the introduction of prescription charges and the expected implementation date is 1 April 2010.

Medical Cards.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

332 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [48498/09]

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

Paul Connaughton

Question:

333 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an over 70 years medical card review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48466/09]

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

Hospital Services.

James Bannon

Question:

334 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be admitted to hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48476/09]

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

Health Service Allowances.

James Bannon

Question:

335 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for mobility allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48478/09]

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 to the Deputy.

Health Services.

James Bannon

Question:

336 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) will be given a follow-up appointment after their school eye-sight test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48480/09]

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

Disabled Drivers.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

337 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been called for a medical examination in respect of their application for a primary medical certificate under the disabled drivers and passengers tax concessions scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48499/09]

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 to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

338 Deputy Paul Kehoe 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). [48504/09]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

339 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when back to school and clothing allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied). [48505/09]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

340 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of pay savings of €695 million as outlined in the health Estimates for 2010 including general pay reductions and higher reductions for those on higher pay on foot of the report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration, a proposed further reduction in the fees payable to certain health professionals, and savings associated with the moratorium on recruitment and promotion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48507/09]

The Budget provision for the Health group of votes identified €659m in pay savings as decided by Government. This included almost €7m for my Department. Following the Budget, the HSE was provided by my Department, with an indicative breakdown of the pay savings including:

general pay reductions, and higher reductions for those on higher pay on foot of the recent Report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration (€482m);

a proposed further reduction in the fees payable to certain health professionals (€45m);

and savings associated with the moratorium on recruitment and promotion (€103).

There will also be corresponding reductions in grants made by the HSE to agencies funded under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 to reflect these decisions.

While the figures above give a high level breakdown of how the savings may be achieved, the actual distribution will be reflected in the final allocations made in the HSE Service Plan, when it is approved. The Health Estimate for 2010, provided for a range of measures designed to bring costs into line with what we can afford. At the same time, the Government is ensuring that sufficient resources are made available to respond to priority demographic and other needs, particularly in services for older people and cancer, and to support ongoing reform of our public health services.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

341 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the dental treatment services scheme; the number of persons eligible for the DTSS for each of the past five years; the cost of the scheme for each of the past five years; the breakdown of the cost of the scheme for each of these years; the impact savings of €30 million will have on the treatments and services offered under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48508/09]

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was established in 1994 providing a range of dental services to medical card holders. The scheme is delivered by dental practitioners holding contracts with the HSE.

Year

Cost of the Scheme over last five years is as follows:

Number of Medical Card Holders at 31st December as follows:

Number of treatments over the last five years as follows:

2005

54,402,901.00

1,155,727

1,069,402

2006

55,448,432.00

1,221,695

1,095,919

2007

58,145,888.00

1,276,178

1,078.878

2008

64,158,290.39

1,352,120

1,195,945

2009

86,187,209.63

1,472,115 at 30 Nov. ’09

Not yet available

It has been decided to put a cash limit on Dental Treatment Services Scheme this year — based on the expenditure incurred by the scheme in 2008. My Department has asked the HSE to examine the means of achieving this and expects to have their proposals on the matter shortly. My Department has also asked the HSE to furnish the Deputy with a breakdown of the cost of the individual treatment items within the scheme for each of the above years.

Departmental Expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

342 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the Health Service Executive economy savings of €106 million in view of the health Estimates for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48509/09]

James Reilly

Question:

354 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the €70 million will be allocated to address various demographic needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48521/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 354 together.

As the Deputy is aware under Section 31 of the Health Act, 2004 the Health Service Executive must prepare and submit its annual National Service Plan for the coming year for my approval. The National Service Plan (NSP) must indicate the type and volume of health and personal social services to be provided by the Health Service Executive for the financial resources provided in its Vote. As announced in the Budget there are a range of measures which the HSE must implement in the context of its Service Plan this year, in accordance with the government policies controlling public expenditure, including public sector pay. The savings referred to by the Deputy are part of those measures.

Also in the Budget it was announced that there would be additional funding made available for certain service development and demographic pressures. The details of the savings measures and the allocation of funds to meet demographic pressures will be set out in the Service Plan. The HSE submitted its 2010 NSP to me on 15th January. Under the Health Act 2004 I have 21 days in which to approve the Plan. In accordance with the Act, once the NSP is approved it will be laid before both houses of the Oireachtas and I will be in a position to inform the Deputy of the details then.

Departmental Agencies.

James Reilly

Question:

343 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agencies funded by her Department; the funding provided to these agencies for each of the past five years, including 2009; the number of staff employed by these agencies for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48510/09]

The agencies funded by my Department and the numbers employed by these agencies for each of the past five years including 2009 are detailed in the following tables.

Agency

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

National Council on Ageing

430,000

904,000

1,510,000

1,440,000

1,347,000

National Social Work Qualification

569,000

578,000

573,000

557,000

511,000

Irish Medicines Board

4,601,922

4,993,000

4,924,000

4,025,000

3,856,000

Post Graduate Medical and Dental Board*

0

10,362,000

9,795,000

8,744,000

7,088,000

Board for the Employment of the Blind (Blindcraft)

17,000

10,000

4,717,000

1,100,000

696,000

Crisis Pregnancy Agency

8,178,000

8,706,000

8,574,000

8,140,000

7,399,000

Food Safety Authority Ireland

18,032,000

18,505,000

18,712,000

17,430,000

17,159,663

Institute of Public Health

1,517,000

1,576,000

1,562,000

1,505,000

1,468,500

Health Information & Quality Authority

11,100,000

14,800,000

6,389,000

1,386,000

361,112

Irish Health Safety Accreditation Board**

0

0

843,000

2,464,000

2,342,000

Mental Health Commission

17,950,000

16,600,000

17,380,000

6,250,000

5,980,000

National Cancer Screening Service

57,300,000

42,452,000

30,419,000

13,693,000

10,606,000

National Council Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery

4,285,000

4,473,000

4,200,000

4,350,000

4,220,000

Office of Tobacco Control

1,620,000

1,819,000

2,495,554

2,315,000

1,838,000

Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council

3,281,000

3,438,000

3,414,850

2,812,000

2,236,000

Childrens’Acts Advisory Board*

2,199,000

2,314,000

2,232,000

1,715,000

2,101,000

Women’s Health Council

500,000

658,000

654,000

631,000

609,000

National Treatment Purchase Fund

90,350,000

104,641,000

91,744,000

78,644,000

64,000,000

Food Safety Promotion Board

5,623,000

7,000,000

6,475,000

6,580,000

6,370,000

Health Research Board

35,241,000

36,885,000

36,085,000

30,353,000

27,147,000

Ombudsman for Children

2,310,000

2,409,000

2,080,992

1,266,268

1,018,997

National Cancer Research Board

2,477,000

3,037,000

2,165,000

1,720,000

1,870,000

Health and Social Care Professionals Council

595,000

315,000

0

0

0

Agency

WTEs Sep-09

WTEs Dec-08

WTEs Dec-07

WTEs Dec-06

WTEs Dec-05

National Council on Ageing and Older People

Subsumed into DoHC

9.00

12.30

15.80

15.30

National Social Work Qualifications Board

6.69

7.00

7.00

7.00

6.00

Irish Medicines Board

245.7

240.62

226.82

202.36

181.25

Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board

Subsumed into HSE

16.30

33.70

35.50

29.10

Board for the employment of the blind (Blindcraft)

n/a

n/a

Ceased operation

39.00

39.00

Crisis Pregnancy Agency

13.80

17.00

15.00

13.00

14.00

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

85.47

81.40

81.00

84.00

84.00

Institute of Public Health

19.00

19.00

20.00

21.00

19.00

Health Information and Quality Authority

132.2

77.50

33.70

n/a

n/a

Irish Health Safety Accreditation Board

Mental Health Commission

40.33

41.45

39.75

35.55

24.80

National Cancer Screening Service

274.47

258.79

193.27

111.06

105.54

National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery

11.50

11.50

11.50

11.50

11.50

Office of Tobacco Control

7.00

8.00

7.00

7.00

4.00

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council

16.00

15.00

15.00

12.00

12.00

Children’s Act Advisory Board

13.00

16.00

14.20

14.20

15.00

Women’s Health Council

Subsumed into DoHC

5.00

8.50

4.50

4.50

National Treatment Purchase Fund

45.6

49.8

47.4

41.4

27

Food Safety Promotion Board

29.80

27.00

35.00

33.00

35.00

Health Research Board

77.20

83.70

80.70

68.10

41.50

Ombudsman for Children

13.00

14.00

15.00

6.00

8.00

National Cancer Registry Board

49.40

46.12

41.42

40.27

36.89

Health & Social Care Professionals Council 2007

4.00

2.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

Departmental Expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

344 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of non-pay expenditure reductions of €3.5 million by her Department and its directly funded agencies in view of the health Estimates for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48511/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the vast bulk of the funding voted for my Department relates to directly funded agencies, and as such the majority of the non-pay savings will fall to be met by these agencies. My Department is currently finalising the allocations for these agencies, which will encompass their share of the €3.5m. I expect be in a position to approve these allocations shortly, after which, the information requested by the Deputy will be made available.

James Reilly

Question:

345 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the savings of €2.5 million in 2010 and €7.5 million in a full year in the national child care investment programme in view of the health Estimates for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48512/09]

The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is implemented by my Office under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP). In Budget 2010, the Minister for Finance announced that the CCSS would be succeeded by a follow on scheme with effect from September 2010. The new Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) scheme will continue to provide support funding to community based childcare services to enable them to charge reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged and low income parents.

The weekly subvention rates payable in respect of parents in receipt of social welfare payments will be maintained at the rate of €100 for full-time daycare. Parents in receipt of Job Seeker's Benefit and Assistance will continue to qualify and be subvented at the full rate but will be restricted to part-time provision (i.e. not more than 5 hours per day). The weekly subvention rates payable to low income parents in employment will be increased from €70 to €100 for full-time daycare, in the case of parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement, and from €45 to €50 for full-time daycare, in the case of parents marginally above this threshold (e.g. parents holding medical or GP visit cards). My Office will also be consulting in the coming months with the Departments of Education and Science and Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to replacing the current childcare supports for participants in VEC and FÁS courses, currently limited to not more than €133.50 per week for full-time daycare, with a CCS strand which provides free childcare places at a weekly capitation fee of up to €170.

The transitional arrangements which applied to some services participating in the CCSS will end with the cessation of that scheme on 31 August 2010. The changes as outlined are expected to be generally cost neutral. However, as the Deputy will be aware, I also have responsibility for the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which came into at the beginning of this year. The ECCE is a universal scheme open to all children within a certain age range each year. In return for the provision of a pre-school year place, participating services will be paid an annual capitation fee, the standard rate for which is €2,450. It is expected that some 4,000 children currently subvented under the CCSS will instead avail of the free pre-school year and, as a result, it is estimated that the annual cost of the CCSS, and subsequently the CCS, will reduce by approximately €7.5 million.

Hospital Charges.

James Reilly

Question:

346 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the savings of €75 million in private income collection for hospitals in view of the health Estimates for 2010; the steps she will take to expedite collection of outstanding charges; the steps this change will involve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48513/09]

The need for a more efficient private income collection system for hospitals was highlighted in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and in the Comptroller and Auditor General Annual Report on the 2007 Vote of the Health Service Executive. This issue has been examined in the context of the Estimates process and the HSE has established a working group to address the matter. This working group has set out a number of initiatives to address the issue of the collection of charges including the development of a new centralised billing system which aims to streamline the process and focus attention on the collection of all outstanding debts. It is intended that the HSE's plan to address the problems will be examined in the context of the Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges Associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals, currently being undertaken by my Department

Questions Nos. 347 and 348 answered with Question No. 308.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

James Reilly

Question:

349 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that the annual full year allocation for the fair deal scheme in 2008 was €110 million and that the annual full year allocation for the fair deal scheme in 2010 is €97 million; her views on whether this reduction of more than 10% will limit the number of persons who may participate in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48516/09]

In 2008, funding of €110 million was allocated for the introduction of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal. A dedicated subhead for long-term residential care was also established (subhead B16 in Vote 40). Including the additional allocation of €110 million, the total funding in subhead B16 at the beginning of 2008 was €920 million. Due to the delay in introducing the scheme, €25 million of the €110 million was reallocated to support the provision of additional contract beds and nursing home subventions. The balance of the €110 million was used to meet other costs within the health services in 2008 as part of the Government’s budgetary consolidation measures.

In 2009, €55 million was allocated for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. The level of funding allocated reflected the fact that the legislation providing for the scheme would be enacted during the course of 2009, enabling only part-year implementation of the scheme. The legislation was subsequently signed into law on the 1st July 2009 and the scheme commenced on the 27th October 2009. The funding of €55 million remains in the subhead for long-term residential care in 2010 and is supplemented by the additional €97 million committed in Budget 2010. This brings the total funding in the subhead to €1.006 billion. Therefore, the 2010 funding allocation does not represent a reduction in funding but rather an increase. It is envisaged that this funding will support the successful introduction of the scheme in 2010, taking account of increased demand arising from demographic trends.

James Reilly

Question:

350 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applicants for the fair deal scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48517/09]

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

Care of the Elderly.

James Reilly

Question:

351 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional home care packages €10 million will provide; her views on the fact that these packages will be targeted at those who most need them in view of the recent findings included in the National Economy and Social Council report on home care packages; the action she will take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48518/09]

Budget 2010 provided an additional €10 million to expand the Home Care Package (HCP) Initiative to meet need arising from demographic changes. Home Care Packages, introduced in 2006, are tailored to the needs of older people whose requirements cannot be met by mainstream Primary, Community and Continuing Care (PCCC) services. They consist of enhanced supports over and above existing mainstream community services, with the objective of maintaining older people to live at home and in their communities. They are primarily targeted towards those at risk of inappropriate admission to long-term residential care or acute hospitals, or those requiring discharge home from acute hospital. In 2009, the HSE provided €120 million to cater for approximately 11,500 clients over the course of the year. The additional packages now coming on stream will be directed towards pressure points in the acute hospital and long-term care systems around the country. This approach takes account of one of the recommendations arising from an independent Evaluation into Home Care Packages undertaken last year and published on the Department website on 3 December last. The number of persons benefitting from this new investment will be finalised in the context of agreeing the HSE Service Plan 2010 but, depending on the mix of packages decided, this could facilitate up to 1,000 clients.

Medical Cards.

James Reilly

Question:

352 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons eligible for the full medical card in 2009; the cost for same; the estimated number of persons eligible for the full medical card in 2010; the cost for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48519/09]

Details of the number of medical cards and GP visit cards are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided to my Department by the HSE reflect the position as at 31st December 2009 and show 1,478,560 medical card holders and 98,325 GP visit card holders on that date. The cost of the Medical Card Scheme in 2009 was €1.901 billion.

The HSE has projected an approximate additional 144,000 medical cards and an additional 16,000 GP visit cards for 2010, which will bring the cost of the Medical Card Scheme to €1.986 billion. These costs include the cost of medical cards and GP visit cards.

Cancer Screening Programme.

James Reilly

Question:

353 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the €20 million allocated for the continued implementation of the national cancer control programme will be allocated; the amount allocated to the colorectal cancer screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48520/09]

As announced on Budget Day, an additional €20m has been allocated for the further development of cancer services in 2010. This funding will be used to enhance services for a number of site-specific cancers including lung cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, rectal cancer and brain and other central nervous system tumours. Funding is also being provided for the HPV vaccination programme for all girls in first year in secondary school and for staffing for two new radiotherapy facilities currently under construction at Beaumont and St James's Hospitals. These are on target to open by the end of 2010. The Health Service Executive's National Service Plan, when approved, will outline the detailed allocation of National Cancer Control Programme development funding for these initiatives.

I announced last Friday that a national colorectal screening programme for all persons aged 60 to 69 years will commence in early 2012. There will be a two year lead in phase to put in place the necessary infrastructure and human resources to support a quality assured screening programme. The National Cancer Screening Service will outline the allocation of funding across its screening programmes for 2010, including the funding required to implement colorectal screening, in its Service Plan which will be submitted to me by the Board.

Question No. 354 answered with Question No. 342.

Departmental Expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

355 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the €17 million to support suitable projects that demonstrate innovation in service delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48522/09]

Notwithstanding the difficult financial environment, the Government has made available additional resources to assist the HSE in responding to priority demographic and other needs, particularly for older people, children and cancer care, and to support ongoing reform of the public health services. In addition, a minimum of €17m is available in Innovation funding from the total provision of €33m previously made available to support innovation in service delivery. It is expected that more funding will be released during the course of this year from projects approved in 2008 that have completed their funding phase.

I believe the arrival of a National Director of Quality and Clinical Care, Assistant National Directors for Care Groups and Clinical Directors under the new consultants' contract provides an opportunity to accelerate service reform. I have advised the HSE that I am happy for consideration to be given to how the Innovation Fund can be used to support once-off, start up costs associated with the implementation of care pathways so as to improve quality and eliminate unnecessary cost. I have asked the HSE to set out the proposed approach to the use of the Innovation Fund in the National Service Plan 2010. The Plan is currently under consideration by my Department and once approved, it will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published. Progress on the Innovation Fund will be reported in the HSE's monthly performance reports on the Plan.

James Reilly

Question:

356 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the capital budget for each of the past five years; the capital budget for 2010; the small number of priority projects that will be initiated in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48523/09]

James Reilly

Question:

357 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for the publication of a five-year capital programme including details on all projects, cost, the location of these projects, the completion dates for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48524/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.

The capital budget for the Health Service Executive for the period 2005 to 2009 was as follows: 2005: €564.063m, 2006: €574.556m, 2007: €524.951m, 2008: €593.720m, 2009: €442.763m. The 2010 capital provision is €436.792m.

A draft capital plan for the period 2010-2014 was submitted to my Department last Friday (15th January) by the Health Service Executive. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Details of the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.

Cost of Medicines.

James Reilly

Question:

358 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the recent discussions with the representative bodies of the drug manufacturers to achieve reduction in drug prices of €141 million; the way she expects to achieve these savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48525/09]

Over the last number of weeks, I have been having discussions with the two representative bodies of drugs manufacturers — the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland (APMI) — with a view to securing significant savings in the State's drug bill.

I am pleased to advise the House that agreement has been reached with IPHA on price cuts of 40% for a large number of drugs and medicines with effect from 1 February next. In addition, the rebate paid by IPHA member companies to the Health Service Executive in respect of drugs supplied under the GMS scheme is to be extended to include all community drugs schemes and increased from 3.53% to 4%. The combination of these measures plus consequent savings in wholesale and retail mark-ups are expected to result in savings of approximately €94m in a full year.

I am disappointed to say that APMI member companies have declined to offer any reductions in the price of the generic drugs and medicines that they supply at this time. The current agreement with APMI expires on 1st September 2010 and it is my firm intention to obtain savings from APMI of at least an equivalent level to those secured from IPHA. Such an outcome would yield savings of approximately €27m in a full year.

I am committed to bringing forward further measures to reduce the State's drugs bill. To address rising costs in both the GMS and Long Term Illness schemes, and to influence to some degree demand and prescribing patterns, a 50 cent charge per prescription item shall be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. The details will be set out in new legislation which is required to give effect to the introduction of prescription charges and the expected implementation date is 1st April 2010.

It is also my intention to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution under the GMS and community drugs schemes. A working group, comprising of officials from my Department and the HSE, and chaired by Mr Mark Moran, is progressing this initiative, which will encourage greater use of cheaper generic alternatives and lead to further savings in the State's drugs bill. I expect to see significant progress on this in 2010, including the identification and implementation of legislative and administrative changes required to give it effect.

James Reilly

Question:

359 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the working group to examine reference pricing and generic substitution; the membership of this group; when she expects the group to report; the details of the reference pricing; the estimated savings she expects to achieve through the introduction of reference pricing; if legislation is necessary for this change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48526/09]

It is my intention to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution under the GMS and community drugs schemes. A working group, comprising officials from my Department and the HSE, and chaired by Mr Mark Moran, is examining options to progress this initiative, which will encourage greater use of cheaper generic alternatives and lead to further savings in the State's drugs bill. I expect to see significant progress on this in 2010, including the identification and implementation of legislative and administrative changes required to give it effect.

Health Insurance.

James Reilly

Question:

360 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give details of the updating of the health insurance levy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48527/09]

Private health insurance in Ireland is community rated, meaning that all persons pay the same price for the same product, regardless of their age or health status. This is to ensure that health insurance remains affordable for all, as older and sicker people incur higher claims costs than younger and healthier people. In a risk rated market, health insurance would become unaffordable for those with higher claims costs.

In order to support community rating, a form of risk equalisation/loss adjustment is required to compensate insurers for the higher claims costs of their older customers. The 2003 Risk Equalisation Scheme was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2008. In order to ensure that health insurance would remain affordable for older people, the Government introduced interim three year measures from 1 January 2009 to compensate insurers for the higher claims costs of their older customers. A more permanent, robust risk equalisation scheme to replace the interim scheme is now in preparation.

The interim scheme includes an age-related tax credit credited to private health insurers in respect of each person over the age of 50 they insure. The age-related tax credit, which is in addition to the standard tax relief of 20%, is applicable in respect of all health insurance policies and is funded by a stamp duty levied on private health insurers in respect of every person they insure. As required under the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) submitted a report to me in relation to the age-related tax credits and stamp duty it considered should apply for 2010.

I and the Minister for Finance have considered the recommendations of the HIA in the context of our respective roles under the legislation. It has now been decided that the levels which will apply for health insurance contracts taken out or renewed in 2010 will be as follows:

Age-related tax credit

2009 rate

2010 rate

50-59

200

200

60-69

500

525

70-79

950

975

80+

1,175

1,250

The stamp duty levied on private health insurers in order to fund the revised age-related tax credit will be as follows for health insurance contracts taken out or renewed in 2010:

€185 in respect of each insured person aged 18 or over (2009 rate €160)

€55 in respect of each insured person aged less than 18 (2009 rate €53)

The necessary changes to legislation will be made by way of the Finance Bill, along with other financial measures announced in the Budget. The changes to the interim scheme will be effective from 1 January 2010.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

361 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of alcohol-related harm to the health services; her views on the cut in alcohol excise duty, the implications this will have on increased alcohol consumption and the impact this may have on the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48528/09]

Alcohol is causally related to more than 60 different medical conditions and is implicated in numerous premature deaths, accidents and injuries each year. Therefore, the cost of alcohol-related harm to the health system is significant and ongoing.

Figures for 2008 from the Revenue Commissioners for alcohol sales and from the Central Statistics Office for population estimates, indicate that alcohol consumption decreased by 7.63% from the previous year. However, the alcohol sales figures do not include the unrecorded alcohol sales stemming from cross-border purchase of alcohol in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.

My Department will continue to seek to reduce the overall level of alcohol consumption in the population in order to reduce the burden of alcohol-related harm on the health services and on society in general. In order to tackle the problems associated with alcohol use and misuse we need to take responsibility both collectively and individually. There is a social acceptance of alcohol in our society and we need to question the signal that this is sending particularly to our young people.

The work of the Steering Group established to develop the alcohol part of the National Substance Misuse Strategy is very relevant in this regard. It will base its recommendations on effective evidence based measures to deal with this significant public health issue in relation to regulation of supply, pricing, prevention, treatment, awareness and education.

Medical Cards.

Seán Barrett

Question:

362 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the service available to medical card patients seeking dental treatment as a result of the cap on dental treatment spending for medical card holders announced in budget 2010; the services available following the budget 2010 decision to eliminate the PRSI dental insurance scheme for persons at work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48529/09]

It has been decided to put a cash limit on the Dental Treatment Services Scheme this year, based on the expenditure incurred under the scheme in 2008. My Department has asked the HSE to examine the means of achieving this and I expect to receive their proposals shortly. Responsibility for the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. The treatments available under the scheme have been limited to the dental and optical examinations for 2010.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

363 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [48530/09]

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 to the Deputy.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

364 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48544/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

365 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in awarding a home care package to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48562/09]

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

Michael McGrath

Question:

366 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if community welfare officers are legally permitted to discuss individual cases with Members of Dáil Éireann. [48563/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Phil Hogan

Question:

367 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children her support for financial investment in respect of the microbiology laboratory in Waterford Regional Hospital, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48564/09]

Approximately 77 million laboratory tests are undertaken annually across 44 public hospitals, at a cost of approximately €470 million. This workload comprises urgent and non-urgent tests and a significant proportion of activity originates in primary care. An external review of laboratory services was conducted for the HSE by Teamwork Management Services in 2007. The review highlighted limitations in the current organisation of laboratories, affecting quality, turn around time and cost.

In light of the review, the HSE announced plans in 2009 to modernise laboratory services and to introduce significant efficiencies in the configuration and operation of these services. The HSE has already had significant engagement with stakeholders in progressing this initiative. Groups such as the Faculty of Pathology and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association will have an ongoing input into the process.

As part of this initiative, the HSE recently commenced discussions with the National Development Finance Agency about the capital financing of a small number of dedicated "cold" laboratories to process the large volumes of routine patient tests currently undertaken in hospital laboratories. This will include a robust analysis of the cold laboratory business model from a value for money perspective.

The specific question in relation to Waterford Regional Hospital is a matter for the HSE and I have referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

Health Services.

Martin Ferris

Question:

368 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry can expect to be given an appointment for orthodontic treatment. [48578/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

369 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will waive an outstanding bill regarding hospital admission costs in view of the delays in processing a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if this application is dealt with without delay. [48586/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

370 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding 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. [48588/09]

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

Drugs Payment Scheme.

Michael McGrath

Question:

371 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the availability of a treatment (details supplied) under the drugs payment scheme; if there are limitations on the number of treatments a person will receive under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48594/09]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) transferred a defined list of fertility medicines including Puregon to the High Tech Scheme from the Drug Payment Scheme in March 2009. This was put in place to improve governance arrangements for monitoring usage and prescribing patterns as patients must be authorised in advance by the HSE under the High Tech Scheme.

The HSE advised prescribers in registered fertility clinics that it considered three full cycles of IVF an appropriate benchmark for funding. Some registered clinics already operate such a benchmark to avoid over-stimulation of the ovaries, which can have serious consequences for the patient in question. The HSE advises that no patient has been refused authorisation under any limitations to the number of cycles for treatment under the High Tech Scheme to date.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

372 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive is engaging licensed transport providers with the relevant public liability insurance to provide patient transport in HSE Dublin north east; if the non-ambulance patient transport service contract is put out to public tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48613/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

373 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact of the workplace compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses since its introduction; the cost to the health authorities in terms of insurance premium; the number of claims made; the number of claims which were accepted; the amount of compensation paid out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48623/09]

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

Medicinal Products.

Michael McGrath

Question:

374 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the availability of a drug (details supplied) without prescription; if she has any plans to designate the drug as prescription-only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48625/09]

The drug is, at present, subject to prescription control as it is listed in Schedule 1 of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 as amended. No exemptions from prescription control are contained in Schedule 1 in respect of this drug and, therefore, it may not be supplied without prescription.

The drug is also listed in Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 as amended. As a Schedule 3 controlled drug, additional controls apply to the prescription and supply of this drug over and above those applying to other prescription medicines; for example, prescriptions for this drug must primarily be in the prescriber's handwriting and are only valid for 14 days from the date of writing of the prescription.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

375 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a Health Service Executive lease or a contractual arrangement with parties at the address (details supplied) in County Carlow; if psychiatric patients are discharged to this address from St. Dymphna’s Hospital as an outreach unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48626/09]

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

Medical Cards.

James Reilly

Question:

376 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will renew a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48629/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

377 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be notified of the availability of a bed in Tallaght hospital; if consideration will be given towards the provision of a bed in early course. [48630/09]

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

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

378 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [48632/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

379 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the cancellation of an appointment for a scan in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois, who was notified of the cancellation on 8 October 2009 with no deferral or reappointment scheduled; if the person will be notified of the rearranged date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48641/09]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Michael McGrath

Question:

380 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the assessment criteria used by the community welfare officer for a supplementary welfare allowance application in the case of a married couple where one spouse is working and the other is not, and where they have no children. [48646/09]

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

Health Services.

Martin Ferris

Question:

381 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive orthodontic treatment. [48647/09]

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

Martin Ferris

Question:

382 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons currently awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Kerry; and the monthly figures for the waiting list for each month in 2009. [48648/09]

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

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Michael Noonan

Question:

383 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will fulfil the commitment made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 16 September 2009; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that their operation scheduled for 2 December 2009 was cancelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1029/10]

I have been advised by the National Treatment Purchase Fund that this patient has been referred and the relevant consultants will be meeting shortly to discuss the case and agree a date for surgery. The NTPF regrets any lack of clarity over the scheduling of surgery for this patient.

Health Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

384 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if there will be any improvement in 2010 regarding the two to three-year wait for the 3,500 patients awaiting routine dermatological appointments in the south-east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1045/10]

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

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

385 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the conditions at the Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital, County Limerick; if necessary funding and investment will be put in place to replace or update the existing maternity hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1065/10]

Michael Noonan

Question:

395 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to improve maternity facilities in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1104/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 395 together.

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

386 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients residing in counties Cavan or Monaghan treated in 2007 and 2008 for foot ulcerations who did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation; and the number of those patients who had diabetes. [1077/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

387 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients under 65 years and residing in counties Cavan or Monaghan treated in 2007 and 2008 for foot ulcerations that did not require a full or partial lower limb amputation; and the number of those patients who had diabetes. [1078/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

388 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full or partial lower limb amputations carried out on patients residing in counties Cavan or Monaghan in 2007 and 2008; and the number of those patients who had diabetes. [1079/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 to 388, inclusive, together.

The information requested is contained in the following table.

Hospital Inpatient Enquiry: Foot Ulcerations, Lower Limb Amputations and Diabetes

Area of Residence

Cavan

Monaghan

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

74

78

52

66

3,826

3,777

— Number of these patients with a diagnosis of diabetes

10

25

12

26

1,361

1,298

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

6

12

10

13

1,100

987

— Number of these patients with a diagnosis of diabetes

7

7

6

412

421

Number of full or partial lower limb amputations

8

8

10

5

703

667

— Number of these patients with a diagnosis of diabetes

334

338

Source: Hospital Inpatient Enquiry.

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

Note: For reasons of patient confidentiality it is standard policy not to report cells of less than 5 cases. These cells have been marked with ‘—'

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

389 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to new research showing that the incidence of cervical cancer in British women aged 20 to 24 years and 25 to 29 years has increased since the screening age in Britain was raised to 25 years, without any corresponding increase in the other age groups; if similar studies are under way here; her views on whether, in view of this research, the CervicalCheck minimum screening age of 25 years should be reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1084/10]

The Deputy may be referring to an oral presentation given at the British Gynaecological Cancer Society scientific meeting held in Dublin in December 2009 which has not been published and therefore has yet to undergo any peer review.

The National Cancer Screening Service keeps under constant review the evidence base, involving any research conducted in Ireland or internationally, that would influence the target population for CervicalCheck. International best practice currently recommends that population-based cervical screening programmes should target women aged from 25 or 30 years to 60 or 65 years. The scientific literature would suggest that there is no additional public health benefit in starting screening below the age of 25 years and published research in fact has shown that the disadvantages of screening women under the age of 25 years may be greater than any potential benefit. CervicalCheck is a programme for women without symptoms. Irrespective of her age, any woman who has symptoms causing concern should seek the advice of a doctor.

Drugs Payment Scheme.

John Perry

Question:

390 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive their full reimbursement under the drugs payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1085/10]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

391 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons waiting for a colonoscopy at the end of 2009 in each of the acute hospitals; the number waiting for three months or more in each of these hospitals; the number of persons waiting for six months or more in each of these hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1093/10]

The matters raised by the Deputy relate to the provision of healthcare services and accordingly, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

392 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when screening for colon cancer will be introduced; the progress that has been made in identifying funding for this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1094/10]

Approximately 2,200 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year and around 1,000 people die of the disease. Because of our ageing population, we can expect an increase in the number of cases in the coming years. As with many cancers, early detection is one of the most effective measures to avoid premature death, which is why population-based screening is so important. The Health Technology Assessment carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) confirmed that population-based colorectal cancer screening would be highly cost-effective and have huge health benefits.

I announced on 15 January that screening will commence in early 2012 following an intensive pre-implementation phase that will start immediately. Screening will initially be provided to those aged 60 to 69 years, covering some 400,000 people in this age group, and will be provided on a national basis irrespective of where people live. Screening will be extended to all those aged 55 to 74 years of age as logistics and resources allow. The 60-69 year age group contains about 50% of all cases of colorectal cancer in the 55-74 year age band.

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) will meet the revenue cost of the necessary preparatory work over the next two years from within its allocation. The NCSS will finalise the funding required for 2010 shortly and will outline this in its Service Plan, which will be submitted to me by the Board.

Hospital Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

393 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if in-hospital medical cover will be removed from a hospital (details supplied); if she will ensure that this proposal is not implemented in view of the needs of the different categories of patient catered for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1095/10]

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

Health Services.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

394 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the average number of patients waiting on public dental services in each Health Service Executive health clinic in County Meath. [1100/10]

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

Question No. 395 answered with Question No. 385.

Hospital Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

396 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount each hospital in an area (details supplied) has been penalised or awarded under the Health Service Executive case-mix award scheme for hospitals each year for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1127/10]

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

Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

397 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a decision was made to reject the application made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a back to school clothing and footwear grant in view of the fact that their income is below the limit except on the few occasions when they were obliged to work overtime. [1133/10]

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

Mental Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

398 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 17 June 2008, if she will provide the corresponding figures for 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1153/10]

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

Hospital Acquired Infections.

Brian Hayes

Question:

399 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent research findings concerning copper and its potential to prevent nosocomial infection within all health care facilities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1157/10]

I am aware of developments in relation to the use of copper handles and plates for commonly touched surfaces in healthcare facilities and their possible role in the prevention and control of certain Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs). Indeed I met with representatives of an Irish based company early last year to discuss this issue with them.

I subsequently asked Professor Hilary Humphreys of the RCSI to carry out a scientific evaluation of such copper products and my Department is now in receipt of his report. While Prof. Humphreys notes the antimicrobial activity of copper products he states that it is unclear from the scientific literature the extent of the contribution such products would make in prevention and control of HCAIs in addition to those that are already recommended e.g. enhanced environment cleaning, improved professional practice and better facilities for patients. He also notes that of the new products or technologies that are currently being developed, many of these would have potential but their use and incorporation into a HCAI preventative strategy is hampered by lack of hard evidence as to their efficacy in actually reducing HCAI numbers.

Clinical trials undertaken in Birmingham on the role of copper in reducing hospital environment contamination, which reported in late 2009, found that "the use of copper-containing material for surfaces in the hospital environment may ...be a valuable adjunct for the prevention of HCAIs and requires further evaluation". I am advised that a trial that would determine the specific impact of copper products in addition to other control measures in reducing infections and not just reducing the amount of microbes on commonly touched surfaces in healthcare facilities, would be required in definitively deciding the role and value of copper products for this purpose. In addition there is no cost benefit analysis on such products vis-a-vis what is currently used in healthcare facilities; this is a particular concern in the current financial climate. The potential of this new technology as an adjunct to the infection prevention and control measures already in use in hospital settings is noted and I will keep developments in this area under review.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

400 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have their fair deal nursing home subvention application approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1167/10]

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

Medical Cards.

Ulick Burke

Question:

401 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the decision to centralise the issuing of medical cards for the over 70s, return the issuing and review of these cards to local area health offices in view of the long waiting time that is now needed to process these applications, causing distress and anxiety to older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1190/10]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

425 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty for the public in accessing information regarding medical card applications following the centralisation of the system for those over 70 years and for some other parts of the country for all applicants; if she will reconsider the plan to centralise the entire system in view of these difficulties; if she will support a review of its operation so far; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1427/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 425 together.

The Health Service Executive, with my full support, has decided to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals at its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin.

The process commenced in January 2009 when the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over.

The second phase commenced in September 2009 with the transfer of the case load from two local health offices (LHOs) in Dublin to the PCRS.

The HSE has advised that the transfer of the case load from the two LHOs included a backlog of some 6,500 cases. These are being dealt with as a matter of urgency by the PCRS. As a result, resources which would have been deployed in customer relations and phone answering have been assigned to deal with this backlog. The HSE is providing additional resources to respond to phone queries, the majority of which relate to the outstanding applications.

In 2009, the PCRS processed over 72,000 medical card applications. This included nearly 42,000 reviews. In relation to these reviews, 85% of cases where the required information was supplied were completed within 20 days and 95% within 30 days. The HSE has no control over delays where relevant information is not provided but it has confirmed that when the required information is received, the review is processed without further delay.

The HSE intends to transfer the processing of all new medical / GP visit card applications and new reviews / renewals from the other LHOs to the PCRS in April this year.

Any applications / reviews received before the date of transfer will be dealt with by the relevant LHO. The HSE is currently putting arrangements in place to track the time taken by each local health office to process applications. I have asked for a report on this issue to be submitted to me by the end of this month.

The HSE has recently launched a facility —www.medicalcard.ie — where a person who has applied through the PCRS can view the status of their medical/GP visit card application or review online, using a unique reference number that is provided on the acknowledgement sent to them. If a mobile telephone number is supplied with the application/review, an acknowledgement of receipt and the application status/progress of the case will automatically be delivered to the applicant by text message as their case proceeds through the assessment process. The PCRS is also finalising the development of a facility which will allow people to apply on-line if they wish.

The HSE has advised that when fully implemented, the initiative to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals will ensure: Improved turnaround times for processing of applications: under the new arrangements the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 working days or less, with provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately; consistent and equitable application of eligibility and service provision; clearer governance and accountability, as well as improved management information; and a reduction in the overall number of staff required to process medical/GP visit card applications, thus freeing up staff for other service needs.

My Department has been in discussion with the HSE about putting in place a dedicated telephone number for Oireachtas members for enquiries about applications being processed by the PCRS. A letter has issued to all Oireachtas members today in this regard.

Tax Code.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

402 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the way a person may avail of the tax relief on health insurance for people aged over 50 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1191/10]

Standard tax relief on private health insurance is available to all health insurance policy holders at a rate of 20%. This tax relief is granted at source by the health insurer, meaning that there is no need for any policy holder to claim the relief — they need only supply their PPS number to their health insurer.

In addition to the standard tax relief of 20% and in order to ensure that health insurance costs for older people remains affordable, the Government introduced additional age-related tax relief on private health insurance under the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. The tax relief applies in respect of insured persons over the age of 50. There is no requirement for any insured person to apply for the additional tax relief, as again it is applied at source by the private health insurer. The health insurance market is community rated so that all persons pay the same net price for the same product, irrespective of age or health status.

The levels of tax relief for 2010 have been set as follows:

Age

Tax relief

50-59

200

60-69

525

70-79

975

80+

1,250

The additional age-related tax relief is funded by a stamp duty levied on private health insurers in respect of every person they insure. The rates of the stamp duty/levy for health insurance contracts taken out or renewed in 2010 will be as follows: €185 in respect of each insured person aged 18 or over; €55 in respect of each insured person aged less than 18.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

403 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [1198/10]

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

Hospital Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

404 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork, which was scheduled and subsequently cancelled, could be rescheduled. [1204/10]

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

Preschool Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

405 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if an early childhood care and education scheme grant will be paid in respect of a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1233/10]

I have responsibility for the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which has just commenced.

Children will qualify for the free pre-school year when they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months at 1 September each year. The application of this age range is being interpreted as generously as possible to include children who are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This means that, in January 2010, children born on or after 2 February 2005 or on or before 30 June 2006 will qualify. Children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will be eligible for the free pre-school year in September 2010. I understand that the child referred to by the Deputy will qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2010, however, if his parents choose to send him to primary school at that time he will not be able to avail of the scheme.

The majority of children participating in the scheme would be expected to commence primary school between the age of 4 years and 3 months and 5 years and 6 months. The age range for eligibility under the scheme is designed to allow parents the opportunity to take up the free school place at a time that is more suitable to them. It is also necessary to the objectives of the scheme that the free pre-school provision is delivered within a structure which supports the best delivery of pre-school education. This requires a reasonably consistent age range of children attending and it is considered that the age range is appropriate.

Medical Cards.

Michael McGrath

Question:

406 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons who have undergone an organ transplant operation are automatically entitled to a medical card. [1245/10]

At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of general practitioner services. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. In June 2006, I agreed with the HSE to raise the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards. For medical card and GP visit card applications, the HSE considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on childcare, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.

I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

407 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied for a medical card for the over 70s in June 2009 has not been informed to date of the outcome of their application; and if she will ascertain the position. [1246/10]

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

Michael Ring

Question:

408 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card application can be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of incorrect information supplied to the applicant. [1247/10]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

409 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for her Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1259/10]

As part of the Estimates process, my Department and the Health Service Executive examined options which might provide expenditure savings during 2010, while to the greatest extent possible meeting the objective of maintaining population health and access to services. This process was informed by the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and other relevant considerations. The very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer obviously requires very careful management across all areas of expenditure. The following table outlines savings identified for the Health Group Votes, many of which were included in the proposals submitted by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

Health Group Budget 2010

€m

Vote 40

Reductions in payments to pharmaceutical manufacturers*

141.00

Increase in DPS threshold by €20*

27.00

Prescription Charges (50c per item)* /Full year saving of €25 m

15.00

Accelerate private income collection*

75.00

Revision to DTSS scheme

30.00

HSE economies*

106.00

Sub-total

394.00

Votes 39 & 41

Economies (Vote 39 & its agencies)*

3.50

National Childcare Investment Programme*

2.50

Sub-total

6.00

Overall saving

400.00

Official Engagements.

Denis Naughten

Question:

410 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or the Health Service Executive provides funding for a conference (details supplied); if she, her Ministers of State or officials attended this conference in an official capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1266/10]

No funding was provided by my Department or by the Health Service Executive for the conference to which the Deputy refers. As the conference in question was dealing with matters relating to health service delivery for socially excluded groups, support was granted by my Department for the use of Dublin Castle Conferencing Centre facilities. I did not attend the meeting nor did any of my Ministers of State or Officials from my Department.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

411 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons approved in each primary, community and continuing care area under the fair deal scheme in December 2009; the number of persons already resident in a nursing home in each case; the number of applications pending in each PCCC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1268/10]

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

General Medical Services Scheme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

412 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the acceptance of financial donations from general medical services patients constitutes a breach of contract; the steps she has taken to prevent such practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1281/10]

It is taken that the Deputy's question is referring to General Medical Services (GMS) provided by General Practitioners (GPs). Under the GMS contract, either capitation or fee-per-item, the GP undertakes to provide all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP to these patients.

The GMS contract, capitation or fee-per-item, contains a specific stipulation that the medical practitioner shall not demand or accept any payment or consideration for services provided under the contract.

If the Health Service Executive is made aware of specific cases where GPs are accepting financial donations from GMS patients or where such patients are being inappropriately charged by GP contractors, it will arrange to have such cases investigated as appropriate.

Medical Cards.

Michael Creed

Question:

413 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1300/10]

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

Hospital Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

414 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of outpatient appointments in the Health Service Executive south in 2009 in which the patient did not show up; if she will provide an estimate of the cost to the HSE of this non-attendance. [1316/10]

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

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

415 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children in Cork city and county awaiting orthodontic treatment or awaiting assessment for orthodontic treatment; the expected waiting period for a child joining the list at the moment; the actions being taken by the Health Service Executive to reduce this list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1331/10]

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

Health Service Staff.

Michael McGrath

Question:

416 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community welfare officers working in the area of the Health Service Executive south in County Cork broken down by each location. [1332/10]

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

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

417 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding her plans to develop a primary care centre in a town (details supplied) in County Cork. [1337/10]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael McGrath

Question:

418 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adolescents awaiting intervention services by a service provider (details supplied) in County Cork; and the expected waiting time for services for a child or adolescents joining the list at the moment. [1339/10]

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

Hospital Services.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

419 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Louth will receive treatment; the reason Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, or its consultant has not been in touch with this patient for more than six months; if, or when, it is proposed to commence treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1389/10]

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

Health Services.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

420 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the provision of adequate services in County Laois for persons suffering domestic violence, with particular reference to the provision of a refuge for women in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1390/10]

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

Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

421 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take on foot of the recommendations of the vaccine damage steering group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1393/10]

My Department is currently examining the recommendations of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group in detail and expects to have proposals for my consideration by mid-year.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

422 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 2 July 2009, the position regarding the construction of this project. [1395/10]

A new ward block to replace existing accommodation is being developed at St Vincent's University Hospital, the national tertiary centre for the treatment of adults with cystic fibrosis which currently treats 50% of patients with the condition.

This facility will provide single room en-suite inpatient accommodation (100 rooms) and a dedicated day unit for people with CF, including 10 single day treatment rooms with en-suite sanitary facilities.

My Department has asked the HSE to provide a current update on the status of the project directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

423 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 2 July 2009, the position regarding the implementation of the report of the universal neonatal hearing screening group in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1397/10]

I expect that this issue will be dealt with in the context of the Health Service Executive National Service Plan for 2010.

Hospital Staff.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

424 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the necessary supports will be provided in order that a consultant neurologist (details supplied) can provide the full service to their patients in Limerick including the administration of drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1426/10]

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

Question No. 425 answered with Question No. 401.

Health Service Allowances.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

426 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if mobility allowance will be reinstated in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1437/10]

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 to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

427 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when a medical card application will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1438/10]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

428 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when an appeal will be heard on an application for a full medical card in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1439/10]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

429 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1440/10]

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

Care of the Elderly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

430 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if home help hours allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be upheld and continue for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1441/10]

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

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

431 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1442/10]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

432 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken following an assessment by the Health Service Executive through Beechpark Services in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1443/10]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

433 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons over 70 years in receipt of medical cards in County Clare as of 31 December 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1461/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card and GP visit card benefits. It collates medical card and GP visit card data by county, age and gender. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

434 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the position between the Health Service Executive and the health unions regarding the incentivised early retirement scheme; if she has met the parties concerned; the action she is proposing to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1472/10]

In his Supplementary Budget Statement of 7 April 2009, the Minister for Finance announced that he would make available three schemes to reduce the number of public sector employees in the wider public sector, one of which was the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement. My Department issued a circular (8/2009) on 15 May 2009 to give effect to this measure in HSE and other public health sector employment. The closing date for receipt of applications for this scheme was 23rd October, 2009.

The scheme did not apply to grades exempted from the moratorium on recruitment and promotions under the 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector, in order to meet the requirements of integrated health care delivery and, in particular, to address needs in the community in respect of care of the elderly and people with disabilities.

Members of all other grades who meet the eligibility criteria had access to this scheme provided the grades/staff groups concerned cooperate with the requirements in relation to redeployment, mobility, skill mix and flexibility which are outlined in the employment control framework: this is designed to allow individuals to avail of this scheme while still protecting services. Because staff who avail of the scheme will not be replaced (save in very exceptional cases), employers were required to pay particular attention, when considering applications, to the scope that exists within the organisation for reorganising and restructuring work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. Staff cooperation and flexibility in that regard was essential. My Department was informed that the health service trade unions issued a directive instructing their members not to cooperate with redeployment and reassignment requests from management. The unions have stated their opposition to the moratorium on recruitment and promotions as set out in 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector, referred to above. This instruction from the unions, which remains in place, severely restricts the ability of management to organise/restructure work practice and contravenes the qualification criteria for the scheme. As a result, the HSE suspended all three schemes in June but continued to accept applications, up to the closing date of 23 October 2009.

The HSE recently requested my Department's approval to lift the suspension as it applied to the ISER, and to allow it to proceed to process to finalisation applications received prior to the closing date. This request is currently being considered by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance.

Medical Cards.

Michael Creed

Question:

435 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will look favourably on a medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1474/10]

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

Care of the Elderly.

Chris Andrews

Question:

436 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in Dublin south designated for older persons; the locations of these beds; the average waiting time to access one of these beds; if the average time increased or decreased during the period 2005-2009; and the plans there are to expand the number of beds available. [1482/10]

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

Preschool Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

437 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of pre-school establishments that are participating in the new preschool scheme which commencedin January 2010; the number of pupils who are expected to participate in this scheme; the number of places available on this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1486/10]

I have responsibility for the implementation of the new free PreSchool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme. Approximately 4,000 pre-school services are participating in the ECCE scheme, with an indicated capacity of some 90,000 preschool year places.

The scheme is open to children aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months at 1 September each year. This means that the potential number of children who can avail of the scheme is greater than that represented by a one year cohort. It is estimated that, in January 2010, a one year cohort would total some 63,000 children. Assuming this as a baseline for participation in the scheme from January 2010, and assuming that there is a significantly high uptake of the scheme from the outset, I would hope to see an enrolment figure of up to 50,000 children.

Services participating in the scheme are currently in the process of making a return to my Office giving details of the number of qualifying children enrolled in their services. This process will be concluded at the end of this month following which full details of the number of children enrolled in the scheme will be available from my Office.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

438 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1513/10]

The Deputy will be aware that under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, any gift with a value in excess of €650 must be surrendered to the State and the details of same submitted as registrable interests to the Standards in Public Office Commission. The relevant statements of registrable interests are submitted by me as required to the Commission and can be viewed on the Oireachtas website.

Gifts under the value of €650 that have been given to me have, by and large, been small items presented by visiting Ambassadors of other countries, such as books, ornaments, small craft or artwork illustrating their national heritage. Items from other sources include books relating to the heritage of particular hospitals or healthcare providers in Ireland, and small samples of products from domestic companies. Wherever possible and appropriate, I allocate such items for use in the Department of Health and Children, as I consider these gifts to have been given in my capacity as Minister, and not my personal capacity.

The Department has recorded one gift under the value of €650, which accrued directly to the benefit of the Exchequer. I attended the 3rd International Cancer Control Congress as a guest speaker, from November 07-10, 2009 in Cernobbio, Como, Italy. On this occasion, four nights accommodation at a cost of €600 in total was paid for by International Conference Services Ltd., Vancouver, Canada. Since I was invited and attended in my official capacity, the cost otherwise would have been met by the Exchequer.

Health Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

439 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be provided with their necessary treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1519/10]

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

Hospital Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

440 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 10 November 2009, the position regarding Baltinglass Hospital, County Wicklow (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1531/10]

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

Medical Cards.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

441 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in finalising an application for renewal of a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; her views on the delays being incurred in processing the over 70 years medical card applications. [1537/10]

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

Disabled Drivers.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

442 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when persons who are in need of disabled drivers or passengers primary certificates will be evaluated or assessed by the Health Service Executive especially in the Cavan and Monaghan area; her views on whether an 18-month waiting list for such a vital certificate for a person who is handicapped in unfair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1542/10]

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 to the Deputy.

Departmental Properties.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

443 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money spent by the Health Service Executive for the leasing of properties in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1595/10]

Arrangements, in relation to the leasing of premises and the related costs, are a service matter. Therefore, the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Charges.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

444 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the charges set by her in respect of inpatient and outpatient hospital care and for visiting an accident and emergency department; if these charges have changed during the course of 2007, 2008 and 2009; the revenue accruing from such charges in 2009; the anticipated income in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1599/10]

The following table contains the information on any changes made to in-patient and accident and emergency charges since 2007. In each case these changes were announced on Budget Day and took effect from the 1st of January of the following year. There is no charge for out-patient services. Information on income collected in relation to these charges is not collected by my Department. The public voluntary hospitals would collect a significant proportion of the hospital charges, but this is not accounted for through Appropriations-in-Aid; rather, the hospitals are funded by the HSE on a net expenditure basis. I have asked the HSE to compile this information and reply directly to the Deputy.

Statutory in-patient and outpatient (A&E) charges

2007

2008

2009

A&E

60

66

100

Statutory in-patient charge per day

60

66

75

Maximum in 12 consecutive months

600

660

750

Services for People with Disabilities.

Joe McHugh

Question:

445 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if front-line services for persons who live with multiple sclerosis will be retained; her plans for multiple sclerosis services in the north west in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1603/10]

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

National Drugs Strategy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

446 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the substances that have been added to the list of scheduled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 on the basis of evidence that these substances were being abused or were causing significant harm to the public health in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1612/10]

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with Ireland's obligations under international conventions or in accordance with decisions of the European Union and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland. The list of scheduled substances is kept under ongoing review.

On 31 March 2009, BZP was declared to be a controlled drug for the purposes of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and its possession and sale are now illegal. No other substance has been declared to be a controlled drug in the past three years.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

447 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to ban so-called “head shops” (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1613/10]

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with Ireland's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland.

Items available for sale in so-called ‘head shops' often referred to as ‘legal highs' are in general substances which are not currently controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation. The list of scheduled substances is kept under ongoing review. For example, in 2006 psychotropic (‘magic') mushrooms, which were on sale in such outlets, were banned and their possession and sale is now illegal. On 31 March 2009, BZP was similarly subjected to legislative control measures and criminal sanctions.

Minister John Curran, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has responsibility for co-ordinating the National Drugs Strategy, has identified head shops as an area of concern, and is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of head shops.

Under the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, a Research Advisory Group has been established to identify possible options for the regulation of head shops. The Department of Health and Children is actively participating in this process.

In the UK, legislation was introduced immediately before Christmas to control a number of substances and groups of substances that have been on sale in head shops. The Department is currently reviewing this legislation to ascertain how similar controls could be introduced in Ireland.

Vaccination Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

448 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if alternative facilities in Naas, County Kildare will be arranged in respect of the provision of swine flu vaccination in view of the fact that the current facilities may not be accessible for many persons who may be elderly and have no transport or who have special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1771/10]

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

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

449 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1772/10]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

450 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1773/10]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

451 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1774/10]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

452 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1816/10]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

453 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card will be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1818/10]

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

Hospital Services.

James Bannon

Question:

454 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has to wait for a year for back surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1842/10]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael Ring

Question:

455 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons on a waiting list (details supplied); the number of persons waiting nationally to avail of such services. [1881/10]

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

Jimmy Devins

Question:

456 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be called to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 for an appointment. [1921/10]

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

Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Question:

457 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if a decision will be expedited. [1962/10]

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

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

458 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that medical cover is retained in a hospital (details supplied). [1966/10]

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

Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Question:

459 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if a decision will be expedited. [1967/10]

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

Care of the Elderly.

Sean Fleming

Question:

460 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children if the maximum care package will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2018/10]

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 to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

461 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application under the health repayment scheme will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2019/10]

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

Joe McHugh

Question:

462 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children when construction work will begin on a project (details supplied) in County Donegal; the plans that have been put in place for this project; when construction work on the project will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2021/10]

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

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

463 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a situation at the Mid-West Regional Hospital in Limerick; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that nurses are working to rule at the hospital and the accident and emergency and hospital wards are experiencing overcrowding; her plans to provide additional services at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2053/10]

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

Pat Breen

Question:

464 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when CAT scanning services will be restored at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2054/10]

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

Hospital Procedures.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

465 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 26 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [2155/10]

It is my understanding that the HSE has not, as yet, issued a response to the Deputy but will do so shortly.

Child Care Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

466 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 20 October 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [2156/10]

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

Hospital Staff.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

467 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 16 September 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [2157/10]

The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that a reply to this parliamentary question issued to the Deputy on 16 December 2009.

Departmental Reports.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

468 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 357 of 16 September 2009 and 158 of 1 December 2009, if the meeting referred to between her Department and the Health Service Executive took place as scheduled on 14 December 2009; and the outcome of the discussions regarding the non-implementation of the recommendations of the 2004 Equality Authority Access to Health Services for Transsexual People Report. [2158/10]

The meeting referred to has been deferred until February, and the Deputy will be advised of the outcome after it has taken place.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

469 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding her promised reply to Parliamentary Question No. 358 dated 16 September 2009. [2159/10]

My Department is still gathering information in relation to the Deputy's question and I am hopeful that a full response will be finalised shortly.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

470 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. [2160/10]

The HSE has informed my Department that it has issued a reply in the matter to the Deputy.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

471 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in her Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2171/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out below.

Number of Staff (Wholetime Equivalents)

Division

Unit

2007

2008

2009

Ministers

Minister

17.00

15.00

11.00

Minister of State Devins

10.00

0.00

0.00

Minister of State Gallagher

11.00

0.00

0.00

Minister of State Smith

11.90

0.00

0.00

Minister of State Hoctor

10.50

10.50

0.00

Minister of State Moloney

0.00

9.80

9.80

Minister of State Wallace

0.00

13.00

0.00

Minister of State Andrews

0.00

9.60

8.6

Minister of State Brady

0.00

0.00

10.00

TOTAL

60.40

57.90

39.40

Secretary General’s Office

Secretary General’s Office (inc. Sec Gen)

4.00

4.00

3.00

Mac Support/Misc

3.50

4.00

2.00

Office of the Chief Medical Officer

CMO’s Office

6.60

5.40

6.60

Acute Hospitals & Associated Services

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

Cancer

3.80

2.80

4.30

Acute Hospitals I

6.60

6.60

6.60

Acute Hospitals II

7.60

7.60

7.60

Blood Policy

7.00

6.40

4.60

TOTAL

26.00

24.40

24.10

Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs

Director General

1.00

1.00

1.00

Child Welfare & Protection

13.80

13.80

11.10

National Children’s Strategy Unit

20.20

22.50

21.20

Childcare Programmes

19.30

18.20

17.60

Youth Affairs Unit

0.00

0.00

9.00

TOTAL

54.30

55.50

59.90

Office for Disability & Mental Health

Director

1.00

1.00

1.00

Disability

16.30

17.80

15.90

Mental Health

9.60

8.60

7.40

TOTAL

26.90

27.40

24.30

Office for Older People

Director

1.00

1.00

1.00

Services for Older People

15.60

15.10

14.53

Long Stay Charges Unit

9.80

8.80

9.60

Strategy Unit

0.00

1.40

6.00

TOTAL

26.40

26.30

31.13

Primary Care & Social Inclusion

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

Primary Care I

9.80

7.80

6.80

Primary Care II

4.50

6.50

6.00

Social Inclusion

11.50

10.00

8.90

Health Promotion

10.40

8.73

6.43

Food & Medicines

21.70

21.60

20.45

Public Health

11.30

10.50

13.00

TOTAL

70.20

66.13

62.58

Finance, Information & Policy

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

Finance I

23.60

22.00

22.20

Finance II

4.50

4.50

3.50

Information Management Unit

11.73

11.73

7.00

Performance Evaluation (Policy Support)

4.00

5.00

6.20

Research, EU & International

7.80

7.30

7.90

TOTAL

52.63

51.53

47.80

Eligibility & Public Health

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

Eligibility Review

4.50

4.50

3.00

Patient Safety & Quality Assurance

4.00

4.60

5.60

Public/Private Healthcare & Insurance

6.60

6.60

4.80

TOTAL

16.10

16.70

14.40

Parliamentary & Corporate Affairs

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

Corporate Services & Development (inc. Press Office)

22.60

21.10

16.86

Human Resources

14.50

14.50

13.80

ICT & Records Management

21.81

22.76

19.83

Legal Unit

5.30

6.13

6.53

Legislation Unit

4.40

3.60

0.00

Parliamentary Affairs

8.50

8.50

8.00

Internal Audit

3.00

3.00

3.00

Portering Services

8.00

10.00

8.00

TOTAL

91.26

90.59

77.02

National HR & Workforce Planning

Assistant Secretary

1.00

1.00

1.00

National HR & Workforce Planning 1

0.00

0.00

13.10

National HR & Workforce Planning 11

0.00

0.00

7.5

Medical & Dental

10.30

9.40

7.90

Health Reform

4.60

8.40

0.00

Nursing

14.30

13.30

0.00

Professional Management & Support

18.50

12.70

12.90

TOTAL

48.70

44.80

42.40

Other Offices

Adoption Board

29.05

31.85

31.25

Health Repayment Scheme

4.00

6.00

7.00

Office of the Disability Appeals Officer

5.00

4.00

4.00

Ombudsman for Children

10.00

10.00

9.00

General Registrar’s Office

57.43

0.00

0.00

OVERALL TOTAL

590.32

526.50

485.88

Note:

Over the period concerned internal reorganisation led to the creation of some new units and the merging of others.

An additional 24.17 WTEs transferred into my Department during 2009 as a result of the transfer of youth affairs responsibilities from the Department of Education and Science, other functions from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the dissolution of the National Council on Aging and Older People and the Women's Health Council under the rationalisation of agencies programme.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

472 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2200/10]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

473 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for an assessment of need that have been received each year respectively following the commencement of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 for children under five years; the number of same which have been carried out to date; the number carried out each year; the number of service statements issued following assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2208/10]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

474 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of assessment and liaison officers appointed to carry out functions under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2209/10]

The Health Service Executive has appointed 32 Assessment Officers and 32 Liaison Officers to carry out functions under the Disability Act 2005. These officers were appointed in each local health office. Contact details for assessment Officers are available on the Health Service Executive website at: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Disability_Services/ Disability_Assessment/Assessment_Officers.html

David Stanton

Question:

475 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the average amount of time from when an application is received it is taking to complete an assessment under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; if all assessments are commenced within three months; the average amount of time it takes to issue a service statement from when an application is received; if timescales vary in different Health Service Executive areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2210/10]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

476 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a register of unmet need to identify demand for and availability of disability and health related services has been established as per obligations under the Disability Act 2005; the person who is compiling same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2211/10]

Section 13 of the Disability Act 2005 places an obligation on the HSE to keep and maintain records for the purposes of: identifying persons to whom assessments or services are being provided; identifying those services and the persons providing the services; specifying the aggregate needs identified in assessment reports which have not been included in service statements; specifying the numbers of applications made under section 9 of the Act and the numbers of assessments completed; specifying the number of persons to whom services identified in assessment reports have not been provided; and planning the provision of assessments and services to persons with disabilities. A system has been established in the HSE for maintaining the records required under section 13 of the Act.

Section 13 of the Act also obliges the HSE to submit a report in writing to the Minister in relation to the aggregate needs identified in assessment reports prepared including an indication of the periods of time ideally required for the provision of the services, the sequence of such provision and an estimate of the cost of such provision. The HSE is also obliged to publish this report annually. While the requirement in section 13(2) is to report on the aggregate needs identified in assessment reports, my Department is of the view that it would also be useful to report on needs which have not been met. The HSE has agreed to my request that this information is included in the annual reports.

The first annual report under section 13, covering information on 72 assessments completed in 2007, was submitted to the Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health in February 2009. The report is available on the HSE website at:

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/services/Disability/DisabilityActjundec2007.html

A number of issues, particularly in relation to how record keeping arrangements work for young children, have become apparent since the HSE began working on the 2008 Report. The Act has only been commenced for children under 5 and in the case of these young children, a particular challenge for clinicians assessing such young children is in determining, in advance of providing a service, what quantum of services may be appropriate and necessary for the child in order to fully meet the needs identified in the Assessment Report and then reflecting the shortfall in an identification of unmet need.

A particular difficulty for HSE arises because the obligation is to report on aggregate need. In the case of any individual child, every clinician involved in the assessment process and service delivery could be asked to try and work out the ideal service provision for that child. This process is very time-consuming and not necessarily particularly scientific as individual children can and do react differently to intervention. If this process was extended to every child, clearly this would be overly bureaucratic and unnecessarily burdensome on the administration of the Act. My Department is of the view that an intensive process such as this in relation to each individual child would divert the attention of clinicians away from service intervention and in to administrative duties with no beneficial outcomes for children with disabilities.

My Department and the HSE are currently in discussions in order to identify the most suitable information gathering arrangements to meet the needs of individual children defined in terms of desired outcomes, to meet the administrative obligations imposed by the Act and also to ensure that reliable service planning data may also be collected.

David Stanton

Question:

477 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children aged under five years from whom assessment of need applications have been received since 1 June 2007 to date in 2010; the number of same who were assessed as having an autism spectrum disorder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2212/10]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

478 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 22 April 2009, if the national review of autism services has been completed; when she will publish same; the findings of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2213/10]

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

Mental Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

479 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if all beds in the eight bed inpatient facility for child and adolescent psychiatric patients in St Stephen’s, Cork, are operational and occupied at present; if there is a waiting list for inpatient services at this hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2214/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

480 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the new 20 bed inpatient unit in Bessboro, Cork, for child and adolescent psychiatric patients to be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2215/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

481 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and location of child and adolescent beds in the mental health service; the number of children and adolescents currently on waiting lists for admission; the numbers waiting in each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2216/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

482 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adolescents currently awaiting psychiatric assessment in each Health Service Executive area; the number of same who are aged 16 to 18 years; the number of children and adolescents currently awaiting mental health services following assessments; the types of services required; the average waiting time for these services in each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2217/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

483 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children registered with each child and adolescent mental health service; the number receiving services from each child and adolescent mental health team; the location at which they are receiving treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2218/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

484 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number, location and composition of child and adolescent mental health teams here; when she expects to reach the target number of teams as per commitments in A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2219/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

485 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the role of child and adolescent mental health services in assessing children with autism; if the group established by the Health Service Executive to clarify the role of these services in relation to assessment and treatment of children with suspected autism has completed its work; if it has issued advice or instruction to child and adult mental health services as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2220/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

486 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of referrals received by child and adult mental health services for children with suspected autism in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively; the number of same each year which were considered appropriate and seen for assessment and or treatment; the number of same which were considered inappropriate and did not receive assessments and or treatment; the number of these which were referred to another service as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2221/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

487 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adolescents admitted to and receiving treatment in adult psychiatric facilities; the number of same who are aged 16 to 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2222/10]

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

David Stanton

Question:

488 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she and the Health Service Executive are taking to ensure that by 1 December 2011 no child under 18 years will be admitted to an adult psychiatric unit in line with the addendum to the Mental Health Commission code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2223/10]

A Vision for Change- the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy which was published in 2006 and will be implemented over a 7 to 10 year period, recommends that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) should be provided for all children up to the age of 18; traditionally CAMHS were provided up to the age of 16 years.

