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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jan 2010

Vol. 700 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 14, inclusive, answered orally.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Costello

Question:

15 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if the National Council for Special Education has concluded its review of special needs assistants; if he will publish the final report; the number of special needs assistants the review has removed from schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4162/10]

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. The purpose of this review is to ensure that all SNA posts meet the criteria governing the allocation of such posts, as outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02.

As part of this review, the NCSE will identify and suppress any surplus posts which do not meet the scheme's criteria — for example, posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or when the pupil has left.

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 relating to SNA allocations. SENOs are communicating the outcome of the review directly to schools as the review progresses.

The NCSE has advised that the review will be completed by end March 2010. I will be glad to advise the Deputy of the outcome of the review once it is complete.

I wish to assure the Deputy that SNA support will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support.

School Accommodation.

David Stanton

Question:

16 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received applications for permanent accommodation from schools (details supplied) in County Cork; the progress made in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4180/10]

David Stanton

Question:

25 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider developing a joint campus for the construction of two new schools (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4181/10]

The first school to which the Deputy refers made an application to the Department for a new school in January 2002.

The application was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 1.1 rating.

The second school to which the Deputy refers has not submitted an application for Major Capital Works. The school opened in September 2008 and currently has provisional recognition. Responsibility for the provision of accommodation remains with the school Patron until permanent recognition is granted. In the meantime, my Department grant aids the rental of this accommodation.

The Department is currently in the process of agreeing contracts in relation to a suitable site which is zoned by the Local Authority for Education use in the Midleton Area.

The Department will consider the optimal use of any site purchased to meet the primary school needs of Midleton.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including these projects, 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 projects at this time.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

17 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will be reintroducing the devolved scheme for restructuring and building of small schools; if and when same will start; his views on whether this scheme is good value for money and extremely valuable for pupils, teachers and all concerned in these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3983/10]

The Small Schools' Scheme, which was operated by my Department from 2003 to 2007, was specifically targeted at providing grant aid for the extension and refurbishment of small rural schools.

Over the course of the operation of the scheme, a total of €177m was spent on almost 400 schools throughout the country, leading to a very welcome improvement in the standard of accommodation available in these schools.

Under the Value for Money Framework, the operation of the Small Schools Scheme was reviewed and reported on.

The review was carried out to determine the value to the building programme of the Small Schools Initiative (SSI) and the Permanent Accommodation Initiative (PAI), devolving funding and responsibility on school management authorities (SMAs) to enable them to manage and complete their own building projects.

The review found that the schemes provided value for money for the taxpayer with effective funding control mechanisms. The schemes met accommodation deficits in schools in a satisfactory manner. The review found that devolution of funding and responsibility to SMAs worked well but suggested additional advice and information on their duties be provided to the SMAs.

The majority of the recommendations contained in the review have been implemented resulting in increased administrative efficiencies in the administration of the schemes which allowed almost 400 schools to benefit from funding under the SSS between 2003 and 2007.

In more recent years, the focus of the schools building and modernisation programme has been on major projects to provide new schools and large extensions in areas experiencing a rapid growth in demand for school places.

In these circumstances, no further applications for Small School Scheme funding have been sought. However, the situation will be kept under review by my Department. In the meantime, it is open to small schools to apply for funding under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme and the Summer Works Scheme, which continue to operate.

Higher Education Grants.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

18 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the proposed budget cut of 5% to the student maintenance grant. [4231/10]

As announced in the Budget, a reduction of 5% is being applied to the rates of student grants and scholarships. This reduction is being implemented in respect of all existing and new grant-holders from January 2010. This reduction is broadly in line with reductions in other income maintenance payments including those for the unemployed.

The reductions in the rates of student grants were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow in a climate of overall pressures on public finances and a background of reducing rental and other costs of living for students, as evidenced by latest CPI figures which indicate that deflation is now running at 5.0% (December 2008 to December 2009).

Students who qualify for maintenance grants will continue to receive substantial grant funding, together with full support for payment of the student service charge. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance grant.

In addition, some €5m will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

19 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse his decision to cut the allowances of participants on vocational training opportunities scheme, Youthreach and senior Traveller training centres. [4233/10]

Participants in the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and the Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centre (STTC) programmes are entitled to a range of allowances.

VTOS participants are entitled to a training allowance at a rate equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit, plus a payment for an adult or child dependant, if appropriate. Youthreach and STTC programme participants are entitled to a training allowance based on FÁS Training Allowance rates.

VTOS, Youthreach and STTC participants retain their Social Welfare secondary benefits. They are also eligible to receive meal, travel and/or accommodation allowances. In addition, participants who have been in receipt of their Social Welfare payment for at least 12 months (312 days) directly before their course commencement date are paid a training bonus.

Training allowances for participants in these programmes are set in line with the relevant Social Welfare and FÁS allowances, as above. The 2010 Budget provided for reductions in Social Welfare rates and FÁS Training Allowance rates and the training allowances for VTOS, Youthreach and STTC participants were reduced in line with those reductions. I have no plans to reverse this decision.

Higher Education Grants.

Martin Ferris

Question:

20 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision of budget 2010 to remove the eligibility criteria of those availing of the back to education allowance to the student maintenance grant. [4236/10]

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. Students 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.

It was decided to discontinue the practice of allowing students to hold both the BTEA or VTOS allowance and a student maintenance grant simultaneously as this represents a duplication of income support payments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

21 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being suffered by persons who have not yet received their third level grants; and his proposals to alleviate same. [3666/10]

I am aware that some students are experiencing delays in the processing of their grant applications and appreciate the individual difficulties this can involve. It is understood that both local authorities and VECs, the awarding bodies for student grants, received an unprecedented number of student grant applications this year with increases in applications up by 30% in some areas. In some instances, late applications are still being received. Both VECs and local authorities are experiencing pressures due to the increased workload associated with the increased demand for the schemes, particularly in the context of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector. In some instances, this is affecting the processing of grants. However, every effort is being made by these bodies to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible. The current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run, including the need to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector. It is inevitable that staffing constraints on public bodies will lead to certain pressures on services. However, these bodies, even in these challenging circumstances, are endeavouring to ensure that the work associated with the processing of grants is prioritised.

Apart from the pressures associated with the volume of applications, a significant number of outstanding grant applications have not been processed in full because the applications were incomplete. I remind students and their parents to return all necessary supporting documentation as early as possible to help the awarding bodies make prompt decisions on entitlement. On my request, the Higher Education Authority has also asked institutions to be flexible in respect of requests for payment of the student services charge from students who are still awaiting a decision on their grant application. In the longer run, I am assessing organisational options for the processing of grant applications with a view to streamlining operations and achieving more effective administrative efficiencies. Possible options for a more significant aggregation of functions are now being explored in the context of budgetary considerations and the Government's overall programme of public service reform. In the interim, my Department is working closely with local authorities and VECs on a number of initiatives, some of which are already leading to service improvements for students as well as alleviating some of the pressures on awarding authorities. These initiatives include the provision of advance payments for student grants to all awarding authorities, migration of grant payments directly to students on a phased basis by way of electronic funds transfer and improvements to the grant application process.

School Staffing.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

22 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that will be saved by the abolition of the supply panel of teachers in Budget 2010; if the equivalent amount of substitution cover will cost approximately the same amount of money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4165/10]

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 €400,000 in 2010 and €1.1 million in a full year. 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.

Millennium Partnership Fund.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

23 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the budget decision to abolish funding to the millennium partnership fund. [4234/10]

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 withdrawal of the Millennium Partnership Fund was considered 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 individual academic institutions, will continue to be available to meet costs in hardship cases for items such as books and travel at third level.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

24 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools here equipped with special autism units; the number and location of schools still awaiting such provision; the extent to which it is expected to meet this requirement in line with submissions received by his Department from the various school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4228/10]

The Government is committed to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post-primary school network. 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 educational needs. I attach, for the Deputy's information, a list provided by the NCSE of schools approved for ASD classes. When a school is approved for an ASD unit, and its existing accommodation does not meet this need, the school may apply to the Department for funding for such accommodation. All such applications are afforded a high priority. I can confirm to the Deputy that all schools establishing new ASD classes in September 2009, and that applied to my Department for funding, were provided with funding to enable them to do so. In some cases, as it was not possible to carry out a major extension to the school in the time available, temporary accommodation was put in place. Major projects involving the provision of ASD facilities are assessed under the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and, where appropriate, assigned a band 1.2, reflecting the high priority attached to such projects. Consideration is also given to the inclusion of ASD facilities in all new school buildings based on advice from the NCSE. A band rating of 1.2 is assigned not only to ASD units but to special schools and projects with any element of special needs provision. The Department currently has in the order of 75 applications with a band rating of 1.2 and a further 17 such projects in architectural planning. A number of projects with a higher band rating of 1.1, assigned to projects in rapidly developing areas, also include ASD units. The Government is committed to ensuring that all children with special educational needs have access to appropriate facilities and, as such, will continue to prioritise the provision of funding to capital projects providing facilities for such children.

Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 16.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

26 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the proposed budget cut of 4% to special education initiatives in primary schools. [4229/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the allocation for 2010 for the special education initiatives subhead reflects the level of expenditure expected under the various initiatives during 2010. The provisional outturn details that the total spend in 2009 on the various initiatives concerned was less than €12 million. The allocation for 2010 exceeds €12 million.

School Staffing.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

27 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special needs assistant will be provided in respect of a pupil (details supplied) in a school in County Monaghan; his views on whether there are individual cases that must be dealt with in spite of the financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3982/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education 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 council operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the council for their attention and direct reply. All schools have the names and contact details of their local special educational needs organiser. Parents may also contact their local organiser directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I assure the Deputy that SNA support will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support.

Schools Refurbishment.

Martin Ferris

Question:

28 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the proposed budget cut of 27% for new school buildings and repairs in primary schools. [4235/10]

The total allocation at the beginning of 2009 for capital expenditure in the primary and post-primary sectors, including the allocation available for ICT provision in schools, amounted to almost €624 million. The total capital allocation available for schools in 2010 is almost €629 million, including the carry forward from 2009. The capital expenditure outturn in the primary sector for 2009 was almost €329 million. I have available in the same sector for 2010 almost €379 million. This amount will facilitate the delivery of a programme of large and small scale building projects to at least match and in certain categories exceed the outputs achieved in 2009.

Special Educational Needs.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

29 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the terms of the home tuition scheme for children with autism; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the funding for students can be terminated mid academic year; his views on whether it is fair for a child to then be expected to join mainstream school, despite psychological reports that recommend otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3981/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme funds tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also provides funding for early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism where a school-based placement is not available. Information on the scheme including criteria for eligibility for tuition is detailed annually by circular to schools and parents. The circular clearly states that home tuition funding for children awaiting placement, or for children with autism eligible for early intervention, is only provided where a school based placement is not available. The letters of sanction also advise parents/guardians that funding ceases once a school based placement becomes available. My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally with the NCSE regarding children's education. School placements do become available during the academic year as new classes open, pupils leave or are successfully mainstreamed. Careful planning between the NCSE, school authorities and parents can assist in making a smooth transition from home to school based tuition for the child in question.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

30 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the highest and lowest pupil-teacher ratios at primary schools here, on a county basis; the degree to which this has fluctuated in the period 2005 to date in 2010; the extent to which it is intended to improve the average in the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4227/10]

The Pupil-Teacher Ratio in respect of all primary schools is only available at national level — it is not disaggregated by county or by any other variable. Information on pupil-teacher ratios is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The data for the current school year (2009-10) are being compiled by my Department. The final outcome will be available later in the year. The ratios for the previous four years were 2005-06, 16.6; 2006-07, 16.0; 2007-08, 16.0; and 2008-09, 15.9. The Deputy will be aware that the Revised Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme there is a commitment to provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. These posts will be allocated to the schools that are most seriously affected by the recent increase in the pupil-teacher ratio, using objective criteria. 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 primary and post-primary sectors. My Department has met the education partners to discuss the criteria to use to allocate the posts within each sector. All the education partners are 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.

School Closures.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

31 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science the policies that are in place on the closure of schools due to weather; if schools have been informed of these policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4225/10]

Provisions in relation to school closures are set out in my Department's circulars; 11/95 (for primary schools) and M29/95 (for post-primary schools). In accordance with these circulars, decisions on the need for and duration of exceptional closures rest with individual school authorities. The circulars provide that, in general, a school closure due to unforeseen circumstances should be compensated for later in the school year. I have already said I will not be dogmatic with schools on the issue. While schools should make all reasonable efforts to make up for lost time, it is accepted that there are practical considerations for boards to consider when making their decisions on the issue. It is important to recognise that this has not been a normal year and that the appropriate response of the Department in the circumstances is to allow school boards and school principals determine what can reasonably be done to ensure that by the end of the school year, courses and programmes have been completed. Senior officials from the Department recently held separate meetings with the primary and post-primary education partners. Those discussions took account of the strong tradition by schools and teachers of looking after the interests of their pupils. I am confident that any impact on teaching and learning can be addressed through good co-operation between school management, teachers and pupils supported by their parents.

Special Educational Needs.

Denis Naughten

Question:

32 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to review the allocation of special needs assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3674/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers, is carrying out a review of Special Needs Assistant 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 where the pupil has left. Special Educational Needs Organisers 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 or medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. It is expected that the NCSE will have completed the review by the end of March 2010. I assure the Deputy that Special Needs Assistant support will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support.

Redundancy Payments.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

33 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 1 December 2009, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda has completed its inquiries and has identified the person who illegally cashed the lump sum redundancy cheque which was issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford but inadvertently sent to an incorrect address; if this will be verified immediately by her Department; if a replacement cheque will issue to the claimant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4284/10]

I can advise the Deputy that, as I indicated in my reply to Question No. 77 of 1 December 2009, my Department issued a cheque to the individual in question at the address supplied on the RP 50 form submitted to my Department. It appears that the cheque was intercepted and cashed by someone other than the payee. I understand that the Garda was asked by the claimant to investigate the matter and that the investigation is ongoing. The position is that, in issuing the cheque to the claimant at the address supplied, my Department has fulfilled its responsibility to the claimant. The claimant in this instance might be advised to seek to recover the money from the financial institution at which the cheque was cashed. In the normal course, the cheque should either have been lodged to the payee's account or have been cashed only after proof of identity was provided.

Industrial Disputes.

Chris Andrews

Question:

34 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [4275/10]

The industrial dispute involving workers from the company in question resulted from workers' concerns over the company's cost cutting proposals, involving redundancies and the introduction of new contracts of employment for the remaining workforce. The issues were referred to the Labour Court under section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1969. The union undertook to be bound by the court's recommendation. The Labour Court hearing took place on 28 September 2009. The company did not attend the court hearing, but provided a written statement setting out its position on the matters in dispute. The Labour Court issued its recommendation on 12 October 2009. The Labour Court recommended that the company should pay redundancy terms of six weeks pay per year of service, inclusive of statutory entitlement. Any outstanding issues that could not be agreed between the parties, including the issue of selection criteria for redundancy, should be referred to an arbitrator for final decision. I understand that the company agreed to accept the Labour Court recommendation. Subsequently, a resolution to several issues in dispute was achieved at talks between the company and the union. In November 2009, the Labour Court nominated Mr. Finbarr Flood as arbitrator to consider the remaining outstanding issues. The arbitrator met the parties and issued his final and binding decision to the parties. In my view, the experience and expertise of the Labour Court undoubtedly offers the best avenue for resolving the issues in this difficult dispute. In this context, I urge the company to give positive consideration to the court's recommendation on the dispute and to abide by the final decision made by the arbitrator appointed by the court in this matter. In view of the renewed contacts pursued in a constructive spirit between the parties subsequent to the Labour Court's recommendation, I urge both sides to bring that same spirit to bear on the current situation.

Departmental Correspondence.

John McGuinness

Question:

35 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if correspondence submitted to her Department on 7 January 2009 from a company (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be responded to in view of the fact that it relates to the possibility of creating local employment. [4298/10]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the correspondence received by my Department from the company in question on 7 January 2010 has been responded to and the issues raised therein have been addressed.

