Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Mar 2010

Vol. 706 No. 1

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 11 to 65, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 66 to 73, inclusive, answered orally.

Tourism Industry.

Seán Barrett

Question:

74 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the preclearance facility at Shannon Airport has had an impact on the number of tourists visiting the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13921/10]

The Central Statistics Office provides monthly reports on the number of overseas visitors coming to Ireland, including the country of origin, but this data is not broken down according to tourism regions.

In any event, the new pre-clearance facility in Shannon is only operational since August 2009 and it would be too soon to estimate its impact on tourism numbers, in advance of its first full year of operation.

With regard to the pre-clearance facility, as an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are vital for our Tourism industry and it is important, in the current challenging global climate, to help sustain strategically important capacity, routes and services.

In that context, the new pre-clearance facility at Shannon will present an opportunity to help sustain existing air services and will also, in due course, help create opportunities for new routes and services. However, as the facility is primarily of benefit in terms of passengers leaving Ireland for the US, including transit passengers, it is not directly of benefit to all tourists.

Nonetheless, I am advised that Tourism Ireland is committed to promoting the pre-clearance facility as part of its overall destination marketing campaigns and cooperative marketing activity with carriers. In addition, Shannon Development, as the regional tourism development body, is working with the national tourism agencies and Shannon Airport Authority on a number of new initiatives to specifically promote the facility.

These include a new website jointly funded by Shannon Development, Shannon Airport Authority, IHF and local trade to sell the advantages of the pre-clearance facility for Airlines, Charters, Passengers and Private Jet users, and a joint programme to identify and follow up with new potential aviation and tourism targets, including charter companies and tour operators, who would benefit from the new facility at Shannon International Airport.

In terms of tourism marketing generally, €44.25m is being provided this year for the Tourism Marketing Fund. This will allow Tourism Ireland to continue to promote the mid west vigorously and extensively through its ongoing global marketing activity and through specific, additional campaigns undertaken for the western regions in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in Great Britain.

In 2010, Fáilte Ireland, will partner with businesses in the Mid West and Shannon region to help them grow their turnover, cut their costs, better manage cashflow and restructure their debt burden through a range of practical business supports. Furthermore, a new home holiday campaign, overseas regional marketing in key markets, capital investment in tourism projects, business tourism promotion, festivals and events supports — will benefit tourism in general including the industry in the Shannon region. Finally, the Department's direct funding to Shannon Development has been maintained at its 2009 level.

Departmental Functions.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

75 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the responsibilities that have been assigned to her Department following the recent reconfiguration of portfolios; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13999/10]

No additional responsibilities have been assigned to my Department following the recent re-configuration of portfolios but, responsibility for the horse and greyhound industries has been transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The Government envisages a very important role for the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, not only in the vital areas of tourism promotion and performance but in reaching the full potential of our strong reputation in the areas of art and culture. The three sectoral areas for which I have responsibility, Tourism, Culture and Sport, play a major role in terms of their contribution to employment and have significant potential to contribute to our economic recovery.

In particular, our Arts and Culture, which are part of what makes us unique, are associated globally with creativity and imagination. These important assets underpin and reinforce the branding of Ireland and serve to drive the dynamic growth area of cultural tourism. As I have said in this House when I was appointed Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, "Our culture is the rose on the table" and I look forward to continuing to ensure that our culture continues to be celebrated, promoted and developed.

A great deal of emphasis is placed on sport in this country and it is certainly true that we punch above our weight internationally in many areas of sport. At national and at local level, much has been achieved so far in terms of facility provision and the development of communities and clubs with major potential for people to participate in sport. I propose to continue this trend and to set increased participation in sport, which can impact positively on people and their wellbeing, as one of my key objectives.

Turning to Tourism, the economic aspects of this sector are very significant. Some 200,000 people are employed in the sector which generates almost €4b in foreign revenue earnings and a total of €1.2b in tax receipts. While there are challenges in developing this sector further in the current economic climate, I strongly believe that there is significant potential for growth in tourism particularly by building on the synergies that exist already between the three sectors for which my Department has responsibility.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

76 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she plans to support the local authority swimming pool programme [13844/10]

The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, operated by the Department, provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8m to local authorities towards the capital cost of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost.

Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the proposal must be considered, supported and submitted by the local authority. Before supporting such a project, the local authority would have to be satisfied that the proposal is viable, that the balance of funding required to complete the project is available and that the project when completed would have a suitable level of public access.

Proposals must comply with the standards set out in the Department's "Procedures for the Planning, Approval and Financing of Swimming Pools and Technical Guidelines". Under the Guidelines, there are four principal stages in a swimming pool project: Preliminary Report (including Feasibility Study); Contract Documents; Tender and finally Construction. Local authorities may not proceed to the next stage of a project until prior approval issues from the Department. The Department's technical advisors, the Office of Public Works (OPW), evaluates each stage. Grant-aid is allocated only when tenders have been approved for the project and the amount is capped at the time of allocation.

Under the current programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country and twelve other projects are at various stages of the Programme. Of the 45 pools completed and opened under the current round, 14 are new pools, 21 are replacement pools and 10 are refurbishments. The 12 remaining pools at various stages in the process consist of 4 new pools, 4 replacements pools and 4 refurbishments.

The total expenditure of €142.7m under the Programme from 2000 to the end of 2009 leveraged a total investment of some €400m in swimming pools throughout the country.

The allocation of €7.5m in 2010 will be sufficient to meet commitments arising in 2010 under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 73.

Film Industry Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

78 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way she plans to capitalise on the recent success the animation industry here, with several films nominated for Oscars recently; her views on whether the animation industry is getting adequate supports from the Government and the Irish Film Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14009/10]

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Richard Baneham in winning the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for his work on "Avatar". Congratulations should also go to the other four Irish nominations for Academy Awards that unluckily did not capture an Oscar on this occasion. These were wonderful achievements, against the might of the large studios, and it is something in which all of the Irish audiovisual industry can take great pride.

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board (IFB). This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations. It is worth pointing out that three of the recent nominations for Academy Awards were for projects that were funded by the Irish Film Board.

My Department's primary operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 that provides tax relief for investments in qualifying films. A qualifying film is a film for which the Revenue Commissioners have issued a certificate under Section 481. The types of film eligible for certification are feature film, television drama, creative documentary and animation. In 2009 there were 9 animation projects supported under Section 481 with a total Irish budget of €17.7m.

An Audiovisual Content Production Industry Strategy Framework Group was established last year that will assist in providing a clear vision for the future of the industry and response to market changes. The whole area of development of the Irish audiovisual industry (including animation) will be examined as an important part of the work programme of the Group. Following the receipt of the Framework Report, which I expect to be completed soon, I will examine the recommendations in the Report to ensure that the Irish audiovisual industry has the required supports and opportunities to develop to its full potential.

I would also like to add my best wishes to the announcement earlier this week that "Camelot", a new 10 part drama series will commence filming in Ireland in the summer. This is most welcome news and will, I am sure, build on the success of "The Tudors" that has filmed here over the last few years. It is once again testament to the excellent talent which is available in Ireland, both in front and behind the camera, that a major international series like this has been attracted to these shores.

Public Service Reform.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

79 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she will be submitting proposals in respect of public service transformation in respect of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13948/10]

I fully support the Government's commitment to achieving its vision and strategy in relation to the transformation of public services and I welcome the assignment of special responsibility in this regard to Minister of State Calleary. I can assure the Deputy that I and my Departmental officials will continue to engage actively to transform and modernise the public service.

While many of the initiatives being progressed are of a cross-Departmental nature, I will be examining, with my officials, including in the context of the preparation of the new Statement of Strategy which I am required to have produced within 6 months of my appointment as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, the scope for my Department to further enhance such initiatives, as appropriate, in order to achieve greater flexibility and improved efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

I am happy to say that the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was one of the first Departments to outsource its financial function, including payroll, to the Financial Shared Services Division of the Department of Justice and Law reform which is based in Killarney.

Public Service Contracts.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

80 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she will confirm reports that an under bidder in a contract (details supplied) was granted a compensation payment; her views on whether this is a correct spending of sporting moneys; if she has requested that the Comptroller and Auditor General investigate this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14007/10]

In 2002, an unsuccessful bidder in the competition to construct and operate the National Aquatic Centre took a legal action against the former CSID (that is, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd.), the Minister for Tourism, Sport & Recreation, Ireland and the Attorney General. Following lengthy Court proceedings, a settlement was finally reached between all parties in November last.

It is primarily a matter for the Comptroller and Auditor General to prioritise or direct its activities as it sees fit. However, it should be noted that the Attorney General's report into the awarding of the contract was published in 2002 and considered by the Public Accounts Committee. There were 18 hours of hearings before the PAC over approximately four days at end March/ beginning April 2002. The Committee did not make any findings or recommendations.

Sports Funding.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

81 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the breakdown of the funding from the sports capital programme since its inception per county and per head of population; when she plans to reopen this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14014/10]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

While no decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme, €48 million has been provided in my Department's Vote in the 2010 Estimates to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities in respect of previously awarded grants.

County

Total (98-08)

Population (2006)

Funding per capita

Carlow

5,628,896

50,349

111.80

Cavan

8,150,261

64,003

127.34

Clare

13,386,457

110,950

120.65

Cork

64,147,310

481,295

133.28

Donegal

29,623,895

147,264

201.16

Dublin

162,845,684

1,187,176

137.17

Galway

32,833,015

231,670

141.72

Kerry

28,648,644

139,835

204.87

Kildare

28,538,188

186,335

153.16

Kilkenny

10,856,663

87,558

123.99

Laois

9,167,265

67,059

136.70

Leitrim

5,559,298

28,950

192.03

Limerick

31,980,953

184,055

173.76

Longford

6,513,941

34,391

189.41

Louth

15,530,635

111,267

139.58

Mayo

16,574,768

123,839

133.84

Meath

17,923,121

162,831

110.07

Monaghan

9,597,311

55,997

171.39

Offaly

11,890,314

70,868

167.78

Roscommon

9,348,833

58,768

159.08

Sligo

11,668,487

60,894

191.62

Tipperary

23,224,526

149,244

155.61

Waterford

20,241,188

107,961

187.49

Westmeath

13,880,491

79,346

174.94

Wexford

16,522,845

131,749

125.41

Wicklow

13,972,012

126,194

110.72

Total*

618,255,001

4,239,848

*This figure does not include funding towards the redevelopment of Croke Park which during the same period received over 107m.

For convenience the per capita funding is based on population figures from the 2006 census. Accordingly, some counties that have experienced significant population growth in the last ten years show a lower per capita funding than would have been the case based on the population statistics used in the assessments of each round of the Sports Capital Programme.