The development of mental health services for children and young people is therefore a priority area for development and during 2009, the HSE established additional CAMHS teams and almost doubled its mental health bed capacity for children and adolescents , bringing the total number of in-patient beds to 30. In addition, two 20 bedded units are currently under construction at Bessboro, Cork and Merlin Park, Galway. Further inpatient capacity will be provided, as necessary, in the context of the HSE Mental Health Capital Programme. Budget 2010 provided for a multi-annual programme of capital investment in high priority mental health projects consistent with ‘A Vision for Change’ to be funded from future disposals. In 2010, the HSE may proceed to dispose of surplus assets and reinvest an initial sum of €43m in the Mental Health Capital Programme. Provision for continued funding of the programme will be made in the 2011 Estimates and subsequent years, in the light of the previous year’s programme of asset sales.

Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

489 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children aged five to 18 years awaiting speech therapy services in each Health Service Executive area; the shortest, longest and average waiting times for such services in each HSE area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2224/10]

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

Mental Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

490 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children aged five to 18 years awaiting child psychology services in each Health Service Executive area; the shortest, longest and average waiting times for such services in each HSE area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2225/10]

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

Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

491 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children aged five to 18 years awaiting occupational therapy services in each Health Service Executive area; the shortest, longest and average waiting times for such services in each HSE area. [2226/10]

David Stanton

Question:

492 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children aged five to 18 years awaiting physiotherapy services in each Health Service Executive area; the shortest, longest and average waiting times for such services in each HSE area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2227/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.

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

Landing Rights.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

493 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if all military and other aircraft operated by external State authorities file flight plans when overflying or landing here; and if there are conditions or limitations on the submission of those flight plans. [48576/09]

The matter of flight plans is a function of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). The IAA, which is responsible for air traffic control in this country, has informed my Department that a flight plan must be filed for all civil and military flights across international borders. The procedures for flight planning are laid down in the Integrated Aeronautical Information Publication (IAIP) and are in accordance with international standards. Full details are available on the IAA website www.iaa.ie

Foreign military aircraft may only land in or overfly Irish territory with the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Road Network.

Pat Breen

Question:

494 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the allocation for funding available to local authorities for county and local roads, in view of the recent freeze and the deterioration in the road surfaces as a result of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1282/10]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. The carrying out of works on these roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

When Exchequer grants for regional and local roads are allocated each year, my Department does not hold back a reserve allocation, at central level, to deal with weather contingencies. Holding back such an allocation would mean a reduction in the road grant allocations made to all local authorities at the beginning of each year.

The amount of money provided in the 2010 Estimates for funding regional and local roads is €411.177 million and this year's allocation will be based on that amount.

The allocations made to local authorities are inclusive of a weather risk factor. Local authorities are expressly advised in the annual road grants circular letter that they should set aside contingency sums from their overall regional and local roads resources to finance necessary weather related works.

My Department provides a supplement each year to local authorities to assist them with the construction and maintenance of regional and local roads. The salting or gritting of roads may be charged to the Discretionary Maintenance Grant in County Council areas and to the Discretionary Block Grant in Town Council areas.

I have, however, asked local authorities to provide details of exceptional road related costs associated with the recent flooding and prolonged severe weather, which fall outside the normal financial provision for winter maintenance. I will announce the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations by mid February 2010 at the latest.

Joe Carey

Question:

495 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide additional funding during 2010 for the repair and maintenance of non-national roads following the recent bad weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1847/10]

Joe Carey

Question:

519 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport his plans for increased funding of the repair of non-national roads for 2010 following the recent weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1839/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 519 together.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. The carrying out of works on these roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

When Exchequer grants for regional and local roads are allocated each year, my Department does not hold back a reserve allocation, at central level, to deal with weather contingencies. Holding back such an allocation would mean a reduction in the road grant allocations made to all local authorities at the beginning of each year.

The allocations made to local authorities are inclusive of a weather risk factor. Local authorities are expressly advised in the annual road grants circular letter that they should set aside contingency sums from their overall regional and local roads resources to finance necessary weather related works. My Department provides a supplement each year to local authorities to assist them with the construction and maintenance of regional and local roads. The amount of money provided in the 2010 Estimates for funding regional and local roads is €411.177 million and this year's allocation will be based on that amount.

I have, however, asked local authorities to provide details of exceptional road related costs associated with the recent flooding and prolonged severe weather, which fall outside the normal financial provision for winter maintenance.

I will announce the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations by mid February 2010 at the latest.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

496 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Transport the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48320/09]

There are 517.78 whole time equivalent staff in my Department. Information in relation to individual qualifications, where provided by the staff concerned, is held on their personnel file. Records of the overall numbers of particular qualification are not kept centrally.

Driving Licences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

497 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to work with the United States authorities to apply mutual recognition to full drivers licences between our respective states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48347/09]

Irish driver licence rules operate within the framework of an EU wide licensing system. The criteria used by Ireland to recognise licences from countries outside the EU including the United States are the testing and licensing regimes in place in those countries, and whether they meet the requirements of the EU Directive on driver licences. Driver testing and licensing in the United States vary between different states and not all of the states meet the EU requirements. In these circumstances driving licences issued in the United States are not considered as acceptable for mutual recognition in Ireland and there are currently no plans to amend this.

Taxi Regulation.

Martin Ferris

Question:

498 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the High Court judgments of 1978 (details supplied); his views on their relevance to the issue of taxi deregulation; and if he will arrange to have a copy of the judgment made available. [48430/09]

I am aware of High Court and Supreme Court judgments relating to the cases in question and I will arrange to have a copy of the judgments provided to the Deputy. There are many factors relevant to the issue of taxi "deregulation" and regulation. These include primary and secondary legislation, judgments of the superior courts over many years, including these judgments, and any other relevant legal opinion.

Landing Rights.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

499 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the number of civilian aircraft which requested permission to overfly or land here and in particular at Shannon Airport in 2007, 2008 and 2009 while carrying munitions; the person whom made the requests; the number that were granted permission; the location they landed; the nature of the cargo on these planes; and the locations where the planes came from and were destined for. [48575/09]

The vast majority of requests for these flights are from American civil airlines, chartered by the US military, and involve flights to or from the United States. Almost all land at Shannon Airport.

In general flight applications of this type identify the airports immediately preceding and following the aircraft's arrival in Shannon. The final destination of these flights would not necessarily be known by my Department. Approximately 90% of the flights carry the personal weapons of the troops on board, safely stowed — a very small number carry ammunition. Approximately 10% of the flights, almost all over-flights, carry other military equipment.

Year

Number of Applications Received

Number of Permits Issued

2007

1,517

1,495

2008

1,387

1,359

2009

1,306

1,276

Rail Network.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

500 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the newly built arches of the Broadmeadows Viaduct at the Estuary, Malahide, County Dublin have not been designed to allow local water sports to continue on the Estuary, for example kayaking; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that local amenities are also being affected; if the hydrological survey of the new bridge will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48640/09]

The design and reconstruction of the Malahide Viaduct were an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann with the approval as necessary of the Railway Safety Commission and not one in which I have any role.

Public Transport.

Mary Upton

Question:

501 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is appropriate to reduce funding for public transport operators which will lead to a further reduction in services at a time when he has stated aims of reducing the reliance on the private car for transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1063/10]

Despite the difficult economic and budgetary circumstances, funding for public service obligation transport services provided by the CIÉ companies has been maintained at a high level. A total of €276 million has been provided for such services in 2010. In addition, a total of over €600 million in Exchequer capital has been provided in 2010 for investment in public transport infrastructure.

It is a matter for the companies within the revenues available to them from Exchequer funding and fares revenue to maintain services at the highest level possible while ensuring their ongoing financial viability.

Coast Guard Service.

Pat Breen

Question:

502 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been ring fenced and available for the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard which is expected to go to planning permission shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1074/10]

Pat Breen

Question:

510 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the situation regarding the provision of the coastguard station at Doolin in County Clare; if the €1.5 million remains ring fenced for this project; when he expects this project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1457/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 510 together.

As per normal public service procedure monies are not ringfenced prior to planning permission being obtained. An application for planning permission for a coastguard station at Doolin in County Clare will be made shortly.

Road Safety.

Michael McGrath

Question:

503 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the body responsible for the assessment of the risk posed to motorists by icy conditions on a motorway and for making the decision to close or not to close a motorway following that risk assessment. [1123/10]

I understand that at events that attract large assemblies of people (race meetings, GAA matches) or in certain emergencies (fire, flooding or other emergencies), Section 91 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides members of the Garda Siochana in uniform with the power to divert, regulate and control traffic and to regulate and control parking. This can be done by oral or manual direction or by use of portable signs (of size, colour and significance as may be prescribed). A member of An Garda Síochána is given the power to prohibit the passage of traffic, indicate the direction in which traffic is to proceed, to prohibit, regulate or limit parking or places as stands for public service vehicles and generally make such prohibitions or indications which he/she considers necessary to prevent obstruction or disorder in traffic.

Whilst An Garda Síochána is given particular powers under the Road Traffic Acts to close roads in certain situations as outlined above, the decision to close any particular road would be taken in consultation with the relevant Local Authority and / or the National Roads Authority.

Road Network.

James Bannon

Question:

504 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding to Westmeath County Council to resurface a road (details supplied), which has deteriorated to such an extent that it is preventing a racing club from holding its annual national road race in the second week in July, in view of the fact that the club will be refused a permit until the road is resurfaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1135/10]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Regional and local road grants are allocated under a number of grant categories. The State funded road restoration programme provides grants for surface dressing under the Restoration Maintenance Programme and for road pavement improvements under the Restoration Improvement Programme. The roads funded under the restoration programme are selected by local authorities with priority given to roads most in need of treatment.

My Department also finances safety works at high accident locations on the regional and local road network.

Safety is a fundamental consideration in the improvement and maintenance of our road network. It is a matter for Westmeath County Council to adjust their multi-annual restoration programme to facilitate works on the L1437 and submit it to the Department for consideration.

Sustainable Travel.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

505 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when he received an application for funding to develop sustainable modes of transport including cycle tracks and walkways in the Crumlin-Drimnagh-Walkinstown area from Dublin City Council; and when a decision will be made in relation to this application. [1235/10]

Last year I launched the Sustainable Travel Demonstration Areas Fund to encourage Local Authorities to come up with practical proposals to meet the ambition set out in the Government's Smarter Travel policy.

I was pleased with the level of responses from Local Authorities. 39 applications were received in the Stage 1 process of the competition, including one from Dublin City Council relating to the Drimnagh Area.

Eleven of these applications, including the Drimnagh one, have been shortlisted for Stage 2 and each Local Authority has been briefed in detail on what is expected of them in this next Stage.

The final selection is likely to happen in the second quarter of this year and the successful areas will have access to the €50 million fund I have set aside for this over the next 5 years. The aim is to deliver areas of best practice in Ireland to show how we can achieve more sustainable travel options for our citizens and the competition is but one element in a range of initiatives I am undertaking to deliver Smarter Travel.

Full details of the competition are available on www.smartertravel.ie.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

506 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in Budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1263/10]

The following savings were accepted for my Department and included in Budget 2010.

Transport Savings Measures

€m

€m

Accepted Annual savings in Budget 2010

Savings 2010

Programme A — Administration

A.1

Reduce pay expenditure

2.0

1.9

A.2

Reduce non pay expenditure

0.9

0.9

Programme A Savings

2.9

2.8

Programme B — Roads

B1

Reduce expenditure on roads maintenance/improvement

13.6

13.8

B4

National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF)

4.0

3.5

Programme B Savings

17.6

17.3

Programme C — Public Transport

C1

Operational efficiencies among CIE companies

26.6

27

Programme C Savings

26.6

27

Cross Programme Savings

Reduction in National Roads Authority (NRA) administrative budget

0.65

1.0

Reduction in Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) administrative budget

0.35

0.35

Cross Programme Savings

1.0

1.0

Total Programme Savings

48.1

48.1

Other savings amounting to €12.2 million, not proposed by the Special Group, were also included in my Department's current Estimate for 2010, bringing the total underlying current expenditure reduction for the year to €60.3 million.

Road Network.

Michael McGrath

Question:

507 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the exceptional circumstances that apply, he will give consideration to an application by Cork County Council for a specific improvement grant for work to a road (details supplied) in County Cork. [1353/10]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

In August 2009 my Department sought applications for consideration for funding under the Specific Improvement Grants scheme in 2010. Cork County Council has not included the R611 / Carrigaline Main Street project among its applications for funding and it is therefore not open to me to consider it for funding.

I will announce the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations by mid February 2010 at the latest

Rural Transport Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

508 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 9 December 2009 his plans for the rural transport initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1399/10]

The provision for the Rural Transport Programme in 2010 is being maintained at €11 million in recognition of the important role it plays in combating social exclusion in rural Ireland

As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 9 December 2009, it is important that existing resources in this area are utilised as cost-effectively as possible and a number of initiatives are underway to explore the potential in that regard. The outcome of those initiatives will be assessed later this year to inform the development of rural transport policy into the future.

Airport Security Measures.

Pat Breen

Question:

509 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce body scanners at airports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1429/10]

A special meeting of the European Union Regulatory Committee for Civil Aviation Security was held in Brussels on 7 January 2010. The Committee received a factual report from the authorities of the Netherlands and the United States on the serious incident that took place on flight NW 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit on 25 December 2009.

Following an exchange of views on the security situation in the aftermath of that incident, the Committee unanimously underlined the need for an EU approach to addressing the security situation, including the use of imaging technology, commonly referred to as body scanners, as one means for screening passengers.

The Commission is considering an initiative on imaging technology to reinforce passenger security, while at the same time addressing the conditions for using such technology, in particular, privacy, data protection and health issues.

The use of body scanners as a method of screening passengers has yet to be approved by the EU. However, EU Regulations allow for trialling of new types of security equipment and body scanner technology has been and, continues to be, trialled at a number of EU airports.

I am aware that Dublin Airport Authority has issued a tender notice seeking expressions of interest for the supply of body scanners. Dublin Airport Authority has indicated that this is merely a first step in preparing for the possible use of such technology and is aware that deployment at any airport in the State, even on a trial basis, would be subject to approval by my Department and the European Commission.

Question No. 510 answered with Question No. 502.

Parking Regulations.

Chris Andrews

Question:

511 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to improve the problem of parking wholly or partly on footpaths in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1489/10]

Under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 it is already an offence to park a mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of a footpath and I have no plans to change this.

Footpaths are provided for the safety of pedestrians to segregate them from passing or parking traffic. Mounting of footpath kerbs by vehicles is potentially an unsafe practice.

It is also important to have a minimum width of passable footpath for the safe passage of wheelchairs or prams/buggies, and to bear in mind that footpaths have been constructed to a certain weight bearing standard and provide access points for utilities.

Local authorities have other options including, for example, restricting parking to one side of a street or the indenting of the footpath to provide onstreet parking.

Chris Andrews

Question:

512 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport his proposals in relation to the parking of vehicles in residential areas with narrow streets. [1490/10]

The Restriction on the parking of vehicles at any location on the public road is a matter for the road authority concerned.

Public roads must be kept clear for the safe passage of vehicles, particularly emergency service vehicles. In residential areas with narrow streets where the parking of vehicles on both sides causes congestion, obstructs access to vehicles or blocks traffic flow a range of options is currently available to local authorities including, for example, restricting parking to one side only of a street or the indenting of the footpath to provide an onstreet parking area.

Accordingly, I have no proposals to amend the Traffic and Parking Regulations in this regard.

State Airports.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

513 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of meetings he had with the Dublin Airport Authority in 2009; the communications he has had with the Dublin Airport Authority in relation to the new terminal two building; the issues discussed; the outcome of such contacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1501/10]

I have had a number of personal contacts with the current DAA Chairman in 2009 and in August last I received a briefing from the DAA Chairman and Chief Executive on State Airport matters. In addition senior Departmental officials are in constant contact with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) on a range of issues including the roll out of Terminal 2 (T2), which is due to open in November this year. As much of those contacts cover matters of a commercially sensitive and confidential nature I do not propose to provide a detailed account of those contacts.

Departmental Bodies.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

514 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of agencies and companies under the remit of his Department; the salary of each chief executive or head of each agency or company; the increase in salary for the position since 2007 for each of these positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1502/10]

There are currently 33 bodies under the aegis of the Department. Details of remuneration are generally published in the Annual Reports.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

515 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1517/10]

As a Member of Dáil Éireann I am aware of and comply with the necessary declarations under the Ethics Acts. Details of all declarable items /benefits are available on the appropriate websites of the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Road Safety.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

516 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the national road safety implications of a reported significant increase in the numbers of motorists who are cancelling their motor insurance allegedly due to financial pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1632/10]

Third Party motor insurance is required by law for the use of all mechanically propelled vehicles in a public place. The contract for motor insurance is a private contract between the policyholder and the motor insurance company. The enforcement of Road Traffic Law is a matter for An Garda Siochana.

The Irish Insurance Federation, which is the representative body for insurance companies in Ireland, has indicated that there is no evidence of a significant increase in motorists cancelling their motor insurance policies.

Road Network.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

517 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Galway city bypass; if the Galway city bypass is currently the subject of legal proceedings between his Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; the estimated timeframe of this legal action; the future of the road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1633/10]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The proposal for the construction of the Galway City Outer Bypass was approved in part by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in November, 2008. Part of the scheme involving a section of non-national road to the west of Galway City linking the N59 Moycullen Road to the R336 Spiddal Road was rejected by the Board on environmental grounds.

Two judicial review proceedings were taken challenging the ABP decision to approve part of the project. The grounds cited included claims that ABP had erred in law in giving its approval and had misinterpreted and incorrectly applied provisions of the EU Habitats Directive and the implementing Irish legislation in reaching its decision.

The European Commission has expressed serious concerns in relation to what it believes is a failure to comply with the requirement of the Habitats Directive. Based on the advice of the Attorney General, the State shares those concerns and contends that ABP has misinterpreted the Habitats Directive.

The correct interpretation of the Habitats Directive is critical not only for the purpose of this project but for all future projects. The Attorney General has therefore advised that it is essential to ensure that the Habitats Directive is being properly interpreted by ABP as otherwise this could create very serious problems, including delays, for future projects. For that reason the State supports an early referral of one of the cases, which raises this issue of interpretation of European law, to the European Court of Justice as the best option for obtaining legal certainty on the interpretation issue. Clarity on interpretation will avoid future expensive challenges to other projects on this ground.

High Court judgments were delivered on the 9 October 2009, in respect of both proceedings. The Court declined to quash the Board's approval and ruled against the applicants on all points.

Subsequent to the High Court ruling, Counsel for the State and for one of the notice parties sought leave to appeal the judgement to the Supreme Court. Leave to appeal was granted on 6 November 2009 on the basis that the issue involved a point of law of exceptional public importance and that it is desirable in the public interest that an appeal should be taken to the Supreme Court. A date for the appeal hearing is now awaited. An early referral of the case to the European Court of Justice will be sought in order to ensure clarity of the law in respect of the application of the Habitats Directive.

There are no legal proceedings between me and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government nor is there any dispute or difference between us in relation to this matter. The Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government and I are in full agreement that the proper course of action in this case is to obtain clarity on the application of the Habitats Directive as it applies to this and all other road construction projects and to ensure full compliance with European Union and national law.

I am fully committed to the implementation of this project. However, it can only be implemented if it is compliant with national and EU law. As there is a challenge to the validity of the consent the NRA was advised by my Department in a letter dated the 2 July 2009, that it would be inappropriate to expend further Exchequer monies on this project until the challenge is resolved.

Coast Guard Service.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

518 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport when he received the consultants’ report commissioned by the Irish Coast Guard Service on the need for an emergency towing vessel; if this report has been considered by him; if a decision has been made on foot of the report; if so, the details of the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1825/10]

The Marine Pollution Prevention, Preparedness and Response Capabilities Study 2008 was received on 24th February 2009.

The issue of emergency towing vessels was addressed in the Study along with the many other issues surrounding marine pollution prevention, preparedness and response capability in Ireland.

The Government has decided to develop and enhance efforts to improve marine pollution prevention, preparedness and response capability in Ireland from within existing and available resources including international and inter-departmental sharing and co-operation, where feasible and practicable.

Question No. 519 answered with Question No. 495.

Michael Ring

Question:

520 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the way a matter (details supplied) in County Mayo will progress in view of the fact that it has been ongoing for over two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1902/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

521 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene in a dispute (details supplied) in County Mayo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact its resolution which would allow a group to access a facility that was purpose built two years ago in view of the poor facilities they have to use at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1903/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 521 together.

The Director of the Coast Guard and the Director of Services for Mayo County Council are currently dealing directly on the matter. They met on 17th of December 2009 and substantial progress has been made. A resolution of the final outstanding legal issue is being investigated by both sides.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

522 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of whole time equivalents serving in his Department in the grades of secretary general, deputy secretary general, assistant secretary general, higher principal officer, principal officer, higher assistant principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer, staff officer and clerical officer on 1 January 1998, 1 January 2007 and the latest date for which figures are available. [1954/10]

Details as requested by the Deputy for 2007 and 2010 are contained in the following table. My Department was not in existence in 1998.

Whole time equivalent staff numbers at 1st January 2010

Whole time equivalent staff numbers at 1st January 2007

Secretary General

1.0

1.0

Deputy Secretary General

0.0

0.0

Assistant Secretary

4.0

6.0

Principal Officer Higher

7.0

7.0

Principal Officer

9.0

13.6

Assistant Principal Higher

6.6

13.6

Assistant Principal

22.2

38.1

Higher Executive Officer

77.4

73.4

Executive Officer

83.7

81.5

SO

16.9

14.7

CO

139.6

153.4

Public Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

523 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of private bus operators licensed annually since 2000; the number of daily services provided by each; the number providing services to Dublin; the number providing rural services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2023/10]

The number of private operators that held a passenger license during each year or any part of the year since 2000 is given in the table below:

Year

Number of operators

2000

194

2001

194

2002

193

2003

199

2004

199

2005

197

2006

211

2007

206

2008

221

2009

239

The types of licenses held are annual, seasonal and occasional passenger licenses. As occasional licenses apply for limited periods, the number of licensed operators can alter dramatically depending on the day for which the data is provided. Accordingly, the number of licensed operators as of 18th January 2010 is 208 who hold a total of 616 road passenger licenses.

Currently there are 37 private operators providing services to Dublin and within Dublin of which 8 operators solely provide services within Dublin. Therefore the number of operators providing services outside Dublin as of 18th January is 200 — that includes holders of licences in respect of urban and rural areas other than Dublin City and County.

My Department does not have data readily available in relation to the number of daily services being provided by each of those operators. In many instances services do not operate on a daily basis (i.e. tours) or they relate to occasional services that only operate for limited periods.

Fuel Rebates.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

524 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the value of fuel rebates that CIE has received annually since 2000 broken down by its subsidiary companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2024/10]

The issue raised by the Deputy does not come under the remit of my Department and should be redirected to the Minister for Finance.

Free Travel Scheme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

525 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the amount of compensation received annually since 2000 by CIE broken down by company (details supplied) for transporting passengers with free travel passes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2025/10]

The issue raised by the Deputy does not come under the remit of my Department and should be redirected to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

School Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

526 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the value of payments made to Bus Éireann annually since 2000 for the school transport scheme; the details and the value of any other school transport related payments to any subsidiaries of CIÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2026/10]

The issue raised by the Deputy does not come under the remit of my Department and should be redirected to the Minister for Education and Science.

National Development Plan.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

527 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the amount received by each subsidiary of CIE annually under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006; the reason for each payment; the amount received by each subsidy; the reason for each payment under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2027/10]

The amount of capital investment received by each CIÉ subsidiary under the first National Development Plan, 2000-2006, was as follows:

Iarnród Éireann

Bus Átha Cliath

Bus Éireann

€m

€m

€m

2000

153.248

22.534

6.478

2001

175.852

22.065

19.900

2002

232.545

28.014

2.816

2003

274.614

12.691

15.062

2004

145.606

7.262

3.332

2005

279.553

9.611

1.846

2006

257.368

27.324

1.942

These payments were made to achieve the objectives set out in the NDP for public transport, which were: major short-term investment in suburban rail (including the DART upgrade) and substantial enhancement of the bus service in the Greater Dublin Area; implementation of the nationwide Railway Safety Programme and significant investment in mainline rail renewal; as well as public transport developments in the regions and the regional cities.

Payments to date under the current NDP are:

Iarnród Éireann

Bus Átha Cliath

Bus Éireann

€m

€m

€m

2007

407.975

28.337

32.786

2008

538.262

21.943

40.778

2009

432.775

6.564

0.092

These payments have been made to progress the aims of the Public Transport Sub-Programme of the current NDP, including the completion of the Second Railway Safety Programme and commencement of the Third Railway Safety Programme, expansion of the capacity of the Dublin suburban rail network, works on the Western Rail Corridor and Cork Commuter Services, as well as expansion of public service obligation bus fleets and bus priority in Dublin and the regional cities.

Public Transport.

Michael McGrath

Question:

528 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to a green route (details supplied) in County Cork for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the amount spent by the local authority on the green route for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2032/10]

Michael McGrath

Question:

529 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the details of the funding allocated to a green route in Cork (details supplied) for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the amounts spent by the local authority on the green route for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; the status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2042/10]

I propose to take Questions 528 and 529 together.

My Department's allocation to Cork City Council for the Carrigaline Green Route and the actual amount spent in the years 2007-2009 are as follows:

Funding Allocated

Funding Drawn Down

2007

2,400,000

31,701

2008

1,000,000

890,689

2009

200,000

200,000

My Department is currently considering the allocation of funding for bus priority measures in the regional cities, and therefore no allocation has yet been made for 2010.

The implementation of work on the Green Route is a matter for Cork City Council. I understand from the Council that work within the City boundary on the Carrigaline/Ringaskiddy to City Centre Green Route was completed in 2008. The planning process on the Cork County Council section was completed in December 2008. €200,000 was made available for advance works in the County section in 2009. Contract documentation is now being completed and the managing authority intend going to tender for the remaining work during Q1 of 2010.

Rail Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

530 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing disruption to commuter services on the Ennis-Limerick rail service in County Clare; if this ongoing closure will have implications for the reopening of the western rail corridor; if his Department has held discussions with Iarnród Éireann and the Office of Public Works to urge a resolution of this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2049/10]

I am aware of the disruption to rail services on the Ennis/Limerick rail line. As the matter is an operational one for Iarnród Éireann, I have not had discussions with Iarnród Éireann and/or the Office of Public Works.

While my Department is kept informed of the situation, the date of the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor is a matter for Iarnród Éireann.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

531 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2175/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table. It should be noted that over the past few years some divisions have been restructured and/or have changed division name. Hence there are no figures for some divisions for particular years. It should also be noted that responsibility for Regional and Local Roads, the Roads Inspectorate and Driver and Vehicle Computer Services transferred to my Department from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2008.

Division

Current Number at end 2009

Number at end 2008

Number at end 2007

Maritime Safety Policy

18.8

24.1

22.7

Irish Coast Guard (Technical)

64

64

57

Irish Coast Guard (Admin)

12.3

11.8

10.8

Marine Survey Office (Technical)

31

24

27

Marine Survey Office (Admin)

13

12

9.6

Information Services Division

21

19

17

Maritime Transport

6

8

7

Transport 21

8.6

9.5

10

Managing Authority (ESIOP)

3

5

5

Finance

28.6

32.1

30.2

Roads (formerly National Roads Policy & Regional & Local Roads)

15.3

17.7

8.8

Roads Inspectorate

3

4

Internal Audit

3

3

3

Dublin Transportation Authority Est.

4.8

4

4

National Sustainable Transport Office (formerly Strategic Planning & Policy)

6.2

7.2

6.2

Legal Services

1.5

1.5

2

Minister’s Office

14

15

15

Air Accident Investigations Unit

8

7.6

7

Human Resources

14.6

15.8

15.3

Airports

7.7

9.9

9

Air Services & Security (formerly Air Navigation Services & Development division and Aviation Regulation & International relations division)

23.7

28.2

26.7

Freight & Logistic Policy/Motor Insurance

18.3

18.8

20.8

Road Safety & Traffic

11.8

13.8

10

Driver & Vehicle Computer Services (Vehicle Registration Unit)

74.8

78.8

Permanent Representation, Brussels

1

1

1

Communications & Support Services

20.3

Strategic HR, Training, Building & Services

28.5

Communications & Support, Training, Building & Services

43.2

41.4

Minister of State’s Office

N/A

9

N/A

Luas Metro

8

7

Land Use & Transport Integrations

4

Public Transport Corporate Affairs

11.6

Public Transport Investment

14.8

Public Transport Regulation/Bus Licensing

16.4

18.4

20.6

CIE Investment & Rail Safety

15.6

16

Integrated Ticketing

2

Public Transport Access

10.5

Accessibility/Rural Transport

11.5

Governance support

3.4

3.4

Secretary General

1

1

1

Assistant Secretaries

4

6

6

Child Support Payments.

Chris Andrews

Question:

532 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if provisions are in place to ensure that a person who leaves the State is obliged to continue paying child support to a parent resident here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48447/09]

Depending on the country in which a maintenance debtor relocates there are provisions in the Maintenance Orders Act 1974, the Maintenance Act 1994 and in EU Regulation 44/2001 under which a creditor residing here may claim recovery of maintenance. The Central Authority for Maintenance Recovery in my Department can provide assistance to a claimant if the debtor is living in the UK or another EU member state or in any country which is a party to the United Nations Convention on the Recovery of Maintenance Abroad. Assistance can be provided in establishing, enforcing, or varying a maintenance order, and there is generally no cost to the claimant.

Proposed Legislation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

533 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when legislation will be published to amend the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993 with specific reference to name the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of ward of court funds. [1115/10]

As indicated in the Government Legislative Programme, announced by the Chief Whip on 19 January, 2010, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is in the course of being drafted with a view to being published in this Session.

The provisions in the Bill for the establishment of a Court Funds Office will include amendment of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993 to allow the Comptroller and Auditor General to act as auditor of all court funds, including those of wards ofcourt.

Stardust Disaster.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

534 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will fulfil his commitments in relation to redress, a public apology and a commemoration for the victims and survivors of the 1981 Stardust disaster as recommended in the Coffey Report and from the outstanding campaign by the Stardust Victims and Relatives Committee; the reason there is an ongoing delay in implementing these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1643/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, resolutions have been passed in both Houses of the Oireachtas concerning the findings of the Stardust Tribunal of Inquiry, thereby fulfilling the principal recommendations of Mr. Paul Coffey SC's report and fully meeting the Government's commitments in this regard. For the Deputy's information, I can advise him that Mr. Coffey's report does not contain recommendations in relation to the matters raised in his question.

Mr. Coffey's other, discretionary, finding concerning ongoing outstanding counselling and medical needs is also being addressed. A public information notice was placed in newspapers and communicated to the Victims Committee last October asking those who might wish to access such services through this channel to register their interest. Arrangements to provide these services, based on the level of interest indicated, are now being finalised and will be put into effect very shortly.

Report on Racism.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

535 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to implement the recommendations contained in the Joint Committee on European Affairs report on racism against Roma people, published on 1 January 2010; and the initiatives that will be put in place. [1940/10]

The report referred to by the Deputy focuses on the position of minority groups in Europe and contains an examination of Roma policies in the European Union.

The Roma Community in the Irish State is made up principally of persons of Romanian, Hungarian, Polish and Czech Republic origin, all of whom are EU Citizens and, as such, in terms of immigration controls, are covered by the provision of the European Community (Free movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006. Such persons are not required to register their presence in the State.

There are no official statistics on the number of Roma in Ireland. Different figures have been mentioned, for example 3,000, which is approximately 0.07% of the population. This figure has been cited by the Roma support group. As acknowledged on Page 12 of the Joint Committee's report, Ireland has a robust equality infrastructure in place which includes measures to protect all residents from exploitation and discrimination.

As stated in the Joint Committee's Report, Ireland has ratified and provides periodic reports under the main International treaties that impact on discrimination including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. I recently submitted Ireland's Combined Third and Fourth State Report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This is a comprehensive report outlining all of the measures which have been undertaken to combat discrimination and racism in Ireland in the last number of years. It is available on the website of my Office at www.integration.ie.

I support a mainstream approach to Integration and as such there are currently no Roma specific policies in place. The recommendations made by the Joint Committee will, however, be examined by my Office and will be borne in mind in the future work of the Office in this area.

In addition, I note that the Committee has sent the report to a number of Ministers and the Garda Commissioner.

Citizenship Applications.

Joe Costello

Question:

536 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason work permits prior to 2006 were not taken into account when calculating reckonable residency in the State for an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48274/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in October 2007.

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 and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued on 13 February, 2008.

Applicants for certificates of naturalisation are required to provide evidence that they were resident and that they had the permission of the Minister to remain in the State for the prescribed period. Periods for which an applicant did not have the permission of the Minister and periods for which permission granted for the purpose of study are not reckonable for the purpose of satisfying the residency requirements.

Permission to remain in the State as confirmed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau is a matter of vital importance to all applicants for Citizenship. Applicants must ensure that their registration with the GNIB is kept up to date during their residency in this country.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

537 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48317/09]

There are currently 2,207 staff serving in my Department and agencies staffed by it. This includes staff in the Probation Service (424) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (97), the majority of whom are qualified professionals in their respective fields. The Department also employs a number of lawyers, accountants etc. whose qualifications and skills are relevant to their particular responsibilities.

Departmental records indicate that 40 staff have disclosed third level qualifications in economics.

Crime Levels.

George Lee

Question:

538 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded, broken down by category, in each county for every month from December 2007 to November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48321/09]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

Firearms Licences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

539 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the inconsistency across Garda administrative units in the issuing of firearms licences for sporting purposes; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that international competitors and instructors (details supplied) are being refused licenses for pistols needed for competition while others not involved in international competition are being granted licenses for similar firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48361/09]

As the Deputy will appreciate firearms licensing is an operational matter and the conditions, subject to which a firearm certificate may be granted, are set out in section 4 (2) of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended by section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Under the Firearms Acts, each application is adjudicated upon by the issuing person on its own individual merits and I have no role in the granting of these certificates.

It should be noted that section 15A of the Firearms Act 1925, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, provides that an appeal may be made to the District Court by a person aggrieved by a decision to refuse to grant or renew a firearm certificate.

Residency Permits.

Chris Andrews

Question:

540 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [48455/09]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that, following consideration of the appeal in this case, an approval letter issued to the person concerned on 21 December 2009.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

George Lee

Question:

541 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 174 of 3 December 2009 and 258 of 17 November 2009, if he will provide the requested details as the matter is no longer before the District Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48467/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the premises referred to is located in Rathfarnham Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of anti-social activity in the vicinity of the premises. Regular contact is maintained with the management of the premises to address any public order issues arising.

The area referred to is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel, supplemented by the Community Policing Unit, Garda Mountain Bike Unit and Traffic Corps personnel.

Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge penalty notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.

Local Garda management closely monitors patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.

I am informed that the District Court has decided that all applications from the premises concerned for special exemptions should be advised to the objectors to the licence.

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 am informed that the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available from the CSO.

Garda Recruitment.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

542 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to the taxpayer in legal fees for a court case (details supplied); if he will amend the legal restrictions which prevent persons over the age of 35 years from joining An Garda Síochána; the reason he will recruit persons over the age of 35 years into the Garda Reserve but not into An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48533/09]

I understand that the complaint referred to by the Deputy is still before the courts and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter.

Recruitment in An Garda Síochána is governed under Statutory Regulation namely, the Garda Síochána (Admission & Appointments) Regulations 1988/2005. The recruitment age was considered as recently as 2004 when, on the recommendation of the Garda Commissioner, the maximum recruitment age was increased from 26 to 35 years. This was made by Statutory Instrument 749/2004 which amended regulation 164 of 1988.

This upper age limit of 35 was set having regard to equality legislation and also took into account the following criteria:

(1) The cost of training

(2) The need for recruits to serve for a sufficient period of time as full members of the service to recoup this cost.

(3) The operational requirements of the service in terms of having an age profile appropriate to the physical demands placed on members in the course of their duty.

There are no plans to change the upper age limit for recruitment to An Garda Síochána at this time.

Reserve Gardaí are volunteers and not employees, serve on a part-time basis and have a limited set of powers and duties which is determined by the Garda Commissioner. The upper recruitment and retirement age limits for Reserve Gardaí were set at 60 and 65 respectively so that the Garda Reserve would attract applicants from a broad range in society, and benefit in particular from the experience and skills of more mature members of society.

Garda Duties.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

543 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce an annual check up for all members of An Garda Síochána aged over 35 years in order that they comply with the physical duties of being a garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48534/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to introduce an annual check up for members of An Garda Síochána aged over 35 years.

Garda Recruitment.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

544 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons under 35 years who applied to join An Garda Síochána before the public sector recruitment moratorium will still be eligible to join once the recruitment moratorium has been lifted despite the fact that they may be over 35 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48535/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that following selection by the Public Appointments Service each applicant must undergo a Physical Competency Test, a Medical Examination and also Character Vetting. Applicants successful at all three stages will remain on a panel and are available to be offered positions as Garda Trainees in a future intake.

Citizenship Applications.

Martin Ferris

Question:

545 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) will receive approved certificate of naturalisation and confirmation of Irish citizenship. [48559/09]

A valid 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 2008. I decided in my absolute discretion to grant a certificate of naturalisation and the person in question was informed of that decision in a letter issued to her on 3 November, 2009.

I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that a certificate of naturalisation is an exceptional and important document that facilitates a foreign national becoming a citizen of Ireland. In practice, a necessary period of time elapses while applications that have been approved have their certificates of naturalisation prepared, as certificates must be printed, signed and sealed under strict controls. A certificate of naturalisation will issue to the person concerned in the near future.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard Allen

Question:

546 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for residency on humanitarian grounds made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be completed. [48569/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 1 November 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 11 August 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Due to the high volume of cases awaiting processing, it is not possible to say when the case of the person concerned will be finalised.

Magdalene Laundries.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

547 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a meeting (details supplied); if he will confirm that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform sent women on remand to the Sean McDermott Street Magdalene following the introduction of the Criminal Justice Act 1960; if a capitation grant was awarded to the Magdalene laundries where these women were held on remand; if the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform holds records of all the women who were held on remand in this Magdalene laundry under the Criminal Justice Act 1960; if a State official ever inspected, regulated or approved the Magdalene laundry which was used for remand purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48571/09]

I can advise the Deputy that following a request for a meeting, officials from my Department met with representatives of Justice for Magdalenes on the 14th of December, 2009. There was an exchange of information and my officials are pursuing some of the issues raised. My officials have also been in touch with the Department of Education and Science following that meeting.

It is the Courts who have power to remand a person charged with a criminal offence in custody pending trial and sentencing. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for ensuring that there are places of detention which can be used for remand purposes but the Department itself has no power to send a person to a particular institution. Following the enactment of the Criminal Justice Act, 1960, the then Minister for Justice approved both St. Mary's Magdalen Asylum, Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1 and Our Lady's Home, Henrietta Street, Dublin 1 (not a Magdalen Asylum) for use as a remand institution for female persons aged from 16 to 21 years. Prior to 1960 the only option to the courts was to remand such persons to Mountjoy female prison. Payments were made by the Department of Justice for those remanded by the Courts to the two institutions in question. Limited records for one or two years linking payments with the names of individuals remanded to Our Lady's Home, Henrietta Street have been located. The records indicate that periods of remand rarely exceeded seven days and one or two days was the norm. Further research is being carried out to establish if more comprehensive records were kept.

Part of the arrangements with the two institutions was that those remanded were to have same rights and privileges as provided for remand prisoners in the 1947 Prison Rules Part III, and that they would be visited from time to time by a Probation Officer and by the Superintendent of Prisons.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

548 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a meeting (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the practice whereby the Irish judicial system routinely arranged for women to be sent to a Magdalene laundry upon receiving a suspended sentence or upon being given probation; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that such a practice had no statutory basis; if he will confirm that despite the awareness of this fact, his Department never informed the women that they could have left the Magdalene laundries at any time; if he will produce court records for every woman so referred; if he will contact the religious congregations who ran these Magdalene laundries and ensure that they provide full access to the relevant records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48572/09]

I can advise the Deputy that following a request for a meeting, officials from my Department met with representatives of Justice for Magdalenes on the 14th of December, 2009.

In response to points raised, my officials have undertaken some research into the matter. The Deputy will appreciate that the issue predates the foundation of the State and the historical records available are not exhaustive. For that reason my answer has to be limited to the information currently to hand.

There is no statutory power for a court to sentence a person to be detained in a Magdalen laundry or any other such institution as an alternative to imprisonment.

The Probation of Offenders Act 1907 allows a person found to have committed a criminal offence to be subject to a probation order under which the offender is released on entering a recognizance to be of good behaviour and subject to conditions. The duration of the order cannot exceed 3 years but if it is breached the recognizance can be forfeit and the offender can be brought before the court for sentencing for the original offence. It has been established that in 1922 and subsequent years courts did on occasion include a condition in a probation order that the female person who had been found to have committed a criminal offence reside in a particular institution for a specified period (not exceeding 3 years). From the material available, it would appear that the institution used most frequently for this purpose was a home in Henrietta Street. This was established at the end of the 19th century by the Discharged Female Prisoners Aid Society. The Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul subsequently carried on the work of this society. This home did have a laundry attached but it was not a Magdalen laundry. In the 1940's there was a request for funding for this institution. The home was inspected by an inspector from the Department of Industry and Commerce and the finances reviewed and in 1945/46 monies for capitation grants for "probationers" in this establishment were provided for in the District Court Vote. From the files it is clear that payments were limited to the duration of the relevant probation orders. The review at the time indicated that there were 18 "probationers" in Henrietta Street and another 20 to 30 probationers in other institutions mainly in the four Dublin Magdalen laundries. As far as can be made out at this stage, payments were not made to other institutions (except those designated as remand centres after 1960).

The Commission of Inquiry into the Reformatory and Industrial Schools System 1934-1936 states that judges were reluctant to send girls to female prisons and would overcome the difficulty by sending the offender to a Home conducted by a Religious Order provided the girl consented to go there and the Home agreed to accept her. It is not clear if this refers to imposing a condition in a probation order or to a more informal arrangement.

It appears that these orders/arrangements were made by the courts without reference to any Department of State. The requirements of a probation order, including its duration, would be made known by the court to the offender. The records of such orders are court records.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform does not have any legal authority to instruct a religious organisation to provide full access to their records.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

549 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will instruct his officials to ensure access to all relevant records within his Department relating to the Magdalene laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48573/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

550 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are records in his Department which indicate the number of women who were sent to Magdalene laundries since the foundation of the State; if so, if he will allow access to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48574/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.

I can advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold records that would indicate the number of women who were sent to Magdalen Laundries since the foundation of the State.

There are incomplete records held by my Department and in the archives relating to payments made in respect of persons remanded to St. Mary Magdalen Asylum, Sean McDermott Street, Dublin and I will be happy to allow access to them in the normal way. However inquiries made to date indicate that many older files were destroyed by flooding and that it is the practice to destroy support documentation relating to payments after 7 years.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard Allen

Question:

551 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for residency made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be decided upon. [48577/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 27 December 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 14 October 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Refugee Status.

Bernard Allen

Question:

552 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will issue on an application for a declaration as a refugee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [48595/09]

The person concerned claimed asylum in the State on 27/09/2007 and had her claim examined by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, following which it was recommended that she should be recognised as a refugee.

Based on this recommendation, the person concerned was issued with a formal declaration of refugee status by letter dated 24/11/2008. This communication also advised the person concerned of the rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The person concerned continues to hold the status of refugee in the State.

Crime Prevention.

Seán Barrett

Question:

553 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to include private members’ gaming clubs and casinos within the scope of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Bill 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48611/09]

The Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Bill 2009 which is currently before Dáil Éireann, will give effect to the 3rd EU Money Laundering Directive and related Implementing Directive.

Section 25(1) of the Bill defines the meaning of the term ‘designated person' as "..any person, acting in the State in the course of business carried on by the person in the State, who or that is — ..". A list of bodies and persons is specified to which the provisions apply. Included in this list is ‘a person who effectively directs a private members' club at which gambling activities are carried on, but only in respect of those gambling activities.' Therefore, such private members' clubs will be subject to the relevant obligations in the Bill and will be monitored for compliance by officials of the Department on my behalf. In addition, section 109 of the Bill contains provisions in relation to registration of such clubs with the Minister and provides that it is an offence for such a club which falls within the definition of a designated person in section 25 not to register. This registration is not to effect a type of authorisation for such clubs and does not alter the status of these clubs in relation to our gaming laws.

The position in relation to casinos is that they are already prescribed as a ‘designated person' under the existing legislation dealing with money laundering and are also included in section 25 of the current Bill. However, under current law, casinos per se, are not permitted. The Deputy will be aware that I have initiated a wide-ranging review of gambling which deals with a range of issues, including the issue of the regulation of casinos. If following that review, and subject to the will of the Oireachtas, casinos were to be licensed in the State, casinos would also be made subject to the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) legislation.

Citizenship Applications.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

554 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will investigate the handling of correspondence in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if, in view of the apparent unsatisfactory handling of this case, he will direct that their case be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48631/09]

A valid 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 December 2006.

In January 2008 the person concerned wrote to the Irish Born Child Section of my Department informing them of his change of address. However, the new address was not updated in the Citizenship Division. As a result correspondence was issued to the old address in relation to his naturalisation application and, following non-response to that correspondence, the application was not granted.

In light of the fact that the person in question had updated their address prior to the notification of 18 June, 2009, I have asked my Officials to re-open the cases of the person in question and his spouse.

The Citizenship Division will contact both individuals in relation to any outstanding documentation that is required.

Child Protection.

Richard Bruton

Question:

555 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the gardaí have the necessary powers to deal with the phenomenon of young persons begging on the street; if there are services to prevent the exploitation of these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48638/09]

The provisions of section 247 of the Children Act 2001, which provides that an offence is committed by a person causing, procuring or allowing a child to beg, are regularly utilised by members of An Garda Síochána in circumstances where children are being used by adults for the purposes of begging, and a number of arrests have been made under these provisions. Reports are also provided to the Health Service Executive, which is responsible for promoting the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection, in respect of each such incident, in compliance with the Children First Guidelines.

Gardaí have also, on occasion, used the provisions of section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991, which provides for the protection of children in emergency situations and under which a child can be brought into care without a care order, where a member of An Garda Síochána has reasonable grounds to believe that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health and welfare of the child.

Road Traffic Regulations.

Brian Hayes

Question:

556 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda Commissioner has raised with him the reason that car owners are entitled to blacken out windows within their vehicle; if this issue has been brought to his attention in view of the difficult job that gardaí have to do in respect of identifying persons in vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1003/10]

I am informed that the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicle) Regulations 1963, made by the Minister for Transport, set out the legislative basis for prosecution due to impediments to car drivers' views. Tinted windows can be used in vehicles only in accordance with the legislation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the relevant legislative provisions, and prosecutions are brought for breaches of these provisions.

I am also informed that on 21 December, 2009 the Minister for Transport made the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 567 of 2009). These Regulations provide for additional items to be included in the National Car Test from 1 April, 2010. These include a glass opacity test on the windscreen and front side windows, and a light transmission level of not less than 65% will be required in order to pass the test.

Citizenship Applications.

Jack Wall

Question:

557 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1016/10]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in July 2006. I decided in my absolute discretion to grant a certificate of naturalisation and the person in question was informed of that decision in a letter issued to him on 6 January, 2010.

A certificate of naturalisation will issue to the person concerned following receipt of the documentation requested to finalise their application.

Personal Debt Management.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

558 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will receive the final report of the Law Reform Commission on debt management and debt enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1033/10]

The Law Reform Commission has indicated that the date for completion of submissions on its Consultation Paper on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement is the end of January 2010. It is aiming to have its Final Report available by end of August 2010.

Garda Operations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

559 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation House; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1057/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the initiative referred to by the Deputy was introduced by local Garda management to address a recorded increase in the number of burglary offences reported in the Blanchardstown Garda District. This initiative was originally in place from 16 March to 16 April, 2009. It was reintroduced in August, 2009 and remains in place.

A dedicated unit, comprising four Gardaí operating on a monthly rotational basis, was put in place targeting this type of criminal activity. To date, both phases of this initiative have resulted in 60 arrests and 75 charges being preferred, with more than 300 searches of persons, vehicles and residences being conducted.

I am also informed that a reduction has been recorded in the number of burglaries being reported. The situation, including crime trends in the area, continues to be closely monitored by local Garda management.

The costs of the initiative are met from the budgetary allocation for the Garda District, and it would require a disproportionate use of Garda resources to provide the budgetary information requested by the Deputy.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

560 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation Mask; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1058/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the initiative referred to by the Deputy was introduced by local Garda management in Blanchardstown Garda District to address a recorded increase in criminal activity reported in the vicinity of the Blanchardstown Town Centre, particularly thefts from vehicles and shops.

This initiative, which was in place from November, 2006 to February, 2007, included high visibility crime prevention patrols by uniformed personnel, including a dedicated Garda Sergeant and two Gardaí, in conjunction with management and security personnel at the Centre.

I am also informed that crime trends in the area indicated a reduction in the numbers of the targeted types of offences recorded during the period of the initiative.

The costs for the initiative were met from the budgetary allocation for the Garda District, and it would require a disproportionate use of Garda resources to provide the budgetary information requested.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

561 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation Colt; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1059/10]

Operation Colt was introduced by local Garda management in Blanchardstown Garda District between November, 2005 and July, 2006 to target licensed premises, suspected of being complicit in the sale of drugs in the Finglas sub-district, with members of An Garda Síochána detailed for duty in plain-clothes to detect the illegal sale or supply of drugs. There was no specific budgetary allocation for this initiative.

During the initiative two premises were closed, which have since re-opened under new management.

Since the conclusion of this initiative a designated drug unit has been established in Finglas Garda sub-district. In addition to this all members of An Garda Síochána, including those allocated to Divisional and District Drug units, are tasked with enforcing criminal legislation, including the relevant provisions under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977/84 and Liquor Licensing legislation, including inspections of licensed premises.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the situation, including crime-trends, remains closely monitored by local Garda management with a view to the re-introduction of similar initiatives if deemed appropriate.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

562 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation Encounter; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1060/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Encounter was commenced by the then Commissioner in February 2002. The Operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons.

Garda patrols are directed to pay particular attention to areas where persons tend to congregate and where the likelihood of both anti-social behaviour and drinking may occur, in order to reduce incidences of public disorder and anti-social behaviour.

All members of An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Areas subject to such behaviour have been identified as hot-spots by local Garda management, and additional foot and mobile patrols are directed at these areas during times when these offences are more likely to occur. All such incidents detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána are dealt with immediately and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law. Almost 600,000 offences have been detected since the commencement of Operation Encounter. The costs of Operation Encounter are met from the Garda Vote, and it would require a disproportionate use of Garda resources to compile the information requested.

Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities as a result of Operation Encounter or otherwise are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge penalty notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.

Local policing plans are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences, the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents.

Senior Garda management is satisfied that adequate resources are available to address these types of criminality. Personnel allocations are constantly monitored by local Garda management.

Garda Investigations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

563 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [1067/10]

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.

Drugs in Prisons.

Michael McGrath

Question:

564 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the sanctions imposed on prisoners who have had illegal drugs confiscated from them by the prison authorities. [1088/10]

The sanctions for breach of prison discipline are outlined in full in Section 13(1) of the Prisons Act, 2007, and can include one or more of the following:

issuing the prisoner with a caution

reprimanding the prisoner

confinement in a cell for a period not exceeding 3 days

prohibition of various privileges for a period not exceeding 60 days. This can include recreation, sending or receiving mail, receiving visits and making phone calls

forfeiture of up to 14 days remission

forfeiture of gratuity payments

On a wider level the prisoner can of course face criminal charges arising from the possession of drugs and a consequent penalty such as a further term of imprisonment. Further operational decisions may also be made having regard to the offence such as the prisoner being placed on screened visits, the banning of visitors who attempted to pass contraband and / or the transfer of the prisoner to another institution. Persistent offenders can also be segregated from the general prison population.

Mandatory Sentencing.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

565 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans regarding mandatory sentencing for break-ins on old age pensioners and vulnerable persons in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1105/10]

I have been in touch with the Attorney General with regard to the issue of mandatory sentencing. I have been informed that the Attorney has written to the Law Reform Commission, which comes under the aegis of his Office and that he has made a formal request under Section 4 of the Law Reform Commission Act 1975 to the Commission for an examination of the issue of mandatory sentencing generally.

I understand that this matter is to be included on the Law Reform Commission's programme of work for 2010 which is expected to be made public shortly.

Citizenship Applications.

Joe Carey

Question:

566 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for refusal of a certificate of naturalisation to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1114/10]

A valid 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 January 2007 and I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant a certificate of naturalisation. The person concerned was informed of this decision in a letter issued to him on 23 November, 2009. There is no appeals process provided under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended.

It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application with the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time.

Damien English

Question:

567 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for citizenship in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; when he expects a decision to be made on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1126/10]

Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2009.

All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Undocumented Residents.

Denis Naughten

Question:

568 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of undocumented persons resident here; the nationalities represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1152/10]

Accurately estimating the number of illegal migrants is immensely difficult in any jurisdiction, including Ireland. This is due to the clandestine and covert nature of the activity. I do not therefore propose to make what would be essentially a guess at the figure for Ireland or indeed to highlight particular nationalities.

Crime Levels.

George Lee

Question:

569 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of reported crimes, broken down by category, that were dealt with by a Garda station (details supplied) in Dublin 14 in 2008 and 2009; the detection rate for crimes, broken down by category, reported to that Garda station in these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1180/10]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

George Lee

Question:

570 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of reported crimes, broken down by category, that were dealt with by a Garda station (details supplied) in Dublin 16 in 2008 and 2009; the detection rate for crimes, broken down by category, reported to that Garda station in these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1181/10]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

George Lee

Question:

571 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of reported crimes, broken down by category, that were dealt with by a Garda station (details supplied) in Dublin 18 in 2008 and 2009; the detection rate for crimes, broken down by category, reported to that Garda station in these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1182/10]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

George Lee

Question:

572 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of reported crimes, broken down by category, that were dealt with by Dublin Garda stations in 2008 and 2009; the detection rate for crimes, broken down by category, reported to Dublin Garda station in these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1183/10]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

George Lee

Question:

573 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform number of reported crimes, broken down by category, that were dealt with by a Garda station (details supplied) in 2008 and 2009; the detection rate for crimes, broken down by category, reported to that Garda station in these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1184/10]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Web Resources Policy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

574 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his official policy on citing a website (details supplied) as a source of information in the drafting and publication of official documents and reports by his Department; the number of reports published by his Department which have cited this website as a source, a footnote, a bibliographical reference or otherwise, to date; the names of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1185/10]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department has no official policy in relation to the website concerned. As part of an overall duty of care, those drafting documents in my Department exercise a responsible approach when accessing and considering web based information resources.

With regard to the number of reports which have cited the website as a source the Deputy should note that this information is not readily available and could only be compiled by the disproportionate expenditure of staff resources relative to the information required.

Asylum Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

575 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [1219/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum in The Netherlands in September 2008. However, on examination of his personal documentation, it became known to the Dutch authorities that he had been granted a Visa to visit Ireland earlier that year, valid from 11 August 2008 to 10 November 2008. In light of this finding, a process was commenced to have the person concerned transferred to Ireland under the provisions of the Dublin II Regulations and he was formally transferred on 18 December 2008 and then formally claimed asylum in this State on 19 December 2008.

His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 19 August, 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making written representations setting out reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. He was also advised of his entitlement to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection and also submitted written representations to be considered under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). Following consideration of the information submitted, the application for subsidiary protection was refused. The person concerned and his legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 5 October 2009.

His case was then considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on his behalf for permission to remain in the State. On 15th October, 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served requiring the person concerned to leave the State by 14th November, 2009.

Further representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). Following consideration of the information submitted the Deportation Order was affirmed and the person concerned and his legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 5th January, 2010.

Notice of the affirmed order was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present himself at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Tuesday, 12th January, 2010 in order to make travel arrangements for his removal from the State. The person concerned failed to present as required and was classified as evading his deportation. Should he come to the notice of the Gardaí, he would be liable to arrest and detention. He should, therefore, present himself to the GNIB without any further delay.

I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for subsidiary protection, and for temporary leave to remain in the state, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified.

The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.

The enforcement of the Deportation order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Garda Security Escorts.

Finian McGrath

Question:

576 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [1220/10]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are no records of any escort being officially sanctioned by Garda management or being provided by An Garda Síochána as outlined in this question.

Guidelines for the provision of escorts are the subject of strict consideration of all the circumstances surrounding the request including emergency, security etc, and can only be sanctioned by senior management.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

577 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in Budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1260/10]

The recommendations in the Special Group Report (McCarthy) have been taken into account in the budget negotiations for 2010 for the Justice Sector. The proposed savings in the Report in respect of the Justice Sector were €136.4 million. In monetary terms a significant proportion of the recommendations (€84 million) related to reductions in payroll costs on items such as allowances payable to members of the Garda Síochána and the Prisons Service.

In common with all Departments, there will be reductions in payroll related provisions in 2010 to take account of the reductions in payroll rates and other factors. While final figures in this respect for the Justice Sector will be included in the Revised Estimate Volume (REV) for 2010, based on the reductions in payroll rates alone, it is expected that at a minimum the €84 million saving in payroll McCarthy Report will be achieved in 2010.

In addition to these payroll reductions, the budgets in a number of programme subheads have also been reduced to deliver the level of savings required by Government. A number of theses reductions are also in line with the recommendations of the McCarthy Report.

These amount to reductions of €6.92 million across a range of programme subheads which include Gender Mainstreaming, Graffiti Removal Operations, Equality Monitoring Consultative Committees, European Refugee Fund and Refugee Integration. The McCarthy Report recommended a total reduction of some €5 million in respect of these particular items.

A number of recommendations were made by the McCarthy Group on structural reform and rationalisation across the Justice and Equality Sector. Decisions in respect of many of these recommendations will be a matter for decision by Government in due course and expenditure reductions that may arise will be included in the budget for the Sector in future years.

While it was never the intention that the full €134 million reduction recommended in the McCarthy report would be delivered in 2010, significant progress in this regard has been made. This is through a combination of the recommendation in the report and other measures being taken as part of the Governments budgetary policy.

Compensation Claims.

Niall Collins

Question:

578 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of legal actions for compensation taken against the State and An Garda Síochána, jointly or separately, for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 analysed by case type (details supplied); the amounts of settlements paid to date in each year for the number of cases now concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1288/10]

The number of legal actions for compensation taken against the State arising from the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána broken down by category as requested is set out in the following Table 1.

Table 1: New cases

Category

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Assault

46

46

39

39

35

Unlawful Arrest

18

24

29

21

20

Other

45

69

73

89

69

Total

109

139

141

149

124

The information requested by the Deputy on compensation paid in respect of legal actions against members of the Garda Síochána for the period from 2005 to 2008 is available on my Department's website. Provisional figures for 2009 are set out in Table 2.

Table 2: Amounts and number of cases concluded

The number of cases involved is shown in brackets

Assault

Unlawful Arrest

Other

2009 provisional

Awards

Nil

Nil

€30,610.74(2)

Settlements

€317,200.00(18)

€390,650.00(11)

€888,693.98(18)

Costs

€656,881.34(13)

€280,600.24(13)

€2,397,998.80(52)

Total

€974,081.34

€671,250.00

€3,317,302.70

€4,962,634.00

Community Projects Funding.

Finian McGrath

Question:

579 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding allocations for probation projects, often called community projects, for all counties in the midlands and west. [1289/10]

I can advise the Deputy that in 2009 my Department, through the Probation Service, provided funding to projects operating in the Midland and West region as listed in the following table. The grant allocation for 2010 has not yet been decided.

Project Name

Location

Current Funding

Adult/Youth

Bushypark/Clarecare

Clare

85,000

Adult

Ballinasloe Training Workshop

Galway

170,000

Adult

Cuan Mhuire Coolarne

Galway

45,000

Adult

Dochas Don Oige

Galway

246,000

Youth

Tuam Community Training Workshop

Tuam

190,000

Adult

Aiseiri

Cahir

85,000

Adult

Clonmel Youth Training

Clonmel

90,000

Adult

*Nenagh Community Reparation

Nenagh

40,000

Adult

Stepping Out

Athlone

230,000

Adult

Le Chéile

Nationwide**

964,000

Youth

Linkage

Nationwide**

1,470,000

Adult

MOVE

Nationwide**

25,000

Adult

* The Nenagh project also received a capital grant of 2,346.26 in 2009.

** Nationwide figure.

Immigration Controls.

Michael McGrath

Question:

580 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has identified evidence of marriages here whose purpose appears to be to circumvent Irish immigration laws; the number of such marriages in recent years; the trends involving particular nationalities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1291/10]

Marriages of convenience for the purpose of circumventing normal immigration controls are experienced not just here in Ireland, but by immigration jurisdictions worldwide. The contracting of marriages in order to gain an immigration advantage represents a significant challenge to immigration authorities. This has been clearly recognised in international instruments such as the "European Union Directive No. 2004/58 on the Rights of Citizens of the Union and their Family Members to Move and Reside Freely within the European Union", which identifies marriages of convenience as an abuse of the rights contained in that Directive.

Marriages of convenience are of their very nature difficult to detect. Final determination as to the validity of marriage based claims in this area can only be made after an in depth examination of the particular circumstances of each individual case. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform has growing experience of marriages being entered into for the sole purpose of enabling the foreign national spouse to enter and/or remain in the State. The fact that, in many cases where a suspicion arises as to the bona fides of the marriage, the foreign national may in fact be unlawfully in the State or residing in the State on the basis of a temporary or limited permission is a significant factor in this regard.

While it is not possible to provide definitive statistics on the number of bogus marriages/marriages of convenience, information available suggests that there are significant numbers of cases where such an inference can be drawn. With regard to applications for residence on foot of marriage to a Union citizen approximately 30% of those cases involved persons who were illegally present in the State or on a temporary or limited permissions thereby giving rise to a suspicion that the marriage is one of convenience for the purpose of circumventing immigration controls. Further indicators of a problem are to be found in highly unusual patterns of marriages and intelligence in relation to inducements being offered in certain European Union Member States for their nationals to marry third country nationals.

The Deputy may also wish to note that, with regard to applications for residence on the sole basis of marriage to Irish nationals, 49 applications were refused in 2009 on the basis that the Spouse of Irish National Section in my Department were satisfied that the applicants did not meet the terms of the scheme covering residence on foot of marriage to an Irish Citizen.

Michael McGrath

Question:

581 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non EU nationals who have applied in each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 for residence here by virtue of being married to a non Irish EU citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1311/10]

The statistics requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table.

Year

Applications received on basis of marriage to an EU National

2006

1,207

2007

1,928

2008

1,798

2009

2,116

It is not possible to specify the number of applications on the basis of marriage to a non Irish EU citizen from the figures available for the years 2004 and 2005.

Public Order Offences.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

582 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce new laws to prohibit vagrancy and begging in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1324/10]

I plan to bring new legislation on begging to Government for its approval to publish.

The new legislation arises from and will take account of the High Court judgement in the Dillon case. The Court held in that case that the current law, i.e. Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847, was unconstitutional.

Garda Strength.

Michael McGrath

Question:

583 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in Cork City and county at the rank of sergeant, inspector, superintendent, chief superintendent and assistant commissioner who have retired since 1 January 2009 by division; and the number of the resulting vacancies which have been filled. [1330/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the three divisions in Cork, as at 31 December 2008 & 2009 and the retirement figures for 2009 was as set out in the following table.

Year

A/Comm

C/Supt

Supt

Insp

Sgt

CORK CITY

Strength 31/12/2008

1

1

6

14

106

Strength 31/12/2009

1

1

5

11

102

Retirements in 2009

0

1

1

3

6

CORK WEST

Strength 31/12/2008

0

1

5

6

43

Strength 31/12/2009

0

0

4

6

39

Retirements in 2009

0

0

1

0

4

CORK NORTH

Strength 31/12/2008

0

1

4

4

49

Strength 31/12/2009

0

1

4

5

43

Retirements in 2009

0

0

0

0

4

Garda Complaints Procedures.

Niall Collins

Question:

584 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a person is the subject of a complaint to An Garda Síochána and the person believes the complaint to be false and malicious, to whom the person will go to have the complaint reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/10]

Section 12 of the Criminal Law Act 1976 provides that a person who (a) knowingly makes a false report or statement tending to show that an offences has been committed, whether by himself or some another person, or tending to give rise to apprehension for the safety of persons or property, or (b) knowingly makes a false report or statement tending to show that he has information material to any inquiries by the Garda Síochána and thereby causes the time of the Garda Síochána to be wastefully employed, shall be guilty of an offence.