Company Closures.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

36 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will assist employees of a company (details supplied) in Dublin 11, following the recent announcement that this company is to go into receivership; if she will further assist employees who are contracted by the parent company; if she will establish if any redundancy or other payments have been awarded to employees to date in 2010, and if not, the steps she will take to assist employees.. [4317/10]

I understand that no claims have yet been received to date in 2010 under the Insolvency Payments Scheme or the Redundancy Payments Scheme on behalf of the workers in Sigma Telecom or Sigma Wireless. There are some paid claims on this Department's files dating from some years ago as well as in 2009 in the case of Sigma Telecom. There is also one single outstanding claim from Sigma Wireless dating from 2009. The Redundancy Payments Scheme established under the Redundancy Acts 1967–2007 provides for payment of redundancy entitlements in respect of eligible employees as defined in the legislation. It is up to the employer concerned in the first instance to determine whether or not in fact a redundancy situation exists and to notify this Department using an RP 50 form which can be downloaded from the Department's website. Under the Insolvency Payments Scheme, established under the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984, payments may be applicable in respect of certain entitlements owed to employees by their employer at the time of liquidation. Claims in respect of such entitlements can be processed if a company is insolvent within the definition of the Act and a "relevant officer" — normally, a receiver or liquidator — has been appointed and certifies the claims. On 18 January 2010, a group of approximately 25 staff from Sigma Wireless presented voluntarily to register with FÁS. No formal notification of receivership has been received to date by FÁS and local attempts to contact the company have been unsuccessful. The full range of FÁS services is available to any affected staff in a group or on an individual basis. These services include interviews, individually and/or in groups, with affected workers to outline the range of supports and services available; preparation of a Skills Analysis Report by FÁS based on identified workers' needs and local opportunities; referral by FÁS of redundant workers to jobs, training courses or other options; and arrangement by FÁS of special or customised courses where necessary.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Question:

37 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the titles, responsibilities, grades and professional qualifications of all 50 staff employed in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; if there are positions unfilled in the office; and the titles, responsibilities and grades of all unfilled positions. [4328/10]

Richard Bruton

Question:

38 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide an organisation chart of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. [4329/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.

The current staff complement of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) is 49.5. These staff include gardaí and officials with accounting, administrative, IT and legal expertise. In addition, the Garda Commissioner has made available in recent months a further five gardaí to support the related Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and ODCE banking enquiries. Details are set out in the organisational chart below including posts which require professional qualifications. One executive officer post in the corporate compliance unit is currently vacant.

O.D.C.E. Organisation Chart as at 31 December 2009

DIRECTOR

Legal Advisers (3)

Principal Solicitor (1)

Corporate Compliance Manager/ Accountant (1)

G.B.F.I

Principal Officer (1)

Principal Officer (1)

Solicitor (2)

Accountant Grade I (2)

Detective Inspector (1)

Detection Unit A.P. (1)

Enforcement Unit A.P. (1) Insolvency Unit A.P. (1) Corporate Services Unit A.P. (1)

HEO (1)

Detective Sergeant (2)

H.E.O. (2.6)

H.E.O. (3.5) H.E.O. (2.6) H.E.O. (1)

EO Vacancy (1)

Detective (5)*

E.O. (2)

E.O. (1.8) E.O. (1.9) E.O. (1)

Temporary Legal Secretary (1)

C.O. (0.5)

C.O. (P.A. to Director) (0.8)

C.O. (2)

C.O. (2) C.O. (0.8) C.O. (1)

*A further complement of 5 additional Gardaí, temporarily assigned to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, is available to the Office on an "on-call" basis.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

39 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which a person’s eligibility to apply for the FÁS work placement is affected by a break in their period of unemployment by being employed for a few weeks; if they are then required in these circumstances to count from the date of recommenced unemployment in order to build up the three months unemployment required to apply under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4342/10]

In order to participate on the Work Placement Programme participants must be unemployed. Unemployed individuals not in receipt of any social welfare payment can participate in the Programme immediately. However, unemployed individuals who are receiving social welfare payments and wish to retain these payments for their duration on the Work Placement Programme must be in receipt of these payments for a minimum of three months. The continued payment of social welfare entitlements is subject to the participant continuing to meet the other relevant social welfare payment criteria on an ongoing basis during their period on the Programme. In terms of the three-month qualifying period, time spent on FÁS training programmes and breaks of up to two weeks for short-term employment can be considered eligible as part of this qualifying period.

Employment Support Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

40 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is assistance available to employers who are prepared to provide employment and training to a person currently undergoing a FÁS course but who wishes to learn a new skill other than the one they are currently being trained for. [4379/10]

Depending on the type of training, assistance may be available to enterprises to train their employees under the Skillnets Training Networks Programme and FÁS Competency Development Programme. Further details of these programmes are available from the respective organisations. The Skillnets website is www.skillnets.ie and their telephone number is 01 2079630.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Willie Penrose

Question:

41 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is the position that there is 100% funding available from FÁS for courses ran by companies (details supplied) which would enable persons to enhance their skills and further provide opportunities for persons on jobseeker’s allowance, and who are registered to progress to employment; if this funding is available from some FÁS offices while not available from others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4450/10]

FÁS employment services division, through its network of offices, provides vocational guidance and support to individual clients who are seeking to re-enter employment or avail of training. To facilitate this process FÁS employment services can fund certain training requirements through a FÁS technical employment support grant. The technical employment support grant has been designed to provide FÁS employment services officers with a tool to implement a range of responses within the context of a client's agreed career action plan. The aim of the technical employment support grant is to meet the training needs of the client, where these cannot be met by FÁS directly or any other state provider, within a reasonable timeframe or at a location convenient to the jobseeker. In relation to the two training programmes highlighted by the Deputy, support could be made available if they were identified in the context of the guidance process and the client's agreed career action plan. FÁS has recently reviewed the guidelines, which underpin the technical employment support grant, with the aim of ensuring a consistency of application and it should now be available from all FÁS employment services offices. The amount available under the technical employment support grant for training interventions is €950. In exceptional circumstances, when jobseekers are experiencing extreme employability barriers, an upper limit of €2,500 may apply. In 2009 in excess of 12,000 clients received support from FÁS through the technical employment support grant scheme.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

42 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of days taken off for trade union leave in her Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4652/10]

Special leave is granted to non full-time representatives of staff associations or unions to attend meetings, conferences and training courses in accordance with the terms of the Department of Finance Circular 14/1980. The relevant figures are 2007, 10.5 days; 2008, 20 days; and 2009, 36 days.

Personal Debt Management.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

43 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the work that has been completed in view of the revised programme for Government; the new initiatives that will be announced in relation to helping persons with personal debt management problems and helping households who find themselves in mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4256/10]

There have been a number of developments relating to the Government's commitments in the renewed Programme for Government on protecting the family home and helping those in debt. I particularly refer to the recent Government decisions on matters relating to indebtedness, mortgage arrears, personal debt management and enforcement. I approved the establishment of an interdepartmental mortgage arrears review group, chaired by my Department, for the purpose of collecting information and examining options, including initiatives in other jurisdictions, in relation to mortgage arrears and repossessions. This group has met on a number of occasions. Work has commenced on bringing forward options for dealing with these matters. In addition, in my budget speech in December, the Government refocused mortgage interest relief on those who bought their homes at the peak of the market, many of whom find themselves in negative equity. A home owner whose entitlement to mortgage interest relief would have expired in 2010 or after will now continue to receive it up to the end of 2017. The Deputy will be aware of other supports in place, including the code of conduct on mortgage arrears, the mortgage interest subsidy scheme and the services provided by the Money Advice Budgeting Service, all of which I have spoken about extensively in this House over recent months. Since my budget speech, I have written to the Financial Regulator to ask that consideration be given to extending the moratorium on mortgage arrears from six months to 12 months for all mortgage lenders.

The Law Reform Commission's consultation paper on personal debt management and debt enforcement, which was published in September 2009, contains an extensive list of provisional recommendations for reform of the law on personal debt that includes provision for a system of non-judicial debt settlement. The Commission has indicated that the date for completion of submissions on its paper is the end of January 2010. It is aiming to have its Final Report available by end of August 2010. The Government has also approved the establishment of an interdepartmental working group on personal debt management and enforcement, chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consider the commitment under "Helping those in Debt" envisaged in the renewed Programme for Government. In addition, the working group will agree a plan for implementation, where appropriate, of the Law Reform Commission's recommendations, assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive administrative and legislative response to the issues arising, and determine those administrative and legislative measures that can be implemented in a cost efficient manner for early effective results. The Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Act 2009, provides that certain safeguards will apply to the provisions under which a court may hear an application or grant an imprisonment order against a debtor who has failed to comply with an instalment order. The Act ensures that the court will not imprison the debtor unless it is satisfied that he has the means to pay and may also postpone the execution of an imprisonment order until such time as it thinks just. In addition, the court will inform a debtor of the risk of imprisonment and of his entitlement to apply for legal aid. The Act gives the court a clear power to vary the terms of an order to pay by instalments or alternatively to refer the parties for mediation.

Flood Relief.

Finian McGrath

Question:

44 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [4271/10]

Officials from the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council met on 29 July 2009 to discuss possible flood alleviation measures following the extreme rainfall in the Dublin 3 and Dublin 5 areas on 2 July. An interim report by Dublin City Council's consultants, presented at that meeting, concluded that a full study of the River Wad Sub-Catchment was needed. Dublin City Council appointed consultants to carry out a full study of the sub-catchment and that study is to be completed in the first six months of 2010. Information from the study will inform future plans for flood alleviation of the Wad sub-catchment.

Appropriate funds are allocated to Dublin City Council, as in the case of any of the Local Authorities, following detailed consideration of funding requests.

Tax Reliefs.

Joe Carey

Question:

45 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a rebate in the MED1 form for those who privately accessed cervical cancer vaccination following the Department of Health and Children’s decision not to introduce a national vaccination programme due to cost factors in 2009, a decision recently changed due to budgetary changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4281/10]

The position is that the form Med 1 is the claim form for persons who wish to claim tax relief in respect of health expenses incurred in relation to the provision of health care.

Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 defines "health care" as the prevention, diagnosis, alleviation or treatment of an ailment, injury, infirmity, defect or disability, and includes care received by a woman in respect of a pregnancy but does not include routine ophthalmic treatment or routine dental treatment. Similarly "health expenses" means expenses in respect of the provision of health care, being expenses representing the cost of:

services of a practitioner,

diagnostic procedures carried out on the advice of a practitioner,

maintenance or treatment in a hospital, or

drugs or medicines supplied on the prescription of a practitioner.

Provided the advice and treatment in question was provided by a medical practitioner, then the expenditure incurred would qualify for health expenses relief.

In the circumstances there is no necessity to make any adjustment to the existing form Med 1.

Consumer Price Index.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

46 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No 80 of 19 November 2009, if he will publish the full analysis of his Department and provide a copy to this Deputy. [4288/10]

As is the norm in the course of the Budgetary preparations my Department carried out various technical analyses, including an assessment of the impact of falling consumer prices on households by social type and income decile. The Department's technical analysis suggested that prices were falling — on average — for all households both by income decile and head of household type. While there are statistical caveats associated with this type of technical analysis the methodology is in line with work already carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

In relation to the impact of falling consumer prices the methodology involved consumption weights for different types of household from the most recent Household Budget Survey which was carried out in 2004-05. Rates of change for various categories of consumer prices were then applied to these weights to get consumer price changes for the different household types.

Architectural Heritage.

Joe McHugh

Question:

47 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that was spent by the Office of Public Works on a building (details supplied) in County Donegal; the number of days the building opened to the public in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; the number of tourists that have visited same in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4294/10]

Expenditure on routine maintenance and service costs for the site in recent years (2003-2009) amounted to €90,300.

The ground floor of Doe Castle is opened daily (7 days) by the Caretaker between the hours of 09.30 and 18.00 from Easter to the end of September. This allows access to the ground floor to view the McSweeney graveslab, which can also be viewed from outside, through the large window opposite. The gate to the stairs is closed, as the stairs are very narrow and not suitable for public access.

Statistics on visitor numbers are not collected.

Public Service Pay.

Liz McManus

Question:

48 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance if the public sector pay cuts apply when contract employees in a university here have their funding 100% sourced from philanthropic or private sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4320/10]

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act, 2009 makes provision for the reduction in the pay rates of all persons employed by public service bodies with effect from 1 January 2010. Universities come under the definitions within the Act as public service bodies, contract researchers where they are employed by such a public service body are subject to the pay reductions provided for under the legislation.

Banking Sector Regulation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

49 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of prosecutions brought for offences under the Central Bank Acts 1942 to 2004 in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. [4331/10]

The Deputy will be aware that in my role as Minister for Finance, I set out the legislative framework within which offences and penalties are contained. The Financial Regulator is empowered under the Central Bank Acts to initiate administrative sanctions procedures (ASP) where it suspects, on reasonable grounds, that a prescribed contravention may have been committed by a regulated financial service provider. Breaches of the obligations under the Market Abuse, Prospectus and Transparency Regulations are subject to a separate, but equivalent, sanctioning framework.

The following sanctions may be imposed:

Caution or reprimand;

Direction to refund or withhold all or part of an amount of money charged or paid, or to be charged or paid, for the provision of a financial service;

Monetary penalty (not exceeding €5,000,000 in the case of a corporate and unincorporated body, not exceeding €500,000 in the case of a person);

Direction disqualifying a person from being concerned in the management of a regulated financial service provider;

Direction to cease the contravention if it is found the contravention is continuing;

Direction to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation and inquiry.

Obviously, it is important that where offence and penalty provisions are provided for in law that they are properly enforced. In this regard, the Financial Regulator has imposed fines amounting to €7,372,500, 7 Disqualifications ranging from 1 to 5 years and 19 Reprimands. Details of all sanctions in any given year are published annually in the Annual Report of the Financial Regulator.

The sanctions imposed to 2008 are broken down as follows:

2004 and 2005:

No sanctions were imposed in these years.

2006:

Sanctions were imposed under the ASP on 2 regulated financial service providers and upon 3 persons concerned in the management of those entities. These resulted in:

3 individuals being disqualified from being persons concerned in the management of regulated financial services provider for a specified period [5 years and 18 months]

2007:

Sanctions were imposed under the ASP on 4 regulated financial service providers.These resulted in:

3 Reprimands being imposed; and

1 Disqualification for a specified period (2 Years).

Sanctions were imposed on upon 1 Company and 1 individual under the Market Abuse Administrative Sanction Procedure. These resulted in a fine of €5,000

2008:

Sanctions were imposed under the ASP on 9 regulated financial service providers and upon 5 persons concerned in the management of those entities. These resulted in:

10 Fines being imposed which totalled €3.695 million

9 Reprimands

2 Disqualifications

A sanction was imposed on 1 Company under the Market Abuse Administrative Sanction Procedure. This resulted in a fine of €10,000.

Land Rates.

John Deasy

Question:

50 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if lands developed for horticulture and used solely in connection with carrying on horticultural activities is rateable under the Valuation Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4337/10]

I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Act, 2001 and that I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.

The Valuation Act 2001 provides, in Schedule 4, for the exemption from rates of land developed for horticulture. This is defined in the Act as meaning land used for market gardening, nurseries, allotments or orchards, other than land or buildings, used for the sale or processing of horticultural produce.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

51 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person who purchased houses in both November 2003 and November 2007 is being penalised in respect of mortgage interest relief in view of the fact that both 2003 and 2007 are being calculated as full years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4354/10]

This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners in the first instance who are responsible for the administration of mortgage interest relief through the tax relief at source (TRS) system. I am advised that, following clarification of the sequence of events leading to the purchase of a new home in 2007, the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that there is a continued entitlement to relief. Arrangements have been made to recommence payment of the relief for 2010 and any arrears due will be given through the lender.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

52 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll of civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4355/10]

There was a total of €515,312.67 in union subscriptions collected by the Office of Public Works in 2009 from employees. A breakdown of this amount is shown in the table below.