Cultural Ambassador.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

82 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the duties and responsibilities of the recently appointed cultural ambassador to the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14010/10]

Billy Timmins

Question:

87 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role an ambassador (details supplied) will play in the USA; the remit of his position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13241/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 87 together.

In order to enhance the cultural promotion of Ireland abroad, the Government decided to create the honorary position of Cultural Ambassador. This decision recognises the worldwide importance of Ireland's culture and its connection to our economy, which was one of the major conclusions of the Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh.

The appointment of Gabriel Byrne as Ireland's first Cultural Ambassador was recently announced by the Taoiseach. Gabriel Byrne is an internationally renowned, award-winning actor and is already well established as one of Ireland's great ambassadors through his work in film and theatre, as well as his endeavours behind the scenes in supporting and promoting Irish artists.

It is envisaged that the appointee, drawing on his experience and network of contacts, will help the Irish Government primarily through the offices of my Department to further develop our overall vision and policies for the promotion of Irish arts, culture and the creative industries internationally, and in particular in the United States. As this is a new position, it is envisaged that the precise extent of the responsibilities involved will evolve in practice and over time and must allow for the fact that Gabriel Byrne has extensive other career commitments.

Mr Byrne has already played a key role in helping to develop the concept for the special season of Irish arts in the US in 2011 being organised by Culture Ireland, and as Cultural Ambassador he will be advising Culture Ireland and Ireland's Embassy and Consulates in the US on the creation of a dynamic programme of art, ideas, debate and reflection which will help to foster a renewed, forward-looking cultural relationship between Ireland and America.

Sports Tourism Promotion.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

83 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her strategy to attract high profile international events, particularly sports events to the country, similar to the Volvo Ocean Race, which will return to Ireland in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14011/10]

The International Sports Tourism Initiative, which is administered by Fáilte Ireland, was set up in 2000 to support the attraction to Ireland of major international sporting events, with tourism potential. Since 2000 more than 160 events have been supported by this initiative representing an investment of over €50m. The events targeted have the ability to generate significant numbers of international visitors to Ireland and/or extensive international media coverage.

Key events supported in the past have been the Tour de France (1998), the Special Olympics (2003), the Ryder Cup (2006), two rounds of the World Rally Championships (2007 and 2009), the Volvo Ocean Race (2009) as well as annual sponsorship of the Irish and the European Golf Open Tournaments for over ten years. The Solheim Cup which is scheduled to take place in Killeen Castle, Co. Meath in 2011 is also being supported under the initiative.

All proposals under the International Sports Tourism initiative are subject to an assessment by Fáilte Ireland of the costs/benefits involved in the provision of State financial support and the impact in terms of international media coverage and/or incremental international visitors.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government provided €8m towards the 2009 Volvo Ocean Race Galway stopover. The stopover and its associated festival events, proved very popular and successful with significant economic impact. The Government recently committed €4 million in support of Irish promoters, Let's Do it Global's bid for Galway to host a port stopover in the forthcoming 2011 — 2012 Volvo Ocean Race. That bid was successful and Galway will in fact host the finale of the 2011-2012 event.

The Galway stopover is a hugely important win for Ireland. It is estimated that 87,000 people visited the Galway region during last year's stopover and that it had a massive €56 million economic impact on Galway and the West of Ireland. Hosting the race enabled us to showcase Galway and the West of Ireland to a television audience of some 1. 3 billion people around the world — an incredible marketing opportunity. The 2011 — 2012 race could well exceed this performance because this time, Galway is the finishing port and the final prize-giving will be held there.

Tourism Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

84 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her views for the recovery, development and growth of the tourism sector; the extent to which the Irish tourism market can become competitive within the EU and elsewhere; her views on incentives to encourage employment in this sector; if she has identified particular issues currently affecting the development of the industry; if she plans to address issues with a view to extending the tourist season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13998/10]

David Stanton

Question:

90 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the actions that have been taken to date in implementing the framework for action to allow survival recovery and growth of our tourism industry as laid out in the report of tourism renewal group since its publication in October 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14018/10]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

91 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to reverse the recent downturn in tourism [13841/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to support and develop the tourism sector on a national basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14244/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 90, 91 and 160 together.

Full-year figures from the Central Statistics Office show a reduction of 11.6% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland in 2009 compared with 2008. These figures must be seen in the context of a decline in tourist numbers internationally. Tourism worldwide in 2009 was deeply affected by the global economic difficulties and loss of consumer confidence, with Ireland particularly hit by exchange rate challenges. Outbound trips from Great Britain were particularly affected, with the Euro/Sterling exchange rate making it extremely challenging to attract visitors to Ireland and indeed Eurozone destinations generally.

There is little doubt that 2010 will also be a challenging year for tourism. Nevertheless it is important to remember that, despite the downturn, millions of people across the world will still take holidays this year. I know that the industry and the tourism agencies are fighting hard for every bit of this business. Tourism Ireland has set an ambitious growth target of 3% for overseas visitor numbers and revenues this year, despite international experts predicting a 2% contraction. Early indications for the peak tourism season are good, with a number of operators reporting positive trends in bookings and enquiries.

To assist the tourism sector, an extensive range of marketing, product development, festival and sporting events, training and business supports are being put in place by the Tourism State Agencies under the Tourism Services budget of the Department, which was increased to over €153 million for 2010. This increased allocation of public resources in the current difficult budgetary situation is clear recognition by Government of the important role that the tourism and hospitality sector can play in Ireland's economic recovery. The provision of €44.25 million for this year's Tourism Marketing Fund will ensure that the level and value of investment in overseas marketing of Ireland can be maintained in real terms, as recommended by the Tourism Renewal Group. The Government is also investing for the future of Irish tourism through the trebling of tourism capital funding in 2010. Indeed on Friday, I announced an allocation of almost €9 million by Fáilte Ireland in the Viking Triangle project in Waterford.

Tourism Ireland will be focusing on those major markets that are likely to deliver immediate returns this year including Great Britain, Germany and the US, as research has shown these markets as our best prospects. Several euro zone economies are beginning to come out of recession and these, of course, are also important source markets for Irish tourism. €26 million is being invested by Tourism Ireland in a marketing drive in the first half of the year. This included the recent promotional programme of activities — our biggest ever — to showcase Ireland during the St. Patrick's Day period, including the "greening" of iconic buildings and attractions around the world (including the London Eye, the Empire State Building in New York, the CN Tower in Toronto and the Sydney Opera House).

On the domestic front, Fáilte Ireland has committed to its largest ever home holiday marketing programme, as a central plank in its strategy to increase the home market share of the overall Irish leisure break market. With specific regard to Business Tourism, the opening of the National Convention Centre in Dublin in September will further enhance our capacity to attract international events.

Fáilte Ireland is also working closely with tourism businesses all over Ireland. In particular, during 2009 they refocused their programmes to meet the enterprise support needs of businesses in the tourism sector in the current climate. In 2010 Fáilte Ireland will be investing almost €11 million in the form of direct supports and advice for tourism enterprises. The industry is responding well to the initiatives and the take up on the programmes is very positive.

In terms of our ability to compete in the international arena in the future, maintaining and enhancing competitiveness is a major issue for Irish tourism as it is for the economy as a whole. In addressing that issue, it is important to bear in mind that competitiveness is about more than price and costs. The tourism agencies continue to monitor Ireland's competitiveness as a tourism destination and I am encouraging them to assist the industry in responding to changing conditions as appropriate. In 2010, great value, distinctive holiday offers are a key focus of the marketing campaigns of both tourism agencies.

Of course, while I know that our businesses and tourism agencies are responding positively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. In this regard, the wide-ranging set of measures recommended in the Tourism Renewal Group's Framework for Action now forms the strategic basis on which Government is responding to the current difficulties. As I have already outlined in my reply to an earlier Priority Question, good progress is being made on implementing the Renewal Group recommendations.

Tourism is also a key element of the Government's wider strategy for economic renewal and, building on the recommendations of the Renewal Group, the sector was included in a range of beneficial cross-cutting measures and initiatives — including the Employment Subsidy Scheme, the Work Placement Programme and the Credit Review System.

To conclude, I am fully aware of the many issues affecting the tourist industry. However, I believe that, drawing on the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group and complemented by general supports for enterprise, my Department is identifying the right measures and is working with other Government Departments and the tourism agencies to drive their delivery, in order to position the tourism sector for recovery and growth as the Irish and global economies get back on track.

Departmental Correspondence.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

85 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she has received representations with regard to royalty rights for actors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13934/10]

I have not received any representations regarding royalty rights for actors. If the Deputy can arrange for the relevant documentation to be sent to my office I will arrange for it to be examined.

Visa Applications.

John O'Mahony

Question:

86 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she plans to discuss the difficulties relating to visa requirements for tourists with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13990/10]

Although not every foreign visitor to Ireland requires a visa to travel here, those from many of the countries identified as "New and Developing Markets" do typically require visas to enter Ireland. Tourism Ireland's review of New and Developing Markets (including India, China and 17 other markets), which was completed in late 2007, found that visitors from these markets stay twice as long as the average holidaymaker, have the highest spend per visit, have a higher propensity to travel throughout the island of Ireland and make significant economic contributions to many elements of the tourism sector. The review also highlighted the potential for increased tourism from Asia and the Middle East and set significant targets — to attract a total of 475,000 visitors from New and Developing Markets by 2013. While these targets were set in a very different global economic context, they highlight the long-term potential of these markets.

To fully exploit the opportunities presented, Ireland needs to be competitive on all fronts. I am advised that the ability of potential visitors to secure the necessary visas in an efficient and cost-effective manner, when compared with our competitor destinations, is an important element of our competitiveness. In that context, the relevant Recovery Actions recommended by the Tourism Renewal Group in its Framework for Action put forward a number of options to explore, having regard to the complexity of immigration policy and administration.

As the Deputy will be aware, immigration policy is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Law Reform and its implementation is a matter for the relevant authorities, including the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. My Department has engaged with the Department of Justice and Law Reform in relation to these and related issues on an ongoing basis, most recently while following up on the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group.

I have also written directly to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD, on the matter. In addition, An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD recently adverted to the issue in his recent address to the Irish Hotels Federation, noting that it had arisen at the Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh. An Taoiseach acknowledged the competitive disadvantage that our non-participation in Schengen visa arrangements presents, and said he had asked the Department of Justice to look for practical solutions to deal with it.