In circumstances where a complaint is made by a person to An Garda Síochána in respect of an offence under these provisions or An Garda Síochána suspect with reasonable cause that such an offence has been committed, An Garda Síochána will investigate the matter.

Road Traffic Offences.

Finian McGrath

Question:

585 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [1416/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to by the Deputy is a public place under the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts 1961 — 2006 and is patrolled by the Garda Traffic Corps.

Any incidents reported to or observed by members of An Garda Síochána in respect of the use of a vehicle in a public place are the subject of investigation, and the offender is dealt with in accordance with the law. An Garda Síochána is the sole authority vested with the investigation of such allegations.

I am also informed that the Garda authorities have been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy and have asked him to make contact with the Inspector in charge, Divisional Traffic Unit, Santry, in order that his complaint can be fully investigated.

Residency Permits.

Jack Wall

Question:

586 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in possession of a residency card from Belgium may use this card to stay within another EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1419/10]

A person in possession of a Residence Card from another Member State is not automatically entitled to reside in this State on that basis.

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned made an application for residence in the State based on marriage to an EU National on 31 July 2009 pursuant to EU Directive 2004/38/EC and SI 656/2006 European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations, 2006 as amended. This application was refused on the 23 December 2009 on the basis that the person concerned failed to provide sufficient evidence that her EU National spouse was exercising his EU Treaty Rights in this State. It is open to the person concerned to request a review of this decision in accordance with Regulation 21 of the Regulations.

Crime Levels.

Pat Breen

Question:

587 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of robberies reported in the Clare garda division for 2009; the number of armed robberies for the same period; the number of robberies detected for the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1432/10]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

588 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry on humanitarian and compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1444/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

591 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry on humanitarian and compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1447/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

654 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the full circumstances in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he has views on the supporting documentation indicating integration into the local community, involvement in youth work, participation in cultural and educational facilities and have earned a high regard in the community in which they reside and the certified medical evidence indicating serious female mutilation and abuse; if his further attention has been drawn to the likelihood that their daughter will suffer the same fate if returned to the homeland; if he will use his discretionary powers having regard to all the information presently available to his Department with a view to ensuring an extension of leave to remain on emergency, compassionate or humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 588, 591 and 654 together.

I refer the Deputy to my written answer to Parliamentary Question No. 327 on 24 November 2009, wherein I outlined the background of the application of the first person that the Deputy enquires about. It was determined on 8 December 2009 that no grounds had been put forward by the applicant which would warrant me to exercise my discretion to consider an application for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned was notified of this decision on 15 December 2009.

The second person that the Deputy enquires about is the minor son of the first individual who was born in the State on 14 January 2005, and as such is not an Irish citizen. An application for asylum was made on his behalf on 3 November 2005. The Refugee Applications Commissioner recommended that this child should not be declared a refugee. The recommendation was upheld by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. This decision was subsequently the subject of judicial review proceedings, which were ultimately withdrawn on consent. The application for asylum was refused. An application for Subsidiary Protection was considered and refused on 8 December 2009. A Deportation Order was made in respect of this child on 8 December 2009.

Judicial review proceedings were instituted on 21 December 2009 challenging the refusal to consider an application for Subsidiary Protection from the first person concerned and the decision to refuse Subsidiary Protection and make a Deportation Order in respect of the second person concerned. As the matter is sub judice, I cannot comment further.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

589 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1445/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 1 September 2005. Following investigation by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, it was established that the person concerned had previously made an asylum application in the United Kingdom and, as such, a determination was made that the person concerned should be transferred to the United Kingdom for the purposes of having her asylum application examined there. This determination was upheld following an appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Consequently, a Transfer Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 3 November 2005. This Order was served on the person concerned which placed a legal obligation on her to present herself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on Monday 21 November 2005, to make arrangements for her formal transfer to the United Kingdom. The person concerned failed to ‘present' on this occasion and was therefore classified as having ‘evaded' her transfer. The person concerned became illegally resident in this State at that time.

The person concerned continued to evade her transfer with the consequence that the Transfer Order expired leaving Ireland responsible for processing her asylum application. At this point the case of the person concerned was referred back to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for the purposes of having her asylum claims investigated. As part of this process, the person concerned was invited to attend for interview at that Office, on a designated date and time, but she failed to attend. Neither did she offer any explanation for her non-attendance. As a result, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner made a recommendation that the person concerned be refused a declaration of refugee status. This recommendation was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 13 June 2007. This communication also notified the person concerned that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(2)(c) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), there was no appeal against this recommendation.

Arising from the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 April 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should not have a Deportation Order made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

590 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the residency or leave to remain and work here in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1446/10]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of Wednesday 02/12/2009, and the written reply to that question.

The person concerned is illegally present in the State and has no entitlement to work or reside here. She has made an application to return to her home country through the Voluntary Return programme run by the International Organisation for Migration and this application has been accepted by my Department.

Question No. 591 answered with Question No. 588.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

592 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to deport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1448/10]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to Dail Question No. 200 of 26th November, 2009.

I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for subsidiary protection, and for temporary leave to remain in the state, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified.

However, if new information or circumstances have come to light, which have a direct bearing on his case and which have arisen since the original decision to deport was made, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of his Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.

The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

593 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; when the stamp four will be updated in line with employment requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1449/10]

The person concerned has had her Leave to Remain in the State extended for a six month period to 18 January 2010. This decision was conveyed to her by letter dated 21 December 2009.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

594 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1450/10]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 664 of Tuesday, 6 October 2009, and the written Reply to that Question.

The up to date position is that the representations submitted by the person concerned as to why a Deportation Order should not be made in respect of him are currently being considered in my Department. This consideration will have regard for the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Once this consideration has been completed, the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

595 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1514/10]

As a Member of Dáil Éireann I am aware of and comply with the necessary declarations under the Ethics Acts. Details of all declarable items/benefits are available on the appropriate websites of the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Crime Prevention.

Finian McGrath

Question:

596 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [1528/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Santry Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area as a result of anti-social behaviour and has introduced a District strategy targeting this type of activity.

I am also informed that an active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is in place and that the local community Garda attends its meetings. Any issues arising are addressed. In addition, a monthly information clinic is run in conjunction with the local authority for residents in the area, aimed in particular at older residents.

The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the District Detective and Drug Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Persons and vehicles are regularly stopped and searched in the area, and a number of persons have been arrested in relation to public disorder incidents and other anti-social behaviour in the area. Where offences are detected, offenders are dealt with by way of caution, fixed charge penalty notices or the initiation of criminal proceedings.

Local Garda management closely monitors patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. Community policing is a central feature of the policing plans. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.

Prisoners’ Hardship Fund.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

597 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an allowance or payment was made to prisoners prior to Christmas 2009; if so, the amount and purpose of the allowance or payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1543/10]

I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that all prisoners are statutorily entitled to a daily gratuity. The current rate of gratuity payable is €2.35 per day. In accordance with the Prison Rules, 2007, additional gratuity may be paid to prisoners engaged in authorised structured activity.

In addition, the Irish Prison Service has operated a Prisoner's Hardship Fund since 2006, from which each institution is allocated a specific budget in December of each year. This scheme replaced the previous arrangement, whereby the Probation Service allocated annual grants to each institution each December. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a fund from which Governors can make modest payments to prisoners and their families in need of assistance. The award criteria to be applied and the amounts to be awarded to individual prisoners are at the discretion of the senior Governor in each institution.

The Hardship Fund itself is primarily financed through the profits from prisoner purchases in tuck shops operating across the Irish Prison Service estate. Funding is only sourced from the Prisons Vote in institutions where tuck shop profits are not sufficient. In December 2009, allocations were made from the Hardship Fund to all institutions. A figure for the total payments made to prisoners under the 2009 scheme is not yet available because returns have yet to be received from individual institutions. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Residency Permits.

Denis Naughten

Question:

598 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process renewal of temporary leave to remain in the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1555/10]

Persons granted Leave to Remain in the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) are required to apply to the Minister for the renewal of such permission before the period of permission expires.

All applications for renewal of Leave to Remain have to be considered on their individual merits in order to ascertain whether the persons in question have complied with the conditions attaching to their Leave to Remain. This, of necessity, requires checks to be made with other State entities. The average waiting time for the processing of such applications is one to three months.

The Deputy might wish to note that statistical data is not available for the renewal of Leave to Remain in the State, because this information cannot be disaggregated from the original grant of leave to remain.

The Deputy might also wish to note that such applications are generally approved save in circumstances where the applicant has been involved in criminality or where evidence is available that the applicant was granted Leave to Remain in the State on the basis of false or misleading information.

Denis Naughten

Question:

599 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications for temporary leave to remain in the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1556/10]

In the interests of clarity, the Deputy might wish to note that there is no such thing as an ‘application for leave to remain' but what has become known as ‘an application for leave to remain' is the submission of written representations to the Minister against the making of a Deportation Order, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). In all such cases, before a decision is made by the Minister, consideration is given to the eleven separate headings set out in Section 3(6) of that Act, the provisions of Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement and other relevant legal and constitutional provisions. The ultimate decision of the Minister is to make a Deportation Order or to grant Leave to Remain in the State.

At 31 December 2009, 12,076 cases were recorded as awaiting a decision of this nature. However, this figure includes the approx. 3,000 cases where applications for Subsidiary Protection in the State have been submitted by the same persons. Where an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State has been submitted in addition to representations against the making of a Deportation Order, the Subsidiary Protection application must first be considered.

Indications are that many of those whose cases are recorded as awaiting a decision under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) may already have left the State without notifying my Department of their having done so.

The Deputy will appreciate that the consideration of cases under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) is a resource intensive process. It is not, however, possible to provide an average waiting time for the processing of such cases primarily because no two cases will be the same in terms of their nature or complexity. However, the Deputy can be assured that strenuous efforts have been made and continue to be made to ensure that such cases are processed to finality as promptly as possible. To this end, additional staff members have been deployed to the area and investment has been made in the development of technology required to support the processing of such cases. The accompanying table sets out the other statistical information requested by the Deputy.

Section 3 based statistics for 2009

Category

Total

New Section 3 cases*

4,924

Section 3 cases decided where Leave to Remain was granted

659

Section 3 cases decided where a Deportation Order was made

1,077

*New Section 3 cases are deemed to be those where persons were issued with a notification of intention to deport following the rejection of their asylum claims or where they became otherwise illegal in the State e.g. arising from the expiry of a Work Permit or a Work or Study Visa.

Denis Naughten

Question:

600 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process renewal of temporary leave to remain in the State under the Irish born child 2005 scheme; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1557/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that persons granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme were, subject to a renewal application having been received and approved, granted a further three year extension of their permission to remain, in 2007. Therefore, as such persons were granted permission to remain until 2010, the issue of renewal did not arise in 2009.

Furthermore, I wish to advise the Deputy that renewal applications received in 2007 were, in general, processed within two weeks of a completed application form for renewal, accompanied by adequate supporting documentation, being received in my Department. I should add that the closing date for receipt of applications under the IBC/05 Scheme was 31 March, 2005. Since the termination of the Scheme, there is no free-standing right of any person to apply for permission to remain in the State on the sole basis of parentage of a child born in Ireland.

Deportation Orders.

Denis Naughten

Question:

601 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications for revocation of deportation orders under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1560/10]

The revocation of a Deportation Order may be sought pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. However, the Deputy should note that any such application would need to be supported by substantial and compelling new grounds in order to have a chance of being successful.

The average waiting time for the processing of such applications is four to six weeks, however, it can occasionally take longer where there are particularly complex issues associated with an individual application.

The Deputy might wish to note that records of incoming Section 3 (11) applications are not maintained in a manner as would enable me to advise him on the number of such applications which were received in 2009. However, the table sets out the numbers of such applications which were approved and rejected in 2009. The Deputy should note also that because the turnaround time for such applications is quite short, the number of such applications awaiting a decision at present is very small.

Section 3(11) application statistics for 2009

Category

Total

Section 3(11) applications granted

58

Section 3(11) applications refused

335

Total Section 3(11) applications considered

393

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

602 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications for subsidiary protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1561/10]

Subsidiary Protection under the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 is a form of international protection offered to those persons who do not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee but who nonetheless claim a risk of serious harm in their country of origin if repatriated there. Each application for Subsidiary Protection in the State is considered on the basis of its individual merits, having regard for the claims made by the applicant and measured against objective, reputable, up to date information relating to the applicant's country of origin.

Against this background, the Deputy will appreciate that the consideration of applications for Subsidiary Protection is a resource intensive process. The average waiting time for the processing of such applications is 8.7 months, based on decisions made on such applications in 2009. However, due to the high number of applications being received and the fact that no two applications will be the same in terms of their nature and complexity, the processing times can vary from case to case. Every effort is being made to ensure that applications for Subsidiary Protection are processed as promptly as possible. Additional staff members have been deployed to this area and investment has been made in the development of technology required to support and speed up the processing of these applications.

At 31 December 2009, there were 2,996 Subsidiary Protection applications awaiting a decision.

The table below sets out the other statistical information requested by the Deputy.

Subsidiary Protection (SP) statistics for 2009

Category

Total

SP applications received

2,089

SP applications granted

24

SP applications refused

653

Denis Naughten

Question:

603 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications in accordance with section 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations for admittance into the subsidiary protection process; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1562/10]

Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations — Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006 — relates to my discretion to accept and consider an application for Subsidiary Protection from persons who do not have an automatic entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection i.e. persons in respect of whom Deportation Orders were signed before the coming into force of the Regulations on 10 October, 2006. In such cases, I may exercise discretion pursuant to Regulation 4(2) of these Regulations to accept and consider an application for Subsidiary Protection in instances where an individual has identified new facts or circumstances which demonstrate a clear change of position from that which obtained at the time the Deportation Order was made.

The average waiting time for the processing of such applications is four to six weeks, however, it can occasionally take longer where there are particularly complex issues associated with an individual application.

The Deputy might wish to note that records of incoming Regulation 4(2) applications are not maintained in a manner as would enable me to advise the Deputy of the numbers of such applications which were received in 2009 or indeed are awaiting a decision at present. However, given that the turnaround time for such applications is quite short, the number of such applications awaiting a decision at present is very small.

The table sets out the number of decisions made on such applications in 2009, broken down by reference to those applications which were approved and rejected.

Subsidiary Protection statistics under Regulation 4(2) for 2009

Category

Total

Total Regulation 4(2) Applications considered

39

Regulation 4(2) Applications approved

15

Regulation 4(2) Applications rejected

24

Denis Naughten

Question:

604 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications for readmittance to the asylum process under section 17(7) of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1563/10]

The average processing time for applications for readmittance to the asylum process under Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1996, is four weeks, from the date of receipt of all relevant information by the Ministerial Decisions Unit, of my Department. From January 2009 to December 2009, 102 applications were considered, of which 19 applicants where readmitted to the asylum process and 83 applicants were unsuccessful. There are 8 cases on hand awaiting processing.

Visa Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

605 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process visas; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/10]

Visa applications are processed as speedily as possible having regard to the numbers on hand and the resources available to process them. Although the INIS website advises applicants to allow six to eight weeks for visa applications to be processed, in fact most applications are processed much faster than that. In my Department's dedicated overseas visa offices, most applications are typically processed in 2-3 weeks, often in 2-5 days for very straightforward short stay visas. Applications referred to Dublin are generally being turned around within 10-15 days of receipt in Dublin and, again, very straightforward applications for short stay visas are often processed in 2-5 days. This figure for applications processed in Dublin does not include the time the application has spent in transit to Ireland, often up to 2 weeks or more, depending on the place of origin of the application. While statistics have yet to be finalised for 2009, approximately 65,500 visas were granted and 10,700 were refused. At the end of December 2009, 1,886 Irish visa applications and 233 appeals against visa refusals were in transit or awaiting decision worldwide.

Denis Naughten

Question:

606 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process re-entry visas; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1565/10]

Applicants who call to the Public Office in person for re-entry visas are dealt with on a same day basis. Alternatively a postal application for a re-entry visa can be made and such applications are dealt with within four working days. In 2009, re-entry visa applications received numbered 57,413. Of these applications 2 were rejected.

Residency Permits.

Denis Naughten

Question:

607 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process EU treaty rights applications for residence by non-European Economic Area family members of EU or EEA citizens, EU Directive 2004/38/EC and SI 656/2006 refers; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1566/10]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that all applications for residence in the State on the basis of EU Treaty Rights by non-EEA family members of EU or EEA citizens are currently being processed within the six month statutory time frame set out in Directive 2004/38/EC as implemented in Ireland by Statutory Instrument 656/2006 as amended by Statutory Instrument 310/2008.

The EU Treaty Rights Statistics requested by the Deputy in respect of the year 2009 are set out in the table.

Year

Decision Type

Total

2009

Approved

1,541

Refused

957

Withdrawn

52

Not Accepted

90

Awaiting Decision

1,161

Denis Naughten

Question:

608 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process married to an Irish national applications from non-European Economic Area national spouses of Irish nationals for residence here on the sole basis of their marriage; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1567/10]

While marriage to an Irish national by a non EU national does not convey any automatic right to reside in the State, if a non EU national spouse of an Irish national was already legally resident in the State prior to the marriage, then he or she can make a request to the local Registration Officer for a change of their immigration status to reflect their marriage to that Irish national.

If, however, the non EU national has no legal status or is an asylum seeker in the State at the time of the marriage, he or she may make an application to the Spouse of Irish National Unit, Immigration Services Section, Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 seeking permission to reside in the State on that basis.

I am informed by the Immigration Services Section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that applications of this type are currently taking 6 — 7 months to process. The processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the particular circumstances of each individual case and the nature of the investigation required. This processing time meets our current expectations and in fact in the High Court Case of K M & D G -v- The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (2007 No. 321 J.R.) Justice John Edwards held that a period of between 9 and 12 months was reasonable for the making of such decisions.

At the end of December 2009 there were 149 applications on hand. Applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to the nature of the application and overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

The table outlines the figures for the past 12 months in respect of applications processed by the Spouse of Irish National Unit.

Month

Received

Approved

Refused

January

24

42

9

February

38

38

1

March

47

70

1

April

32

38

5

May

44

28

4

June

37

43

7

July

52

38

8

August

38

45

2

September

37

34

1

October

46

33

3

November

55

31

6

December

36

32

3

Overall

486

472

*50

*1 Application withdrawn not refused.

Denis Naughten

Question:

609 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process business permission applications from non-European Economic Area nationals for permission to reside in the State for the purposes of establishing and operating a commercial business; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1568/10]

I am informed by the Immigration Services Section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that applications for Business Permission are currently taking 5-6 weeks to process on receipt of fully completed applications.

Applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to the nature of the application and overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. At the end of December 2009 there were 10 applications on hand awaiting decision.

The table outlines the figures for the past 12 months in respect of applications processed by the Business Permission Unit.

Business Permission Applications 2009

Month

Received

Approved

Refused

Abandoned

January

7

7

4

3

February

15

11

3

4

March

18

2

14

3

April

21

9

17

3

May

18

7

11

0

June

9

4

12

0

July

12

6

6

0

August

10

3

2

0

September

10

7

5

1

October

21

6

8

0

November

16

10

7

0

December

7

14

1

0

Overall

164

86

90

14

Refugee Status.

Denis Naughten

Question:

610 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process travel documents, 1951 convention travel documents, issued to persons granted a declaration of refugee status here under section 17(1) Refugee Act 1996 and programme refugees; the average waiting time to process temporary travel documents that may issue in specific emergency circumstances; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1569/10]

I am informed by the Immigration Services Section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that applications for Travel Documents are currently taking 5-6 weeks to process on receipt of fully completed applications.

Applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to the nature of the application and overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. At the end of December 2009 there were 59 applications on hand awaiting decision.

The table outlines the figures for the past 12 months in respect of applications processed by the Travel Document Unit.

Month

Received 2009

Approved 2009

Refused 2009

1951 Convention Travel Document

Temporary Travel Document

1951 Convention Travel Document

Temporary Travel Document

1951 Convention Travel Document

Temporary Travel Document

JAN

284

128

296

55

0

54

FEB

315

161

267

60

0

85

MAR

447

117

407

40

0

65

APR

505

195

574

25

1

177

MAY

495

99

330

23

0

82

JUN

619

217

513

105

3

19

JUL

539

247

680

256

0

14

AUG

345

158

418

111

0

43

SEP

292

122

355

72

0

145

OCT

352

77

337

51

4

65

NOV

395

116

412

51

6

69

DEC

293

153

283

47

1

31

Overall

4,881

1,790

4,872

896

15

849

Immigration Clearance Letters.

Denis Naughten

Question:

611 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process foreign adoption immigration clearance letters issued in respect of approved foreign adoptions; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1570/10]

I am informed by the Immigration Services Section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that applications for an Immigration Clearance Letter in respect of a Foreign Adoption are currently taking 5 working days to process on receipt of fully completed applications.

At the end of December 2009 there were no applications on hand awaiting decision.

The table outlines the figures for the past 12 months in respect of applications processed by the Foreign Adoption Unit.

Immigration Clearance Letter Applications Processed 2009

Month

Received

Approved

Refused

January

79

79

0

February

81

67

0

March

86

98

0

April

63

65

0

May

61

61

0

June

49

49

0

July

63

58

0

August

53

58

0

September

45

45

0

October

45

45

0

November

54

54

0

December

50

50

0

Overall

729

729

0

Residency Permits.

Denis Naughten

Question:

612 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process Irish-born child pre-2003 family dependant applications made by non-European Economic Area nationals granted residence under pre-2003 conditions for residence here for specified minor family dependants; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1571/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that no applications for permission to remain in the State under the pre-2003 arrangements for the parents of Irish citizen children are currently outstanding in my Department. I should add that renewal of permission to remain in the State for such persons is granted by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and accordingly, there is no requirement for such applicants to contact my Department unless their circumstances have changed since the granting of their most recent permission to remain.

With regard to family dependents of persons in the category above, I am advised by my officials that 117 applications were received and granted in 2009. Such applications were, in general, processed within one week of the appropriate supporting documentation being received in my Department and all such applicants were granted permission to remain in the State. The permission granted is on the basis that the applicant is part of a family unit where the parent(s) of that unit have been granted residency in the State, and applicants are required to provide evidence to that effect.

A further 199 applications for permission to remain in the State were received from persons whose circumstances necessitated that they contact my Department (primarily due to the break up of their marriages). All of these applications were granted and, in general, were processed within one week of receipt of appropriate documentation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

613 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications for a change of status by non-European Economic Area nationals granted a particular permission to remain here and seeking an alternative residency status; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1572/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding applications made by non-EEA nationals seeking a change of status are outlined in the following table.

Change of Status

Processing time of application

Approximately 8 months

Number of applications received in the past 12 months

401

Number of applications awaiting decision

209

Number of applications approved in the last 12 months

93

Number of applications rejected in the last 12 months

35

As the Deputy will appreciate, the processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the type of application involved and the particular circumstances of the individual concerned.

In all instances, processing arrangements are kept under ongoing review and steps are taken to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

614 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications by non-European Economic Area nationals in a relationship with an Irish or non-EEA national and seeking permission to remain here on that basis; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1573/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding non-EEA nationals who are in a relationship with an Irish or a non-EEA national and seeking permission to remain on that basis are outlined in the following table.

De-facto relationship with IrishNational

De-facto relationship with Non-EEA National

Processing time of application

1 to 2 weeks

1 to 2 weeks

No. of applications received in past 12 months

577

13

No. of applications awaiting decision

73

6

No. of applications approved in past 12 months

400

3

No. of applications rejected in past 12 months

40

3

Applications for de-facto relationships are dealt with once they are received in the General Immigration Division, and a decision is made once the division receives the appropriate documentation supporting the relationship.

Denis Naughten

Question:

615 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications by non-European Economic Area nationals previously granted permission to study and who are seeking an extension of student conditions; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1574/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding applications made by non-EEA nationals seeking an extension of student conditions are outlined in the following table.

Extension of student conditions

Processing time of application

Approximately 12 months

Number of applications received in the past 12 months

223

Number of applications awaiting decision

162

Number of applications approved in the last 12 months

25

Number of applications rejected in the last 12 months

19

As the Deputy will appreciate, the processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the type of application involved and the particular circumstances of the individual concerned.

In all instances, processing arrangements are kept under ongoing review and steps are taken to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

616 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications pertaining to non-European Economic Area nationals previously granted permission to remain here as a visitor and seeking an extension of those conditions; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1575/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding applications made by non-EEA nationals seeking an extension of visitor conditions are outlined in the following table.

Extension of visitor conditions

Processing time of application

Approximately 1 month

Number of applications received in the past 12 months

413

Number of applications awaiting decision

82

Number of applications approved in the past 12 months

115

Number of applications rejected in the past 12 months

125

As the Deputy will appreciate, the processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the type of application involved and the particular circumstances of the individual concerned.

In all instances, processing arrangements are kept under ongoing review and steps are taken to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

617 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications pertaining to non-European Economic Area nationals previously granted permission to remain here on work permit conditions and who are seeking extension of those conditions; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1576/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding applications made by non-EEA nationals seeking an extension of their permission to remain in order to apply for a work permit or an extension of their work permit are outlined in the following table.

Extension of work permit conditions

Processing time of application

Approximately 2-3 months

Number of applications received in the past 12 months

288

Number of applications awaiting decision

128

Number of applications approved in the past 12 months

118

Number of applications rejected in the past 12 months

10

As the Deputy will appreciate, the processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the type of application involved and the particular circumstances of the individual concerned.

In all instances, processing arrangements are kept under ongoing review and steps are taken to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

618 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications pertaining to persons admitted here for various reasons and subsequently seeking permission to remain for medical treatment; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1577/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding applications made by non-EEA nationals seeking permission to remain for medical treatment are outlined in the following table.

Permission to remain for medical treatment

Processing time of application

Approximately 2-3 months

Number of applications received in the past 12 months

8

Number of applications awaiting decision

3

Number of applications approved in the past 12 months

4

Number of applications rejected in the past 12 months

1

As the Deputy will appreciate, the processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the type of application involved and the particular circumstances of the individual concerned. A decision is made once the division receives the appropriate documentation.

In all instances, processing arrangements are kept under ongoing review and steps are taken to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

619 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications pertaining to persons admitted here for various reasons and subsequently seeking permission to remain as a temporary registered doctor; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1578/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding applications made by non-EEA nationals seeking permission to remain as temporary registered doctors are outlined in the following table.

Temporary Registered Doctors

Processing time of application

1/2 weeks depending on documentation received

Number of applications received in the past 12 months

66

Number of applications awaiting decision

15

Number of applications approved in the past 12 months

34

Number of applications rejected in the past 12 months

4

Applications for temporary registered doctors are dealt with once they are received in the General Immigration Division, and a decision is made once the division receives the appropriate documentation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

620 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications pertaining to Turkish nationals seeking permission to remain here pursuant to the Turkish association agreement; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1579/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding applications made by Turkish nationals seeking permission to remain pursuant to the Turkish Association Agreement are outlined in the following table.

Turkish Association Agreement

Processing time of application

2/3 weeks depending on documentation received

Number of applications received in the past 12 months

46

Number of applications awaiting decision

8

Number of applications approved in the last 12 months

25

Number of applications rejected in the last 12 months

7

Applications pursuant to the Turkish Association Agreement are processed on receipt by General Immigration Division and a decision is made once the division receives the appropriate documentation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

621 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications pertaining to non-European Economic Area nationals who have completed 60 months’ legal residency here on work permit, work visa or work authorisation conditions and who are seeking permission to remain under the administrative long-term residency scheme; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1580/10]

At the present time, I understand that the average processing time for applications for long term residency is in the order of 16 months, down from about 21 months in April 2009. If there is no change in the volumes being received during 2010, it is anticipated that the processing time can be reduced further.

During 2009, 3,528 applications for long term residency were received. In the same period, 3,604 applications were granted and a further 514 applications were refused. In addition, another 644 cases were either withdrawn by the applicant or deemed abandoned.

Refugee Status.

Denis Naughten

Question:

622 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process applications pertaining to persons granted refugee status here who are seeking family reunification for other family members; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in 2009; the steps he is taking to expedite the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1581/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that they are currently processing applications from October 2008. However, due to the nature of Family Reunification they are still dealing with applications prior to that date.

The number of applications received, approved, refused in the last 12 months and the number of applications currently on hand are contained in the following table.

Number of applications

Applications currently on hand awaiting decision

1,650

Applications received in the past 12 months

895

Applications approved in the past 12 months

731

Applications refused in the past 12 months

387

Applications withdrawn in the past 12 months

142

Additional staff were assigned to the Family Reunification Section in the last 18 months which has led to a significant reduction in the processing time of applications.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

623 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1737/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 6 November 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30 June 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

624 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1738/10]

The application for residency submitted by the person concerned in this case cannot be considered until a final decision is made on their asylum application.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

625 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1739/10]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of Thursday, 17 December 2009, and the written Reply to that Question. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

In relation to the contention of the person concerned that she did not receive a letter from my Department in 2007, I wish to advise the Deputy that a letter, the essence of which was to advise the person concerned that, as she had been refused refugee status, her entitlement to remain in the State had expired, was issued to the person concerned, by registered post to her then last notified address, on 17 July 2007. That letter also notified the person concerned of the Minister's proposal to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. As applies in all such cases, she was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her.

Given that written representations were subsequently submitted on behalf of the person concerned by her legal representative, the Deputy will see that this letter has been acted on which would seem to confirm that such a letter was indeed issued to the person concerned on 17 July 2007.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

626 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1740/10]

The applicant, together with his wife and daughter, arrived in the State on 13 September 2005 and applied for asylum on 14 September 2005. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the persons concerned were informed, by letters dated 15 February 2006, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Their cases were then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on their behalf by their legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 2 May 2006, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of them. Notice of these orders was served by registered post requiring the persons concerned to ‘present' to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 in order to make travel arrangements for their deportation from the State.

On 8 November 2006 the persons concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The Subsidiary Protection applications were not considered, as the regulations are not applicable in cases where a deportation order was made before coming into operation of the regulations. The persons' legal representative was notified of this decision by letter dated 23 November 2006. Judicial Review proceedings were instituted challenging this decision. These proceedings were settled on 3 March 2008 following the findings of Justice Feeney in the cases of Hila and Djolo, that I have a discretion under Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No. 518 of 2006 to accept and consider applications for subsidiary protection from persons who do not have an automatic right to apply but who have identified new facts or circumstances which demonstrate a change of position from that which pertained at the time the deportation order was made.

By letter dated 5 November 2007, the applicants' legal representative was advised that they could seek the exercise of Ministerial discretion pursuant to Regulation 4 (2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 by making further representations identifying any new facts or circumstances which demonstrated a change of position from that at the time the Deportation Order was made on 2 May 2006. Representations were received on 27 November 2007. Following consideration of the information submitted, the applications were refused. The persons concerned and their legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 4 December 2007.

The applicants instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 4 February 2008 challenging the decision that they had established no grounds which would enable me to exercise my discretion under Regulation 4(2) to consider an application for subsidiary protection from them and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.

The couple's other two children have lodged separate asylum applications. It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications where a final decision has not yet been made.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

627 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1741/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 12 June 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 22 September 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

628 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1742/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 13 April 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 25 June 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

629 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1743/10]

The person concerned and her two children applied for asylum on 25 October 2006. The two children were included on their mother's asylum application. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned and her two children were entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 6 April 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her two children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against her and her two children. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned and her two children will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Travel Documents.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

630 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when travel documents will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1744/10]

I am informed by the Immigration Services Section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the Travel Document Unit has recently contacted the person in question requesting that a fully completed travel document application with supporting documentation be resubmitted to that Unit. A travel document will issue to the person concerned on receipt of same.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

631 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give consideration on humanitarian grounds for extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1745/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

655 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if extended residency will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [2194/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 631 and 655 together.

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of Thursday, 3 December 2009, and the written Reply to that Question.

As stated in my last Reply, the persons concerned, a mother and child, have submitted separate applications for Subsidiary Protection in the State which are under consideration at present. When consideration of these applications have been completed, the persons concerned will be notified in writing of the outcomes.

In the event that the applications for Subsidiary Protection are refused, the positions in the State of the persons concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the files are passed to me for decision. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the persons concerned.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

632 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if an extension of residency will be given on update of documentation for employment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1746/10]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy had his permission to remain in the State renewed by his local Immigration Officer on 12 January 2010 until 06 December 2010. His current permission to remain allows him to work in the State without the requirement of a work permit.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

633 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 219 of 2 December 2009 in respect of persons (details supplied) wherein it was stated that the case was then examined under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, on the prohibition of refoulement, if such examination was sufficiently detailed to justify the outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1747/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 2 February 2006 on her own behalf, and on 30 March 2006 on behalf of her child. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

The person concerned was informed, by letter dated 8 January 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), to be exercised within 15 working days. Namely, to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of Deportation Orders or to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.

This communication also advised the person concerned of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations. Following consideration of the information submitted, the application was refused. The person concerned and her legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 23 October 2009.

Her case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on her behalf by her legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 28 October 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. Notice of these orders was served by registered post requiring the person concerned and her child to ‘present' to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

The legal representatives of the person concerned subsequently made an application seeking consent, pursuant to Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), to allow their client make a further application for a declaration of refugee status. The information provided was fully considered and the outcome was that the application for re-admission was refused. The person's legal representatives were notified of this decision on 6th January, 2010.

The person concerned continues to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (G.N.I.B.) in accordance with Section 8(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. She last presented on 14th January, 2010 and is due to present again today 19th January, 2010.

I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her and her child is justified.

The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.

The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

634 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency and family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1748/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 13 January 2009. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 5 January 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The 15 working day period referred to in my Department's letter of 5 January 2010 expires on 27 January 2010. It is open to the person concerned to make representations and/or apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State within that period. In any event, the case of the person concerned will not be further processed until the 15 working day period referred to has elapsed.

The Deputy might to note that the current position in the State of the person concerned is not such as would confer any entitlement to family reunification.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

635 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1749/10]

The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 3 December 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), he was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was notified, by letter dated 10 September 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the first named person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the first named person concerned.

The second and third persons referred to, infant children born in 2006 and 2008 respectively, are the subject of individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, it is not my Department's policy to comment on individual asylum applications where a final decision has not been made and this position applies in the context of the second and third persons referred to.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

636 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship and family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1750/10]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2007.

All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straightforward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that they have no record of an application for Family Reunification from the person referred to by the Deputy.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

637 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1751/10]

The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 29 August 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application and, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 March 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. Representations were submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned at that time.

Her case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement and all representations received were considered in arriving at a decision in her case. On 25 November 2008 a Deportation Order was signed in respect of the first named person concerned. Notice of this Order was served by registered post dated 5 December 2008. This communication advised the first named person concerned of the legal requirement that she present herself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 6 January 2009 in order to make travel arrangements for her deportation from the State.

On 25 November 2009, an application for revocation of the Deportation Order, under Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), was received on behalf of the first named person concerned. This application is under consideration in my Department at present. When a decision has been made on this application, the first named person concerned will be notified in writing of that decision and of the consequences of the decision.

The first named person also made an application, on 24 November 2005, for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish born child, born in the State before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by the then Minister on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. The first named person did not satisfy the criteria under the revised arrangements and was notified of this decision by letter dated 1 December 2005.

The second named person concerned, the son of the first named person concerned, was born in the State in late 2005 and an application for asylum was made on his behalf on 15 December 2008. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the second named person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the second named person concerned was notified, by letter dated 31 August 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The position in the State of the second named person concerned now falls to be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the second named person concerned.

Passport Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

638 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a travel document renewal will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1752/10]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of Thursday, 26 November 2009 and the written reply to that question.

I am informed by the Travel Document Unit of the Immigration Services Section that the person concerned was refused a temporary travel document on 31 December 2009 as the application submitted was not accompanied with the requisite supporting documentation from his national authorities.

It remains open to the person concerned to submit a new application accompanied with the relevant supporting documentation to the Travel Document Unit of INIS which is located at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

639 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1753/10]

A valid 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 January 2005. I decided in my absolute discretion to grant a certificate of naturalisation and the person in question was informed of that decision in a letter issued to him on 14 January, 2010.

A certificate of naturalisation will issue to the person concerned following receipt of the documentation requested to finalise their application.

Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the spouse of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

640 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the address of a deportation order in 1999 that was sent out to in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1754/10]

There is no record of a Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned being issued by my Department in 1999.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

641 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances pertaining in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry and their impending deportation; if his attention has further been drawn to the history of illness and deprivation in this family; if he has studied the medical, psychiatric and social history of this case; if he has further studied the submission made by the applicant and the fact that the applicant is their spouse’s carer who is entirely dependent on them; his views on the need to provide the necessary documentation to facilitate the applicant to travel and return here on humanitarian grounds in view of the applicants mother’s illness; if he will facilitate the immediate and medium requirements of this family on the hardship, compassion and humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1755/10]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the decision to refuse the application by the person concerned for residence in the State based on marriage to an EU National is currently under review. A decision will issue to the person concerned in due course.

Asylum Applications.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

642 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances in the matter of residency and permission to remain in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; if his attention has further been drawn to the threat of torture or death in the event of deportation, of the possibility of ritual sacrifice and death arising from threat by religious cult; his views on the likelihood of such practice in the event of deportation; if he will therefore use his discretion to extend residency and defer threat of deportation under the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1756/10]

The first and second named persons concerned, a husband and wife, made separate applications for asylum on 12 November 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), they were each entitled to remain in the State until their applications for asylum were decided. Their asylum applications were refused following the separate consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of their asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first and second named persons concerned were notified, by separate letters dated 21 May 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them. In addition, they were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The persons concerned submitted separate applications for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and, following consideration of these applications, it was determined that the persons concerned were not eligible for Subsidiary Protection in the State. The persons concerned were individually notified of these decisions by letters dated 5 January 2010.

The couple's daughter was born in the State in late 2007. She applied for asylum on 15 February 2008. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), this child was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the child was notified, by letter dated 14 May 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The child submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and, following consideration of this application, it was determined she was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection in the State. She was notified of this decision by letter dated 5 January 2010.

The case files of all three persons concerned will now be considered individually under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the individual files are passed to me for decision. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the persons concerned.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

643 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for subsidiary protection and leave to remain has been made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1827/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 24 February 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The person concerned chose not to appeal this determination to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 16 January 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations.

The person concerned also made an application for re-admission to the asylum process under Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). Following consideration of this application, a decision was made to refuse the application and this refusal decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 15 June 2007.

The application for Subsidiary Protection is currently under consideration in my Department. In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Residency Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

644 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether, in relation to applications for long-term residency, it is fair and right that applicants are being charged €500 for the initial grant of this permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1877/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

645 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the applications for long-term residency that were submitted prior to the fee being increased to €500 will be liable for this charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1878/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 644 and 645 together.

Prior to the introduction of a fee on 7 September 2009, Ireland was virtually alone among E.U. member States in not charging for long-term residency status. The current fee of €500 is not considered excessive and compares favourably with that charged by the U.K. immigration authorities, for example, where a fee of approximately €950 is levied for conveying a similar status.

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

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

The fee of €500 applies to all applicants on the initial grant of a long-term residency status on or after 7 September 2009. This status shall be valid for a period of five years after which time, the person concerned will be required to re-apply to have their permission renewed for another five-year period. Only the fee payable for the issue of a Certificate of Registration, currently €150, will be payable for the renewal of long term residency.

Garda Stations.

Michael Ring

Question:

646 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding Garda living quarters in a location (details supplied) in County Mayo; the plans to repair or renovate this accommodation; when Garda personnel stationed locally will be resident in this premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1901/10]

I am informed by the Office of Public Works, who have responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, that plans to refurbish the station referred to by the Deputy are at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that invitations to tender will issue in the coming weeks and work will commence upon successful completion of the tender process.

Asylum Applications.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

647 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for refugee status by persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when a decision will be made these cases. [1924/10]

The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 19 January 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the first named person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was notified, by letter dated 16 February 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the first named person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the first named person concerned.

The second named person concerned applied for asylum in the State on 18 January 2007. She subsequently gave birth to a son. This child was included in his mother's application for asylum. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the second named person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the second named person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30 January 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against her and her child. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the second named person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the second named person concerned.

Prison Committals.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

648 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons committed to prison for non-payment of fines in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. [1936/10]

A breakdown of the number of persons committed to prison solely for non-payment of fines for each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 is set out in the following table:

Year

Number of Persons

2006

1,089

2007

1,335

2008

2,154

2009 (to 31/10/2009)

3,366

The complete figure for 2009 will be available once the Annual Report of the Irish Prison Service for that year is finalised.

I can advise the Deputy that the number of such persons held in custody at any one time is a tiny fraction of the overall prisoner population. To illustrate this point, on 15 January, 2010 approximately 0.1 percent of the numbers in prison custody that day fell into this category.

I expect the number of such committals to fall substantially once the Fines Bill 2009 has been enacted.

Firearm Certificates.

Michael Ring

Question:

649 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the conditions an applicant must meet to have a licence renewed (details supplied). [1964/10]

Applications for Restricted Firearm Certificates, whether they be for handguns, rifles or shotguns, must now be considered by a member of the Garda Síochána holding the rank of Chief Superintendent. It is important to realise that under the new legislation all applications for Firearm Certificates are regarded as new applications and not renewals.

The conditions subject to which a firearm certificate may be granted are set out in section 4 (2) of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended by section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

A person applying for a Firearm Certificate for target-shooting must now be a member of an authorised rifle or pistol club as laid down in the Firearms (Authorisation of Rifle or Pistol Clubs) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 308 of 2009). In addition, persons who held a Firearm Certificate prior to 19 November 2008 for a firearm which now requires a Restricted Firearm Certificate, must have demonstrated that the firearm is the only type of weapon that is appropriate for the purpose for which it is required. This requirement is in addition to satisfying the Chief Superintendent that the Applicant has good and sufficient reason to possess, use and carry the firearm; is not disentitled to hold a firearm certificate under the Firearms Acts; and is not a danger to public safety or security or to the peace.

Furthermore, all firearm owners must also comply with the security requirements as laid down in S.I. 307 of 2009 Firearms (Secure Accommodation) Regulations 2009. The minimum security standards required at a dwelling is dependent on the number and calibre(s) of firearms held by an individual. This requirement applies to owners of all firearms.

Under the Firearms Acts, each application, restricted or otherwise, is adjudicated upon by the issuing Garda Chief Superintendent on its own individual merits and I have no role in the granting of these certificates.

It should be noted that section 15A of the Firearms Act 1925, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, provides that an appeal may be made to the District Court by a person aggrieved by a decision to refuse to grant or renew a firearm certificate.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

650 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2000/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 22 September 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 11 March 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Crime Levels.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

651 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used in each of the years 2006 to 2009, inclusive, and to date in 2010 in tabular form; the number of convictions that have been secured arising from the murders in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2011/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table contains the number of cases of murder in which a firearm was used, proceedings commenced and convictions secured from 2006 to 2008 and in 2009 up to 7 December, 2009. Figures for the subsequent period referred to by the Deputy will be forwarded to him when they become available.

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

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

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

Our criminal law has been significantly strengthened in recent years. Many of these changes are targeted at fighting gangland crime. The Criminal Justice Acts of 2006 and 2007, in particular, introduced wide ranging reforms to strengthen the capacity of An Garda Síochána to tackle serious crime. The bail laws have been strengthened to allow the prosecution mount a more effective challenge to bail applications. I have also secured Government approval to commence work on a new Bail Bill to consolidate and update bail law with a view to presenting a clear, accessible and modern statement of the law.

A significant further strengthening of the law dealing with those involved in criminal organisations took place with the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009.

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

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

Furthermore I have today published the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2010, which provides for the establishment and operation of a DNA database and will also prove invaluable in the fight against serious crime.

Number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used, proceedings commenced and convictions from 2006 to 2008 and in 2009 up to 7 December*

Recorded

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions

86

21

5

*These figures are provisional, operational and liable to change.

Garda Strength.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

652 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reserve gardaí in the Kerry division; the districts they are assigned to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2015/10]

The number of operational reserve Gardaí in the Kerry Division, per District, as at the 18 January 2010, was as set out in thew following table:

District

Number

Killarney

1

Tralee

3

Total

4

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

653 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2172/10]

The overall numbers of whole-time equivalent staff serving in my Department and agencies staffed by it at the beginning of each of the years 2007 to 2010 are set out in the following table. For the sake of completeness, I should add that these figures do not include bodies in the wider Justice sector which recruit their own staff such as the Courts Service, Garda Síochána, Garda Ombudsman Commission, Legal Aid Board, Property Registration Authority and non-administrative staff in the Irish Prisons Service.

Year

No. of Staff

2007

1,799

2008

1,936

2009

2,176

2010

2,108

The above figures comprise staff across numerous Divisions, agencies and other areas of the Department (there are over 30 Divisions within Head Office alone), which are in turn often broken down into further numerous sections. These Divisions, agencies and executive offices of the Department are also based in a wide number of locations, across Dublin and in the regions. The Probation Service, for instance, has offices spread throughout the country. Moreover, on foot of the most recent decentralisation programme, 8 Departmental offices have been established in 6 new regional locations. Staffing numbers, on the disaggregated basis sought by the Deputy, are not readily available, nor are they available in this respect on a historical basis. Finally, I should also add that the structure of the Department is constantly changing and evolving in order to meet new challenges and priorities, making staffing breakdowns incompatible across different periods.

Question No. 654 answered with Question No. 588.
Question No. 655 answered with Question No. 631.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

656 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2195/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 14 June 2005. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 7 May 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

657 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency or leave to remain here in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2196/10]

The person in question had her refugee status revoked on the 26 November 2009. She was informed of my decision to revoke her refugee status by letter dated 4 December 2009. She was also informed of her right to appeal this decision to the High Court within 15 working days of the date of that letter.

To date, no notification of an appeal has been received by the Ministerial Decisions Unit of my Department. In accordance with normal procedures, a letter was issued on 15 January 2010 formally advising her of the following options.

1. Return home voluntarily

2. Consent to the making of a deportation order, or

3. Make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). My Department currently awaits a response from the person concerned.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

658 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 26 November 2009, if the applicant (details supplied) in Dublin 15 has submitted all documents requested with the exception of a Garda report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2197/10]

All requested documentation other than a Garda Report have been received in the Citizenship Division of my Department. On receipt of the requested Garda Report a statement confirming when the person concerned acquired their certificate of naturalisation will issue.

Good Friday Agreement.

Joe McHugh

Question:

659 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, pursuant to the bilateral Good Friday Agreement 1998, there is a facility whereby citizens of the Irish Republic with familial connections in Britain and Northern Ireland are able to secure British citizenship; if he will furnish details of this or any other facilities that enable Irish citizens to secure British citizenship; if he will identify all avenues to British citizenship that are open to the Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1171/10]

The British-Irish Agreement dated 10 April 1998 provides at article 1(vi) that the Governments recognise "the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland". This reflects the language of the relevant Article of the Good Friday Agreement.

Annex 2 to the British-Irish Agreement sets out the joint understanding of the Governments regarding the term "the people of Northern Ireland", i.e., "all persons born in Northern Ireland and having, at the time of their birth, at least one parent who is a British citizen, an Irish citizen or is otherwise entitled to reside in Northern Ireland without any restriction on their period of residence".

The Agreement does not in itself confer citizenship upon any person. Rather, it binds the Governments to continue to recognise the British and Irish citizenship entitlements of the people of Northern Ireland (including in the event of any future change of status) and further, to continue to recognise dual citizenship for such persons.

Eligibility for British citizenship is a matter for the relevant British authorities and questions relating to British citizenship should be addressed to them.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

660 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48315/09]

The current number of staff employed in my Department is 1276. This number includes work-sharing staff, but excludes approximately 300 members of locally-engaged staff working in Irish Missions abroad.

Accurate information about the specific academic backgrounds of each individual staff member of my Department is not readily available. As the Deputy will be aware, recruitment into the Civil Service is carried out centrally by the Public Appointments Service. Diplomatic officers are recruited into my Department at Third Secretary level, and a first or second-class honours degree in any discipline is a basic requirement for entry. The specific disciplines are not always identified in personnel records. The same is true for general service officers holding degrees.

Diplomatic Representation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

661 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his meeting with a person (details supplied) regarding the failure to provide documentation to the Commission of Investigation into Clerical Sexual Abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese; if he has receive an explanation for the reason the person did not find some channel through which these documents would be made available to the commission; and if he will take further action on the matter. [48368/09]

As I stated in my reply to priority Questions No. 29 and No. 30 on 15 December last, the Papal Nuncio, H.E. Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, called to Iveagh House at my request on Tuesday 8 December to discuss the report of the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation and the issue of the cooperation received by the Commission from the Holy See and successive Papal Nuncios as it carried out its investigations. At the meeting, I conveyed to the Papal Nuncio the deep anger and outrage of the Irish public at the appalling abuse of children detailed in the Commission's report. I emphasised to Archbishop Leanza the importance of the Vatican providing a substantive response to inquiries from the Commission. I stressed to the Nuncio the Government's expectation that the Holy See would provide the fullest possible cooperation with any ongoing or further State investigations into clerical child abuse, including in the context of the upcoming inquiry by the Commission into the Diocese of Cloyne.

The Nuncio undertook to convey my strong view that the Vatican should cooperate with any request for information from the Dublin and Cloyne Commission or any future commission. He stressed that there had been no intention on the part of the Holy See to withhold cooperation from the Commission and that it had made known to the Commission, through the Government, its expectation that such enquiries would be pursued through the appropriate diplomatic channels.

My Department remains available to provide any assistance requested by the Commission in support of its investigations.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

662 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the cuts of the Irish abroad emigrant support programme to the United Kingdom; the impacts he expects this may have on front line service provision to the Irish community in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48549/09]

The Government has substantially increased funding for the Emigrant Support Programme in recent years; from €4.1M in 2004 to over €15M in 2009. Due to the increased budgetary pressure currently being felt across Departments, the budget allocation for the Programme in 2010 has seen a decrease of 14%, to €12.983M. While regrettable, it must be recognised that this allocation still remains significant and in excess of the levels of funding before 2007.

The majority of funding from the Emigrant Support Programme goes to support organisations which provide welfare information and advisory services to Irish citizens living abroad, particularly those who are most vulnerable and marginalised, including the elderly. The welfare of the Irish community in Britain has been a key priority of the Emigrant Support Programme, with over £37M allocated to projects in Britain since 2004, and this will remain the case.

In regard to the 2010 allocation, no decisions have been made in relation to funding for individual organisations. The 2010 on-line grant application round will take place in March and April and I will continue to prioritise the maintenance of a high level of funding to front line organisations in Britain, as well as in the US and elsewhere. Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis and every effort will be made to ensure that resources are used in the most effective way to ensure high levels of service delivery for the most vulnerable members of the Irish community abroad.

Foreign Conflicts.

Finian McGrath

Question:

663 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [1068/10]

Ireland supports, and participates in, the efforts of the international community to bring peace, security and stability to Afghanistan. The international community is devoting considerable effort to economic development, reconstruction, tackling corruption and improving governance in that country. In 2009, Irish Aid allocated over €5 million in relief, recovery and development assistance to Afghanistan, contributing to a total expenditure of around €15 million since 2007. More generally, the EU is currently spending close to €1 billion a year on various civilian, political and developmental activities.

A contingent of seven members of the Irish Defence Forces is participating in the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. They are based at ISAF Headquarters in Kabul in non-combatant roles. The participation of this contingent of the Permanent Defence Forces accords with the Defence Acts and is fully consistent with our traditional policy of military neutrality.

To date, no members of An Garda Síochána have been seconded to the EU police support mission (EUPOL Afghanistan). In 2009, my Department seconded two civilian experts to EUPOL for three month tours. These experts contributed to the efforts being made to establish sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements under Afghan ownership and in accordance with international standards. It is hoped that Ireland will continue to contribute in an appropriate manner to EUPOL.

A member of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Initiative is currently seconded by my Department to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Afghanistan and is due to finish in March 2010.

Official Engagements.

Mary Upton

Question:

664 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 8 December 2009, if he will provide further information on the new landmark Irish arts centre in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1089/10]

One of the main themes to emerge from the attendees at the Global Irish Economic Forum, which took place at Farmleigh last September, was the importance of Irish culture in promoting a positive image of this country abroad. This was also an important conclusion of the Strategic Review of Ireland US Relations, published by the Taoiseach in March 2009.

The construction of a new state of the art Irish Arts Centre in New York was identified as a priority in the revised Programme for Government. I was pleased to approve €2.3M in funding to the Centre in December of last year. The allocation of such significant funding is a clear demonstration of the Government's strong commitment to the project which enjoys the strong support and continued engagement of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and Culture Ireland.

The funding, which was drawn from the 2009 Emigrant Support Programme budget, was in response to the extraordinary gesture of the City of New York who made a site, valued at $12M, available for the project, along with a further $8M in capital funding. In addition to this strong support from the New York City authorities, the new Centre is also backed by the Irish community in New York, including those involved in the arts and in business.

The new Centre will project a dynamic image of Ireland and Irish America across the US; it will facilitate extensive Irish-related cultural, business and community programmes; will showcase quality contemporary Irish theatre and art; and will also provide an invaluable resource for the Irish emigrant community in the US.

Government support for this project demonstrates that despite the difficult budgetary situation, we are determined to continue investing in our unique resource- the Irish Diaspora and its cultural heritage. A number of government Departments, including my own, continue to actively progress projects and initiatives which will build on the positive momentum created by the forum at Farmleigh and develop the ideas generated therein, increasing and deepening our engagement with Irish communities abroad.

Diplomatic Representation.

John O'Mahony

Question:

665 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the location of each Irish embassy and consular offices globally; the number of staff employed in each; the cost to the State for each in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1144/10]

The Irish Diplomatic Network is made up of 75 overseas missions, in addition to offices in Armagh and Belfast. The network consists of 58 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis. A detailed table giving staffing and costs of overseas missions is set out below.

In addition to resident Irish missions, there are also 19 Honorary Consuls General and 68 Honorary Consuls who provide assistance to Irish citizens in 57 countries.

The staff numbers for each Mission are broken down between locally employed staff and Irish based civil servants, who are on temporary diplomatic assignment abroad. While most of the 386 Irish based diplomatic staff serving overseas are from my Department, approximately 90 are from other Government Departments.

The annual costs as set out in the table below for 2007, 2008 and 2009 are the administrative costs of operating the mission. The figure does not include the salaries of the Irish based staff as these are a charge on the overall salaries budget of the Department rather than on a specific mission. In addition to the administrative costs of operating a mission, many Embassies fund programmes in their respective countries, in particular the missions which fund Irish Aid activities. For example, while in 2008 the Embassy in Ethiopia had administrative costs of €1.1 million, it managed an aid programme of €36 million through the Mission in that year.

The administrative costs of offices in Irish Aid Programme Countries (highlighted in bold) are often high due to issues such as the additional security required in a developing country context. In addition to the normal staffing of Irish Aid offices, which generally consists of a small number of Irish diplomats, working with a maximum of three specialist technical staff from Ireland and a small number of locally-recruited administrative staff (as detailed below), there are often additional staff required to engage in programme activities or staff who are hired to provide specific services such as security (such staff are not included in the following table).

Also, from time to time Missions may incur significant capital expenditure in relation to their premises or for upgrading of essential infrastructure. These capital costs are not included in the annual administrative costs as detailed below.

Mission Staff Numbers

Administrative Costs of Operating Mission

Mission

Locally Employed staff

Irish Based Staff

2007

2008

2009

Abu Dhabi (Opened 2009)

3

2

429,990

Abuja

6

6

260,424

548,135

372,660

Addis Ababa

5

4

1,199,888

1,064,185

898,000

Ankara

4

3

412,851

429,022

405,487

Athens

4

3

532,525

477,093

484,116

Beijing

13

8

789,116

838,728

973,084

Berlin

6

6

999,025

1,181,612

1,009,825

Berne

3

2

331,968

463,006

507,174

Boston

3

2

365,638

353,824

472,391

Brasilia

4

2

540,443

510,761

450,012

Bratislava

3

2

384,325

380,840

416,857

Brussels (Embassy)

4

2

864,474

852402

955,926

Brussels (P.F.P.)

0

6

338,430

273,685

274,137

Brussels (Pr-Eu)

6

81

3,582,121

3,457,843

3,805,678

Bucharest

5

2

566,044

577,947

484,421

Budapest

4

1

485,572

511,156

495,581

Buenos Aires

3.6

2

351,725

372,254

383,751

Cairo

6

5

445,209

569,536

500,311

Canberra

7.5

4

742,471

743,869

681,238

Cardiff (Closed 2009)

0

0

213,966

182,170

79,757

Chicago

3.4

2

383,173

358,542

325,799

Copenhagen

4

2

540,031

476,526

430,412

Dar Es Salaam

5

4

819,916

1,242,513

1,049,784

Dili

2

3

205,402

189,962

211,483

Edinburgh

1

3

319,133

261,682

227,646

Freetown

1

2

197,673

204,871

215,114

Geneva

3

9

1,124,538

1,096,146

1,134,003

Hanoi

5

4

609,377

743,614

580,390

Helsinki

3

2

655,345

634,690

637,618

Holy See

3

2

740,532

498,334

437,683

Kampala

5

4

1,376,603

1,915,553

1,338,000

Kuala Lumpur

5

2

380,607

418,700

359,821

Lilongwe

2

4

413,536

717,165

623,196

Lisbon

3

2

496,611

548,396

437,493

Ljubljana

4

2

454,887

489,219

428,186

London

11

52

5,610,590

4,669,648

4,065,867

Lusaka

5

4

1,293,799

1,499,747

1,586,698

Luxembourg

4

2

716,923

709,845

738,042

Madrid

8

7

1,242,986

1,273,566

1,239,494

Maputo

5

4

1,377,425

1,717,913

1,427,000

Maseru

3

2

700,082

795,256

523,259

Mexico

5

3

696,226

598,562

475,576

Moscow

10

9

970,958

896,238

873,407

New Delhi

8

7

669,453

839,809

611,455

New York — C.G.

13

5

2,281,554

1,903,026

1,920,283

New York — Pmun

6

10

2,443,225

*2,681,074

1,546,199

Nicosia

3

2

406,801

428,485

417,208

Osce — Vienna

3

3

455,567

459,195

434,483

Oslo

3

2

715,292

787,891

634,870

Ottawa

4

3

658,038

605,680

700,330

Paris

12

10

1,867,828

1,852,135

1,804,602

Prague

6

2

524,173

573,544

604,233

Pretoria

8.5

4

1,407,145

1,318,279

968,255

Ramallah

4

2

419,099

373,828

286,792

Riga

3

2

437,135

438,808

372,586

Riyadh

8

2

404,299

386,430

547,777

Rome

7.8

5

1,292,690

1,270,120

1,202,705

San Francisco

4

2

500,358

628,525

417,187

Seoul

4

2

643,540

767,822

438,633

Shanghai

4

3

512,507

466,888

511,801

Singapore

4

3

913,131

865,908

805,922

Sofia

4

2

617,814

452,737

425,518

Stockholm

4

2

458,461

426,780

435,176

Strasbourg

3

3

523,150

454,730

439,469

Sydney

3

2

546,538

511,344

489,353

Tallinn

3

2

445,663

426,396

352,791

Tehran

4

2

315,881

361,419

347,641

Tel Aviv

4

2

666,237

574,527

737,733

The Hague

5

4

1,066,280

1,079,734

949,973

Tokyo

8

3

1,543,374

1,604,708

**2,079,774

Valletta

2

1

369,535

329,452

330,122

Vienna

5

3

677,684

664,055

633,729

Vilnius

3

2

677,347

545,639

452,692

Warsaw

4.4

4

909,879

996,352

713,657

Washington DC

8

12

1,540,392

1,268,050

1,250,786

Total

***356.2

386

61,642,638

62,088,126

57,310,102

*Operating costs for PMUN New York in 2008 reflects rent costs paid in advance for 2009 (which achieved significant savings).
**Operating costs for Embassy Toyko in 2009 reflects rent costs paid in advance for 2010 (which achieved significant savings).
***The total figure for locally employed staff includes staff employed directly by the Department of Foreign Affairs and also staff who are employed through agencies either privately or state run. For example in Embassy Beijing, 12 local staff are provided by the Chinese Diplomatic Service Bureau who is their direct employer.

Human Rights Issues.

Bernard Allen

Question:

666 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will summon the Iranian ambassador to his offices to discuss the trial of seven imprisoned Baha’is in Iran in view of the fact that there is concern for the safety of these people while they are in prison prior to and after the trial in view of the fact that there are strong suggestions that the outcome of the judicial process has been predetermined. [1163/10]

As the Deputy will be aware from my previous replies on this matter, I am very conscious of the treatment of the Baha'i community in Iran and of the particular case of these seven Baha'i, who have been in detention since 2008. I have personally raised this case, and matters relating to human rights and religious freedom generally, directly with the Iranian authorities at the highest levels. In addition, my Department frequently conveys my concerns on such matters to the Iranian Ambassador here, most recently at a meeting with him last November. Officials of my Department also meet regularly with members of the Baha'i community in Ireland; such a meeting took place only last week.

After numerous deferrals, the trial of these seven Baha'i commenced in Teheran on 12 January. The EU High Representative issued a strong declaration on 12 January, which Ireland fully supported, expressing the EU's serious concerns about the trial and the motivation for the charges brought. The declaration also drew attention to Iran's obligations to guarantee freedom of religion under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory.

The EU has called for a just, fair and open trial, respecting international standards and requested independent observation of the proceedings. However, I understand that no independent observers were permitted to enter the court and that even the defendants' lawyers, to whom they have had very limited access during their detention, had some difficulty in obtaining entry. At this stage it is not clear what charges were laid against the defendants in court, when the next trial date will take place or what the future judicial process might entail. The situation may be further complicated by the recent detention of another 13 members of the Baha'i community, for alleged involvement in anti-government activity, following the Ashura protests on 27 December. These arrests have also raised serious concerns in the EU.

The issue of the trial of the Baha'i and the broader issue of human rights in Iran are likely to be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council later this month. Ireland will also support consideration of these matters at the forthcoming meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in March.

Live Animal Exports.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

667 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many councils in England have adopted policies, including licence conditions for pet shops, that contain discriminatory conditions on dogs and cats imported from Ireland which does not apply to other countries; if he will raise this matter with his British counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1174/10]

I have not been made aware of any Council policies in England which contain discriminatory conditions on dogs and cats imported from Ireland. I would invite the Deputy to provide further details so that I can look into the matter.

Diplomatic Representation.

Finian McGrath

Question:

668 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [1221/10]

I am aware of a number of Irish investors who are experiencing difficulties with their investments in Turkish property.

The common issue in most cases relates to Irish purchasers finding it difficult to claim their title deeds. The issues involved are complex and many cases are now the subject of private legal proceedings. The majority of these cases are primarily civil matters and as such should be resolved through arbitration and, if necessary, the courts.

The Irish Embassy in Ankara has been working with the Turkish authorities and a Turkish officer in the Ministry of Finance has been designated as a contact point for Irish nationals experiencing difficulties regarding their property investments.

I recently wrote to my counterpart, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, to raise my concerns regarding these difficulties being experienced by Irish citizens, and to ask for any assistance that he could provide regarding the matter.

The European Commission is already aware of a number of these cases. However, the Commission is only in a position to raise the issue with the Turkish Government, in the context of the legislative framework on the free movement of capital (particularly on real estate acquisition) and its implementation, when there has been discriminatory treatment of EU citizens.

I believe, therefore that the bilateral approach is the most appropriate course of action to take in addressing these difficulties.

Investors who make contact with my Department will continue to be assisted in any way open to us including in finding suitable legal representation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

669 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1258/10]

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes made recommendations which it estimated would save €41m in a full year in my Department.

In the 2010 Estimates for Public Services and Summary Public Capital Programme, published on 9 December 2009, total savings of €62.7m were announced for my Department. €46.5m of these savings relate to the recommendations of the Special Group.

The following table sets out the recommendations of the Special Group which have been addressed in the Budget and the expected savings to be achieved in 2010

2010 Saving

Comment

€m

Overseas Missions savings

3.60

A 6% cut in the Administrative Budget and the recruitment moratorium will impact on the Department’s network abroad. Some refocusing of resources is envisaged in 2010 including a trial of new models of overseas representation.

Cease funding the European Movement in Ireland and the Ireland United Nations Association

0.06

Implemented for the Ireland UN Association.

Reduce allocation for Contributions to International Organisations

5.00

Allocation reduced in line with the recommendation of the Special Group.

Cease expenditure to EU and other European States under Subhead K

1.01

Fully implemented in 2010.in line with the recommendation of the Special Group

Maintain allocation for Vote 29 at 0.39% GNP in 2010 and extend timeframe for reaching UN target until 2015

34.70

Vote 29 ODA set at 0.41% of GNP in 2010 in order to ensure that Ireland meets the EU target of 0.51% in 2010. Due to falling GNP, a saving of €34.7m is still realised.The alignment with the EU timeframe of 2015 to meet the UN target has also been agreed.

Reduce expenditure on Support for Irish Emigrant Services

2.20

Implemented in 2010 with a reduction of €1.2m in excess of that recommended by the Special Group.

Total Savings

46.57

In addition to reductions related to the Special Group recommendations, a further €3.6m in savings have been identified in headquarters administration and savings of €4m arise in respect of referendum costs. A further €6.1m in savings arise following the reductions in public service pay. There are also minor reductions in a range of other subheads.