Union Subscriptions for 2009

Union

AHCPS

25,373.76

ATGWU

434.60

BATU

17,000.00

CPSU

44,707.35

CWU

393.00

FUGE

4,038.07

IMPACT

97,344.88

MANDATE

200.80

OPATS

3,220.00

PSEU

48,845.93

PSFS

26,820.23

SIPTU

227,609.03

TEEU

6,646.50

UCATT

9,174.80

UNITE

3,503.72

Total

515,312.67

Leo Varadkar

Question:

53 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of days taken off for trade union leave by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/10]

Under Circular 14/1980, special leave may be granted within limits, to authorised non-full-time representatives of staff for attendance at union meetings, conferences etc.

The following table sets out the days taken for such leave in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in my Department and the bodies under its aegis:

Department/Office

2007

2008

2009

Department of Finance

41.50

15.00

13.50

Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments

0.00

0.00

0.00

Public Appointments Service

0.00

1.50

0.00

State Laboratory

12.75

5.00

2.55

Revenue Commissioners

1,054.42

887.36

1,022.89

The Office of Public Works has indicated that they will reply to the Deputy directly.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

54 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if his budget day announcement in relation to mortgage interest relief means that a person with a mortgage since 2000 is entitled to claim mortgage interest relief. [4437/10]

The position is that, as announced in the Budget, I am extending mortgage interest relief up to the end of 2017 for those whose entitlement to relief would end in 2010 or after. This means those who took out qualifying loans from 2004.

I would point out that if an individual has re-mortgaged since 2004 and the re-mortgage was made for the purposes of repair, development or improvement of the individual's principle private residence, then that element would qualify for relief in its own right up to the end of 2017.

However, it would appear that, from the information provided, the individual in question would no longer have an entitlement to mortgage interest relief.

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

55 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of retired civil servants who have made a voluntary surrender of all or part of their pension since April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4438/10]

In the period from April 2008 to date, two retired civil servants made a voluntary surrender of some or all of their pensions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

56 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is in order that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 is deducted the public service pension levy in view of the fact that they are not a public servant and has no pension entitlement; the reason such a deduction is being made; if same is legal; and if she will arrange to have the person reimbursed. [4289/10]

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

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

I understand that the individual referred to opted out of the occupational pension scheme and may be entitled to a non-pensionable gratuity on reaching retirement age as provided for under the scheme rules.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Pat Breen

Question:

57 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Hague Convention will be ratified here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4249/10]

The Adoption Bill 2009 provides for the restating or updating of the provisions of the Adoption Acts 1952-1998 as appropriate, and for the repeal of those Acts. It also gives force of law to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Intercountry Adoptions. The Bill also provides for the establishment of the Adoption Authority of Ireland to replace An Bord Uchtála.

The Adoption Bill 2009 was published in January 2009 and completed all stages in the Seanad by May 2009. Second stage was commenced in Dáil Eireann on 18th November 2009 and completed on 21st January 2010. Committee stage is expected to commence in February 2010 and it is hoped that the Bill will complete its passage through both Houses shortly thereafter. Entry into force of the Hague Convention occurs on the first day of the month following three months after the instrument of ratification or accession is deposited with the depository, which is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Medical Cards.

Jack Wall

Question:

58 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4250/10]

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

Youth Services.

James Bannon

Question:

59 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding funding for Longford youth services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4266/10]

The budget for 2010 for the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department is €46.6 million. The Youth Affairs Unit currently funds County Longford Youth Service under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. A grant of €100,587 was allocated in 2009.

The process of determining my Department's financial allocations to the Youth Work Sector for 2010 is still under way. As in 2008 and 2009 the focus will be on consolidating, insofar as possible, existing provision and services in the Youth Sector. Every effort will be made to notify the various youth work organisations and administering agencies of their allocations as speedily as possible.

Health Services.

James Bannon

Question:

60 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a primary medical certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4267/10]

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.

Vaccination Programme.

Joe Carey

Question:

61 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reimburse persons who have privately accessed the cervical cancer vaccination treatment following her decision not to implement a national vaccination programme in 2009 due to cost issues at that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4277/10]

I have always accepted the consensus view of the relevant expert bodies that the introduction of a universal high uptake vaccination programme in young girls, in conjunction with population based cervical screening, could significantly reduce overall cervical cancer incidence. The issue was not, therefore, whether the case for a cervical cancer vaccination programme was accepted by myself and the Government — because it always was — but how to place such a programme in order of clinical priorities for the allocation of scarce resources available for public health services and for the cancer programme in particular. Recently I requested the HSE to initiate a tendering process for the procurement of a HPV vaccine with a view to commencing a HPV vaccination programme for all girls in first year in secondary school and until this process was completed I was not in a position to say if or when I would introduce this programme. This tendering process for the vaccine is now complete. We can now purchase the vaccine at a price much lower than we expected to pay in 2008 and at a price much closer to what is being paid in other countries. In these circumstances, the programme can now be delivered from the extra resources committed in this year's budget to the overall Cancer Programme. The HSE is committed to starting this campaign during the current school year. This will involve the free vaccination of up to 30,000 girls mainly in school settings and an announcement of the details of the full programme involved will be made by the HSE in the near future. The programme will continue with vaccine being offered to all girls in first year in secondary school each year but it is not proposed to extend the vaccination programme to other classes at present.

Unfortunately it will not be possible to refund the costs of vaccinations administered privately.

Pension Provisions.

David Stanton

Question:

62 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the backlog will be cleared regarding the revised method for reckoning variable pensionable allowances for pension purposes in the public health sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4285/10]

Circular 8 of 2008 was issued from my Department on 22 December 2008. This circular is effective from 1 April 2004,andshould be read in conjunction with the Department of Finance Circular: 10/2008 — Public Service Pension Reform: Revised method of reckoning variable pensionable allowances for pension purposes. The circular outlines a change in the method of reckoning variable pensionable allowances for pension purposes in the public health service.

This circular introduced recommendation 22.9.14 of the Commission of Public Service Pensions which concluded that the pension system should not result in a distortion of preferred work choices and recommended that the reckoning of variable pensionable allowances under the three-year averaging rule should be changed to an average of the variable pensionable allowances received in the best three consecutive years in the ten years preceding retirement, as uprated to the date of retirement.

I understand that all pension benefits processed since the date of issue of this circular, are calculated with reference to the revised method. Where someone retired between the effective date of the circular and the date of issue the pensions benefits fall due to be revised. It is a matter for each employer to satisfy itself that it is managing its executive functions in this regard.

With regard to the clearing of backlogs, as this is an operational matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

63 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Galway qualifies for a medical card; and if so, if one will be provided. [4302/10]

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

Ulick Burke

Question:

64 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff who were originally allocated to process applications for medical cards in respect of the over 70 years; the number of additional staff who were recruited to deal with the backlog of applications within this new system; the original budgetary allocation for this new system; the additional moneys that have been allocated for additional staff to assist in clearing the backlog; the amounts of money that have been spent on additional staff overtime or time off in lieu; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4304/10]

Ulick Burke

Question:

65 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of management within the Health Service Executive at which the decision was taken to restructure the application process for medical cards for the over 70 years; the level of resource planning that was put in place to administer this new process; the budget that was initially allocated; the timeframe that was envisaged for the implementation of this new administrative system; the timeframe that was envisaged to process medical cards for the over 70 years under this system in view of the fact that medical cards for older people account for approximately 10% of medical card applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4305/10]

Ulick Burke

Question:

66 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to transfer the processing time of all medical card and general practitioner cards application to the Health Service Executive primary care reimbursement service; if she will give an undertaking that this proposed new system of processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications will not be subject to the inefficiencies experienced with the transfer of the issuing of medical cards for the over 70 years; the number of staff that have been allocated and trained to deal with all medical card and GP visit card applications from April 2010; the budget that has been allocated for this; the number of staff that have been allocated; if the have received the necessary training and support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4306/10]

Ulick Burke

Question:

67 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in local health offices who will now be displaced as a result of her proposed changes to the administration of medical cards and general practitioner visit cards; the number of staff in the Health Service Executive west located at Newcastle, County Galway that will be redeployed; if there has been an agreement at local level for these proposed changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4307/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 to 67, inclusive, together.

I fully support the Health Service Executive's decision to centralise the processing of all medical card applications and reviews. I wrote to all Oireachtas members on 17th January 2010 outlining a range of measures being employed by the Executive to address issues arising from this initiative and I also referred to the various enhancements that this process will facilitate upon completion.

The other issues raised by the Deputy are service matters. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 68 withdrawn.

Youth Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

69 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the day of action event organised by a coalition of Dublin youth projects on 27 January 2010 at Leinster House; if she will confirm that her Department is giving consideration to the needs of youth projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4338/10]

I was aware of the day of action organised by a coalition of Dublin youth projects on 27 January 2010.

The City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB) has been for many years promoting, supporting and co-ordinating the development of youth projects and youth services in Dublin City on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. CDYSB administers 31 Special Projects in Dublin City under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY) and some 45 projects under the Young People Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF). The 2009 allocation to CDYSB in respect of SPY projects was €4,305,600 and in addition, a grant of €4,695,953 was also made available for projects funded under the YPFSF.

The budget for the youth affairs unit of my Department is €46.6 million for 2010. Funding allocations for the youth work sector in 2010 are currently under consideration. I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to minimise the impact of the reduction in funding available to youth projects and services and to preserve and maintain existing provision in so far as is possible.

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

70 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for an MRI scan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4340/10]

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

Medical Cards.

Jack Wall

Question:

71 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for a medical procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4341/10]

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

Proposed Legislation.

Mary Upton

Question:

72 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Garda Vetting Bill will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4343/10]

The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is drafting the Heads of Bill for the National Vetting Bureau Bill. It is expected that the Heads of Bill will be submitted to Government in the coming weeks.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

73 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who has made an application under the fair deal nursing home support scheme; when this application will be decided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4347/10]

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

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

74 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the value of union subscriptions collected from payroll by her Department or agencies under the aegis of her Department from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and other health sector staff; the breakdown of such by union or staff association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4362/10]

My Department does not collect union subscriptions from payroll for doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and other health sector staff. In relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department, I would like to inform the Deputy that this is an operational matter for the bodies in question and my Department does not routinely compile or hold this information. I have requested the agencies directly funded by my Department to supply the information to me and it will be forwarded to the Deputy when available. I have also referred the matter to the Health Service Executive for its direct response.

Medical Cards.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

75 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4380/10]

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:

76 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who has applied for residency and whose case has not been determined as yet by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4423/10]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael McGrath

Question:

77 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of implementing the Mental Health Act 2001 since it was fully implemented from 1 November 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4435/10]

The mental health tribunal costs between the years 2006 to 2009 are as follows:

Year

Amount

2006 (from 1 Nov )

1,000,964

2007

9,840,944

2008

9,755,372

2009

9,682,068

The amount for 2009 is provisional and may be subject to change as the Mental Health Commission has yet to close its 2009 accounts.

Preschool Services.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

78 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the take up under the early child care and education scheme in crèches here to date in 2010; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that in some crèches take up has been very low and as such those centres may have to reduce staff numbers; if in this instance, due to the start of the scheme, some local discretion will be shown to extend exemptions of those children born after 30 June 2006 but before September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4442/10]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

79 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the anomaly that exists whereby parents of children born between 1 July 2006 and 31 August 2006 are faced with a difficult choice, either to send there children to primary school without preschool in the preceding months, or to defer school for a year to avail of the early child care and education scheme in September 2010; in view of the fact that some children would not benefit from waiting an extra year, having already received up to two years of crèche or montessori care and have already been provisionally accepted by some primary schools; her views on a partial ECCE term until September 2010 for such children, subject to there being ample availability in a local participating crèche; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4443/10]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

80 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to permanently review the cut off dates for early child care and education scheme eligibility to 31 August each year, separate from any discretion that may be shown in individual cases in order to facilitate children born in July and August with free pre-school care for some or all of the year preceding their entry into primary school in view of the fact that some of this cohort are ready to attend primary school just after turning four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4444/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 to 80, inclusive, together.

I have responsibility for the implementation of the free pre-school year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which commenced earlier this month.

Approximately 4,000 pre-school services are participating in the ECCE scheme and are currently making returns to my Office giving details of qualifying children attending their services. As the deadline for service returns is 29 January 2009, the number of children participating in the ECCE scheme at this point will not be known until next week. However on the basis of the returns received to date, it would appear that some 50,000 children, or 80% of children in their pre-school year, are availing of the scheme. This would represent a very high take-up of the scheme, particularly in its initial period.

Even if the take-up of the scheme was not as high as would appear to be the case, I do not understand why this would give rise to a reduction in the number of staff employed by pre-school services. It would appear to me that the scheme will have the opposite effect in that the number of children attending these services will increase, given that the scheme provides a free pre-school year relieving parents of the cost.

As the Deputy is aware, the scheme is open to children aged between three years three months and four years six months at 1 September each year. The most generous interpretation possible is being applied to this age range so that all children aged more than three years two months and all children aged less than four years seven months (i.e. born on or between 2 February and 30 July in the relevant year) will qualify. Children who were aged three years two months or slightly younger at 1 September 2009 will not qualify for the pre-school year until September 2010. The upper age limit does not apply where children are developmentally delayed and would benefit from participating in the pre-school year at a later age.

While the majority of children commence school between the age of four years six months and five years six months, it is accepted that some parents choose to send their children to primary school at an earlier age and the ECCE scheme allows for children to attend the pre-school year and still commence primary school when they are just over four years two months of age. However, the objective of the scheme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to all children in the key developmental year before they commence primary school, with appropriate age related activities and programmes being provided to children within a particular age cohort. Targeting the pre-school year at a particular age cohort is clearly fundamental to the scheme and it is necessary, therefore, to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will participate in the scheme each year.

I am satisfied that the age range set for the scheme achieves a reasonable balance between supporting the provision of appropriate age related programmes and activities and providing flexibility to parents and their children and there are no plans to review the position in this regard at this stage.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

81 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he has appeared to ignore the pleas made during the second stage of the Adoption Bill to facilitate those applicants who are already at an advanced stage to proceed with adoptions from Vietnam, subject to strict monitoring on child welfare issues in view of the concerns expressed by her regarding two recent reports, before closing the door until Vietnam ratifies the Hague Convention; the efforts that will be made to facilitate such individuals in view of the investment they have made financially and personally in preparing to adopt from Vietnam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4445/10]

In the process of re-negotiating the bilateral agreement on inter-country adoption with Vietnam serious issues came to light in relation to the Vietnamese adoption process. The issues were contained in the report on inter-country adoption commissioned by UNICEF and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and carried out by International Social Services (ISS). An earlier report published last August by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) was also considered in this regard. The UNICEF/ISS report, which was accepted by the Vietnamese Government, "proposes that Vietnam suspends inter-country adoptions for the necessary period during the year 2010 that will enable it to ensure optimal implementation of the Hague Convention and to prepare for the entry into force of the new law on adoption in 2011". The report also raises serious questions regarding adoption practices in Vietnam, including as follows:

(a) inter-country adoptions from Vietnam are essentially influenced by foreign demand, i.e. the availability of children who are "adoptable" abroad corresponds more to the existence of foreign prospective adopters than to the actual needs of "abandoned" and orphaned children;

(b) the circumstances under which babies become "adoptable" are invariably unclear and disturbing;

(c) the inter-country adoption system is grounded in a remarkably unhealthy relationship between the mediating agencies and specific residential facilities; and

(d) Governments and central authorities of "receiving countries" collectively at least, and individually in many instances have not effectively committed themselves to applying the basic principles of the Hague Convention or the recommendations of the treaty's practical operation, in their dealings with Vietnam.

Having considered the contents of the two reports the Government decided, on 13 January, to suspend indefinitely negotiations on a new bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. As a result of this decision, all inter-country adoptions from Vietnam will be suspended until such time as the Adoption Bill 2009 has been enacted and both Ireland and Vietnam have ratified the provisions of the Hague Convention.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

82 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of days taken off for trade union leave in her Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4655/10]

Under the terms of circular 14/1980 (Facilities for non full-time representatives of staff associations), staff members are entitled to special leave with pay for attendance at official union business e.g. annual delegate conference.