The Deputy will appreciate that migration and border controls are complex and sensitive, affecting not only tourism of various kinds but also labour market policies and inward investment, within the overall context of sovereignty. However, I am confident that, working in partnership, the immigration authorities and the tourism bodies can ensure that the visitor experiences of Ireland compare well with any of our competitors.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 82.

National Concert Hall.

Joan Burton

Question:

88 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she plans to proceed with the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall at Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2; the position regarding this project; the estimated cost; the way she plans to fund this project; her views on whether this project is necessary in view of the fact that the Grand Canal Theatre is opening in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14012/10]

I would like to confirm my Department's support for the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall. The procurement stage of the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall is currently progressing. In accordance with the Government Decision, the project is being tendered on a design, build, finance and maintain PPP project basis. Two participating consortia submitted tenders on 25 September 2009 and these tenders are currently being assessed under the PPP Guidelines set out by the Department of Finance. Once these evaluations have been finalised a more definite timeline for the project can be established. As this is a PPP process costs are determined at the time of contract conclusion.

While I welcome the opening of the Grand Canal Theatre, which I believe adds significantly to the cultural infrastructure in our capital, it cannot be considered a replacement or substitute for a National Concert Hall. An evaluation of the economic benefits of the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall was carried out in 2006 and my Department and the Department of Finance were satisfied with the outcome of this evaluation. I have no doubt that the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall will make a very substantial contribution to the arts and will provide considerable benefits to the economy.

Tourism Development.

David Stanton

Question:

89 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role of the tourism development policy unit in regard to regional tourism structures and enterprise development in the tourism sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14017/10]

The role of the Tourism Division in my Department is set out in the Statement of Strategy of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, accessible on the Department's website www.arts-sport-tourism-gov.ie. The website also sets out in detail the functions and key responsibilities of the Tourism Development Policy Unit.

The high-level goal of the Tourism Division as set out in the Statement of Strategy is to support the growth of a competitive and sustainable tourism industry, enhancing its contribution to national economic and social goals, through the development, implementation and influencing of a range of policy actions and programmes by the Department, its Agencies and other Government Departments, in consultation with industry partners.

Individual actions and measures relating to tourism promotion or development at a regional level and individual actions and measures in relation to enterprise development are day-to-day functions of Fáilte Ireland, as set out in Section 8 of the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, with the exception of the Shannon region where Shannon Development is the primary regional tourism agency. This includes the management and development of the agencies' regional offices and support structures.

The role of the Tourism Development Policy Unit in relation to these matters is to ensure that the appropriate policies, institutional and legislative structures and resources are in place to support regional tourism and enterprise development.

Questions Nos. 90 and 91 answered with Question No. 84.

Sports Capital Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

92 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there will be a sports capital programme in 2010; and if so when same will be announced. [13842/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

94 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, her plans to assist the repair of sporting facilities damaged during recent weather conditions [13843/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 94 together.

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

While no decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme, €48 million has been provided in Subhead C1 of my Department's Vote for 2010 to cover payments to be made for sports and recreation facilities which were awarded grants in earlier rounds of the programme.

It is a condition of the Sports Capital Programme that any facilities developed with assistance from the programme must be insured against fire and other insurable risks.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

93 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, when she plans to publish the national sports facility strategy; if there is an implementation plan in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14016/10]

I expect to receive the revised National Sports Facilities Strategy 2010-2015 shortly for my consideration.

Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 92.

Census of Population.

Seán Barrett

Question:

95 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Taoiseach the numbers of Oireachtas Members and Members of the European Parliament from whom representations were received regarding the inclusion of a question on autism in the 2011 census; if any representations were received from other Government Departments, joint Oireachtas committees, or non-governmental organisations; the numbers of such representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/10]

A total of 23 representations have been received by my office regarding the inclusion of a question on Autism in the 2011 Census. 2 were from Government Ministers, 16 were from other TDs, 1 from a Senator, 1 from an Oireachtas Committee, 1 from a Non Governmental Organisation, 1 from a member of the European Parliament and 1 from a private individual.

Furthermore, The Central Statistics Office have also received 2 representations directly, 1 from a Non Governmental Organisation and 1 from a private individual.

Work Permits.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

96 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employment permits that are currently held by domestic workers employed in private homes here, such as housekeepers, child minders or carers of an elderly person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14030/10]

I recently met with the Migrant Rights Council of Ireland and discussed the issue of the welfare of domestic workers employed in private homes with them. I intend to continue to monitor the situation regarding these workers. The information sought by the Deputy requires research to be carried out by personnel engaged in industrial action. The information will be provided as soon as possible after the cessation of this action.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

97 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of the rebranding that will be required as a result of the decision to change the name of his Department, including the cost of redesigning and reprinting stationary and other printed material, website design and changes in signage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14127/10]

The Department is not in a position at this juncture to provide an estimate on the costs which will be associated with changing the name of my Department from Enterprise Trade and Employment to Enterprise Trade and Innovation. Costs, which are expected to be minimal, will be met from within my Department's existing resources.

National Treasury Management Agency.

Joan Burton

Question:

98 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will be considering the issuance, or the issuance by the National Treasury Management Agency under Government guarantee, of index linked bonds in the context of the national pensions framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14117/10]

The National Treasury Management Agency is responsible for borrowing on behalf of the Exchequer. In order to raise funding, the Agency has developed and continues to develop a wide portfolio of debt instruments designed to respond to the needs of the market and to ensure the appropriate overall structuring and management of the National Debt.

The Agency has indicated that index-linked bonds are among a range of products that it is currently considering. However, there are many issues to be resolved in relation to the issuance of such an instrument, including a number of practical issues such as the need to ensure adequate liquidity for the bonds.

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

99 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will be considering, within the context of the national pensions framework, the reduction of the €5.4 million cap on the size of pension funds which attract tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14119/10]

The maximum allowable pension fund that an individual can build up from tax-relieved contributions is known as the Standard Fund Threshold or SFT. The SFT is a lifetime limit which was introduced in Budget and Finance Act 2006 at an initial level of €5 million and was increased in line with an indexation factor in 2007 and 2008 to its current value of just over €5.4 million. In line with the decision made in Budget 2009, there was no indexation of the SFT for 2009. Penal tax charges apply to any funds in excess of the threshold.

The National Pensions Framework does not include specific proposals in relation to the SFT. I am aware, however, of the recommendations in the Report of the Commission on Taxation which, among other things, proposes a reduction in the level of the SFT. The current level of the threshold will be kept under review as part of the normal Budgetary and Finance Bill process.

Departmental Expenditure.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

100 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 2 March 2010, if he is now in a position to provide the information requested seeking the amount of expenditure incurred in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009 by his Department and also offices, agencies and any other bodies falling within his remit, on the lease, rental or purchase of car parking spaces for use by civil and public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14042/10]

The Office of Public Works have informed me that they are in the process of collating the data requested by the Deputy in his PQ of March 2010 in relation to the amount they have spent on car parking facilities provided to Government Departments in 2009. They expect to be in a position to have this information supplied to the Deputy by the end of next week.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

101 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide for a waiver of stamp duty in respect of a person who is not a first-time buyer, but who is forced to move home in order to accommodate the disability of a family member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14056/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that while there are no Stamp Duty reliefs relating specifically to a change of residence to accommodate the disability of a family member, exemptions or reliefs (depending on floor area) are available to all non-first time buyers, regardless of circumstances leading to the change of residence, in respect of the purchase of a new house or apartment to be used as the purchaser's main residence.

Section 91A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for an exemption from Stamp Duty where a new house, with a floor area not exceeding 125 square metres, is purchased by a non-first time buyer for occupation as his/her principal place of residence

Section 92 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for a relief from Stamp Duty where a new house, with a floor area exceeding 125 square metres, is purchased by a non-first time buyer for occupation as his/her principal place of residence. Where this relief applies, Stamp Duty is chargeable, at the residential property rates, on the greater of (a) the consideration paid for the site or (b) 25% of the aggregate of the consideration paid for site and the building costs. The residential property rates of stamp duty are set out in the Table. I have no plans at this stage to change the existing scheme of Stamp Duty exemptions and reliefs.

Rates of Stamp Duty on residential property

Aggregate Consideration exceeds €127,000*

First €125,000

Nil

Next €875,000

7%

Excess over €1,000,000

9%

*Transactions, where the consideration (or the aggregate consideration) does not exceed €127,000, are exempt from Stamp Duty.

Michael Creed

Question:

102 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the interpretation of the Valuation Acts which seek to apply commercial rates to non-commercial premises used for the storage of machinery used by agricultural contractors; his views on whether this is appropriate in view of the fact that no commercial transactions are undertaken in these storage sheds; his further views on the logical extension of this interpretation as it would apply to for example domestic garages used to park commercial vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14096/10]

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

The Valuation Act 2001 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose, including constructions affixed thereto, are rateable unless expressly exempted under the Act. A store for agricultural machinery used in connection with an agricultural contracting business is a rateable property under the Valuation Act and the occupier of such a store is therefore liable for commercial rates based on its rateable valuation. There is no exemption provision under the Act for machinery stores which are part of a commercial undertaking.

While a domestic house is exempt from rates under the Valuation Act, a motor vehicle garage attaching to it, which is used for the parking of commercial vehicles may, depending on the particular circumstances, be deemed to be a rateable entity, if a commercial enterprise is being operated from the premises.

There are no plans to provide for special treatment of stores used in connection with agricultural contracting businesses under the Valuation Act, which provides that all buildings used for commercial enterprises are valued in a fair and equitable manner.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Joan Burton

Question:

103 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if the Delegation of Banking System Functions Order 2010, SI 115, was prepared by the parliamentary counsel or by the Department of Finance; the precise legal basis for the delegation each of the following powers, namely, the negotiation, with credit institutions, of positions to be considered by him in relation to the possible provision of support under section 6 of the Act of 2008; the management of any acquisition by him of an interest in a covered institution; the management of any shareholding by him in a covered institution; where a scheme provides for the imposition by him on a covered institution of restrictions on the incurring of dated subordinated debt, a decision to impose such restrictions and the implementation of any such decision; the preparation of reports for consideration by him with a view to their presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, pursuant to the Act of 2008 and any scheme; subject to any relationship framework for the time being in effect pursuant to section 3(1) of the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Act 2009 (No. 1 of 2009), his functions under subsections (3) and (4) of section 3, which relates to giving directions to Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Limited and section 34 which relates to the issue of securities of that Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14108/10]

The Delegation of Banking System Functions Order 2010, SI 115 was prepared by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

Each of the functions referred to by the Deputy has been delegated under Section 5 of the National Treasury Management Agency Act 1990, which provides that the Government may delegate to the Agency the functions of the Minister for Finance specified in the First Schedule to that Act, as amended as well as any other functions of the Minister in relation to the management of the national debt or the borrowing of moneys for the Exchequer that the Minister considers appropriate.