Passport Fees.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

670 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No 166 of 30 October 2008, if there has been any change to this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1327/10]

Passport fees increased on 1 February 2009. This is the first increase in Passport Fees since 2005. In 2006 the security of the Irish Passport was greatly augmented with the introduction of the ePassport however, no fees were increased at that time. Comparison of the fees at 2005 and 2009 are contained in the following table:

Passport/Service type

2009

1.

Standard 10 year Passport (Adult)

75

80

2.

Large 10 year Passport (Adult)

100

110

3.

Standard 10 year Passport (Senior Citizen)

No charge

No charge

4.

Standard 5 year Passport (Youth 3-18 years)

25

26.50

5.

Standard 3 year Passport (Infant 0-3 years)

15

16

6.

Urgent Fee for person 18 years and over (applications processed during office hours for same or next day delivery)

50

55

7.

Urgent Fee for persons under 18 years (applications processed during office hours for same or next day delivery)

25

30

8.

Emergency Fee (applications processed outside office hours for on-the-spot delivery) persons 18 years and over.

100

110

9.

Emergency Fee (applications processed outside office hours for on-the-spot delivery) persons under 18 years.

25

30

*Fees charged at 6, 7, 8 and 9 above are payable in addition to the relevant passport fee.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

671 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the revenue accrued from passport fees in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1328/10]

The revenues received in respect of passport fees in 2008 amounted to €29.7 million. The provisional outturn for 2009 amounts to €31.8 million.

International Agreements.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

672 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons here who took up working holiday visas in 2009 under the agreements with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and the USA, by country; and the allocation of visas for here for each of these countries for 2010. [1387/10]

Working Holiday agreements are concluded between Ireland and other Governments on a reciprocal basis. For Irish citizens the application is administered directly with the Embassy concerned or through an authorised sponsoring organisation. While precise figures are not yet available in relation to the number of visa applications by Irish citizens approved in all of the countries listed, the table beneath sets out the visa allocations for 2010 and available information on the number approved in 2009.

In the case of Australia there is no specific allocation for Irish nationals under the Working Holiday Agreement. Approvals are usually dependant on meeting the eligibility criteria.

The working holiday agreement concluded between Ireland and the United States, which was launched in 2009, allows those enrolled in or recently graduated from post secondary education to apply for a visa to work and live in the United States for a period of one year. There is no numerical limit on the number of visas available.

Allocations under the Working Holiday agreements for each of the countries concerned are reviewed on a regular basis. Allocations remain unchanged from 2009 to 2010 with the exception of Canada which increased from 2500 to 4000. Information on visa approvals to the US is not released on an individual country basis so the figure quoted below is an estimate.

Working Holiday Agreement

No. of visa approvals in 2009

Allocation 2010

Argentina

16(i)

100

Canada

2,500

4,000

Japan

35

400

Hong Kong

11

100

Australia

16,938

Not capped

New Zealand

(ii)

Not capped

USA

400(i)

Not capped

(i) Estimated figure.

(ii) I will forward the figure for New Zealand to the Deputy later.

Human Rights Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

673 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [1417/10]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

677 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the alleged imprisonment of a person (details supplied) in Tunisia; the actions the EU and the UN are taking to secure the release of this person; his views on the international campaign for human rights in Tunisia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1644/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 673 and 677 together.

I am aware of the case of Dr Sadok Shourou, who was re-arrested on 3 December 2008, shortly after serving nearly 18 years of a 30 year sentence for his leadership of an Islamist group allegedly attempting to overthrow the Tunisian government. NGOs who observed his original trial at the time were critical of the proceedings. I also understand that Dr. Shourou was arrested for the second time on foot of comments he had made publicly and to the media about his earlier detention. He had also urged legalisation of the an-Nahdha political movement, of which he is the former president. The Tunisian authorities banned the an-Nahdha Party in 1991 on the grounds that they viewed it as an extremist organisation.

Dr Shourou was sentenced on 13 December 2008 to a further year in prison on charges of resuming his political activities and speaking on behalf of a banned movement. His appeal in March 2009 was denied. Reports indicate that he remains in custody. I understand that there are concerns about his health, given the duration of his earlier period in detention and that he is now 62 years of age.

The issue of freedom of expression and human rights generally in Tunisia is an important one and is subject to regular consideration at EU level. The EU has supported measures by the Tunisian authorities to promote pluralism, democracy and freedom of expression and of association. The EU also has a regular dialogue with Tunisia on human rights within the framework of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement. Regrettably, the latest meeting of the sub-committee on human rights and democracy, which should have taken place under the Swedish Presidency, had to be postponed, at Tunisia's request. I hope that it will be re-arranged during the current Presidency.

Dr Shourou's case has been raised at UN level by a number of NGOs, including in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of Tunisia at the UN Human Rights Council in April 2008. It is possible this contributed to Dr. Shourou's release later that year. I understand that "The International Campaign for Human Rights in Tunisia" has set up a Facebook page to promote the cause of Dr Shourou, but I am not otherwise aware of the activities of this group.

Emigrant Supports.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

674 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has assisted the Redleg people of Irish slave decent in Barbados, St. Vincent, Grenada and other Caribbean states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1475/10]

The Irish Abroad Unit within my Department maintains a keen interest in all aspects of the Irish experience of emigration, both forced and voluntary, and has active programmes aimed at strengthening our links with Irish communities overseas; including in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Europe and Asia.

While we have no active programme in the Caribbean at present, officials from the Irish Abroad Unit have held a number of exploratory meetings since 2008 with representatives of the descendents of those Irish people who were deported by Oliver Cromwell to Barbados in the 17th Century. During these discussions, the group were encouraged to maintain contact with the Government and to reflect further on the most appropriate way to recognise this unique community within the Irish Diaspora.

Representatives of the community are welcome to submit an application for funding under the Emigrant Support Programme when the 2010 grant round is launched in March by my Department.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

675 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1512/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, Ministers, Ministers of State and Special Advisers are required to make an annual statement of registerable interests to the Standards in Public Office Commission, as set out in the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001. Statements of registerable interests must include any gifts of a value in excess of that set out in the Ethics in Public Office Acts (currently €650).

I have made annual returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009. I did not receive any gifts over the value of €650 during the period in question. In regard to gifts received under the value of €650, these are not declared in the annual statement of interests. A comprehensive list of such gifts is not maintained; however, I can assure the Deputy that receipt of such gifts is unusual and that they are generally token in nature.

Election Management System.

Finian McGrath

Question:

676 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the campaign on votes for Irish emigrants in view of the fact that 115 countries already support this view; and if he will use this initiative to support the economy here. [1614/10]

My colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government has primary responsibility for the various legislative codes dealing with the registration of electors and the conduct of elections and referendums. Policy regarding votes for non residents is dealt with by the Franchise section of that Department.

The question of voting rights for Irish citizens living abroad was most recently considered in 2002, by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution. In relation to emigrant participation in political life, the Committee concluded that the right to vote in Oireachtas elections should remain confined to citizens ordinarily resident in the State.

However the renewed Programme for Government, agreed in October 2009, mandates that recommendations should be made on the feasibility of extending the franchise for Presidential Elections to the Irish abroad. It will be the responsibility of the Department of Environment to progress this issue.

The Government attaches a high priority to the interests of Irish emigrants. Under my Department's Emigrant Support Programme, over €60M has been allocated to Irish welfare, culture and heritage organisations abroad over the past five years. A further €12.M has been allocated to the Programme for 2010, which will allow us to continue to maintain and strengthen links with Irish communities abroad.

Question No. 677 answered with Question No. 673.

Humanitarian Relief.

Pat Breen

Question:

678 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the recent earthquake in Haiti, he will assist and make a funding contribution for aid for the victims affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1848/10]

On Tuesday, 12 January, at approximately 16:53h local time, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale was recorded off the coast of Haiti, only 17km from the capital Port au Prince. Casualties are believed to be in the tens of thousands and widespread destruction of infrastructure has been reported, including to schools and hospitals. Water and electricity supplies are down, and there is very limited communication. I am deeply saddened by these events and I join with the President in expressing the condolences of the Irish people to the nation of Haiti.

A UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team arrived in Haiti last week. Other emergency teams from, amongst others, the UN, Red Cross, and Non-governmental Organisation have also been flooding into the country over the past few days. It is apparent that a major relief effort is required and immediate priorities include search and rescue, emergency medical assistance, shelter, clean water, food and sanitation equipment.

Yesterday I attended an emergency meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council at which Ministers agreed an initial response of €122 million to meet Haiti's short term humanitarian needs. Ireland has contributed €2 million, including €1 million to an urgent appeal launched by the UN on 15 January. The remainder will be disbursed via NGOs operating in Haiti and the Red Cross — to whom we have already disbursed €250,000.

In addition to our financial support Ireland today dispatched approximately 83 tonnes of essential humanitarian supplies from our emergency stockpiles. These supplies of plastic sheeting, blankets, kitchen sets, soap, and water containers will provide essential necessities for 8,000 families. These Government stocks will be given to Concern and Goal for distribution through their operations in Haiti.

We have also deployed two members of our Rapid Response Corps, a 130-strong group of highly-skilled volunteers who are seconded at short notice to humanitarian organisations in need of their skills. The two concerned, and IT expert and an electrical engineer, have been assigned to the World Food Programme. Others, with skills in areas such as logistics, water and sanitation and child protection are on stand-by.

Central to the international response is the UN Central Emergency Response Fund set up following the 2004 Tsunami to allow an immediate reaction to a disaster such as that in Haiti. Ireland was very involved in the establishment of the CERF and we committed €20m to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund in 2009, part of a €73m commitment since 2006. So far USD $25 million has been allocated from the CERF to support the Haiti relief effort.

Irish Aid has dispatched a small technical mission to assess the immediate needs of the Haitian people, identify short-term gaps in the overall response and assess how Ireland can best contribution to the overall relief effort. The mission is made up of Irish Aid staff and Defence Forces personnel.

Middle East Peace Process.

Pat Breen

Question:

679 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the possibility of resumption of Middle East talks between Israel and Palestine; if he will report on his discussions with his EU counterparts in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1849/10]

The United States has been actively engaged in an effort to persuade the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to re-enter negotiations aimed at reaching a final status agreement within a finite timescale. Progress has been slow and difficult, but this effort has injected new life into a peace process which had been stalled. The US efforts are being conducted by Secretary of State Clinton and by the President's Special Envoy Senator George Mitchell, in whose abilities and commitment we in Ireland have great confidence. Senator Mitchell is due to return to the region this week for further discussions on how to encourage a resumption of peace negotiations.

Ireland and its EU partners have been working in support of this goal. The resolution of the many problems facing Israel and Palestine can only come through an ending of the occupation and the achievement of a two-state solution. That is the objective of the political process. Bilaterally and through the EU, we have encouraged both sides and the key regional partners to seize the opportunity which now exists, and which may not recur for a long time if it is missed.

This complex set of issues is the subject of very frequent discussion among EU Foreign Ministers. At the Foreign Affairs Council in December, the Council adopted substantial Conclusions setting out in some detail the EU's views on the key issues.

Human Rights Issues.

Billy Timmins

Question:

680 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1855/10]

I shall, of course, be responding to the correspondence to which the Deputy refers.

The issue of human rights in North Korea and the plight of the ordinary people there are matters of very deep concern. While the North Korean regime continues to invest precious resources in its nuclear and military programmes, and in the welfare of its elites, the country is suffering chronic food insecurity and high malnutrition rates, and remains reliant on external food assistance to meet the needs of its 23 million people.

Violations of human rights in North Korea are well-documented. In his report of 22 October last, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea, Prof. Vitit Muntarbhorn, described the human rights situation there as "abysmal". He noted that despite various formal guarantees in the Constitution, the people of the DPRK are subject to persecution, clampdowns, collective punishment, torture, arbitrary executions and public executions and he added that almost 9 million people in the DPRK are suffering from food shortages.

I take these human rights violations very seriously. Issues relating to human rights are raised bilaterally with the North Korean authorities by our Ambassador in Seoul, who is accredited to North Korea, during his regular visits to the North. They have also been raised by visiting senior officials from my Department.

North Korea broke off the Human Rights Dialogue which the EU initiated with it some years ago. EU meetings of a more general nature continue to take place, however, human rights concerns are raised in this context. The most recent such meeting, at senior official level, took place during an EU Troika visit to Pyongyang from 26 — 30 October last.

On 7 December North Korea was subject to a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the Human Rights Council. A wide range of issues regarding human rights abuses were raised. In its contribution to the UPR, the Irish delegation raised a number of specific human rights issues directly with the DPRK authorities, including those relating to the right to a fair trial and freedom of religion. We noted the widely-shared alarm, across the international community and from all regions, at the extent of human suffering caused by the violations of human rights in DPRK and we called again on the authorities there to work with the Special Rapporteur. Unfortunately, North Korea has consistently refused to recognise or co-operate in any way with the Special Rapporteur or with any other human rights investigations.

As regards the issue of money laundering, I am certainly aware that there are widespread allegations relating to North Korea's financial arrangements abroad and to possible money-laundering activities. This issue was much highlighted previously in the context of Macau. Action has been taken internationally to address illegal money-laundering and we will continue to monitor whether additional regulation is required in this regard.

At the EU level, the EU Council's 3rd Money Laundering Directive requires financial institutions and certain other persons, such as lawyers and accountants, to identify their customers (including beneficial owners) and to report suspicions of money laundering to the national authorities . This Directive's provisions apply to all EU Member States, including Luxembourg.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

681 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2170/10]

The following table below gives details of the number of staff in my Department in each of the years concerned.

Year

Number of Staff

2007

1,214

2008

1,257

2009

1,279

2010

1,276

The numbers above reflect the actual number of staff serving in my Department at Headquarters, and Departmental officers on temporary assignment abroad. They include those who work-share, but exclude approximately 300 locally-engaged staff of Irish Missions.

It is not possible to provide a comparative breakdown by Section of the number of staff for each of the years in question. The changing business needs of my Department, along with the nature of its core work, require frequent reassignment of staff. In addition, the moratorium on recruitment in the civil and public service means that staff and functions are continually being reallocated and reorganised. My Department does not maintain historical lists of staff assigned to individual Sections.

Sports Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

682 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will provided to an organisation (details supplied) in County Roscommon for a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48627/09

Denis Naughten

Question:

683 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to provide financial support to all local sports partnerships under a national programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48628/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 682 and 683 together.

As I have previously informed the House, special funding of €2.5 million was allocated from the dormant accounts fund for the appointment of 20 Sports Inclusion Development Officers (SIDOs) in Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in 2008. The SIDOs were appointed on two-year contracts to provide opportunities for persons with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity.

A network of 33 LSPs have been set up throughout the country by the Irish Sports Council (ISC) to coordinate and promote sport at local level especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people, and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities. The special dormant accounts funding was in addition to the annual funding provided to the LSPs by the ISC for programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in recreational sport.

Of the €2.5 million allocated from the dormant accounts fund for the SIDO scheme, €800,000 was provided through my Department's Vote in 2008 and over €1.3 million in 2009. The final provision of €395,000 from the dormant accounts allocation is included in the 2010 Vote of my Department.

The continued funding of the SIDO scheme is being considered by the ISC in the context of the distribution of its budget for 2010.

Tourism Industry.

Joe McHugh

Question:

684 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy on eco-tourism projects which are using sustainable technology which would bring investment into the local economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1606/10]

As stated in my reply to PQ 46932/09 (277) on 15 December 2009, 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 sectorial 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 eco-tourism. 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 groups in both the Burren and South Kerry regarding eco-tourism. The project with a group in the Burren, to help establish it as a destination for eco-tourism, 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.

Most recently, just before Christmas 2009, as part of the Collabor8 Interreg Project, Fáilte Ireland, in association with the South Kerry Development Partnership, initiated a project which will see the introduction of an eco-label for tourism micro-enterprises in the South Kerry area. I understand that 60 micro-enterprises have already signed up for the project and training for them will begin at the end of January 2010.

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.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

685 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will abide by the recommendations of the Dalton report on the appointment and tenure of members of the board of Bord na gCon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48265/09]

Under the terms of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, as amended by the Greyhound Industry (Amendment) Act, 1993, I, as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, have responsibility for appointing the members of Bord na gCon. Bord na gCon consists of seven members — a Chairman and six ordinary members. The normal term of membership of an ordinary member of the board of Bord na gCon is three years, with two ordinary members retiring each year. An ordinary member whose term of office expires shall be eligible for re-appointment.

Following his independent assessment of corporate governance and related matters affecting Bord na gCon, Mr Tim Dalton recommended, among other things, that the term of office of ordinary members (i.e. three years) should stand, with the possibility of being reappointed for one — but only one — further three-year term (i.e. a maximum service of 6 years). Legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Dalton Report is at an advanced stage of preparation.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

686 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48307/09]

As at 31 December 2009, there was a total of 162 staff members serving in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, including the National Archives. As the Department does not have any sanctioned economist posts, a qualification in economics is not a prerequisite for staff serving in the Department. Accordingly, while the Department is aware that at least 3 members of staff have economics degrees, it is not possible to say how many staff in total have such qualifications.

Sports Capital Programme.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

687 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive the remainder of the sports capital moneys. [48446/09]

I understand that his grant was paid on 13 January, 2010.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

688 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a club (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive the remainder of the sports capital moneys. [48450/09]

The grantee in question was allocated grants totalling €350,000, including a top up funding of €50,000 from Clár, under the Sports Capital Programme between 2006 and 2008. Of this, €15,000 remains to be drawn down, equivalent to a retention amount of 5% of the Sports Capital Programme allocation. In order to draw down this remaining balance, the grantee in question must submit a Certificate of Final Completion or a letter from their technical supervisor confirming the end of the defects liability period in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Programme.

Irish Horseracing Industry.

Mary Upton

Question:

689 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has investigated the possibility of attracting the World Equestrian Games to Ireland; the impact this would have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48597/09]

Responsibility for applying to host the World Equestrian Games rests with the relevant national governing body, in this case Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).

In this regard, consideration was given by HSI in 2008 to making an application to host the 2014 World Equestrian Games. However, I am informed by HSI that, following consideration of the matter at board level, they decided not to proceed with the bid.

Tourism Industry.

Mary Upton

Question:

690 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the reduced price travel scheme announced in budget 2010 will apply to the over-55 years or over-65 years; if the scheme is for the over-55 years, will it apply to Irish nationals over 55 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48608/09]

In his Financial Statement on Budget 2010 last month, my colleague Mr Brian Lenihan TD,Minister for Finance, stated that Iarnród Éireann have agreed to participate in a new scheme, to be developed by Fáilte Ireland, aimed at senior citizens visiting Ireland from abroad.

As previously indicated, the scheme is to be developed by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that it has had initial discussions with Iarnród Éireann, that work is currently underway to finalise the details of this scheme and that arrangements are expected to be finalised in time for the start of the peak tourism season.

More information on this initiative will be given by Fáilte Ireland and Iarnród Éireann when the details have been finalised. This imaginative initiative should boost visitor numbers in the older age cohorts, which remains a strong market segment for Irish tourism.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

691 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1250/10]

All of the proposals identified in the Report of the Special Group have been taken into account in the allocation of savings for my Department's Vote Group in 2010. The following tabular statement outlines the proposals made by the Special Group and the reductions that have been applied to the relevant allocations for 2010.

In addition to those outlined, further savings will be achieved by reductions in allocations to various programmes across my Department which were not included in the Recommendations of the Special Group. In total, reductions in allocations for 2010 will yield savings of €28m in current expenditure and €17m in capital expenditure. The Deputy will be aware that an additional €14m was made available in the Budget for tourism product development in 2010, resulting in net capital expenditure savings of €3m in my Department's Vote Group.

Measures identified by the Special Group and Annual Saving

Savings allocated for 2010

€m

€m

Tourism

Reduction in allocation to Fáilte Ireland

15.0

8.5

Reduction in allocation to Tourism Marketing Fund

12.0

3.0

27.0

11.5

Sport

Reduction in grants to Irish Sports Council

17.7

1.9

Discontinue Sports Campus Ireland

1.0

0.7

2.0 (capital)

0

Reduction in staffing across Sport Programme

1.0

21.7

2.6

Horse & Greyhound Industry

Reduction in Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund

16.4

4.4

16.4

4.4

Arts & Culture

Reduction of allocation for Arts Council

6.1

3.7

Discontinuation of allocation for Cultural Projects

5.3

0.9

Discontinuation of allocation for Culture Ireland

4.6

0.5

Transfer of the Irish Film Board functions to Enterprise Ireland

3.0

0.2

and discontinuation of the investment fund

17.3 (capital)

0.8 (capital)

Staff Savings through outsourcing across cultural institutions

2.0

38.3

6.1

D/AST Administrative Efficiencies

1.1

0.7

National Gallery Administrative Efficiencies

0.3

0.5

Total Group Savings

104.8

25.8

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

692 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1504/10]

The receipt of gifts by an office holder is covered under The Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 (as amended by the Standards in Public Office Act, 2001) and requires the office holder to provide a statement of Registerable Interests on an annual basis to the Standards in Public Office Commission. These statements are subsequently published by the Standards in Public Office commission and can be viewed on their website www.sipo.gov.ie. The information is also available on the Oireachtas website www.oireachtas.ie.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

693 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2162/10]

The information requested by the Deputy, which relates to Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) numbers, is set out in the following table:

Year end

Arts and Culture Division, including National Archives

Sports Division

Tourism Division

Corporate Support Services including HR, Finance, IT & Audit

Total (WTE)

2007

76.95

32.22

11.05

57.95

178.17

2008

81.85

27.82

11.85

49.45

170.97

2009

71.70

25.12

10.55

48.95

156.32

The Deputy will note that the current staffing complement is 12% below the 2007 level.

The staff resources are allocated in response to the business needs of the Department.

Departmental Records.

John O'Mahony

Question:

694 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a report on a project (details supplied) will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1147/10]

The Deputy will appreciate that, in the context of a ‘details supplied' Question, it is difficult to be explicit about the matter raised by him but I can confirm that a copy of the report referred to has been provided by my Department to the ‘promoters' in this case. I must, however, advise the Deputy that, for commercially sensitive reasons, it will not be possible for my Department to make copies of the report available to other parties.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

695 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48309/09]

The number of civil service staff currently serving in my Department is 251.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not employ a professional economist. In relation to the number of general staff who hold an economics degree, postgraduate economics degree or PhD in economics, it is not possible to give a definitive answer, as there is no obligation on staff to disclose the nature of their qualifications unless specifically required in the context of a professional post. I can confirm to the Deputy, however, that my Department encourages its staff to develop their skills and expertise in line with the Performance Management Development System (PMDS) and, to date under that system, a number of staff have pursued courses and degrees of a financial/economic nature.

Departmental Correspondence.

Mary Upton

Question:

696 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support the appointment of an independent mediator to resolve the issue regarding an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48605/09]

My Department is currently in discussion with those involved in this issue to explore the scope for engagement by them under the auspices of an agreed independent person in relation to the issues involved and with a view to resolution of this dispute.

Given that discussions are at a sensitive stage, I do not think it helpful to say anything further at this time on the public record and, indeed, I am precluded from being more specific in the context of replying to a ‘details supplied' Question.

Security of the Elderly.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

697 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the personal alarm scheme for older persons will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1092/10]

I announced the restoration of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People on 2 October 2009. The Scheme will remain open until revised arrangements are put in place, which I expect to happen in the coming weeks.

The Scheme funded 432 community groups in 2009 providing 6,523 older persons with security equipment with the vast majority of them receiving the socially monitored alarm.

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

Grant Payments.

Joe McHugh

Question:

698 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a Pobal grant will be awarded to an organisation (details supplied); when this grant will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1145/10]

The organisation in question has received support under the Community Services Programme for the provision of services for a number of years. The last contract expired on 31 December 2009 and the offer of funding for 2010 has been approved.

My Department wrote to the organisation following the December Budget indicating that the contract was to be renewed and this matter is now in hand.

Community Development.

Denis Naughten

Question:

699 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he is taking to address the red tape associated with the draw down of Leader programme funding from the integrated development companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1208/10]

Funding of the order of €425m is available over the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007 — 2013 and all expenditure under it is subject to EU rules and regulations.

In this context, a number of Local Action Groups (LAGs), formerly know as LEADER companies, have been contracted by my Department to deliver the Programme and they must do so in compliance with those EU regulations.

The RDP Operating Rules which govern the day-to-day operation of the Programme are, in turn, based on EU regulations and are subject to the same audit and verification requirements in Ireland as in every other Member State.

The Deputy will appreciate that my Department is charged with ensuring that there is no misappropriation of funds and that all expenditure under the RDP is in line with the regulations as set out by the European Commission. It is vital that adequate systems are in place to ensure that value for money is guaranteed for every euro spent under this Programme.

All the LAGs were fully aware of the regulatory environment that would operate when they submitted their applications to deliver the Programme in their areas of operation and they all agreed to abide by those in the contracts they signed with me in 2009.

When I met the representatives of the LAGs last Autumn I invited them to make a submission to me in relation to any difficulties they had in relation to the implementation of the Programme. This submission is still awaited.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with each LAG in order to maximise the impact of the RDP in their own areas and I have full confidence in their ability to deliver.

Finian McGrath

Question:

700 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support a project (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [1218/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

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. This will be underpinned by four high level goals:

To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services.

To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources.

To increase peoples' work readiness and employment prospects.

To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision-making processes on matters affecting local communities.

The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the CDP/LDSIP Programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for LCDP roll-out over the course of 2010.

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided. I understand the project referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal and that officials from my Department have been in touch with them in this regard. It is intended that the appeals process would be completed before end-January 2010 and during that period temporary funding has been provided in respect of the basic running costs of projects under appeal, i.e., grant towards salaries and appropriate overheads.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

701 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding will be restored to a project (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1227/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

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. This will be underpinned by four high level goals:

To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services.

To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources.

To increase peoples' work readiness and employment prospects.

To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision-making processes on matters affecting local communities.

The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the CDP/LDSIP Programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for LCDP roll-out over the course of 2010.

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided. I understand the project referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal and that officials from my Department have been in touch with them in this regard. It is intended that the appeals process would be completed before end-January 2010 and during that period temporary funding has been provided in respect of the basic running costs of projects under appeal, i.e., grant towards salaries and appropriate overheads.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

702 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1252/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the recommendations in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes represented a set of options that were given appropriate consideration by Government in the context of the 2010 Budget. The Government decided, as part of its strategy to manage its way through the current severe economic crisis and to return the country to prosperity, to reduce spending on public services by almost €1 billion in 2010 compared with the pre-Budget estimates. To the greatest extent possible, the savings have been sought through efficiencies rather than through reductions in services.

In the case of my own Department, gross funding at €415.426m in 2010 is a reduction of 13% relative to the 2009 allocation of €475.701m. Current funding is reduced by 9%, a decrease of €32.1m, and capital funding is reduced by 21%, a decrease of €28.175m.

The breakdown of these reductions is provided in the recently published Budget Estimates Volume. However, for the Deputy's convenience, the table shows the breakdown by Programme Area of my Department.

Programme Area

2009 Estimate

2010 Estimate

% Change

%

Developing Communities

163,316

140,908

-14

Tackling Problem Drug Use

40,611

36,200

-11

Rural Development

102,422

101,627

-1

Gaeltacht & Islands Development

85,918

62,501

-27

Promotion of the Irish Language

9,375

6,591

-30

North/South Co-operation

55,102

52,990

-4

In a joint statement with the Minister of State at my Department, Mr John Curran, T.D., on Budget Day, we stressed that our primary concern is to make every effort to ensure that the daily front-line services provided with funding from my Department are protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities. Every saving that can be made from cutting down on overheads will be pursued so that the entire range of urban, rural, Gaeltacht and island communities we serve retain, to the greatest extent possible, the services that have been developed in partnership with them over the years.

Details of the breakdown under the various subheads will not be available until the publication of the 2010 Revised Estimates Volume in due course.

Community Development.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

703 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the rationale that has been used in making cuts to community development partnerships; if an analysis of outcomes and cost benefit analysis has been carried out before implementing such cuts; the recourse that groups such as north Clondalkin CDP have in making appeals within the process; if calls for consultation with stakeholders will be listened to along with a postponement of cuts pending same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1271/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided. I understand the project referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal and that officials from my Department have been in touch with them in this regard. It is intended that the appeals process would be completed before end-January 2010 and during that period temporary funding has been provided in respect of the basic running costs of projects under appeal, i.e., grant towards salaries and appropriate overheads.

Michael McGrath

Question:

704 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding being made available to community development projects (details supplied) in Cork for 2010; the way these CDP’s will be structured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1292/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

The new integrated programme requires the development at local level of integrated service delivery mechanisms and structures. The Department has set out a model for this which would result in the full integration of local development companies (e.g. Partnership companies) with the relevant CDPs in the area by end-2010 under a single Board structure. However, the Department has also made it clear that, if proposals emerge at local level for better integration models, the Department will respond constructively.

With the support of my Department and Pobal, the local development companies and the CDPs are now starting the process of programme implementation, including consideration of structural issues.

I am pleased to have been able, in the context of the new programme, to ring-fence funding for community development projects for 2010 and to maintain it at 2009 levels. In few other areas of public spending has it been possible to do this. The indicative allocation for 2010 for the projects referred to by the Deputy is of the order of €263,000.

I am committed to the new programme and to implementing it in the best possible way. My Department will engage positively with all stakeholders who are prepared to engage constructively in that process.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

705 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1506/10]

As a Member of Dáil Éireann the Minister is aware of and complies with the necessary declarations under the Ethics Acts. Details of all declarable items/benefits are available on the appropriate websites of the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

706 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the contracts will be renewed for persons that are in the Tubbercurry section of his Department; the number of persons working there; the annual cost for the office in Sligo; and the breakdown of the cost categories incurred. [1890/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, 100 posts relocated from my Department to Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, under the decentralisation programme and there are currently 91 civil servants serving in that location. These are all permanent staff and are not subject to contract renewal.

In relation to the annual costs for my Department's offices in Tubbercurry, the most recent figures available show that, in the year to September 2009, my Department incurred expenditure of €357,482 on non-property costs. I must emphasise that this amount relates only to my own Department and does not cover costs incurred by the Office of Public Works on rent and accommodation. The breakdown of expenditure is as set out as follows:

Training

Travel and subsistence

Incidental expenses

Postal and telecom expenses

Office machinery, supplies and related services

Office premises expenses

Total

€5,000

€97,719

€34,782

€39,184

€146,998

€33,799

€357,482

Michael Ring

Question:

707 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a copy of the report that was completed on the Cairn Centre, Kiltimagh, County Mayo which was being looked at for decentralisation purposes. [1897/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, following an approach by IRD Kiltimagh to Government regarding the Cairn Trade Centre, a decision was taken for OPW to examine the building in terms of its suitability as a headquarters for my Department.

Following their review of the building, OPW provided my Department with a report in this regard on 25 November 2009. The report indicated that the Cairn Trade Centre was not suitable for the needs of my Department and did not recommend it as a headquarters building.

I can confirm that a copy of the report prepared by OPW in this case has been provided by my Department to IRD Kiltimagh. I must, however, advise the Deputy that, for commercially sensitive reasons, it will not be possible for my Department to make copies of the report available to other parties.

Community Development.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

708 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the decision to close a community development project (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if his attention has been drawn to the services provided by this community development project and the effects on the local community and the persons who availed or depended on the CDP. [1947/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

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. This will be underpinned by four high level goals:

To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services.

To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources.

To increase peoples' work readiness and employment prospects.

To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision-making processes on matters affecting local communities.

The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the CDP/LDSIP Programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for LCDP roll-out over the course of 2010.

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided. I understand the project referred to by the Deputy have submitted an appeal and that officials from my Department have been in touch with them in this regard. It is intended that the appeals process would be completed before end-January 2010 and during that period temporary funding has been provided in respect of the basic running costs of projects under appeal, i.e., grant towards salaries and appropriate overheads.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

709 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the decision to close a community development project (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if his attention has been drawn to the services provided by this community development project and the effects on the local community and the persons who availed or depended on the CDP. [1948/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

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. This will be underpinned by four high level goals:

To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services.

To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources.

To increase peoples' work readiness and employment prospects.

To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision-making processes on matters affecting local communities.

The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the CDP/LDSIP Programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for LCDP roll-out over the course of 2010.

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided. I understand the project referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal and that officials from my Department have been in touch with them in this regard. It is intended that the appeals process would be completed before end-January 2010 and during that period temporary funding has been provided in respect of the basic running costs of projects under appeal, i.e., grant towards salaries and appropriate overheads.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

710 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the decision to close a community development project (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if his attention has been drawn to the services provided by this community development project and the effects on the local community and the persons who availed or depended on the CDP. [1949/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

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. This will be underpinned by four high level goals:

To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services.

To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources.

To increase peoples' work readiness and employment prospects.

To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision-making processes on matters affecting local communities.

The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the CDP/LDSIP Programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for LCDP roll-out over the course of 2010.

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided. I understand the project referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal and that officials from my Department have been in touch with them in this regard. It is intended that the appeals process would be completed before end-January 2010 and during that period temporary funding has been provided in respect of the basic running costs of projects under appeal, i.e., grant towards salaries and appropriate overheads.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

711 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the decision to close a community development project (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if his attention has been drawn to the services provided by this community development project and the effects on the local community and the persons who availed or depended on the CDP. [1950/10]

As I outlined previously to the House, 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.Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

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. This will be underpinned by four high level goals:

To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services.

To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources.

To increase peoples' work readiness and employment prospects.

To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision-making processes on matters affecting local communities.

The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the CDP/LDSIP Programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for LCDP roll-out over the course of 2010.

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided. I understand the project referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal and that officials from my Department have been in touch with them in this regard. It is intended that the appeals process would be completed before end-January 2010 and during that period temporary funding has been provided in respect of the basic running costs of projects under appeal, i.e., grant towards salaries and appropriate overheads.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

712 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2164/10]

The number of staff by programme area serving in my Department at year-end in 2007, 2008 and 2009 is set out in the table. In view of the redesign of work areas and the number of structural changes that occurred across my Department during this period, it is not feasible to provide a division/section level breakdown of staff as requested by the Deputy.

Programme Area

2007

2008

2009

Community Development

42

47

41

Drug Misuse

18

19

15

Rural Development

46

44

39

Gaeltacht and Islands Development

48

50

47

Irish Language*

22

21

23

North-South Co-Operation

3

3

3

Support Services:

— Finance/Accounts/Audit

22

22

21

— HR/Corporate Governance

27

25.5

23

— Ministerial Offices

24.5

23

21.4

— IT

9

9

10

— Others

7.5

6.5

7.6

Total

269

270

251

*Includes staff of the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Joe Costello

Question:

713 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of rent supplement paid to the private rental sector for housing in Dublin in each of the past five years; the number of tenants who have benefitted in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48444/09]

Rent Supplement is administered on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs by the Health Service Executive as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme.

A breakdown of Rent Supplement expenditure for individual counties is not available. However, the attached tabular statement shows the number of recipients of Rent Supplement in Dublin for the past five years.

Number of Recipients of Rent Supplement in Dublin (City and County) For End of Year 2005 to 2009 inclusive

Year

No. Recipients

2005

22,473

2006

21,572

2007

20,498

2008

24,119

2009

31,261

Pension Provisions.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

714 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the pension contributions made by an Irish national working in the United Kingdom are transferable should that person return to here; if a similar situation exists for United Kingdom citizens working here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48496/09]

Social insurance contributions are not transferable between here and the UK, and vice versa. However, in accordance with EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72, which coordinate social security entitlements for those who have worked in more than one Member State, contributions made in the UK, and other EU countries, can be aggregated with Irish contributions to help a person qualify for pensions and other benefits.

When a person makes a claim in Ireland for a contributory state pension and they indicate that they have worked in the UK, or other EU Member States, the countries involved will not be notified that a claim has been made and request details of the insurance contributions made in those other countries will be requested.

The contributions made in the other countries may be added to the Irish record to satisfy the basic qualifying conditions and to determine the pension a person would be entitled to if all the contributions had been made in Ireland. A calculation is then performed to arrive at the actual rate of pension to be paid which will reflect the proportion of Irish contributions in a person's overall insurance record. Other countries in which the person has contributed will carry out a similar operation and the person may, depending on the basic qualifying conditions in the different Member States, receive a number of different pensions.

A person's position would, as part of the process, also be assessed under domestic legislation looking only at their Irish contributions. The Irish pension to be paid from Ireland will be either the rate determined under EU Regulations or domestic legislation, which ever is higher. The same applies to other Member States.

Question No. 715 withdrawn.

Registration of Births.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

716 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will require the General Register Office to provide, on request, birth certificates with the Irish language versions of persons’ names where the births were registered in the English language versions but where the persons normally use the Irish language versions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1226/10]

The provisions governing the registration of births in Ireland and the issuing of certified copies of entries in the register of births (commonly known as birth certificates) are contained in the Civil Registration Act, 2004.

Parents or other qualified informants may register a birth using either of the official languages of the State, and this has been the case for many years. Section 61 of the Act provides that a true copy of an entry in the register of births must be provided to any person, upon payment of a prescribed fee. Accordingly, true copies of entries that were registered in the English language must be issued in English and entries registered as Gaeilge must be provided in Irish. To issue a certificate containing details other than those registered would be contrary to section 61 of the Act.

An entry in the register of births is a historical record of the facts as pertaining at the time of birth and cannot be updated to reflect changed circumstances. The fact that a person's birth is registered in one or other of the official languages of the State does not impact upon a person's right to be known by either the Irish or English version of their name. A person acquires their name by use and repute under the common law, and there is no requirement in law that a person must be known by the name contained in their birth entry.

If a person who uses a name other than that which is entered in the register of births wishes to have an official record of this, it is open to the person concerned to obtain a change of name by Deed Poll.

Registration of Deaths.

Michael Creed

Question:

717 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures regarding registration of deaths; the situation regarding the registration of deaths of citizens killed abroad and the law as it applies to the registration of their deaths here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1303/10]

The provisions and procedures governing the registration of deaths in Ireland are contained in Part 5 of the Civil Registration Act, 2004.

Where a death occurs in the State it is the duty of a qualified informant (normally a relative of the deceased) to attend at a registrar's office and register the death on foot of a certificate of cause of death supplied by a registered medical practitioner. Where a death is referred to a coroner, the death is registered by a registrar on foot of a coroner's certificate.

In general, only deaths which occur within the State are registerable. Exceptions apply under the provisions of section 39 of the Act, concerning;

deaths of members of the Garda Síochána or the Permanent Defence Force or of the spouse or specified members of the family of such a member outside the State while the member is serving outside the State as such member,

deaths of persons on board an Irish aircraft or an Irish ship,

deaths of Irish citizens on board a foreign ship or a foreign aircraft travelling to or from a port, or an airport, as the case may be, in the State.

Where the death of an Irish citizen domiciled in the State occurs abroad, the death may only be registered here if there was not at the time of the death a system of registration of deaths in the place where the death occurred, or such a system that applied to such a death, or it is not possible to obtain copies of or extracts from civil records of the death.

Where an Irish citizen dies abroad and the death is registered by the civil authorities of the place where the death occurred, a certified copy of the death registration, translated, if necessary, is sufficient for all legal and administrative purposes here and there is no legal necessity for the event to be entered in the register of deaths in the State.

Civil Registration Service.

Michael McGrath

Question:

718 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of marriages here involving non EU nationals and non Irish EU citizens in each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1307/10]

The Civil Registration Service does record information relating to the nationality but not the citizenship of persons marrying in Ireland. Prior to the commencement of the marriage provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 in November, 2007, no information was recorded in relation to nationality. There is therefore no information available in relation to the nationality of persons who married here in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and almost all of 2007.

It should be borne in mind that the legislation referred to above contains transitional provisions in respect of Roman Catholic marriages. Section 49(8) of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 provided that where a couple notified their intention to marry prior to the 5 th November 2007 in respect of a Roman Catholic marriage and the marriage was solemnised on or after that date, the certificate (Form A) provided for under section 11 of the Registration of Marriages (Ireland) Act, 1863 was used to effect registration. As the form in question did not provide for recording the nationality of the parties to these marriages, data relating to the nationality of the parties to such marriages is not available. The number of marriages registered on foot of these certificates in 2008 and 2009 is shown at 1 in the table. Statistics concerning the marriages of EU nationals and non-EU Nationals in Ireland in 2008 and 2009 is shown at 3 in the table.

2008

20091

1

Number of Roman Catholic Marriages registered on foot of ‘Form A’ which were solemnised between 01 January and 31 December

6,012

298

2

Number of registered marriages which were solemnised between 01 January and 31 December

22,183

20,792

3

Number of registered marriages which were solemnised between 01 January and 31 December between EU nationals (excluding Irish) and non-EU nationals

544

1,116

4

Number of registered marriages which were solemnised between 01 January and 31 December between EU nationals (excluding Irish)

625

663

5

Number of registered marriages which were solemnised between 01 January and 31 December between non-EU nationals

613

633

Question No. 719 withdrawn.
Question No. 720 answered with Question No. 96.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

721 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of dental applications made on behalf of multiple customers without their knowledge regarding the treatment benefit scheme; the action she will take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2061/10]

Changes to the Treatment Benefit scheme were announced in Budget 2010. From 1st January 2010, treatments available under the scheme are limited to a free Optical and Dental examination together with the treatments previously available under the medical appliance scheme, namely hearing aids and contact lenses required for medical reasons.

People who, at 31st December 2009, were undergoing a course of treatment or who had applied for approval to commence treatment, will have their applications for dental benefit processed under the rules which operated prior to January 1st 2010.

In the period immediately after the changes were announced in the budget, there was a sharp increase in the number of enquiries from customers and from dentists on behalf of customers seeking approval for dental treatment. It was clear from the level of correspondence received, that some dentists were submitting bulk applications on behalf of their patients. Claims involving many hundred customers were received from 8 dental practices. These applications were supplied in alphabetical order, as if downloaded from a database.

On checking with a number of customers, it became evident that many of them had not approached the dentist to seek treatment nor had they authorised the dental practice to submit an application on their behalf. The dentists concerned were contacted and agreed to withdraw the enquiries and re-submit them in the proper manner.

In order to avoid any repetition of the problem, a letter issued to all dentists clarifying the procedures to be followed in submitting eligibility/approval enquiries. These procedures include the need to ensure that the patient had given approval for the enquiry to be made and the need to provide a confirmed appointment date and contact number for each customer.

It has been noted that since the letter issued, the vast majority of enquiries have been submitted in the correct manner. Enquiry applications received without all the relevant information are being returned. A number of dentists have been in contact since the issue of the letter, to advise that they may have submitted enquiries in error and to ask for these to be withdrawn and advising that they will submit a revised list of enquiries in the correct manner.

In the period between the budget and December 31st it is estimated that in excess of 150,000 eligibility enquiries for dental treatment have been received, these are currently being processed. Priority is being given to confirming patient eligibility, however officials will spot check enquiries to ensure they have been submitted with patient consent. Any breaches of these guidelines will be reported to the data protection commissioner for appropriate follow up action.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

722 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the model for pension provision advocated by an organisation (details supplied) and the extent to which this model will be incorporated within the national pensions framework. [2063/10]

As the Deputy is aware, the Green Paper on Pensions outlined the challenges facing the Irish pensions system in the years ahead, including the sustainability of the system over the longer term in light of demographic change and the adequacy of contribution levels and benefits. The consultation process which followed publication of the Green Paper reflected the wide range of views and interests held by individuals and organisations throughout the country. While there was no consensus on ways to respond to the challenges facing our pension system, it was clear that there were significant issues and problems that people wanted addressed.

Since the Green Paper was published in October 2007, the economic environment has changed considerably and the Government need to ensure that any decisions we make in the pensions area will be robust enough to withstand the challenges which will arise in the future. We must make decisions now to ensure the adequacy of retirement incomes for this and future generations while, at the same time, developing a system which is affordable and sustainable for the State and for those who sponsor and provide pension schemes.

In the past 18 months or so the Government has taken a number of steps to respond to the immediate difficulties facing pension scheme members, particularly members of defined benefit schemes. These include the establishment of a pensions insolvency payment scheme and a reordering of wind-up priorities so that, in any defined benefit wind-up situation, employees and former employees who have not yet retired may still receive a larger proportion of their benefits. Legislation to support these measures was passed in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009. The Government has also introduced provisions to allow for more flexible restructuring of pension benefits and stronger regulation regarding remittance of pension contributions. We have also protected people in receipt of the State Pension by retaining the rates of pension and other social welfare payments for older people in the recent Budget.

The organization to which the Deputy refers describes its proposed pension model as "universal, equitable, affordable and secure". As the national pensions framework is still being developed I cannot say what it will include. However, I can say that our objective is a pension system which will deliver an adequate retirement income for all which is, at the same time, affordable and sustainable for the State, and those who sponsor and provide occupational pensions systems. We are determined that the actions we take will be aimed at ensuring that we reform pensions on a basis that is fair, transparent and sustainable.

Question No. 723 answered with Question No. 130.

Social Insurance.

George Lee

Question:

724 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 is entitled to an old age pension at the age of 65 years; if not, if they are entitled to receive a partial old age pension at the age of 65 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48240/09]

The Department does not provide forecasts on possible future pension entitlement.

I have arranged for a copy of the person's PRSI contribution record, together with ‘Working it Out' booklets which explain how the State Pension Transition and State Pension Contributory are calculated, to be issued to his home address.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

725 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil service staff in her Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48318/09]

There are currently 4,733 posts (5,078 people) employed in the Department. The scheme is primarily aimed at Graduate and Post-Graduate levels.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

726 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. [48328/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

A person is not excluded from rent supplement where the accommodation is owned by a family member, provided a bona fide tenancy exists, the person has a housing need and the rent payable is within prescribed limits. Each application for rent supplement is decided by a community welfare officer on the basis of its own merits and in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions governing the scheme.

The person concerned should contact the community welfare services and provide full details of her proposed tenancy and personal circumstances if she wishes to establish whether she may have an entitlement to rent supplement.

Social Insurance.

James Bannon

Question:

727 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48334/09]

The application for a State Pension (Contributory) from the person concerned was disallowed in June 2009 on the grounds that she had a yearly average of 8 (standard class) social welfare contributions. In order to qualify for a minimum State Pension (Contributory), a yearly average of at least 10 is required.

This case was recently reviewed following the payment of self-employment insurance contributions by the person concerned. The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to: have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years; have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance; satisfy the yearly average condition.

In addition, Section 110(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act of 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State Pension Contributory unless: (a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age (66), and (b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.

According to the records of this Department, the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after her 66th birthday. She does not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory). This decision was conveyed to the person concerned in writing on 12th January 2010.

Flood Relief.

Dan Neville

Question:

728 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if Newcastlewest, County Limerick will be included in the current compensation scheme for flooding victims. [48336/09]

In recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the flooding from November 2009 onwards, the Government set up a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide income tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes not covered by insurance. An initial sum of €10million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose.

The scheme provides hardship alleviation as opposed to full compensation. As on previous occasions, commercial or business losses are not covered by the scheme nor are losses which are covered by household insurance. Neither does it cover damage to private rented accommodation or local authority accommodation, though humanitarian assistance may be considered in the case of a tenant's personal belongings. Applications under the scheme are income tested to ensure that available assistance will be prioritised for those who are most vulnerable.

The humanitarian assistance scheme offers emergency payments for clothing, food, bedding, heating, hire of dehumidifiers and emergency accommodation needs, replacement of essential household items such as carpets, flooring, furniture and white goods and assistance for structural repairs to homes.

The objective is to address the hardship currently being experienced in the areas affected. It was not the Governments intention to re-open earlier cases of flooding and I do not consider that it would be appropriate to do so.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Billy Timmins

Question:

729 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if same will be dealt with. [48337/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Decentralisation Programme.

John O'Mahony

Question:

730 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) who is on the central application facility transfer list for transfer to any Department in Counties Mayo, Sligo, Galway, Roscommon and Longford; if the transfer will happen in the short term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48343/09]

The person in question is listed on the Central Applications Facility (CAF) for the Department's offices in Sligo and Galway. In accordance with the agreed transfer and decentralisation protocols, she will be considered for a transfer to the specified locations when her place on the CAF listings is reached.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

731 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in an appeal for jobseeker’s benefit being determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in view of the fact that the appeal was lodged on 16 October 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48448/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. This has caused delays in the processing of appeals.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

James Bannon

Question:

732 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48471/09]

The claim for Jobseeker's Allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a deciding officer of the Department on the ground that she was not habitually resident in the state for Social Welfare purposes.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been received and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

James Bannon

Question:

733 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (detailed supplied) in County Longford has been refused illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48472/09]

The claim for illness benefit, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 25th November 2009 following an examination by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal was opened on 12th December 2009 and 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.

James Bannon

Question:

734 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for carer’s allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48477/09]

On 14 January 2009 the person concerned was refused Carer's Allowance on the grounds that the person being cared for does not require full time care and attention. She was also refused on the grounds that she is not providing full time care and attention. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeal's Office.

Under Social Welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These Officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

735 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reciprocal arrangements that exist between the United Kingdom and here regarding social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48495/09]

The social security rights of people living and working in the EU, including the UK, are governed by EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. The Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work.

This is achieved primarily by setting out rules as to which State's social security system will pay contributions to when, for example, the person moves from one Member State to another to take up work, or where the person lives in one State and works in another. In addition, the Regulations also set out rules as to which State will pay benefit in the event of the usual contingencies arising, e.g. sickness, unemployment, old-age etc.

In addition, Ireland has separate bilateral social security Agreements with the United Kingdom dating back to the 1960s which have been consolidated and updated as required.

The current Agreement which came into effect on 1 October 2007, provides for the repeal of the previous agreements which had been superseded by EU Regulations. Provision was made to extend social security protection for migrant workers moving between Ireland and the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands which are outside the EU. The Agreement not only protects pension entitlements, but also protects entitlement to certain short term payments, for example, unemployment and sickness.

The agreement is currently in operation and working satisfactorily.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

736 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in awarding jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [48539/09]

The person concerned applied for Jobseeker's Allowance on 19th November, 2009. An investigation by a social welfare inspector is necessary in this case and a decision will be made on the persons claim as soon as this investigation is complete.

The person can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance from the local community welfare officer while his application for Jobseeker's Allowance is being processed.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

737 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48546/09]

In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, almost all of the time, so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 29th October 2009. This application was referred to one of the Departments Medical Assessors who found that the child in question did not meet the medical criteria to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance.

A letter issued to the person in question on 4th December 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse Domiciliary Care Allowance for not satisfying the medical criteria. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. No request for a review or appeal of the decision has been received to date.

Bernard Allen

Question:

738 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on the application made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork for domiciliary care allowance. [48555/09]

In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and / or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, almost all of the time, so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 24th August 2009. This application was referred to one of the Departments Medical Assessors who found that the child in question did not meet the medical criteria to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance.

A letter issued to the person in question on 15th October 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse Domiciliary Care Allowance. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task.

The person in question has supplied additional information and the case will now be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor.

Social Welfare Fraud.

Mary Upton

Question:

739 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the fact that those convicted of social welfare fraud are not given sentences appropriate to the crime of stealing public moneys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48596/09]

The Department's policy is to consider for prosecution all cases of fraud against the social welfare system.Criminal prosecutions are taken in the main by summary proceedings in the District Courts. The maximum penalty currently provided for in social welfare legislation for cases taken summarily is a fine not exceeding €1,500 per offence or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both such fine and imprisonment. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform currently have a Fines Bill before the Dail which, if passed, will increase the fine from €1,500 to €2,500 per offence.

Social welfare legislation also provides that the benefit of the Probation Act cannot be applied in any case unless the debt relating to the social welfare offences before the court is fully repaid. The Courts are totally independent of the State and judges have the discretion to decide on the appropriate penalty to be applied in any case having regard to the evidence presented to them in relation to the case. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on these matters.

Mary Upton

Question:

740 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 16 December 2009, if she will bring forward legislation to discontinue welfare payments in the case of a person who has been found guilty of social welfare fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48598/09]

A person who fulfils all of the statutory provisions for a given contingency based social welfare scheme is entitled to that payment for the duration of the period they continue to satisfy those requirements.

In addition, the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme provides support for persons who are unable to meet their needs. If entitlement to this payment was to be removed, this would mean that the welfare system would not be in a position to provide support to a person even when they were unable to meet their basic needs in a given period. Such a step would represent a major change to the underlying principles of the SWA scheme.

A person who has been found guilty in court of social welfare fraud is subject to the penalties imposed by the court in relation to the crime committed. While the Department would aim to recover any monies which had been fraudulently received it would not be appropriate for the Department to apply further penalties over and above those imposed by the Court.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Mary Upton

Question:

741 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the categories of data and information her Department has supplied the Private Residential Tenancies Board in view of the obligations imposed on the Department by way of section 146 of the Residential Tenancies Act; and if her Department supplies the PRTB with the PPS numbers of landlords in order to facilitate the PRTB’s dispute resolution process. [48610/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 makes provision for the Department of Social of Family Affairs to supply the PRTB with whatever information is reasonably required by the Board to carry out its functions.

To that end, the Department provides details of new rent supplement payments to the PRTB on a quarterly basis to enable it identify tenancies that are not registered and to take any follow-up action necessary. The information supplied includes the tenant name and address, landlord or landlord's agent name and address and where available, the landlord's PPS Number.

The Department is committed to supporting the PRTB to ensure that over time, all tenancies that come with the area of rent supplementation comply with the statutory system of tenancy regulation and safeguards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

742 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when unemployment or jobseeker’s payment will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48624/09]

The claim for jobseeker's allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a previous Parliamentary Question (Ref. 36310/09) from the Deputy was accepted as notice of appeal in this case, and that stage, the person concerned was contacted and requested to forward his grounds of appeal. These are now to hand and in accordance with statutory requirements the Department has been requested to forward the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jack Wall

Question:

743 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made or a date for an oral hearing will be given on an appeal against the decision to refuse their application for guardian’s payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1028/10]

Further to my response to PQs 46358/09 and 46359/09 (composite reply) on 9 December 2009, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given in that response. Every effort will be made to have this appeal dealt with as quickly as possible.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

744 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many welfare recipients were surprised to find that they were not due their weekly welfare benefit during Christmas week in 2009 in view of the fact that the previous week’s double pay could easily have been misconstrued as the Christmas bonus; if her further attention has been drawn to the resulting hardship caused by this misunderstanding; if she will communicate this scenario better in future years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1076/10]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

750 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the confusion in regard to the payment dates for jobseeker’s payments in the period prior to Christmas 2009; the action she has taken to ensure that this does not happen again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1176/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 744 and 750 together.

The decision was announced in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget to give people advance notice so that they could adjust their finances accordingly. That decision was the subject of considerable debate in the media over the eight months leading into December and the Taoiseach confirmed the position on 11th November 2009.

Traditionally, the Department issued payments for the Christmas period one week in advance to ensure that customers are not left without money over the holiday period. In line with practice in previous years an advance payment issued during the week beginning 14 December, 2009. in respect of payment due the week beginning 21 December, 2009. Details of these payments were advertised on the Departments website, and in all Post Offices.

Payment dates due on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th December which were brought forward for payment on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December. These payment dates were communicated to An Post and were advertised on the Department's website.

Every effort is made to ensure that people are not left without a payment over the Christmas period and in this context it is necessary to issue an advance payment to ensure that the individual receives it on time.

Michael McGrath

Question:

745 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the length of time a person has to be living here in order to satisfy the habitual residence condition for the purposes of social welfare entitlements. [1082/10]

The habitual residence condition applies to all claimants for certain social welfare payments, regardless of nationality. Any person who makes a claim for jobseeker's allowance, child benefit, one parent family payment, disability allowance, State pension non-contributory, carer's allowance, widow's non-contributory, guardian's non-contributory payment, blind pension or supplementary welfare allowance must be habitually resident in the State.

Decisions concerning habitual residence are subject to five factors which are set out in social welfare legislation. The five factors are:

(a) the length and continuity of residence in the State or in any other particular country;

(b) the length and purpose of any absence from the State;

(c) the nature and pattern of the person's employment;

(d) the person's main centre of interest, and

(e) the future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.

Habitual residence cannot be determined simply by reference to a specific period of residence. The length and continuity of a person's residence must be considered along with the other factors. In determining whether a person is habitually resident in the State, all relevant evidence is taken into account including the period before the person arrived here, the present period and the future intentions of the applicant as evidenced by his/her actions.

There is a provision in social welfare legislation that: " it shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown, that a person is not habitually resident in the State at the date of the making of the application concerned unless he has been present in the State or any other part of the Common Travel Area for a continuous period of 2 years ending on that date .”

This is a rebuttable presumption and it does not mean that an applicant can be automatically be considered to be "not habitually resident" because he or she has not resided here for 2 years. For instance, a returning Irish emigrant or a person coming to live with a spouse who is permanently resident here could be habitually resident from the date of their arrival.

Equally, it does not mean that an applicant is automatically considered to be habitually resident in the State if he or she has been here for 2 years or more. A person could be working or studying here temporarily for longer than 2 years and continue to retain their habitual residence in another country during that period. In all cases, therefore, habitual residence cannot be determined by reference to a period of time alone and the decision must be based on all the relevant factors.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Michael McGrath

Question:

746 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in Cork City and county who have availed of the services of Money Advice and Budgetary Service in 2009. [1107/10]

A total of 2,275 people in Cork city and county availed of the Money Advice and Budgetary Service in 2009.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

747 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. [1141/10]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) provides for a supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department.

The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned applied for mortgage interest supplement in October 2009. The Executive requested further documentation from the person concerned in relation to the re-mortgaging of the home in order to process the application. The person concerned has not provided the documentation to date.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

John O'Mahony

Question:

748 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in County Mayo that have availed of the services of Money Advice and Budgetary Service in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1143/10]

The number of persons in County Mayo who availed of the services of Money Advice and Budgetary Service in 2007, 2008 and 2009 is outlined in the table.

MABS

2007

2008

2009

Mayo North

160

222

271

Mayo South

185

203

288

Departmental Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

749 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to introduce a system in which persons entitled to free travel who cannot avail of public transport for hospital appointments will obtain a refund for the cost of taxis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1151/10]

The free travel scheme is available to people aged 66 years or over, carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.

The current free travel scheme operated by the Department provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. I have no plans to extend the scheme to include single journeys with taxi companies.

While the scheme is free for those who are eligible, all of the transport companies involved, including CIE, are paid for the service by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The estimated cost of the scheme in 2009 was €76.4 million.

Question No. 750 answered with Question No. 744.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Tom Hayes

Question:

751 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of households and payments that have been delayed due to poor weather conditions; the facilities that are available to those affected by delayed payments; when this will be rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1193/10]

The Department administers a variety of schemes which have a weekly and monthly payment cycle. For the most part the delays experienced related to customers on weekly payment cycles who are payable by cheque.

On 6 January 2010 An Post was unable to collect 27,000 social welfare cheques from the Department's Dublin computer centre due to adverse weather conditions. The customers mainly affected were in receipt of illness benefit, supplementary welfare allowance and family income supplement, with small additional numbers for rent supplement, mortgage interest supplement, disability allowance, jobseeker's and one parent family payments. The cheques were collected early the following morning and all Dublin payments were made on schedule that afternoon but payments outside Dublin were delivered one day late.

My Department issued a press release and included details on the Department's website informing customers of the delay and advising them to contact their Community Welfare Officer if they were experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the delay.

Throughout the period of bad weather, An Post made every effort to ensure the delivery of social welfare customer cheques. In cases where deliveries of customer cheques were affected by the weather, An Post put in place a cheque collection facility which enabled customers to collect their cheques from their local mail delivery office. There is no data available on the numbers of customers who used this facility.

It should be noted that the non-collection of cheques on 6th January represented less that nine per cent of supplementary welfare monthly cheque transactions and six per cent of illness benefit transactions. Over ninety per cent of transactions, paid electronically through their bank or financial institution or with their Social Services Card in An Post, were unaffected.

Jack Wall

Question:

752 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1194/10]

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 residence test.

The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 10 June, 2008. Her claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor who deemed that she was not medically suitable for the Allowance. Her claim was sent to a Social Welfare Inspector for an assessment of her means and following an investigation the Inspector was unable to establish her means. The person concerned was refused Disability Allowance on 21 July 2008 on the grounds that she was not substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment by reason of a specified disability and had failed to show that her means did not exceed the statutory limit for receipt of the Allowance.

The person concerned appealed this decision and following a medical she was deemed suitable for the Allowance. Her file was returned to the Social Welfare Inspector to again investigate her means. Following receipt of the Social Welfare Inspector's report the person has been awarded a reduced rate Disability Allowance at a personal weekly rate of €97.80 from 11 June 2008, €104.30 from 31 December 2008 and €96 from 6 January 2010. She has also been awarded a weekly Living Alone Allowance of €7.70 and a Free Fuel Allowance of €20, her total current weekly payment will be €123.70. A formal notification has issued ad vising her of this decision and of her right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeal's Office.

Payment will be available for the person to collect at Athy Post Office on 10 February 2010. Any arrears due to her will issue thereafter.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

753 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will extend the home help income exemptions on schemes of the Health Service Executive to those employed privately as home helps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1209/10]

Any extension of the means testing arrangements which apply at the moment in the case of home helps employed by either the HSE or by bodies funded by the HSE to home helps employed on a private basis would have to be considered in a Budgetary context.

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes examined various income disregards which apply in the case of means tested schemes. The Group was of the opinion that all disregards should be reviewed to ensure that the principles of horizontal equity are maintained and that all income irrespective of its source is treated similarly for social welfare purposes. The Group specifically mentioned the current disregards from employment as a home help in this regard.

The recommendation of the Special Group will need to be taken into account in considering any further changes to the treatment of income from employment generally and from employment as a home help in particular.

Social Welfare Code.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

754 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the 2010 budget reduction of 4% to social welfare is deducted on a “gross” or “net” basis, in view of the fact that in some situations (details supplied) the 4% reduction can in effect translate to more than an 8% reduction proportionally for those recipients who receive only a reduced weekly social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1213/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

786 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the recent budget cutbacks, in the case of persons who are getting means tested payments and are on a reduced payment, the reason the €8.30 is not implemented on a reduced rate, rather than at the full rate of €8.30; if she will introduce the reduction on a pro-rata basis; her views on whether the imposition of the full €8.30 cut is fair to those on partial social welfare payments; the legal position in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1907/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 754 and 786 together.

The various social assistance schemes operated by my Department are means tested and include schemes such as jobseeker's allowance and one-parent family payment. For means test purposes, account is taken of the value of any capital or property owned by the person in addition to any cash income the person might have including, inter alia, earnings from employment, income from self-employment, foreign social security pensions and occupational pensions. If a person has a spouse or a partner, the means of that person is also taken into account.

As provided for in social welfare legislation, where a person has means the weekly value of those means is deducted from the maximum weekly rate of payment and a reduced rate is payable. Where a person has weekly means in excess of the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker's Allowance, no payment is made.

The purpose of the means test is to reflect that fact that the person has other income or assets available to support him or her. Accordingly, the total weekly income available to that person or couple comprises both the value of the means of the person in addition to any jobseeker's allowance they may be entitled to.

In addition, where a person has income from certain sources, some of that income is disregarded under the jobseeker's allowance means test. Where a claimant or a spouse/partner has income from employment, the first €20 per day is disregarded, subject to a maximum of €60 per week and 60% of the balance is assessed.

Where a person has no means, jobseeker's allowance is payable at the maximum rate of payment. In the case of a single person, the maximum weekly rate was €204.30 in 2009 and is €196 in 2010, a reduction of €8.30 per week or 4.1%. In the case of a couple with no means, the reduction is €13.80 per week, also 4.1%, from €339.80 to €326.10 (including the qualified adult allowance).

The effect of the Budget changes in rates of payment where a person has means can be illustrated by way of the following example. In the case of a couple where the claimant is unemployed and the spouse or partner is working three days per week with net earnings of €460 per week, jobseeker's allowance of €99.90 per week would have been payable in 2009. This reduced rate is equivalent to the combined maximum weekly personal and qualified adult rates of €339.90 less weekly means of €240. Accordingly, the total income of the couple in this example would have been €559.90 per week in 2009 comprising net earnings of €460 and jobseeker's allowance of €99.90.

Consequent on the reduction in the maximum weekly personal and qualified adult rates of jobseeker's allowance announced in Budget 2010, the total weekly income of the couple will reduce to €546.10 per week in 2010, an overall reduction of €13.80 per week or 2.5%.

As the example shows, the overall reduction in percentage terms in total family income for persons on reduced rates of jobseeker's allowance is somewhat less than applies in the case of a person with no means who receives the maximum rate of payment. This arises because the element of their total income which is represented by their means is not affected by the recent Budget. The introduction of pro-rata reductions for recipients of reduced rate jobseeker's allowance payments would further reduce the overall percentage loss in total family income when compared with that experienced by persons who had no means and are, accordingly, totally dependent on the social welfare payment.

Similar effects will occur in relation to other social assistance payments. The precise level of reduction in overall family income will vary as the income disregards and assessment rates vary from scheme to scheme. No change was made in Budget 2010 in relation to the means testing arrangements where a claimant or a spouse/partner is engaged in employment in order to maintain incentives to take up, or remain in, employment.

