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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 2010

Vol. 711 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 5, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 6 to 22, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 23 to 29, inclusive, answered orally.

Alternative Energy Projects

Dan Neville

Question:

30 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the volumes of miscanthus and or willow he expects to see blended with peat in peat power stations before the end of 2010. [23111/10]

James Reilly

Question:

32 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the new REFIT prices announced on 24 May 2010 will take effect for electricity generated from bio-mass and bio-fuel. [23123/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

75 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the renewable energy feed in tariff price recently announced for miscanthus will be implemented; if the 9.5 cent price is the full tariff that will be paid to suppliers and farmers or if it includes the capital costs of the power stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23019/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 30, 32 and 75 together.

The Government has set the renewable electricity target at 40% by 2020. The 40% electricity target is consistent with the EU target addressed to Ireland under the Renewable Energy Directive, which requires Ireland to meet the target of 16% renewable energy in all energy consumed (encompassing electricity, transport and heating) by 2020.

As part of the ongoing work to further support the development of biomass, I have recently announced new Renewable Energy Feed In Tariffs (REFIT) for biomass technologies. The supports will range from 8.5 cent per kilowatt hour to 15 cent per kilowatt hour depending on the technology deployed. Co-firing with miscanthus or willow will qualify for the rate of 9.5c per kilowatt hour which is fully payable to the generator.

The technologies supported include Anaerobic Digestion Combined Heat and Power, Biomass Combined Heat and Power and Biomass Combustion, including provision for up to 30% co-firing of biomass in the three peat powered stations.

These new support tariffs will assist the development of a sustainable biomass supply sector in Ireland. They will ensure that there is a ready demand for biomass and will build on the measures already in place including the REHEAT programme and the Energy Crop grant schemes run by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The support tariffs will require State Aid clearance from the European Commission before they can be implemented. Their announcement sends a clear signal to the market at this point and my Department will progress the State Aid clearance over the coming months.

Both ESB and Bord na Móna have been conducting research and development and co-firing trials at the peat stations utilising a variety of biomass including miscanthus and willow. The trials have also involved laboratory tests on the chemical and physical properties of various materials. Decisions by ESB and Bord na Móna on optimum co-firing material and related timeframes will be taken in light of the ongoing trials.

Both state companies are in ongoing discussions with market players in relation to sourcing supplies for co-firing. The companies themselves will be responsible for making the commercial decisions to award contracts. The objective is to utilise domestically produced biomass as much as possible. My Department is working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to ensure that the support schemes for energy crops and forestry are in alignment with the scale of demand by the power generation and heat sector. I understand there is a substantial amount of miscanthus available for co-firing at present which should be fully consumed during the year.

The new Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme provides support for the deployment of renewable heating systems fuelled by miscanthus in the commercial, industrial, services and public sectors. The programme, which was launched on 30th April 2010, is administered by SEAI.

The use of miscanthus as a fuel has been low in Ireland, due not least to limited experience with its use as a boiler fuel. The Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme is intended to support the establishment of a number of exemplar boiler sites. These exemplar sites will serve to provide critical information on the supply chain logistics and the technical suitability of miscanthus as a boiler fuel in an Irish context.

Electric Vehicles

Michael Noonan

Question:

31 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the new memorandum of understanding signed with a company (details supplied) on the supply of new electric cars here; the details on the roll out of a charging infrastructure. [23114/10]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

54 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the infrastructure for electric vehicles will also support plug in hybrid vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23033/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 31 and 54 together.

The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020, which equates to around 225,000 vehicles.

On 24 May I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mitsubishi which will ensure that Ireland will be one of the first countries in the world to be supplied with Mitsubishi electric cars. Under the terms of the MOU my Department and ESB will be able to avail of a range of technical and market information on developments in electric vehicles. Similar to the previous Memorandum and Agreement with Renault-Nissan, this MOU does not convey any exclusive rights for the company in relation to the provision of electric cars.

Progress has also been made in discussions with other major motor manufacturers to make other early production vehicles available to the Irish market and I expect that other agreements will be developed in the foreseeable future.

Electric vehicles will play an important role in reducing the transport sector's Greenhouse Gas Emissions and in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels. There is now very significant global investment underway in research and development in this area. The technology is maturing to a point where large scale commercial deployment appears feasible in the short to medium term. There is keen interest internationally in Ireland's decision to be an early mover in this field, particularly in our decision to go with a national rollout of charging infrastructure. Ireland is seen as an excellent test-bed particularly in relation to network infrastructure development.