A related direction to the NTMA makes it clear that they are to play a lead role in these matters, working in close consultation with my Department and with the Central Bank and Financial Regulator.

As Minister for Finance I will continue to be fully responsible and accountable to the Oireachtas and my Department will necessarily remain closely involved with banking and financial services issues.

Departmental Expenditure.

Mary Upton

Question:

104 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the cost of renaming and rebranding those Departments which have been changed in the recent redistribution of portfolios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14115/10]

No additional funds are being provided for the re-naming of Departments as announced by the Taoiseach in the Dáil on 23rd March. Any administrative costs that do arise will be met from within the existing Administrative Budget allocations of the Departments concerned.

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

105 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to the reply to Parliamentary Question Nos 561 of 23 March 2010 and 167 of 9 March 2010 (details supplied), the legal position of the estate of an annuity holder upon that annuity holders death; if the full outstanding value of the annuity accrues to the estate; if not, the reason for same; the way the framework for annuity holders here differs in this respect from those pertaining in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14116/10]

I understand that the Deputy has received answers from the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and myself that need clarification. The Deputy will appreciate that the subject matter of her PQ is a complex matter that requires examination. Accordingly I have asked my Department to look into the matter in consultation with the Financial Regulator and I will write to the Deputy when I have received the advice from my Department.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

106 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the way in which jobseeker’s benefit income is treated for income tax purposes in certain cases (details supplied). [14250/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that jobseekers benefit payable to a casual or part-time worker is chargeable to income tax. The amount chargeable is the aggregate of the amount payable to that individual for one or more days in any income tax week less the first €13 of the aggregate of the amount payable in any income tax week, and any amount payable in respect of a qualifying child.

Any income tax liability which may arise is generally collected by ‘coding' the social welfare income into the certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point of the individual.

However, jobseeker's benefit payable to a systematic short-time worker is not taxable. A systematic short-time worker is a worker who normally works full-time but, because of a temporary reduction of work in the business, his or her hours per week are reduced for a temporary period.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

107 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [14027/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

108 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 9 March 2010 and to the further correspondences the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14035/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

109 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [14044/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

110 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [14045/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Medical Procedures.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

111 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No 284 of 23 March 2010 the reason she has requested an organisation (details supplied) to carry out the report into the practice of symphysiotomy in view of the fact that members and former members of that profession are the subject of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14047/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

112 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No 285 of 23 March 2010, the expected extent of the report into the practice of symphysiotomy which she has initiated; if those persons carrying out the review will be expected to examine the files of each of the women concerned and review their individual medical records; if such a detailed review will be carried out within the timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14048/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

113 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No 286 of 23 March 2010, the meaning of the term “protocols” in the context of the review of the practice of symphysiotomy that she has established; if there were, in fact, any protocols on such matters during the period under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14049/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

National Drugs Strategy.

Willie Penrose

Question:

114 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the legislative measures that she will introduce immediately to have head shops closed permanently in view of the concerns that have been expressed by communities in relation to their operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14054/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Children in Care.

Simon Coveney

Question:

115 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the way a person (details supplied) went missing from Health Service Executive care in Donabate, County Dublin; and the progress made to date on establishing this persons whereabouts as a matter of urgency. [14078/10]

I have written to the HSE's Assistant National Director for Children and Families requesting that the child's case be examined under the terms of the HIQA Guidance for the HSE For the Review of Serious Incidents Including Deaths of Children in Care. An Garda Siochana has carried out extensive searches since the child's disappearance and efforts to locate the boy are continuing. I will make contact with the Garda Commissioner to ask that the child's family is kept abreast of any developments with the case and are supported during this difficult time.

Hospital Services.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

116 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make appropriate arrangements to review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; if, in view of statements made by her in the aftermath of the Portlaoise hospital cancer misdiagnosis, women who formerly attended Portlaoise Regional Hospital will be dealt with in a prompt and expeditious way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14087/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Ministerial Representations.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

117 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on her meeting of 25 March 2010 with an organisation (details supplied), and the actions she will take on foot of this meeting. [14097/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

118 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will accept the recommendations of the vaccine damage steering group; the reason for the delay in putting a scheme in place for the families concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14102/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Child Abuse.

Alan Shatter

Question:

119 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if all reports of child abuse in a given year are responded to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14104/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Alan Shatter

Question:

120 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details on the way in which reports of child abuse or neglect are risk assessed; the criteria used for same; if she will provide details on what is involved in an initial assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14105/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Departmental Expenditure.

Alan Shatter

Question:

121 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the total amount of money paid for solicitors and barristers in respect of guardians ad litem per year for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14106/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Drug Treatment Programme.

Alan Shatter

Question:

122 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details on drug treatment facilities for children; the number of residential detox and residential rehabilitation beds for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14107/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael Ring

Question:

123 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding made available to dyslexia services over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14122/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Michael Ring

Question:

124 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the services that are available to people suffering from dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14123/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Michael Ring

Question:

125 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding made available to disability services over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14124/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Departmental Reports.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

126 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the recommendations in the report into the death of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; the recommendations that have been implemented in full; the recommendations that have been partially progressed; the recommendations that have not yet been acted upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14136/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Health Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

127 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the circumstances in which the Health Service Executive takes charge of the management of the bank account of a person in long-term care whose capacity to make financial decisions may be impaired; if he is obliged to consult with the next of kin; and if kin have any continuing role in approving financial decisions. [14231/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Martin Ferris

Question:

128 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will re-examine the decision not to fund bus transport by a group (details supplied) in view of the fact that payments by the Health Service Executive to taxis in respect of hospital visits are more costly. [14232/10]

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Road Safety.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

129 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he is preparing legislation on compulsory driving lessons for class B licence holders; if this will be part of a Bill to be given legislative effect to a full graduated driver licence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14081/10]

The Road Safety Strategy 2007 — 2012 outlines a range of measures to be considered in relation to a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS). The Road Safety Authority (RSA) undertook a consultation process on a GDLS in 2009, which contained a number of possible measures. The RSA has considered the responses from the public and interested bodies and has recently submitted its recommendations to my Department. Those recommendations are being considered carefully within my Department at present.

Air Navigation Orders.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

130 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the process for the granting of exemptions from articles 6 and 7 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; and if a separate exemption must be sought and granted for every flight by and exempted aircraft; the number of aircraft exempt from articles 6 and 7 of the order as of 1 January 2010; the number permitted to take dangerous goods through or over Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/10]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

132 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if the final destinations of flights carrying arms through Ireland are not known to his Department; the procedures that are in place to ensure they are not destined for embargoed destinations, or destined for end-users likely to commit war crimes or human rights violation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14085/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 132 together.

The carriage of weapons and munitions of war on civilian aircraft is prohibited under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989, unless an exemption from this prohibition is granted by the Minister for Transport.

Applicants must specify the destination of the flight in their application for an exemption. The Department of Transport seeks the views of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Justice and Law Reform in relation to applications for exemptions. If the weapons/munitions are classified as ‘dangerous goods' by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the views of the Irish Aviation Authority are also sought. If any of these bodies objects, the Minister will not grant an exemption. Each application for an exemption is also sent to the Department of Defence for information.

The 1989 Order amended the 1973 Order to allow the Minister to specify the particular aircraft operation that he may exempt from the requirements of Articles 6 or 7 of the Orders. Previously the 1973 Order had provided for exemptions for a class of aircraft rather than a specific aircraft operation.

Regrettably the statistics sought by the Deputy for the number of exemptions granted to date in 2010 cannot be provided due to industrial action.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

131 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the reason 22 applications for permits to carry munitions through Ireland in 2007, as well as 28 in 2008 and 30 in 2009 were not granted; the criteria used to decide if a permit will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14084/10]

The information requested cannot be provided at this time due to industrial action.

Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 130.

Work Permits.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

133 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of visas held by domestic workers employed in the private homes of foreign diplomats here such as housekeepers, child minders or carers of an elderly person; the conditions that are attached to such visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14031/10]

The status of diplomatic and other staff of foreign missions, including private domestic workers or private servants employed by diplomats, is regulated by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which, under the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, has the force of law in the State. The Convention provides that the sending state must notify the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, or such other ministry as may be agreed, in the receiving state of the arrival and departure of diplomatic staff, their family members and private servants and the engagement and discharge of persons resident in the receiving state as members of the mission or private servants entitled to privileges and immunities.

Persons who are in the State as private domestic workers for foreign diplomats are given an endorsement in their passport by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service which acknowledges their status in the State. They are not required to be issued with a separate GNIB registration card and accordingly they would not be recorded in the register of foreign nationals from which statistics are extracted. Therefore the statistical information sought by the Deputy is not available.

The person concerned enjoys certain exemptions in respect of taxes and dues in the course of their employment, so long as they are not nationals of or permanently resident in the receiving State.

Youth Diversion Projects.

Joe Carey

Question:

134 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of participants that were engaged in Garda youth diversion projects across the State in 2007 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14037/10]

Participant numbers in Garda Youth Diversion Projects for 2007 and 2008 were as follows:

Period

Participants

Jan – June 2007

3,106

July – Dec 2007

3,661

Jan – June 2008

3,809

July – Dec 2008

4,457

It should be noted that many of the participants attend across these time periods. The statistics for 2009 are currently being compiled.

Joe Carey

Question:

135 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers of young people participating on Garda youth diversion programmes on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14038/10]

The Annual Reports of the Committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the Garda Diversion Programme include details, by Garda Division, of the number of children referred to the Programme each year. The reports for period 2004 -2008 are available on the website of the Irish Youth Justice Service (www.iyjs.ie). I hope to be a position to publish the report for 2009 in the near future.

Courts Service.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

136 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on allowing the small claims court procedure to be used by businesses to cover debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14074/10]

The Small Claims procedure is an alternative method of dealing with a civil proceeding in respect of a small claim. The majority of claims are dealt with by administrative staff in local District Court Offices. Typical claims are in respect of goods or services purchased from someone selling them in the course of a business for minor damage to a property (excluding personal injuries) and for the non-return of a rent deposit for certain types of dwellings.

Since 5th January 2010 the procedure has been expanded to allow for business to business claims of the same nature. The procedure does not cover claims in respect of debts, personal injuries or breaches of leasing or hire purchase agreements. Cases of this kind are deemed unsuitable for the mainly administrative nature of the procedure. I am advised that such cases would be more likely to result in court hearings with a consequential impact on service levels and waiting times for cases to be heard. Cases relating to debt may of course be dealt with by way of a civil bill.