The number of days claimed under circular 14/1980 from 2007-2009 is set out in the following table. The table notes the number of days claimed by staff at service officer, clerical officer, staff officer, executive officer, higher executive officer and administrative officer level as these absences are recorded centrally in human resources unit through the flexi-time system. I am unable to provide figures for attendance at union business by grades at assistant principal level and higher who are not on flexi-time but in proportionate terms they would be quite similar to other grades. I can assure the Deputy that in all cases the terms of circular 14/1980 are adhered to.

Year

Days Claimed under Circular 14/1980

2007

34.50

2008

30.46

2009

35.50

Leo Varadkar

Question:

83 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by her Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4665/10]

The total amount of union/staff associations subscriptions deducted from salaries of staff in my Department in 2009 was €147,004. The unions/staff associations for whom these subscriptions were deducted are as follows:

Civil and Public Service Union — €30,168

IMPACT — €6,888

Public Service Executive Union — €51,424

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants — €57,482

Association of Assistant Secretaries and Higher Grades — €1,042

Road Traffic Offences.

Finian McGrath

Question:

84 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport his views on correspondence from persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [4292/10]

The use of speed detection equipment, including GATSO vehicles, is primarily an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.

The Road Traffic Acts provide that such equipment may be used for the establishment of prima facie proof of the constituent of an offence, including the speed at which a person was driving. The issuing of Fixed Charge Notices and the initiation of court proceedings, follow the establishment of such proof.

Notwithstanding the additional demands on Garda resources, the use of such equipment, as proposed in the correspondence supplied by the Deputy, would require amendments to the Road Traffic Acts. I do not have any plans at this time to amend the Acts to allow for the proposed additional use of such equipment.

Cycle Facilities.

Richard Bruton

Question:

85 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the road traffic laws make sufficient provision to protect the safety of cyclists in the city where inadvertent opening of passenger doors, encroaching into cycle lanes and other behaviours create a dangerous environment for cyclists; his views on a legal review to better protect cyclists. [4360/10]

I am satisfied that there are laws in place that make illegal the behaviours identified by the Deputy. Regrettably, use of our roads — whether by motorists, cyclists or pedestrians — can never be risk free. The safety of cyclists and other vulnerable road users is, and remains, a matter of concern for me.

The development of a national cycling safety strategy by the Road Safety Authority (provided for in the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012) has been amalgamated into my Department's National Cycle Strategy, which I published in April last year.

The strategy addresses all issues relevant to cycling with the intention of creating a real culture of cycling in Ireland. It deals comprehensively with the issue of safe cycling, including the need for basic cycle training and behaviour and awareness of road users towards the needs of cyclists. It also provides for the improvement of the legislative framework around cycling and progress has already been made on the implementation of this objective, beginning in December last when I signed the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 487 of 2009).

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

86 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4658/10]

The following table outlines the number of days taken off for trade union leave by civil servants in my Department for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

No. of Days

Year

20.5

2007

18.0

2008

18.0

2009

Leo Varadkar

Question:

87 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4668/10]

The value of the union subscriptions collected by the payroll in this Department from civil servants in 2009 are as follows:

Association of Assistant Secretaries and Higher Grades

985.52

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants

29,579.86

Civil and Public Services Union

44,699.76

Impact

42,271.19

Public Service Executive Union

50,586.29

SIPTU

146.12

Garda Vetting Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

88 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of sporting organisations that have made applications to the Garda Central Vetting Unit in 2009 for vetting of their prospective employees, or existing employees, as appropriate; the breakdown of these numbers by sporting organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4345/10]

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides vetting for a large number organisations in Ireland which are registered with the GCVU and which engage personnel to work in a full-time, part time, voluntary or student capacity with children and/or vulnerable adults. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a total of 26 registered sporting organisations made vetting applications to the GCVU in 2009. The detailed breakdown sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below.

Registered Sporting Organisation

Vetting applications 2009

Basketball Ireland

3

Badminton Ireland

55

Community Games

69

Cricket Ireland

25

Cycling Ireland

2

Football Association Of Ireland

1,206

Irish Amateur Archery Association

202

Irish Amateur Boxing Association

283

Irish Amateur Rowing Association

16

Irish Canoe Union

10

Irish Gymnastics Ltd.

24

Mountaineering Council of Ireland

2

Cumann Camogaíochta na nGeal

1,092

GAA

8,899

Irish Rugby Football Union

122

Irish Pony Club

108

Irish Martial Arts Commission

11

Irish Surfing Association

2

Irish Table Tennis Association

35

Ladies Gaelic Football Association

140

Junior Golf

210

Pitch & Putt Union Ireland

1

Swim Ireland

177

Special Olympics Ireland

3,052

Tennis Ireland

375

Volleyball Association of Ireland

325

Total

16,153

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Liz McManus

Question:

89 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when digital closed circuit television will be provided to a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wicklow to replace the out of date analogue system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4316/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the recording equipment currently employed for the existing Garda CCTV system in the station referred to by the Deputy will be replaced with digital recording equipment during the first quarter of 2010.

Crime Levels.

Richard Bruton

Question:

90 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions brought for the offence of false accounting contrary to section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 in each of the years since its commencement. [4332/10]

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.

Criminal Prosections.

Richard Bruton

Question:

91 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions brought for an offence contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 in each of the years since its commencement. [4333/10]

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.

Richard Bruton

Question:

92 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions for indictable offences under the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009, between 2004 and 2008, inclusive. [4334/10]

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 am informed that the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available from the CSO.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

93 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of the trade union and staff association subscriptions collected from payroll by his Department from members of the gardaí or the Prison Service in any given year; the breakdown of such by union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4361/10]

The deduction from payroll in respect of trade union and staff association subscriptions for members of the Gardaí in 2009 is as follows:

Garda Representative Association

3,085,405

Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors

932,744

Association of Garda Superintendents

73,808

Association of Chief Superintendents

20,160

The deduction from payroll in respect of trade union and staff association subscriptions for employees of the Prison Service in 2009 is as follows:

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants

23,510

Prison Officer’s Association

1,405,985

Civil and Public Servants Union

11,223

Public Servants Executive Union

12,671

IMPACT

6,468

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4410/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that there is no record of a Family Reunification application in respect of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

95 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 Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4411/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, known as the IBC/05 Scheme. This permission to remain, which was renewed in July of 2007, is currently valid until 5 July, 2010.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/10]

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 May 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 14 December, 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.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

97 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 Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4413/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 6 June 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 13 November 2007, 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.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4414/10]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 160 on 5 November, 2009. The position remains as stated.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4415/10]

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 November 2006.

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. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is in the final stages and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in the near future.

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.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

100 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; if new information supporting the case has been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4416/10]

The Deputy will be aware, from previous Dáil replies in this matter, that the person concerned is awaiting deportation following a comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State.

As stated in a previously, Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, provides the Minister with a power to amend or revoke a Deportation Order. An application seeking to revoke a Deportation Order must set out any new facts or circumstances which have arisen since the original decision to deport was made. Any such application submitted would be considered on its merits, having due regard to all refoulement issues, and following such consideration a decision would be taken to either affirm or revoke the Order. No representations have been received to date in this regard.

The enforcement of the Deportation Order in this case remains an operational matter for the GNIB.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

101 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 Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4417/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 1 December 1999. 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 then Asylum Division of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The person concerned appealed this decision to the then Asylum Appeals Unit of the Department but this appeal was subsequently deemed to be abandoned. Consequently, the earlier decision of the Asylum Division stood.

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 9 November 2000, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.

By letter dated 22 January 2010, the person concerned 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). This communication also reminded him of the other options open to him under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). He was advised of the requirement that he respond within 15 working days.

The 15 working day period referred to in my Department's letter of 22 January 2010 expires on 15 February 2010. It is open to the person concerned to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State within that period and/or to update his earlier representations. In any event, the case of the person concerned will not be further processed until the 15 working day period referred to has elapsed.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the nature and detail of examination of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/10]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to Dail question number 633 of 19th January, 2010.

The position remains unchanged.

The person continues to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in accordance with Section 8(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. She last presented on 19th January, 2010 and is due to present again on 29th January, 2010.

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.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4419/10]

I refer the Deputy to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 209 of Thursday, 21 January 2010, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

Garda Investigations.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

104 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will commit to a full re-investigation of the case of a person (details supplied). [4424/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into the death of the person referred to by the Deputy was the subject of an intensive review in 2004.

I am further informed that the Garda Commissioner appointed the Assistant Commissioner, Northern Region, to examine the investigation file, which remains open and is under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner. Liaison is being maintained with the family of the person referred to.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Illegal Immigrants.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

105 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have entered the country through airports here with Taiwanese or Republic of China travel documents for each month of 2008, and for each year since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4429/10]

I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) that the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available from the Garda National Immigration Bureau Information database.

International Students.

Denis Naughten

Question:

106 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of international students attending colleges here broken down by sub-group (details supplied) annually since 2007 to date in 2010; the number of applicants to each subgroup whose application was refused annually since 2007 to date in 2010; the number of applicants in each sub-group whose application was accepted on appeal annually since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4436/10]

As the Deputy will be aware the majority of international students attending colleges in Ireland are EEA nationals who enjoy certain rights of free movement within the EEA. Such students are not required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and therefore statistical information in relation to this cohort of students is not available. However, non-EEA national students attending courses for longer than 90 days are required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and therefore certain limited statistical information is available in relation to such students.

While the particular information sought by the Deputy is not readily available nor maintained by the immigration authorities, the available statistical information, as set out as follows, may be of interest to the Deputy. The following tables outline the total number of students registered in Ireland for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 (statistics are not yet available for 2009 and 2010) and also provide a snap shot of the position as of 29th October 2009 by education sector.

Table 1: Total Number of Non-EEA Students registered in Ireland each year from 2006 to 2008

2006

2007

2008

33,056

39,720

44,942

It should be noted that the figures outlined in Table 1 above include all non-EEA students who registered in Ireland in the years 2006 to 2008 including those who came for short term courses and who leave within the same year. Table 2, as follows, provides a snapshot of the total number of non-EEA Students registered in Ireland on 29 October 2009 broken down by type of study.

Table 2: Non-EEA Students registered in Ireland as of 29 October 2009 by education sector

English Language

Further Education

Higher Education

Other

Total

8,757

9,767

11,344

1,365

31,233

With regard to the number of applications which were refused, it is understood that the Deputy is referring to the number of Visa applications.

For those students requiring a visa, while the subject to be studied and the level of qualification to be obtained are essential considerations in deciding individual study visa applications, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) does not routinely produce statistical reports of visa applications using the parameters of course title, awarding body or level of qualification.

For 2009 seventy-five per cent of or 3,519 study visa applications decided by INIS were approved. Of these, 147 were approved on appeal, representing twelve per cent of initial refusals being reversed on appeal. The final outcome of the remaining twenty five percent or 1,142 applications was a refusal.

Comparable figures are not currently available for the preceding years.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

107 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4656/10]

Department of Finance Circular 14/1980 — Facilities for non full-time representatives of staff associations/unions provides for the granting of special leave for the conduct of Union business.

According to my Department's records, 57 days special leave were granted in 2007, 68 days in 2008 and 79 days in 2009. In addition, elected officials are facilitated to attend routine Union meetings, subject to the limits set out in Circular 14/1980.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

108 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4666/10]

The deduction from payroll in respect of trade union and staff association subscriptions for employees paid from my Department's Vote for 2009 is as follows:

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants

93,868

Civil and Public Servants Union

175,384

Federal Union of Government Employees

14,484

IMPACT

152,633

Others

5,311

Public Service Executive Union

165,834

Leo Varadkar

Question:

109 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4654/10]

The following table gives the number of days leave granted to civil servants in my Department in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in respect of trade union business, in line with established practice.

Year

Number of days

2007

22.5

2008

17.5

2009

14.0

Leo Varadkar

Question:

110 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4664/10]

The following are the details requested by the Deputy in respect of 2009:

Union

Amount of subscriptions collected in 2009

Association of Assistant Secretaries and Higher Grades (A.A.S.H.G.)

7,802.88

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS)

110,348.84

Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU)

147,588.76

IMPACT inc. Federated Government Employees (FGE)

32,166.43

Public Service Executive Union (P.S.E.U.)

89,164.96

Total

387,071.87

Sports Funding.

Dan Neville

Question:

111 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make a statement on the case of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [4278/10]

Dan Neville

Question:

112 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make a statement regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [4308/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 112 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.

Garda Vetting Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

113 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the need to vet all sports leaders and coaches who work with children and if such vetting should be compulsory; his views on whether financial support of sporting organisations should be contingent on confirming that such vetting has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4344/10]

In my view, Garda vetting of all sports leaders and coaches who work with children is of the utmost importance.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body responsible for the promotion, development and coordination of sport which includes responsibility for dealing with the recognised sporting organisations and allocation of funding to same. The ISC was established on a statutory basis on 1st July, 1999, and the functions of the Council are outlined in Section 6 of the Irish Sports Council Act 1999.

This includes recognition, for purposes of funding or for any other reason, of any sporting or recreational activity, including dealing with sporting organisations and allocation of funding to same. All recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) now have access to Garda vetting through the Irish Sports Council. National Governing Bodies are now implementing vetting across their organizations, on a phased basis, based on their own needs and priorities and their capacity to manage the process.

The Irish Sports Council provides support to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to implement the recommendations and policies of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland. NGBs are required to comply with these requirements in order to access ISC funding but as Garda vetting is only recently available to NGBs this compliance has not yet been extended to vetting. However, the ISC would hope to make Garda vetting a requirement for NGBs in order to secure ISC funding, in next year's applications.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

114 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4647/10]

The Department of Finance Circular 14/80 allows for certain non full time representatives of staff associations/unions to avail of special leave with pay to attend annual delegate conferences, special delegate conferences etc. The number of such days special leave approved by my Department in the years in question are as follows:

2007: 6 days;

2008: 16 days;

2009: 18 days.

Also certain staff in my Department attend Departmental Council meetings to represent their respective staff association/union but it is not possible to quantify exactly the number of days involved. However, it is estimated that it would not exceed 5 days per annum in total which are not included in the above figures.

Community Development.

Liz McManus

Question:

115 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will give assurances for continued funding in 2011, 2012 and onwards for a community development project (details supplied) in County Wicklow in order for it to continue its work with the County Wicklow partnership; if the current level of funding will continue into the future; his views on the important work being carried out by the community development projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4318/10]

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.

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, including the project referred to by the Deputy, 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 am pleased to have been able 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 Deputy will appreciate that ongoing funding for 2011 and beyond will be subject to budgetary considerations at the appropriate time.

Sean Fleming

Question:

116 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a grant application payment will be awarded in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4323/10]

Sean Fleming

Question:

117 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a grant application payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4324/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.

Payment to Laois Partnership Company in respect of the grant application for the business referred to by the Deputy was made by my Department on 7th January 2010. The business was subsequently paid by the Company on 21st January 2010.

National Drugs Strategy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

118 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he will take regarding head shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4327/10]

I have voiced my concerns in regard to the activities of headshops — and substances represented as "legal highs" — on numerous occasions since my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy. My concerns in relation to these substances centre on:

the potential health hazards arising from the use of these products; and

the possibility that their use may act as a gateway to the use of illicit drugs;

This issue is causing concern across Europe and a number of countries, including the UK, have taken action, each adapting their approach to reflect their laws and experiences. However, no EU Member State has come up with a comprehensive response thus far. The National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, which I launched in September 2009, will be addressing the issues involved through two specific actions. These will involve:

monitoring the activities of headshops and all businesses involved in the sale of psychoactive substances, with the objective of ensuring that no illegal activity is undertaken and taking appropriate steps to reform legislation in this area, where it is deemed to be appropriate; and

keeping drugs-related legislation under continuous review, with particular focus on new synthetic substances and new or changed uses of psychoactive substances, against the background of EU and broader international experience and best practice.

As provided for under the new Strategy, I held a number of meetings in late 2009 with the Ministers for Health & Children, Justice, Equality & Law Reform and Education & Science. I have also met with the Garda Commissioner and with senior officials of various Departments and Offices. Headshops and the sale of "legal highs" were discussed at many of these meetings and some possibilities for addressing the activities of headshops were suggested.