We already have a number of incentives in place which demonstrate the Government's commitment to promoting electric vehicles in Ireland. The VRT exemption for electric vehicles and the VRT reliefs of up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which were due to end in Dec 2010, have been extended in the Budget for a further two year period. I have also announced the introduction of a grant scheme for up to 6,000 vehicles over a two year period from January 2011, which will provide grants of up to €5,000 for full battery electric vehicles and up to €2,500 for plug in hybrid electric vehicles. The grant scheme will be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and full details will be published well in advance of the scheme commencement date of Jan 2011.

The support schemes are non exclusive and will be open to any vehicle from any manufacturer, which meets the qualifying criteria.

ESB is planning to roll out up to 1,500 charge points nationwide by December 2011. The rollout has already begun in Dublin and charging points will also be installed in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. ESB also plans to install up to 30 fast charge points across Ireland by the end of 2011, with nine expected to be set up by the end of this year. The same infrastructure will of course support plug in hybrid vehicles.

My Department, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and ESB Networks are also discussing the electric vehicle infrastructure network build out programme including cost recovery and access arrangements.

Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 30.

Energy Saving Schemes

Charles Flanagan

Question:

33 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of the budget allocation for the home energy savings scheme 2010 that has been spent to date. [23088/10]

Joan Burton

Question:

68 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the numbers on waiting lists for the home energy saving scheme and the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23047/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 33 and 68 together.

The Home Energy Saving scheme (HES), which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), has a capital budget allocation of €24.3 million this year. In addition, a further €46 million has been allocated to a national retrofit programme, with a substantial portion assigned to HES. In total expenditure of €21.3 million has been incurred to date this year in respect of HES. In light of the fact that the specific HES capital allocation is 24.3 million, it is expected that at present rates of expenditure the HES allocation will be spent in full and the programme will continue by drawing down from the related RETROFIT allocation.

New applications are being received at a rate of more than €1 million per week. Experience on this and other schemes shows that not all homeowners approved for a grant will proceed with works. Given the high trend of approved and new applications, I expect that most if not all of the available funds will be drawn down this year. The rate of funding commitment and expenditure to date this year is a strong endorsement of the Scheme and the level of interest among homeowners.

There is no waiting list for the applications under the Home Energy Saving Scheme. The waiting time for the Warmer Homes Scheme is generally between 3 and 6 months. Warmer Homes is also managed by SEAI. It is delivered through a combination of 23 community based organisations (CBOs) and a panel of private contractors.

CBOs work in partnership with their local network of poverty and community support organisations. These include public health nurses, MABS and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul who work with CBOs to identify and address vulnerable homes. Each CBO is responsible for managing the applications in its own operational area.

The CBOs are in a process of adjusting to the rapidly increasing scale of the Warmer Homes scheme. Between 2000 and 2008, a total of 20,881 homes were upgraded under the scheme.

By contrast, 19,126 homes were upgraded in 2009 alone. I fully expect even more homes to benefit in 2010. This is a very significant increase in scale of operations over a short period of time and has required CBOs to put in place additional resources and systems necessary for delivery.

Private contractors were engaged on a pilot basis in 2009 to address the increasing demand for the scheme and in order to move quickly to nationwide coverage. This approach is being extended in 2010.

Through a combination of these two approaches, SEAI advises that the waiting times under the Warmer Homes scheme should reduce further over the course of this year. I can also advise Deputies that a dedicated hot line — 1800 250 204 — has been in operation for some time and all queries, from scheme applicants and public representatives, on delivery dates for individual households and/or funding agreements are dealt with immediately.

In addition, the programme manager for Warmer Homes, Mr. Michael Martin of the SEAI, is available to deal with queries on 042 939 1548. The availability of both points of contact is designed to ensure that there is no delay in dealing with specific queries related to the delivery of Warmer Homes.

Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 28.

Inland Fisheries

David Stanton

Question:

35 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the weir on the River Blackwater at Fermoy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23053/10]

The Deputy will be aware of the background in relation to fish passage at the Fermoy weir and the need to ensure compliance with the Habitats Directive in this regard.

On taking up responsibility for the inland fisheries brief, I reviewed the approach to resolving the barrier to fish passage at Fermoy. I was aware of the importance of ensuring that progress was made and the need to avoid further delays.

I wish to emphasise to the House that at no time has the removal of the weir ever been contemplated for the purpose of addressing the barrier to fish passage or installing a rock ramp pass.

I have made major efforts to engage with the Council, the rowing club and other interests in Fermoy, including local Deputies, in order to discuss their concerns in relation to this matter and their views on how the requirements for rowing and fish passage could be met.

On foot of my discussions with interested parties and contacts with the European Commission and the Attorney General, I agreed to afford the Council an opportunity to implement its preferred solution of repairing the existing fish passes in the weir.