The operation of the small claims procedure is kept under review in my Department.

Peace Commissioners.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

137 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a list of the peace commissioners in the State held in his Department; if so, if he will provide that list; if such is not held in his Department the location at which it is held and the way it can be accessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14075/10]

There are in excess of 6,000 appointed peace commissioners currently active in this State. Accordingly it would not be practical for my Department to provide the Deputy with a full list. Individuals seeking details of peace commissioners available in their areas are advised to contact the peace commissioner unit of my Department or make inquiries at their local Garda station where this information can be obtained.

Garda Investigations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

138 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a missing person (details supplied), the discussion he has had with the Garda Síochána Commissioner regarding the case and the perceived inaction on the case to date; the slow response to the family’s call for assistance in searching various locations in and around the Blanchardstown area of County Dublin to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14080/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter referred to by the Deputy was reported to An Garda Síochána on 25 February, 2010 and continues to be under investigation. Significant resources from within the Garda Division concerned and from national support units, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Operational Support Unit (including the Garda Dog Unit, the Garda Water Unit and the Garda Air Support Unit), the Missing Persons Bureau and the Garda Technical Bureau, and the Forensic Science Laboratory, in addition to Interpol, are being utilised to progress this investigation.

Every effort is being made to resolve the case, with every lead and item of information provided being the subject of a thorough investigation. A family liaison officer has been appointed and is liaising with family members and keeping them apprised of progress in the investigation. The family of the person concerned has expressed satisfaction with the efforts being made by An Garda Síochána.

Garda Vetting Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

139 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda vetting requirements that are in place for persons working in direct provision centres; the enforcement measures that are in place to ensure these requirements are complied with; his plans to strengthen these provisions in view of the fact that the employees are in contact with vulnerable people, including children and victims of abuse. [14092/10]

Since October 2008, a programme for the vetting by the Garda Síochána of the employees of all contractors who provide accommodation centres and services for asylum seekers is being implemented by the Reception and Integration Agency of my Department. The design and purpose of the programme is to ensure that the level of care and protection for children and vulnerable adult asylum seekers is equivalent to what is available to all children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with adult service providers in their day-to-day lives. The enforcement of the programme's provisions is part of the RIA oversight of all service provision for asylum seekers, which is kept under constant review.

Asylum Support Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

140 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on establishing separate women-only accommodation for single women seeking asylum, in view of the fact that they constitute 17% of asylum seekers and many are fleeing sexual violence. [14093/10]

Gender segregation is just one of several factors considered by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department when formulating policy in the matter of housing asylum seekers. While certain gender-specific accommodation centres are used, the RIA must balance the available accommodation with the population seeking that accommodation. The RIA constantly monitors its accommodation portfolio in order to ensure a safe environment for all, while at the same time working to maintain an efficient and effective use of bed spaces, having regard to the population and profile of those seeking accommodation and the available of suitable accommodation within the portfolio generally. The RIA's accommodation centres are operated in accordance with standards set out in service contracts. The standards which apply include those related to health and safety, including security for residents and staff. The RIA is satisfied that the accommodation centres where there is multiple profile accommodation have sufficient controls in place to address any perception of a threat to women or other residents. State supports are provided on site at centres and coordinated through the RIA, the HSE, the Department of Education and others. National and local NGO's also provide supports at centres.

Resources such as Public Health Nurses, Community Welfare Officers, General Practitioners and school principals also engage with residents and with the RIA on concerns for residents. The RIA operates information clinics whereby residents can discuss any issues which they may have, directly with RIA staff on a one-to-one basis. Should any issue arise at any accommodation centre, there is ample opportunity for such issues to be brought to the attention of RIA and other appropriate authorities.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

141 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to complaints by residents of some direct provision centres that staff have used the threat of transfer or deportation to intimidate them from complaining about conditions in the centre; the steps he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14094/10]

I am not aware of any specific complaints of the nature outlined in the question. If the Deputy is aware of any such complaints, they should be addressed to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department which has responsibility in the matter.

The RIA's accommodation centres are operated in accordance with standards set out in service contracts. The standards which apply include those related to health and safety, including security for residents and staff. State supports are provided and coordinated through the RIA, the HSE, the Department of Education and others. National and local NGO's also provide supports. The RIA operates a Child Protection Policy and has a dedicated unit for Child and Family Supports and also a separate Health Unit dealing with medical needs.

All asylum seekers who avail of RIA accommodation are provided with a copy of the current House Rules and Procedures document (House Rules) on arrival at their accommodation which includes details of the complaints procedure which residents can avail of. The complaints procedure itself has an informal mechanism for local resolution of complaints and disputes and a formal mechanism which can apply where a local resolution cannot be achieved and where the matter is referred to the RIA for consideration. Residents at any of RIA's accommodation centres can raise concerns with centre staff or directly with RIA in accordance with the procedures set out in the House Rules. Resources such as Public Health Nurses, Community Welfare Officers, General Practitioners and school principals also engage with residents and with the RIA on residents' issues. The RIA operates information clinics on-site at all accommodation centres where residents can discuss any issues which they may have directly with RIA staff on a one-to-one basis. The RIA takes any complaints about its centres seriously, including any complaints about centre staff, once these complaints are brought to its attention with sufficient detail to allow an investigation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

142 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the accommodation options available to women asylum seekers experiencing domestic violence in view of the fact that women’s shelters often have insufficient resources to take them in and they are not allowed to live outside reception and integration agency centres while their applications are pending. [14095/10]

At the outset, I have to correct the assertion in the question that applicants for asylum are not allowed to live outside Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) accommodation while their applications are being considered. This is manifestly not so, as many applicants choose to live independently outside RIA accommodation centres.

For those who require accommodation and associated supports from the State while their applications are pending, RIA accommodation centres provide a secure environment where violence of any sort, domestic or otherwise, towards any person, regardless of gender, is not tolerated under any circumstance.

Where incidents of domestic violence are brought to the attention of the RIA, steps are immediately taken to address the matter. For example, where separate living arrangements become a requirement for a family due to domestic violence, the RIA facilitates these arrangements. Also, where children may have been exposed to the sight of domestic violence, such incidents are reported to the HSE social work team for follow up in accordance with the RIA's Child Protection Policy. The system of direct provision allows for a level of supervision of families which would not be found in alternative living arrangements. The availability and visibility of staff, Public Health Nurses, Community Welfare Officers, General Practitioners, Community and Ethnic Liaison Gardaí and others linked in with an accommodation centre serves to help monitor domestic relationships and proves a support for families within the direct provision system.

Citizenship Applications.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

143 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who has been seeking naturalisation since December 2009. [14100/10]

I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

144 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the rebranding that will be required as a result of the decision to change the name of his Department, including the cost of redesigning and reprinting stationary and other printed material, website design and changes in signage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14129/10]

Until such time as my Department receives quotations from the relevant suppliers of the goods and services referred to, I will not be in a position to assess the costs in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy. However, I do not anticipate these costs to be significant in the context of my Department's budget.

Citizenship Applications.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

145 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department issues citizenship certificates in both Irish and English or just in the Irish language; his views on whether it is acceptable to issue such certificates only in the Irish language to applicants who were not born or educated here and have very little knowledge of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14139/10]

The Irish language is the first official language of the State and it is standard practice that the Citizenship Division of my Department issue certificates of naturalisation in Irish. A translation of the certificate in English is available on request.

Passport Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

146 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [14079/10]

As the Deputy is aware, customers have been experiencing disruption to passport services as a result of ongoing industrial action in the public service. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been advising the pubic of the extent of these problems through media channels and, in particular, via the Department's website, www.dfa.ie . On 4 March the Passport Service had to withdraw the guarantee of turnaround times for all passport applications.

The application number is required for the status of this application to be ascertained. This can be done online.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

147 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who received notification of their passport renewal application being received on 16 February 2010; if this will be dealt with in view of the fact that this person is due to travel shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14086/10]

A passport application for the named person was registered with the Passport Office in Balbriggan on 16 March, 2010. It was received through the Passport Express service which is a ten day guarantee service that is provided by the Passport Office in partnership with An Post.

However, due to industrial action the Passport Express guarantee was suspended on 4 March. As a result it is presently taking up to twenty working days to process Passport Express applications. As applications are being processed on a first come first served basis, the application in question will not be processed until mid-April.

Billy Timmins

Question:

148 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14137/10]

Passport Applications submitted through missions abroad take between four and six weeks under normal circumstances. Due to the ongoing industrial action there is a further delay in the processing of all applications.

Without the application number this application cannot be identified in the system at this point. The applicant should contact the Embassy in Canberra or the Consulate in Sydney for advice and any possible assistance. The contact details are:

Embassy of Ireland

20 Arkana Street

Yarralumla

A.C.T. 2600

Canberra

Telephone: +612 6273 3022, +612 6273 3201

Fax: +612 6273 3741

Consulate General of Ireland

Level 26, 1 Market Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: +612 9264 9635

Fax: +612 9264 9740

National Museum.

Mary Upton

Question:

149 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her views on the decision by the National Museum to lease a storage site (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14070/10]

Since the National Museum of Ireland became an autonomous statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997, the Board of the Museum is statutorily responsible for operational matters concerning its collection and I, as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism do not have a statutory function in respect of operational matters.

However, having regard to the Museum's custodial, preservation and exhibition responsibilities in respect of its collections of Irish material heritage, culture and natural history, I understand that additional storage facilities were required to address concerns regarding the potential exposure of these collections to damage and decay. This matter was extensively addressed by the Public Accounts Committee in July 2008 as a result of the Special Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General earlier that year.

Whilst my Department requested the Office for Public Works to identify a suitable storage facility for this purpose, all negotiations in relation to the site were carried out by that Office, which has responsibility for providing accommodation for Government services and for managing and maintaining the State's property portfolio. The OPW have advised that they are satisfied that the lease secured represents good value for money and that as the owner of the premises was not amenable to disposing of his interest in the property, the purchase of the premises did not arise.

Any matters that may arise between the owner of the property and the National Asset Management Agency are outside the remit of my Department.

Hotel Sector.

Mary Upton

Question:

150 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism if her Department has been liaising with the Department of Finance towards resolving the current impasses in the hotel sector whereby the continued existence of a tax relief is acting as a barrier to exit which is imperilling the entire sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14071/10]

My Department has been in regular contact with the Department of Finance, both bilaterally and through joint participation on the Senior Officials' Group on Economic Renewal, regarding the current difficulties facing the hotel sector.