Where a claimant, or his or her spouse, is in employment and net earnings from that employment reduce for one reason or another, the claimant should request his or her Social Welfare Local Office or, the appropriate scheme area, to review their means. In the event of a reduction in means, the level of entitlement will increase.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Question:

755 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1223/10]

The person concerned applied for Carer's Allowance on 9 November 2009. On 9 December 2009 the case was referred to an Investigative Officer of this Department for means assessment and confirmation that the conditions necessary for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and she will be notified directly of the outcome.

Under Social Welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These Officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

756 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for her Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1261/10]

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes made a range of recommendations in relation to my Department. The recommendations which were implemented, in whole or in part, in Budget 2010 are outlined in the following table.

Special Group Recommendations

Budget 2010 Measure

Estimated 2010 Savings

€m

Rates of Payment — 5% reduction in all weekly rates of payment.

Rates of Payment — reductions ranging between 3.5% and 4.2% in the weekly personal and qualified adult rates of payment for people of working age.

437

Child Benefit — reduce and standardise the rate of Child Benefit to €136 per month, a reduction of €30 per month in the lower rate and €67 per month in the higher rate.

Child Benefit — reduction of €16 per month in both the lower and higher rates. Social welfare recipients and lower income workers in receipt of family income supplement were fully compensated through a €3.80 per week increase for each qualified child and a €6 per week per child increase in the family income supplement income thresholds.

123 (net)

Jobseeker’s Allowance & SWA — reductions in weekly rates of payment of Jobseeker’s Allowance/SWA for persons aged under 25 to €150 per week.

Jobseeker’s Allowance & SWA — the weekly rate payable to new claimants aged 20 and 21 was reduced to €100 and the weekly rate payable to new claimants aged 22 to 24 years (inclusive) w as reduced to €150. However, 20 to 24 year olds with dependent children will not be affected, nor will recipients who have exhausted their entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit or those who transfer directly from disability allowance.

54

Treatment Benefit — abolition/discontinuation of the Treatment Benefit Scheme.

Treatment Benefit — the scheme will be limited in 2010 to the Medical and Surgical Appliances scheme and the free examinations provided for under Dental and Optical Benefits.

54

Rent Supplement — re-examination of rent caps on a regional basis and the duration of entitlement.

Rent Supplement — rent limits that apply to new Rent Supplement agreements will be reduced to reflect reductions in private rent levels.

20

Flood Relief.

Pat Breen

Question:

757 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money paid out to date under the humanitarian assistance scheme for those affected by flooding in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1280/10]

In recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the flooding from November 2009 onwards, the Government set up a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide income tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes not covered by insurance. An initial sum of €10million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose.

Community Welfare Service staff in County Clare have been providing support to families since this flooding occurred. Up to 8th January 2009 they had already made over 340 payments to 86 individuals to the value of some €133,500.

Social Insurance.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

758 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of revenue collected from self-employed PRSI Class C in 2009; the estimate of same for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1363/10]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

759 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of revenue collected in 2009 from employer’s PRSI and employee’s PRSI; if she will provide a breakdown of same by class; if she will provide an estimate of same for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1364/10]

It is proposed to answer Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.

I have clarified with the Deputy that the information he seeks relates to total contributions for self-employed persons — PRSI Class S — and employers and employees.

An analysis of PRSI collected in 2009 together with the 2010 estimate under the general headings of employer, employee and self employed persons is set out in the following table:

PRSI

PRSI Receipts 2009 11 months to 30/11/09

PRSI (Estimate ) 2010 Full year

€ million

€ million

Employer

5,175

5,220

Employee

1,444

1,430

Self Employed

310

422

Total

6,929

7,072

Provisional figures up to end December are not yet available. The figures shown above are net of the health contribution and the training fund levy. A breakdown of social insurance by PRSI class will not be available until employers P35s are returned to the Revenue Commissioners in 2010 and the data breakdown is transferred to this Department towards the end of the year.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

760 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Irish citizens denied a social welfare payment in 2009 based on failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition. [1391/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

765 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Irish citizens denied social welfare benefits in 2009 for failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition; the number of these who were returning Irish emigrants from abroad; the number whose prior residency was in Northern Ireland; and the number whose prior residency was elsewhere in the common travel area. [1488/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 760 and 765 together.

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004.

All applicants — regardless of nationality — for the following payments are required to be habitually resident in the State:

Jobseeker's Allowance;

State Pension (Non-Contributory for persons aged over 66);

Blind Pension;

Widow's, Widower's and Orphan's Non-Contributory Pensions;

One-Parent Family Payment;

Carer's Allowance;

Disability Allowance;

Supplementary Welfare Allowance (including Rent Supplement);

Domiciliary Care Allowance;

Child Benefit.

The total number of Irish citizens disallowed social welfare payments in 2009, based on the failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition was 738. The following table sets out the breakdown by social assistance scheme.

Scheme

2009

Jobseeker’s Allowance

530

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

9

Blind Pension

0

Widow’s, Widower’s and Orphan’s Non-Contributory Pensions

0

One-parent Family Payment

23

Carer’s Allowance

33

Disability Allowance

98

Domiciliary Care Allowance

0

Child Benefit

45

Total

738

It is not possible to state the number of these cases who were returning Irish emigrants from abroad, or whose prior residency was in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the common travel area as these details are not recorded.

Statistics on the number of Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) claims that do not satisfy the habitual residence condition are not maintained by the various HSE areas.

However, it is estimated that approximately 1.5% of all SWA claims are disallowed for HRC reasons. It is open to any customer who is not satisfied with the decision on their claim to appeal that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals office.

Departmental Correspondence.

Michael McGrath

Question:

761 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to the issues raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding the distinction between jobseeker’s benefit and allowance. [1418/10]

Jobseeker's Benefit is a short-term insurance-based payment which is designed to provide income support to insured workers during periods of involuntary unemployment. As such, it is not subject to a means-test and can be paid for a period of up to twelve months. In order to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit, a claimant must be unemployed (for at least 3 days in 6), be aged under 66 years, satisfy the social insurance contribution conditions, be capable of work, be available for and genuinely seeking work, and have suffered a substantial loss of employment.

Jobseeker's Allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment which aims to provide income support to people who do not qualify for the insurance-based jobseeker's payment and who are involuntarily unemployed and, consequently, unable to provide for their own maintenance or for that of their families. To qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance, a claimant must be unemployed, be over 18 and under 66 years of age, be capable of work, be available for and genuinely seeking work, satisfy the means test and meet the habitual residence condition.

It should be noted that a claimant of Jobseeker's Benefit may opt to receive Jobseeker's Allowance if it is more beneficial to him or her provided that they can satisfy the means-test and other conditions applying to the scheme.

Insofar as the Back-to-Work Allowance scheme is concerned, the position is that since May 2009, in order to respond effectively to the growing numbers on the live register and the current employment situation, it was decided to refocus resources on the enterprise strand of the back to work allowance which supports people into self employment and the employee strand of the back to work allowance has been closed to new applicants. The changes introduced provide for:

A reduction in qualifying period required for access to back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) from 2 years to 12 months provided a person has an underlying entitlement to jobseeker's allowance. This is in conjunction with a reduction in the period for which the BTWEA is payable from 4 years to 2 years, at 100% of existing social welfare entitlement in the first year and 75% in the second.

Immediate access to a shorter BTWEA, to be called Short Term Enterprise Allowance, for someone who qualifies for Jobseeker's Benefit (with 104 contributions paid in the past 2 years) or who qualifies for statutory redundancy. It will be paid for the duration of the Jobseeker's Benefit claim entitlement. Allowing people who previously participated in the BTWEA scheme and exhausted their entitlement after completion of the scheme, to participate a second time after a period of at least 5 years has elapsed.

The person referred to by the Deputy should discuss any issues of concern regarding his jobseeker's payments with the officers at his local social welfare office.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

762 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when lone parents appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1452/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

763 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of mortgage interest supplement with a breakdown by duration at intervals of three months; if she will provide comparative date with the end of year position in 2007 and 2008. [1458/10]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

764 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average monthly or weekly payment of mortgage interest supplement. [1459/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 763 and 764 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) provides for a supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department.

The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.

The average mortgage interest supplement payment is €78.78 per week. There follows a tabular statement on mortgage interest supplement recipients by duration for end 2007, end 2008 and end 2009.

Number of Recipients of Mortgage Interest Supplement by Claim Duration(1), End 2007, End 2008 and End 2009

Months

2007

2008

2009

0 to 3

527

1,607

1,234

3 to 6

630

1,869

2,315

6 to 9

453

1,045

2,626

9 to 12

343

788

2,997

12 to 24

874

1,250

4,124

24 to 36

405

593

830

36 to 48

231

290

417

48 to 60

192

176

177

60 to 72

139

139

112

72 plus

317

334

269

Total

4,111

8,091

15,101

(1)Claims with duration of precisely 3 months are recorded under the 3-6 months heading, claims with duration of precisely 6 months are recorded under the 6-9 months heading and so on.

Question No. 765 answered with Question No. 760.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

766 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide details of the nationalities of those who were refused social welfare payments due to a failure to meet the habitual residence requirement in 2008 and 2009 detailing the number and specific welfare allowance in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1496/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

789 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Irish citizens refused benefit payments in 2009 due to their failure to meet the habitual residency requirement. [1943/10]

I propose to take Questions 766 and 789 together.

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. The requirement does not apply to benefit schemes.

All applicants — regardless of nationality — for the following assistance payments are required to be habitually resident in the State:

Jobseeker's Allowance

State Pension (Non-Contributory for persons aged over 66)

Blind Pension

Widow's, Widower's and Orphan's Non-Contributory Pensions

One-Parent Family Payment

Carer's Allowance

Disability Allowance

Supplementary Welfare Allowance (including Rent Supplement)

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Child Benefit

The number of people who were disallowed payments in 2008 and 2009, based on the failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition was 6,297 and 10,582 respectively.

The following tables set out the yearly breakdown by scheme and nationality.

2008

Irish

UK

EU 13

New Member States

Other

Total

Jobseeker’s Allowance

879

150

498

2,874

134

4,535

State Pension (Non-Con)

0

0

0

0

0

0

Blind Pension

0

0

0

0

0

0

Widow/er’s & Orphan’s Non-Con Pensions

0

0

0

0

0

0

One-Parent Family Payment

37

7

16

160

75

295

Carer’s Allowance

7

0

1

46

33

87

Disability Allowance

40

3

13

158

64

278

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Scheme administered by HSE

0

Child Benefit

22

5

32

548

495

1,102

Total

985

165

560

3,786

801

6,297

2009

Irish

UK

EU 13

New Member States

Other

Total

Jobseeker’s Allowance

530

401

669

5,211

673

7,484

State Pension (Non-Con)

9

1

0

5

1

16

Blind Pension

0

0

0

0

0

0

Widow/er’s & Orphan’s Non-Con Pensions

0

0

0

6

1

7

One-Parent Family Payment

23

27

13

230

88

381

Carer’s Allowance

33

34

7

75

43

192

Disability Allowance

98

74

23

280

95

570

Domiciliary Care Allowance

0

1

0

7

6

14

Child Benefit

45

154

114

1,130

475

1,918

Total

738

692

826

6,944

1,382

10.582

Statistics on the number of Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) claims that do not satisfy the habitual residence condition are not maintained by the various HSE areas. However, it is estimated that approximately 1.5% of all SWA claims are disallowed for HRC reasons. It is open to any customer who is not satisfied with the decision on their claim to appeal that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

767 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1515/10]

Under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, any gift with a value in excess of €650 must be surrendered to the State and declared in the Minister's statement of registerable interests submitted to the Standards in Public Office Commission.

The Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, provided for the disclosure of interests by office holders. Returns to the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPOC) are available on www.sipo.gov.ie .

Social Welfare Fraud.

Mary Upton

Question:

768 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimate by her Department of the level of fraud in each of the areas of payment in percentage and in actual amounts for each year from 2001 to 2009; if she disagrees with figures presented in a recent television programme (details supplied), will she provide the information to refute the assertion in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1526/10]

In order to identify fraud and error levels in schemes the Department carries out detailed fraud and error surveys on individual schemes. These surveys provide evidence based indicators for levels of fraud and error within those schemes at that particular time.

The recent "Prime Time" programme suggested a potential fraud level of 10% in the total welfare expenditure but did not produce any evidence to support this particular figure. As reported by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the percentage of expenditure resulting from fraud identified in the detailed fraud and error surveys ranged from 0% for pensioners, to 0.1% for Illness Benefit, 0.8% for the Family Income Supplement, 1.8% for Child Benefit, 2.3% for the Disability Allowance and 6.4% for the One Parent Family Payment.

An examination of welfare fraud was undertaken last year by the Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs. The report which was agreed by the Committee, in October 2009, acknowledged that there is not sufficient data to determine an overall fraud rate. However the report stated that "An estimated approximate fraud level across all schemes was put at less than one per cent". This estimate is based on fraud and error surveys undertaken to date.

In view of the number of income maintenance schemes administered by the Department, it would not be practical to carry out rolling fraud and error surveys on all major schemes on an on-going basis and therefore an estimate of the level of fraud in each of the areas of payment for each year from 2001 to 2009 is not available.

Although the level of fraud on most schemes is very low as evidenced by surveys carried out by the Department over the past number of years, within schemes however, some categories of claimants can be a much higher risk than others and when these are identified the Department moves to address this. In addition fraud detection measures have increased and improved significantly over the last number of years and will be left under ongoing review to ensure that fraud is tackled as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Question No. 769 answered with Question No. 103.

Social Insurance.

Joe McHugh

Question:

770 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the implementation of the dental treatment benefit scheme for 2010; if she will confirm that the scheme will be available in 2010 to those who have paid for this treatment through PRSI contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1630/10]

The Treatment Benefit scheme is paid from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF).

Although the SIF has operated a surplus since 1996, this position began to change last year, and expenditure had to be partially funded from the accumulated Exchequer surplus. It is estimated that the accumulated surplus will be completely exhausted in the first half of 2010, and that Exchequer will be required to subvent the SIF by around €1.2 billion.

Having regard to the current economic climate the Government had to take difficult decisions in Budget 2010 to ensure that the public finances are put on a stable basis. In this context it was necessary to revise the Treatment Benefit scheme to provide for dental examination only for 2010.

The scheme will be reviewed again towards the end of the year, taking account of the prevailing circumstances at that time.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

771 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when social welfare payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1761/10]

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.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

772 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a domiciliary care allowance appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1767/10]

In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 20th October 2009. This application was referred to one of the Departments Medical Assessors who advised that the child in question did not meet the criteria for receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance.

A letter issued to the person in question on 25th November 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse Domiciliary Care Allowance on medical criteria grounds.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task.

Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

To date the person in question has not appealed the decision but based on the additional medical information supplied by the Deputy, the original decision will be reviewed.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Question:

773 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance received and the number refused by her Department since it took over the administration of the scheme on 1 April 2009; the number of same which were from children with an autism spectrum disorder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1819/10]

In the period 1st April 2009 to 31st December 2009 a total of 3,389 applications for Domiciliary Care Allowance were received in the required format by the Department. Of these, 2,823 cases have been fully processed to date, 1,031 were awarded and 1,792 were deemed not to be eligible, a 36.5% allowance rate. 566 applications are currently pending decision.

Of the processed applications in 2009, 286 applications had a recorded medical condition of Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder, 125 of which have been deemed eligible and 161 have been deemed not eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance, a 44% allowance rate.

David Stanton

Question:

774 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will conduct a review of all domiciliary care allowance claims since becoming responsible for all applications on 1 September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1820/10]

The transfer of the Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme from the Health Service Executive to this Department arises from a Government decision on 28th February 2006 to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme. The Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme is now a statutory scheme with the primary legislation provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008.

The Health Service Executive provided review dates during the migration of data to this Department in respect of cases in which there is a possibility of an improvement in the child's medical condition. In other cases no review date was provided, for example, in cases where the medical advice indicated that the child's condition is unlikely to improve. The Department will review the cases with scheduled review dates in due course as part of the Review and Control policy for the scheme.

Cases processed by the Department have a review date entered at the date of award, based on the recommendation of the Departments Medical advisor, having considered the child's medical prognosis.

Those people who currently receive Domiciliary Care allowance will continue to receive the allowance unless there is a change of circumstances in relation to the medical condition of their child or another change of circumstances that would mean they no longer satisfied the qualifying conditions for the scheme. All claimants are obliged to notify the Department of any change in their circumstances.

Question No. 775 answered with Question No. 103.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

776 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a date will be set for an oral hearing in respect of an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will be made on their application for habitual residency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1830/10]

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.

In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Registration of Births.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

777 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon cannot be issued with a birth certificate in Irish; if she will undertake to rectify this situation in forthcoming legislation or, if possible, by ministerial order. [1851/10]

The provisions governing the registration of births in Ireland and the issuing of certified copies of entries in the register of births (commonly known as birth certificates) are contained in the Civil Registration Act, 2004.

Parents or other qualified informants may register a birth using either of the official languages of the State, and this has been the case for many years.

Section 61 of the Act provides that a true copy of an entry in the register of births must be provided to any person, upon payment of a prescribed fee. Accordingly, true copies of entries that were registered in the English language must be issued in English and entries registered as Gaeilge must be provided in Irish. To issue a certificate containing details other than those registered would be contrary to section 61 of the Act.

An entry in the register of births is a historical record of the facts as pertaining at the time of birth and cannot be updated to reflect changed circumstances.

The fact that a person's birth is registered in one or other of the official languages of the State does not impact upon a person's right to be known by either the Irish or English version of their name. A person acquires their name by use and repute under the common law, and there is no requirement in law that a person must be known by the name contained in their birth entry.

If a person who uses a name other than that which is entered in the register of births wishes to have an official record of this, it is open to the person concerned to obtain a change of name by Deed Poll.

With regard to the question of rectifying the situation in legislation, it is important to be aware of the fact that, while a birth certificate is not proof of identity, it is often accepted as such and, in any event, is an important document used to establish identity. It is difficult, therefore, to see how multiple versions of a birth certificate in respect of the same person could be issued without increasing opportunities for identity fraud and undermining the systems of civil registration, driving licences and passport issue.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

778 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons receiving a weekly or monthly social welfare assistance or benefit by book payment; the number of these book payments that renew in February, March, April and so on; and the typical payment types that are involved. [1856/10]

The production of the Personalised Payable Order (PPO) book ceased in September 2009. The migration from PPO to electronic payment was successfully carried out on a phased basis over 2008 and 2009. All social welfare customers who had PPO books now collect their payment at their post office by using the social services (swipe) card.

Social Insurance.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

779 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the inflexibility of current social security arrangements whereby a person who has employment for three hours five days a week, earning less than €150 per week, cannot qualify for jobseeker’s benefit for the hours they are available for work or for family income supplement if he or she has children and the steps she intends to take to address this problem. [1861/10]

The Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative employment. It is a fundamental qualifying condition for these benefits that a person must be available for full-time work.

Under the current Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance system, a working week is considered to be six days. Sunday is not considered to form part of the working week and any work done on a Sunday is not reckoned when entitlement to benefit is being determined.

The benefit is only payable in respect of days of unemployment and it is not, therefore, payable in respect of any day during which the person is engaged in insurable employment, irrespective of the extent of the employment (number of hours worked) or the remuneration.. Where a person is employed for up to three days in a week, s/he may claim Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance in respect of the remainder of the week, subject to being available for full-time work.

It is recognised that a changing labour market has resulted in a move away from the more traditional work patterns, with a consequent increase in the number of atypical workers. In response, the Department conducted a ‘Review of the Application of the Unemployment Benefit and Assistance Schemes Conditions to workers who are not employed on a full-time basis' which examined the application of the Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance schemes conditions to workers who are not employed on a full-time basis, i.e. part-time, casual and systematic short-time workers.

The review made a number of recommendations including broadening Jobseeker's Benefit conditions to provide compensation for loss of employment in the case of part-time and other atypical workers. The report is under active consideration within the Department.

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) provides income support for employees with families on low earnings. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might otherwise only be marginally better off than if he or she were in receipt of other social welfare payments.

Qualification for payment under this scheme requires that a person must be engaged in insurable employment for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight. A couple may combine their hours of employment to meet the qualification criteria.

Improvements in recent years to FIS include the change of assessment from a gross income to a net income basis, the increase to €20 per week in the minimum payment and the refocusing of income thresholds to include additional gains for larger families.

The working hours requirement to qualify for FIS i.e. a minimum of 19 hours per week/38 hours per fortnight already assumes a reduction in hours compared to the standard working week. Any further changes to the minimum hours worked for FIS purposes could only be considered in a budgetary context.

In addition, the Part-Time Job Incentive scheme is available to those who were previously on a jobseeker's payment for 15 months or more and are now working under 24 hours per week while seeking full time employment. This payment is not affected by the earnings received from the part-time job.

Question No. 780 answered with Question No. 103.

Departmental Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

781 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a release date has been sought for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to enable the person’s request for a lateral transfer to proceed; if so, when the release date was sought; and when they can expect the transfer to proceed. [1876/10]

The position has not changed since I responded to the Deputy in relation to this matter on 8th December last. At that time, I informed the Deputy that the person concerned is currently serving in the Sligo office of the Department.

Staffing of the Department's offices is kept under ongoing review to ensure that adequate resources are deployed as necessary. The business requirements of the Sligo office are such that the Department is not in a position to facilitate the transfer of the person concerned.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

782 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an assessment by another medical officer will be carried out to finalise the disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1880/10]

Payment of disability allowance to the person concerned was refused by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for disability allowance. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford him an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of his appeal. On receipt of his response the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Question:

783 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal will be opened on the refusal of a carer’s allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1883/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

801 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2009/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 801 together.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the persons concerned have been sought. When received, the appeals in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Question:

784 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when adisability appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1892/10]

Payment of disability allowance, to the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for disability allowance.

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 assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out and the Social Welfare Appeals Office will be in contact with the person concerned as soon as the result of the assessment is to hand.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 785 answered with Question No. 103.
Question No. 786 answered with Question No. 754.
Question No. 787 answered with Question No. 96.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

788 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to provide an additional fuel allowance instalment to assist low income families in heating their homes in view of the cold spell this winter. [1942/10]

The Department assists social welfare recipients with heating costs, through their basic payments, through the fuel allowance scheme and through the household benefits package of electricity and gas allowances.

The household benefits package is payable throughout the year to almost 380,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households to assist them with their heating, light and cooking costs. This scheme cost approximately €200m in 2009.

In addition, the national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the additional cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full and must be seen in the context of the overall level of income available to the family.

In Budget 2009, the duration of the payment was increased by an extra 2 weeks to 32 weeks, while the weekly value of the allowance was increased by €2 to €20 a week, or €23.90 in designated smokeless areas. This compares with just €14 and €17.90 respectively in 2006.

These are in addition to other improvements made in recent years, including a significant increase in the income threshold for the allowance with effect from 2008. A single person aged under 80, with a household income of less than €330.30 a week can now qualify for the fuel allowance. The income limits for couples are €483.80 a week where the qualified adult is aged under 66 and €536.80 a week where both adults are aged over 66.

As a result of these improvements, almost 318,000 people benefited from the fuel allowance in 2009 at an estimated cost of €217 million.

In addition to the basic welfare payments, household benefits and fuel allowance payments highlighted above, the Department also provides funding to the Community Welfare Service to assist people with special heating needs. CWOs can pay a heating supplement to people in certain circumstances with specific heating needs due to infirmity or a particular medical condition. They can also make exceptional needs payments to people who do not have enough money to meet their heating costs.

Since the onset of the adverse weather conditions, community welfare officers have provided assistance to people to purchase additional fuel, heaters and clothing. They have also given funding towards the payment of heating bills and for repairs arising from burst pipes. Over €170,000 has been paid out since 1 January 2010 in respect of such claims. Assistance will continue to be provided towards the payment of heating bills for those in need.

Paying a special increase in response to the bad weather would not necessarily represent a good targeting of limited resources. Rather, it is considered desirable to continue to give the CWOs the discretion and the funding to assist people who need extra financial support.

Question No. 789 answered with Question No. 766.

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

790 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress being made on her strategy to end poverty by 2016 as set out in the Programme for Government. [1944/10]

Combating poverty and building an inclusive society are key priorities for the Government. The overall goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) introduced in February 2007 is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2 per cent and 4 per cent by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. These commitments and the social inclusion commitments in the National Development Plan have wide ranging support, having been drawn up in consultation with the social partners and other stakeholders.

The latest results from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), released in November 2009, which applied to 2008, indicated at that stage that the reductions in poverty were on target to achieve both the 2012 and 2016 goals. It showed that the rate of consistent poverty in the population in 2008 was 4.2 per cent, down from 5.1 per cent in 2007 and 6.5 per cent in 2006.

The position of groups most vulnerable to consistent poverty is as follows. The proportion of children (0-17) experiencing consistent poverty reduced from 7.4 per cent in 2007 to 6.3 per cent in 2008. This significant reduction may be, at least in part, due to the major reduction in the incidence of consistent poverty among lone parents from 20.1 per cent in 2007 to 17.8 per cent in 2008. Other groups with a relatively high level of consistent poverty include the unemployed whose rate reduced from 17.5 per cent to 9.7 per cent and those not at work due to sickness or disability whose rate reduced from 15.8. per cent to 13.2 per cent in 2008.

The major factor determining whether people are vulnerable to consistent poverty, demonstrated by the findings of this and other similar surveys, is employment. The rate of consistent poverty in 2008 for households where no one was at work was 13.2 per cent (although this was down substantially from 16.3 in 2007 and 21.2 per cent in 2006). This rate was more than 4 times the rate for households where one person was at work. Where two people in a household were at work the rate was under 1 per cent.

Our challenge now is to create jobs for those without work. Economic policy is the major basis for creating jobs and reducing unemployment. Employment participation, for example, is currently facilitated and incentivised by a range of education and employment supports made available by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to people in receipt of social welfare payments, particularly the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and sickness related welfare recipients. These include the Back to Education and Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Schemes. The Activation and Family Support Programme and the Second Chance Education Opportunities Scheme offer supports to social welfare customers and others to help them improve their employability and personal and family situations. People with families who are in lower paid employment are eligible to receive the Family Income Supplement which increases household income while enabling recipients to remain in, or take up, employment.

It is more essential than ever in the current economic conditions to ensure that the resources devoted to social inclusion policies are used as effectively and efficiently as possible. The NAPinclusion facilitates this through tackling poverty in a coordinated and ‘joined up' way so as to ensure better results in relation to both the people supported and the substantial resources expended. The range of policies subject to the NAPinclusion includes actions on employment, social welfare, education, health, housing, disability and equality. It is also vital however, that economic policies are pursued at this time that will enable better and more secure living standards for the future.

Working to restore economic growth must, therefore, be the overriding priority to achieve the overall goal of eliminating consistent poverty and the goals and targets of the NAPinclusion in the years ahead. I am confident that the Government is pursuing the correct combination of economic and social policies that will greatly increase the likelihood of achieving that goal.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

791 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to make further cuts to social welfare rates in 2011. [1945/10]

Social welfare changes for 2011 will be considered later this year in the context of next year's Budget preparations, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

792 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has read the recently released report entitled, How the Poor were Made to Pay, an analysis of the impact of budget 2010, produced by a number of anti-poverty agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1946/10]

I have noted the contents of the recently released report How the Poor were Made to Pay: an analysis of the impact of the December 2009 Budget.

I appreciate that the cuts made in the welfare area will not be easy for people but I genuinely believe that if the Government doesn't take steps now to reduce overall public expenditure and restore stability to the public finances, we risk making the economic situation far worse for everyone — including welfare recipients — in the long term.

The reductions made to welfare rates in the Budget are estimated to generate savings of €762 million in 2010vis-à-vis the Pre-Budget estimate. Even so €21.1 billion will be spent on social welfare in 2010 — €676 million or 3.3% more than the expected final expenditure figure of €20.4 billion for 2009. The changes made in the Budget will reduce overall public expenditure and improve the financial incentive for jobseeker’s to take up work or training.

In doing so, we have avoided making any cuts in the State pension. We have also fully protected more than 420,000 children in welfare-dependent and low-income families from cuts in Child Benefit. And, we have ensured that cuts in weekly rates for those aged under 66 are lower than the decreases in prices over the past year or so and that welfare recipients are therefore still better off in real terms.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

793 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer’s allowance appeal will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1963/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

795 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an illness benefit appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2001/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

798 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a domiciliary care allowance appeal will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2006/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

799 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an invalidity pension appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2007/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

800 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a jobseeker’s benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2008/10]

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 793, 795 and 798 to 800, inclusive, together.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department on each of the appeals from the persons concerned have been received and have 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.

Michael Ring

Question:

794 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal will be heard on disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1965/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 795 answered with Question No. 793.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

796 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded jobseeker’s allowance now that all the necessary documentation has been supplied. [2003/10]

The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 8 March 2009. In December 2009 he was awarded jobseeker's allowance with effect from 8 March 2009 to 18 July 2009 at which time he had signed off to take up employment. Arrears of jobseeker's allowance amounting to €3847.70 for the period 8 March 2009 to 18 July 209 were issued to him on 4 December, 2009. The delay in deciding his claim arose from the application of the Habitual Residence Test.

The person concerned ceased working on 9 October 2009 and made a repeat application for jobseeker's allowance on 18 November 2009. On 7 December 2009 a deciding officer allowed his claim at the weekly maximum rate of €204.30 from 18 November 2009. In line with changes provided for in Budget 2010 this was reduced to €196 per week with effect from 1 January2010.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

797 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for carer’s allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2005/10]

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.

Questions Nos. 798 to 800, inclusive, answered with Question No. 793.
Question No. 801 answered with Question No. 783.

Michael Ring

Question:

802 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2010/10]

Payment of disability allowance, to the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for disability allowance. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford him an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of his appeal. On receipt of his response the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

803 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of incapacity and lone parent benefits for each year since 2000 to date in 2010; the percentage of the working population this represents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2013/10]

The information requested by the deputy is contained in the tabular statement.

One-Parent Family Payment and Disability Payments as a percentage of the Labour Force and Numbers in Employment, 2000 to 2009.

Year

Labour Force(1)

Number in Employment(1)

One-Parent Family Payment

One-Parent Family Payment as % of Labour Force

One Parent Family Payments as % of Employed

Disability Payments(3)

Disability Payments as % of Labour Force

Disability Payments as % of Employed

%

%

%

%

2000

1,763,700

1,684,100

74,119

4.2

4.4

113,891

6.5

6.8

2001

1,807,400

1,738,000

77,142

4.3

4.4

119,500

6.6

6.9

2002

1,850,800

1,768,500

79,195

4.3

4.5

126,542

6.8

7.2

2003

1,886,700

1,800,000

79,296

4.2

4.4

133,032

7.1

7.4

2004

1,940,000

1,852,200

80,103

4.1

4.3

141,002

7.3

7.6

2005

2,040,400

1,944,600

80,366

3.9

4.1

150,080

7.4

7.7

2006

2,132,800

2,034,900

83,081

3.9

4.1

148,297

7.0

7.3

2007

2,217,000

2,113,900

85,084

3.8

4.0

155,878

7.0

7.4

2008

2,239,600

2,112,800

87,840

3.9

4.2

162,671

7.3

7.7

2009

2,203,100

1,938,500

90,484

4.1

4.7

166,328(3)

7.5

8.6

(1)Source: Central Statistics Office.

(2)Includes Invalidity Pension, Disablement Pension and Disability Allowance

(3)November 2009.

Employment Support Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

804 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of interview referrals to FÁS under the national employment action plan in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2046/10]

The National Employment Action Plan, operated jointly with FÁS, is the main activation measure for jobseeker's. It has been in operation since 1998 and has proven successful in that period in assisting people on the live register back into employment. It provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people.

Under the Plan, all persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register, are identified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and referred to FÁS for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market. In the period January to end of October, 2009 (the latest period for which data is available) a total of 71,405 persons were referred to FÁS — this is an increase of 42% (21,207) over the same period in 2008.

The Employment Action plan process is a key element in addressing the progression needs of those on the Live Register. It provides a stimulus to job search and affords an opportunity to explore, under professional guidance, the full range of employment and training services offered by FÁS.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

805 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff in her Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2173/10]

The table details the number of staff serving in the Department annually since 2007, broken down by Division.

1.1.2007

1.1.2008

1.1.2009

1.1.2010

SW Regions

1,903

1,917

2,028

2,303

Planning/Policy

91

91

90

105

Central Support/Admin

391

385

380

342

IS Division

251

236

235

230

SW Schemes/Control + Associated Areas

1626

1757

1752

1699

Social Welfare Appeals Office

54

54

55

54

Overall Total

4,316

4,440

4,540

4,733

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

806 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons currently in receipt of widow or widowers pensions on foot of self employed contributions; the number of applicants who have been disallowed for such payment in each of the past five years to date in 2010 on the grounds that the self employed contributions applied to one spouse only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2176/10]

Statistics are not available on the overall number of persons currently in receipt of Widow/er's Contributory Pension on the basis of self employment PRSI specifically. However, of 5,573 Widow/er's Contributory Pensions awarded in 2009, 44 were based on self employment PRSI.

There have been no applications disallowed on the basis that self employment contributions applied to one spouse only, as entitlement to Widow/er's Contributory Pension can be based on either the applicant's own PRSI record or that of the deceased spouse.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

807 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of instances wherein her Department initiated an appeal where a deciding officer has previously awarded a payment in the past five years to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2177/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that they have no record of instances whereby an appeal was initiated by the Department in cases where a deciding officer had previously awarded a payment. The Deputy may be referring to cases where the Department requested a review by the Chief Appeals Officer in respect of Appeals Officers decisions. An Appeals Officer's decision is final and conclusive but may be revised by the Chief Appeals Officer where it appears that the decision was erroneous by reason of some mistake having been made in relation to the law or the facts. Either party to an appeal may seek such a revision. The Department requested a review in 1 case in 2007, 9 cases in 2008 and 11 cases in 2009 and 1 case in 2010. There is no record of any review being sought by the Department prior to 2007.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

808 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for various social welfare payments that have been disallowed on the grounds of failure to meet habitual residency conditions in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the number of such cases overturned on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2178/10]

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. All applicants — regardless of nationality — for the following payments are required to be habitually resident in the State:

Jobseeker's Allowance;

State Pension (Non-Contributory for persons aged over 66);

Blind Pension;

Widow's, Widower's and Orphan's Non-Contributory Pensions;

One-parent Family Payment;

Carer's Allowance;

Disability Allowance;

Supplementary Welfare Allowance (including Rent Supplement);

Domiciliary Care Allowance;

Child Benefit,

The number of applications that have been disallowed welfare payments, based on the failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition, from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2009 is 30,962. An annual breakdown of the figures is set out in the table. Figures for January 2010 are not available.

Scheme

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Jobseeker’s Allowance

2,865

3,404

4,016

4,535

7,484

State Pension (Non-Con)

33

147

Not Avail

0

16

Blind Pension

1

0

Not Avail

0

0

Widow’s, Widower’s & Orphan’s Non-Con Pensions

6

11

Not Avail

0

7

One-Parent Family Payt.

382

179

289

295

381

Carer’s Allowance

105

66

45

87

192

Disability Allowance

389

203

196

278

570

Domiciliary Care Allce.

Not applicable

14

Child Benefit

818

351

577

1,102

1,918

Total

4,599

4,361

5,123

6,297

10,582

Information on the number of these cases that were overturned on appeal is not readily available. Statistics on the number of Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) claims that do not satisfy the habitual residence condition are not maintained by the various HSE areas. However, it is estimated that approximately 1.5% of all SWA claims are disallowed for HRC reasons. It is open to any customer who is not satisfied with the decision on their claim to appeal that decision.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

809 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of appeals processed by her Department in respect of carer’s allowance in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number found in favour of applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2179/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

810 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of appeals processed by her Department in respect of old age contributory and non contributory pension in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number found in favour of applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2180/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

811 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of appeals processed by her Department in respect of disability allowance and benefit in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number found in favour of applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2181/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 809 to 811, inclusive, together.

The questions seek statistical information on the work of the Social Welfare Appeals Office. I am advised by the Social welfare Appeals Officer that the statistics requested by the Deputy in respect of 2007, 2008 are available in the annual reports of that Office for the relevant years. The statistics in respect of 2009 are being compiled at present for inclusion in the 2009 annual report and there are no statistics available for 2010.

Pension Provisions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

812 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the practice of issuing forecasts of contribution entitlements in respect of old age pension applications has been suspended in view of the fact that the procedure whereby an application has to be made in the first instance, the full process undertaken and a further review of contribution entitlements thereby causing hardship to applicants and long administrative delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2182/10]

The Department has not suspended the practice of providing a history of contribution entitlements to customers. On request, a customer will be provided with a copy of their full social insurance contribution history, together with the booklet ‘Working It Out', to assist them in assessing their possible pension entitlement. This enables a customer to review their contribution history. Should they identify any ‘gaps' in their record, they can have these investigated and rectified in advance of pension application stage.

Question No. 813 answered with Question No. 118.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

814 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for back to education allowance received, granted or refused in each of the past five years to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2184/10]

Participants on the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme transfer from another social welfare payment. Annual statistics are collated by the department for the number of participants on the basis of the relevant academic year. Statistics are not collated centrally on the number of applications received or the number who are refused entry to the scheme and, consequently, remain on their existing payment. Details of the number of participants on the scheme (BTEA) for the academic years 2004/2005 to 2008/2009 are presented in the following table. The table shows a significant increase in the number of participants on the scheme in the 2008/09 academic year.

BTEA Participants 2004/2005 to 2008/2009

Academic year

Number of Participants

2004/2005

7,308

2005/2006

7,285

2006/2007

8,090

2007/2008

8,883

2008/2009

11,646

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

815 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of mortgage support and the cost thereof in each of the past three years to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2185/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

816 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of rent support; the cost thereof in each of the past three years to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2186/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

817 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applicants for rent support received in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the number awarded; the number appealed; the number of cases overturned on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2187/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

818 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for mortgage support received in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the number awarded; the number appealed; the number of cased overturned on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2188/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 815 to 818, inclusive, together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of rent or mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.

Similarly, mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.

The following is a tabular statement on rent and mortgage interest supplement recipients and expenditure for: 2007; 2008; and 2009. Currently there is no available data on expenditure for rent and mortgage interest supplement for 2010. Expenditure data is collected on a month-end basis. I also attach tables showing the number of rent and mortgage interest supplement claims registered and awarded in: 2007; 2008; 2009; and up to the 15th of January 2010. Figures are unavailable for the number of claims registered and awarded for the years 2005 and 2006. Further tables show the number of rent and mortgage interest supplement appeals received and, of those, the number of appeals which were successful for the years 2005 to 2009.

Recipients and Expenditure on Rent Supplement 2006 to 2009

Year

Recipients

Expenditure

€000*

2006

59,861

388,339

2007

59,726

391,466

2008

74,038

440,784

2009

93,030

507,681

*Expenditure for 2009 is Provisional.

*No expenditure figures for 2010 available.

Recipients and Expenditure on Mortgage Interest Supplement 2006 to 2009

Year

Recipients

Expenditure

€000*

2006

3,424

7,872

2007

4,111

12,198

2008

8,091

27,675

2009

15,101

60,727

*Expenditure for 2009 is Provisional.

*No expenditure figures for 2010 available.

Rent Supplement Claims Registered and Awarded 2007 to 2010

Year

Claims Registered

Claims Awarded

2007

43,832

41,197

2008

67,136

62,122

2009

97,523

87,802

2010*

2,580

2,246

*To 15 January 2010.

Notes

Claims registered include claims not pursued by the applicant and re-application where a rent supplement recipient moves to new accommodation.

Claim details are recorded electronically where it is established that rent supplement is payable. Where an appeal has been lodged, claim details are also recorded electronically.

Given the pressure on the community welfare service, claim details are not always recorded on the system where no entitlement has been established to rent supplement.

The difference between claims registered and claims awarded is not necessarily a refusal rate, for the reasons outlined above.

In these circumstances, fully reliable statistics are not available on the total number of people who applied for and were refused rent supplement.

Mortgage Interest Supplement Claims Registered and Awarded 2007 to 2010

Year

Claims Registered

Claims Awarded

2007

3,694

2,985

2008

8,827

7,080

2009

18,796

13,724

2010*

482

338

*To 15 January 2010.

Notes

Claims registered include claims not pursued by the applicant.

Claim details are recorded electronically where it is established that rent supplement is payable. Where an appeal has been lodged, claim details are recorded electronically.

Given the pressure on the community welfare service, claim details are not always recorded on the system where no entitlement has been established to mortgage interest supplement.

The difference between claims registered and claims awarded is not necessarily a refusal rate, for the reasons outlined above.

In these circumstances, fully reliable statistics are not available on the total number of people who applied for and were refused mortgage interest supplement.

Rent Supplement Appeals Received and Granted by HSE Appeals Officers 2005 to 2009

Year

Appeals Received

Appeals Granted

2005

930

268

2006

1,701

591

2007

806

208

2008

2,996

742

2009

1,489

336

Mortgage Interest Supplement Appeals Received and Granted by HSE Appeals Officers 2005 to 2009

Year

Appeals Received

Appeals Granted

2005

14

2006

241

64

2007

104

20

2008

686

113

2009

878

84

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

819 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the refusal of old age pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2002; if a further review has taken place to ascertain if they qualify under partnership or self employed criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2189/10]

In order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), a minimum of 260 paid reckonable contributions is required, from either employment or self-employment. The person concerned applied for State Pension (Contributory) in 2002. Her claim was disallowed on 23 January 2002 on the grounds that she does not satisfy the contribution condition as she only has a total of 156 paid contributions (in respect of a three year self-employment period from 1991 to 1994). The person concerned has been advised of the procedure for having the status of a commercial partnership recognised.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

820 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of compensation received annually since 2000 by CIE broken down by company, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann for transporting passengers with free travel passes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2230/10]

The Department pays the CIE Group centrally in respect of transport services provided by the Group companies for pensioners and other groups eligible under the Free Travel scheme. The apportionment of payment between the three constituent companies, Bus Eireann, Bus Atha Cliath and Iarnród Eireann is a matter for the CIE Group to determine. Payments made to the CIE Group since 2000 are as follows:

Year

Amount paid

€000’s

2000

40,450,467

2001

41,530,850

2002

41,806,029

2003

45,776,164

2004

46,791,313

2005

48,884,577

2006

50,334,031

2007

52,367,167

2008

56,210,748

*2009

60,981,464

*2009 Figures are provisional.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

821 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the insurance compensation received following the sinking of the Asgard II and the manner in which it will be utilised; the status of the Coiste An Asgard sail training programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48245/09]

In the context of settling the Estimates for my Department for 2010, the Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure.

The decision to discontinue the scheme was a difficult one. I am conscious of the fact that it will come as a great disappointment to many. However, the reality is that in the current difficult economic situation there is no option but to make reductions in all areas of public expenditure, including Defence. In that regard my priority is to ensure that the Defence Forces have the resources to discharge their allotted tasks at home and abroad. The sum of €3.8m representing the insured value of Asgard II has been transferred to the Department of Finance as Extra Exchequer Receipts.

Reserve Defence Force.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

822 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number signed up with the Reserve Defence Force; the number at the end of 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48284/09]

I am advised by the Military authorities that the number signed up with the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) as at 30 November 2009, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 6,732. The number signed up with the RDF (effective plus non-effective) at the end of 2005 was 10,833, i.e. 10,425 in the Army Reserve and 408 in the Naval Service Reserve.

The table shows the strengths of the FCA and an Slua Muirí for each of the years 1980, 1985, 1990 and 1995.

FCA

Slua Muirí

Total

1980

20,850

425

21,275

1985

15,457

422

15,879

1990

15,320

348

15,668

1995

15,285

354

15,639

The figures for 2000 could not be collated in the time available but I have requested my officials to follow up with Records & Data Management to ascertain these and revert to you in writing in due course.

The total strength of the Reserve includes personnel who are categorised as non-effective. As provided for in Defence Forces Regulation R5, personnel are removed from the effective strength of their Units and are placed on the non-effective list primarily for failure to meet minimum training requirements. These personnel remain liable for call out on permanent service or service in ATCP. Since 2004, with the role of the RDF Review Implementation Plan, the military authorities have increased their efforts to ensure that only those members who meet the requirements remain on the effective list. In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers, all recruitment to the RDF was suspended last March. Following a subsequent review and examination of RDF personnel numbers and budgets for 2009, I was satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Reserve.

Accordingly, on 19 May last I announced that limited recruitment to fill vacancies arising due to existing Reserve members resigning, or being discharged in the normal manner could proceed. This is subject to the overall strength figure that existed at 1st January 2009 (i.e. 7,671) not being exceeded. This limited recruitment continues to be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the RDF and future budgetary provisions. In addition, last November I approved the advancement of Privates from 2* to 3* for those members who have achieved the necessary qualifications along with promotions from Private to Corporal for those currently qualified and the promotion of one Commandant to Lt Colonel. These promotions will be made on a phased basis to March 2010.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

823 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence if, upon the lifting of the embargo on recruitment in the Permanent Defence Forces, consideration will be given to recruiting a percentage of recruits from the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48285/09]

Arising from the Government Decision on Public Service numbers, which took effect from 27 March 2009, recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force has been suspended with effect from that date.

I am in contact with the Minister for Finance about the implications of the Government Decision on the Permanent Defence Force. 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. It is however, too early to confirm the position in relation to further recruitment.

My Department and the Defence Forces are committed to ensuring that all suitably qualified candidates, including those who are members of the Reserve Defence Force, who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Permanent Defence Force. The primary focus in recruitment is to attract people with the core competencies required by the Permanent Defence Force. In this regard membership of the RDF is advantageous when applicants are being interviewed in that it affords them the opportunity to augment their own life experiences with those from their time in the RDF in order to display their suitability for enlistment in the PDF. While Reservists are encouraged to apply for positions in the PDF and many do, it is not intended to set targets for recruitment from the Reserve.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

824 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the number of Irish nationals serving in foreign armies; if his further attention has been drawn to the increase of Irish nationals joining foreign armies since the embargo was put in place by the Defence Forces here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48286/09]

Arising from the Government Decision on Public Service numbers, which took effect from 27 March 2009, recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force has been suspended with effect from that date. I am in contact with the Minister for Finance about the implications of the Government Decision on the Permanent Defence Force. 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.

Since the formation of the State a number of Irish Nationals have and are serving in Armies other than the Irish Defence Forces. However I have no information in relation to the number of Irish Nationals who have joined a Foreign Army since the effective date of the Government Decision on Public Service numbers. Any enlistment of Irish Nationals in a Foreign Army is a matter of individual choice.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

825 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Defence the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48310/09]

The number of civil service staff in my Department at 31/12/2009 was 401. The whole-time equivalent number was 376.73. My Department does not maintain records of the economic qualifications held by members of staff in a readily accessible format. My Department has a strong commitment to the training and development of staff. It has consistently met the Government target of devoting 4% of payroll to training. Given the business requirements of my Department, expertise and recognised qualifications in policy analysis are prioritised as part of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). A personal training and development plan is developed on an annual basis for every member of staff. Progress with individual training plans is reviewed formally twice a year as part of the PMDS process.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

826 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants engaged in constituency work in his Department; the salaries, accommodation costs and expenses involved or associated with these duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1004/10]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

827 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants engaged solely in constituency work in his Department; the salaries, accommodation costs and expenses involved or associated with these duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1005/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 826 and 827 together.

The number, grade and salary scales of civil servants engaged in constituency work in my Department are set out in the following table:

Number

Grade

Salary Scale as at 01/01/2010

1

Staff Officer

Staff Officer Scale PPC €34,771 – €46,171

1

Clerical Officer

Clerical Officer Higher Scale €23,042 – €36,267

2

Clerical Officer

Clerical Officer PPC Standard Scale €23,177 – €37,341

1

Clerical Officer

Clerical Officer Standard Scale €22,015 – €35,515

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) scales apply where officers were employed since 6 April 1995, pay class A rate of PRSI and make a personal pension contribution. Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid at standard Civil Service rates. The amount paid in 2009 was:

Overtime

NIL

Travel & Subsistence

70.61

The staff in question are accommodated in my Department's headquarters building in Dublin. The building is state-owned. Overhead costs are borne on the Vote for my Department and are not apportioned to individual members of staff or units of staff.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

828 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1253/10]

The information requested is as follows:

Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes: Measures reflected in Budget 2010

2010 Estimated Savings

€m

Reduction of Permanent Defence Force numbers. Reductions in PDF numbers already achieved are in line with Report recommendations. Civilian employee numbers are also reducing.

9.0

Rationalise Ireland’s overseas commitments — end participation in UN mission in Chad. Commitments will be reduced in 2010 through major downsizing of the units serving in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina

7.0

Reduce the Reserve Defence Force by two-thirds. Reduction in the number of paid training days for RDF members.

4.0

Close the sail training scheme (Asgard II) The sail training scheme is being discontinued.

0.8

Reduce Departmental staff numbers in proportion to the reduction in the Permanent Defence Force. Recommended reduction has been achieved.

0.5

Further Consolidation of property portfolio. Property sales of €5m are planned in 2010.

5.0

Charge the full economic cost of Aid to the Civil Power, Aid to the Civil Authority, etc. to the relevant bodies. An Post, the Central Bank and other organisations will be charged for security services on the same basis as the Commercial Banks.

3.0

Defence Forces Property.

Michael McGrath

Question:

829 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of a site (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1338/10]

The site referred to by the Deputy will be disposed of, taking account of market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the State and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

830 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1507/10]

I can confirm that the I have not received gifts over the value of €650 for the dates outlined by the Deputy. In relation to gifts under the value of €650, occasionally token gifts are exchanged between dignitaries on Ministerial trips both at home and abroad. These token gifts are of nominal monitory value as they are offered as gestures of goodwill. Examples of the type of gifts exchanged include military plaques, pieces of ethnic pottery, and ornaments made from wood or glass.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

831 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of whole time equivalents serving in his Department in the grades of secretary general, deputy secretary general, assistant secretary general, higher principal officer, principal officer, higher assistant principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer, staff officer and clerical officer on 1 January 1998, 1 January 2007 and the latest date for which figures are available. [1951/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Grade

Nos. Serving 1/1/98

Nos. Serving 1/1/07

Nos. Serving 1/1/10

Secretary General

1.00

1.00

1.00

Deputy Secretary General

Nil

Nil

Nil

Assistant Secretary

2.00

1.00

2.00

Principal Higher

1.00

3.00

5.00

Principal

9.00

10.80

7.70

Assistant Principal Higher

2.00

5.00

4.90

Assistant Principal

21.00

26.00

26.00

Higher Executive Officer

61.50

51.43

51.13

Executive Officer

62.00

71.55

70.73

Staff Officer

31.00

31.80

29.20

Clerical Officer

166.50

126.63

119.60

Denis Naughten

Question:

832 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2165/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined as follows:

31 December 2007

Section

Staff Number

Management Advisory Committee

4.00

Property Management

15.00

Contracts

13.00

Executive

10.00

International Security and Defence Policy

15.00

Office of Emergency Planning

5.00

Defence Forces Personnel Policy

6.50

Litigation

9.50

Conciliation & Arbitration

10.50

Legislation

6.50

Planning & Organisation

5.50

Information System

23.00

Minister’s Office

17.00

HR/Decentralisation/Facilities support

59.70

Finance/Audit/MIF

154.75

31 December 2008

Section

Staff Number

Management Advisory Committee

4.00

Property Management

21.00

Contracts

7.00

Executive

10.00

International Security and Defence Policy

18.00

Office of Emergency Planning

3.50

Defence Forces Personnel Policy

5.50

Litigation

12.00

Conciliation & Arbitration

11.00

Legislation

6.00

Planning & Organisation

6.50

Information System

23.00

Ministers’ Office

17.00

HR/Decentralisation/Facilities support

70.70

Finance/Audit/MIF

150.05

31 December 2009

Section

Staff Number

Management Advisory Committee

4.00

Property Management

16.10

Contract

7.00

Executive

10.00

International Security and Defence Policy

18.00

Office of Emergency Planning

3.80

Defence Forces Personnel Policy

6.70

Litigation

12.30

Conciliation & Arbitration

10.83

Legislation

4.80

Planning & Organisation

7.53

Information System

21.70

Ministers’ Office

15.00

HR/Decentralisation/Facilities support

65.00

Finance/Audit/MIF

141.50

I would like to reassure the Deputy that I am satisfied that structure and staffing levels in my Department are appropriate and that I remain committed to ensuring that the delivery of services by the Defence Organisation is as efficient and effective as possible.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

833 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of working days in 2009 that he was physically present in his Department in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2228/10]

I have a Ministerial Office in Leinster House, as well as an office at the Department of Defence Headquarters at Parkgate, Infirmary Road. As Minister for Defence, I also attend at the various Defence locations around the country on a regular basis. Whilst I do not keep a log of attendance at my various Offices, I meet with my officials and military personnel on a regular basis in all of these locations.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

834 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence in view of the announced deadline for the decentralisation of Defence Force headquarters to the Curragh, County Kildare, in December 2009, the number of staff scheduled to have been decentralised by December 2009 in his Department and by the Defence Force that have been decentralised; the number that remain to be decentralised; if deadlines for decentralisation of his Department and the Defence Force are on target; if the target has been missed, has a new target date been set; the date of the new target; the additional costs to the Exchequer that have resulted from missed deadlines; the extent of such costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2229/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. Approximately 200 of my Department's Dublin-based civil servants, together with about 55 military personnel will relocate to Newbridge. Approximately 88% of Civil Service staff who wish to decentralise to Newbridge were in situ at the end of December. The new building at Newbridge is progressing well and is expected to be ready for occupation in the summer. Costs in relation to the building project are borne on the Vote of the OPW.

In relation to the Curragh and in light of budgetary constraints at this time the Government has decided to defer proceeding with the new building for DFHQ at the Curragh. This location, along with a number of other deferred locations will be considered as part of the overall review of the programme in 2011. The decentralisation projects at these locations have not been abandoned. The implications of the deferment of the Curragh project are currently being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

835 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a hen harrier payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48440/09]

Payments are made on the basis of approved farm plans. I understand that the applicant's plan is currently with his farm planner for finalisation. When the final plan is submitted, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department will process the application and, if in order, payment will be made.

Legislative Programme.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

836 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the National Monuments Bill; when he will deliver this Bill to Cabinet. [48468/09]

I will shortly bring proposals to Government, based on extensive review of national monuments legislation, and substantial stakeholder consultation, with a view to bringing forward a comprehensive and modernised Monuments Bill as quickly as possible.

Litter Pollution.

Chris Andrews

Question:

837 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of litter fines that were served in the first six months of 2008; and the number that were paid. [48619/09]

Statistics on local authority enforcement action on litter, including the numbers of fines issued and paid for litter offences, are submitted by local authorities to my Department every six months; the latest figures available relate to the period January — June 2009 and are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Emergency Planning.

Mary Upton

Question:

838 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will institute a review of the State’s response time and lack of planning during both the recent flood and cold events; his views on the fact that there is an urgency in relation to future planning for weather events, particularly in view of the possible climate change effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1159/10]

I have initiated a review of the emergency response to the recent flooding event and a review will be undertaken on the operation of the co-ordination of the inter-agency arrangements during the recent severe weather event with a view to assessing the performance of the arrangements and to ascertain if any revisions are necessary.

Proposed Legislation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

839 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposed legislation or guidelines pertaining to dog breeding and dog welfare planned for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1172/10]

I published the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 on 22 December 2009. The Bill contains provision to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. A dog breeding establishment is defined in the Bill as a premises with not less than 6 bitches of 4 months old capable of breeding.

The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. Regulations will be introduced following its enactment and these will set out the detailed criteria for dog breeding establishments Guidelines for dog breeding establishments to meet the requirements of the legislation will be introduced by way of Regulations following enactment of the Bill. The draft Regulations will be subject to consultation with interested parties. to meet the requirements of the legislation. In addition, my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D., is preparing an Animal Health and Welfare Bill.

Foreshore Licences.

Seán Connick

Question:

840 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application (details supplied) was made to his Department by the ESB on 11 April 11 2008 to seek a foreshore licence for permission to drill under the River Barrow to replace existing over river pylons and wires with under river wires on the New Ross-Rosbercon 38kV line; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that tendering for this project cannot be completed because of the delay in issuing this foreshore licence by his Department; when this foreshore licence will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1177/10]

Following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act, 2009, my Department assumed responsibility on 15 January 2010 for a range of foreshore functions including all foreshore energy-related developments (including oil, gas, wind, wave and tidal energy).

The foreshore application made by the ESB in respect of the project referred to is at an advanced stage of consideration. Specific conditions for inclusion in a draft foreshore licence were issued to the ESB for its agreement on 11 December 2009 and a response from the company is awaited.

Emergency Planning.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

841 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the meetings of the National Emergency Co-ordination Committee held in October, November, December 2009 and to date in January 2010; the location of each meeting; the items on the agenda of each meeting; the persons who attended these meetings; the department, agency or organisation that these persons represented; the agreed actions resulting from each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1479/10]

The National Emergency Response Co-ordination Committee is a non standing committee and it was convened for the recent flooding and severe weather events. Its primary purpose is to bring together a whole of Government approach, and to this end it facilitates the exchange of information, ensures co-operation between various Government Departments, statutory agencies, the Defence Forces and voluntary bodies, and ensures that decisions on various matters are made where necessary in responding to a serious emergency event having country wide implications. It is also informed by reports from the various bodies at local level on the progress of local co-ordination and inter-agency arrangements in responding to the emerging events and on any issues which may require direction from the central level. In the event of certain emergencies, my Department has the chairing and co-ordinating role in relation to the emergency response. The Committee concerning the flood event met on 11 occasions in November and December, 2009, until the conclusion of the emergency response co-ordination task. The Committee concerning the severe weather met on 10 occasions to-date in January 2010, including a preliminary meeting of relevant Departments and agencies on 5 January which met in my Department. All other meetings were held in the National Emergency Coordination Centre in Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin. A further meeting has been arranged for Thursday, 21 January.

The agenda for each meeting was in a standard format dealing with the current situation, emerging issues, public information and safety messages. The organisations participating in the Committee differed during the two events, and also changed over the duration of the emergencies as issues arose and were addressed. Also, the representation of any Department or Agency may vary, depending on the subject matter under discussion. A table follows which lists the Departments and Agencies represented at both Committees. The actions agreed at meetings generally centred on actions to be taken by the local authority sector, National Roads Authority, Health Services Executive, arrangements for seeking the assistance of the Defence Forces and generally to ensure that co-ordination of actions by various bodies and agencies were complementary and inclusive. Examples of such actions were the acquisition of salt for the road network, improved public information, water conservation campaign, road safety, ensuring co-ordination of inter-agency activities, where necessary, and the provision of briefing. It is a sound fundamental principle of emergency management internationally that the response to emergencies builds from the basic organisational units with capability to respond, in Ireland's case that is from the local units of an Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and the local authorities. Generally due to the operation of a high level of inter-agency co-ordination arrangements at central and local levels as set out in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, formally commenced in September 2006, the requirement for direct action by the Committee was minimised.

Representation at National Emergency Response Co-ordination Committees

Organisation

Flooding Committee

Severe Weather Committee

Government Department

Environment, Heritage & Local Government

X

X

Transport

X

X

Justice, Equality & Law Reform

X

X

Health & Children

X

X

Defence

X

X

Taoiseach

X

X

Education and Science

X

X

Agriculture, Fisheries & Food

X

X

Communications, Energy & Natural Resources

X

X

Social & Family Affairs

X

Finance

X

Enterprise, Trade and Employment

X

X

Other Agencies

Defence Forces

X

X

Irish Coast Guard

X

Office of Emergency Planning

X

X

Met Éireann

X

X

Office of Public Works

X

Health Service Executive

X

X

Electricity Supply Board

X

X

An Garda Síochána

X

X

City & County Managers Association

X

X

Health & Safety Authority

X

Health & Safety Authority National Roads Authority

X

X

Local Authority Funding.

Phil Hogan

Question:

842 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal or competition impediments for local authorities who might wish to waive council business rates or offer a percentage rebate for new businesses for a defined time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1491/10]

Phil Hogan

Question:

881 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 24 November 2009, if the Local Authority (Rates) Act 1970 is superseded by the Valuation Act 2001; if there is any legal impediment for local authorities who might wish to waive council business rates or offer a percentage rebate for new businesses for a defined time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1492/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 and 881 together.

The Local Government (Rates) Act 1970, rather than the Valuation Act 2001, is the relevant piece of legislation in relation to rates waiver schemes. Under the provisions of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970, a rating authority may make and carry out a scheme providing for the waiver by the authority of all or a portion of commercial rates due by ratepayers generally or a class of ratepayers in respect of a specified class or classes of property. The making of such a scheme is subject to the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Any application received for a rate waiver scheme is carefully considered by me. However, in considering any such application it would have to be borne in mind that a waiver of rates for one class of ratepayer could unfairly impact on existing businesses in the area by giving a competitive advantage to a certain group through a reduction of costs. In addition, the introduction of a waiver scheme could further increase costs on the part of businesses who are not part of the scheme, as they would be required to make up the cost of the waiver scheme through the payment of additional rates. This could impose an additional burden in what are already difficult economic circumstances.

Housing Grants.

Joe McHugh

Question:

843 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reinstating the disabled person’s grant for those who have limited access in their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1604/10]

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 and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme, which was administered by the HSE, 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.

Under the terms of the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, grants of up to €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the cost, are available to assist in the carrying out of works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation needs of a person with a disability who is a member of the household. Under the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, grants of up to €6,000 are available and may cover up to 100% of the cost of a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily, but not exclusively, associated with ageing.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

844 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has sought information from each local authority in relation to their waiting list for housing adaptation grants for the elderly and mobility grants. [2599/10]

Michael Kennedy

Question:

861 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding allocations to local authorities for housing adaptation grants proportionate to the population of that local authority area in view of the fact that many local authorities are not receiving enough funding in relation to the high numbers of persons living within their remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48639/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 844 and 861 together.

The annual allocations to local authorities under the suite of Grants for Older People and People with a Disability are calculated on foot of detailed discussion between my Department and the local authorities and on the basis of the projected level of demand for grants, taking account of the level of applications on hand that have been assessed as eligible, applications yet to be assessed and projections for new applications to be received during the year. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the individual schemes, from within the combined allocations from local authority and Exchequer sources, notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within their allocation. My Department has requested local authorities to submit details of their funding requirements under the grant schemes for 2010 by 22 January, with a view to determining the allocations as soon as possible afterwards.

Natural Heritage Areas.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

845 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment for the sale of a bog will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48279/09]

Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority is being given under the bog purchase scheme to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites the ten year derogation given by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, has now expired.

The person in question owns land within a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004, and the 10 year derogation period will not expire until 2014. Land transactions within this area, accordingly, do not qualify for priority attention at present.

Local Authority Funding.

Pat Breen

Question:

846 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reimburse the €700,000 which has been spent to date by Clare County Council on the recent flooding crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48281/09]

Joe Carey

Question:

854 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reimburse the €659,000 expended by Clare County Council in response to the recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48449/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 and 854 together.

I provided some €16.5m in supplementary funding to assist local authorities in the worst hit areas in meeting the immediate and exceptional costs incurred in dealing with the recent flooding crisis. My Department made payments to affected local authorities in the week before Christmas. On the basis of Clare County Council's submission to my Department detailing the immediate and unanticipated expenditures incurred in responding to the flooding situation, I provided a total of €1,145,000 in emergency funding to the local authority.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

847 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48313/09]

The total number of staff employed by my Department on 1 January, 2010 was 1,186 (full-time equivalents). My Department has an extensive policy, legislative and capital investment mandate, and employs staff with a wide range of professional qualifications. In addition, many administrative staff have degrees in a variety of subjects. However, while economists/statisticians are currently employed in the Climate Change and Housing areas, my Department's Human Resources records do not hold information in a way that would readily identify staff who hold an economics degree, a post graduate economics degree or a PhD in economics. My Department, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, requires that all professional and technical staff recruited into my Department possess the necessary qualifications and experience for the posts concerned and these are specified for the individual competitions.

Sustainable Development Strategy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

848 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [48340/09]

South Dublin County Council's Traveller Engagement Programme was approved for funding in September 2007 as a project to be supported under my Department's Sustainable Communities Fund, which supports innovative housing related projects, on a co-funding basis, for a maximum of three years. Over the past two years, my Department has provided €173,551 to South Dublin County Council in respect of this Programme and further funding will be available this year in respect of its final year. In addition to the funding available under the Sustainable Communities Fund, my Department continues to fund 90% of the salaries and expenses of the social workers employed by South Dublin County Council to work with Travellers.

Planning Issues.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

849 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the increases in the cost of allotment rental; his plans to bring in regulations limiting the costs, particularly in the case of old age pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48348/09]

There are currently no primary legislative provisions governing the designation or management of allotments. The issue of allotments and any rental costs arising is therefore a matter for any local authority which may operate such an allotment scheme. I am considering introducing amending provisions in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 to give planning authorities the discretion to include objectives in their development plans which will facilitate the establishment and regulation of allotments in their areas. However, it is likely that the issue of rental costs would remain a matter for each authority.