That was not an easy decision for me to make in the light of the technical advice I received which stated that the repaired pass would not solve all the problems of fish passage.

I have given the Council every opportunity to act immediately and with speed to carry out the works they envisage in the repair of the existing fish pass.

I now urge Fermoy Town Council to carry out the works as directed. I would add that I also made it abundantly clear that if that solution did not work, then I would have no alternative, indeed no hesitation, in requiring the rock ramp proposal to proceed.

Semi-State Bodies

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

36 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will comment on reports that he has called for a partial break up of Bord Gáis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23044/10]

I have never called for a partial break up of Bord Gáis Éireann. The Deputy may be referring to the requirements under the EU Third Energy Package, to separate customer and energy supply from the transmission and distribution networks in vertically integrated energy utilities.

The EU Third Energy Package entered into force on 3 September 2009 and the various Directives will be transposed into Irish law by the due date of March 2011. The Package requires Member States to further unbundle gas transmission system operations from supply. In the case of vertically integrated gas undertakings such as Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ), the separation of transmission and distribution businesses from customer supply, is legally required no later than March 2012.

There are three legal options available under the Third Package. The option of Full Ownership Unbundling, requires the complete separation of the networks business from supply. The second option requires the setting up of an Independent System Operator. This is a less radical split, designed to ensure that the networks system operates independently. The third option of an Independent Transmission Operator, provides that transmission networks are maintained within the utility in a completely ring-fenced structure.

My Department has been engaged in analysing the most appropriate unbundling model for BGÉ that complies with the Third Package and works best for the Company and the State as shareholder. In that context my Department commissioned external advice in order to fully inform an assessment of the optimum future structure for BGÉ's transmission system operator under the Package.

Both my Department and I have had discussions with the BGÉ Group of Unions and liaison is ongoing. My Department is also liaising with the Employee Share Ownership Trust on its perspective on the matter. In conjunction with my colleague the Minister for Finance, I expect to come to a final view shortly on the most appropriate model for Bord Gáis Éireann under the Package.

The EU Third Energy Package also introduces new rules for the promotion of regional and bilateral cooperation between energy transmission system operators and regulators leading to the establishment of regional gas markets. These objectives dovetail closely with work underway by the Regulators North and South on developing Common Arrangements for Gas for the island.

Telecommunications Services

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

37 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the nature of any talks between his Department and Eircom in relation to investment in a fibre network; if he will outline ComReg’s role in these talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23034/10]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

39 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in setting up a task force to ensure that the broadband demands of the smart economy will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23038/10]

John O'Mahony

Question:

49 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to support the roll-out of fibre in urban areas to the home in order to promote next generation broadband speeds. [23120/10]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

63 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to ensure next generation broadband service is advanced here; the timelines involved for such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23039/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 39, 49 and 63 together.

The telecommunications market, including the provision of fibre based next generation networks, is fully liberalised and subject to both EU and national competition and regulatory rules.

Government policy on the development of the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper was developed in accordance with various key principles, which are crucial to the development of the market including—

(i) competition, at platform and service levels, which drives innovation and investment,

(ii) investment certainty for service providers considering investing in network infrastructure,

(iii) investment intervention by Government to bridge any digital divide in cases of market failure and to meet the State's own communication needs, and

(iv) appropriate regulation.

This policy has facilitated significant progress in broadband roll out and broadband speeds over recent years. For example, Ireland has over 1.443 million broadband subscribers and our broadband per-capita penetration rate is 32.4%. Internationally, Ireland ranks 11th of the EU 27 for per-capita broadband penetration (composite fixed and mobile), 4th for mobile only penetration, and 14th for fixed broadband penetration.

Of the homes with broadband connections, 68.4% of them, and 72.8% of SMEs are using broadband speeds of 2mbps-10mbps.

I welcome all plans by service providers across different platforms to invest in high-speed broadband and will ensure that the State continues to provide a supportive environment for such investment. The policy environment is facilitating progress. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) will ensure that broadband services are available throughout Ireland by the end of this year.

Even after the full roll-out of the NBS there will be a small percentage of premises outside the areas covered by the scheme that will have persistent difficulty in obtaining a broadband service. This is primarily due to technical and locational reasons (suitability of telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).

Funding for rural broadband has become available from the European Economic Recovery Plan through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. This Department is responsible for developing a new measure under the Rural Development Plan to use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability in remaining un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas.

State Aid approval has been granted by the European Commission as part of the overall process of securing the necessary approvals and funding for the scheme. Detailed planning is now underway for this scheme. The key qualifying criteria for the scheme will be that the premises in question is in a rural area, outside the areas covered by the NBS and cannot be served by existing service providers.