Towards the end of 2009, the Irish Hotels Federation commissioned Peter Bacon & Associates to report on the overcapacity in the hotel industry and the required elements of a recovery programme. One of the recommendations in the report is to allow relevant hotels to exit the industry without disadvantaging the initial investors in terms of availing of capital allowances. This is an issue primarily for consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Finance. However, I understand that the retrospective removal of the capital allowance claw back would give rise to serious credibility issues for the operation of such schemes and introduce a moral hazard into any future tax based incentive schemes. It would also make it very difficult to persuade the EU to allow the introduction of any future schemes for other industries in the event that such proves necessary. Furthermore, the original accelerated capital allowance scheme for hotels required EU State aids approval and the European Commission would have to approve any amendment to the scheme.

The Bacon report makes a number of other recommendations to address the estimated overcapacity of between 12,000 and 15,000 rooms in the hotel sector, many of which are directed to the industry itself. Where recommendations have been made for Government action, we have, where possible, sought to address them. For example my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation is examining the possibility of a Loan Guarantee Scheme and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government has established the Local Government Efficiency Review Group to review the cost base, expenditure and numbers employed in local authorities. Initiatives have also been taken to improve credit availability generally.

We can expect that 2010 is likely to be another tough year in the hotel sector, with further adjustments taking place as the market responds to excess room supply. This process will gain further momentum in the coming months as banks seek to clean up their balance sheets and dispose of under-performing loans. In that regard, it is generally accepted that NAMA will take over many loans associated with the Hotel Sector but will make its own decision as to how those loans and properties are to be managed based upon its own independent assessment of the market.

In this environment, managing costs will be key for hotels to survive the current downturn and Fáilte Ireland has implemented a range of measures to help the tourism industry to address costs and competitiveness issues. In particular, during 2009 Failte Ireland refocused its programmes to meet the enterprise support needs of businesses in the tourism sector in the current climate. In 2010 Fáilte Ireland will be investing almost €11 million in the form of direct supports and advice for tourism enterprises. The industry is responding well to the initiatives and the take up on the programmes is very positive.

In line with recommendations in the Bacon report, robust tourism marketing programmes have been put in place by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for the international and domestic markets in 2010. The international programme, involving a spend of €43m, will place a particular priority on the British, German and US source markets while the biggest ever home holiday programme was launched in March with an associated budget of €4m.

Departmental Expenditure.

Mary Upton

Question:

151 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of renaming or rebranding her Department; the expected timeframe within which the rebranding, to include websites, headed notepaper and so on will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14114/10]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

152 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of the rebranding that will be required as a result of the decision to change the name of her Department, including the cost of redesigning and reprinting stationary and other printed material, website design and changes in signage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14128/10]

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

Most of the resultant changes from the re-naming of the Department will be implemented in-house by the existing staff of the Department. These include work on the Department's website, changing email addresses and the Department's re-titled customer charter. Provision had already been made this year for the purchase of new headed paper which is required under the Department's Irish Language Scheme so no additional costs arise in this regard. It is estimated that costs of approximately €15,000 will arise mainly in relation to the purchase of new name plaques. These costs will be met from the Department's existing Vote. It is expected that all changes will be effected within a matter of weeks.

Tourism Promotion.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism her preferred options for the promotion of cultural activities for the future with a view to creating a greater awareness of our culture abroad, with consequent benefit to tourism and the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14236/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to develop cultural activities at home and abroad with a view to maximisation of a positive national image; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14246/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 162 together.

Over the past year and arising from the Global Irish Economic Forum held in Farmleigh, culture has come into renewed focus as a unique national asset and our greatest competitive advantage as a "door opener" in developing important economic and tourism links. We should never take for granted the extraordinary global profile of Irish arts and culture, which continues to be a unique defining factor driving Ireland's international reputation for creativity, imagination and innovation.

As part of the drive to implement the recommendations of both the Global Irish Economic Forum and the Ireland-US Strategic Policy Review, and to maximise the competitive advantages culture offers, two recent initiatives have focussed on the promotion of Irish culture in the United States as a key priority. Firstly, the Government created the honorary position of Cultural Ambassador and confirmed Gabriel Byrne as the first appointee to this new role.

Secondly, a special Irish arts season is to take place in the US in 2011 organised by Culture Ireland, who will collaborate with other State Agencies and the Department of Foreign Affairs in presenting an ambitious programme of events to showcase world class Irish artists and companies. It is intended that this initiative will raise the long-term profile of Irish culture in the US and generate new creative and business opportunities for Irish artists and companies. It also represents a further investment in our unique relationship with America and with the Irish diaspora.

In addition to these new initiatives, Culture Ireland will continue to promote Irish artists and arts companies worldwide, generating goodwill and influence for Ireland and highlighting the strength of Irish culture and creativity. Working in close partnership with other State Agencies including Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, Culture Ireland will also seek to leverage opportunities to mobilise Ireland's cultural reputation for the benefit of tourism, trade and investment.

Arts Council.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to promote cultural activities, directly or indirectly throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14237/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to grant aid or otherwise support cultural groups throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14240/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to directly or indirectly assist local community based cultural groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14242/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 157 and 159 together.

Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is independent in its day to day operations, including funding decisions. The allocation to the Arts Council for 2010 is €68.649m.

Under the ACCESS programme, my Department is responsible for the provision of capital monies for arts centres, galleries, theatres, etc. In 2008 and 2009 €52m was expended in respect of such facilities. A further €16m is allocated in 2010 for regional arts capital projects throughout the country. Many of these projects are already under construction and will be completed in 2010. Under this scheme €580,000 has been allocated to the Lantern Municipal Gallery in Kildare. This project has not yet commenced. A list of the successful ACCESS II projects and the amount of grant aid allocated to each project is available on my Department's website. No date has been set for the next round of allocations under the ACCESS programme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which she plans to support the various sporting tourism or cultural groups or associations throughout County Kildare in the next three years. [14238/10]

Support for groups referred to by the Deputy will be addressed in the context of the resources available to my Department and the agencies within its remit, as part of the normal estimates and budgetary processes undertaken each year.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she will offer support to the various groups, bodies or agencies throughout County Kildare which have approval to her Department for funding under various schemes or headings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14239/10]

In respect of any group, body or agency which has been approved for funding, my Department makes every effort to promote the timely draw down of funds, subject to the terms and conditions of funding and compliance with proper financial procedures. In the event that the promoters of any of these projects requires assistance or guidance officials of my Department are available to assist. With specific regard to County Kildare, the organisations which have been approved for funding under the Department's ACCESS and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, who have yet to fully draw down these funds, are set out in tabular form. In addition, under its Sports Capital Programme, my Department has invested more than €28.5 million in numerous sports facilities in that county — details of which are set out in the Department's Annual Reports and website — and continues to give those grantees every opportunity to draw down their allocations.

Name of Organisation in Co. Kildare Approved for Funding

Level of Funding Approved

Status

The Performance Corporation — Approved by Culture Ireland

12,000

Draw down of funds expected by Autumn 2010.

Lantern Municipal Gallery — Approved under Department’s ACCESS Scheme

580,000

Project has not commenced, so no draw down of funds yet.

Athy Swimming Pool — Approved under Department’s Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme

3,800,000

Some 90% of funds have already been drawn down, with the remaining 10% likely to be paid in 2010 pending completion of the defects liability period.

Naas Swimming Pool — Approved under Department’s Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme

3,800,000

Some 90% of funds have already been drawn down, with the remaining 10% likely to be paid in 2010 pending completion of the defects liability period.

Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 154.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to develop indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, both active and passive in the short to medium term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14241/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to develop facilities to encourage participation in the various sports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14245/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 161 together.

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. While no decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme, €48 million has been provided in Subhead C1 of my Department's Vote for 2010 to cover payments to be made for sports and recreation facilities which were awarded grants in earlier rounds of the programme. The Deputy will be aware that since 1998 €725m has been allocated to 7,400 sports facilities throughout the country. Under the Local Authority Swimming Pools Programme (LASPP) a provision of €7.5m has been made in 2010 which will be sufficient to meet existing commitments under current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. The Deputy will be aware that since 2000, 45 new and refurbished swimming pools have been opened. No decision has been made on the timing of a new round of the programme.

Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 154.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 84.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 158.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 153.

Tourism Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism her plans to combine tourism culture and sport as a means of promoting the national image; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14247/10]

One of my Department's high-level goals — as set out in its current Statement of Strategy — is to promote close co-operation between the arts and culture, sport and tourism sectors in order to enhance their shared contribution to the social and economic well being of the country. Details of progress in achieving this goal are set out in the Department's Annual Reports, copies of which are available in the Dáil Library and on the Department's website. In order to further progress this high-level goal, I will seek to exploit the tourism development opportunities associated with hosting major sporting events in Ireland, encourage close co-operation between Departmental agencies in promoting the image of Ireland abroad, and further develop and exploit the tourism potential of cultural events, in collaboration with the National Cultural Institutions and other relevant Bodies.

Community Development.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

164 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons participating in the rural social scheme with a breakdown of the longevity of claims at intervals of six months. [14057/10]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

165 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost to the State in each of the past five years of the rural social scheme. [14058/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

Currently, there is provision for 2,600 participants and 130 supervisors on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). All available places (both participant and supervisor) have been allocated and quotas have been assigned to each of the Implementing Bodies who manage the scheme on my Department's behalf throughout the country. The annual cost of the RSS since its commencement is set out in Table 1 below. Funding of €46.418 million is being provided for the RSS this year. The length of time participants have been on the scheme on the basis of 6-month intervals is set out in Table 2.

Table 1: Annual Cost of the RSS

Year

Cost

€m

2004

3.398

2005

25.464

2006

39.992

2007

47.675

2008

49.311

2009

48.356

Table 2

Number of Participants

Length of participation on the RSS — up to:

34

6 months

97

12 months

95

18 months

51

24 months

74

30 months

107

36 months

160

42 months

313

48 months

318

54 months

355

60 months

777

66 months

193

72 months

National Drugs Strategy.

Willie Penrose

Question:

166 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he is taking to have head shops closed permanently in view of the significant and increasing levels of concerns being expressed by communities across the country about their ongoing operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14055/10]

I can assure the Deputy that I share the concerns to which he refers regarding the activities of head shops and the new psychoactive substances, represented as "legal highs", which are being sold in these outlets. Indeed, my colleague, Mr John Curran, T.D., while Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, voiced similar concerns on many occasions and held a number of meetings with the Ministers for Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Education and Science. He also met with the Garda Commissioner and with senior officials of various Departments and Offices. Head shops and the sale of "legal highs" were discussed at many of these meetings and various approaches to addressing the activities of these outlets were considered.