More recently, I have asked my colleague, Mary Harney T.D., Minister for Health & Children, who has overall responsibility for the Misuse of Drugs Act — which is the primary legislation through which these substances can be regulated — to ensure that every effort is made to expedite the response to this issue through the early control of substances under the Act. I am of the view that immediate steps should be taken to progress this, with the matter being addressed in two tranches if there are particular complications in regard to some substances.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the activities of these establishments are being monitored on an on-going basis by both An Garda Síochána and Revenue's Customs Service with a view to ensuring that no substances that are currently illegal are being sold.

I have also been in contact with the Attorney General about other possible approaches to the matter. Associated with this, I have raised issues around public liability insurance, product liability insurance and consumer protection with the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, as well as planning issues with the Departments of Environment, Heritage & Local Government. I have also asked the National Advisory Committee on Drugs to carry out some research in this area, taking account in particular of the approach adopted in the legislation recently introduced in the UK. Reflecting the concerns being expressed throughout society, the Midlands Regional Drugs Task Force hosted a conference, which I launched earlier this week, to explore the issues involved. Arising from all this activity, I expect to be able to co-ordinate a full and appropriate response to counter the potential threats involved.

Inland Waterways.

Willie Penrose

Question:

119 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will give a date for the opening of the Royal Canal from Dublin right through to the River Shannon due to the fact that this is important in the context of allowing amenity groups along the length of the canal that wish to prepare for the said opening to be in a position to make the appropriate preparations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4448/10]

I am advised by Waterways Ireland that considerable progress has been made on the re-opening of the Royal Canal. The major bridge programme has been completed, refurbishment works at Clondra are practically completed and necessary dredging in Dublin is well underway. There are still a small number of outstanding issues to be finalised. These include:

the completion of commissioning of the re-watered section of the Canal;

completion of an agreement with Iarnród Éireann on the operating management plan for Newcomen Railway Bridge; and

finalisation of water supply issues in partnership with Westmeath County Council.

The precise date of the re-opening will depend on completion of these works and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in that regard later this year.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

120 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4649/10]

The number of days taken off for trade union leave by civil servants in my Department in 2007, 2008 and 2009 is as follows:

Year

Number of Days

2007

2.5

2008

4.5

2009

2.0

Leo Varadkar

Question:

121 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4661/10]

My Department facilitates the transfer through its payroll system of subscriptions from staff members to their nominated trades unions or staff associations. Details of the amounts transferred in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009 are set out in the following table:

Trades Union/Staff Association

Amount

Public Service Executive Union

29,142

Civil Public and Services Union

18,440

Association of Higher Civil & Public Servants

16,744

IMPACT

8,965

Association of Assistant Secretaries and Higher Grades

260

Total

73,551

Question No. 122 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Question:

123 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4251/10]

On 26 January 2010 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. He was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of his 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.

Michael Creed

Question:

124 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has used her ministerial discretion under section 110(2) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005; if so, if these cases related to farm spouses that established a pension entitlement retrospectively having passed the age of 66; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4268/10]

Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.

On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements', has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to any person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership.

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 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:

(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age, and

(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.

Section 110(1) (a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).

All claims for State Pension (Contributory) arising out of the retrospective recognition of a commercial partnership are decided in accordance with Section 110(1) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005. Section 110(2) has not been applied to these cases.

Approximately 1,000 people applied for recognition of a commercial partnership with their spouses. Of these, 579 cases have been decided on the basis of whether or not they qualify as a partnership. Some 508 of those were deemed to have a partnership in existence. Of these 268 applied for a State Pension (Contributory).

However, following a review of pension claims, it was found that in certain cases, the self employment contributions were all paid after the persons concerned had passed their 66th birthday. They therefore had no an entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory), and should not have been paid under this scheme. 85 claims for State Pension (Contributory) which were in payment have been disallowed and 16 customers have had their rates reduced. A further 46 customers failed to satisfy the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) and accordingly their claims have been refused.

The total amount of overpayments arising in these cases has not yet been determined. However, overpayments will be determined in the above cases and the customers will be notified and requested to repay the amounts involved. A Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with the governing legislation.

The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to all persons concerned and regrets the administrative error involved.

Finian McGrath

Question:

125 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [4274/10]

The person concerned has issued proceedings under the Equal Status Act against the Department and the matter will proceed before the Equality Tribunal in due course.

Michael Ring

Question:

126 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide the calculations for a jobseeker’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [4290/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

127 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal in respect of a jobseeker’s allowance application will be opened in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [4291/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

A Deciding Officer disallowed the jobseeker's allowance claim of the person concerned from 14 December, 2009 on the grounds that his means, derived from the benefit of spouse's earnings exceeded the maximum payable to a person in his circumstances.

His means were calculated as follows: Spouses' gross weekly pay of €1,054.00 less allowable payroll deductions of €411.67 giving a net weekly pay of €642.89. This figure is further reduced by €60.00 for days worked and then the remainder assessed at 60% giving him a weekly means of €350.00, to the nearest euro.

His entitlement was calculated as follows: Personal rate of €204.30 plus a qualified adult allowance of €135.60, giving a total of €339.90 less weekly means of €350.00, derived from spouse's income. As his means figure exceeded the amount payable he is not entitled to a jobseeker's allowance payment.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the Deputy's PQ has been accepted as notice of appeal in this case and, in accordance with statutory requirements, the person concerned has been requested to forward his grounds of appeal.

Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

John McGuinness

Question:

128 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been awarded; if they will be approved for rent allowance; and if she will expedite a response. [4300/10]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive. People in full-time education are normally excluded from receipt of rent supplement.

With respect to benefits due, the person concerned made an application for One-parent Family Payment on 17 September 2009. This was awarded at the maximum weekly rate of €230.30 from 17 September 2009 and €225.80 from 7 January 2010. Arrears of €2308.30 were issued to the person concerned for the period 17 September 2009 to 9 December 2009. The assessment of these arrears included a reduction of €225.00 that had been overpaid on a previous claim for Illness Benefit. This was agreed with the person concerned.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement as she is in full time education. It remains open to the person concerned to appeal the decision to refuse rent supplement to the HSE Appeals Office.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Pat Breen

Question:

129 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of an appeal application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4346/10]

I have been informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a revised decision favourable to the person concerned has been made in respect of her Domiciliary Care Allowance claim and the appeal is now deemed withdrawn.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Pension Provisions.

Tom Hayes

Question:

130 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary is entitled to a contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4348/10]

Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner. On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to any person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership. 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 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:

(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age, and

(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.

Section 110(1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory). The person concerned was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) from 24th March 2007. According to the records of the Department, the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66th birthday. They therefore had no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory), and should not have been paid under this scheme. The person concerned has been notified of this decision on the 12th January 2010 and has been advised in relation to their right to appeal this decision, or to have it reviewed.

The total amount of overpayments arising in these cases has not yet been determined. An overpayment will be determined in the above case and the person concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with governing legislation.

It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above. The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person and regrets the administrative error involved.

Tom Hayes

Question:

131 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the contributory pension entitlements in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4356/10]

Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors and are thus liable to social insurance contributions. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.

On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements', has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to any person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership.

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 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:

(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age,

(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.

Section 110(1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory). It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.

An application for the recognition of a commercial partnership between the person concerned and their spouse is currently under examination in my Department. The person concerned will be advised of the outcome of this investigation in due course. Should the person concerned have not paid any self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, the Department will contact the person and advise them of the position and to consider if they wish the Department to continue its' investigation or to withdraw their application. If a favourable commercial partnership decision is reached the person may incur a PRSI liability for the years in question. In addition, I have arranged for a copy of this person's PRSI contribution record and a ‘Work it out' guide, which explains how the State Pension (Contributory) is calculated, to be issued to her home address, to assist her in assessing her pension entitlement.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

132 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a State pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has been withdrawn; the payment that will now be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4373/10]

Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.

On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ , has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to any person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership. 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 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:

a. the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age, and

b. all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.

Section 110(1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory). The person concerned was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) from 10 October 2007. According to the records of the Department, the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66 birthday. The people concerned did not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) based on her self-employment contributions, and should not have been put into payment under this scheme. The person has been notified of this decision on the 12 January 2010 and has been advised in relation to her right to appeal this decision, or to have it reviewed.

The total amount of overpayments arising in these cases has not yet been determined. An overpayment will be determined in the above case and the person concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with governing legislation.

It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above. The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person and regrets the administrative error involved.

Question No. 133 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that all required or requested documentation has already been furnished in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; when payment of one parent family allowance will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4422/10]

The person concerned claimed one parent family payment from 21 May 2009. His claim was disallowed on 11 September 2009 as he failed to disclose his means. He lodged an appeal on 30 September 2009 and his file was sent to an inspector for a review of his case. All documentation requested by the inspector has not yet been furnished by the person concerned. The person concerned is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance. The community welfare officer was contacted on 19 January 2010 and has advised that the person concerned agreed to furnish a letter confirming that he is not receiving any income from self-employment. The social welfare inspector made further contact with the community welfare officer on 26 January 2010 and the community welfare officer has confirmed that the documentation has not been received to date.

Community Development.

Frank Feighan

Question:

135 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when will a jobs facilitator be appointed for Castlerea, County Roscommon. [4432/10]

In relation to the Departments Job Facilitation Service, Castlerea is currently part of the catchment area covered by the Job Facilitator in Athlone. An additional Jobs Facilitator post has been approved for Roscommon and responsibility for the Department's Job Facilitation service in Castlerea will transfer from Athlone to Roscommon when an appointment is made. A person has been identified for the post as Jobs Facilitator for County Roscommon. However the person concerned cannot be released to take up the Jobs Facilitator post until a suitable replacement is found for their current position.

Frank Feighan

Question:

136 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when will a jobs facilitator be appointed for County Leitrim. [4433/10]

A person has been identified for the post of Jobs Facilitator for County Leitrim. Work is in train to source a replacement for the post currently occupied by the person concerned. However the person cannot be released to take up the Jobs Facilitator post until a suitable replacement is found for their current position.

Social Welfare Code.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

137 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin whereby through an anomaly, bureaucracy and a delay in processing their case, they are not entitled to qualify for the half rate carer’s allowance, even though they have passed the means test for same in view of the fact that there are persons in a similar situation claiming such an allowance and being able to work 19 hours per week; the proactive measures that will be taken to sort out this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4446/10]

Budget 2007 provided for new arrangements whereby people in receipt of a social welfare payment, other than carer's allowance or benefit, who are also providing someone with full-time care and attention, can retain their main welfare payment and receive a half rate carer's allowance. Similarly, people currently in receipt of a carer's allowance, who may have an underlying eligibility for another social welfare payment, can transfer to that other payment and continue to receive up to a half-rate carer's allowance. The person concerned is in receipt of Carer's Allowance since 5 August 1999. She never applied for or received Deserted Wives Allowance or Deserted Wives Benefit. To qualify for half rate Carer's Allowance a person must have a current entitlement to another qualifying welfare payment. As the person concerned does not have a current entitlement to another qualifying welfare payment, she does not have an entitlement to half rate Carer's Allowance.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

138 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of days taken off for trade union leave in her Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4657/10]

Under Department of Finance Circular 14/80, special leave with pay may be granted to non full-time representatives of staff associations/unions in respect of attendance at certain categories of meetings, conferences and training courses. The granting of this leave is subject to certain conditions including giving due regard to the exigencies of official work.

The Department's records show that the total number of days approved as special leave with pay, under the provisions of Circular 14/80, for the periods requested, is as follows;

2007: 203

2008: 240.5

2009: 203.5

Leo Varadkar

Question:

139 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by her Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4667/10]

The table below outlines the value of Union and Association subscriptions collected by my Department on behalf of employees in 2009, broken down by individual Union or Association. Figures for 2008 are also included for your information.

Union/Association

Value of subscription

2008

2009

Civil Public & Services Union

787,061.02

880,083.97

Public Service Executive Union

368,425.46

399,157.87

Association of Higher Civil & Public Servants

105,742.09

102,912.78

Federated Union of Government Employees

26,117.81

27,649.74

Branch Managers Association

22,920.00

18,045.00

IMPACT

6,586.49

6,377.60

Association of Assistant Secretaries & Higher Grades

1,844.96

1,631.60

Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union

337.00

310.80

Leo Varadkar

Question:

140 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the value of union or staff association subscriptions collected from payroll by his Department in any given year; the breakdown of such by union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4358/10]

The amounts deducted from payroll by my Department on behalf of unions, staff associations and military representative associations in 2009 are set out in the table.

Amounts

Union or Staff Association

AHCPS

19,293

AMICUS

15,824

Assoc. of Assistant Secretaries and Higher Grades

528

ATGWU

19,295

BATU

1,040

CPSU

56,419

IMPACT

9,303

INO

4,809

Operative Plasterers and Allied Trades Society

1,456

PSEU

38,665

SIPTU

66,831

TEEU

11,106

UCATT

16,042

Military Representative Associations

PDFORRA

1,635,664

RACO

446,394

RDFRA

57,194

TOTAL OF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS

2,399,863

Leo Varadkar

Question:

141 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4650/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. Special leave is granted in accordance with instructions issued by the Department of Finance. These are agreed centrally by the Department of Finance and the relevant Unions and apply throughout the public service.

Year

Total Days Special Leave For Trade Union Business

2007

19 days

2008

25 days

2009

17 days

Health and Safety Regulations.

Willie Penrose

Question:

142 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to deal with the problem of radon exposure in homes and workplaces here; if he is pursuing a multi-agency approach at national level to help deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4259/10]

Willie Penrose

Question:

144 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to put in place an effective strategy at national level to deal with the significant levels of radon in homes and workplaces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4260/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together.

The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has for many years now worked towards assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country. Between 1992 and 1999 the RPII carried out a National Radon Survey to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The principal objectives were to measure the scale of the radon problem in Ireland and to identify areas at higher risk of radon concentrations above the National Reference Level of 200 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3).

The Government's approach to radon, which is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States, is to concentrate efforts on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by the build up of radon in the home. Householders, particularly those living in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged by the RPII to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary.

Almost 38,000 homes have now been measured for radon by the RPII. The results of these tests have been compiled into a central database, which has greatly aided our knowledge and understanding of the extent of Ireland's radon problem.

Furthermore, the RPII has carried out targeted information campaigns in high radon areas and, in some instances, where areas with particularly high radon levels have been found the RPII has written directly to householders. This approach will be continued so that householders in high radon areas are encouraged to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.

If a dwelling is found to have a high radon level remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department: Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options. The RPII has also issued guidance: Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householder's Guide. In addition, the website of the RPII provides a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and the RPII can offer specific advice and recommendations.

The Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order 2000 sets a radon concentration of 400 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3), measured over any consecutive three-month period, as the reference level for radon in Irish workplaces. When this Reference Level is exceeded, the employer must take measures to protect the health of workers. Under the legislation, employers can be directed to have radon measurements carried out in the workplace.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to identify all hazards in their workplace, including radon, to assess the risk to health and safety from these hazards and to put in place measures to eliminate or reduce the risk. According to the Heath & Safety Authority, all indoor workplaces in High Radon Areas located at ground floor or basement level must be measured for radon.

Members of the public can access information on radon on the RPII website, www.rpii.ie. Publications and information leaflets about radon can be downloaded free of charge. The RPII can also be contacted on freephone 1800 300 600.

My Department will continue to work closely with the RPII, the HSE, local authorities and other relevant agencies to raise public awareness and to promote radon testing and remediation. This multi-agency approach to dealing with radon is in line with international best practice, as recommended by the World Health Organisation's International Radon Project which was co-funded by the Irish Government.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Question:

143 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority housing units that are currently vacant in County Mayo in each area office region and in each town council area (details supplied); the length of time each unit is vacant; the expected reallocation date for each unit in view of the number of applicants on the housing waiting list in the county; the reason these housing units are not being filled sooner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4257/10]

Information in relation to vacant local authority houses is a Local Authority Service Indicator and reports on these indicators are available on the Local Government Management Service Board's website, www.lgmsb.ie. The latest available figures relate to 2008.

It is a matter for individual housing authorities to manage the allocation and re-lettings of dwellings within the terms of their approved Scheme of Letting Priorities.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 142.