It is intended to commence the scheme later this year with the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is expected that the roll-out phase of the scheme will be carried out during 2011 and 2012.

In addition to these actions, Building Ireland's Smart Economy identifies Ireland's educated population, with 85% of 20-24 year olds having completed post-primary education, as one of the strengths of the Irish economy and commits to "the pursuit of the objective of equipping second level schools with 100mbps broadband connectivity."

78 schools have been chosen to take part in a pilot project, sponsored by my own Department and the Department of Education and Skills, and all will have their enhanced bandwidth available to them for the beginning of the next academic year in September next. This innovative project presents a very real opportunity to demonstrate the benefits and positive impacts of high speed bandwidth and appropriate ICT equipment on the teaching and learning environment within these schools.

The revised Programme for Government includes a commitment to rolling this out nationally to all second level school. The June 2009 policy paper also proposes the establishment of a Next Generation Broadband Taskforce comprising industry, Government and ComReg, aimed at ensuring that the development of broadband in Ireland will meet the demands of Ireland's Smart Economy. My Department liaises with industry participants and with ComReg on an ongoing basis and these discussions encompass all matters relating to broadband infrastructure development. I have made it clear on a number of occasions that I favour a collaborative approach to broadband investment.

I intend establishing the broadband Taskforce in the near future to progress the collaborative approach that was established in our initial broadband policy forum in Dublin Castle.

As part of the ongoing bilateral engagement with industry players on broadband development, my Department has had discussions with eircom. I recognise the importance of eircom as the incumbent telecommunications provider and I welcome their stated intention to invest in new next generation networks and the recent approach of the company in support of its wholesale operations with other telecommunications providers.

Energy Prices

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

38 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the energy regulator’s announcement of a roadmap to enable the ESB to set its own prices; his views on a rebranding requirement for the ESB; if this will include its retail brand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23027/10]

I welcome the decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) on the roadmap for electricity price deregulation. This is an important step on the path to developing a fully competitive electricity market in Ireland.

This decision demonstrates that Government policy to encourage competition is paying dividends through lower prices and greater choice for Irish homes and businesses.

The outcome of the roadmap decision is that ESB retail tariffs for all business customers will no longer be regulated by the CER from the autumn. The decision paper also sets out the criteria for deregulation of tariffs in the domestic market in the foreseeable future. Among these criteria is a commitment from the ESB on the rebranding of the ESB Customer supply.

The CER decision follows an in-depth consultation which received 21 submissions from electricity market participants and industry and consumer representative groups. The process also drew on the results of a joint CER/Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation customer behaviour survey. The survey found that 28% of domestic customers believe that their electricity supplier is responsible for power failure repair and 25% believed their supplier was responsible for grid maintenance.

This demonstrates that there is confusion among some domestic customers as between the role of the supply companies and the role of the network companies.

The third EU electricity market Directive requires that vertically integrated distribution system operators such as the ESB shall not, in their communication and branding, create confusion in respect of the identity of the supply branch of the utility.

In that legal context and in support of competition it is important and indeed necessary to address the ESB branding issue. I fully expect the ESB and the CER to agree a solution which supports the further development of competition, is in the best interests of Irish electricity consumers and takes account of any legitimate concerns.

Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 37.

Telecommunications Services

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

40 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national broadband scheme; the cost of the scheme to date; the overall expected cost; if the project is set for completion in September 2010; the maximum and minimum speeds expected for this scheme; the way he is monitoring the speeds that are being achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23041/10]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

42 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the national broadband scheme in terms of speeds being provided and levels of coverage being achieved to date. [23097/10]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

71 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure that minimum contractual speeds within the national broadband scheme are achieved; if he is satisfied that minimum contractual speeds are being achieved at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23036/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 42 and 71 together.

My Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed its network rollout and NBS broadband services are now available in more than 65% of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by the end of September 2010. The total current and capital cost of the full roll-out of the NBS has been estimated by "3" at some €223m, of which a maximum of €79.8m will be contributed by the Government and the EU.

The Government and the EU contribution to date, under the Scheme, amounts to some €48m.

Currently the mobile wireless broadband service (I-HSPA) specifications include a minimum download speed of 1.2Mbps and a maximum download speed of 5Mbps, a minimum upload speed of 200kpbs and a maximum upload speed of 1.8Mbps. A maximum contention ratio of 36:1 also applies, with a data cap of 15GB.

The satellite product, deployed in a very limited number of cases, has contracted minimum speeds of 1Mbps download and 128kbps upload, with a maximum contention ratio of 48:1, with a data cap of 11GB.