Environmental Policy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

850 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action plan for the implementation of regulations that require all timber used in Government, semi-State and local authority procurement contracts to be sourced from certifiably sustainable timber producers in respect of EU Directive 17 and 18 of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48354/09]

Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC, which were transposed into Irish law by regulations made by the Minister for Finance, allow for environmental and social criteria and conditions to be integrated into public procurement procedures. Such criteria and conditions may, therefore, be included in the selection of technical specifications and award criteria, and in contract performance clauses.

The current emphasis is on ensuring that all timber entering the EU comes from legal sources. To this end, a new EU Regulation will require timber traders operating in the EU for the first time to operate "due diligence" systems as a further barrier to trade in illegal timber. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who has responsibility in this area, is negotiating this Regulation on behalf of Ireland.

The provisions of this Regulation, when adopted, will be reflected in the Green Public Procurement National Action Plan being prepared by my Department in co-operation with the National Procurement Operations Unit in the Office of Public Works. The Plan will help to ensure that we utilise our forest resources in a cost-effective way, while also safeguarding them for the benefit of future generations.

Proposed Legislation.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

851 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of a recent incident involving the collision of a vehicle and a deer during a Ward Union hunt, he will revoke the hunt’s licence on public safety grounds. [48365/09]

I am aware of the recent incident where a deer collided with a vehicle during a hunt meeting. I have had concerns for some time relating to this particular hunting practice for both animal welfare and public safety reasons. Accordingly, the Government recently approved the drafting of legislation to prohibit the hunting of deer by a pack of hounds in accordance with a commitment in this regard in the renewed Programme for Government. I expect that the legislation will be published as soon as possible.

Planning Issues.

Michael McGrath

Question:

852 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the residential density guidelines with a view to reduce density to provide for more family-friendly residential units in developments. [48367/09]

Following an extensive statutory consultation process, I published new statutory Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (Cities, Towns and Villages) in December 2008 to replace and update the 1999 Residential Density Guidelines.

These Guidelines seek to improve the design of residential developments, from the broad neighbourhood to the site and the actual home, setting out, inter alia, that the type and variety of homes provided should allow for families of different sizes and needs, and also highlight the needs and safety issues for children as regards access to community facilities, road design, open space and play areas.

Densities are addressed within the 2008 Guidelines in the context of the location of the proposed development i.e. city and town centres, inner suburban, outer suburban, brown-field sites, institutional lands, access to public transport corridors, small towns and villages.

The Guidelines and the accompanying Urban Design Manual, which provides practical guidance and examples of best practice planning, are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Waste Disposal.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

853 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will appoint an inspector to investigate the contract for an incinerator (details supplied) in Dublin 4; the reason he did not appoint an inspector when he assumed ministerial office in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48438/09]

There have been significant increases in recycling rates in Dublin, with a corresponding drop in residual waste volumes. In addition, the recommendations of the report which I commissioned to underpin the review of waste management policy provided for in the Programme for Government are designed to achieve further reduction in the volumes of residual waste generated, and to drive more waste towards recycling.

In these circumstances, and in light of potential competition issues which may result from the agreement between Dublin City Council and Dublin Waste to Energy, I have decided that the most appropriate course of action is to appoint an authorised person under section 224 of the Local Government Act 2001 to review the incinerator project. It remains open to Dublin City Council to engage with my Department to discuss any necessary adjustment to the project which might be necessary to bring it into line with the emerging reality of the waste market and waste policy generally.

I am in the process of identifying suitable candidates with the appropriate qualifications to act as authorised person.

Question No. 854 answered with Question No. 846.

Local Authority Charges.

Michael McGrath

Question:

855 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a waiver in relation to the €200 non principal private residence charge in the case of persons who own one property, who are currently in negative equity and who have had to move away from home to find employment elsewhere here or abroad. [48460/09]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which sets out the detail of the €200 charge on non-principal private residences, is structured with a starting position of a universal liability for residential property in respect of the charge. It goes on to exempt certain buildings and owners from this liability, the most important exemption being where a property is occupied by the owner as his or her sole or main residence on the liability date. Where a property is not occupied by the owner, it falls liable for the levy, even if it is the only property that person owns.

I have no plans at present to introduce a waiver scheme.

Appointments to State Boards.

Phil Hogan

Question:

856 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will appoint the professional conduct committee to deal with matters in relation to the architectural profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48565/09]

Under section 23(1) of the Building Control Act 2007, responsibility for the establishment of the Committee in question is vested in the relevant registration body, which, under section 13 of the Act, is the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

The appointment of architect members of the Committee is a matter for the RIAI itself. I am responsible for the appointment of the Chairperson and for the nomination of the non-architect members for appointment by the RIAI, subject to the consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the case of the appointment of the Chairperson and one of the non-architect nominations. I expect to make the appointment/nominations involved shortly.

Urban Renewal Schemes.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

857 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will announce the level of funding for Limerick regeneration for 2010; when this funding will become available for draw-down by Limerick regeneration; the amount of funding which will be committed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48567/09]

My Department continues to provide significant support for the regeneration project across Limerick City, through ongoing liaison with the Limerick Northside and Southside Regeneration Agencies and with the local authorities in the area. Up to the end of 2009, some €51 million was provided to support the development of the city's integrated regeneration programme, to fund an ambitious schedule of demolition and enabling works, as well as to implement the associated regeneration relocation strategy. In addition, funding was provided for a broad range of much needed social inclusion, community development, and enterprise development initiatives.

On 4 December 2009, my colleague, Minister Gormley, announced that the Government had reaffirmed its commitment to the regeneration programme for Limerick and endorsed the programme's overall vision for a ten-year transformation of the Limerick Regeneration areas. The Government has requested that detailed plans for phase one be completed by the end of the first quarter of this year, setting out the key elements of the programme to be delivered over the course of the first 3 to 5 year period involved, including the investment envisaged by Government Departments and State agencies, as well as the private investment required to underpin the sustainability of the regeneration process.

Within the overall funding available to my own Department for the provision and improvement of social housing for 2010, continued priority will be accorded to Limerick Regeneration. The level of funding to be provided in 2010 will be finalised as soon as possible, taking account of the Regeneration Programme's key deliverables for this year and the overall funding available for regeneration programmes nationally.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

858 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will examine the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in view of the employment and urban renewal it will bring to Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48593/09]

As Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I am generally precluded under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual matter with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. Under the Planning Acts, as Minister, I may only intervene in the planning process in respect of heritage matters. The planning application for a mixed use development in Drogheda, referred to in the Question, was submitted to me in that context.

The decision of the planning authority to grant planning permission for the development is currently under appeal to An Bord Pleanála and a decision by the Board is awaited. The appeal is under consideration within a statutory process in respect of which An Board Pleanála has charge and authority. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to become involved further in relation to the development at this stage.

Local Authority Funding.

Mary Upton

Question:

859 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from a council (details supplied); the steps he has taken to address the issues raised in this correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48601/09]

I have responded to the correspondence in question which concerned the allocation of monies to South Dublin County Council from the Local Government Fund.

General purpose grants from the Local Government Fund are provided to supplement the income available to local authorities from local sources and from specific grants to enable them to provide an acceptable level of day to day services. South Dublin County Council's general purpose grant allocation for 2010 is €24,289,702, a reduction of 1.6% on the amount allocated in 2009.

The revenue base of local authorities has been broadened by the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The total raised by South Dublin County Council from this charge in 2009 was some €2m. This charge is being collected and the income retained by local authorities. I consider this to be a very significant development as it will reduce the dependency of local authorities on central funding.

In Budget 2010 the Government announced a reduction in pay rates across the public service. This will result in payroll savings accruing to the local government sector in 2010. Local authorities, including South Dublin County Council, are to retain 65% of the payroll savings to be realised in their authority in 2010.

It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to locally identified needs. I am satisfied that the level of funding provided to South Dublin County Council makes a significant contribution towards enabling them to provide a reasonable level of services to the public.

Litter Pollution.

Chris Andrews

Question:

860 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to place a levy on chewing gum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48620/09]

My Department entered into a negotiated agreement designed to tackle chewing gum litter with the chewing gum industry in 2006. The 3-year programme involved a comprehensive radio, outdoor and in-store advertising campaign, a wide-reaching schools education module and the promotion of greater awareness of litter law enforcement in local authority areas across the country. The agreement has now expired.

My Department is currently engaged in discussions with the chewing gum industry to establish whether a new programme can be agreed. No decision has been taken regarding the possible introduction of a levy on chewing gum, pending the outcome of these discussions.

Question No. 861 answered with Question No. 844.

Local Authority Funding.

Niall Collins

Question:

862 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has carried out an analysis of legal costs and fees paid by all local authorities for the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if better value for money will be achieved from the employment of solicitors in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1025/10]

The information sought in the Question is not available in my Department. The provision or procurement of legal services is the responsibility of individual local authorities.

Local authorities employ a variety of approaches in relation to obtaining legal services. Some local authorities employ legal professionals who are recruited in accordance with public sector recruitment rules. Other local authorities retain the services of a solicitor. Decisions in this context are a matter for individual local authorities having regard to their own circumstances and the appropriate public procurement procedures.

Water Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

863 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1034/10]

Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit their assessment of needs for water services infrastructure to my Department by 23 October 2009. These assessments, which are currently under examination in my Department, will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme, which will be published as soon as possible in 2010.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

864 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has concluded the examination of Waterford County Council’s revised preliminary report for the Faithlegg water supply scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1036/10]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

889 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the new public water supply scheme for the Ring Gaeltacht, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1611/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 864 and 889 together.

The Faithlegg and Ring/Helvic Water Supply Schemes were included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. Planning phases of these schemes have progressed during this period, and a revised Preliminary Report for the Faithlegg scheme and a Preliminary Report for the Ring/Helvic Scheme are under examination in my Department. The decisions on the preliminary reports for these schemes will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible in the light of the finalisation of the Water Services Investment Programme for 2010 to 2012.

Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. My Department is currently considering these assessments, which 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 early this year.

Road Safety.

Joe McHugh

Question:

865 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money that has been spent on salt importation in December 2009 and January 2010 on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1041/10]

The cost of salt importation is a matter for the individual local authorities concerned and the National Roads Authority under the aegis of the Minister for Transport

Environmental Policy.

Mary Upton

Question:

866 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount he expects to spend on carbon credits for 2009 and 2010; his views on whether it is appropriate to support the purchase of carbon credits at a time when public transport operators have been forced to cut their services due to reduced funding; his further views on whether money would be better utilised in establishing a world class public transport system which would encourage persons to reduce their use of the private car rather than purchasing carbon credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1061/10]

Under the Carbon Fund Act 2007, the National Treasury Management Agency has been designated as purchasing agent for the State. In 2009, the Agency spent some €23.9m exclusive of VAT from the Carbon Fund in connection with the purchase of carbon credits. This sum will be refunded from my Department's Vote in 2010. It is expected that the National Treasury Management will spend some €4.5m in 2010.

In Ireland's case, use of the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms for the purchase of carbon credits on the international market supplements rather than substitutes for national measures to reduce emissions. The objective of the purchasing programme is to ensure compliance with Ireland's legally-binding obligations in the relatively short commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.

The renewed Programme for Government emphasised the importance of investment in public transport and in incentivising the behavioural change that will deliver a more sustainable transport future for all of us. This emphasis can be seen very clearly in this year's budget, under which key public transport projects are being continued, to ensure enhancement of rail services, particularly to support commuters, and to give increased priority to buses in Dublin and other cities.

The Government also recently published a new transport policy, Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future . It sets out a clear path towards significantly reducing emissions in the transport sector by 2020. Smarter Travel will promote a more sustainable transport system that encourages more active modes of travel, improving local towns and community space, reducing congestion, and delivering significant health benefits.

I hope that these steps to develop and promote our public transport system will, inter alia, contribute to reducing the use of purchased carbon units for compliance purposes in the post-Kyoto period.

Animal Welfare.

Tom Hayes

Question:

867 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he had a meeting with animal welfare activists in his Department in the weeks leading up to the vote on the Lisbon treaty, as reported in the media; the date of that meeting; the groups with whom he met; the persons who represented those groups; the purpose of that meeting; the person who initiated the meeting; and if he has met shooting or hunting organisations during his term in office. [1098/10]

I met representatives of the Alliance for Animal Rights on 30 June, 2009 at their request to discuss a number of issues with regard to my responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts. I also met members of my Party's animal welfare policy group on 28 September, 2009 in the context of the review of the Programme for Government. Neither meeting was related to the Lisbon Treaty. While I have not had the opportunity to meet with shooting or hunting bodies to date, my Department has regular meetings with various shooting and hunting bodies in relation to the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Acts and wildlife issues in general.

Foreshore Licences.

Michael McGrath

Question:

868 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the process involved in the consideration of a foreshore licence application by his Department, from the receipt of the application by his Department to the issuing of the final decision to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1118/10]

Following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act, 2009, my Department assumed responsibility on 15 January 2010 for the following:

all foreshore energy-related developments (including oil, gas, wind, wave and tidal energy);

aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore;

foreshore projects in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts, 1946, 1996, and 2000, and foreshore projects in respect of any other harbour and harbour-related developments intended for commercial trade;

all other foreshore projects, other than those relating to aquaculture and sea fisheries.

Further information is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie/en/foreshore.

In accordance with the Foreshore Acts, a lease or licence can only be issued if it is in the public interest. At present, the processing of a foreshore application includes the following: assessment of the application by the Department's internal technical advisors and, where necessary, the Marine Licence Vetting Committee which advises on scientific matters; consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees, including relevant Departments and Agencies; a period of public consultation, normally 21 days; valuation of the site to be occupied by the applicant; other public interest elements that may arise in particular cases; obtaining necessary legal advice and Department of Finance sanction where appropriate.

Work is underway in my Department to modernise the foreshore regime with the aim of further integrating the foreshore consent process with the planning processes under the Planning Acts.

River Basin Management.

James Bannon

Question:

869 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will be implementing and funding the river basin management plan for the River Shannon, which he signed off on in October 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1136/10]

The making of a river basin management plan is a function reserved to local authorities and the process of finalising plans, including that for the Shannon International River Basin District, will be completed in the coming months. A National Advisory Committee has been established to coordinate this work across each of the Districts and to oversee the subsequent implementation of the plans.

Limerick County Council is the coordinating authority in relation to the Shannon International River Basin District. This project has been funded by my Department and to date in excess of €8 million has been granted to the Shannon RBD.

The plans will specify the environmental objectives to be achieved in relation to water-bodies and the measures to be implemented in order to achieve these objectives. The programmes of measures must be operational by the end of 2012.

Planning Issues.

James Bannon

Question:

870 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to bring forward legislation in relation to stalled developments and unfinished housing estates across the midlands; if he will establish a taskforce with midlands counties in view of the fact that there are problems with many unfinished and ghost estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1137/10]

The developer of a residential estate is statutorily required to complete a development in accordance with the terms of the planning permission. A development which has not been completed in accordance with the planning permission is unauthorised development. Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authority, which can take action where a development requiring planning permission has not obtained this permission, or where permission has not been complied with.

The Planning and Development Act 2000 gave new powers to, and imposed new duties on, planning authorities in relation to unauthorised development, providing for a strengthened enforcement regime and substantial penalties. Moreover, the Planning Act contains other relevant provisions in relation to the completion of housing estates, including the facility to attach a condition to a planning permission, requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of a development.

Legislative provisions provided for in the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 enable planning authorities to extend a planning permission for up to a further five years where substantial works have been carried out pursuant to the permission and the development will be completed within a reasonable time or where commercial, economic or technical considerations militated against commencement of development or substantial works being undertaken. These new provisions will be reflected in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 which will also provide that, in cases where planning authorities are extending planning permissions, they may impose new conditions in relation to bonds being given by the developer.

Accordingly, it is clear that planning authorities have very substantial powers to compel the completion of housing estates by developers in accordance with the terms of the planning permission.

Local Authority Housing.

Joe Carey

Question:

871 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects a decision to be made on a project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1150/10]

The project concerned is being considered in the context of the programme of projects to be approved under my Department's funding schemes for voluntary and co-operative housing in 2010, details of which I intend to announce shortly.

Emergency Planning.

Niall Collins

Question:

872 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government whether an agency declared the current spell of extreme weather to be a major emergency in view of the definition of a major emergency and the disruption and curtailment of services including the failure to grit and salt roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1156/10]

While a major emergency was not declared during the recent severe weather event, the Framework for Major Emergency Management and the major emergency plans prepared under it include arrangements for co-ordination of interagency responses to be used by the principal response agencies whether or not a major emergency is declared. Local authorities used the Framework's co-ordination of interagency arrangements during the severe weather period to co-ordinate responses with the other principal response agencies, the Defence Forces and other statutory and voluntary agencies.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

873 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1256/10]

Expenditure provisions for 2010 for my Department are set out in the Estimates Volume published by the Minister for Finance as part of Budget 2010. These provisions have been determined in the context of the overall provision for public services, reflect the need to reduce public spending and, as indicated by the Minister for Finance in his Financial Statement on 9 December 2009, have been guided by the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

My Department, local authorities and related agencies will work to maximise outputs from the 2010 provisions through prioritisation, increased efficiency and lower procurement costs generally.

Recommendations in the Report relating to my Department are reflected in, inter alia, savings in administrative costs arising from reductions in public service numbers and pay; the Exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund (€367 million compared to the 2009 estimate of €417 million, in the context of wider developments relating to local government finance); and policy developments concerning charging for treated water use and more extensive use of leasing to ensure overall housing output is maintained at the highest level possible. I have also announced details of the work of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group which, consistent with the approach in the Report, will look at the cost base and expenditure of, and numbers employed in, local authorities.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael McGrath

Question:

874 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities have discretion to reach individual arrangements with persons by, for example, extending payment terms or accepting interest only payments for a certain period in the event of a person’s financial circumstances having changed due to loss of employment or reduction in income. [1343/10]

Provisions regarding lending by local authorities for the purposes of house purchase are set out under section 11 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. Where a loan stands in default, section 11(10) provides that a local authority may make such monetary arrangements with a borrower as they consider equitable to take account of the particular circumstances of the borrower.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joe McHugh

Question:

875 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the specific costs, including signage, brochures, launches, consultations, advertisements, public relations, and so on incurred by the promotion of gateway status for each of the gateway and hub towns here as per the national spatial strategy; the financial benefits that each of these hubs and gateways accrued resultantly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1386/10]

Since 2000, Exchequer funding in excess of €1.3 million has been provided for: research in the preparation and ongoing implementation of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS); publication and launch of the NSS in November 2002; and public awareness, as well as other resources allocated to the development of associated measures such as the Atlantic Gateways Initiative and Regional Planning Guidelines.

It is not possible to disaggregate these costs on the basis of each gateway and hub. Expenditure by the relevant gateway and hub local authorities to date arising from work associated with their gateway or hub status, or information on financial benefits which may have accrued to each gateway or hub as a result of their NSS designation, is not collected by my Department and would be a matter for each relevant authority.

It is clear, however, that the gateways and hubs are generally benefiting substantially from their NSS designation. For example, investment priorities identified under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and Transport 21 have been aligned with the NSS, and sectoral capital programmes are required under the NDP Monitoring Programme to demonstrate alignment with the regional development objectives and principles outlined in the Strategy. Furthermore, specific planning initiatives such as the Atlantic Gateways Corridor Frameworks and the Letterkenny — Derry North-West Gateway Initiative are helping to prioritise investment in and between the associated gateway centres. Collectively, these measures have directed significant infrastructure and enabling investment to the gateways and hubs.

Environmental Policy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

876 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to achieve European targets in respect of carbon emission reduction; if he will report on the Copenhagen Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1401/10]

In the period 2008-2012, Ireland will meet its target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol through a series of national measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supplemented as necessary by the purchase of carbon units on the international market. Government policy in this regard is set out in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2013.

Since 2007, the Government has introduced a number of measures, including the carbon levy, aimed at reducing domestic emissions across the economy. In addition to ensuring compliance with Kyoto Protocol obligations, these measures constitute important preparations for more stringent emission reduction requirements in the post-2012 period, initially to 2020 but ultimately to 2050. The planned Climate Change Bill 2010, the Heads of which I intend to publish before the end of the first quarter of 2010, will provide a statutory framework for the core longer-term national priority of addressing climate change in the context of transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy.

The 2009 UN Climate Change Conference (the Copenhagen Summit) took place from 7 to 18 December. An international framework for climate change mitigation in the period beyond 2012 was the primary objective for the Summit, and the EU sought a global, ambitious, comprehensive and legally-binding treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol when its five-year commitment period ends on 31 December 2012.

While the Copenhagen Accord falls short of EU expectations in a number of respects, there are important positive elements, including recognition of the scientific advice on the need to limit the increase in global temperature to within 2ºC of pre-industrial levels. Other positive elements include a commitment to providing financial support for developing countries, including a fast-start mechanism; the requirement for nationally appropriate mitigation actions by developing countries to be measurable, reportable and verifiable; the establishment of a mechanism to support action against deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. The final outcome of the Copenhagen Summit will not be known until Parties confirm their commitments for the purposes of Appendix I and II to the Accord. The EU is currently considering its greenhouse gas emissions reduction pledge for the purposes of Appendix I. The level of actions to which Parties commit themselves will determine the final outcome of the Copenhagen conference and provide the background for preparations for the 16th Conference of the Parties in Cancun, Mexico in November 2009.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

877 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if turf cutting is now prohibited on the 32 designated bogs on which the derogation has lapsed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1406/10]

The ten year derogation on turf cutting on the 32 Raised Bog SACs that were notified for designation in 1999 has now expired. In the coming weeks, I expect to receive a report, and recommendations for managing the cessation, from the Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Areas, and I will conclude my consideration of these as rapidly as possible.

Planning Issues.

George Lee

Question:

878 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if planning permission would have been required to build a housing estate on land in South Dublin in 1961; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1425/10]

The national system of planning control in Ireland began with the commencement of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1963 on 1 October 1964 when a general obligation to obtain planning permission was introduced.

Prior to this, the planning legislation in operation was the Town and Regional Planning Act 1934, as amended. Under this legislation, local authorities were permitted to adopt a planning scheme for their area. Where a planning scheme applied, developers were required to obtain permission for developments as specified in the scheme. The requirement for such a scheme was not obligatory and only Dublin Corporation participated in the process.

Finian McGrath

Question:

879 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [1470/10]

My Department's Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published in June 2007 and available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, advise that potential applicants should be made aware at pre-application stage of the necessity to ensure that the design implications of accessibility are addressed in housing and commercial development. The Guidelines further state that planning authorities should also consider whether it is necessary to add specific conditions to ensure access for all in the approach to buildings from the main road, from the street or from disabled car parking.

The Guidelines also refer to the National Disability Authority's 2002 publication, Building for Everyone, which offers good practice on the accessibility issue and suggest that consultation with organisations representative of people with disabilities may also be of assistance.

The statutory Development Management Guidelines were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are obliged to have regard to them in the performance of their planning functions.

Emergency Planning.

Pat Breen

Question:

880 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will instruct local authorities to upgrade their emergency plans in view of the recent adverse weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1483/10]

All local authority major emergency plans are based on A Framework for Major Emergency Management and became operative on 30 September 2008. The Framework and the plans detail a co-ordination structure that enables the Principal Response Agencies (Local Authorities, An Garda Síochána and the HSE) to work together and to integrate with other services including the Defence Forces and voluntary organisations. These co-ordination structures can be used whether a major emergency is declared or not. Each authority undertook an appraisal of its preparedness in the period up to 31 December 2008 to ensure that the key preparedness steps of the Framework have been implemented. The appraisals were reviewed by the Department and the level of preparedness among the authorities as set out in the Framework was confirmed. A review of the operation during the recent flooding and severe weather events will be undertaken with a view to assessing the performance of the inter-agency arrangements and to ascertain if any revision of the major emergency plans is necessary.

Question No. 881 answered with Question No. 842.

Seanad Reform.

David Stanton

Question:

882 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his report on Seanad reform has been finalised; his plans to publish legislation on Seanad reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1497/10]

David Stanton

Question:

901 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has finalised his report on Seanad reform; when he plans to publish legislation on Seanad reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1928/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 882 and 901 together.

The final meeting of the All-Party Group on Seanad Reform was held on Wednesday 4 November 2009; the aim of the Group was to establish the extent of cross-party agreement on the reform of the Upper House. I intend to report to Government shortly on the outcome of the Group's discussions.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

883 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1510/10]

Under the Ethics in Public Office Acts, 1995 and 2001, I have furnished a statement of registerable interests to the Standards in Public Office Commission each year. I have not received gifts over the value of €650 in the period referred to, and I fully comply with the Ethics Acts and Government guidelines in this area. From time to time, and in accordance with normal practice, I have received small gifts of little monetary value but no record is kept of thesegifts.

Local Authority Schemes.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

884 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the arrangements which compel persons who purchase a home from their local authority under the affordable housing scheme to purchase mortgage protection insurance from the local authority, often at a more expensive rate than is available elsewhere. [1520/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

885 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the mortgage protection scheme provided by local authorities, which is mandatory on persons who purchase a home under the affordable housing scheme, is operated in a fair manner; if he will review the tendering process which awards the contract for the protection scheme to one company in view of the fact that many consumers could find more competitive rates elsewhere if they were permitted. [1521/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 884 and 885 together.

The local authority mortgage protection insurance scheme is overseen by the Mortgage Protection Committee which is a sub-committee of the County and City Managers association (CCMA) and is representative of the CCMA, local authorities, the Housing Finance Agency and my Department.

Participation in the mortgage protection insurance scheme is compulsory for local authority house purchase loans for social and affordable housing. In terms of comparison to other schemes of mortgage protection, it is important to note that it covers disability as well as death. The Mortgage Protection Committee which oversees the scheme endeavours to achieve a balance between the most economic rate to be charged for the scheme and the benefits provided.

The Mortgage Protection Committee held a tender competition in 2008 which resulted in the introduction of a new scheme as of 1 January 2009. This new scheme contains a number of significant new benefits, including incorporation of the rental portion of shared ownership, as well as a lower premium for borrowers. The operation of the scheme is monitored closely on an ongoing basis by the Committee.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

886 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Monaghan County Council previously informed mortgage holders that they were permitted to seek alternative mortgage protection cover at more competitive rates, and that this permission has since been revoked; if he is satisfied with the manner in which this was handled by the local authority; and if he will make an order allowing these families to revert to the cheaper policy. [1522/10]

I understand that the error involved came to light when the revised Mortgage Protection Insurance scheme was introduced on 1 January 2009. At that time, 15 borrowers were identified as having received incorrect information from Monaghan County Council and were now outside the insurance scheme. The Council informed the borrowers concerned and these borrowers have now been given the option of rejoining the scheme, thereby enjoying the fuller range of benefits that it confers. Those who opted as a result of the administrative error to take on alternative cover and who wish now to remain outside the scheme must obtain mortgage protection insurance and their insurer must notify Monaghan County Council on an annual basis that adequate cover is in place.

Waste Management.

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

887 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that there is to be an increase in the landfill levy from February 2010 to €30 per tonne, under the Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Amendment Regulations 2009, which follows an increase to €25 per tonne from January 2010 (S.I. No. 550 of 2009); if he envisages any further increases to the landfill levy in the calendar year 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1529/10]

The landfill levy was increased from €20 per tonne to €25 per tonne with effect from 31 December 2009. I intend to increase the landfill levy by a further €5 per tonne with effect from the 1 of February 2010. This will bring the levy to €30 per tonne and will further assist in addressing the race to the bottom in landfill gate fees which currently acts as a barrier to achieving the challenging diversion targets set out in the Landfill Directive. I do not anticipate any further increases in 2010.

Under existing legislation it is only possible to increase the landfill levy by a maximum of €5 per tonne in each financial year. This does not allow sufficient flexibility to set the levy at a rate appropriate to support compliance with the Landfill Directive targets. Therefore, I have already announced that I will be introducing new legislation on waste levies this year with the intention of increasing the landfill levy to €50 per tonne in 2011 and to €75 per tonne in 2012.

These increases will help Ireland achieve the far more demanding targets set under the Landfill Directive for 2013 and 2016.

Local Authority Charges.

Michael McGrath

Question:

888 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money collected nationally in 2009 under the non-principal private residence charge; and the amount received by Cork City Council and Cork County Council. [1601/10]

David Stanton

Question:

902 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 16 December 2009, the net amount which will accrue to each respective local authority as a result of the introduction of the €200 on non-principal residences in 2009 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1930/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 888 and 902 together.

The amounts collected as at 31 December 2009 under the non-principal private residence charge are outlined at Table A.

The amounts collected and the net amounts due to each local authority as at 15 January 2010 are detailed in Table B. The net figures incorporate a reduction of approximately 1% on average to cover administration and transaction charges.

Table A: NPPR Totals — as at 31 December 2009

Dublin City Council

10,278,580

Cork County Council

4,573,680

Fingal County Council

2,805,920

Kerry County Council

2,709,900

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

2,535,760

Donegal County Council

2,296,760

Wexford County Council

2,320,280

South Dublin County Council

2,063,140

Cork City Council

2,098,180

Galway City Council

1,880,840

Galway County Council

1,812,860

Clare County Council

1,750,960

Kildare County Council

1,708,660

Mayo County Council

1,714,400

Wicklow County Council

1,320,840

Limerick County Council

1,264,560

Limerick City Council

1,156,320

Meath County Council

1,152,980

Louth County Council

1,005,200

Sligo County Council

936,300

Westmeath County Council

865,240

Waterford City Council

808,040

South Tipperary County Council

776,300

Waterford County Council

704,040

Kilkenny County Council

707,840

Roscommon County Council

671,880

Cavan County Council

631,200

North Tipperary County Council

588,220

Laois County Council

570,180

Carlow County Council

530,720

Offaly County Council

504,120

Leitrim County Council

510,780

Longford County Council

430,880

Monaghan County Council

383,280

Total

56,068,840

Table B: NPPR Totals — to 15 January 2010

Total received

Net amount due to local authority

Dublin City Council

10,636,080

10,541,338

Cork County Council

4,778,840

4,727,778

Fingal County Council

2,864,060

2,832,864

Kerry County Council

2,749,420

2,727,583

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

2,628,520

2,600,155

Donegal County Council

2,420,920

2,390,497

Wexford County Council

2,349,600

2,327,046

Cork City Council

2,220,460

2,200,709

South Dublin County Council

2,116,460

2,092,520

Galway City Council

1,972,240

1,952,720

Galway County Council

1,883,120

1,867,284

Clare County Council

1,788,500

1,773,944

Kildare County Council

1,775,980

1,756,650

Mayo County Council

1,774,940

1,752,606

Wicklow County Council

1,342,340

1,330,382

Limerick County Council

1,286,580

1,272,693

Meath County Council

1,221,580

1,206,603

Limerick City Council

1,183,420

1,173,320

Louth County Council

1,040,460

1,027,901

Sligo County Council

1,000,880

987,845

Westmeath County Council

912,480

901,166

Waterford City Council

853,040

842,395

South Tipperary County Council

816,540

806,602

Waterford County Council

736,240

725,798

Roscommon County Council

733,420

723,558

Kilkenny County Council

727,000

716,243

Cavan County Council

677,680

668,478

North Tipperary County Council

604,700

595,373

Laois County Council

579,120

572,794

Carlow County Council

569,120

560,277

Leitrim County Council

529,980

521,462

Offaly County Council

515,680

507,403

Longford County Council

475,660

468,729

Monaghan County Council

399,360

392,570

Total

58,164,420

57,545,286

Question No. 889 answered with Question No. 864.

Natural Heritage Areas.

Finian McGrath

Question:

890 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 17 December 2009, the number of hectares in each county that are designated candidate special areas of conservation, candidate national heritage areas and candidate special protection areas. [1615/10]

The Table supplied in reply to Question No. 286 of 17 December 2009 provides the correct position with regard to candidate Special Areas of Conservation, Natural Heritage Areas and Special Protection Areas.

The term "candidate" does not apply to the designation process for Natural Heritage Areas under the Wildlife Acts, or to the designation process for Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive.

The term "candidate SAC" is an informal term describing SACs that are included in a list of sites adopted by the European Commission further to Article 4 of the Habitats Directive, but have not yet been formally designated through Statutory Instrument. This is the current status of all our SACs. The legal protection afforded to candidate SACs is identical to that which will be afforded to SACs and, as a result, the terms have become interchangeable in common usage.

Finian McGrath

Question:

891 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 17 December 2009, the number of hectares of marine area that are designated special areas of conservation, natural heritage areas and special protection areas in each county. [1616/10]

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

Local Authority Charges.

Joe McHugh

Question:

892 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the non principal private residence charge imposes a significant financial demand on an organisation (details supplied); if he will consider revisiting the legislation with this in mind; if he will provide this organisation with a dispensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1625/10]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which sets out the detail of the €200 charge on non-principal private residences, is structured with a starting position of a universal liability for residential property in respect of the charge. It goes on to exempt certain buildings and owners from this liability, the most important exemption being where a property is occupied by the owner as his or her sole or main residence on the liability date. Where a property is not occupied by the owner, it falls liable for the levy, even if it is the only property that person owns.

A person does not have to own a property for it to be his or her sole or main residence. If a person spends the most part of his or her time in a house provided by his or her employer, then that becomes his or her main residence, and that person would become liable for the charge on the property he or she owns. Subject to the exemptions outlined in the Act, the charge applies equally to everybody who owns a residential property which is not their sole or main residence.

However, in relation to certain other residential properties, it should be noted that the Act exempts from the charge property of which the owner is a trust or body corporate approved as an eligible charity in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 26A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

Motor Vehicle Registration.

Joe McHugh

Question:

893 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the trade plates that are not accepted in Northern Ireland; his view on whether the €260 fine plus clamping is contrary to the aims and objectives of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1821/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 207 on 5 February, 2009. The law relating to trade plates, for which my Department has responsibility, is provided in section 21 of the Finance (No.2) Act 1992 and the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1992.

Trade plates can be used by garages in very limited circumstances in respect of vehicles on which a licence (motor tax) has not been taken out. Trade plates are not vehicle licences and their use is not recognised outside the State.

Local Authority Staff.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

894 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of full-time and retained fire fighting units in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1829/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 354 of 8 December 2009. The position is unchanged.

Housing Grants.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

895 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount allocated to local authorities under the national retrofit programme in 2009; the amount of the budget that was spent; the amount allocated to the scheme for 2010; if the allocation includes unspent funds from the 2009 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1836/10]

As part of a national energy efficiency programme, a new retrofitting initiative was announced in May 2009 to facilitate local authorities in improving the energy efficiency of authority owned apartment complexes and vacant dwellings. Each local authority was provided with an allocation proportional to the number of vacant stock in the area from a national fund of some €20 million, and was requested to provide an energy efficiency plan for the year. Funding was provided on a co-funded grant per unit basis to a maximum of €15,000 or 75% of the total cost of the works, whichever is the lesser, and included a broad range of works from insulation and air tightness remediation to replacement of windows, doors and boilers. Under the initiative, my Department approved energy efficiency improvement works to some 1,155 units across the country with a view to achieving an average rating of C1 in remediated dwellings. Given the requirement to finalise allocations, prepare energy efficiency plans and complete procurement, substantive work under the initiative only commenced in the second half of the year and, accordingly, local authorities envisaged some carryover of activity into 2010. At end-2009, my Department had recouped almost €11 million to local authorities under the initiative.

The annual provision for the retrofitting initiative has increased significantly this year, with some €40 million available. Authorities will be informed of their provisional allocations for 2010 in the coming weeks.

In parallel with this retrofitting initiative, my Department is also supporting a number of demonstration projects for the retrofitting of energy efficiency improvements to existing local authority dwellings, with a view to building up the expertise and experience of local authorities in delivering better energy returns in their stock. To that end, the Department will continue to support projects at Glover Court in Dublin City, Georgian buildings in Limerick City and Sun View flats in Cork City, with funding of €5m available in 2010. The former two projects are at an advanced stage of planning and design, while works have already commenced on the Sun View flats project.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Simon Coveney

Question:

896 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the proposed scheme for inspection of domestic septic tanks; when the scheme is expected will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1872/10]

The renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. In October 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that Ireland has failed to enact adequate legislation to deal with domestic wastewater from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems.

My Department is chairing a task force to consider how the inspection of septic tanks should be carried out and I intend undertaking consultations with stakeholders on the matter. In order to comply with the ECJ ruling, legislation will be required to give effect to the new inspection system. At this stage, while compliance with the ruling is a priority, it is too early to indicate when the new arrangements will be operational.

Environmental Policy.

Michael Ring

Question:

897 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when consent and advice will be given by his Department in order that works will proceed at a location (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1894/10]

My Department has a number of concerns with certain elements of the proposed works in the area in question as they impact on habitats and species. Accordingly, my Department will arrange to meet with the OPW to discuss their proposals.

Planning Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

898 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has technical information to back up his wide ranging assertions and recent statements affecting housing developments at various locations here to the effect that bad planning or zoning decisions were responsible for the flooding; if he is suggesting that developments including those in his own constituency that have been the subject of flooding over the past 20 years are as a result of improper procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1919/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

910 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will acknowledge the damage done by his public comments (details supplied) relating to the development of Sallins in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the offence caused to the several hundred homeowners whose property values and insurance costs and their ability to obtain insurance was negatively affected by his comments; if his further attention has been drawn to the existence of the obstruction that caused the flooding in this estate and that the flooding subsided immediately after remedial action was taken and that a permanent resolution is now being effected; if he will withdraw his comments and apologise to the residents in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2201/10]

I propose to take Questions No. 898 and 910 together.

The Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management which I published in November 2009 are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to flood risk identification, assessment and management within the planning system. These guidelines provide, inter alia, that development in areas at risk of flooding, particularly floodplains, should be avoided unless there are wider sustainability grounds that justify appropriate development and where the risk can be reduced or managed to an acceptable level.

It is likely that some lands will have been zoned for development in existing or previous plans without the benefit of a detailed flood risk assessment in accordance with these guidelines and in the absence of detailed flood risk mapping which is now being carried out by the Office of Public Works. Where a review of a development or local area plan shows that there may be a flood risk on certain zoned lands, such zonings must be reconsidered.

The Guidelines define a floodplain as any low-lying area of land next to a river or stream, which is susceptible to partial or complete inundation by water during a flood event. While strict application of this definition to the land on which the Waterways Estate in Sallins was built may be a matter of interpretation, a development that otherwise complied with proper planning and sustainable development was inundated by water following unprecedented recent rainfall. I understand that in conjunction with Irish Rail, Waterways Ireland and the Office of the Public Works, Kildare County Council has identified the scope of remedial works necessary to minimise the likelihood of recurrence of flooding in this area; these works have now commenced.

River Basin Management.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

899 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that all rivers, streams and watercourses left to their own devices will over years require cleaning, de-silting or general maintenance as this has been proven throughout the midlands with particular reference to the Bog of Allen; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department, the local authorities and the Office of Public Works have previously cooperated in such de-silting and maintenance activity; his views on the frustration and annoyance caused by his comments to the effect that de-silting would not positively impact on areas in the Shannon Estuary; if he will undertake a reappraisal of drainage requirements throughout the country with a view to addressing these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1920/10]

Flood risk management is a complex undertaking and desilting of rivers is only one of many measures that may be used to manage risk. Desilting in one location may have adverse consequences elsewhere in the catchment.

Primary responsibility for flood risk management rests with the Office of Public Works, which has the lead agency role in relation to devising and implementing measures, including flood relief schemes, to deal with flooding in Ireland.

It is national flood policy that flood risk be managed in a catchment-based manner through a framework of Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans (CFRMPs). In response to this policy, the OPW has developed and is currently pilot testing a method to meet these and other requirements through Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Studies (CFRAM Studies).

I understand that OPW is nearing completion of the Pilot CFRAM Studies for the Lee and Dodder catchments and is in the process of procuring consultancy services for the national CFRAM implementation programme, which will include the Shannon. It is expected that all contracts will be commissioned this year to enable timely delivery on requirements under the EU ‘Floods' Directive.

In relation to the Bog of Allen, the extraction and processing of peat is an activity controlled directly by the EPA through Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) licensing. The most recent EPA report on environmental enforcement shows that the level of compliance for the peat sub-sector over the period 2006-2008 was generally satisfactory.

Housing Grants.

Chris Andrews

Question:

900 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislative framework to give effect to the incremental purchase scheme that was provided in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009; when the IPS scheme will be available in Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/10]

Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which provides the legal framework for the introduction of the Incremental Purchase Scheme, has been commenced and came into effect on 1 January 2010. The Part was commenced in order to allow incremental purchase arrangements to be applied to new housing units being supplied by housing authorities. Notwithstanding this, regulations are required to give full effect to the detailed terms of the scheme. These regulations are being drafted by my Department with the intention that the scheme be rolled out to housing authorities by mid-2010.

Question No. 901 answered with Question No. 882.
Question No. 902 answered with Question No. 888.

Water Charges.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

903 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reintroduce household water charges; and the timescale envisaged. [1937/10]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

904 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to have water meters installed in all homes here; the way he will implement this; the estimated cost; they way it will be paid; and the timescale envisaged. [1938/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 903 and 904 together.

As indicated in the reply to Questions Nos. 283, 287, 288 and 302 to 304, inclusive, of 17 December 2009, the renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce charges for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. I will bring forward detailed proposals to Government shortly on the approach to metering of households on public supplies, including proposals on the financing and delivery of the metering programme. Legislation will also be drafted to provide local authorities with powers to charge for domestic water use. Following the installation of water meters, which will be phased in over a number of years, households will be charged for water services based on usage.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

905 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of whole time equivalents serving in his Department in the grades of secretary general, deputy secretary general, assistant secretary general, higher principal officer, principal officer, higher assistant principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer, staff officer and clerical officer on 1 January 1998, 1 January 2007 and the latest date for which figures are available. [1952/10]

The Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for the Civil Service was introduced in 2002. Information in respect of 31 January 2002, which is the first HRMS data available, is included in the following table along with the information requested for 2007 and 2010.

Grade Title

31 January 2002 (FTE)

1 January 2007 (FTE)

1 January 2010 (FTE)

Secretary General

1.00

1.00

1.00

Deputy Secretary General

0.00

0.00

0.00

Assistant Secretary General

6.00

6.00

5.00

Principal Officer (Higher)

10.00

8.00

8.00

Principal Officer

26.00

29.80

24.00

Assistant Principal Officer (Higher)

16.00

14.83

19.40

Assistant Principal Officer

75.00

92.43

76.03

Higher Executive Officer

97.00

131.23

136.43

Executive Officer

145.50

168.93

144.20

Staff Officer

18.50

23.93

12.73

Clerical Officer

232.00

211.71

140.57

Total

627.00

687.86

567.36

Planning Issues.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

906 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will limit the number of planning applications on a site (details supplied) in County Kerry to four applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2020/10]

It is a basic principle of the planning system that it should be open to a person to submit a planning application. There are no proposals to amend planning legislation to restrict the number of planning applications that can be made on a site.

Water Services.

Phil Hogan

Question:

907 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount allocated to each local authority in the 2007 to 2009 Water Services Investment Programme for watermains rehabilitation; the amount distributed to each local authority; the amount earmarked for watermains rehabilitation in the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2043/10]

Details of all major water services schemes included for funding by my Department, along with the water conservation allocations for each local authority, are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007–09, which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Additional information about the progress on individual contracts or water conservation works, including mains rehabilitation projects, under this programme may be obtained from the relevant local authority. The programme is under review to ensure that capital expenditure under it is more focused on priority schemes to meet national environmental and economic objectives. Last year, local authorities were asked to submit an assessment of their needs for water supply, sewerage and water conservation services to my Department. The assessments are being examined. 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. The assessments form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme, for which a provision of €508 million is available this year. The schemes and contracts, including mains rehabilitation works, included for funding under the new programme will be announced when the programme is published early this year.

Phil Hogan

Question:

908 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the monies pending for payment to local authorities under the 2007 to 2009 Water Services Investment Programme; the time delay in payment following each successful application for funding for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2044/10]

Validated claims for recoupment of expenditure to the value of €40 million in respect of schemes being financed under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme are being processed for payment to the local authorities involved this month. There are no undue delays in processing payments to local authorities under the Water Services Investment Programme. While greater time is required by the Department for the detailed examination of claims relating to final accounts, these represent a small proportion of annual spending. Other claims are generally processed for payment, or additional information required to process the payment sought, within 10 working days. Valid claims must be based on eligible expenditure and accompanied by specified documentation before they can be processed.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

909 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2168/10]

The information requested in relation to my Department's staffing at the end of 2007, 2008 and 2009 is set out in the following table.

The information is broken down by Division. The preparation of information at section level would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work, as in the period since 2007, there has been significant structural and staff change in the Department as a result of decentralisation, the Moratorium on Promotions and Recruitment, and the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement and Incentivised Career Break Schemes. My Department has restructured its Divisions and Business Units to take account of these changes and to enable it to deliver on its key objectives and priorities.

Staff Serving By Division 2007-2009

Division

2007

Division

2008

Division

2009

Corporate

226.22

Corporate

219.77

Corporate

187.92

Housing

137.52

Housing

130.19

Housing

133.32

Environment

83.90

Environment

91.50

Environment

80.40

Local Government

175.92

Local Government

95.93

Local Government

81.20

Heritage & Planning

143.99

Heritage & Planning

143.79

Water & Planning

92.03

Water & Natural Heritage

402.19

Water & Natural Heritage

391.69

Heritage

385.48

Local Government Audit Service

46.00

Local Government Audit Service

41.40

Local Government Audit Service

41.40

Met Éireann

225.72

Met Eireann

217.85

Met Éireann

190.15

Total

1,441.46

Total

1,332.12

Total

1,191.90

Note: Numbers are on the basis of Full Time Equivalents at the end of each year.

Question No. 910 answered with Question No. 898.

Grant Payments.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

911 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the organisations who administered funding under the €5 million salmon hardship fund; the amount for which each organisation was responsible; the amount that each of these organisations used from their allocations to cover administration costs; the amount of funding that remained unspent by the deadline of 30 November 2009; and if this funding was returned to his Department. [1597/10]

The Community Support Scheme (CSS) was administered through 14 LEADER companies and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann in respect of island communities and Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta, in respect of the Gaeltacht areas.

The following table sets out the position in relation to the delivery of the scheme by each LEADER Company.

LEADER Company

Allocation*

Administration** costs charged

Funding not drawn down

Clare Local Development Co Ltd

183,000

30,000

29,440

Comhar na nOileain Teoranta

189,405

31,050

17,352

Donegal Local Development Co Ltd

294,930

45,000

Nil

Galway Rural Development Co Ltd

182,047

11,467

105,151

Inishowen Development Partnership

282,367

46,200

38,050

Louth Leader Rural Development Co

90,533

5,325

85,208

Meath Partnership

91,500

15,000

5,296

Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo

842,800

104,500

Nil

North & East Kerry Development

161,040

26,400

11,503

Sligo Leader Partnership Co

137,250

22,500

6,404

South & East Cork Area Development

188,000

30,000

Nil

South Kerry Development Partnership

342,210

56,100

Nil

Waterford Leader Partnership

615,400

70,000

190,146

West Cork Development Partnership

733,300

70,000

87,298

West Limerick Resources

183,000

30,000

12,887

Wexford Local Development

91,500

15,000

4,528

*This amount is the net allocation for which each Leader Company was responsible after a 10% reduction applied in April 2009 as part of the budgetary adjustments.

**The administration fee was limited to 15% of the fund allocation subject to a maximum of 70,000. In the case of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo, this company implemented the scheme on behalf of Comhar Iorrais (Leader) Teo.

Funding was provided against matured liabilities and consequently unspent funds were not drawn down by the Leader Companies.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

912 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if he is satisfied with the manner in which this application was dealt with; the reason this person was approved without the application being appropriately concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1922/10]

The Greener Homes Scheme, which supports installation of renewable heating technology in homes, is now in its third phase. To date, over 37,000 applications have been received for grant aid under the Scheme, with over €61m paid to over 24,000 applicants.

The third phase of the Greener Homes Scheme is limited to existing houses defined as residences that are over one year. This was introduced to align the scheme with the mandatory changes to Part L of the Building Regulations. The restriction to existing houses is clearly stated on the application form for the scheme and in the Terms and Conditions. The application which the Deputy refers did not specify that the house in question was less than a year old in the original documentation. When it subsequently transpired that the house was not eligible under the scheme Sustainable Energy Ireland was obliged to withdraw the grant offer.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe McHugh

Question:

913 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to evaluate the legislation that prevents fishing for eel here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that anglers are permitted to fish for eel in Northern Ireland from rivers that are common to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; if he will address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2028/10]

Following scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicating that the European eel stocks are in a critical state, the EU introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007, the objective of which is to achieve recovery of the stocks to previous high levels. The Regulation required that all Member States prepare a national Eel Management Plan (EMP). Ireland's plan was approved by the European Commission in July, 2009.

The decision to cease the eel fishery was taken, based on the best management and scientific advice available, along with other conservation measures to support a recovery of the stock in the shortest time possible. The Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-Law No. C.S 303, 2009, gives effect to this decision and provides for closure of the fishery until June 2012, when the status of stocks will be fully reviewed.

This review will consider whether the eel fishery could be reopened in any River Basin District in light of the data gathered in the interim and the performance of stocks. The EMP includes a comprehensive programme of monitoring and evaluation of management actions and their implementation. It also includes a programme of scientific eel stock assessment to establish a stock baseline, estimate current silver eel escapement and monitoring the impact of the management actions on the local stocks.

I understand that the Eel Management Plan for Northern Ireland has not yet been approved by the EU Commission as satisfying the conservation requirements of the EC Regulation. It is a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities to introduce the appropriate legislation to give effect to the conservation measures provided for in their plan.

Telecommunications Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

914 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the electoral division of a location (details supplied) in County Mayo under the national broadband scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of persons are unable to receive landline broadband in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48269/09]

Broadband services are provided over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre by private sector service providers. I understand that broadband is available in Turlough, County Mayo, from wireless and satellite service providers and therefore this area will not be addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Details of the availability of broadband services in Turlough, County Mayo, are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. I would add that the information contained in this website is provided by service providers.

It is important to clarify that, in designing the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission, a balance had to be struck between reaching as many unserved areas as possible and minimising the impact of the scheme on businesses already providing broadband services in rural areas.

EU state aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.

More recently, the EU Commission has announced the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) under which some funding has been set aside for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently considering the detailed design and implementation of a scheme which would address the issue of unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas, including any unserved premises in County Mayo.

It is hoped to commence the scheme this year with the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. State Aid approval has been granted by the European Commission as part of the overall process of securing the necessary approvals and funding for the scheme.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

915 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a post graduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48308/09]

There are currently 292 staff (272 whole-time equivalents) employed in my Department. Information on the qualifications of individual staff members is held on their Personnel file if it has been disclosed to our Human Resources Division. Data on qualifications held by individual staff members is not recorded centrally but I will compile the information sought and forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Telecommunications Services.

Joe McHugh

Question:

916 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal in view of the details of his response to a parliamentary question in October 2009 on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1027/10]

The information provided by the Deputy relates to the commercial operations of a private company, in this case, the planned enablement of an exchange by eircom. This is a matter for the company and I am not in a position to comment on it.

In my reply to the Deputy on 3 November 2009 I set out that the area of St. Johnston, County Donegal, would receive broadband under the National Broadband Scheme, (NBS). It is still the case that is not possible to predict when precisely broadband services under this Scheme will become available in this area. Under the contract with my Department, the service provider, "3", must complete the rollout to all NBS areas by end September 2010. The current status of each area to be covered by the NBS is available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Inland Fisheries.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

917 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the public consultation process has been concluded regarding the total allowable catch for wild salmon and sea trout on the Munster Blackwater; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1031/10]

The 30-day public consultation process, on the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme for the 2010 season, commenced on 14 November 2009.

Following consideration of the scientific and management advice and responses received to the consultation exercise, I made the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2009 (SI No. 557 2009) which provide, inter alia, for a total allowable catch of 5004 salmon or sea trout from the River Blackwater (Munster) including Glenshelane and Finisk.

A suite of bye-laws, which have national and regional application, was also introduced to provide for the conservation and management of the wild salmon fishery in 2010. These included the Southern Fisheries Region (River Blackwater (Munster) Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law No 866, 2009. This bye-law provides for a bag limit of one fish in respect of Salmon and Sea Trout (over 40 cm) in the River Blackwater (Munster) during the period 1 February to 11 May, 2010.

Telecommunications Services.

Frank Feighan

Question:

918 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in a town (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [1149/10]

In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 is required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and which seek a service. The company continues to progress its network roll-out and services have gone live in almost half of the designated areas to be covered under the Scheme. Under the contract 3 are required to cover the entire NBS area by end September this year.

The general area of Carrigallen, County Leitrim will be covered by the NBS. It is not possible to predict at this stage when precisely broadband services under this Scheme will become available in this area. The current status of each area to be covered by the NBS is available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Joe McHugh

Question:

919 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will address a number of concerns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1168/10]

Following the conclusion of a technology neutral competitive tendering process, using the Competitive Dialogue Procurement procedure as set out in the European Communities (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts) Regulations 2006, the contract to implement and operate the National Broadband Scheme ("NBS") was entered into with Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd (trading as "3") in late December 2008.

Operational matters, such as employment of contractors and the provision of frontline customer support, are a matter for Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd. In addition, the provision of broadband services will have a positive impact on economic and commercial activity, enabling existing companies to grow and new business to set up in the NBS area.

Joe McHugh

Question:

920 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be made available at locations (details supplied) in County Donegal; the penalties that apply to mobile telephone companies contracted by the State for the non-delivery of broadband to areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1169/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

930 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review and preview broadband services in a location (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1628/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 920 and 930 together.

In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The company is required to provide services, using a mix of technologies, to all fixed residences and businesses that are located within the NBS Coverage Area and who seek a service. My Department, with the assistance of independent technical consultants, Analysys Mason Ltd, will throughout the contract term, actively monitor performance of the infrastructure, service availability, service delivery and customer experience as well as overall compliance with its contractual obligations by 3.

Delays in achieving contractual rollout milestones will result in late and/or reduced subsidy payments to 3. Additionally, the NBS contract imposes a service credit regime on 3 with significant consequences in the event of proven failure to meet the contractually binding service or customer service obligations. 3 continues to progress its network rollout and NBS broadband services are available in almost half of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme.

With particular reference to County Donegal, the following table shows the 52 EDs to be covered under the NBS in the County and identifies the 15 EDs, which can now avail of the NBS broadband services. Details of all the areas to be covered by the NBS, including the status of the NBS rollout, are available at www.three.ie/nbs. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area will have broadband connectivity by end September 2010.

It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the NBS there will still be a small percentage of premises that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently considering the detailed design and implementation of a scheme which would address the issue of unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas.

It is hoped to commence the scheme this year with the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. State Aid approval has been granted by the European Commission as part of the overall process of securing the necessary approvals and funding for the scheme.

National Broadband Scheme Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered by the NBS in County Donegal

Ed Name

ED reference No.

Status

Altnapaste Ed

57001

Live

Aran Ed

57003

Planned

Ardmalin Ed

57005

Live

Ards Ed

57006

Planned

Ballintra Ed

57007

Planned

Ballintra Ed

57008

Planned

Ballyshannon Urban Ed

57012

Live

Binbane Ed

57014

Planned

Carrowkeel Ed

57025

Planned

Carthage Ed

57026

Planned

Cavangarden Ed

57031

Planned

Church-Hill Ed

57032

Live

Cliff Ed

57033

Planned

Cloghan Ed

57034

Live

Clogher Ed

57036

Planned

Creenasmear Ed

57043

Planned

Creeslough Ed

57044

Planned

Crovehy Ed

57046

Planned

Doe Castle Ed

57052

Planned

Dunaff Ed

57056

Planned

Dunlewy

57060

Planned

Eanymore Ed

57061

Live

Fanad North Ed

57064

Live

Fanad West Ed

57065

Live

Feddyglass Ed

57066

Planned

Fintown Ed

57068

Planned

Gartan Ed

57069

Live

Glen Ed

57070

Planned

Glenalla Ed

57071

Planned

Glenleheen Ed

57076

Planned

Gortahork Ed

57081

Planned

Graffy Ed

57083

Planned

Grousehall Ed

57086

Planned

Inishkeel Ed

57090

Planned

Kilgoly Ed

57094

Planned

Killymasny Ed

57099

Live

Laghy Ed

57104

Planned

Lettermacaward Ed

57108

Planned

Lough Eask Ed

57110

Planned

Maas Ed

57112

Planned

Malin Ed

57116

Planned

Malinbeg Ed

57117

Live

Meenaclady Ed

57119

Planned

Meencargagh Ed

57120

Live

Pettigoe Ed

57126

Planned

Seacor Ed

57134

Live

St Johnstown Ed

57135

Planned

Tawnawully Ed

57139

Planned

Templecarn Ed

57140

Planned

Templedouglas Ed

57141

Live

Termon Ed

57142

Planned

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

921 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings that will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1251/10]

The savings measures proposed for my Department are set out in tabular form on page 36 of Volume I of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The following table outlines the status of these proposed measures in terms of Budget 2010.

As the Deputy is aware the report of the Special Group outlined a wide range of proposals across all Departments, a number of which, if agreed to proceed, can only be achieved through restructuring over a number of years. The consideration of the proposals for my Department and the Agencies under its aegis is ongoing and initial progress has been made in relation to certain proposals. In addition, my Department has committed to current savings amounting to €13 million over the 2009 Estimate in 2010. The details of the programme changes that will be made by my Department in order to achieve these savings for 2010 are as set out on pages E. 64 and E. 65 of the 2010 Estimates for Public Services and Summary Public Capital Programme.

Savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes

Merge DHDA with EI/IDA Structural — not included in Budget 2010

Merge ComReg with BAI Structural — not included in Budget 2010

Transfer IFCO into BAI Structural — not included in Budget 2010

Partially fund TG4 from TV LicenceNot included in Budget 2010 but direct Exchequer subvention to TG4 reduced by €2.083 million

Terminate DCENR/SEI energy awareness programmes Separate budget for Energy Efficiency Awareness eliminated (€0.894 million saving)

Rationalise multiplicity of energy efficiency schemes run by SEI Being rationalised in the context of the multi-annual National Retrofit Programme announced in Budget 2010

Transfer energy research funding to new single funding stream for all research Structural — not included in Budget 2010

Review operations of Bord na Móna to achieve optimal value Will be done on an ongoing basis — any potential savings arising would not accrue to the Exchequer

Merge OSi and the Valuation Office with the PRA Structural — not included in Budget 2010

Secure efficiencies/increased revenue worth 20% of GSI’s operating costs DCENR proposes to undertake Value for Money Review of GSI in 2010 to secure efficiencies/increased revenue

Secure additional savings from the merger of the regional fisheries boards Merger will take place in 2010 and direct Exchequer funding for Inland Fisheries reduced by €3.145 million

Transfer responsibility for Inland Fisheries from DCENR to DEHLG Structural — not included in Budget 2010

Reduce DCENR authorised number of civil servants by 30 posts DCENR has achieved target

Reduce DCENR agency staff by 76 Structural — not included in Budget 2010

Fisheries Protection.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

922 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a fishing group (details supplied) in south Tipperary could be granted a licence to fish for at least one month in view of the increase in salmon stock on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/10]

The harvest of salmon by any means is permitted only in those rivers that are meeting their conservation limits and which have an identified surplus following appropriate assessment and scientific advice. Such rivers are specified in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2009 (SI No. 557 2009).

The Standing Scientific Committee, in their draft Report on the Status of Irish Salmon Stocks in 2009 and Precautionary Catch Advice for 2010, advised that stocks of salmon in the River Suir were below conservation limits. It is calculated that in 2010 the river Suir (including Clodiagh and Lingaun waters) will reach only 96% of its conservation limit. In order to permit a harvest of fish, the stock has to be shown to exceed the required number of spawners arriving into the river. The excess over 100% is determined as surplus and determines the total allowable catch. Accordingly, based on the management advice, no mortality of fish is permissible in the river Suir. This reflects the status of the stocks of the river this year, which are reviewed annually. If the stocks improve as a result of the ongoing conservation effort, as had occurred in the River Nore in 2009 for example, it may be possible to permit a harvest of fish in the future.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

923 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to support renewable energy projects on farms; the grant aid or supports provided to date for such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1396/10]

There is a range of support measures for renewable energy already in place of which the farming community and rural communities generally can avail. Support for the generation of electricity on a micro scale include a guaranteed price of 19 cent per kilowatt hour of electricity produced. This competitive feed-in tariff applies to the first 4,000 micro-generation installations countrywide over the next two years. Access to the feed-in tariff includes the provision of a smart-meter to facilitate exports to the grid and encourage those customers to examine their electricity use generally.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is operating a pilot scheme for micro and small-scale generation technologies that is designed to investigate and test technical, market and regulatory issues associated with the deployment of micro-generation technologies including installation, network connection and operation, and generation. Grant aid for up to 50 pilot installations has been provided as part of the programme. The experience gained in the performance of this programme will inform the roll-out of any subsequent wider micro-scale programme.

The farming community can also avail of grant support under the Greener Homes and ReHeat Schemes, which are administered by SEI. SEI's Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Programme assists the deployment of small-scale fossil-fired and biomass CHP systems in the industrial, commercial, service and public sectors. The Biomass CHP Programme provides grant aid for Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion CHP. Anaerobic Digestion, in particular, offers opportunities for farmers to use animal waste to generate electricity, while also reducing the environmental impact of that waste when spread on the land. Renewable Energy Feed In Tariffs have also been put in place.

Telecommunications Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

924 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 801 of 9 July 2009, the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1404/10]

The position remains that any future broadband investment decisions, including investment in any further phases of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme, will be guided by (i) the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which was published in June 2009 (ii) the Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs Programme, which was published in July 2008 and (iii) the availability of resources.

My officials are currently analysing potential options for further investment under the MANs Programme in the light of the above.

Pat Breen

Question:

925 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in the provision of broadband to rural areas under the national broadband scheme; the areas of County Clare which remain without broadband; his plans to extend broadband to these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1431/10]

In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The company is required to provide services, using a mix of technologies, to all fixed residences and businesses that are located within the NBS Coverage Area and which seek a service. 3 continues to progress its network rollout and services have gone live in almost half of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme.

With particular reference to County Clare, the table below shows the 49 EDs to be covered under the NBS in the County and highlights the 32 EDs that can now avail of the NBS broadband services. Details of all the areas to be covered by the NBS, including the status of the NBS rollout, are available at www.three.ie/nbs. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area will have broadband connectivity by end September 2010. My Department is currently considering a request from 3 for a short extension to the roll-out period due to delays in network construction during the recent adverse weather conditions.

It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the NBS there will still be a small percentage of premises that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently considering the detailed design and implementation of a scheme which would address the issue of unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas.

It is hoped to commence the scheme this year with the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband and to have the scheme completed by 2012. State Aid approval has been granted by the European Commission as part of the overall process of securing the necessary approvals and funding for the scheme.

Electoral Divisions (EDs) included under the NBS in County Clare

ED Name

ED Reference No.

Abbey ED*

37001

Ayle ED*

37003

Ballyeighter ED*

37008

Ballynacally ED*

37010

Cahermurphy ED*

37019

Carran ED

37022

Castletown ED*

37025

Clondagad ED*

37030

Cloonadrum ED*

37031

Cloonanaha ED

37032

Clooney ED

37034

Clooney ED*

37035

Cloontra ED

37036

Coolmeen ED*

37038

Cooraclare ED*

37040

Creegh ED*

37044

Derreen ED

37047

Doonbeg ED*

37049

Drumellihy ED*

37052

Fahymore ED

37060

Feakle ED*

37061

Gleninagh ED

37065

Glenmore ED

37066

Kilfenora ED*

37075

Kilfiddane ED*

37076

Killadysert ED

37079

Killanena ED*

37081

KIllard ED*

37083

Killimer ED*

37087

Killokennedy ED

37090

Killuran ED*

37092

Kilmihil ED*

37093

Kilmurry ED*

37094

Kilseily ED*

37100

Kiltannon ED*

37102

Kiltoraght ED

37104

Knock ED*

37106

Knocknaboley ED

37107

Knockagore ED*

37108

Kyle ED*

37109

Lackareagh ED

37110

Liscasey ED*

37112

Loughea ED*

37115

Newgrove ED

37127

Noughaval ED*

37129

Oughtmama ED

37132

Rathborney ED

37137

Rathclooney ED

37138

Tullycreen ED*

37152

Note: *Highlighted EDs have NBS service.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

926 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received by him, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1505/10]

I have received no gifts or hospitality over the statutory reporting limit value of €650 since coming to office. The gifts I have received have been of a minor or symbolic nature.

Departmental Charges.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

927 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the charges levied or set by his Department or agencies for the provision of goods or services to individuals or businesses; if those charges have been changed during 2008 or 2009; the revenue in 2009 accrued from these charges; the anticipated income from such charges in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1591/10]

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

Television Licence Fee.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

928 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the charge for a television licence; if this has increased in 2007, 2008 or 2009; the revenue raised from the television licence in 2009; the anticipated revenue to be generated in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1593/10]

The fee charged for a television licence is €160. This fee can be paid in one payment in full or in monthly, quarterly or half-yearly instalments. There was one increase in the television licence fee in the period 2007-2009, it being the last adjustment to the licence fee which took effect from January 1, 2008. This increase was based on a review of RTÉ's performance in 2006, which was carried out in 2007. This resulted in an increase in the licence fee of €2 from €158 to €160.