Aquaculture Sector.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

145 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the referral of Ireland to the European Court of Justice on 29 October 2009 to be fined for infringements in relation to quality of its shellfish waters, this referral being deferred for three months from the date of the decision to refer; the way Ireland has infringed European law on this issue; the steps being taken to prevent Ireland having to pay the fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4279/10]

On 29 October 2009, the European Commission decided to refer Ireland back to the European Court of Justice seeking the imposition of fines for failing to implement fully an earlier ruling in relation to Directive 2006/113/EC on the quality of shellfish waters. The main reasons for escalation of the case related to the designation of shellfish water sites and the absence of Pollution Reduction Programmes for all sites — although these were in the process of being developed. In order to give Ireland time to finalise measures to comply with the judgment, the Commission also decided to defer the referral for 3 months.

On foot of the original ECJ ruling, 49 new shellfish water sites were designated in February 2009, bringing the total number of designated sites around the coast to 63. An additional site in Cork Harbour was designated in November 2009. Pollution Reduction Programmes were completed for all 64 sites in December 2009 and these have since been formally established by me. By letter dated 25 January 2010, the European Commission was formally notified that the outstanding commitments have now been completed and requested to consider closure of the case.

Planning Issues.

Liz McManus

Question:

146 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from Wicklow County Council outlining its concern regarding a number of proposals in the new Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009; the details of those concerns and his response to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4319/10]

I have received correspondence from a number of stakeholders, including Wicklow County Council, regarding certain aspects of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 and proposing specific amendments. These are under consideration in my Department. The Bill is currently at Second Stage in the Dáil and may be further amended as it passes through the remaining stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

EU Directives.

Tom Hayes

Question:

147 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a gas (details supplied) has been banned from use in tanks used for storage of milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4368/10]

HCFC-22 (or R22) is a refrigerant gas that has been commonly used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately, releases of HCFC-22, such as those from leaks, are damaging to the environment as they contribute to ozone depletion.

R22 gas (HCFC22) has been banned from use in tanks used for the storage of milk in consequence of EU Regulations, which are directly applicable in all Member States, on Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). Regulation 2037/2000 (EC), on ODS, essentially banned the use of HCFCs for the manufacture of new equipment in all refrigeration and air-conditioning applications. Furthermore, it prohibits the use of virgin HCFC gases, including HCFC-22, also known as R22, in all existing refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump units from 1 January 2010. This does not prohibit the use of existing equipment containing HCFCs, but only recycled or reclaimed HCFCs may be used during its service and maintenance. This will be permitted until January 2015. The ban is considered appropriate due to the damaging effect of ODS and because cost effective alternatives are available.

The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for the implementation of the ODS Regulations and provides advice and guidance on the controlled use of ODS through its website. The EPA also produced guidance notes for end users of HCFCs to raise awareness and assist in the phase out process. The guidance notes are available on the Agency's website, www.epa.ie

There has also been ongoing consultation with the refrigeration industry on ODS through its representative body, the Institute of Refrigeration Ireland, to keep members up to date on developments, and information and guidance is also available on its website, www.instituteofrefrigerationireland.ie

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Sean Fleming

Question:

148 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions with Laois County Council regarding a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4425/10]

The provision of wastewater infrastructure in Shanahoe Village, as part of a grouped project involving ten other villages in the County, is included in the assessment of needs for water and sewerage services in County Laois submitted to my Department by Laois County Council.

All local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services in their areas 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. I expect to publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 early this year.

Architectural Heritage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

149 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Building Control Act 2007 gives an organisation (details supplied) the right to set dates for when technical assessments will be carried out; the reason applicants are charged a fee of €6,500 when the assessors will only be paid approximately a tenth of that fee; his views on whether it is fair that applicants who choose to appeal the decision of the technical assessment are charged €4,500 for the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4427/10]

Section 13 of the Building Control Act 2007 designates the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI) as the registration body for the purposes of the Act. Section 21 of the Act provides for the appointment of a Technical Assessment Board to consider applications for registration from persons who are not eligible for registration under paragraphs (a) to (g) and (i) of Section 14 (2) of the Act. Section 22 sets out the Technical Assessment Board procedure.

Under Section 25 of the Act a person who is adversely affected by a decision of the Technical Assessment Board may appeal to the Appeals Board against the decision. The appeals procedure is set out in Section 25.

Section 61 of the Act provides that the registration body may make rules for facilitating and carrying out its functions and those of the other Boards and Committees, including the Appeals Board, provided for under the Act, subject to the publication of a draft of the rules and circulation of them to the Board or Committee affected for its comments.

Section 62 of the Act provides that the amount of registration fees shall not exceed the total of— (a) the costs in providing the services in respect of which the fee is paid, and (b) the reasonable costs incurred by the registration body in collecting, accounting for and administering the fee.

I am currently examining a submission from the RIAI on all registration fees under the Act and I hope to reach a decision on that submission shortly.

Turbary Rights.

Frank Feighan

Question:

150 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will guarantee payment to farmers who were forced to sell bog land in the special areas of conservation in counties Roscommon and Leitrim because they were prohibited from cutting turf on these bogs due to legislation; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some of these farmers commenced selling their bog land back to his Department more than eight years ago and still have not received payment; and the action he will take in this matter. [4431/10]

Farmers selling bogland to my Department do so under a voluntary scheme where property rights in raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are acquired. There is no compulsion on landowners to sell their interest and there has been no prohibition on cutting for domestic purposes prior to 2010.

Following the end of a 10-year derogation, turf cutting is now due to cease on 32 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Eight of these are wholly or partly in Co. Roscommon; none is in Co. Leitrim.

Turf cutting is permitted to continue, under existing restrictions, on a further 23 SACs until 2011. Five of these sites are in Co. Roscommon. It is also permitted on 75 raised bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) until 2013. Six of these NHAs are wholly or partly in Co. Leitrim and six are in Co. Roscommon.

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 SACs in 1999.

Within the coming weeks, I expect to receive a report from an inter-departmental working group that I established last year to make recommendations on managing the cessation of turf cutting within these sites. I will conclude my consideration of these recommendations as rapidly as possible, and will then be in touch with affected individuals and representative groups in regard to the position.

Local Authority Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

151 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is the practice of local authorities to deduct union dues or subscriptions from the pay of local authority staff members; the amount of such deduction in 2007 and 2008 by named union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4434/10]

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. The deduction of union subscriptions is, accordingly, a matter for each local authority.

Natural Heritage Areas.

Willie Penrose

Question:

152 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis and the date that lands, premises and yards, the property of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath were designated as a special area of conservation; if, in the context of so designating, the appropriate investigations were carried out; if such survey referred to the fact that there was a production yard and premises in existence at this location since the 1950s as part of an ongoing business; the position whereby a business which has been in existence for well in excess of 50 years can be terminated in such fashion; if personnel from the National Parks and Wildlife Service have had appropriate discussions with the persons in relation to this designation and the impact it will have; the compensatory mechanism available in relation to such designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4451/10]

Split Hills and Long Hill Esker is a site of botanical and ecological importance. It was originally surveyed in 1993 and again in 1994. The proposed designation was advertised in March 1997 and incorporated a quarry at Cuilnamayor as well as an intact ridge further west and an area known as Cuilnamayor Bog. The qualifying criterion for the selection of this area as a candidate Special Area of Conservation is the presence of the priority habitat, Orchid-rich calcareous grasslands.

The survey carried out in 1994 made reference to the quarried area. The area in question was included on the basis that the fringes of quarried eskers invariably contain interesting remnant grassland and annual communities and that it serves to connect the location of the rare Narrow-leaved Bittercress (Cardamine impatiens) with the main body of the site. On the basis of this survey work proposals to designate the site as a candidate Special Area of Conservation were publicised in March 1997.

My Department notified the landowners in question about the designation status of this site by registered post in February 2006. The notification pack issued included a map of the area and outlined the ecology of the site, any potential restrictions for landowners/land users and details of compensation measures available to those affected. Regional conservation staff have made a number of visits to the landowners in relation to this designation and have also met with their planning advisers.

It is not unusual for houses and commercial premises such as quarries and yards to have been included within the boundaries of SACs. This does not imply that such uses, operations or activities must cease, simply by virtue of designation. Change of use, such as the expansion of quarrying, is subject to planning permission and the planning authority must consider the impact of the expansion on the SAC before reaching a conclusion. My Department has not sought the termination or closure of any business on this site.

Compensation for loss of income due to the designation of a site as a Special Area of Conservation is available to landowners by way of agri-environment schemes where applicable. Compensation may also be payable in accordance with Regulation 20 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 — 2005.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

153 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4653/10]

The number of days taken for trade union leave in my Department was 97.73 in 2007, 99.5 in 2008 and 92.5 in 2009.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

154 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4663/10]

The information requested is set out in the following table:

Name of Union/Association

Deductions 2009

Association of Assistant Secretaries and Higher Grades

1,036.32

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants

51,823.81

Civil and Public Services Union

43,690.70

IMPACT — FUGE

8,361.22

IMPACT

158,996.03

Public Service Executive Union

80,143.30

SIPTU

22,167.80

Union of Construction and Allied Trade and Technicians (UCATT)

275.60

Total

366,494.78

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

155 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if priority will be given to an application for an insulation works grant in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [4286/10]

The Warmer Homes Scheme, managed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty and is primarily delivered by community based organisations (CBOs). SEI has confirmed that IRD Duhallow, a CBO based in Newmarket, County Cork, has already carried out a survey of the home in question and it is planned to deliver the Warmer Homes Scheme on the week beginning the 1st of February 2010.

Mobile Telephony.

Liz McManus

Question:

156 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to increase the minimum licence requirement for mobile telephone operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4339/10]

Primary responsibility for the regulation of electronic communications service providers, including the setting and monitoring of minimum licence requirements for mobile phone operators rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with its functions under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended, and the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. ComReg informs me that all mobile operators are in compliance with the minimum licence requirements and some even exceed them and it has no plans to increase these requirements at present.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

157 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4648/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table.

Year

Number of days taken

2007

9.0

2008

15.0

2009

18.5

Leo Varadkar

Question:

158 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4660/10]

The total value of union subscriptions collected from the payroll by my Department from civil servants in 2009 was €83,766. A breakdown of this amount by union/staff association is given in the following table.

Union / Staff Association

Amount

Public Service Executive Union (PSEU)

27,566

Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS)

21,596

Irish Municipal Public and Civil Trade Union (IMPACT)

18,063

Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU)

12,925

Federal Union of Government Employees (FUGE)

2,458

Association of Assistant Secretaries and Higher Grades (AASHG)

1,158

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

159 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan 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 Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4262/10]

The person named began his five-year contract in REPS on 1 Jan 2010. Under EU Regulations, REPS 4 payments for 2010 cannot be made until completion of administrative and area checks on all applications for the year. At that stage 75% of the payment to each individual participant can be released, with the balance being payable when the last of the on-farm inspections for the year has taken place. I expect that the payments will commence in the autumn.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joe McHugh

Question:

160 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the projects that are being funded through the 2010 fishery harbours and coastal infrastructure development capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4295/10]

Funding provided under the 2010 Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme has been allocated to meet existing contractual commitments and to provide for essential safety and maintenance works. In light of the current budgetary constraints my Department has not been in a position to invite Local Authorities to apply for funding under the 2010 Programme.

Grant Payments.

John McGuinness

Question:

161 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny relative to a claim under the single farm payment scheme; if the issues relating to maps and a claim by another person in respect of the same parcel of land have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4299/10]

While the person named had established 24.47 Single Payment entitlements, under the governing rules of the Scheme these entitlements reverted to the National Reserve, as the person named did not submit an application under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. A subsequent appeal of this decision to my Department's Agriculture Appeals Committee proved unsuccessful. The person named then appealed to the Agriculture Appeals Office and, during an oral hearing, undertook to furnish my Department with medical evidence in support of his claim for force majeure in 2005. The medical evidence, which was subsequently furnished to my Department on 21 August 2009, was deemed to confirm the claim of the person named for force majeure, on foot of which the 2005 application form, submitted by the person named to my Department on 26 August 2009, was accepted. However, as the person named had not included a map of the land declared on the application, a letter, requesting an appropriate map, issued on 28 August 2009.

The person named lodged the map in question with my Department on 11 September 2009. Following initial processing, it transpired that some of the land being claimed by the person named had also been claimed by another scheme applicant under the 2005 Scheme. It is necessary, therefore, to establish who had use of the land and, in this regard, both parties have been written to in order to clarify the matter. The other claimant to the land insists that he rented the lands in question from the person named for 2005. He has again been requested, as a matter of urgency, to forward documentary proof to this effect to my Department. On receipt of the documentation, the matter will then be further examined, following which an official of my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

162 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive a REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4321/10]

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 have issued 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 applications 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.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Dan Neville

Question:

163 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an application for farm retirement pension will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4370/10]

All applications received up to the closing date for the scheme of 30 October 2009, including the application from the person named, are being examined in my Department at present. I intend to make an early decision on all of the applications received and the person named will be notified once the decision has been made on his application.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

164 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) had his REP scheme payment cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4378/10]

The person named was notified by letter on 5 November 2009 that a penalty was being imposed because the area of his holding had been reduced. He was informed of his right to appeal the penalty to the Agricultural Appeals Office within three months of that date.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

165 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4441/10]

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 have issued 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 applications 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.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

166 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4646/10]

The figures requested by the Deputy are not readily available because, heretofore, trade union leave was been recorded on individual personnel files and no accurate central record has been maintained.

I will arrange for the data required by the Deputy to be complied and a reply will issue to him as soon as possible.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

167 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4659/10]

The following is the information requested in respect of 2009

Union /Staff Association

Amount

Association of Assistant Secretaries & Higher Grades (AASHG)

2,032.00

Association of Higher Civil & Public Servants (AHCPS)

66,940.00

Civil & Public Service Union (CPSU)

361,491.00

Impact

650,919.00

Public Service Executive Union (PSEU)

204,892.00

Veterinary Officers Association (VOA)

156,745.00

SIPTU

12,119.00

Total

1,455,138.00

Schools Building Projects.

John Deasy

Question:

168 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1106 and 1119 of 19 January 2010, the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Waterford for a new school; the outstanding issues referred to in the reply; if the capital funding has been allocated for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4265/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the project for the school to which he refers is part of a larger campus project in which two schools and enhanced community facilities will be provided. The outstanding issues to be resolved include the completion of the transfer of the site to my Department and some enabling works by the Local Authority. The site transfer is almost complete and I understand that the Local Authority intends to commence construction on the enabling works shortly.

It is envisaged that subject to the foregoing, construction will commence in Quarter 2 of 2010.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

169 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Dublin has been included on the 2010 school building and modernisation programme; when construction will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4273/10]

The project 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 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.

Higher Education Grants.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

170 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the grant entitlement of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4276/10]

A candidate progressing to the final year of a single programme course would not be regarded as a new entrant for the purpose of the maintenance grant schemes. The criteria for the 2010 maintenance grant scheme is currently being reviewed. Decisions on the 2010 schemes will be announced as soon as the process has been completed.

The decision on eligibility for student grants for the 2010/2011 academic year will be 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.

Information on financial supports is contained on the website www.studentfinance.ie

Special Educational Needs.

Phil Hogan

Question:

171 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will continue funding in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4350/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that home tuition was sanctioned for the child in question until 22nd December 2009.

I understand from officials in my Department that no request for further tuition has been received. However, I have asked my officials to contact the parents in question.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

172 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll of teachers and other employees of his Department in any given year; the breakdown of such by union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4357/10]

Trade union subscriptions are deducted for teachers and non teaching staff employed in primary, secondary, community and comprehensive schools from my Department's central payroll where a staff member gives their union a mandate for the deduction of fees from salary. This is referred to as a deduction at source arrangement.

Teachers and non teaching staff 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 subscriptions collected and will advise the Deputy on the position.

The union subscriptions deducted and paid over to unions for the teaching and non teaching staff on the Department's central payroll in 2009 was: INTO — €11.47ml.; TUI — €0.6ml.; ASTI — €4.8ml.; and IMPACT — €0.37ml.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of days taken off for trade union leave by teachers and other education professionals in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4365/10]

The details that have been recorded on my Department's databases for absences of teaching and non teaching staff employed in primary, secondary and community/comprehensive schools for attendance at trade union meetings and conferences are outlined below.