Under the NBS contract, the mobile wireless broadband products will be upgraded to higher specifications (speeds, contention and data caps) in July 2010 and again in October 2012 without any increase in the monthly recurring charge.

Following the 2010 upgrade, NBS subscribers will experience minimum download speeds of 1.6Mbps and maximum download speed of 6.8Mbps, minimum upload speeds of 1.2Mbps and maximum upload speed of 4Mbps, with a maximum contention ratio of 22:1. The data cap will increase to 25GB.

Following the 2012 upgrade, NBS subscribers will experience minimum download speeds of 2.3Mbps and maximum download speed of 10.4Mbps, minimum upload speeds of 1.4Mbps and maximum upload speed of 4.8Mbps, with a maximum contention ratio of 18:1. The data cap will increase to 40GB.

Similarly, following contracted upgrades to the satellite product in July 2012 and again in February 2014, minimum download speeds of 1.6Mbps and 2Mbps respectively, together with a minimum upload speed of 256Kbps and a maximum contention ratio of 48:1, will apply, with the data cap remaining at 11GB.

My Department has put in place robust monitoring of the NBS to ensure that the network delivers the minimum specified service or better to all users. Performance delivery data, which is submitted to my Department on a monthly basis or as required, is critically analysed by independent technical consultants Analysys Mason Ltd.

The monitoring arrangements provide information on a wide range of key indicators including the broadband excess availability in each cell of the network, the number of customers resident in that cell and actual contention and latency values. Utilisation thresholds are set for each element of the network and upgrades of the network and its capacity are automatically triggered at contractually agreed levels of traffic to ensure that the quality of the broadband service is maintained.

In addition, a sample selection of customers is monitored for quality on a monthly basis. Download and upload speeds are sampled at a number of locations monthly to ensure that minimum speeds are met or exceeded.

The NBS contract also provides for independent monitoring and audit at any stage during the contract with a view to verifying that the services are being provided in accordance with the contract.

I can confirm that 3's I-HSPA network which is used to deliver the NBS is designed and dimensioned to ensure that the network delivers the minimum contracted service, or better to all NBS users. Performance monitoring reports, including customer experience data, confirms this to be the case.

Based on the most recent monitoring reports for I-HSPA and satellite, I can confirm that the average user has been able to receive download speeds in excess of the minimum requirements and the network is virtually un-contended. This level of service delivery is supported by the sampling of customer experience and the speed sampling.

On the basis of the information provided to my Department, I am satisfied that the specified service levels required under the NBS contract are being met.

Alternative Energy Projects

Terence Flanagan

Question:

41 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the mechanism by which new windfarm proposals can seek grid connection outside of the Gate 3 process. [23089/10]

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for grid connection offers and for oversight of EirGrid's grid connection process including the Gate process for renewable energy.

The CER Gate 3 process which sets out to facilitate connection of around 4,000 MW of additional renewable capacity is currently underway. Once the level of take up of Gate 3 offers becomes clear, the CER will decide how to address any issues arising, including the timing and selection criteria for additional grid connections.

A strategic framework to deliver on the potential for offshore renewable energy and for exporting renewable electricity from Ireland is also a key priority. This will take account of grid technology developments, power flow management techniques, and progressive interconnection with the UK, and potentially Europe.

There are currently over 1,500 megawatts (MWs) of renewable generation capacity connected to the electricity grid. Wind powered technology is the dominant renewable technology. Over 100 individual windfarms have been connected with a combined capacity of 1,260 MWs. 240 MWs of hydro-power are connected. The balance represents biomass plants mainly landfill gas.

The contribution from renewable energy connected to the electricity grid is increasing very steadily from year to year. Renewable generation contributed 11.9% of all electricity consumed in 2008 compared to just 4.4% in 2003. Renewable generation in 2009 is estimated to have represented 14.4% of all generation consumed. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's recently published Report on Renewable Energy trends confirms that Ireland is on schedule to meet the 15% target for electricity from renewable sources this year.

In addition to projects already built and connected, a further 1400 MWs of capacity have already signed grid connection offers from the Gate 1 and Gate 2 processes and will be built and connected to the grid over the next two or three year period.

The CER and EirGrid previously estimated that around 5,800 megawatts (MWs) of renewable capacity would be required in total to deliver the 40% target in 2020. Subject to trends in electricity consumption and other factors the prospects that the 40% target may in fact be exceeded.

Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 40.

Richard Bruton

Question:

43 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to invest in and promote the development of a marine energy research centre adjacent to the National Maritime College, Ringaskiddy, County Cork. [23065/10]

The Government is giving high priority to supporting the development of Ireland's ocean energy potential. Not only will ocean energy contribute to Ireland's renewable energy targets, it has considerable potential for inward investment and enterprise activity in support of economic renewal. The research activities of the Hydraulics and Maritime Centre at University College Cork are a key part of the Ocean Energy Programme.