A primary approach to the head shops issue is to ensure that substances that pose dangers to the public are not available for sale. In this context, the Department of Health and Children, through the Misuse of Drugs Act, is currently finalising regulations to introduce controls on a range of substances. These regulations will make the possession and sale of these substances illegal and subject to criminal sanctions. In preparing the required regulations, that Department are consulting with the relevant authorities to ensure that any legitimate uses of the substances involved are not impinged upon. Meanwhile the Government has approved the commencement of a required notification process to the EU and it is envisaged that the regulations controlling the various substances will come into effect at the conclusion of the three month process involved. It is envisaged that these controls will impact very significantly on the operation of head shops.

Meanwhile, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs has been asked to carry out some research in this area. In addition, the activities of head shops are being closely monitored on an ongoing basis by An Garda Síochána and Revenue's Customs Service with a view to ensuring that no substances that are currently illegal are being sold. My Department has been in contact with the Attorney General about a range of possible approaches to the matter and a number of issues arising in that context are being considered at senior level within an interdepartmental framework. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my Ministerial colleagues in vigorously pursuing all viable approaches to counter the potential threats posed by head shops and "legal highs".

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

167 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of the rebranding that will be required as a result of the decision to change the name of his Department, including the cost of redesigning and reprinting stationary and other printed material, website design and changes in signage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14125/10]

As the Deputy is aware, following on from the recent announcement by the Taoiseach in respect of the restructuring of Departments and agencies, the process of transferring functions and changing Departmental titles is in hand. I understand that the Department of Finance, in consultation with the relevant Departments, will bring proposals in this regard to Government for approval in due course. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that at present it is not possible to provide the detailed information that he has requested in relation to costs that may arise as a result of the decision to change the name of my Department. However, I can confirm that I have directed officials within my Department to ensure that any costs arising in this context be kept at a minimum and met from within existing resources. In this regard, I have instructed that stationery stocks, etc, currently held by my Department be used to the greatest extent feasible, so as to reduce any costs arising.

Community Development.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

168 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the community supports for older persons scheme; the funding that was provided under this scheme in 2008 and 2009; the amount earmarked for 2010; the number of groups in receipt of funding for 2010; if he is committed to maintaining this scheme which is of great benefit to the elderly in our communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14233/10]

The Scheme of Community Support for Older People (CSOP) is open and continues to accept applications from local community and voluntary groups. To date, 116 groups have received funding in 2010. Information on grants paid to groups since 2004 is updated monthly on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

The Deputy will be aware that the CSOP was re-introduced in October 2009 following completion of a review of its operation by my Department. Arrangements for the introduction of a revised scheme — which will address a range of issues raised in the review — are at an advanced stage and I hope to launch it before the end of April. It should be noted, however, that the existing CSOP will remain open until such time as the new arrangements are put in place. Funding of over €4.3 million was provided under the CSOP in 2008 and, notwithstanding the suspension of the scheme for a period last year, €2.1 million was spent on it in 2009. Funding of €3.1 million has been made available in the 2010 Revised Estimates. I am fully committed to maintaining this scheme within the wider context of Government policy aimed at supporting older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

169 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for family income supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14028/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

170 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [14029/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Pension Provisions.

Mary Upton

Question:

171 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the proposed raising of the pension age; if there will be any exemptions to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14032/10]

The challenges facing the Irish pension system are clearly outlined in the National Pensions Framework. In particular, it is noted that the task of financing increasing pension spending will fall to a diminishing share of the population. There are currently six workers for every pensioner: this ration will decrease to less than two to one by 2050. Increasing retirement age is one of the ways in which we can sustain the pensions system and also maintain the value of the State pension at 35% of average earnings.

At present the State Pension is paid at age 66. A minority of people qualify for a State Pension (transition) at 65. From 2014, age 66 will be the standard pension age for everyone. The qualifying age will be increased to 67 years of age in 2021 and 68 in 2028. There will be no exemptions from these new arrangements. People are living longer and healthier lives. With average life expectancy set to rise even further in the future, up to 89 years for women and 83 for men. People will still, therefore, be spending at least the same amount of time in retirement as they are today, even with a later retirement age.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

172 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons for the delay in processing an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if a decision will be reached as soon as possible. [14033/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Frank Feighan

Question:

173 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will examine on compassionate grounds the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [14034/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

174 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on the position regarding an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [14036/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

175 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has sought a backdated payment of disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14082/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

176 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal will be concluded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14089/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

182 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be concluded; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14135/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 182 together.

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

177 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if new legislation will be required to implement the national pensions framework; when he will introduce this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14118/10]

Joan Burton

Question:

178 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider, within the context of the national pensions framework, measures to ensure that people saving for their retirement do not pay very high management or other fees to private sector fund managers for managing their pension fund, particularly when the fund is largely or completely invested in passive or cash funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14121/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

The recently published National Pensions Framework is the Government's plan for future pension reform. It encompasses all aspects of pensions, from social welfare to private occupational pensions and public sector pension reform. Development of the framework was informed by the range of views raised during the comprehensive consultation process which followed publication of the Green Paper on Pensions. The aim of the framework is to deliver security, equity, choice and clarity for the individual, the employer and the State. It also aims to increase pension coverage, particularly among low to middle income groups and to ensure that state support for pensions is equitable and sustainable.

At present only 50% of workers have a private pension, with low levels of coverage among moderate to middle incomes a particular concern. While the State Pension is expected to provide sufficient retirement income for the lowest paid workers, most people will have a significant income gap if they do not have some extra private pension provision. Inertia and procrastination are among the main reasons for not taking out a pension.

A key element of the framework is the introduction of a new auto-enrolment system which provides a way of overcoming this problem. Employees earning above a certain income threshold will be automatically enrolled into this new scheme, with the employee, their employer and the State all making contributions. Those employees already in a more favourable occupational pension scheme will not be enrolled.

For those who are included in the scheme, contributions will only be paid on earnings above a certain minimum level and below a certain maximum. The level of these thresholds will be decided closer to the implementation date and they will be set in such a way as to ensure that the scheme focuses on those on low and middle incomes.

Within these thresholds, the employee will pay 4% of their salary, with this being topped up by 2% from their employer and a further 2% by the State. The State's contribution will therefore be equivalent to 33% tax relief. The same 33% State contribution will apply to existing occupational and personal pension schemes and will replace the current system of tax relief at the standard and higher rates. This will represent a major increase in State support for the pensions of lower paid workers. Employees will be able to opt out of the scheme after a period of 3 months. While they will be automatically re-enrolled every 2 years, they can opt out again if they wish.

The limited number and types of funds available under the scheme will be provided by the private sector through a competitive process run by the State. All participating funds will be required to have life-styling built in. Employees will have the option of choosing between these approved funds or providers, otherwise, they will be enrolled into one of the low risk default options. Charges will be kept to a minimum as marketing expenses and investment advice are minimised.

In relation to pension charges more generally, the National Pensions Framework commits the Government to introduce regulations to increase the transparency of such charges. This should make it easier for people to compare and contrast the various options available to them in choosing a pension product.

A range of legislation will be required in order to implement the various elements of the National Pensions Framework. An implementation group is being established to develop that legislation, as well as the required regulatory and administrative infrastructure. We expect the implementation phase to take three to five years to complete.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

179 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of the rebranding that will be required as a result of the decision to change the name of the Department, including the cost of redesigning and reprinting stationary and other printed material, website design and changes in signage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14126/10]

The Department is not yet in a position to assess the full requirements and implications of the change of name of the Department in relation to the changes in signage, stationery etc. A full assessment of the requirements is under way with a view to keeping the costs involved to a minimum.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

180 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will confirm that a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is no longer receiving child benefit in respect of their children; and if a letter confirming same will be issue in view of the fact that this is required by six county authorities. [14133/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Social Insurance.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

181 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in employment that will be affected by the increase in the amount of full rate contributions required for a contributory State pension which commences on 6 April 2012; the number of persons who under current circumstances will be entitled to a full contributory State pension but will no longer qualify for it in each of the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14134/10]

The social insurance system is one which delivers benefits to those who contribute, similar to any insurance-type system. A State pension is a very valuable asset and we must ensure that those who benefit from it have made a sustained and adequate contribution over the course of their working life.

The Final Report of the National Pensions Board, published in 1993, recommended that the number of paid contributions required to qualify for a contributory pension should be increased to 520 contributions. The necessary legislation to effect the recommendations of the National Pensions Board was contained in Section 12 of the Social Welfare Act 1997 (now incorporated in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005) which provided for the implementation of the change in two stages, with the paid contribution requirement being standardised at 260 from 2002, rising to 520 from 2012. Details of the proposed increase in the paid contributions required have been included in the Department's standard information material on pensions for some years.

It is not possible to determine how many people would qualify for a full contributory state pension in the years in question in advance of pension claims actually being made. However, the Department has analysed the records of over 16,000 people who qualified for contributory pensions in 2009 to assess how many would not qualify under the new arrangements if implemented at that time. This analysis showed that just under 11 per cent would not have qualified.

In addition, a further analysis was carried out on a sample of 2,000 records of those due to reach state pension age in 2012. Approximately 13 per cent of people who would pass the first qualifying condition for a contributory pension today (i.e. have more than 260 paid contributions) would not qualify under the new requirement as they have less than 520 paid contributions. It should be noted that some of this group are still making paid contributions so that the eventual number of non-qualifiers may be lower. The Department is continuing to analyse the potential impact of this change in qualifying conditions.

Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 176.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

183 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 has had their social payments suspended since 30 December 2009; and if payments will be restored. [14248/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Sean Fleming

Question:

184 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when child benefit payment will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14285/10]

Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

185 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will include a sewerage scheme in County Kerry in the water services investment programme 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14051/10]

The Caherdaniel Sewerage Scheme was one of a group of village schemes included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007–2009 and the scheme is at the planning stage. A decision will be notified to Kerry County Council as soon as possible in light of the finalisation of the Water Services Investment Programme for 2010-2012 which I expect to publish shortly.

Planning Issues.

Willie Penrose

Question:

186 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take steps to amend the planning Acts in order to ensure that a change of use of premises for use as either a head shop or a sex shop is a material change of use and therefore requires an application for planning permission; if he will adopt the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2010 published by the Labour Party recently to assist in having this amendment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14053/10]

In relation to so-called "head shops", my Department, at the request of the Minister of State with responsibility for Drugs, is working with the other relevant Departments, including the Departments of Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment to develop recommendations for Government on the best way forward in devising an overall Government response to the issue of head shops.