Teachers and non teaching staff employed in community Colleges and VEC schools are paid directly by the relevant VECs and details regarding attendance at trade union meetings and conferences 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 regarding attendance at trade union meetings and conferences are held by them. I will arrange for the data to be obtained and forwarded to the Deputy.

Absences and Substitution Claims for attendance at union meetings. Primary Teachers: for 2007-08; 2008-09; and 2009-10 substitutable absences were 468, 441 and 254, non substitutable absences were 1, 238 and 136 and substitution days claimed were 230, 277 and 156, respectively.

Post Primary (Secondary and Community/Comprehensive): for 2007-08; 2008-09; and 2009-10 substitutable absences were 360, 578 and 341, non substitutable absences were 49, 149 and 147 and substitution days claimed were 228, 396 and 238, respectively. Special Need Assistants( Primary, Secondary and Community/Comprehensive): for 2007-08; 2008-09; and 2009-10 substitutable absences were NIL, NIL and NIL, non substitutable absences were 17, 19 and 1 and substitution days claimed were NIL, NIL and NIL, respectively.

The information for the 2009/2010 school year relates to the period from September 2009 to 25th January 2010.

All the data outlined relates to days.

Schools Building Projects.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

174 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will enforce the technical department in his Department to issue a response to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [4376/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The Stage 2b submission was received in the Department in late December 2009 and is currently under review. My Department will revert to the school directly when consideration of the stage submission is complete. The clause to which the Deputy refers is a standard clause in my Department's Design Team Procedures which requires a pre-tender cost check to be carried out on a project to take into account the current market conditions and where applicable tender inflation/deflation at the time of approval to proceed to tender. My Department does not anticipate that this will delay this project in any way once approval to tender can be granted.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant funding, under large-scale capital application, to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare within the next six months; the anticipated timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4386/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which his Department has advanced the various developmental stages in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare over the past 12 month period on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4396/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 185 together.

A proposal has been submitted to the Department by the authority of the school to which the Deputy refers to meet its long term accommodation needs. I met with representatives of the school authority late last year to discuss this proposal. Further details were subsequently submitted by the school to my Department and these are now under consideration. My Department will be in contact with the school authority when a decision has been reached in this matter.

Departmental Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under large-scale capital funding application in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4387/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for funding in respect of the provision of an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to address same in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4390/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has deemed it acceptable that a school (details supplied) in County Kildare which applied for large-scale capital funding over nine years ago should still be waiting for same; the expected timeframe for granting of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4391/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application for large-scale capital funding was submitted to his Department in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress same by April 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4392/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application for large-scale capital funding made 11 years ago will be awarded in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his views on whether this length of time is acceptable; his plans to address and progress this matter by June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4393/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full extent of progress in each year since a large-scale capital funding application was submitted to his Department in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will grant same which was applied for ten years ago; the advancement of this application in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4394/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 179 to 183, inclusive, together.

I can confirm that the schools to which the Deputy refers have made applications to my Department for large scale capital funding. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the projects referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. The progression of all large scale building projects, including projects for these schools, from initial design 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 progression of these projects at this time.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the granting of funding to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the increased demands on the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4388/10]

A grant was allocated to the school in question to build 2 classrooms. Construction work has now commenced and 70% of the grant has been paid to the school.

The remainder of the grant will be paid when the project is completed and the necessary documents have been received in the Building Unit of my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 379 of 1 December 2009, his plans to address the application for facilities in the next six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4389/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

The progression of all large scale building projects, from initial design 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 progression of the project at this time.

Questions Nos. 179 to 183, inclusive, answered with Question No. 176.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent of the progress in each of the past 12 months to date of the advancement for a school building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4395/10]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Board of Management was recently authorised to proceed to tender. When the tender process is complete and assuming there are no issues arising, the project will progress to construction.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 175.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in the past six months in respect of a school building project (details supplied) in County Kildare; the degree to which the project is on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4397/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers was included in my announcement last year of projects to proceed to tender and construction and is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

My Department received the stage 2b submission in late November. An official from my Department met with a representative of the Design Team in mid-December following which further information was received. This is currently being considered by my Department.

On completion of the review of the Stage 2(b) submission, my Department will revert to the school regarding next steps in the progression of the project towards tender and construction.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the development since 9 November 2009 regarding the building project for the new national school at Kill, County Kildare; the degree of interaction with the various interests involved; the contacts made with local interests by the various responsible bodies within his Department; the degree to which the matters specifically raised have been addressed or are in course thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4398/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers has been tendered and my Department is currently awaiting receipt of the tender report. When the tender report is received and assuming that there are no issues arising, the project will progress to construction.

With regard to the degree of interaction with the various interests involved my officials have met with representatives from the school and apprised them of the re-tendering process, timelines for the appointment of the completion contractor etc.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and location of schools in County Kildare in respect of which approval has issued for school building projects; the number of such projects awaiting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4399/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website. However, for convenience, the information is also contained in the attached tabular statement.

Kildare Projects in Architectural Planning

Roll No.

School

Brief

Band Rating

Status

17674B

SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan

New School

1.1

Progressing to Tender

20114D

Scoil Brid, Naas

Extension/Refurbishment

1.1

Progressing to Tender

09414C

St Laurence’s NS, Crookstown

In early Architectural Planning

1.1

New School

16705E

Scoil Pádraig Naofa, St John’s Lane, Athy, Co Kildare — Phase 2

Commencing Architectural Planning

2.1

Major extension

18018S

Bunscoil Bhride NS Rathangan

In early Architectural Planning

2.1

Extension/Refurbishment

18988G

St Raphael’s Special Sch, Celbridge, Co Kildare

In early Architectural Planning

1.1

New School

20271T

Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Phase 2 Rickardstown, Newbridge, Co Kildare

Commencing Architectural Planning

1.1

Major extension

Applications for Major Capital Works from Kildare Schools

County

Roll Number

School

Current Status

Application for

Provisional Band Rating

Kildare

01821V

S N Rath Mor (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 1

Kildare

06209J

Athy Model School

Design Team to be appointed

New School

Band 1

Kildare

11893G

St David's Ns Dublin Road (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 2

Kildare

13328I

Newbridge 2 N S (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurbishment

Band 2

Kildare

13902O

Hewetsons N S Clane (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent NS, Naas

Design Team to be appointed

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

15599D

St Brigid's Primary School Kildare Town (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Kildare

15769C

Monasterevan Convent Monasterevan (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Kildare

15870O

Scoil Chonnla Phadraig Newbridge (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

15957D

St Patrick’s Boys NS, Rathangan

Design Team to be appointed

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

16302F

St Brigid's N S Ballysax (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

16706G

St Joseph's Bns Kilcock (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

16707I

Scoil Naisiunta Naomh Pheadar Monasterevan (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 2

Kildare

16817P

Brannoxtown N S Brannockstown (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 2

Kildare

16845U

Rathcoffey N S Rathcoffey (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

17254C

St Corban’s Primary School, Naas

Design Team to be appointed

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

17341U

Maynooth Boys’ NS

Design Team to be appointed

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Applications for Major Capital Works from Kildare Schools —continued

County

Roll Number

School

Current Status

Application for

Provisional Band Rating

Kildare

17872F

St Conleth's And Mary's N S Newbridge (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

17873H

S N Connlaodh Naofa N Newbridge (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

17931S

S N Brighde Ticknevin (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

17968S

Ursaille Naofa Teach An Da Mhile (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 2

Kildare

18063A

S N Naomh Lorcain Levitstown (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Kildare

18093J

S N Cloch Rinnce Cloch Rinnce (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

18130M

St Patricks Ns Johnstownbridge (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa Athy (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

18430B

S N Baile Roibeaird (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurbishment

Band 2

Kildare

18445O

S N Scoil Treasa Kilshanroe (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

18449W

St Conleth's N S Derrinturn (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Kildare

18644U

Straffan N S Straffan (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

18650P

Newtown Ns Enfield (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

18666H

Tiremohan National School, Donadea, Naas, (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

19277B

St Anne's Special School The Curragh (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

19675N

St Brigids N S Kilcullen (Kildare)

Application

Special Needs

Band 1

Kildare

19794V

Scoil Mochua, Aghards, Celbridge, (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

19796C

St Patricks BNS, Clane

Design Team to be appointed

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

19797E

Scoil Naisiunta Bhride Prosperous Road (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

20114D

Scoil Bríd Oldtown (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Átha Í A.F.C. Bhaile Átha Í (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 1

Kildare

20257C

Sc Naomh Padraig, Celbridge

Design Team to be appointed

New School

Band 1

Kildare

61681V

Patrician Secondary School (Kildare)

Application

Extension

Band 2

Kildare

61690W

Cross And Passion College Kilcullen (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

70660O

Curragh Post-Primary School Mcswiney Road (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 2

Kildare

70670R

Colaiste Lorcain Castledermot (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Kildare

70680U

St. Conleths Vocational School, Newbridge

Design Team to be appointed

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

70700A

Maynooth Post Primary School Moyglare Rd (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Kildare

70710D

St Patrick’s Community College (Kildare)

Application

New School

Band 2

Kildare

91371B

Leixlip Community School Celbridge Road (Kildare)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in north Kildare at primary level currently recorded with accommodation insufficient to the needs based on enrolments; his plans to address this issue in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4400/10]

The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.

The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in a total of 42 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The North Kildare area is included in these locations.

Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out an analysis of each of the identified priority locations to establish the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Following this analysis, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area including North Kildare.

In the interim, it is open to any school authority to apply for temporary accommodation to meet any needs they may have in the intervening period.

Third Level Institutions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the suggested changes in the structures affecting the national universities and other third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4401/10]

As the Deputy is aware, I have established a High Level Group to develop a new national strategy for higher education, which will examine how well Ireland's higher education system is performing, how it ranks internationally, how well existing resources are being used and how the system should be configured to best meet the many challenges it faces over the next decade having regard to the key role it has to play in contributing to Ireland's economic recovery. As part of this work the Group is examining the structure of the higher education system including the number and roles of institutions within it.

An open call for written submissions was issued during the summer that elicited over 100 contributions from a wide range of key stakeholders. These submissions were of relevance to a range of issues that are integral to the formulation of a strategy for the future design and configuration of the system. In addition to this first round of consultation, a series of discussion forums with academics, students, enterprise and 2nd level as well as bilateral meetings with other stakeholders, including the institutions have been held. The outcomes of these consultations and other ongoing discussions are feeding into the current deliberations of the Strategy Group who are expected to finalise their report after some further meetings.

The submissions are all available on the HEA website at www.hea.ie along with a report that outlines the views of all submissions according to themes and issues.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects approved by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010 on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4402/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the attached tabular statement.

Announcement 12th February 2009

Projects to Proceed to Tender and Construction

School

Project

Barefield Mixed NS, Barefield, Ennis, Co Clare

Extension/refurbishment of existing school to create 16-classroom school with general purpose room and ancillary accommodation

Midleton Convent NS, Midleton, Co Cork

New 16-classroom school

Star of the Sea NS, Passage West, Co Cork

New 16-classroom school

Finn Valley College, Main St, Stranorlar, Co Donegal

New school for 325 pupils

Gaelscoil an Duinninigh, Feltrim, Swords, Co Dublin

New 16-classroom school

Balbriggan Educate Together, Hamlet Lane, Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Co Dublin

New 16-classroom school

Scoil Ghráinne Community National School, Phibblestown, Dublin 15

New 24-classroom school, special needs facility and enhanced community facility

Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co Dublin.

Extension/refurbishment project for 1,000 pupils

Senior College, Dún Laoghaire, Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

Extension/refurbishment project for 850 pupils

Newpark Comprehensive School, Newtown Park Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin

New school for 800 pupils

Pobail Scoil Setanta, Phibblestown, Dublin 15

New school for 1,000 pupils with special needs unit and enhanced community facility

Donabate Community College, Donabate, Co Dublin

New school for 1,000 pupils and double special needs unit

Dublin 7 Educate Together, c/o St Joseph’s School for the Deaf, Navan Road, Dublin 7

New 16-classroom school and special needs accommodation

Ardgillan Community College, Castlelands, Balbriggan, Co Dublin

New first-phase post-primary school for 350 pupils initially and temporary accommodation for a proposed new start-up primary school

Inchicore National School, Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10

Extension/refurbishment project to create an eight-classroom school with ancillary accommodation

Scoil Náisiúnta Áine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan, Co Kildare

New 16-classroom school

Scoil Uí Fhiaich, Maynooth, Co Kildare

New 16-classroom school

Scoil Atha Í, Athy, Co Kildare

New eight-classroom school

Scoil Bhríde, Nurney, Co Kildare

New eight-classroom school

Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge, Co Kildare

New 16-classroom school

Scoil Bhríde, Naas Co Kildare

Major 8 classroom extension plus ancillary accommodation

Ballymahon Vocational School, Ballymahon, Co Longford

Refurbishment of existing school, for 200 pupils

Naomh Seosamh, Mell, Drogheda, Co Louth

New eight-classroom school

Le Chéile Educate Together, c/o The Grammar School, Mornington, Drogheda

New 16-classroom school

Drogheda Grammar School, Mornington Road, Drogheda, Co Louth

Major extension to expand school capacity from175 pupils to 350 pupils

St Mary’s Parish School, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co Louth

New 36-classroom school

Wilkinstown NS, Wilkinstown, Navan, Co Meath

Extension existing school to provide 2 extra classes, a General Purpose room plus other ancillary accommodation and refurbishment of existing accommodation

Scoil Eoin National School, Clonmagadden Valley,Windtown, Navan, Co Meath

New 16-classroom school

Coláiste na hInse, Laytown, Co Meath

New school for 1,000 pupils with a special needs unit

Holy Cross School, Ballycarnane, Tramore, Co Waterford

New 24-classroom school

Gaelscoil na Déise, Grace Dieu Road, Waterford

New 16-classroom school

Waterford Educate Together, Morrissions Avenue, Tycor, Waterford City

New 16-classroom school

Loch an Ghair National School, Loch an Ghair, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

New six-classroom school

Gorey Educate Together, Kilnahue Lane, Carnew Road, Gorey Co Wexford

8 classroom extension, a General Purpose room, including special needs unit and other ancillary accommodation

Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mart, Co Mayo

New 10-classroom school

Vocational College, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

Major extension to existing school and refurbishment of existing accommodation for 775 pupils

Coláiste Choilm, O’Moore Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly

New school for 575 pupils

Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock, Co Kildare

11-classroom extension, general purpose room, other ancillary accommodation and refurbishment of existing accommodation

Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa, Enfield, Co Meath

New 16-classroom school

Lacken National School, Lacken, Blessington, Co Wicklow

New three-classroom school

Ardscoil Rís, North Circular Road, Limerick

Major extension and refurbishment to for 700 pupils

Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co Roscommon

Extension and refurbishment for 400 pupils

St Patrick’s College, Cavan, Co Cavan

New school for 625 pupils

Announcement — 23 January 2009

Projects to Proceed to Tender and Construction

School

Project

Scoil Náisiúnta Tulach a Mhíle, Corlough, Co Cavan.

New three-classroom school and GP room.

Scoil Náisiúnta an Bráthair M. Ó Cléirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal.

Three-classroom extension, GP room, alterations, demolition work, refurbishment and associated works.

Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12.

Five-classroom extension, GP room, library and associated works.

Scoil Bríde C, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.

Two-classroom extension and major refurbishment to 14 classrooms. Temporary accommodation project in place to facilitate building work.

Marymount National School, The Rower, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny.

Extension of 667sq/m and alterations.

Convent of Mercy National School, Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois.

New eight-classroom generic repeat design school.

Kilfinane National School, Co Limerick.

New six-classroom school, GP hall and associated works.

Scoil Náisiúnta Cronáin Naofa, Dromakeenan, Co Offaly.

Three-classroom extension, GP room, refurbishment and associated works.

Scoil Náisiúnta Cor Na Fola, Co Roscommon.

Five-classroom extension, GP room, refurbishment and associated works.

Presentation College, Bray, Co Wicklow.