The Ocean Energy Unit in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is supporting University College Cork to upgrade the existing wave-basin located at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC). The facility provides research and testing facilities for a variety of offshore purposes. The upgrade of the existing facility includes new wave generating equipment, new experimental test rigs, improved workshop facilities and advanced computer solutions for numerical analysis and modelling.

SEAI is also working with the Marine Institute, UCC and other industry stakeholders in putting in place an enhanced management and operational structure for the HMRC reflective of its role in the national ocean energy research programme.

There are proposals for a new National Ocean Test Facility to be developed as part of a Maritime and Energy Research Centre (MERC) beside the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy. These proposals would see the HMRC relocate its facilities to a site adjacent to the National Maritime College. These plans are at an early stage of development and significant work including costings remains to be carried out before firm proposals are brought forward. The funding of €1.5m made available for the HMRC thus far has largely been for the purchase of equipment, all of which can be transferred to the new facility at MERC if such a transfer is decided upon.

Energy Resources

Shane McEntee

Question:

44 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to pursue a bilateral energy security treaty with the new British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23104/10]

I look forward to working with the new Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne on all matters of mutual interest including energy security. I met Minister of State Charles Hendry at the Energy Council yesterday 31st May during which we touched on a number of bilateral energy issues including gas security and emergency planning. I am hoping to have a bilateral with Secretary Huhne in the coming weeks.

Currently around 96% of Ireland's gas needs are met by imports from the UK via the two subsea interconnectors with Scotland. This infrastructure also supplies the gas needs of Northern Ireland, through the Scotland Northern Ireland Pipeline, and the Isle of Man.

The three interconnectors are operated by Gaslink, a subsidiary of Bord Gáis, on behalf of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. International treaties between the Governments of Ireland and the UK were signed on the construction of each of the two subsea interconnectors. The Treaties set out the terms for the operation of the pipelines and include provisions on security.

There also are gas emergency arrangements in place between Ireland and the UK. In the event of a need to reduce gas load in the UK, the arrangements provide that Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man will be given equal treatment on a pro rata basis. Emergency plans for both gas and electricity are tested with the UK through joint annual emergency exercises.

Given the high level of integration of the UK and Ireland's gas systems, there is a close bilateral working relationship with the UK on energy security issues, including liaison on EU developments. The interests of Northern Ireland are also fully reflected under the bilateral framework.

These bilateral arrangements will be enhanced through the framework for regional and EU cooperation on security of gas supply under the forthcoming European gas security of supply Regulation. The Regulation is expected to be adopted later in the year. The Regulation will require Member States to formally consult with each other as part of their emergency planning processes. This provision will underpin the existing arrangements between Ireland and the UK.

We are working very closely with the UK and Northern Ireland to ensure optimum coordination of existing emergency arrangements. We will also be fully collaborating with the UK to ensure maximum coordination on the implementation of the forthcoming Regulation to mutual benefit. This includes the further formal enshrining, as necessary, of bilateral arrangements for security and emergency planning.

Apart from cooperation with the North and the UK, there are other fora for regional cooperation where issues related to energy supply and security arise.

We work closely with our colleagues in the energy sectoral group of the British-Irish Council (BIC), specifically on grid infrastructure and marine energy issues. The BIC Members are Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The enhancement of the Grid linking these islands, and with mainland Europe, is a key opportunity to realise greater levels of security of supply and sustainability. I discussed these issues with my colleagues at the inaugural Ministerial meeting of the BIC Energy Group in London in March. We will explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation again at the BIC Summit in Guernsey towards the end of this month when I look forward to meeting Secretary Huhne.

One area for discussion between BIC members relates to the announcement of the EU North Seas' Grid Initiative on 7 December 2009. Under this initiative, the Irish and UK Governments have agreed to work with the Governments of Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and Norway to develop an integrated offshore grid in the North and Irish Seas.

In addition, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are conducting the Irish Scottish Links in Electricity Study (ISLES) study to establish the viability of an offshore electricity grid network to exploit wind, wave and tidal resources in the Irish Sea and Atlantic coastal areas.

Telecommunications Services

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

45 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the development of 4G here is dependant on the digital dividend which would arise through the successful roll out of digital terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23028/10]

The development of fourth generation (4G) electronic communications services that use the radio spectrum is not dependant on the Digital Dividend that arises from the switching-off of analogue television broadcasting services. 4G services will be provided using multiple aggregated bands of the radio spectrum. The Digital Dividend will release additional spectrum, some of which will be made available for innovative 4G services.