The revenue raised from television licence fee sales (including Department of Social and Family Affair's payments to my Department for issue of ‘free licences') in 2009 was €226.2 m. It is estimated that €222.1 m will be generated from television licence fee sales in 2010.

Electricity Generation.

Michael Creed

Question:

929 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reconsider the feed-in tariff price paid for renewable electricity from biomass in view of the fact that the industry representatives are finding it difficult to progress projects here due to the price differential between Northern Ireland, the UK and this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1621/10]

The Government has set the targets for the contribution from renewable energy sources to electricity at 40% by 2020. The 40% electricity target is consistent with the new EU target addressed to Ireland in the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC, which requires Ireland to increase the contribution from renewable sources to 16% of all energy consumed (encompassing electricity, transport and heating) by 2020.

Reflecting the need to support the development of biomass, I announced a Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) of 12 cent per kilowatt hour. Under the auspices of the Renewable Energy Development Group, which is chaired by my Department, the Bioenergy Working Group is currently finalising a Bioenergy Road Map to 2020 which will underpin the contribution of bioenergy, including biomass to Ireland's Renewable Energy target for 2020. The Working Group is reviewing the current REFIT for the various categories of biomass Combined Heat and Power plants in that context having regard to the particular challenges for the sector. I expect the Working Group's report to be submitted to me next month.

Question No. 930 answered with Question No. 920.

Energy Conservation.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

931 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount allocated to the home energy saving scheme in 2009; the amount of the budget that was spent; the amount allocated to the scheme for 2010; if the allocation includes unspent funds from the 2009 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1837/10]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

932 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount allocated to the warmer homes scheme in 2009; the amount of the budget that was spent; the amount allocated to the scheme for 2010; if the allocation includes unspent funds from the 2009 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1838/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 931 and 932 together.

The Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and offers financial support for homeowners wishing to make energy efficiency improvements. The scheme was allocated €49 million in 2009. Applications began to be accepted in late March, following the necessary work to establish the Scheme. By end-December SEI had processed 40,724 applications. Some €16.26 million was paid out by SEI by the end of the year.

The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) is also administered by SEI and is the primary mechanism for alleviating the key underlying cause of fuel poverty which is the thermal inefficiency of houses. Some €20 million was provided for the scheme in 2009, which included a contribution of €5 million from ESB and BGE. This enabled energy efficiency improvements to be made to over 19,000 vulnerable homes at a cost of €14.518 million in 2009.

Funding in 2010 of €13 m for the Warmer Homes Scheme and €29.5 m for the Home Energy Saving Scheme was announced on Budget Day together with €50m for the National Energy Retrofit Programme. The carryover of unspent funds from my Department's 2009 Vote into 2010 is as set out on page E. 64 of the 2010 Estimates for Public Services and Summary Public Capital Programme. The application of the carryover to my Department's Vote and the 2010 allocations for each of the Energy Efficiency Programmes will be published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2010.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

933 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2163/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following tables. The figures relate to the position at the end December in each year.

2007

Division

No. of Staff (Whole Time Equivalent)

Corporate Services

145.20

Energy

43.73

Communications

43.40

Natural Resources

106.80

Total

339.13

2008 Division No. of Staff (Whole Time Equivalent)

Division

No. of Staff (Whole Time Equivalent)

Corporate Services

119.89

Energy

38.40

Communications

40.00

Natural Resources

99.71

Total

298.00

2009 Division No. of Staff (Whole Time Equivalent)

Division

No. of Staff (Whole Time Equivalent)

Corporate Services

105.52

Energy

39.23

Communications

42.80

Natural Resources

83.90

Total

271.45

Farm Inspections.

Joe McHugh

Question:

934 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farm inspections carried out in 2009 on a county basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48283/09]

Details of the number of farm inspections on a county basis carried out by my Department during the course of 2009 are being compiled at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

935 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be awarded outstanding payments including REP scheme four, disadvantaged area based payments and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48302/09]

Payment to the person named was delayed due to an error in the information recorded in the Department's payment system. This has now been rectified. All payment due will issue within 10 working days.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

936 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48306/09]

There were 3,808 full time equivalent civil service staff in my Department at end December 2009. While the Department does not have a comprehensive register of staff qualifications at this time, a project to verify and update all information held on the Department's HRMS (Human Resources Management System) has recently commenced. The establishment of such a register will form part of this overall process.

Grant Payments.

John O'Mahony

Question:

937 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48459/09]

An issue has arisen during the processing of the REPS 4 application from the person named. Processing of the application cannot be completed until this has been resolved. My officials will be in contact with him shortly.

Martin Ferris

Question:

938 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied). [48592/09]

An issue has arisen during the processing of this REPS 4. Processing of the application cannot be completed until this has been resolved. My officials will be in contact with the applicant shortly.

Departmental Staff.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

939 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any plans to replace veterinary inspectors with trained auxiliary staff from his Department to carry out post mortems in meat plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48617/09]

Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants operating under the approval of my Department are supervised by veterinary inspectors employed by the Department, assisted in their duties by technical staff and by temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) drawn from private practice on a rota basis.

Recommendations arising from a Value for Money (VFM) review relating to the use of the services of TVIs in slaughter plants under the supervision of the Department, along with recommendations arising from other reviews relating to the optimum deployment of the national veterinary public health inspectorate, are being taken into account in revised arrangements for controlling meat plants to be developed in coming months. In this context the use of auxiliaries as recommended by the VFM review will be introduced in certain areas, initially on a pilot basis.

A number of issues remain to be addressed however before work currently undertaken by TVIs could be reassigned to auxiliaries on a general basis. The technical staff that are referred to by the Deputy, while trained to a level commensurate to carry out all the inspection tasks which they are currently performing, are not as yet fully trained to carry out post-mortem meat inspection except in relation to poultry meat. (The Department had already assigned some post mortem inspection duties to technical staff working in poultry processing establishments). In addition, such a reassignment would involve extensive consultation with the representatives of the technical staff concerned and the TVIs.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

940 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive their REP scheme three payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48622/09]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

941 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an application for the 2009 cow suckler scheme has been received from a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if the application is in order; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48634/09]

The person named had 26 animals registered under the Suckler Welfare Scheme in 2008. Payment has issued for one of the animals. My Department has completed the processing of a further 18 animals and payment will issue in respect of these animals shortly. One animal calved at less than 22 months of age, which does not comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and is, therefore, not eligible for payment. Errors have been identified for a further 3 animals and a letter in this regard was recently issued to the applicant.

The person named has 22 animals registered under the 2009 Scheme. However, the applicant has not submitted details regarding the events required to be undertaken under the Scheme. Payment cannot issue until this information has been provided and processed by my Department.

Martin Ferris

Question:

942 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when outstanding REP scheme payments will be awarded. [1012/10]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments to REPS 4 participants amounting to just under €100 million issued in 2009 to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose on a significant number of applications in the course of the administrative checks and these are under examination as a matter of priority. Further payments will continue to be made as applications are cleared for payment. The annual claims for payment submitted by REPS 3 participants continue to be processed and paid with minimum delay.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Pat Breen

Question:

943 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 13 October 2009, when he will make a determination on an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1072/10]

The area for which the licences are sought is a designated Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site). Due to the Natura 2000 status of the area the applications in question were referred by my Department to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for further consideration having regard to the ongoing discussions between the two Departments on the issue of aquaculture activities in Natura 2000 sites generally. That Department has advised that all operations or activities should be subject to the provisions of Article 6(3) of the EC Habitats Directive as transposed by Regulation 31 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. Every effort is being made by my Department to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all relevant national and EU legislation.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

944 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo receives their 2009 REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1086/10]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments issued in 2009 to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However queries arose on a significant number of applications, including that of the person named, in the course of the administrative checks. My Department is continuing to process the application to payment stage, including the application from the person named, with a view to payment as soon as possible and, in this context, will be in touch with the applicants where necessary, to resolve outstanding issues.

Pat Breen

Question:

945 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1101/10]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Installation Aid Scheme. An appeal in connection with the application has been made to the Agriculture Appeals Office. No decision has been made yet in relation to the appeal by that Office.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

946 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment under the suckler cow welfare scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1111/10]

The person named had 32 animals registered under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has already issued in respect of 21 animals. Errors were identified with the remaining 11 animals. These errors have now been rectified. Payment has now been approved for these animals and will issue shortly.

Pigmeat Sector.

Michael Creed

Question:

947 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the beneficiaries of the pork dioxin contingency fund; the moneys allocated to each beneficiary; the applications pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1112/10]

The agreement with the pig processing sector in the immediate aftermath of the dioxin contamination incident provided for the possibility of the provision of limited funding in respect of certain pig meat product, other than eligible product, subject to compliance with certain specified conditions. The closing date for applications in this respect was 31 December 2009. Applications were received from 15 companies by the closing date and these are being examined taking into account the terms of the relevant State Aid decision (No. NN 44/2009) issued by the European Commission. No payments have been made to date.

Fur Farming.

Michael Creed

Question:

948 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the advice and recommendations contained in a submission (details supplied) to management at his Department regarding the phasing out of fur farming as agreed in the revised programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1125/10]

The submission referred to by the Deputy relates to the legislative and other changes deemed necessary to implement the commitment in the revised Programme for Government to phase out fur farming over three years.

As many of the matters in the submission are still under consideration, it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

Grant Payments.

James Bannon

Question:

949 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a meat supplier, which has had the advantage of State aid, is permitted to open butcher shops, selling below cost, in competition with local butchers, in the case of a butcher (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1134/10]

The company in question has recently opened a retail outlet. This outlet is not however part of the company's meat processing establishment, which is approved by my Department under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009). The Health Service Executive is the appropriate registering authority for such a retail outlet.

Grant assistance provided by my Department under the Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund was not awarded to retail premises or for developments at retail level and all eligible projects were assessed and evaluated according to strict commercial and technical criteria.

Flood Relief.

Michael Creed

Question:

950 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of funding paid out to date arising from recent flooding from the scheme administered by his Department for aid to farmers towards winter fodder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1148/10]

Mindful of the hardship and distress caused by the recent widespread flooding, on 27 November 2007 I announced the introduction of the Fodder Aid Scheme, targeted directly at those farmers who encountered damage to fodder in the affected areas. While I was very anxious that the funding reach the affected farmers as quickly as possible, it was essential that farmers demonstrate that their fodder was damaged and to what extent. To this end, therefore, it was necessary that each claim be verified by an on-the-spot inspection. I had initially set the closing date for receipt of applications as 11 December, but subsequently extended it by one week. Immediately applications began to be received by my Department, the necessary inspections were begun, following which the applications were further processed for payment. I am pleased to say that payments commenced issuing on 18 December and, to date, payments worth €464,468 have issued to 215 applicants. Payments continue to issue as individual cases are confirmed eligible.

Aquaculture Licences.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

951 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the salmon aquaculture licence at an island (details supplied) in County Clare was revoked in December 2006 following a two year period when no aquaculture took place; if the licence was not revoked in 2006, the reason he did not; if the licensee has now applied for a renewal of the licence; if he will grant the renewal of the licence for salmon farming only on the condition that an environmental impact assessment and an assessment under the habitats directive will be carried out first; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Deenish Island is a marine special area of conservation and is in close proximity to a number of salmon special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1160/10]

The licence in question relates to an area located in Kenmare River, Co. Kerry. The licence was due for renewal from 15 February 2007. The licensee company had applied for renewal of the licence in question in February 2007 thus indicating its intention to utilise the site.

The renewal application was under consideration in the normal manner when, in early 2008, my Department became aware that the full shareholding of the licensee company was to be acquired by a third party. During the course of processing the approval of this acquisition my Department, in discussion with the relevant parties, was apprised of the new owner's production plans for the site. This included the revival of an application originally made in 2004 to expand the area of the site and the licensed production level. The Department has advised the company that it should submit a new application together with an Environmental Impact Statement in relation to this site. This application is awaited.

All new applications for marine salmon aquaculture licences are required to submit an Environmental Impact Statement in support of the application. My Department is aware that the aquaculture site at Deenish is within the Kenmare River Natura 2000 site. The Environmental Impact Statement will be required to fully assess the effects of the proposed aquaculture on the environment, including the conservation objectives of the Natura 2000 site.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

952 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received their REP scheme four payment; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1165/10]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

National Reserve.

Michael Creed

Question:

953 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the situation regarding young farmers’ eligibility to apply for entitlements on an annual basis from the national reserve when the young farmers’ off-farm income exceeds €30,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1166/10]

The Regulations governing the National Reserve provide that, for non-mandatory categories (such as new entrants to farming) the Member State must apply objective criteria and ensure that an allocation of entitlements from the Reserve is not greater than the regional average value of entitlements which in Ireland's case is the District Electoral Division (DED) average associated with the applicants herd number.

The Single Payment Advisory Committee, comprising representatives of the farming organisations, Teagasc and officials from my Department recommended, and I accepted, objective criteria for the 2009 National Reserve including educational qualifications and an off-farm income limit of €30,000.

The National Reserve is a scarce resource initially created by reducing the value of the entitlements established for existing farmers and can only be replenished by the relinquishing of any entitlements that remain unused. My Department must therefore be prudent is determining how the funds in the reserve are administered.

Horticulture Sector.

Joe McHugh

Question:

954 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will support potato growers in County Donegal whose enterprises have been devastated by the Christmas 2009 weather crisis; if he will acknowledge that 75% of the potato crop has been ruined; his views that this amounts to a wipe-out of the potato industry in County Donegal; the nature of the supports he will provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1170/10]

Michael McGrath

Question:

956 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider the introduction of a compensation package for potato growers following the loss of potato crop during the recent period of exceptionally cold weather. [1206/10]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

969 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce a compensation package to assist potato producers whose crop has been devastated by the recent bad weather and are in danger of losing up to 75% of their crop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1553/10]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

983 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the serious losses suffered by potato farmers in County Donegal as a result of the very severe and ongoing adverse weather conditions; if he has any plans to initiate a compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2040/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 954, 956, 969 and 983 together.

I am aware that, due to very wet conditions in November 2009, that a very considerable acreage of potatoes remained unharvested at the end of the year. Since then, farmers have experienced very severe frost conditions which have resulted in significant losses to these crops. I met with potato grower representatives on Thursday 14 January who presented me with a submission which is currently being considered.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

955 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of the number of REP scheme four applicants that have been approved in tabular form on a county basis; the number of same that have been paid; the number of same that await payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1178/10]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments to REPS 4 participants, amounting to just under €100 million, issued in 2009 to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose on a significant number of applications in the course of the administrative checks and these are under examination as a matter of priority. Further payments will continue to be made as applications are cleared. The information requested is set out in the table:

County

Total Number of REPS 4 applicants 2008, 2009

Paid 2009

Awaiting Payment

Carlow

296

147

149

Cavan

1,073

414

659

Clare

1,311

935

376

Cork

3,147

874

2,273

Donegal

1,865

1,328

537

Dublin

50

14

36

Galway

2,727

1,118

1,609

Kerry

1,960

466

1,494

Kildare

371

239

132

Kilkenny

816

394

422

Laois

757

474

283

Leitrim

859

528

331

Limerick

1,308

691

617

Longford

674

346

328

Louth

217

80

137

Mayo

2,652

939

1,713

Meath

557

157

400

Monaghan

888

317

571

Offaly

696

284

412

Roscommon

1,371

800

571

Sligo

907

527

380

Tipperary Nth

840

504

336

Tipperary Sth

971

486

485

Waterford

633

112

521

Westmeath

693

382

311

Wexford

789

453

336

Wicklow

400

81

319

Totals

28,828

13,090

15,738

Question No. 956 answered with Question No. 954.

Beef Quality Assurance Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

957 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to address the anomaly within the Bord Bia quality assurance beef herd scheme in which marts are not recognised as part of the supply chain rather than destinations; if he will ensure that marts become part of the assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1207/10]

Currently the An Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme is available to all producers of beef in Ireland regardless of whether they sell their animals direct to the factory or via the mart.

The Bord is looking at the possibility of devising a scheme for live animals, in which case the marts would have a essential part.

Harbours and Piers.

Joe McHugh

Question:

958 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give a breakdown of the distribution of the 2010 piers and harbours building budget; if he will further give a short summary of construction plans for each of the piers and harbours that have been designated funding from this budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1211/10]

The available budget for the 2010 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Capital Programme has been allocated to meet expenditure that is contractually committed for 2010 and essential safety and maintenance works.

Joe McHugh

Question:

959 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reconsider his decision to decommission a capital project (details supplied) in County Donegal, in view of the fact that this decommissioning will result in the dissolution of work done on the project already; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1212/10]

Greencastle harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and the maintenance and development of the harbour is the responsibility of the Council in the first instance.

My Department has, however, in recent years, project managed works on phase 1 of the Greencastle Harbour development project on behalf of Donegal County Council as well as providing funding.

The position with regard to providing further funding for the Greencastle project is that I have provided adequate funding in the capital programme for 2010 to suspend the project in a safe and acceptable manner. I will keep the matter under review on an ongoing basis having regard to expenditure in my Department's Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure capital programme.

It is, of course, open to Donegal County Council as owners of the harbour at Greencastle to continue works on the breakwater out of their own resources.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

960 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1249/10]

The Vote for my Department has been reduced from a gross outturn of €2.104 billion in 2008 to €1.735 billion in 2010, a reduction of €369 million. The lower 2010 budget provision reflects a combination of factors including lower administration costs, the closure of certain schemes to new applicants, the introduction of lower payment rates, lower levels of funding to discharge outstanding liabilities under existing schemes and lower budget provision for once-off items such as the cost of measures to deal with the dioxin crisis in the pig meat sector.

The position in relation to the main recommendations of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes is set out in the following table.

Main recommendations

Current position

Terminate Suckler Cow Scheme

The rate of payment under the Scheme was reduced from €80 to €40 per eligible animal in the 2009 Budget in October 2008.

Close REPS 4 and no rollover of participants from REPS 2 & 3 into REPS 4

REPS 4 was closed to new applicants on July 2009

Reduce the annual expenditure on the Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme by 30%

Expenditure was reduced by 14% or €35m in the 2009 Budget in October 2008

Reduce staff numbers and implement efficiency savings in the Department and State bodies under the Department’s aegis

The Administrative Budget for the Department of €280 million in 2010 represents a reduction of €23 million in administration costs compared to 2008 and includes a reduction of almost €19 million in salary, overtime and travel costs due to a) lower staff numbers, reduced overtime and travel allocations, b) improved efficiencies and c) the rationalisation of the Department’s local office network.Reductions of the Grants-in-Aid to the State bodies under the aegis of the Department include €15 million cut in funding for administration and operating costs due to reductions in staff numbers and improved efficiencies.

The Department keeps all elements of expenditure under close review. Funding for Schemes and services as well as the Administrative Budget will be decided in the context of the preparation of the annual Estimate on an on-going basis.

Grant Payments.

Joe Carey

Question:

961 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasons for non-payment of 2009 Disadvantaged Area Payment to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1269/10]

An application under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2009.

The Terms and Conditions governing the Scheme require, inter alia, that applicants maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared, for at least three consecutive months, during the calendar year of application. Where the holding of an applicant is identified as not meeting this minimum requirement, the person in question is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking i.e. Flock Register, Horse Passports or details of a REPS or Commonage Framework Plan, which provides for a lower stocking level.

The person named was written to on 23 July 2009 and invited to submit appropriate evidence of the numbers of livestock maintained on her farm, as Department records currently do not show the person named as having yet achieved the minimum stocking density. To date, no reply has been received from the person named. Upon receipt of a satisfactory response, the application will be further processed with a view to payment at an early date if the applicant is eligible.

Michael Creed

Question:

962 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received payment under the REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1298/10]

The first phase of the 2009 REPS 4 payment issued to the person named on 8 Jan 2009. The remaining 25% will issue shortly.

Michael Creed

Question:

963 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Question No. 408 of 8 December 2009, the reason for the delay in issuing payment to a person (details supplied) under the installation aid scheme whose grant aid has been approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1299/10]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. The application has been approved and payment will be issued shortly by my Department.

Michael Creed

Question:

964 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite a REP scheme 4 application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1302/10]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

Live Exports.

Denis Naughten

Question:

965 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to enhance the live cattle trade to Britain; the numbers exported in 2009; the reason this was proportionately smaller than the increase to other destinations; the corresponding figures for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/10]

The live export trade is an important component of our meat and livestock industry and provides a complement to the beef trade.

The following table shows data on live cattle exports in 2009 along with the corresponding figures for 2008.

Destination

2009

2008

United Kingdom

89,503

34,577

Northern Ireland

79,430

32,712

Great Britain

10,073

1,865

Other Destinations

196,781

113,159

Total

286,284

147,736

Overall live exports in 2009 increased by 94% on 2008 levels. In the same period, exports to the UK increased by 159%, with those to Great Britain increasing by 440% and those to other destinations by 74%.

While the purchasing policy of UK meat plants is a commercial decision for those plants, my Department and Bord Bia continue to work closely with the industry in monitoring and developing emerging opportunities for Irish livestock in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. This includes contact with processors and retailers in Britain to establish their interest in live Irish exports and cattle born in Ireland and finished in Britain.

Departmental Offices.

Phil Hogan

Question:

966 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has reviewed his decision to close all administrative offices of his Department in Kilkenny city; his views on proposals by his officers to maintain at least a docking station for officials to deal with farming queries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1500/10]

The Government approved my plan for a reorganisation of my Department's Local Office Network last July. 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 we had completed 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.

Improvements in business processes, information technology and communications will allow the Department to provide to all of our clients, the full range of services from the 16 enhanced offices set out in the plan.

Department staff will be relocated to the enhanced offices where appropriate or redeployed to other areas of the Department or to other Departments and Agencies. Where particular arrangements are identified which would benefit service delivery and operational needs, these will be considered on the basis of an agreed business case.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

967 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, from May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1503/10]

Under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, any gift with a value in excess of €650 must be surrendered to the State and declared in a Minister's Statement of Registerable Interests submitted to the Standards in Public Office Commission.

I can confirm that I have not received any gift in excess of this amount since my appointment and I am in compliance with the relevant regulations.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael Creed

Question:

968 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Animal Welfare Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1550/10]

Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government is ongoing in my Department. The legislation will amend and consolidate 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 that the 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. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.

Question No. 969 answered with Question No. 954.

Departmental Charges.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

970 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the charges levied or set by his Department or agencies for the provision of goods or services to individuals or businesses; if those charges have been changed during 2008 or 2009; the revenue accrued from these charges in 2009; the anticipated income from such charges in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1590/10]

The following is the information requested by the Deputy in so far as my Department is concerned. The issue of charges levied or set by the bodies under the aegis of my Department is an administrative matter for the bodies themselves.

Name of Levy

Amount Paid

Estimated Receipts 2010

Fee Rates (€)

2009

2010

2008

2009

2010 (Pro-posed)

Meat Inspection Fees

13.9m

15.1m

See Note 1 below for rates.

No change

No changes proposed to date.

Bovine Diseases Levy

5.2m

5m

Milk .06 cent per litre of milk received for processing Beef €1.27 per bovine animal slaughtered or exported live

No change

No Change

Bord Bia statutory levy on cattle, sheep and pigs at slaughter or export

4.9m

5.1m

€1.90 on cattle, €0.25 on sheep and pigs

No Change

No Change

Dairy Inspection Fee under the Milk (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1979 (as amended)

4.6m

5m

€0.001 per litre

€0.001per litre

€0.001per litre

Fishery Harbour Centre (Rates and Charges) Order 2003

4,218,417

4,100,000

See Note 2 below

See Note 2 below

See Note 2 below

Aquaculture & Foreshore. See Note 3(2) and (3) below

1,665,271

1,250,000.

See Note 3(4) below

See Note 3(4) below

See Note 3(4) below

Bovine disease levy & inspection fee for export of live animals

1,069,920

800,000

€6.07

€6.07

€6.07

Veterinary Laboratory Services

936,000

1,000,000

No change since 2002 See Note 4 below

No change since 2002 See Note 4 below

No changes proposed

Pesticides Registration Fees

629,000

700,000

From €100 to €95,000 depending on type of application. Full range of fees (66) on PCS website

From €100 to €95,000 depending on type of application. Full range of fees (66) on PCS website

No change

Cereal Seed Certification Fees 152304

585,000

600,000

From €11.85/ha to €14.73/ha

From €11.85/ha to €14.73/ha

No change

Name of Levy

Amount Paid

Estimated Receipts 2010

Fee Rates (€)

2009

2010

2008

2009

2010 (Pro-posed)

Aquaculture Licence annual fee

276,450

400,000

See Note 3(1) below

See Note 3(1) below

See Note 3(1) below

Veterinary Inspection Fee on import of Products of Animal Origin

256,332

256,000

€10/tonne, minimum of €100 per consignment

€10/tonne, minimum of €100 per consignment

€10/tonne, minimum of €100 per consign-ment

Potato Inspection Fees 152203

119,000

115,000

From €65/ha to €90/ha

From €70/ha to €100/ha

Not known yet

Seed Testing 152303

80,000

90,000

From €5 to €60

From €5.50 to €63

Not known yet

Fee for an Animal Remedies Retailers licence authorising a premises to sell animal remedies by retail as required by SI No. 786/2007

69,500

21,500 Licences issued in a 3-yearly cycle and thus volumes fluctuate year on year

€150

€150

€150

Salmonella Control Programme in Pigs (ended Dec 2009)

66,157

4,200

€2.40 per test

€2.40 per test

n/a

Grass Seed Certification Fees152310

64,000

75,000

From €0.94/100 kg to €1.62/100 kg

From €0.94/100 kg to €1.62/100 kg

No change

Veterinary Inspection Fee on import of Products of Fishery Origin

17,090

25,000

€5/tonne, minimum of €30 per consignment

€5/tonne, minimum of €30 per consignment

€10/tonne, minimum of €100 per consign-ment

Egg Packing Centres — Registration Fees

11,460

12,000

€130/€320 (Depending on size of unit)

€130/€320 (Depending on size of unit)

€130/€320 (Depend-ing on size of unit)

Pig Salmonella Control Programme (commenced Jan 2010)

n/a

60,000

n/a

n/a

€2.40 per test

Veterinary Inspection Fees for import of horses and small animals

24,103

30,000

12.50

12.50

12.50

Name of Levy

Amount Paid

Estimated Receipts 2010

Fee Rates (€)

2009

2010

2008

2009

2010 (Pro-posed)

Veterinary Inspection Fees for export of horses and small animals

14,283

10,000

30.47

30.47

30.47

Fee for an Animal Remedies Wholesaler’s licence authorising a premises to sell animal remedies by wholesale as required by SI No. 786/2007

10,000

4,000 Licences issued in a 3-yearly cycle and thus volumes fluctuate year on year

€634

€634

€634

Fee for a Research licence authorising administration of an animal remedy to animals for the purpose of tests/trials as required by SI No. 786/2007

315

630

*€630# €315* licences issued in a 3-yearly cycle and thus volumes fluctuate year on year.# For established substance

€630€315

€630€315

Manufacture licence authorising a premises to manufacture an animal remedy as required by SI No. 786/2007

4,000

4,000

€190

€190

€190

Fee for an Animal Remedies Solicit Order Licence authorising a Licensed Merchant to solicit orders for animal remedies as required by SI No. 786/2007

5,300

300 licences issued in a 3-yearly cycle and thus volumes fluctuate year on year

€76 per rep

€76 per rep

€76per rep

Fee for an Animal Remedies Mail Order Licence authorising a Licensed Merchant to sell animal remedies by mail order as required by SI No. 786/2007

600

400

€76

€76

€76

Name of Levy

Amount Paid

Estimated Receipts 2010

Fee Rates (€)

2009

2010

2008

2009

2010 (Pro-posed)

Fee for an Animal Remedies Internet Licence authorising a Licensed Merchant to sell animal remedies via a website as required by SI No. 786/2007

300

100

€76

€76

€76

Fee for registration as a seller of Companion Animal Remediesas required by SI No. 786/2007

2,000

100

€25

€25

€25

Fees for Plant Breeders Rights

22,000

18,000

From €50.79 to €761.84

From €50.79 to €761.84

No change

Fertilizer/Feed Analysis Fees

8,000

10,000

From €120.63 to €1180.86

From €120.63 to €1180.86

No change

Aquaculture Application fees

8,540

12,000

See Note 3(1) below

See Note 3(1) below

See Note 3(1) below

Dumping at Sea receipts. See Note 3(3) below

825

1,000.00

€63.49 per application

€63.49 per application

Rate to be set by DoEHLG.

Galway Sheep Breed Improvement Scheme

2,835

Nil

€63

€63

N/A

Fur Farming licences

12,000

Nil

€2,400

€2,400

N/A

Land Purchase Acts Rules 1984. S.I. No 253 of 1984. Fees for copy documents, maps etc.

12,514

13,000

As set out in S.I. 253 of 1984

As set out in S.I. 253 of 1984

As set out in S.I. 253 of 1984

FOI

3,839

1,000

€15 up-front fee; €20.95 per hour search and retrieval; €0.20 per sheet photocopying

€15 up-front fee; €20.95 per hour search and retrieval; €0.20 per sheet photocopying

€15 up-front fee; €20.95 per hour search and retrieval; €0.20 per sheet photo-copying

Note 1 — Meat Inspection Fees — Rates.

Fee Description

Type

Rate

Unit

Cattle Slaughter Fees

Cattle

5.00

Head

Sheep Slaughter Fees

Sheep

0.50

Head

Pig Slaughter Fees

Pigs

1.30

Head

Poultry Slaughter Fees

Poultry <2kg

0.0

Head

Poultry 2 –5 kg

0.02

Head

Poultry > 5kg

0.04

Head

Horse Slaughter Fees

Horses

4.40

Head

Cutting Fees

Cutting — Not Poultry

3.00

Tonne

Cutting — Poultry

3.00

Tonne

Dist. Ctr. Charges

1.90

Tonne

Cold Store Fees

Independent

3.81

Tonne

Integrated

9.52

Person per Hour

Meat Product Fees

Products — per person

9.52

Hour

Overtime — Slaughter

Mon-Fri (before 7.30am & after 6.30pm)

12.70

Hour

W’ends & Pub. Hols

19.05

Hour

Overtime

Sheep Loading (M-F)

6.35

Hour

Sheep Loading (W’end & Pub. Hols)

9.52

Hour

TVI Cancelled Shift

200.00

Per shift

Note 2

Charged in accordance with the Fishery Harbour Centre (Rates and Charges) Order 2003.

Note 3

3(1) The application and licence fees for an aquaculture licence are as set out in the Aquaculture (Licence Application and Licence Fees) Regulations 1998 ( S.I. No. 270/1998). There is a standard Foreshore Licence fee of €63.49 per annum for the duration of the licence, commencing on the date of granting of a licence, irrespective of the size of the site except for finfish culture where the following annual Foreshore Licence fees apply:

— up to and including 5 hectares: €63.49 per annum

— each additional hectare up to and including 10 hectares: €31.74 per annum

— each additional hectare above 10 hectares and up to and including 20 hectares: €63.49 per annum.

There are no proposals at present for amendment of these fees during 2010.

3(2) These receipts are based on rental/fee income derived from aquaculture and non-aquaculture-related activities.

3(3) In accordance with the provisions of the Foreshore & Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009, certain foreshore functions transferred to the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government with effect from 15 January 2010. Functions associated with Dumping at Sea will transfer with effect from 15 February 2010 under the same Act.

3(4) In general, rentals in respect of foreshore leases and licences are determined on the basis of professional valuations of the site in question. Standard charges also apply in certain cases.

Note 4

Details of prices charged by the Veterinary Laboratory Services will be forwarded separately to the Deputy.

Grant Payments.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

971 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme 4 payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1831/10]

An issue has arisen during the processing of the REPS 4 application from the person named. Processing of the application cannot be completed until this has been resolved. My officials will be in contact with him shortly.

Pat Breen

Question:

972 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of first year and separately the number of second years REP scheme 4 participants; the number of applications paid and or confirmed for payment up to 8 January 2010 in each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1834/10]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Original application

2008

2009

Applicants

12,011

16,817

Paid 2008

11,490

not applicable

Paid 2009

4,765

8,325

Departmental Staff.

Pat Breen

Question:

973 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of technical agricultural officers upgraded to supervisory agricultural officers up to 31 December 2009 involved in the processing of REP scheme three and REP scheme 4 applications; the additional cost in wages per week per officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1835/10]

Sixty-three Technical Agricultural Officers were assigned to higher duties of Supervisory Agricultural Officer to assist with the processing of REPS 3 and REPS 4 applications. The additional cost per week per officer was €40 approximately. All these temporary assignments were terminated by 31 December.

Pat Breen

Question:

974 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the work carried out since 1 January 2010 by technical agricultural officers in the agricultural, environmental and structures area of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1852/10]

The duties of Technical Agricultural Officers in the agricultural, environmental and structures areas of my Department include carrying out administrative and field inspections under Department schemes such as REPs, On farm Investment and Single Payment Schemes. Since 1 January 2010, the focus has mainly been on REPs and to a lesser extent on On Farm Investment.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

975 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of an application for the farm improvement scheme in respect of a person (details supplied). [1854/10]

My Department has no record of having received an application for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme from the person concerned.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

976 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for REP scheme 4 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1867/10]

An issue has arisen during the processing of the REPS 4 application from the person named. Processing of the application cannot be completed until this has been resolved. My officials will be in contact with him shortly.

Pat Breen

Question:

977 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1868/10]

The second instalment of 40 per cent due under the Farm Waste Management Scheme has been authorized for payment in this case.

Departmental Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

978 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a meeting will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo with his officials. [1888/10]

An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named with a view to arranging a meeting, which, it is expected, will take place shortly.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

979 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason an application for an allocation from the national reserve, under category D, offshore island farmers, was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, in view of the fact that several of their neighbouring farmers in the same district electoral division were approved. [1889/10]

The person named submitted an application under Category D of the 2007 National Reserve. This category catered for offshore Island Farmers whose existing Single Payment is less than €6,000 and where individual entitlements are less that the DED average. The person named did not qualify under this category, as she was not an offshore Island farmer — my Department's Local Office confirmed this.

The person named subsequently appealed my Department's decision on the basis that she lived in a Disadvantaged area and sheep farming was her main source of income. In all such cases, the procedure is that all contentions put forward in an appeal are firstly reviewed within my Department to see whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant any change to the original decision. In this case it was established that the person named could have applied for another category available under the 2007 National Reserve, namely Category C.

This category catered for certain sheep farmers for whom at least 40% of their Single Payment was derived from direct payments associated with sheep production (Ewe Premium/Rural Word Premium) during the reference period, their existing Single Payment is less than €10,000 and individual payment entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average value. The maximum allocation under this category was €1,000.00.

The person named was deemed eligible for this category and received the maximum allocation of €1,000. A letter outlining this allocation was sent to the person named on 13 August 2008.

It should be noted however that the rules governing the single payment scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the National Reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial to him/her.

The person named submitted a further appeal on 27 August 2008 again with regard to Category D. My Department fully reviewed the case but there were no grounds for a change to the original decision in relation to Category D.

This case was then forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who carried out a full review of the case. The Committee upheld the Department decision in relation to Category D stating that the person named did not qualify under this category.

Sugar Beet Sector.

David Stanton

Question:

980 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all payments due under the sugar beet compensation scheme have been made; the amount paid to date; the amount that remains to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1929/10]

There were four elements to the Sugar Reform Package under which former sugar beet growers received compensation, vis:

Sugar Restructuring Aid, for which the budget was €12,353,275 and in respect of which payments to date amount to €12,277,710; Diversification Aid, for which the budget was €21,818,970, with payments to date worth €21,410,275; Additional Aid for Diversification, also with a budget of €21,818,970, with payments to date of €21,753,377; and Retroactive Restructuring Aid, with a budget of €41,334,494, and payments to date of €40,771,208.

Payments continue to issue as outstanding matters are resolved such as the resolution of legal matters dealing with family disputes, inheritance cases, etc.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

981 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value to date of fodder replacement payments made to flood victims and the number of applicants involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1955/10]

Mindful of the hardship and distress caused by the recent widespread flooding, on 27 November 2007 I announced the introduction of the Fodder Aid Scheme, targeted directly at those farmers who encountered damage to fodder in the affected areas. While I was very anxious that the funding reach the affected farmers as quickly as possible, it was essential that farmers demonstrate that their fodder was damaged and to what extent. To this end, therefore, it was necessary that each claim be verified by an on-the-spot inspection. I had initially set the closing date for receipt of applications as 11 December, but subsequently extended it by one week. Immediately applications began to be received by my Department, the necessary inspections were begun, following which the applications were further processed for payment. I am pleased to say that payments commenced issuing on 18 December and, to date, payments worth €464,468 have issued to 215 applicants. Payments continue to issue as individual cases are confirmed eligible.

Harbours and Piers.

Joe McHugh

Question:

982 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of Exchequer funding spent on a project (details supplied) in County Donegal to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2012/10]

Greencastle harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and the maintenance and development of the harbour is the responsibility of the Council in the first instance. My Department has however, in recent years, project managed works on phase 1 of the Greencastle Harbour development project on behalf of Donegal County Council as well as providing funding. Due to the current budgetary situation, a very limited amount of funding, sufficient to suspend the project in a safe and acceptable manner is being provided under the 2010 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. To date in 2010, approximately €5,000 has been spent on the Greencastle project.

Question No. 983 answered with Question No. 954.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

984 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2161/10]

The full-time equivalent staff numbers in my Department from 2007 to date are as follows:

1 January 2007: 4,217;

1 January 2008: 4,369;

1 January 2009: 4,245;

1 January 2010: 3,881.

Please note that the increase in 2008 is a result of the addition of fisheries functions to my Department's responsibilities in November 2007. The additional breakdown sought by the Deputy will be forwarded to him when it has been complied in the format requested.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Devins

Question:

985 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the school building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48346/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for the provision of a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale 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 the 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 the Department's website. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Youth Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

986 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if sufficient funding will be provided for services (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who provide vital and essential services to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48537/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

987 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [1243/10]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

989 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on a programme (details supplied) in Dublin 17; the proposed closure of the project in 2011 in view of the beneficial impact of the programme on persons recovering from addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1636/10]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

990 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on a programme (details supplied) in Dublin 17; the proposed closure of the project in 2011 in view of the beneficial impact of the programme on persons recovering from addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1638/10]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

991 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the 30% cut in 2010 funding for a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1639/10]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

992 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the 30% cut in 2010 funding for a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1640/10]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1037 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department administers the local drugs task force mainstreamed fund which provide supports to local youth services; the persons who are eligible to apply for moneys from this fund; the budget for same in the last three years; the changes resulting to it from budget 2010; if he will consider reversing any cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1009/10]

Finian McGrath

Question:

1067 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [1244/10]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1070 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the rationale used in making cuts to youth services and youth work funding; if an analysis of outcomes and cost benefit analysis has been carried out before implementing such cuts; the recourse youth services such as those in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 11, have for appealing the reduction in €182,000 in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1270/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 986, 987, 989 to 992, inclusive, 1037, 1067 and 1070 together.

My Department provides funding for thirty eight projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas, including those projects specifically referred to by Deputies Broughan, Gogarty, McGrath and Upton. These projects, through a variety of programmes and activities, seek, in the main, to encourage young people not to engage in drug-taking. My Department originally took on responsibility for funding these projects through a mainstreaming process, whereby projects on interim funding were assigned to a number of Departments and State agencies.

Thirty five of the projects are administered by the three VECs in Dublin City, Dublin County and in Dún Laoghaire, while the remaining three projects are funded directly by my Department. The allocations for the 38 projects over the past three years were as follows:

2007 — €3,621,000;

2008 — €3,715,000;

2009 — €3,643,000.

Arising from Budget 2010, it was decided that funding for these projects was to be reduced to €2,461,000 in 2010 and to cease from 2011. I acknowledge the difficulties which this decision will entail for the projects, but would emphasise the fact that the prevailing financial position meant that very difficult decisions had to be made, including that relating to these 38 projects.

Notwithstanding this decision, my Department has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution in support of the prevention pillar of the National Drugs Strategy through the following initiatives: — the introduction of a social, personal and health education, or SPHE, curriculum at primary level and at junior cycle, second-level; — the initiatives under delivering equality of opportunity in schools, or DEIS action plan, and the school support programme to prevent early school-leaving and achieve better educational outcomes for students; and — the guidelines on substance use policies issued to all schools.

The SPHE programme is the foundation for developing awareness of drugs and alcohol issues in schools. It is a mandatory part of the curriculum at primary level and junior cycle at second level. The substance use modules of SPHE are augmented by two support programmes, the Walk Tall programme at primary level and On My Own Two Feet at post-primary. The implementation of these programmes in schools is supported by full-time support services at primary and second level, which provide professional development for teachers and advice and support to schools.

The DEIS action plan for educational inclusion is aimed at identifying and tackling levels of disadvantage and it provides the basis for school supports to, among others, schools located in Local Drugs Task Force areas. Supports targeting children most at risk of leaving school early are currently being enhanced through the integration of the relevant services, that is, the school completion programme, home-school community liaison and the visiting teacher service for Travellers, under the National Educational Welfare Board.

Departmental Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

988 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the new responsibilities given to Enterprise Ireland to market Ireland as a destination for under and postgraduate students. [1320/10]

Under the new arrangements which I have recently put in place to promote Ireland as a centre for international education, Enterprise Ireland has been given operational responsibility, under my authority, for the marketing and promotion of the "Education Ireland" brand overseas and the development, promotion and marketing of international higher education. Its functions include:

supporting the development of Irish higher education exports with a focused approach that will yield the highest returns;

further developing the "Education Ireland" website and brand overseas;

forging international strategic partnerships for Irish higher education institutions and identifying and developing sectors and locations where there is potential for greater international collaboration leading to benefits for Ireland and working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) as appropriate in this area;

working with the higher education institutions and their international offices in the development of their sales and marketing capabilities and "offering" for international markets;

working with the HEA to identify and seek to resolve issues which affect the international competitiveness of the relevant higher education institutions. In support of these activities, relevant resources (including staff resources) have been allocated to Enterprise Ireland on foot of the winding up of the International Education Board Ireland (IEBI), which previously managed the "Education Ireland" brand and website.

Questions Nos. 989 to 992, inclusive, answered with Question No. 986.

School Accommodation.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

993 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the areas that have been identified as having the greatest need for new post primary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48247/09]

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently 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. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary school accommodation requirements. When the required reports have been completed for the initial areas the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country.

Overall post-primary accommodation requirements throughout the country will be considered in this regard.

School Building Projects.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

994 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 1 December 2009, the areas within Cork city identified as having a need for a primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48248/09]

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. Cork City has been identified as one of those locations and detailed accommodation reports will be complete in the coming weeks.

When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas 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 Cork City will be considered in this regard.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

995 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has abolished the supply panel scheme for primary teachers in Budget 2010; the amount of money expected to be saved from this cutback; the manner in which the savings will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48250/09]

The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an additional full-time teacher being allocated to a school to cover certified sick leave absences in that school and a cluster of neighbouring schools. If the teacher is not required on a given day to cover sick leave absences they generally assist with other work in their school such as administrative duties. There are 60 posts allocated to the scheme. A value for money review was published in July 2006. The review found that approximately 60% of these teachers' time was used to cover sick leave absences with the balance on various other school duties. This reflects the unpredictable nature of sick leave absences. While there are benefits for schools in having these full-time teachers it is considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences instead of having a cohort of full-time teachers ‘‘on call'' all the time in these schools to cover sick leave absences that may or may not arise.

The supply teacher scheme will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. The teachers concerned will be redeployed in accordance with the existing redeployment arrangements to other schools that have vacancies. It is expected that this measure will save €0.4 million in 2010 and €1.1 million in a full year.

Residential Institutions Redress Board.

Joe Costello

Question:

996 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if the spouse of a person would be entitled to apply to the Residential Institutions Redress Board but who is now deceased can apply to the board for redress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48251/09]

The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established to make financial awards to persons, who, as children, suffered abuse in certain residential institutions. The operation of the Board is governed by the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002 and, in accordance with the prescribed legislation, the Board is independent in the performance of its functions.

I should firstly point out that the closing date for receipt of applications to the Board expired in December 2005. However, there is provision for the Board to consider late applications in accordance with Section 8 of the Act. It is entirely a matter for the Board to appraise each application and ascertain the eligibility of the claimant.

Section 9 of the Act deals with the issue of applications on behalf of deceased former residents. Section 9(1) states that "where a person who would have qualified as an applicant and who did not receive an award or settlement referred to in Section 7(2) dies after 11th May 1999 and prior to making an application under this Act, the children or spouse of that person may, subject to subsection (3), make an application on behalf of that deceased person".

Subsection 3 states that only one application may be made in respect of an individual former resident.

I would suggest that the person to whom the Deputy is referring should contact the Residential Institutions Redress Board directly, and they will be in a position to advise him/her of the process involved.

The Board can be contacted by writing to The Residential Institutions Redress Board, Block 5, Belfield Office Park, Beech Hill Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4 or by phoning 1800 200 086.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

997 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the costing to date for the two primary schools at a location (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48262/09]

The cost of the two Wexford primary schools completed in 2008, referred to by the Deputy is in the region of €8 million. Further accommodation comprising 8 classrooms, General Purpose Room and a Special Needs Unit was provided at one of the schools in 2009, and the cost for this will be in the region of €2.8 million.

Physical Education Facilities.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

998 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of playing fields available at a site (details supplied) in County Wexford for the primary schools and the new secondary school to be constructed on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48263/09]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

999 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to provide additional playing fields for schools (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48264/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 998 and 999 together.

The provision of playing pitches is not part of the specification for primary schools. However, in certain circumstances and where site conditions allow, the project scope may include the levelling and grassing of an area which schools may decide to use for playing fields.

The two primary schools to which the Deputy refers were provided with hard play areas and a shared General Purpose Hall. There are no plans to provide a grassed playing area for these schools.

With regard to the proposed post-primary school, the Deputy will be aware that this will be delivered under my Department's Public Private Partnership programme. This school will have a playing field, a number of hard play areas and a PE Hall.

Schools Building Projects.

Phil Hogan

Question:

1000 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the construction of a new school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48290/09]

A revised tender report, for the school to which the Deputy refers, was received recently by my Department and is currently being assessed. I expect my officials to be in contact with the Board of Management in the coming days authorising them to commence the award process.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1001 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; if sanction can be given for the new building as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48296/09]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is 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 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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1002 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary and secondary school building projects that will utilise capital expenditure left over from the 2009 allocation; the name, address and roll number of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48297/09]

A total of €79m of my Department's capital budget in 2009 is being carried forward to 2010. Of the total amount, €72m is being allocated to primary schools' capital and the remainder of €7m to my Department's Information & Communications Technology Policy area towards payment of capital grants to schools as I announced towards the end of last year. The €72m additional funding in primary schools' capital will primarily be used to cover expenditure on the attached 57 projects.

County

Roll Number

Name\Address

Carlow

18363M

SN Muire gan Smal, Green Lane

Cavan

06998Q

SN Tulach a Mhile, Corlough

Clare

14830U

Barefield N.S., Ennis

Cork

00512D

Midleton Convent NS

Cork

18786R

Sc Iosagain, Farranree

Cork

20105C

Star of the Sea Primary School, Passage West

Cork

20106E

Scoil Nioclais, Frankfield, Grange

Donegal

17268N

SN An Br M O Cleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon

Donegal

19333I

Dooish NS, Ballybofey

Dublin Belgard

18324C

Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown

Dublin City

16964F

Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12

Dublin City

18646B

Springdale NS, Lough Derg Rd., Raheny

Dublin City

20131D

Dublin 7 Educate Together aka Grangegorman

Dublin City

20139T

Inchicore NS, Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10

Dublin Fingal

18778S

SN Naomh Mochta National School, Clonsilla

Dublin Fingal

19898K

Gaelscoil an Duinnigh, Feltrim, Swords

Dublin Fingal

20202A

Balbriggan ET

Dublin Fingal

20247W

Scoil Ghráinne Community National School , Phibblestown

Kerry

20196I

Ballybunion NS

Kildare

11976K

Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

Kildare

13350A

Scoil Bhride, Athgarvan

Kildare

16345A

Scoil Bhride, Nurney, Co. Kildare

Kildare

17662R

Scoil Bhride Kill NS

Kildare

17674B

SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS, Naas

Kildare

20023A

Gaelscoil Chill Dara, Newbridge

Kildare

20058T

Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth

Kildare

20114D

Scoil Brid, Naas

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Kildare

20192A

Scoil Atha Í, Athy

Kildare

20271T

Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge

Kilkenny

15160G

Marymount N.S., The Rower, Inistioge

Laois

07442U

Convent of Mercy NS, Borris in Ossory

Limerick

13026P

Kilfinane National School

Limerick

16237U

Dromtrasna NS Abbeyfeale

Louth

18069M

Naomh Seosamh, Mell, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile ET, Mornington, Drogheda

Louth

20205G

St Marys Parish School,Drogheda

Mayo

20046M

Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mart, Co. Mayo

Meath

00885T

Ratoath Jnr NS, Ratoath

Meath

16646O

St Marys Convent NS Trim

Meath

17821L

Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa, Enfield, Co Meath

Meath

17964K

SN Mhuire Naofa, Rathfeigh

Meath

19253K

Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Eoin National School, Navan

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Snr NS, Ratoath

Monaghan

18028V

Corr a Chrainn NS, Corr a Chrainn

Offaly

17523D

SN Cronain Naofa, Dromakeenan

Roscommon

01607T

Scoil Náisiúnta Cor Na Fola, Athlone

Tipperary

15696B

Silvermines National School

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School, Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

20050D

Gaelscoil na Deise, Grace Dieu Road, Waterford

Waterford

20076V

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lismore

Waterford

20160K

Waterford Educate Together NS

Westmeath

18812P

Loch an Ghair NS Mullingar

Wexford

20214H

Gorey ET

Wicklow

10111O

Lacken National School, Lacken, Blessington, Co Wicklow

Higher Education Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1003 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the higher education building projects that will utilise capital expenditure left over from the 2009 allocation; the sums involved for each project; the name, address and purpose of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48298/09]

There was no capital carried forward from 2009 in respect of the higher education capital allocation of almost €200m.

Public Private Partnerships.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1004 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the capital projects that will receive funding in 2010 from the moneys allocated in the budget 2010 for public private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48299/09]

A total budget of €50.059m has been provided to cover the cost of Public Private Partnership projects in 2010. This is broken down as follows. A current allocation of €32.286m is provided to meet the unitary charges in 2010 in respect of the 5 Pilot Schools, National Maritime College, Cork School of Music and the 1st Schools Bundle which is due to become operation in Autumn 2010.

A capital allocation of €17.773m will be used to progress the procurement of the PPP projects and will also cover a VAT payment in excess of €8m which will fall due at the point when construction on the 1st Schools Bundle is completed.

Higher Education Grants.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1005 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has removed the eligibility for students who receive the back to education allowance to apply for higher education maintenance grants in budget 2010; the way in which students will be able to have their registration fees paid if they have not applied for a maintenance grant; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many students have spent years attempting to complete their studies and this will hinder their chance of success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48300/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1006 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if all students in receipt of maintenance grants will receive a 5% cut in their payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48301/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1027 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to the changes made in budget 2010 regarding the back to education allowance, persons who are currently studying a level five post leaving certificate course, receive the back to education allowance and are currently in receipt of a higher education maintenance grant will be considered as a new applicants in September 2010 if they progress into another course at a higher level; if they will still be able to receive the maintenance grant in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48568/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1005, 1006 and 1027 together.

From September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all schemes, and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, will be ineligible for student support maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met, for eligible students, by the Exchequer on their behalf. They should apply to their assessing authority to have their eligibility assessed.

Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the scheme. Students progressing to a new course, with effect from 2010/11, will no longer be eligible for student support maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.

The 5% reduction in maintenance grants payments will apply to all students. The reductions in the rates of student grants were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow.

Special Educational Needs.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1007 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will acknowledge all relevant work experience and pay all incremental credit under the scheme for special needs assistants in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48305/09]

The agreed criteria for the award of incremental credit to Special Needs Assistants is set out in Circular 0139/2006. In accordance with the circular the person, to whom the Deputy refers, does not meet the qualification requirements for the award of incremental credit. The person has been informed of the criteria and the outcome of their application.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee

Question:

1008 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Civil Service staff in his Department; the number of these staff who hold an economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a postgraduate economics degree; the number of these staff who hold a PhD in economics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48311/09]

The number of staff employed in my Department is 1359 (1271.13 whole time equivalent). As well as all administrative staff, these figures include non-administrative/professional grades e.g. staff of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and of the Inspectorate.

My Department, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, requires that all professional and technical staff recruited into my Department have the necessary qualifications and experience for the posts concerned and these are specified for individual competitions. In addition, many of the administrative staff in my Department hold qualifications in a wide range of subjects but our human resources records do not hold information in a way that would readily identify those staff who hold an economics degree, a post graduate economics degree or a PhD in economics.

The Training Unit in my Department, in accordance with the conditions set out in the Department of Finance Circular 23/07: Post-Entry Education — Refund of Fees, Study Leave and Examination Leave, operates schemes to provide financial assistance to officials who undertake courses in higher or further education, primarily in their own time, which support and enhance their knowledge and skills. The object of the schemes is to encourage staff to undertake study with a view to developing a diverse set of core skills appropriate to their role within the Department and to employment across the Department and the broader Civil Service. Since 2003, one staff member has completed the UCD PhD in Economics and Sociology and eight staff have completed or are currently participating in the IPA/UCD Master of Economic Science (Policy Analysis) Programme.

Higher Education Grants.

George Lee

Question:

1009 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that PhD students who have been eligible for the local authority grant in previous years are now being refused this grant as the value of their college fees which is paid by a scholarship is being taken into account; if there has been a change in policy whereby local authorities take the value of PhD college fees paid by scholarships into account for eligibility for the local authority grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48323/09]

Under 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 provides:—

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.

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.

The provisions of these Clauses have been in place for many years and are not a recent change in policy. The process of assessing eligibility for third level grants and the organisation, management and payment of student grants are matters for the relevant local authority or VEC.

Appointments to State Boards.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1010 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a representative from Dublin Institute of Technology students union to the board of the Grangegorman Development Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48339/09]

The Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 provides for a total membership of 15 in the Agency including the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. There is no specific provision for a student or staff representative from the Dublin Institute of Technology on the Agency. The legislation does provide that 2 ordinary members of the Agency will be nominated by the President of the Dublin Institute of Technology and it is a matter for the President to determine who to nominate having regard to the functions of the Agency as set out in the Act.

The legislation recognises the student body of the Dublin Institute of Technology specifically among the stakeholders that should be represented on the Consultative Group provided for in Section 22 of the Act. Up to 2 members of the Consultative Group can come from the student body.

Schools Refurbishment.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1011 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for a school refurbishment grant by a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48341/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1012 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the need for extra classrooms in a school (details supplied) in County Louth in view of the fact that the current capacity, coupled with the increasing demand for places in the school resulting in education being provided in unsuitable conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48342/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 and 1012 together.

My Department recently received an application for additional accommodation from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application is under consideration and a decision will issue to the school authority in due course.

Schools Building Projects.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1013 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe in place for new school building projects announced for County Meath for the year 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48352/09]

Currently there are two major new school projects in Co Meath which have been approved to proceed towards tender and construction.

Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa in Enfield is at an advanced stage of architectural planning and a stage 2(b) (Detailed Design) submission is awaited from the school's design team.

Scoil Eoin in Navan is at stage 2(b) of architectural planning. An addendum to the stage 2(b) submission is currently being considered by my Department. Prequalification of suitable contractors has already commenced with publication of the tender notice on the Government's e-tenders website in December.

Following approval of stage 2(b) in both cases, the respective projects will be approved to go to tender and construction as early as possible in 2010.

Simon Coveney

Question:

1014 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if the funding for a school (details supplied) in County Cork has been ring fenced for this project in view of the fact that the construction of the school will be starting later than originally promised. [48429/09]

The progression of the project referred to by the Deputy is contingent on the receipt of the necessary statutory approvals and the completion by the school Patron of the acquisition of the site for the proposed new school building. Following a request by the Local Authority for Additional Information on the planning application, the required information has been submitted recently by my Department. My Department is currently awaiting the outcome of the planning application. When these matters are resolved the progression of the project to construction can be given further consideration.

Public Procurement.

Joan Burton

Question:

1015 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of changes in the tendering process for the supply of computer services and hardware to schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the tendering process for the information and communication technology infrastructure grant scheme could exclude schools tendering to service and hardware providers with whom they have long-standing procurement relationships; if the number of tendering providers has been limited under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48439/09]

The Deputy will be aware that in all cases of purchasing by schools using public monies, public procurement rules must be followed.

The purchase of ICT equipment and associated products and services by the public sector was identified under the National Public Procurement Policy Framework as one of those areas where economies could be achieved. EU Directive 2004/18/EC provides for the use of Framework Agreements by the public sector. The public sector utilises such frameworks to facilitate greater flexibility in the acquisition of goods and services, and support more responsive pricing mechanisms that deliver better value for money. In this regard, four distinct National Frameworks for the supply of specific categories of ICT equipment to public sector bodies have been set up by the Department of Finance. The categories in question are PCs, Notebooks (laptops), Mono Laser Printers and Colour Laser Printers. The number of Suppliers on each Framework varies; the number of suppliers for PCs and Notebooks is five and six respectively, and all suppliers were selected following an open competitive tendering exercise in compliance with EU and national procurement rules.

In the interests of achieving best value for money, schools are required to use the Frameworks for the purchase of ICT equipment under the relevant categories as mentioned above. Schools can run a mini competitive tendering process by a simple email "Request for Quotation" to a single central email address, setting out their requirements. In addition to the core products of PCs and Notebooks, schools can also request quotations for associated services such as installation. While delivering competitive prices, the Frameworks are also all covered by a three year on-site next business day warranty and support. Operation of the Frameworks is governed by Vendor Participation Agreements, through which schools are able to benefit from a range of favourable terms and conditions, agreed in the aggregate for eligible non-commercial public sector bodies.

In addition to the four Frameworks mentioned above, a Framework for Digital Projectors for schools is in the process of being established. It is expected that this Framework will shortly become available to schools.

For procurement where Framework Agreements do not exist, schools are required to carry out normal competitive tendering processes under general public procurement rules.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Billy Timmins

Question:

1016 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a matter (details supplied); if the pay rise directed by the Labour Court in February 2009 will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48451/09]

Michael Noonan

Question:

1019 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an agreement on a pay claim between his Department and a trade union representing certain public service workers (details supplied) which was forwarded to the Department of Finance in July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48481/09]

Joe Carey

Question:

1020 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to the issues raised in correspondence from an education centre (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48531/09]

Pat Breen

Question:

1045 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1046/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1016, 1019, 1020 and 1045 together.

My Department gives support and funding to a number of VECs to operate Outdoor Education Centres. There are 12 centres in all. The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) lodged a claim with my Department for a substantial pay increase on behalf of the Directors of each of these Centres.

Following protracted negotiations, my Department consented to an ad-hoc referral of the claim to the Labour Court. The Labour court subsequently issued a non-binding recommendation in respect of this claim.

The current position is that the recommendation is being actively considered by officials of both my Department and the Department of Finance.

While it is acknowledged that this matter is outstanding for a period of time, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the recommendation needs to be fully considered in light of the issues it raises in the context of the current fiscal situation.

However, I expect that a final decision will be communicated to the interested parties shortly.

Institutes of Technology.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1017 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements he has made with the chief executive officer of the Higher Education Authority to resolve the difficulties that have arisen from the public sector staff moratorium in the higher education sector; the difficulties that have arisen regarding the Dublin Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48461/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the purpose of the Government decision to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector is to facilitate a permanent, structural reduction in the numbers of staff serving in the public sector and is intended to contribute significant and ongoing savings to the Exchequer. In applying this moratorium generally, teaching and research activities in the education sector have been afforded significant exemptions relative to other areas of public expenditure. Nonetheless, the Deputy will appreciate that the sector has to contribute towards overall public sector numbers reductions.

In the area of higher education, the Government agreed that an employment control framework be developed to provide for the application of the moratorium arrangements to higher education institutions, subject to the continued oversight and review by the HEA and both my Department and the Department of Finance. The Government is anxious to work with the publicly funded higher education institutions in achieving necessary reductions in public expenditure within the sector as an essential part of overall budgetary strategy. The employment control framework aims to enable this while providing sufficient flexibility for the protection of frontline teaching and research activities.

Following discussions at the employment control framework monitoring committee, a revised framework has recently been agreed between my Department and the Department of Finance, and has been conveyed to the Higher Education Authority for application in the higher education system. This revised framework provides institutions with a greater flexibility around recruitment in the filling of posts, on the basis of meeting a required overall reduction in posts.

It is a matter for the individual higher education institutions, including Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), to manage their staffing resources in the context of implementing the framework. In the case of DIT, I would consider that the extra flexibility now afforded to all institutions, will facilitate them in dealing with the particular issues that have arisen in that case.

Special Educational Needs.

James Bannon

Question:

1018 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if a child (details supplied) in County Leitrim will retain their special needs assistant at their school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48474/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

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.

Questions Nos. 1019 and 1020 answered with Question No. 1016.

Higher Education Grants.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1021 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Donegal Vocational Education Committee will not grant a person (details supplied) in County Donegal a higher education maintenance grant in view of the fact that they satisfy all of the relevant criteria; if the vocational education committee will review this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48536/09]

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 Amalgamation.

Seán Connick

Question:

1022 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the agreement made when schools (details supplied) in County Wexford were amalgamated in 1967; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48541/09]

My Department is currently examining the background to the case referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. I should say, however, that the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme is nearing completion. The Steering Committee is looking at the original objectives and aspects of the scheme, including the ‘closed school rule', whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. The review will be published and sent to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Science.

Schools Building Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

1023 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the development of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if funding is still in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48542/09]

The progression of the project referred to by the Deputy is contingent on the receipt of the necessary statutory approvals and the completion by the school Patron of the acquisition of the site for the proposed new school building. Following a request by the Local Authority for Additional Information on the planning application, the required information has been submitted recently by my Department. My Department is currently awaiting the outcome of the planning application. When these matters are resolved the progression of the project to construction can be given further consideration.

Victims of Child Abuse.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1024 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the continued funding of the organisations (details supplied) regarding the services they provide to victims of child abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48548/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1039 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has made funding available for outreach services to victims of residential abuse based in the United Kingdom; if funding will continue for these services in 2010 and into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1011/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1024 and 1039 together.

My Department has provided funding for the past number of years to the Federation of Irish Societies and to the Outreach Centres in the UK for survivors of residential abuse. The current position is that my Department has sought proposals for 2010 from the Outreach Centres in the UK and from Irish based support groups. Once all such proposals have been received and considered, my Department will be deciding on funding for this year having regard to the overall budgetary allocation.

The question of funding of groups representing survivors into the future will be considered later this year.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1025 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the priority status promised to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of the building of an autistic spectrum disorder unit at the school, has been reneged upon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school enrolled autistic spectrum disorder students in good faith who are located in the school library whilst awaiting the promised permanent accommodation; and if he will now sanction funding as promised thus enabling other pupils of the school to have access to the school library. [48552/09]

I can confirm the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 1 rating.

Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from 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.

Departmental Funding.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1026 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [48554/09]

The Revised Programme for Government provides for a number of specific measures in the education sector including a commitment to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio for the lifetime of the Government, 500 teaching posts over the next three years, funding sufficient to expand NEPs psychologist numbers to 210, standard capitation grants to schools being maintained and an extra allocation being made available to schools for needs such as book rental schemes and curricular activities. In addition it provides for the development of a costed multi-annual plan to implement some priority aspects of the Education for Persons with a Special Educational Need (EPSEN) Act focusing on measurable, practical progress in education and health services for children with special needs.

Following consultation with the education partners it is proposed that 200 of the teaching posts will be allocated in the current school year, 100 to each of the sectors, primary and post primary. My Department has met the education partners to discuss the criteria to use to allocate the posts with each sector. All the education partners were anxious to ensure that the allocation criteria are clear and transparent and, where possible, the posts should be allocated in a manner that minimises the administrative burden for schools and the Department.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that €13 million of additional grant support has been made available in Budget 2010, which will be made available to schools to allocate to books and curricular activities. This is in addition to the €7 million that was allocated to DEIS schools for books in 2009.

My officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how these funds will be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.

Children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to allocate teaching and special needs assistant resources in line with my Department's policy to enable schools support pupils with special educational needs.

Question No. 1027 answered with Question No. 1005.

Departmental Meetings.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1028 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his officials (details supplied) failed to attend a meeting organised by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on 14 December 2009; the further reasons he did not take this issue seriously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48570/09]

At the outset,I wish to refute the Deputy's suggestion that the inadvertent non-attendance of my officials at the meeting in question was not taken seriously. The non-attendance of my official arose from a diary mix-up. Once aware of the error, the official concerned contacted the representative from the Justice for Magdalene group to explain the position and, if possible, to arrange another meeting. As the representative in question was travelling back to the United States early the following morning, the only available time was a fifteen minute slot a short time later that evening between other scheduled meetings. As the official in question is based in Athlone it wasn't logistically feasible to meet that evening. My official offered to meet with the representative at the earliest possible juncture on his next visit to Ireland and this offer remains open.