New three-storey school and PE hall for 600 pupils.

Announcement 29 September 2008

Projects to Proceed to Tender and Construction

Roll No.

School

Project

16237U

Dromtrasna Ns, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick

New five-classroom school, general purpose hall and associated works.

16646O

St Mary’s Convent N.S., Trim, Co Meath

Extension of nine classrooms, five special needs rooms, general purpose hall and alterations.

19333I

Dooish N.S., Ballybofey, Co Donegal

Three-classroom extension, autistic spectrum disorder unit, general purpose room, ancillary accommodation, alterations and refurbishment, and associated works.

20023A

Gaelscoil Chill Dara, Newbridge, Co Kildare (Joint Project With Newbridge ET)

Renovation and extension of the former dining room block to provide a five-classroom extension and ancillary accommodation. Renovation and extension of the former dormitory block to provide 16 classrooms and ancillary accommodation. General purpose hall. Associated works.

20177E

Newbridge Ed. Together N.S., Newbridge, Co Kildare] (Joint Project With Gs Chill Dara)

Renovation and extension of the former dining room block to provide a five-classroom extension and ancillary accommodation. Renovation and extension of the former dormitory block to provide 16 classrooms and ancillary accommodation. General purpose hall. Associated works.

70650L

Athy Community College, Co Kildare

New school, PE hall and autistic unit - 4,843m2 to cater for 400 students.

71950L

St Peter’s College, Dunboyne, Co Meath

Extension of 3431m2 for a school with 1,000 pupils.

00885T & 20200T

Ratoath Jnr And Snr N.Ss Ratoath, Co Meath

10-classroom extension and four-classroom extension and associated works. Two schools.

13350B

Scoil Bhríde N.S., Athgarvan, Co Kildare

Four-classroom extension, library, general purpose room, alterations and associated works.

15696B

Silvermines N.S., Silvermines, Co Tipperary

New three-classroom school, general purpose hall, ancillary accommodation and site decontamination works.

17662

Scoil Bhríde N.S., Kill, Co Kildare

New 32-classrooms school and associated ancillary accommodation and site works.

17964K

Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Rathfeigh, Co Meath

Extension, alteration and refurbishment of five-classroom school.

18028V

Corr A Chrainn N.S., Corr A Chrainn, Co Monaghan

Two-classroom extension, GP room and refurbishment.

18363M

Sn Muire Gan Smál, Green Lane, Co Carlow

Eight-classroom extension, autistic spectrum disorder unit, alterations, covered walkway and associated works.

18646B

Springdale N.S., Lough Derg Rd, Raheny, Dublin 5

New six-classroom school and new ball court and play area. Demolish existing building.

18654A

Caragh N.S., Naas, Co Kildare

15-classroom extension, general purpose hall and ancillary accommodation.

18786R

Scoil Iosagáin, Farranree, Co Cork

Two-classroom extension and general purpose room.

20196I

Ballybunion N.S., Ballybunion, Co Kerry

New eight-classroom Generic Repeat Design school. Amalgamation of St Joseph’s Primary and Ballybunion Boys NS.

62970K

Colaiste Iognáid S.J., Bothar Na Mara, Galway

Extension of 2,455m2 and refurbishment for a school for 600 students.

61710C

Meánscoil Iognaid Rís, Naas, Co Kildare

Extension of 3105m2 and associated works for a school for 1,000 students.

76060U

Davitt College, Castlebar, Co Mayo

Provision of a PE hall of 591m2 for school with 600 pupils.

3. The following 3 primary schools to progress up to and including application for planning permission and preparation of tender documents, with a view to the earliest possible date to site:

School

Project

18778S S.N. Naomh Mochta, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

16-classroom extension and ancillary accommodation.

20076V Bunscoil Bhóthar Na Naomh, Lismore, Co Waterford

Extension of seven classrooms and ancillary accommodation.

20106E Scoil Niocláis, Frankfield, Grange, Co Cork

16-classroom extension and associated works.

Announcement — 01 February 2008

Projects to Proceed to Tender and Construction

County

Roll No

New School

Clare

13418J

Ballyea Mixed NS, Sn Baile Aodha

Cork

15597W

Macroom BNS, Macroom,

Donegal

16642G

Clonmany Mixed NS

Donegal

20054L

Scoil Eoghan Moville

Dublin

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille, Cill Tiarnain

Dublin

20231H

St Benedicts Ongar National School , Littlepace

Kilkenny

19523N

Holy Spirit Special Sch, Gaol Road, Kilkenny

Laois

13643Q

Emo Mixed NS Portlaoise

Mayo

19387I / 19773N

St Dympnas and St Nicholas Special Schools

Meath

16655P

Scoil Naise Na Dearmhai Longwood

Meath

20216L

Scoil Oilibheir Naofa, Laytown

Westmeath

17089N

Cluain Maolain NS, Cluain Maolain, An Uaimh

Wicklow

13597M & 18408I

(1) St. Andrew’s N.S., & (2) Newcourt Special School, Newcourt Rd, Bray

Louth

19598V

Muire Na nGael NS, Bay Estate, Dundalk

Westmeath

16838A

Baile Ui Gheibhinn NS, Gainstown

Dublin

76097U

Adamstown Community College

Laois

91550B

Mountrath Community School, Mountrath, Co. Laois

Mayo

72050U

St Brendan’s College Belmullet

Primary Schools in rapidly developing areas

School

Project

Fingal

Skerries — Kelly’s Bay

New 8 Classroom School

Swords — Applewood

New 8 Classroom School

Balbriggan — Castlelands

2 New Schools — an 8 classroom & a 16 classroom

Phoenix Park

New Community Primary School — VEC, 8 classroom

Diswellstown — Porterstown

Relocation of Scoil Choilm — 16 classroom school

Lusk

Relocation of Rush/Lusk ET — 16 Classroom school

Tyrellstown

New 8 Classroom School

Phibblestown

New Community Primary School — VEC, 8 classroom school

Dublin City

Belmayne

New School — two 8 classroom schools

South Dublin

Lucan — Clonburris

New 8 classroom School

Louth

Drogheda — Aston Gate

New 8 Classroom School

Meath

Kilcock

New 6 classroom School

Westmeath

Kinnegad

New 8 classroom School

Mullingar

New 16 classroom School

Offaly

Tullamore

New 8 classroom School

Kildare

Naas

New 8 classroom School

Maynooth

New 8 classroom School

Celbridge

Relocation — two 8 classroom schools

Athy

Relocation — one 8 classroom school

Laois

Portlaoise

New 8 classroom School

Cork

Rochestown

New 8 classroom School

Wicklow

Greystones

2 New 8 classroom Schools

Carlow

Carlow town

New 8 classroom School

Wexford

Gorey

2 New 8 classroom Schools

Enniscorthy

New 8 classroom School

Announcement 30 January, 2007

Projects to Proceed to Tender and Construction

County

Roll Number

Name and Address of School

Project

Cavan

61060M

St Patrick’s College, Cavan, Co. Cavan

Extension

Cork

62690E

Scoil Mhuire, 2 Sydney Place, Wellington Road, Cork

Extension

Donegal

71240U

Stranorlar V.S., Co Donegal

New School

Dublin

60010P

Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co Dublin

Extension

Dublin

60263V

St Josephs College, Lucan, Co Dublin

Refurbishment

Dublin

60860Q

Our Lady’s School, Templeogue Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W

Extension

Dublin

76097U

Adamstown Community College, Adamstown, Co Dublin

New School

Dublin

81001I

Newpark Comprehensive School, Newtown Park Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin

New School

Kerry

61440W

C.B.S. Secondary School, The Green, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Extension

Kildare

61710C

Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas, Co Kildare

Extension

Kilkenny

61580P

Loreto Secondary School, Granges Road, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny

Extension

Limerick

64201T

Ardscoil Ris, North Circular Rd, Limerick

Extension

Longford

71690F

Ballymahon Vocational School, Ballymahon, Co Longford

Refurbishment

Meath

71950F

St. Peters College, Dunboyne, Co. Meath

Extension

Offaly

65610S

Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Extension

Roscommon

65100S

Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, Co Roscommon

Extension

Sligo

65170Q

Summerhill College, Sligo

New School

Tipperary

65340P

Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Refurbishment

Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School, Waterford

New School

Wexford

63650U

St Peter’s College Secondary School, Summerhill, Wexford

Extension

Wexford

63660A

Loreto Secondary School, Spawell Road, Wexford

Extension

Wexford

71630K

Vocational College, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

Extension

Bullying in Schools.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of incidences of school bullying his Department became aware of or was brought to his attention by local school authorities in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the degree to which he has offered or proposes to assist in combating the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4403/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which he or his Department monitors school bullying; if the responsibility is entirely at local level; the extent to which he provides support towards addressing this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4404/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.

There is no requirement for local school authorities to report incidents or allegations of bullying to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case. Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address allegations of bullying.

My Department does, however, receive a number of complaints and queries from parents regarding matters such as bullying, involving schools. It important to highlight that in many instances, parents may be seeking guidance from the Department on how to resolve an issue or an alleged incident within a school.

In 2009 a total of 438 telephone or written complaints/queries were received from parents regarding bullying in schools.

It should be noted that as the term bullying can be difficult to define prescriptively, complaints/queries logged under the category of bullying are done so based on the terminology used by the parent, as opposed to any judgement applied by staff as to the nature of the complaint.

As details of complaints for the years 2008 and 2007 were not recorded by individual topic and nature of complaint, accurate statistical data on the number of complaints or queries received from parents in relation to bullying is not available for these years.

Under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed, on behalf of the school Patron or Trustees, by school Boards of Management who employ the teachers at the school. Whereas as I, as Minister for Education and Science provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I, as Minister, or my Department have the power to instruct schools to follow a particular course or direction with regards to individual complaint cases. Accordingly, in dealing with complaints the Department's role is to provide advice to parents and students on the operation of schools' complaints procedures and to clarify for parents and pupils how grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed.

I am, however, anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that a number supports have been put in place in recent years to assist schools in dealing with this important issue.

The Board of Management of each school is required to prepare a code of behaviour in accordance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. To assist schools in formulating such a code, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has developed guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour.

My Department further requires each school to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school code of behaviour and discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.

My Department has also issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.

My Department has additionally published policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying on its website of as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies.

The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which he expects to meet the requirements of children with autism throughout he country in 2010 with particular reference to making the necessary provision regarding facilities and extra teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4405/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the special need requirements in respect of each category throughout the country; the degree to which it is intended to address this issue in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4406/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of appropriate educational intervention and supports for children with special educational needs continues to be a key Government priority.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that pupils in each disability category can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post-primary school network. There has been unprecedented investment in providing supports for pupils with special needs in recent years. There are now about 19,000 adults in our schools working solely with pupils with special needs. This includes over 10,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) — compared with just 300 in 1997. There are over 8,000 resource and learning support teachers in our schools compared with just 2,000 in 1998. Over 1,000 other teachers support pupils in our special schools.

As well as this significant increase in the numbers of additional teachers and SNAs directly providing appropriate education and care supports for children with special educational needs, much investment has taken place in the provision of teacher training, transport, specialist school accommodation, home tuition, assistive technology and equipment.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Renewed Programme for Government commits to the expansion in the number of psychologists employed directly by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). This will allow for the assignment of a NEPS psychologist to every primary and post-primary school in the country and for the deepening of support therein with particular emphasis on special needs units, classes and special schools.

In relation to autism-specific provision, the Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 380 classes have now been approved at primary and post primary level.

An initiative in November 2006 expanded the level of administrative support available to large schools and schools with high numbers of special classes or a specialist autism unit. The measures included the allocation of additional teachers to allow Deputy Principals in mainstream schools that, in addition to their ordinary mainstream class teachers, also have five or more special classes for children with the more complex, low incidence, special needs, to operate as Administrative Deputy Principals. Where a school has a Principal and four or five mainstream class teachers and also has a specialist autism unit established under approval of NCSE, the Principal will be appointed on an administrative basis.

My Department will invest further in continuing professional development for teachers of students with special educational needs in 2010 through the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The service consolidates, co-ordinates, develops and delivers a range of professional development initiatives and support structures for school personnel working with students with special educational needs.

This service provided training to over 23,000 teachers in 2009. Specifically in relation to autism-specific training, my Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including Treatment and Education of Autistic Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through the SESS.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating special needs resources to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and SNAs will continue to be deployed to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.

I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. I intend to build on the progress that has been achieved in recent years which has seen a huge increase in resources for special needs.

Psychological Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is intended to address the issue of psychological assessment and speech and language requirements in 2010 in all schools in County Kildare having particular regard to the needs as set down by the various school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4407/10]

The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), where schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

Service to County Kildare is provided by staff in the NEPS Naas office and I can inform the Deputy that over 96% of the counties' schools have a NEPS psychologist assigned in the current academic year.

In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

The deputy will be aware that the provision of speech and language services is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant Health Authority region.

In relation to the further development of the NEPS service the Deputy will also be aware of the commitment within the Renewed Programme for Government to an overall expansion of NEPS psychologist numbers to 210, currently NEPS staffing numbers stand at 154.

I can inform the Deputy that my Department and the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is currently actively engaging with seven prospective recruits to NEPS, from an existing recruitment panel, for assignment in the immediate future (two in early February).

Discussions are ongoing with the PAS in relation to the setting in place of a new recruitment competition to establish a new panel from which the remaining vacancies may be filled. It is envisaged that this new competition will be announced shortly. When formed, recruitment to the service from this new panel will proceed as quickly as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is intended to address the issue of psychological assessment and speech and language requirements in 2010 in all schools throughout the country having particular regard to the needs as set down by the various school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4408/10]

The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), where schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

Service is provided by staff in 22 offices nationally and I can inform the Deputy that over 76% of the primary and post-primary schools have a NEPS psychologist assigned in the current academic year.

In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

The deputy will be aware that the provision of speech and language services is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant Health Authority region.

In relation to the further development of the NEPS service the Deputy will also be aware of the commitment within the Renewed Programme for Government to an overall expansion of NEPS psychologist numbers to 210, currently NEPS staffing numbers stand at 154.

I can inform the Deputy that my Department and the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is currently actively engaging with seven prospective recruits to NEPS, from an existing recruitment panel, for assignment in the immediate future (two in early February).

Discussions are ongoing with the PAS in relation to the setting in place of a new recruitment competition to establish a new panel from which the remaining vacancies may be filled. It is envisaged that this new competition will be announced shortly. When formed, recruitment to the service from this new panel will proceed as quickly as possible.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in County Kildare which have a pupil-teacher ratio above the national average; the schools with a pupil-teacher ratio below the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4409/10]

Pupil Teacher Ratio in respect of all primary schools is currently only available at national level and not disaggregated by county or any other variable. Information in relation to pupil teacher ratio is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The data for the current school year (2009/2010) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

Higher Education Grants.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

199 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the income support or other supports available to full-time students in their late twenties with no income in year three of a four year undergraduate course, where this is their second degree, who has to take up a six month unpaid full-time work placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4524/10]

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 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.

Support may be available through the Student Assistance Fund which is designed to assist students who, having commenced a third-level course, experience financial hardship that may render them unable to continue their third-level studies. Information on the Fund is available from the Access Officer at the candidate's College.

In addition, Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states. Further details on claiming this relief are available from the candidate's local tax offices or on Revenue's website at http://www.revenue.ie.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

200 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of days taken off for trade union leave in his Department by civil servants in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4651/10]

Special leave with pay is granted where appropriate to non-full-time representatives of staff associations/unions in accordance with the terms of the Department of Finance circular 14/1980 — Facilities for the non full-time representatives of staff associations (copy attached for the Deputy's information) which emanated from a recommendation of General Council (Report 855).

Records of the number of days taken under the terms of this circular are not compiled by my Department in the format sought by the Deputy. However, I can assure him that such leave granted, is in accordance with the terms of the aforementioned circular.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

201 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the value of the union subscriptions collected from the payroll by his Department from civil servants in any given year; the breakdown of such by the union or staff association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4662/10]

The overall value of union subscriptions collected from the payroll of my department for civil servants in the year January to December 2009 was €483,628.18. The attached table sets out the breakdown of this amount by union/staff association.

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