Carbon Emissions

Brian O'Shea

Question:

46 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will comment on a report of the Environmental Protection Agency that carbon emissions from the power station at Moneypoint, County Clare, cannot be captured and stored underground; his views on carbon capture storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23043/10]

The report referred to, "An Assessment of the Potential for Geological Storage of CO2 in the Vicinity of Moneypoint, Co. Clare”, is the final report of a piece of geological research study, which was commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency, with support from the Geological Survey of Ireland.

The report does not state that "carbon emissions from Moneypoint can not be captured and stored underground". What this report concludes is that the geological characteristics of the rock formations in the West Clare area, where Moneypoint coal-fired power station is located, are unsuitable for storing carbon dioxide.

Should we choose to maintain a coal-fired plant in our power generation mix after 2020, then such a plant would be likely to be either a refurbished Moneypoint or a new build coal station on the existing site. As coal is the fossil fuel which emits most carbon dioxide, prevention of such emissions or dealing with them after they are emitted is a priority action in national and international programmes which address climate change, as well as a likely EU requirement.

The ESB is currently investigating the technological options for dealing with such emissions. One of those options involves filtering the carbon dioxide out of the flue gases after combustion, transporting it by pipeline and storing it in suitable geological structures underground.

Several studies of the potential for carbon dioxide storage in Ireland have indicated that the West Clare Basin, close to Moneypoint, looked promising, and so the research which was the subject of the recent report was undertaken as part of the EPA's Climate Change research programme.

However, there are other possibilities. For example, part of the depleted Kinsale gas field structure may be suitable for this purpose. In the transition to a low or zero carbon energy system, keeping more carbon dioxide from entering the environment is vital. If coal stays in our fuel mix, a facility for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) will be crucial. That is why I have established an Interdepartmental Committee on CCS to look at all the technical, environmental legal, regulatory and other issues concerned with implementing CCS in Ireland.

Alternative Energy Projects

Andrew Doyle

Question:

47 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of megawatts of wind energy capacity that will be connected to the grid in 2010. [23082/10]

At the end of 2009, there was 1260MW of installed wind connected to the grid. In the first quarter of 2010 that figure rose to 1379MW. EirGrid expect that by year end, there will be 1884MW of installed wind connected to the grid. That amounts to 624MW of wind generation that are due to be connected to the grid, subject to successful project roll-out by end year.

Telecommunications Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

48 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in the provision of state of the art technology throughout the communications sector with particular reference to the need to dramatically improve the availability of high speed broadband and modern mobile telephony at least in line with that currently available in other adjoining and competing jurisdictions; the cost of investment to date by the State through various enhancement schemes; the degree to which high quality service is now available in all areas throughout the country; the location of any blackspots; the reason for same; the action taken or likely to be taken to address this issue; when he expects the entire information technology sector here to become on par with the top three throughout Europe and in line with the modern requirements of medical, educational and industrial sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23051/10]

Significant progress has been made over recent years in both broadband roll out and quality and mobile telephony services. For example, Ireland has over 1.443 million broadband subscribers and our broadband per-capita penetration rate is 32.4%. Internationally, Ireland ranks 11th of the EU 27 for per-capita broadband penetration (composite fixed and mobile), 4th for mobile only penetration, and 14th for fixed broadband penetration. Of the homes with broadband connections, 68.4% of them, and 72.8% of SMEs are using broadband speeds of between 2mbps — 10mbps.

Only 19% of the non residential subscriptions and only 25% of the residential subscriptions are in the 1–2 Mbps range. Higher speeds, in some cases up to 50Mbps, are also available to residential and SME customers in urban areas. Speeds of up to 24Mbps are becoming more generally available from DSL providers and 30Mbps products are available from the main cable operator.

ComReg's Quarter 4 report also shows a mobile penetration rate of 119%, with 5.3 million subscriptions.

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband and mobile services, is a matter in the first instance for electronic communications service providers who operate in a fully liberalised market. In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where appropriate and possible. Government policy is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper sets out the Government's position that investment in broadband infrastructure is primarily a matter for the private sector, facilitated, where appropriate and possible by Government.

The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. In the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), 3 is progressing its network roll-out and NBS broadband services are now available in more than 65% of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by end September 2010.

It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the NBS there will still be isolated incidents of premises outside areas covered by the NBS scheme that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (e.g.: a telephone line may not be suitable or is too far from an enabled exchange, or; the premises do not have "line of sight" to a base station). The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives and given State Aid approval to a rural broadband scheme. In this context, my Department is currently progressing the detailed design and implementation of such a scheme which will be available to unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas.

Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 37.