From a health perspective, the Minister for Health and Children has begun the process of prohibiting, under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, the sale of certain substances commonly sold in these shops.

My Department is considering, in consultation with planning authorities, whether the planning system could make a sufficiently effective contribution to the resolution of this issue, through, for example, a more restrictive use of the change of use provisions under planning legislation.

Consideration is also being given to similar appropriate measures with regard to adult or sex shops.

Local Authority Status.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

187 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to confer urban district council status on Tuam Town Council, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14130/10]

There is no procedure to enable a town council with former town commissioner status to upgrade to full town council status. However, the issue of town government generally is among a broad suite of local government matters which are being considered in the context of the finalisation of the White Paper on Local Government.

Departmental Bodies.

Simon Coveney

Question:

188 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Sustainable Energy Ireland has changed to Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland; the cost of implementing this change including all rebranding and advertising costs; and the full process involved in this change. [14076/10]

The Sustainable Energy Act 2002 provided for the establishment of "Sustainable Energy Ireland — The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland". The renaming of Sustainable Energy Ireland as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in the context of recent launch of the Authority's new five year strategy for the period 2010-2015, fully respects for the first time the body's statutory title and remit. The sustainable energy agenda is pivotal to the Government's energy policy objectives and to the sustainable economic renewal. It is appropriate and timely to acknowledge SEAI's central role in delivering on our ambitious objectives for energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate change and a de-carbonised energy system.

The design of the new brand for SEAI is closely modelled on the old marquee, with the aim of ensuring continuity and minimising costs. All existing printed materials will continue to be used until stocks are exhausted. The costs associated with the name change have been kept to an absolute minimum, with the total direct costs of the change amounting to €33,305 inclusive of VAT. The costs include the design of the revised brand marque and its application to building signage and stationery. SEAI only engages in advertising in pursuit of specific programme objectives including stimulating programme participation, promoting energy efficiencies awareness or providing technical advice, as distinct from organisational advertising. No advertising costs as such have been incurred in the name change.

Energy Resources.

Simon Coveney

Question:

189 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the work that has been done to date in relation to possible gas reserves at Lough Allen; and the further works that are in planned for the future. [14077/10]

Lough Allen is situated in the North West Carboniferous Basin and has been subject to a number of petroleum exploration authorisations. Six exploration wells have been drilled in the area since 1963 and while some natural gas potential was identified, it was not deemed to be commercially viable. The area is currently unlicensed for petroleum exploration.

In recent months, there has been renewed interest in the prospectivity of the North West Carboniferous Basin and last week I announced a licensing competition over the area.

Animal Carcase Disposal.

Michael Creed

Question:

190 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will identify the four authorised plants for the slaughter of horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14039/10]

My Department currently approves three establishments for equine slaughter under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009). These are:

B&F Meats Ltd, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny (Approval No. 371)

Ballon Meats, Ballon, Co. Carlow (Approval No. 392)

Shannonside Foods Ltd., Straffan, Co. Kildare (Approval No. 2020)

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has advised my Department that Limerick County Council currently approves Ashgrove Wholesale Ltd, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick (Approval No. 2664) for equine slaughter.

Grant Payments.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

191 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their REP scheme 4 payment for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14050/10]

Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.

Legislative Programme.

Pat Breen

Question:

192 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the Animal Health and Welfare Act legislation; when same will come before the House of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14249/10]

Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare is ongoing in my Department. The legislation will amend and consolidate legislation in the area of animal health, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals. Existing legislation will also be updated to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The Bill will provide any necessary statutory basis to give effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government that the responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) will be consolidated in my Department.

I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

193 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the cost of reducing the staffing schedule for all primary pupils from junior infants to first class inclusive to 20:1; the number of extra teachers that will need to be employed to meet this schedule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14140/10]

The level of detail sought by the Deputy would take some time to collate within my Department. My Department's Teacher Allocation Section is currently focused on the initial work for the allocation of staffing for the coming school year and I do not propose to divert them from this work at this key time in the allocation process.

Departmental Programmes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

194 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the various measures relevant to her Department in annex D of Budget 2009 have been completed; if not, the date by which those measures are expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14041/10]

The current position regarding the measures relevant to my Department in Annex D of Budget 2009 (Rationalisation of State Agencies) is as follows:

1. Amalgamation of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council — Statutory provision for the amalgamation of HETAC, FETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland will be made in the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill. The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government in January and it is currently being drafted. It is planned that the Bill will be published before the summer recess with the amalgamated body being established in early 2011.

2. Abolition of the Educational Disadvantage Committee (EDC) — Drafting of the legislation necessary to effect the abolition of the EDC has been completed and I hope to be in a position to publish it shortly. No funds were made available in 2009 or 2010 for the Committee.

3. Formal disbandment of the National Adult Learning Council — The Council has now been formally disbanded as part of the Government's programme for the rationalisation of agencies and bodies and the Chairman and members have been so advised. No funds were made available in 2009 or 2010 for the Council;

4. Closure of the Centre for Early Childhood Development & Education — The Centre ceased operation in November 2008.

School Transport.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

195 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will announce when the value for money review of the school transport scheme, including catchment boundaries, which was due to be completed by the end of 2009, is due to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14043/10]

As the Deputy is aware, School Transport was approved by Government as a topic for inclusion as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews. This review is looking at the original objectives of the scheme, whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved, and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. In this context, the review is also looking at fundamental issues such as eligibility criteria and catchment boundaries, with a view to achieving efficiencies and value for money in the Scheme.

The report of the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme is currently being finalised.

Higher Education Grants.

Tom Hayes

Question:

196 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if a person currently in receipt of one parent family allowance will also be entitled to a maintenance grant for third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14088/10]

A person in receipt of the One-Parent Family Payment may be entitled to a student maintenance grant provided they meet the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

197 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the proposed new gaelscoil in Gracedieu, Waterford city, will commence construction in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14090/10]

The sequence for projects which have been approved to progress after the completion of the design stage, is the tender stage followed by the construction stage.

Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give the full details sought by the Deputy.

Michael Ahern

Question:

198 Deputy Michael Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in the provision of a new school for a gaelscoil in Midleton, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14098/10]

Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give full details of the schools referred to by the Deputy.

However, as the Deputy will be aware, on 16 February last, my predecessor made an announcement regarding projects to enter architectural planning and to proceed to tender and construction.

A project for the school in question was not included in this announcement. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this 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 project at this time.

Brian Hayes

Question:

199 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects awaiting permission to proceed to construction, having passed all other stages; the names of these schools; and the length of time these schools have been waiting to proceed to construction. [14101/10]

Brian Hayes

Question:

200 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that there are no school building projects currently before her Department which have completed the tender stage and have planning permission in place or if there are such projects in this category; the names of the schools and the projects; and when the projects completed the tender stage in each case. [14103/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos.199 and 200 together.

The list of all projects currently at tender stage was provided to the Deputy on the 25th of March 2010.

There are currently no school building projects which have the necessary statutory approvals in place and have fully completed the tender process, that are awaiting permission to proceed to construction.

Subject to the necessary statutory approvals and no issues arising, it is intended that projects will progress to construction as soon as possible following completion of the tender process.

School Patronage.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

201 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the patronage awarded to County Dublin VEC in April 2008 in respect of a second level school in Lucan south; the number of applicants there were for patronage of this school; the process that was followed in deciding that County Dublin VEC should be awarded this patronage; if this decision was made in accordance with previous decisions to award patronage and in accordance with applicable legislation, procedures or rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14109/10]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

202 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if patronage for a planned second level school has ever been withdrawn from a vocational education committee or any other body prior to 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14110/10]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

203 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for a new second level school in Lucan south, County Dublin, that were approved by her Department in and announced in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14111/10]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

204 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the process to be used in the review of the decision in April 2008 to appoint County Dublin VEC as patron of a new second level school in Lucan south; the grounds and legislation under which this review is being carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14112/10]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

205 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the decision to award patronage in April 2008 for a new second level school to be built in Lucan south, County Dublin, has been withdrawn; if so, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14113/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 205, inclusive, together.

Given the changing nature of Irish society and the projected need for a number of post primary schools to open in the medium term, the Department is considering a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second-level schools and their patronage. New schools where only very initial planning has taken place will be considered in the context of this framework when it is established.

The second-level school at Clonburris in Lucan is the only such school where a VEC has already been informed about patronage. It is not the case that patronage of this school has been withdrawn from County Dublin VEC rather the position is that the issue will receive further consideration in the light of the new framework. It was anticipated in 2008 that 2 new second level schools would be required in the general Clonburris area in Lucan. However, given the demographics in relation to the area and the nature of the planning, design and building process, no building has commenced yet and it is likely that only a single school will be needed in the area in the medium term. The consideration of this new framework is not delaying the site acquisition, planning, design and building of second-level schools in any way.

In addition to the County Dublin VEC, an application has been made by Educate Together in relation to the proposed new school in Lucan. Furthermore, a general application in relation to schools in developing areas has also been received from the Loreto Education Trust.

Third Level Charges.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

206 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will instruct third level institutions to permit students to pay the registration fee of €1,500 in two tranches, instead of in full at the beginning of the academic year in view of the economic hardship being experienced by many families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14131/10]

The Student Services Charge is levied by the Higher Education institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and student services. All students who are eligible under the means tested student support schemes do not have to pay this charge. The charge is paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to.

The position is that the Higher Education institutions are autonomous institutions and my Department does not have any function in their day to day operational affairs, for which the Governing Bodies and the management staff of the institutions are responsible. The arrangements for the collection of the charge are a matter for each individual institution and accordingly I do not have a role in this matter. As the Deputy may be aware there is a Student Assistance Fund (SAF) available in the Higher Education institutions. The objective of the SAF is to assist students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise, because of financial reasons, suffer severe hardship or be unable to continue their third level studies. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the Access Officer in their institution. The SAF is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

Schools Refurbishment.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

207 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when she will announce details of the summer works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14132/10]

The closing date for the receipt of applications under the Summer Works Scheme 2010 was 27 November 2009. Some 2,300 applications were received. The assessment of these applications is now being finalised in the Department's Planning and Building Unit and I expect to be able to publish a list of the successful applicants shortly.

Special Educational Needs.

Liz McManus

Question:

208 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the reason seven special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 are being made redundant in view of the fact that class numbers in this school will increase to ten children from six children and that although the school is graded as a physically disabled school it caters for children with multiple disabilities including physical, intellectual, visual, emotional, personal care and communication difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14138/10]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. 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. The Deputy may wish to liaise directly with the NCSE in the context of her enquiry.

I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.

Top
Share