Institutes of Technology.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

1029 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to an issue at Galway Mayo Institute of Technology where Fáilte Ireland removed funding to students of the total immersion chef programme; his views on the proposal made by Galway Mayo Institute of Technology student’s union that these students be allowed to apply for vocational education committee grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48585/09]

I understand that Fáilte Ireland is engaged in discussions with Institutes of Technology Ireland and the Higher Education Authority in relation to the future management and administration of the programmes in question and the levels of award to be made to participants. However, responsibility for the management of these programmes and related discussions is a matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have no role in the matter.

My Department's student grant schemes, including the maintenance grant scheme for third level trainees, are fully means tested and therefore cannot replace Fáilte Ireland's scheme of attendance-based monthly allowances which are not means tested.

School Transport.

Dan Neville

Question:

1030 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the case of a child (details supplied) in County Limerick regarding free school transport. [48590/09]

Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport.

The position in this case is that the child referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is not attending his nearest national school and, therefore, is not eligible for free school transport. In that regard, it is not possible, under the terms of the scheme to waive the charge for concessionary transport.

Schools Building Projects.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1031 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has any plans for an all-Irish post-primary gaelscoil in south Louth and east Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48618/09]

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 post-primary accommodation requirements in the South Louth and East Meath, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1032 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new primary school at Cahergal, Tuam, County Galway; if funding is available to build the school; if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at the present school; if a new site has been selected and funding allocated for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48633/09]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding for a new school building. 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, a 2.54 acre site was purchased by my Department to supplement the existing 0.48 acre site to provide a site for a new 6 classroom school. The site purchase has closed and the site is been transferred to me as Minister for Education and Science. The process of registering the site is underway.

Higher Education Grants.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1033 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the student maintenance grant awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be reduced in 2010 as a result of budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48637/09]

As announced in the Budget, a reduction of 5% is being applied to the rates of student grants and scholarships. The reduction will be implemented in respect of all existing and new grant-holders from January 2010. This reduction is in line with reductions in other income maintenance payments including those for the unemployed.

Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the scheme.

School Enrolments.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1034 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [1000/10]

The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the rights of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.

Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB advises parents to apply to more than one school in order to assist in securing a school placement. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1035 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if 14 primary schools were built and four extensions or refurbishments of primary schools were carried out in 2009. [1001/10]

Brian Hayes

Question:

1036 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that were built in each year over the past five years; the relevant information for major school extensions or refurbishments over the same period on a year by year basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1002/10]

Brian Hayes

Question:

1069 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of permanent classrooms delivered to schools in each year over the past five years as part of the schools building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1264/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1035, 1036, and 1069 together.

The total number of large scale building projects that reached practical completion in the primary school sector during the five year period 2005 to 2009 is 260.

In 2009 a total of 20 new schools were completed and these provided 212 permanent mainstream classrooms. 6 large scale extension/refurbishment projects were completed in the same year and these provided a further 38 permanent mainstream classrooms.

In 2008 a total of 48 new schools were completed and these provided 486 permanent mainstream classrooms. 29 large scale extension/refurbishment projects were completed in the same year and these provided a further 104 permanent mainstream classrooms.

In 2007 a total of 12 new schools were completed and these provided 134 permanent mainstream classrooms. 25 large scale extension/refurbishment projects were completed in the same year and these provided a further 93 permanent mainstream classrooms.

In 2006 a total of 8 new schools were completed and these provided 99 permanent mainstream classrooms. 34 large scale extension/refurbishment projects were completed in the same year and these provided a further 121 permanent mainstream classrooms.

In 2005 a total of 12 new schools were completed and these provided 106 permanent mainstream classrooms. 66 large scale extension/refurbishment projects were completed in the same year and these provided a further 162 permanent mainstream classrooms.

In addition to the construction of permanent mainstream classrooms that are delivered by way of large scale projects, permanent mainstream classrooms are also provided in the primary sector under various devolved schemes that feature in the School Building Programme.

Under devolved schemes in 2009 a total of 364 permanent classrooms were constructed. Under devolved schemes in 2008 a total of 410 permanent classrooms were constructed. Under devolved schemes in 2007 a total of 266 permanent classrooms were constructed. Under devolved schemes in 2006 a total of 204 permanent classrooms were constructed. Under devolved schemes in 2005 a total of 129 permanent classrooms were constructed.

Question No. 1037 answered with Question No. 986.

Residential Institutions Redress Board.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1038 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans regarding allocating a proportion of the new funds promised by the 18 religious teaching orders indemnified by the Residential Institutions Redress Board towards survivors based in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1010/10]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1041 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a breakdown of the proposed contributions from each religious order under the headings of cash or money, properties and counselling services concerning the audit of assets held by religious orders covered by the Residential Institutions Redress Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1019/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1038 and 1041 together.

The present position is that I have received individual responses from the 18 religious congregations that were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, to the call for them to make further substantial contributions by way of reparation, following publication of the Ryan Report.

I will be bringing details of the congregations' offers of contributions, together with the report of the Panel appointed by the Government to assess the Statements of Resources submitted by the Religious Congregations, to the attention of the Government at the earliest opportunity. The arrangements for the publication of the Panel's Report and the offers of contributions from the religious congregations will be considered by the Government.

The uses to which the contributions will be put will be considered by the Government, in consultation with the representatives of the survivors and the congregations.

Question No. 1039 answered with Question No. 1024.

Education Welfare Service.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1040 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if the National Education Welfare Board has received correspondence (details supplied) about children failing to attend school; the action the NEWB is taking in this particular community to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1013/10]

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) was established under The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework which promotes regular school attendance and tackles the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that every child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

In May 2009, I announced plans for the integration of educational services under the remit of the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) with effect from the 1st September 2009. The integration brings together the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL), the School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers (VTST) as well as the National Educational Welfare Service under one common management team thereby providing for a single, more focused, strategic direction to tackle attendance, participation and retention at local, regional and national levels reflecting equally the nature and strength of each of the services.

The Board has a full time Educational Welfare Officer addressing school attendance issues for all schools on the Northside of Limerick City. The EWO works as part of a local team and in collaboration with a number of agencies in the area including; SCP, HSCL, VTST, Health Services Executive, the Gardaí, and local Youth Initiatives. Visiting families in their homes to offer advice and assistance is one of the primary forms of intervention of the NEWB. The Moyross area of Limerick is designated under the Limerick Regeneration Programme. The EWO is also involved in a number of local initiative addressing educational disadvantage. These include the following:

Moyross based weekly NEWB advice and support clinic

Member of Northside Youth Forum (targeting young people at risk)

Active Member of University of Limerick School based programme — St Nessans Community College.

Active Member of Regeneration schools groups

The NEWB has advised that it received the correspondence, referred to by the Deputy, in December 2009. The correspondent expressed concerns about local children who were allegedly involved in anti social behaviour and who were allegedly out of the education system. The NEWB together with other agencies in Limerick is following up on the educational welfare concerns raised in the correspondence. The Board also informed me that in its response it advised the correspondent that issues of anti-social behaviour should be referred to the appropriate authorities.

Question No. 1041 answered with Question No. 1038.

Higher Education Grants.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1042 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish the current number of outstanding applications for grants which have to date in 2010 not been awarded by the relevant authority for the 2009-2010 college year in respect of the 66 awarding bodies for higher education grants to students. [1030/10]

The information requested by the Deputy has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The following table displays the number of new applications in respect of which processing had not commenced. It is not possible to establish the number of these unprocessed applications which will lead to awards.

Local Authority

New Applications where processing has not commenced as at 08.01.10

Carlow

0

Cavan

10

Clare

0

Cork City

0

Cork Co

183

Donegal

0

Dublin City

550

Dun Laoghaire

223

Fingal Co Co

0

Dublin South Co Co

76

Galway Co

0

Kerry

845

Kildare

496

Kilkenny

0

Laois

0

Leitrim

0

Limerick City

13

Limerick Co

0

Longford

0

Louth

0

Mayo

446

Meath

7

Monaghan

0

Offaly

29

Roscommon

0

Sligo

0

Tipperary NR

0

Tipperary SR

0

Waterford City

0

Waterford Co

85

Westmeath

0

Wexford

11

Wicklow

0

Total

2,974

VEC

New Applications where processing has not commenced as at 08.01.10

Carlow

0

Cavan

0

Clare

50

Cork City

0

Cork Co

1578

Donegal

0

Dublin City

389

Dun Laoghaire

0

Co Dublin

2118

Galway City

0

Galway Co

0

Kerry

0

Kildare

0

Kilkenny

0

Laois

0

Leitrim

11

Limerick City

0

Limerick Co

0

Longford

0

Louth

0

Mayo

659

Meath

0

Monaghan

10

Offaly

0

Roscommon

0

Sligo

45

Tipperary NR

2

Tipperary SR

0

Waterford City

142

Waterford Co

8

Westmeath

0

Wexford

0

Wicklow

235

Total

6,582

Third Level Sector.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1043 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects the review of the third level sector to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1039/10]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1044 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if the strategy group on higher education has reported to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1044/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1043 and 1044 together.

The High Level Strategy Group under the Chairmanship of Dr Colin Hunt which I established in February 2009 to develop a new strategy for higher education has met on 9 occasions to date. More than 100 submission were received from the first round of public consultation which was completed over last Summer, and these are available on the Higher Education Authority website: www.hea.ie. The Group has also met with a wide range of stakeholders and I understand that further consultation is planned over the coming number of weeks. I anticipate that the Group will require further meetings thereafter to finalise its report.

Question No. 1045 answered with Question No. 1016.

Higher Education Grants.

Joe McHugh

Question:

1046 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason third level grants and the millennium fund are being cut; if he plans to reverse these cuts; his views on whether these schemes are the only paths to education for many persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1056/10]

The Deputy will recall that measures had to be taken in the Budget to safeguard the future payment of income supports in the welfare system by reducing the levels of payments. Similarly, the reductions in the rates of student grants were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow.

The Millennium Partnership Fund, introduced by the Government from 2000, was disbursed by local Partnership Companies in disadvantaged areas, mostly in the form of small grants to individual students to cover costs of items such as books and travel. Most students in receipt of support from the fund will continue to qualify for the means-tested student maintenance grant and many will benefit from the significantly higher special rate of grant.

In addition, the Student Assistance Fund, administered by access officers in the individual institutions, will continue to be available to meet costs in hardship cases for items such as books and travel at third level.

Schools Building Projects.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

1047 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed building project at a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1075/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

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

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1048 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new school at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1096/10]

The new post primary school project for Gorey, Co. Wexford is one of eight schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.

This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has been received in the case of seven of the eight schools. Work is continuing on securing outline planning permission on the remaining school site. On successful completion of this process, it is my intention that the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.

The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.

School Transport.

Jack Wall

Question:

1049 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 332 of 1 December 2009, the position regarding same; if he has had further contact from the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1097/10]

My Department has consulted with Bus Éireann which is responsible for the operation of the school transport scheme.

Bus Éireann is satisfied, in so far as possible, that the pick up point is safe. I should also say that it is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are brought to and collected from bus pick up points.

The children referred to by the Department will have to continue to make their way to the designated pick up point.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1050 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 404 of 15 December 2009, if the five further construction school projects identified by him which were due to commence construction on site before the end of 2009, have commenced on site on or before this date. [1099/10]

I informed the Deputy on the 15th of December 2009 that I expected "up to 5 further projects will commence on site before the end of 2009". Two of the five projects commenced on site in late 2009. The remaining three projects experienced delays due to the adverse weather conditions over the Christmas period. However I am please to inform the Deputy that the remaining three projects subsequently commenced on site in the first week of January.

School Patronage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1051 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the ethos and organising bodies of the patrons of schools (details supplied); the religious ethos to which these schools adhere; the reason these organisations were recognised as patrons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1110/10]

The Deputy lists two patron bodies, who applied for and received provisional recognition for the schools as listed by the Deputy. The schools referred to are classified as having a multi-denominational ethos.

The first body is a limited company, who follows the Steiner ethos of education and received provisional recognition for two schools under the New Schools Advisory Committee's process.

The second body is a registered company with charitable status, whose approach to education is based on putting philosophical principles into practice in education.

Provisional recognition was granted to all of the schools in question on the basis that both patron bodies would abide by the rules and regulations of the Department of Education and Science in relation to Patronship/Board of Management, teacher qualifications, curriculum, admissions policy, viability, procedures for the appointment of teaching staff, and that the Education Act 1998 and the Rules for National Schools would be complied with.

Grant Payments.

Joe Carey

Question:

1052 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding his decisions made during 2009 in relation to Protestant fee paying schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1113/10]

I have repeatedly stated my, and the Government's, commitment to supporting Protestant education while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements for schools under Protestant management are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Indeed, it is in order to deal with the concerns expressed by some members of the Protestant community of the effect of changes to certain funding arrangements on Protestant second-level schools that I have sought to ensure the direct engagement with those involved in Protestant education in identifying and resolving issues collaboratively.

I have had meetings with a number of groups on this issue. On 21 October, I met with the Committee on Management for Protestant Schools. I extended an invitation to that committee to join a working group with my officials to identify particular measures to support the schools and consider options that might deal with their needs. Regrettably, the committee declined my invitation. While that is the case, discussions have taken place between senior Department officials and representatives of the Church of Ireland Bishops. Discussions were held as recently as 13 January, and it is planned that those discussions will continue for the purpose of identifying a range of measures to address the needs of the schools.

I earnestly believe that it is through engagement between representatives from the Protestant education sector and my officials that solutions tailored to meet the concerns can be identified.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1053 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 498 of 13 October 2009, the comparative average rental costs in respect of prefabs for the financial years 2008 and 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 2010 financial year has commenced and as such, the figures for 2009 should be accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1116/10]

The average annual rental cost for a standard temporary classroom unit for 07/08 school year was €15,428. The average cost for the same unit in 08/09 was €15,125, a reduction of almost 2%. The cost per unit varies significantly depending on the location, size, type and age of each unit. Another factor which needs to be considered is that in 07/08 the VAT rate for rental of temporary accommodation was 21%. In 08/09 this rate rose to 21.5%. Therefore, a portion of the savings in rental costs was offset by this VAT increase.

The amount spent on the rental of temporary accommodation in 2008 was almost €53m. In 2009, expenditure on the rental of temporary accommodation fell significantly to €39m, a saving of €14m over 2008.

One change in policy that has been implemented is to grant aid the purchase (rather than rental) of temporary accommodation where the need for such accommodation is likely to exist for more than 3 years. Furthermore, since July 2008, it is my policy to offer schools being approved for grant aid for temporary accommodation the option to use their capital grant aid to build a permanent classroom(s) rather than purchase a prefab.

These policies will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and, particularly, the incidence of long term rental of prefabs and have contributed to the saving of €14m on annual expenditure on rental of temporary accommodation in 2009 as compared to 2008.

In addition, my Department has engaged a specialist firm to develop new procedures and systems for the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money. Work is well underway and the firm of specialists is working closely with officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department. The review incorporates the development of standard specifications for temporary accommodation, the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the Department and school authorities. My Department has received a draft of a new contract for the provision of temporary accommodation which is currently under consideration. The work on the development of standard specifications is also well advanced.

Another strand of the review is negotiations with prefab suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts or reductions in annual rent, as appropriate. An initial group of 46 schools with rented prefabricated accommodation has been identified for priority negotiations with suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts.

A number of these prefabs have now been bought-out and negotiations are ongoing with a view to ending rental contracts for as many schools as possible in 2010.

In the meantime, schools proposing to rent temporary accommodation must seek competitive quotes from suppliers which should allow them to take advantage of competitive market prices.

Schools Building Projects.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

1054 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has revised the band rating of a school (details supplied) in County Cork which has requested capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1131/10]

I can confirm that a review of the band rating was carried out of the school to which the Deputy refers. The project has been awarded a Band 1.1 priority rating. A letter advising the school issued on 18 December 2009 .

However, the progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependant on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget.

The proposed building project for this school, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years.

Higher Education Grants.

James Bannon

Question:

1055 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford regarding a post leaving certificate maintenance grant will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1138/10]

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.

James Bannon

Question:

1056 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not received a third level trainee maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1139/10]

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.

James Bannon

Question:

1057 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not received a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1140/10]

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.

Mary Upton

Question:

1058 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the request for a school extension by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6w; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1164/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

Representatives from the school and the design team attended a stage 2(b) briefing which was held in my Department's offices in Tullamore on 12 November 2009. Thereafter, a letter issued to the school authorising the design team to prepare and submit stage 2b documentation (detailed design/tender documents). The school has advised that this documentation will be submitted by the end of February 2010.

As I have indicated previously to the House, I am currently in the process of reviewing my Department's school building and modernisation programme with my officials. The school to which the Deputy refers will be considered in this context. I intend making a further announcement on the school building programme when that review has been completed.

Language Schools.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1059 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the legislation and regulations that are in place governing the operation of language schools by private organisations for foreign students here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1175/10]

To date, the English language sector has been regulated on a voluntary basis by the Advisory Council for English Language Schools, a company limited by guarantee which operated under the aegis of my Department.

As I announced last year, under the new framework for promotion and regulation of international education, the forthcoming amalgamated qualifications agency, and, in the interim, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), will have responsibility for regulation of international education programmes. As part of this, the staff and functions of ACELS transferred to the NQAI on 1 January 2010. The NQAI, under the ACELS brand, which continues to have strong international recognition, will now provide the voluntary quality assurance and inspection scheme for private sector English language schools. Schools which comply with the ACELS quality assurance and inspection scheme are approved by my Department for the purpose of providing English language programmes in the private sector. The conditions for recognition of schools are available on the website www.acels.ie.

In April 2005 my Department established an Internationalisation Register which sets out programmes approved for the purpose of access to work by students who are citizens from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland. Under the immigration regime, such students will only be given access to work if they are attending full time programmes on the Register. The criteria for inclusion require that the programme be full-time, at least 15 hours per week for a minimum of 25 weeks, and lead to a nationally recognised award, or its international equivalent. Language programmes which meet the duration criteria and are approved under the ACELS quality assurance and inspection scheme are also eligible for inclusion on the Register, provided they offer assessment for students at the end of the programme using recognised language proficiency test instruments. The criteria for inclusion are included in an Information Note, along with the Internationalisation Register, on the Department's website at www.education.ie. The register is updated on a monthly basis. Responsibility for the register will shortly be transferred to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.

Government recently approved the General Scheme of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Bill, which provides for the amalgamation of organisations involved in qualifications and quality assurance in higher and further education and training (i.e. the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council). The Bill will provide for the setting up by the new agency of a Quality Mark and Code of Practice for the provision of educational services to international students. Education and training providers, including language schools, will be able to apply for a Quality Mark based on their compliance with the Code of Practice, which will cover such issues as treatment of fees and support services for international students. Additional measures will apply to providers of English language courses.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael Creed

Question:

1060 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide details of any financial support that will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1179/10]

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.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1061 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the statutory provision that allows a local authority to refuse an application for a higher education maintenance grant to an undergraduate on the basis that they have a previous primary degree and that person did not previously benefit from a higher education maintenance grant. [1201/10]

The statutory framework for the Higher Education Grant Scheme, as set out in the Local authorities (Higher Education Grants Acts, 1969 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full-time third level education.

The statutory framework provides that "persons comply with such other requirements as may from time to time be prescribed by the Minister" (Section 2(1)(d) of the 1968 Act).

Under the terms of the Third Level Student Support Schemes, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously.

The objective of the student grant schemes is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in progressing, where appropriate, to postgraduate studies.

There are no plans at present to change the current arrangements. Any such proposal would have to be considered in the light of existing resources and other competing demands in the education sector.

Schools Building Projects.

Frank Feighan

Question:

1062 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will expedite the provision of the new school in Ballinamore in County Leitrim, in view of the fact that the current school, Mean Scoil Fatima, has been severely damaged by fire; if he will provide suitable accommodation in the interim for the students as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1214/10]

Frank Feighan

Question:

1063 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will bring forward PPS scheme in relation to Ballinamore new post-primary school, County Leitrim, in view of fire destruction during the Christmas period of more than six classrooms of one of the three constituent buildings that were supporting the school set up there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1222/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1079 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1268 of 16 September 2009, and in view of a recent fire on the existing campus, if she will expedite this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1405/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1062, 1063 and 1079 together.

The new post-primary school project for Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, is one of eight schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.

This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has been received in the case of seven of the eight schools. Work is continuing on securing outline planning permission on the remaining school site. On successful completion of this process, it is my intention that the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.

The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced. It is not possible to expedite any one school as the nature of the Public Private Partnership process is that the schools will be delivered as a bundle.

My Department has been advised by the school authority that the students displaced because of the recent fire can be accommodated within the existing school buildings in the immediate future. My Department will continue to work with the school should the need for additional temporary accommodation become necessary.

Schools Refurbishment.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1064 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application for capital grant aid under the summer works scheme 2010 by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1225/10]

The timetable for the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2010 has been published as part of the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (0057/2009) is available on my Department's website www.education.ie.

In accordance with the timetable, it is my intention to publish a list of successful SWS applicants in the Spring.

Higher Education Grants.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

1065 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for education grants in 2009; the number of applications processed by 30 September 2009; the number processed by 31 December 2009; if he will provide this information in tabular form broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1231/10]

The information requested by the Deputy has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees.

The table displays the number of new applications received as at the 8th January 2010, the number of new applications in respect of which processing had commenced as at the 27th November 2009 and as at the 8th January 2010, as the information was not available from the awarding bodies for the dates specified by the Deputy.

Local Authority

New Applications Received 2009/10 as at 08/01/2010

New Applications where processing had commenced by 27/11/09

New Applications where processing had commenced by 08/01/2010

Carlow

203

158

203

Cavan

333

161

323

Clare

612

388

612

Cork City

563

362

563

Cork Co

1,439

454

1,256

Donegal

660

538

660

Dublin City

1,994

1,000

1,444

Dun Laoghaire

713

300

490

Fingal Co Co

895

443

895

Dublin South Co Co

699

502

623

Galway Co

2,135

1,767

2,135

Kerry

1,396

380

551

Kildare

841

304

345

Kilkenny

408

308

408

Laois

376

233

376

Leitrim

225

190

225

Limerick City

259

196

246

Limerick Co

543

480

543

Longford

222

163

222

Louth

429

143

429

Mayo

966

363

520

Meath

622

338

615

Monaghan

276

233

276

Offaly

253

201

224

Roscommon

436

363

436

Sligo

337

265

337

Tipperay NR

286

204

286

Tipperary SR

414

248

414

Waterford City

192

121

192

Waterford Co

511

348

426

Westmeath

418

311

418

Wexford

496

279

485

Wicklow

673

373

673

Total

20,825

12,251

17,851

VEC

New Applications Received 2009/10 as at 08/01/2010

New Applications where processing had commenced by 27/11/09

New Applications where processing had commenced by 08/01/2010

Carlow

551

447

551

Cavan

853

690

853

Clare

1,078

684

1,028

Cork City

1,290

1,149

1,290

Cork Co

2,494

539

916

Donegal

2,024

731

2,024

Dublin City

2,544

560

2,155

Dun Laoghaire

417

363

417

Co Dublin

2,595

176

477

Galway City

720

619

720

Galway Co

1,834

1,243

1,834

Kerry

1,896

1,412

1,896

Kildare

1,136

699

1,136

Kilkenny

906

543

906

Laois

628

532

628

Leitrim

432

415

421

Limerick City

600

584

600

Limerick Co

953

664

953

Longford

754

634

754

Louth

1,071

967

1,071

Mayo

1,725

843

1,066

Meath

1,209

784

1,209

Monaghan

799

612

789

Offaly

615

494

615

Roscommon

858

755

858

Sligo

986

746

941

Tipperay NR

1,098

777

1,096

Tipperary SR

762

586

762

Waterford City

608

429

466

Waterford Co

503

411

495

Westmeath

858

574

858

Wexford

1,624

1,401

1,624

Wicklow

1,155

634

920

Total

37,576

22,697

32,329

Deirdre Clune

Question:

1066 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if consideration has been given to changing the existing educational grant application system so that applications can be made and the granting authorities can begin processing the claims earlier in the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1232/10]

My Department is actively engaged in a programme of administrative and legislative reform of student grants.

A business process re-engineering exercise is being conducted in respect of the administration of student grants. This exercise, being undertaken as part of the Government's Transforming Public Services initiative, will involve an analysis of the existing schemes, services, processes and procedures to identify the improvements that can be made. It is designed to effect an enhancement both of the quality of customer service and the efficiency and value for money of service delivery. Alongside this initiative, the Department is engaged in the development of a new, more user-friendly application form for student grants. As part of the overall programme of reform, it is planned to make application forms available a good deal earlier in the year so that students can submit grant applications following completion of the CAO process. It is also planned to introduce earlier closing dates so that the process of assessing grant applications can be brought forward significantly to enable early decisions on grant applications to be made by the awarding authorities.

Question No. 1067 answered with Question No. 986.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1068 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for his Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1254/10]

The determination of the expenditure allocation for my Department for 2010, as set out in Budget 2010, included consideration of the recommendations made in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The gross expenditure allocation for my Department for 2010, which at €8.888 billion represents a reduction of some 5% over the provisional outturn for 2009, took account, inter alia, of a number of recommendations made by the Special Group. These recommendations, together with estimated savings yields for 2010, are set out in the table.

The recommendations made by the Special Group in relation to the merger and rationalisation of bodies and agencies under the aegis of Government Departments will shortly be further considered by Government.

Department of Education and Science

Budget 2010 — Recommendations of report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes

Comment regarding allocation for 2010

2010 Saving

€m

Staffing efficiencies in the primary/post-primary sectors

Savings from cessation of supply teacher scheme at primary level and changes to uncertified sick leave for teachers. In addition, €20m arising as a result of estimating reductions in light of projected 2009 outturn.

21.4

Reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants

While savings will arise due to a reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants it is not possible at this stage to quantify the amount of these savings until conclusion of the nationwide review of SNA posts being undertaken by the National Council for Special Education. No change has been made to the current criteria for assignment of SNAs.

Integration of Senior Traveller Training

Reduction of 300 in number of Senior Traveller Training places

1.0

Staffing efficiencies across third level sector

Savings estimated in respect of pay and non-pay efficiencies

50.0

Merge Higher Education Authority (HEA) into the Department of Education and Science

No merger but HEA allocation reduced

0.8

Reduction in the allocation for teacher training colleges

Savings estimated in relation to pre-service teacher education

3.0

Reduction in the allocation for Research and Development

Partial reduction

4.0

Reduction in the allocation to the Strategic Innovation Fund

Partial reduction

8.0

Reduction in the allocation to Student Support Grant

5% reduction in rates of student grants and scholarships applied, providing €10m in savings. Further €4m in savings effected by removal of eligibility for student support grants from recipients of Back to Education Allowance and certain persons pursuing PLC courses. (Note — overall allocation for student supports for 2010 was increased to take account of an anticipated increase in the number of eligible students at third level).

14.0

Reduce allocation to school transport

Partial reduction

4.0

Reduce allocation for teacher training & funding for education centres

Savings and efficiencies effected in relation to teacher in-service education support

10.4

Absorb National Council for Special Education (NCSE) into the Department of Education and Science

NCSE not absorbed but allocation reduced

2.3

Reduce allocation to certain Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) Projects

Funding for 2010 reduced

1.2

Reduction in allocation for National Council for Curriculum and Assessment

Funding for 2010 reduced

0.9

Question No. 1069 answered with Question No. 1035.
Question No. 1070 answered with Question No. 986.

State Examinations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1071 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the revenue generated in 2009 to the State Examination Commission from examination fees; the estimated income in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1318/10]

The total receipts from the 3 income strands in 2009 were:

Examination Entry Fees

9,125,739.00

Appeal Fees

514,027.00

Fees for Certified Statement of Results

71,909.00

Total Receipts

9,711,675.00

Given that the fee rates for the 2010 Examinations are the same as in 2009 and that candidate numbers are expected to be broadly similar, it is expected that revenues next year will be in line with 2009. The fee income in 2009 represented 14.6% of the overall cost of the examinations.

Trade Union Subscriptions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1072 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if union dues are collected from the payroll of teachers and lecturers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1356/10]

Trade union subscriptions are deducted for teachers employed in primary, secondary, community and comprehensive schools from my Department's payrolls where a teacher gives their union a mandate for the deduction of fees from salary. This is referred to as a deduction at source arrangement.

Teachers employed in community Colleges and VEC schools are paid directly by the relevant VECs and details regarding deduction at source arrangements are held by the individual VECs. Lecturers in third level colleges and universities are paid by the college or university in which they are employed and the details of deductions at source are held by them. I am seeking details on the arrangements that are in place and will ensure that the Deputy is informed of these.

Site Acquisitions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1073 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in acquiring a school site (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [1358/10]

The Local Authority recently advised my officials that the negotiations with the land owner have concluded and they are now exchanging Contracts to complete the sale of a site. My Department, as sought by the Local Authority, has arranged to provide the funding to the Council to enable the transaction to be concluded.

Schools Building Projects.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1074 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [1359/10]

A project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at the final stage of appointing a Design Team. The school's preferred design team has been approved by my Department following an open tender competition and contracts for appointment of the design team have been forwarded to the school for completion by the school and the design team. Following the appointment of the design team the project will commence architectural planning without delay.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1075 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [1360/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. This project has a band 1.1 rating and includes the provision of an enhanced community facility in conjunction with Fingal County Council.

The Stage 2a submission has recently been approved and the Design Team has been authorised to begin work on Stage 2(b) (Detailed Design). Approval has also been given to the school to seek planning permission.

The project is expected to proceed to tender as soon as planning permission has been obtained and the necessary tender documentation prepared. As the timeframe for securing planning permission cannot be guaranteed, it is not possible at this time to be certain as to when this project will proceed to construction. However, assuming that planning permission is granted under the normal conditions, it is intended that the project will be on site at the earliest possible date.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1076 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [1361/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

County Dublin VEC and their design team are currently finalising an application for planning permission and this is expected to be lodged shortly.

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

School Staffing.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1077 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm receipt of an application for a contract of indefinite duration in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; when a decision will be made on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1392/10]

The person referred to by the Deputy has had an application for a contract of indefinite duration post rejected by my Department.

The person was employed in a permanent capacity as a clerk typist in a school under the terms of the 1978 scheme. In the 2005/06 school year she applied for a career break to pursue an educational course and was granted the career break. The career break scheme that she availed of clearly states that a career break may not be allowed for the purpose of taking up employment in Ireland. Her career break was sanctioned by the Department for the sole purpose of further education part of which required her to teach a specific category of pupils for a minimum number of hours per week.

It is not considered that she has the appropriate continuous teaching service in an Oireachtas funded post in the school to be awarded a contract of indefinite duration. The basis of the decision not to reckon her teaching service was that she was simultaneously on a career break from a permanent clerk typist post in the same school for the period that is now claimed as reckonable towards a contract of indefinite duration.

State Examinations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1078 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish a time scale for the introduction of physical education as an examination subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/10]

A revised syllabus in Physical Education as a non-examinable subject at junior cycle was implemented, phased over a 3 year period, beginning in 2003, supported by a comprehensive programme of professional development for teachers. No date was agreed for implementation at senior cycle, and issues concerning the inclusion of PE as an examination subject at Leaving Certificate level remain to be addressed. In the meantime, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has made proposals for a fundamental re-structuring of senior cycle into subjects, short courses and transition units. The proposals included the provision of PE as a subject, and the inclusion of a short course in Sports Studies. It was considered that the inclusion of PE as both a subject and Sports Studies short course could only be examined within the broader context of plans for senior cycle reform generally.

The Council has continued to undertake further analysis and development work with schools on the issue of senior cycle reform. It currently has a specialist committee working on a syllabus for Leaving Certificate Physical Education. When revised proposals are submitted to my Department, the implementation implications will be examined in the context of the overall priorities and resources available to the education sector at that stage.

This Government has worked hard to improve the opportunities for young people to get physical exercise both in school and in their local communities. In a new school building or major refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as part of the design, and new PE equipment such as balancing benches and gym mats are funded as part of any major building programme.

A special PE funding package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools in 2007, providing a grant of €4,000 per school towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment. This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, to enable schools to replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc.

So, through an increased focus on exercise in school and in the community, we are working to encourage more children and young people to get active. Indeed, the second ‘State of the Nation's Children' report launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs found that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking first across the 40 participating countries in being physically active for at least 60 minutes per day for over 4 days per week.

Question No. 1079 answered with Question No. 1062.

Child Protection.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1080 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is the policy of his Department’s inspectorate to examine child protection policies and related files or to accept the assurances that a school has child protection policies in place during a whole school evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1420/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for ensuring that child protection requirements are complied with rests with the school board, the principal and the staff of each school. The Inspectorate of my Department undertakes whole-school evaluations in line with its quality assurance remit set out in Section 13 of the Education Act 1998. The WSE process involves evaluating schools under the areas of management, planning, curriculum provision, teaching and learning and student support.

The evaluation procedures include a specific review of school policies in the area of child protection. This review involves checking that each school has formally adopted the child protection guidelines as recommended in Children First and in the child protection guidelines of the Department of Education and Science. Confirmation is sought from the school authorities that the child protection procedures have been brought to the attention of management, school staff and parents and that a copy of the procedures has been provided to all staff (including all new staff). The procedures also involve checking that a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) has been nominated by the school.

The review of a school's child protection policies does not rely solely on the formal confirmation provided by the school authorities. Where necessary inspectors examine the minutes of board meetings, the recorded details of the adoption of the school's child protection policy and official school documentation naming the Designated Liaison Person (DLP). Inspectors may also follow up on any issues with members of school management and staff.

Following the checks made by the inspectors in relation to child protection the relevant findings are included in the WSE inspection report which is provided to the school's board of management and published on the Department's website. In addition, the Inspectorate reports its findings to the Schools Division of the Department for follow-up where necessary.

Departmental Funding.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1081 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make additional funding available for repairs to the plumbing or heating systems in schools affected by the poor weather over the Christmas 2009 period; if he will make additional funding available for schools that had to keep their heating on over the winter break to ensure that the freezing of pipes would be avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1421/10]

Emergency works grants are made available to those schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year.

Primary, Secondary and VEC schools which have to carry out repairs to their plumbing and heating systems due to damage caused by the recent inclement weather should in the first instance contact their insurance companies. Community and Comprehensive schools should contact the Building Unit of my Department.

There are no plans to make additional funding available to schools specifically to pay heating costs incurred during the cold weather.

Health and Safety Issues.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1082 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if there has been a change in the responsibilities of boards of managements in relation to the discretion exercised as to whether a school opens or not; if the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act of 2005 still tasks boards of management with the authority to ensure pupil and staff health and safety; the legal or statutory provision which enabled him to order that all schools close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1422/10]

While Boards of Management have the legal responsibility for the management of schools, I took a view that given the exceptionally difficult and widespread weather conditions that were being forecasted at that time, a central and early decision was required in relation to school closures. In making that decision, my overriding concern was about child safety and providing certainty to parents about school closures.

This decision was a reasonable and pragmatic decision based on the weather forecast at that time and in a scenario where up to 70% of schools had closed in any event.

The worst of the adverse weather was confined to southern areas and an unexpected thaw developed notably in Dublin. Based on these changed circumstances I decided that the normal arrangements whereby schools decide to open or close based on local circumstances should be re-instated from Tuesday 12th January.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1083 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a school (details supplied) in which a child who has been assessed as having a need for a full special needs assistant is now sharing an SNA with a student who needs a half SNA; if this situation will be reviewed; if this is the norm nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1433/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

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.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1084 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if the review of special needs assistants placements nationally is based solely on whether there is a need in individual schools; the way in which the review is proceeding and the expected reductions in numbers overall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1434/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is at present carrying out a review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts, as outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02, are properly met. This is an exercise in identifying surplus posts which are in the system and which do not meet the current criteria — posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or when the pupil has left.

SENOs are communicating the outcome of the review directly to schools as the review progresses. The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care/medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. Furthermore schools can make applications at any time with the result that the individual situation of any school can change and allocations are not static for a school year in the same way as are for example classroom teaching posts. The NCSE is independent in the making and issuing of its decisions. Given all the factors involved it is not possible at this stage to predict an outcome of the review.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1085 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the continuity of full complement of special needs assistants are retained at a school in keeping with the requirements as set out by the school authorities in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1436/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

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.

Departmental Funding.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

1086 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make emergency funds available to schools in which damage was caused by flooding from burst pipes during the recent inclement weather in January 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1473/10]

Emergency works grants are made available to those schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year.

Primary, Secondary and VEC schools which have suffered damage due to frozen or burst pipes during the recent inclement weather should, in the first instance, contact their insurance companies. Community and Comprehensive schools should contact the Building Unit of my Department.

Computerisation Programme.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1087 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the recently announced information and communications technology infrastructure grant for schools, he will allow schools that have already borrowed money to buy ICT equipment and interactive whiteboards to use the funds to pay off these borrowings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1477/10]

The Deputy will be aware that €22m in ICT grants was issued to primary schools in November last, with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroom.

Schools have been advised by letter that this funding must be used, in the first instance, towards equipping each classroom with a teaching computer with wireless mouse and keyboard, and a fixed digital projector. Only when this baseline equipment is in place for each classroom, should the funding be used for other ICT equipment. A list of recommended additional equipment such as interactive whiteboards, was also issued to schools. These requirements are in line with the recommendations of the recently published ‘Smart Schools = Smart Economy' report, which is the new action plan on integrating ICT in schools, produced by the joint industry advisory group established by the Minister last year. This report builds on the earlier strategy group report, ‘Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools'.

The Deputy will be aware that all purchasing using public monies must be carried out in compliance with public procurement regulations. Where schools have already purchased equipment that conforms to the requirements of the grants package, (that is, a teaching computer and digital projector for each classroom as a priority) and in compliance with public procurement rules, the grant may be used to offset the cost of these purchases.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1088 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the recently announced information and communications technology infrastructure grant for schools, he will make provision for schools that have already purchased information and communications technology equipment such as interactive whiteboards and cannot access the funding stream as it is currently constituted due to the fact that they have no use for the baseline teaching computer and fixed digital projector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1478/10]

The Deputy will be aware that in November last year the Minister published the ‘Smart Schools = Smart Economy' report, which is the new action plan on integrating ICT in schools, produced by the joint advisory group established by the Minister in 2009. This report builds on the earlier Strategy Group report, ‘Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools' and both reports make recommendations to support the integration of information communications technology (ICT) in teaching and learning in schools.

As a first step in implementing these recommendations, €22m in ICT grants was issued to primary schools in November last, with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroom. The teaching computer will be connected to the schools Local Area Network and to the digital projector in order to access and show curriculum-based digital content. Both Reports have advised that this combination is an extremely useful and effective teaching tool that facilitates a range of learning opportunities in whole-class teaching scenarios.

Only if a school already has a teaching computer and digital projector in place in each classroom, can the ICT grant be used to purchase other devices such as digital video devices, visualisers, printers, speakers and interactive whiteboards etc, to further develop the schools ICT infrastructure. A list of such recommended additional equipment has also been issued to schools.

The Deputy will be aware that all purchasing using public monies must be carried out in compliance with public procurement regulations. Schools have been notified that all purchasing of ICT equipment must be in compliance with public procurement rules, and Department of Finance Framework Agreements where available.

Schools Building Projects.

Chris Andrews

Question:

1089 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress of building works on a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and the amount of funding received by the school in the 2008 to 2009 period. [1493/10]

As part of the expansion of the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007, a grant of €540,000 was allocated to Sandford National School to enable the Board of Management to provide additional permanent accommodation of 3 classrooms and 3 resource rooms.

The project is now completed and the full grant of €540,000 was paid to the school in 2009.

Ethics in Public Office.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1090 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of each gift, favour and hospitality received, both over and under the value of €650, since May 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1508/10]

Under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995, any gift with a value in excess of €650 must be surrendered to the State and declared in the Minister's Statement of Registerable Interests submitted to the Standards in Public Office Commission. Since my appointment in 2008 as Minister for Education and Science, I have not received any gift with a value in excess of that amount.

The Department's records indicate that no gifts covered by the Act were received by my predecessor in the period referred to by the Deputy. The relevant statements of registerable interests submitted my predecessor have been published by the Standards in Public Offices Commission and can be viewed on the Oireachtas website.

In relation to gifts received under the value of €650, these are not declared in the annual statement of interests. A comprehensive list of such gifts is not maintained.

Higher Education Grants.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

1091 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for the maintenance grant under the terms of his Department’s student support maintenance education grants scheme in respect of the 2009-2010 year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1530/10]

A reply has issued to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy by the Higher Education- Equity Of Access Unit of my Department.

Special Educational Needs.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1092 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of a new children’s mental health coalition; if he will act on their recommendation to develop guidelines for schools on mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1544/10]

Brian Hayes

Question:

1093 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of a new children’s mental health coalition; if he will act on their recommendation to extend the existing social personal and health education support service to provide training for teachers on responding to students’ mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1545/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1092 and 1093 together.

I am aware of the recommendations of the Children's Mental Health Coalition. The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme is a mandatory part of the curriculum in primary schools and in junior cycle since 2003 and is designed to promote positive mental health. It is already supported by comprehensive teacher guidelines and curriculum support services which provide training and advice for schools and a resource directory.

Its aim is to foster personal development, health and well being of children, to help them create and maintain supportive relationships, and develop the skills and attitudes for responsible citizenship.

From the beginning of primary schooling children learn, in an age-appropriate way, how to identify, explore and express feelings and emotions, how to communicate with others, to resolve conflict and to respect difference, the importance of caring for one's body, treating oneself and others with dignity and respect, and how to identify people, places and situations that may threaten personal safety.

The SPHE modules at junior cycle deal specifically with belonging and integrating, handling conflict constructively, bullying, dealing with peer pressure, coping with stress, emotional health and well being, influences on decision-making, and relationships and sexuality education. In third year, an awareness of the range of agencies who can help students in difficulty is promoted, as well as the skills of knowing when and how to seek help. SPHE is designed for implementation in the context of a caring whole-school approach which is supported by the pastoral care structures in schools.

All post-primary schools also provide a guidance and counselling service for their students and they receive ex-quota hours from the Department for this provision. The service includes the provision of individual guidance and counselling for students either at critical stages in their education or at times of personal crisis.

Schools also use Mental Health Matters, a resource pack on mental health for 14 to 18 year olds developed by Mental Health Ireland on an optional basis as a module in the Transition Year Programme, an element of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme, a component of the SPHE programme or an element of other subjects such as Religion or Home Economics.

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) operating within my Department provides a range of services both direct and indirect which support the personal, social and educational development of all children in primary and post-primary schools.

The implementation of the SPHE curriculum has been supported by national programmes of professional development for teachers at primary and post primary level provided by the curriculum support services. These services continue to be maintained in the current school year, but my Department is not in a position to expand them at the present time.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1094 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon to the primary school building unit in view of the recent announcement on prioritisation of the school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1554/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for major capital funding to provide ancillary accommodation.

The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 3 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 the 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 the Department's website.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Third Level Charges.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1095 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the revenue generated for each third level by the registration fee in 2009; the anticipated revenue from this charge in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1600/10]

The student services charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. The range of student services in question may include such facilities as on-campus medical and counselling facilities for students, access and disability services, careers office services, student facilities, student clubs and societies.

All students who are eligible for means tested student support have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to.

The student services charge is collected by each individual institution and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is currently compiling the 2009/10 enrolment figures so as to determine the total income generated from the student services charge by the institutions for the current academic year. I understand that, as up to date student number returns are not yet available for all institutions, it is not possible to supply a breakdown by institution.

However based on overall provisional figures of 122,000 full-time EU student undergraduates in the university and institute of technology sectors it is estimated that the revenue which would be generated by all such institutions in the 2009/10 academic year from the charge of up to €1,500 is some €183m. Similar revenues would be anticipated in the 2010/11 academic year on the basis that such current student numbers are maintained.

Early School Leavers.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1096 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who dropped out of second level education in Cork city and county prior to sitting the leaving certificate for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1602/10]

The latest Retention Report published by the Department of Education and Science provides data on the cohort of pupils who entered the first year of the junior cycle in 2000 and 2001 most of whom completed their senior cycle five to six years following the year of intake. This is the fourth such report tracking pupil retention and the trend is showing yearly improvements in retention rates — rising from an estimated 81 to 85% for entrants to second level in 1996 and 2001 respectively. It is compiled from data on the Department's Post Primary Pupils Database and tracks students in State aided schools (with an estimate of those attaining their Leaving Cert in private institutions). It does not take into account students pursuing other educational pathways such as Youthreach or apprenticeship training. Retention rates of pupils in Second-Level School Cohort can be found on my Department's website —www.education.ie under Statistics.

Average retention rates to leaving certificate for Cork City and Cork County for the 2001 Entry cohort were 77.1 and 83.0% respectively. Data relating to the cohort of pupils who entered the first year of the junior cycle in 2002 and 2003 will be available later in 2010. Note that these rates do not take into account pupils who leave the State-aided schools including publicly funded fee-paying schools and move to non-aided second-level education providers.

My Department has adopted a broad-based approach to tackling early school leaving. This includes the work of the National Educational Welfare Board, established under the Education Welfare Act, 2000, to monitor attendance and help to get young people back to school. Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central elements of DEIS. Targeted interventions include the School Completion Programme, Home School Community Liaison services, visiting teacher service for Travellers, additional funding for pupils at risk of early school leaving and alternative curricular options.

From 1st September, 2009, a single co-ordinated School Support Programme involving the Home School Community Liaison Scheme, the School Completion Programme and the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers has been integrated under the National Educational Welfare Board. This development puts in place structures to facilitate closer integration of the services at local, regional and national levels, increase effectiveness and help bring about real and meaningful improvements in services, to confront in a cohesive way, the underlying causes that impact negatively on the school life of children, particularly as they relate to school attendance, retention and attainment.

My Department has also widened the range of curricula available to students by promoting the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme in addition to the traditional Junior and Leaving Certificate curricula.

I would like to assure the Deputy that we have greatly intensified our efforts in recent years to keep more young people in school and I will continue to prioritise further progress in this area.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe McHugh

Question:

1097 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to a safety report on a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; his views on whether this report illustrates the need for building work to commence at the school; when work will commence on the school; the amount of funding that has been assigned from his Department’s budget to building works at this school for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1605/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for major capital funding.

The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale 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 the 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 the Department's website.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

My Department is in receipt of the safety report referred to by the Deputy. This report was commissioned by the school authorities and the issues raised are currently under consideration.

Higher Education Grants.

Enda Kenny

Question:

1098 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the options available in respect of pursuing a higher diploma in education in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1622/10]

Financial assistance is available to students under the Third Level Student Support Schemes, which are administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department. Students who are entering approved courses, for the first time, are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.

Under the terms of the Higher Education Grant Scheme a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The scheme also provides that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification.

However, in December 2000 clause 7.7 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme was amended to provide financial assistance to eligible candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and who wish to enter a further postgraduate course, at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained.

The progression route at postgraduate level, for grant purposes, is as follows: Higher Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma > Masters > PhD/Doctorate. Candidates who hold a masters qualification and are currently pursuing a postgraduate qualification cannot be considered for funding.

There are no plans at present to change the current arrangements. Any such proposal would have to be considered in the light of existing resources and other competing demands in the education sector.

Education Welfare Service.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1099 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the advice his Department will give to the National Education Welfare Board on the appointment of a new chief executive officer when the term of the current CEO expires in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1624/10]

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is established under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The CEO post is provided for under Section 36 of the Act with responsibility to manage and control the administration and business of the Board and is accountable to the Board.

The term of appointment for the CEO of the NEWB expires in June 2010. As the Deputy will be aware, this post, as with other posts in the National Educational Welfare Board and the wider public sector, is subject to the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the public service. My Department has already commenced consultation with the Board of the NEWB on arrangements for filling the post. My Department has also commenced consultation with the Department of Finance on the implications of the moratorium on the future of this post. Decisions in respect of this post will be made on completion of this consultation.

Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

1100 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in accepting a tender for a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the contractor has been approved; the expected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1812/10]

A revised tender report, for the school to which the Deputy refers, was received recently by my Department and is currently being assessed. I expect my officials to be in contact with the Board of Management in the coming days authorising them to commence the award process.

School Staffing.

John McGuinness

Question:

1101 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons 180 newly qualified teachers will not be probated this year; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1815/10]

The arrangements for the probation of newly qualified teachers have evolved differently at primary and post-primary level and within different types of school at post-primary level. At primary level, satisfactory completion of the probationary period requires the newly qualified teacher to receive a favourable inspection report on his/her work from the Inspectorate of my Department.

In early December 2009, a small proportion of the newly qualified teachers employed in primary schools (who had commenced employment subsequent to the beginning of the school year) were informed by letter that given the resources available, inspection of their work for probationary purposes would be delayed and would not take place in the school year 2009-2010. The Inspectorate is currently reviewing all such cases and is attempting to make arrangements for the inspection of as many as possible of the small number of teachers in this group. In addition, officials in my Department are reviewing the arrangements for the probation of teachers generally.

Computerisation Programme.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

1102 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when the recommended laptop will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Cork in order to facilitate the completion of educational assignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1823/10]

I can confirm that an application for assistive technology in respect of the pupil in question has been received in my Department. This application is currently being processed and a decision will issue to the school shortly.

Child Protection.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

1103 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 466 of 10 November 2009, if he will supply this Deputy with a list of the 700 primary schools which are either not implementing the stay safe programme in full or not implementing the programme at all. [1824/10]

The 700 schools referred to by the Deputy were identified in a survey conducted by my Department in 2005. The data from this survey has since enabled, my Department, through its Teacher Education Section, to make additional resources available to provide targeted training in the Stay Safe Programme to these particular schools. To date more than 500 of the 700 identified have accessed training to support the implementation of the Stay Safe programme.

More up to date information in relation to the implementation of Stay Safe is being gathered and will be compiled as part of the wider LifeSkills survey which is currently being undertaken by my Department. In June 2009, my Department wrote to all primary schools asking them to complete a Lifeskills Survey. The survey covers a broad range of areas including implementation of Stay Safe. To date responses have been received from 2,542 primary schools and a reminder has issued to those that have not yet responded.

Notwithstanding the current position, the Deputy will be aware that I have recently stated my intention that Stay Safe should be made mandatory for all schools.

Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children is a key concern for my Department. In anticipation of the review and recent updating of Children First, my Department wrote to all the education partners last Autumn inviting submissions from them on potential changes that might be desirable to my Department's existing child protection guidelines to schools. The education partners were also invited to participate in a working party to review the guidelines and the working party commenced its work before Christmas.

Ensuring that the Stay Safe Programme is implemented in all schools as part of a comprehensive set of practices, procedures and guidelines to ensure child safety is important and it for this reason that I have stated my intention to have it included as a mandatory requirement for all schools in any revision to the current arrangements that emerges from the working party.

Higher Education Grants.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

1104 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if third level fully accredited part-time courses will be grant assisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1826/10]

The Higher Education Grants Schemes operate under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992.

Under the Higher Education Grants Scheme an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution.

An approved institution is defined to mean a university, college or other institution of higher education in so far as it provides a course or courses of not less than two years duration, being a course, or courses, which the Minister for Education and Science approves for the time being for the purposes of the Acts.

Each Year, the Higher Education Grants Scheme specifies a list of approved institutions for the purposes of the Schemes. The approved institutions mainly comprise of public funded third level institutions.

There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the student support schemes to part-time courses.

However, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level Colleges and Universities in the State and any other E.U. Member State. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from a candidate's local tax offices or on Revenue's website at http://www.revenue.ie.

James Bannon

Question:

1105 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science when an appeal for the special rate maintenance grant for the academic year 2009-2010 will be concluded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1844/10]

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.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1106 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the schools capital building programme 2009 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1869/10]

John Deasy

Question:

1119 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application from a school (details supplied) in County Waterford for a new school; when he will sanction the appointment of a builder; if the capital funding has been allocated for the new school; when work on the new school will commence; the planned completion date of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2153/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1106 and 1119 together.

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at tender stage. Once the tender report has been assessed, and all outstanding issues resolved, a contractor will be appointed. It is envisaged that subject to the foregoing, construction will commence in Quarter 2 of 2010.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1107 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1870/10]

I wish to confirm that I have written directly to the person referred to by the Deputy in connection with the provision of the new second level school in County Waterford. The new post primary school project at the location referred to in Co. Waterford is one of eight schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.

This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has been received in the case of seven of the eight schools. Work is continuing on securing outline planning permission on the remaining school site. On successful completion of this process, it is my intention that the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.

The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.

Simon Coveney

Question:

1108 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new school building (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1873/10]

A revised tender report, for the school to which the Deputy refers, was received recently by my Department and is currently being assessed. I expect my officials to be in contact with the Board of Management in the coming days authorising them to commence the award process.

Michael Ring

Question:

1109 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the tender process for new premises in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo has been completed; the number of tenders received; if a tender has been accepted; if so, the successful applicant; when the construction phase will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1875/10]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that nine tenders were received for the project to which he refers. My officials are currently assessing the Tender Report which was received in recent days. Assuming that there are no issues arising, the project will be authorised to proceed to award the contract shortly.

Higher Education Grants.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

1110 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for a post leaving certificate maintenance grant under the 2009 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1956/10]

A reply has issued to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy by the Higher Education-Equity Of Access Unit of my Department.

School Transport.

Seán Connick

Question:

1111 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take responsibility for the erection of bus shelters outside schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1958/10]

My Department does not provide funding for bus shelters. The provision of bus shelters is a matter for the relevant Local Authority.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1112 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be able to proceed with its new building project; if he has ordered that prefabs at the school be purchased instead of hired; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the prefabs used by this school are not fit for purpose; if an official from his Department inspected the prefabs before deciding to purchase them outright; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1961/10]

A major capital project at the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget.

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

Turning to the issue of the prefabricated temporary accommodation at the school, in 25th March 2009, in response to a question raised by the Deputy highlighting the costs of rental of temporary accommodation for schools, I advised that my Department had commenced a review of this area. I explained that a firm of Chartered Quantity Surveyors had been engaged to develop new procedures and systems for the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money and reducing overall rental costs for schools.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department's review of the provision of temporary accommodation in schools is well underway. One aspect of the review involves the development of standard specifications for temporary accommodation, the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buyout and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the Department and school authorities.

A further strand involves negotiations between the Chartered Surveyors and prefab suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts or reductions in annual rent, as appropriate. An initial group of 46 schools with rented prefabricated accommodation has been identified for priority negotiations with suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts. A number of these prefabs have now been bought-out, including the prefabs at the school referred to by the Deputy, and negotiations are ongoing with a view to ending rental contracts for as many schools as possible in 2010.

The Chartered Surveyors carried out a site visit at this school on 26th June, 2009 and provided my Department with a report confirming that the units are in good condition and well maintained.

On 9th December 2009 the school authorities were informed that my Department had decided to purchase the temporary accommodation units and that this initiative was undertaken to achieve better value for money. They were also advised that this change in the funding arrangement for their temporary accommodation would not affect any application the school may have for permanent accommodation under the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Research Funding.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1113 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a risk that universities here and researchers will lose their access to on-line scientific and humanities journals as a result of savings by the Higher Education Authority and Science Foundation Ireland; the implications of such a move for Ireland’s ambition to play a leading role in the knowledge economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2016/10]

The Irish Research eLibrary (IReL) is an electronic research library, providing online access to research publications across a range of disciplines in the seven universities and provides an important service to students, researchers and academics.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Government has provided significant direct funding in recent years to universities towards the cost of e-journal access, with funding amounting to some €8.5 million provided in 2009 by both the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).

In the current difficult budgetary climate, there will be challenges for our universities in prioritising and managing budgets to maximum effect. In that regard the HEA is working closely with the institutions to effect economies across all levels of activity. I understand from the HEA, who are in consultation with the universities in the matter, that whilst they envisage that there will be some reduction in the number of e-journals available, they are satisfied that they can ensure continued access for all our university students and staff to the most relevant publications across the science, technology, social sciences and humanities domains.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1114 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received for the development of phase two of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2030/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers made an application for a new school building in May 2005. The Department delivered an 8 classroom building in 2009 as the first phase of the project to meet the school needs.

Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future years and the area referred to by the Deputy will be included in this process.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within the area. Any further development at the school in question will be considered in that context.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1115 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the stage 2B report has been received by him regarding a planned extension by a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the position regarding same; and when the construction contract will progress to tender stage. [2031/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on completion of the stage 2(b) report and expect to submit this to my Department shortly.

On completion of stage 2(b) this project will proceed to tender and construction. However, until the stage 2(b) is received and cleared it is not possible to provide a more definitive timeframe for commencement of construction at this time.

Adult Education.

Willie Penrose

Question:

1116 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the nature and level of grant aid which is available to a mature person who wishes to return to education, and in particular to undertake graduate courses in September 2010; the eligibility criteria for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2038/10]

The main financial support available to students in higher education is the Maintenance Grant. Mature students who are entering approved courses are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residence, means, age, nationality and previous academic attainment.

Under the student grant schemes a mature candidate, if approved, is automatically provided with the higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance which, this year, ranges from €810 to €6,355 dependent on individual circumstances. The entitlement to the non-adjacent rate applies regardless of how far the college is from the mature candidates residence and whether or not the candidate is dependent on or independent of his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).

The NDP funded ‘Third Level Access Measure' is also supporting the participation of mature students in higher education, in particular those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The Student Assistance Fund is available in all recurrently funded higher education institutions. Mature students who have additional needs arising due to a disability or learning difficulty can make an application to the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Applications for support can be made via the access or disability service in the institution.

In 2008 I launched a National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-2013. This plan builds on investment of resources and work that has taken place to date and sets new targets for the future including participation by mature students in Higher Education. A mid-term review of progress in the implementation of this plan and the achievement of these objectives will be conducted by the Higher Education Authority in 2010.

The criteria for the 2010 maintenance grant schemes is currently being reviewed. Decisions on the 2010 schemes will be announced as soon as the process is completed.

Schools Building Projects.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

1117 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2041/10]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that tenders were received by County Donegal VEC in December and the tender report is currently being compiled. Once the tender report has been approved the project will be authorised to proceed to award a contract.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1118 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if the tender documents for a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Wexford have been ready since November 2007; if and when he will consent to re-tender for this project in view of changed economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2050/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The next stage for this project will be the completion of stage 2(b) of architectural planning. This will require tender documents for this project to be revised in line with the new form of Public Works Contract which is now mandatory for all such projects.

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.

Question No. 1119 answered with Question No. 1106.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1120 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff in his Department, broken down by division and section, annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2166/10]

The number of staff in the Department of Education and Science at end December in each year since 2007 is outlined as follows: 2007: 1342 (1252.95 WTE); 2008: 1428 (1330.64 WTE); 2009: 1359 (1270.30 WTE). The breakdown of staff by divisional structure at end December 2009 is tabulated as follows. The current breakdown of staff in the Department is not directly comparable to previous years due to changes in the Divisional structure of the Department.

Staffing in Department of Education and Science

End December 2007

MAC area of responsibility

No. of Staff (administrative and non-administrative)

Further Education, International/ North South, Social Inclusion, High Support Special Schools, Youth Affairs

81 (72.76 *wte)

School Building, School Transport, Primary/Post Primary Payroll, School Planning, SNA Payroll, Expenditure Financial Control, Integration Unit, Public Private Partnerships (PPP’s) Regional Offices

304 (281.98 wte)

Corporate Services, Statistics, Change Management/FOI, Central Policy Unit, Legal Services

90 (84.13 wte)

Finance Unit, Primary and Post Primary Policy and Administration

169 (155.96 wte)

National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), IT Unit, Early Childhood, Litigation, RIRU, Special Education

274 (258.46 wte)

Equality Unit, External Staff Relations (ESR), Personnel, ICT Policy Unit, Qualifications, Curriculum & Assessment Policy (QCAP), Staff Training, Teacher Education

98 (85.50 wte)

Higher Education, NDP/Structural Funds, Pensions

89 (82.83 wte)

Inspectorate

170 (167.83 wte)

Other (Including Ministers Office, Secretary Generals Office, Press Office, Internal Audit, Correspondence Unit)

67 (63.5 wte)

Total

1342 (1252.95 wte)

End December 2008

MAC area of responsibility

No. of Staff

Further Education, International/North South, Social Inclusion, High Support Special Schools, Youth Affairs

87 (78.36 *wte)

School Building, Primary/Post Primary Payroll, School Planning, SNA Payroll, Expenditure Financial Control, Integration Unit, PPP’s, Regional Offices

296 (271.71 wte)

Corporate Services, Statistics, Change Management/FOI, Central Policy Unit, Legal Services

104 (97.13 wte)

Finance Unit, Primary and Post Primary Policy and Administration

192 (174.66 wte)

NEPS, IT Unit, Early Childhood, Litigation, RIRU, Special Education

305 (288.04 wte)

Equality Unit, ESR, Personnel, ICT Policy Unit, QCAP, Staff Training, Teacher Education

101 (89.13 wte)

Higher Education, NDP/Structural Funds, Pensions

103 (96.83 wte)

Inspectorate

158 (157.13 wte)

School Transport

13 (13 wte)

Other (Including Ministers Office, Secretary Generals Office, Press Office, Internal Audit, Correspondence Unit)

69 (64.65 wte)

Total

1428 (1330.64 wte)

End December 2009

MAC Area of responsibility

No. of Staff

Further Education, International, International /North South, QCAP, Integration Unit, High Support Special Schools

65 (59.16 *wte)

School Building, Primary/Post Primary Payroll, School Planning, Expenditure Financial Control, PPP’s

205 (190.34 wte)

Corporate Services, Change Management/FOI, Finance Unit, NDP/ Structural Funds, Press Office

135 (124.19 wte)

Primary and Post Primary Policy and Administration

148 (135.53 wte)

NEPS, RIRU/ Special Education Litigation, Special Education

241 (228.03 wte)

Equality Unit, ESR, Personnel, Staff Training, Teacher Education

71 (65.80 wte)

Higher Education/ Equity of Access

39 (36.10 wte)

Inspectorate

137 (136.33 wte)

School Transport, SNA Payroll, Pensions, Social Inclusion, Early Years Education Policy

126 (114.92 wte)

IT, ICT Policy, Central Policy, Regional Offices and Regional Directorate, Statistics, Legal Services

137 (127.43 wte)

Other (Including Ministers Office, Secretary Generals Office, Internal Audit, Correspondence Unit)

55 (52.47 wte)

Total

1359 (1270.30 wte)

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made regarding the continuation of the new school project at Kill, County Kildare since 5 November 2009; if it is intended or expected that the project will finish on time; if not, if he will give an indicative completion date; the steps he has taken in the intervening period to bring this project to a satisfactory conclusion in line with original projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2199/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently out to tender. It is anticipated that the project will be back on site before Easter.

Special Educational Needs.

David Stanton

Question:

1122 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the expert group on the education of children with emotional and behavioural disorders was established by the National Council for Special Education; the membership of this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2204/10]

I am aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has set up a Group to look at educational provision for children with emotional/behavioural disorders.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply in relation to the specific information sought by the Deputy.

David Stanton

Question:

1123 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a structured appeals process whereby parents, if unhappy, can appeal the decision of a local special education needs organiser to a senior SENO has been established by the National Council for Special Education in view of the absence of an appeals system to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2205/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 provides for the establishment of the Special Education Appeals Board (SEAB), to hear and determine appeals under the Act. Board members are currently working to ensure that appropriate structures and processes will be in place once the relevant sections of the Act, which would allow appeals to be undertaken, are commenced.

Pending full implementation of the Act, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and following discussions with Management Bodies, is preparing to introduce a structured appeals process whereby schools and parents, where appropriate, may seek to appeal the decision of a Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) in relation to the allocation of resources. This scheme is currently being piloted in a number of schools.

In the meantime, the NCSE will undertake to review a decision taken by a SENO on foot of a request from a school or parents/guardians, when accompanied by relevant additional information such as professional reports which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision.

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.

David Stanton

Question:

1124 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the role, duty and responsibilities of the National Council for Special Education in assisting the Health Service Executive in relation to providing education services for children under five years who have been assessed under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; the number of children referred to the NCSE for services; the number who are receiving special education services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2206/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established to co-ordinate the delivery of services for children with special educational needs. The NCSE is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE co-ordinates with the health services, schools and other relevant bodies regarding the provision of education and related support services to children with disabilities/special needs.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 provides for the independent assessment of health needs of persons arising from a disability and also, where appropriate, the education services to be provided. The Act sets out the role of the NCSE in this regard. In June 2007, Part 2 of the Act was commenced for children less than 5 years of age. Since then, the NCSE has processed 1,462 requests for assistance for such children following receipt of applications submitted by Health Service Executive Assessment Officers nationally.

School Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1125 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the value of payments made to Bus Éireann annually since 2000 for the school transport scheme; the details and the value of any other school transport related payments to any subsidiaries of CIE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2231/10]

The net value of payments made to Bus Éireann for the operation of the school transport scheme, after the deduction of receipts from fare-paying passengers, for the years in question are as follows: 2000, €60.157m; 2001, €70.928m; 2002, €88.739m; 2003, €92.520m; 2004, €94.664m; 2005, €106.005m; 2006, €126.226m; 2007, €146.620m; and 2008, €162.793m.

I understand from Bus Éireann that the 2009 account is currently being finalised. No further payments are made directly by my Department's School Transport Section to any subsidiaries of CIE.

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