Waste Management

Noel Coonan

Question:

50 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has sanctioned capital expenditure to invest in anaerobic digestion on the site of the Cork city landfill site to produce methane from grass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23076/10]

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Deployment Programme. The programme was expanded in 2008 to include dedicated support for Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion powered CHP. The Renewable Heat Deployment Programme (ReHeat), which is also administered by SEAI, incentivises the installation of biomass boilers. Both programmes have already supported the construction of a significant number of projects.

SEAI will consider all applications for support which are in line with the required criteria for the schemes, subject to funding being available. I cannot comment on the merits of any one application. I can confirm that anaerobic digestion CHP is eligible for support under the CHP Deployment programme.

Inland Fisheries

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

51 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the annual accounts for 2008 of the Central Fisheries Board have been published and laid before Dáil Éireann; if not, the reason for the delay; the timeframe for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23030/10]

Under Section 14 (1) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999, the Central Fisheries Board is obliged to submit draft annual accounts to the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG).

As soon as may be but not later than one month after an audit by the C&AG, the Board is then obliged to submit to the Department a copy of its annual accounts, together with the C&AG's report.

The Central Fisheries Board awaits the signed off final accounts and report from the C&AG. Upon my receipt of same and following approval by Government, I will lay copies of both the accounts and the report before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 14 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999.

Postal Services

Liz McManus

Question:

52 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had contact with the Data Commissioner with regard to the introduction of a unique identifier postcode system; the safeguards that he will specify in relation to a unique identifier postcode model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23016/10]

I have met with the Data Commissioner in 2009 and in 2010 in regard to this matter and detailed discussions have also taken place at official level.

The Commissioner has confirmed that he does not oppose a unique identifier postcode model provided that appropriate safeguards were put in place as to the uses that could be made of such a postcode. I will consult with the Data Commissioner in this regard as necessary in the context of the introduction of a postcodes system.

Mary Upton

Question:

53 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if in relation to the recent tender for a postcodes system, if he will outline the way he will ensure that his proposed six digit code will be capable of being further refined into a location based code; if he will accept it may be more economical to tender for a postcode system that had this capability from the outset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23017/10]

An invitation to tender issued on the 10th May 2010 for consultants to assist in selecting a body to implement and manage the delivery of a working national postcode system. These consultants, when appointed, will work with my Department's team in ensuring that the proposed six digit alpha numeric model will be capable of being refined into a location based code.

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 31.

Telecommunications Services

Sean Sherlock

Question:

55 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his position regarding the implementation of a one stop shop for broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23037/10]

The objective of the one-stop-shop commitment in the Next Generation Broadband policy paper "Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", is to facilitate telecoms network operators in gaining access to ducting that exists along publicly-owned energy, transport and other infrastructure so as to help reduce the cost of fibre roll-out for backhaul networks.

Government policy is to make available all State-owned infrastructure on an open-access basis in so far as is possible and I do not favour exclusive deals being done whereby one service provider secures exclusive access to a particular State-owned network.

An important step in delivering on this commitment is the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Act 2010, which provides that the National Roads Authority (NRA) is the single point of contact for access to ducts on motorways and other national roads. This means that telecommunications service providers no longer have to approach individual local authorities when seeking such access.

The legislation also allows the NRA to make a scheme, which will permit it to impose charges for the use of ducts made available by the NRA on national roads, subject to the approval of the Minister for Transport following consultation with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and the Minister for Finance.

I am satisfied that this will provide an open and transparent way of setting access pricing for NRA infrastructure.

I understand the NRA is currently exploring how best to develop this new business, which will include consultation with service providers and other stakeholders. I very much welcome this development as it is an example of what I set out to achieve in facilitating open access to State-owned ducting. Such open access is a clear policy objective of mine.

The NRA model is a significant advance and I will be seeking to extend this approach to other suitable State-owned infrastructure.

Jack Wall

Question:

56 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the possible use of text messages to alert the public to looming national disasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23023/10]

The use of Short Message text messages to alert the public to looming national disasters is currently being considered. Discussions are currently taking place with industry as to the technical issues associated with the issue of an emergency text message.

The initial discussions indicate that there are technical challenges associated with the use of Short Message text technology to broadcast emergency messages. The mobile phone technologies were never designed to send short message service (SMS) messages simultaneously to all users of the mobile phone network. The question of how long it would take for messages to go through is being analyzed, and there are concerns that it could take some time.

The mobile phone operators have also indicated that there may be issues associated with resultant increased numbers of helpdesk calls which such messages might generate. All these issues are being considered along with other methods for the delivery of emergency messages using television and radio broadcast networks. The simplest approach used in the past is regular announcements on these networks.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

57 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his stated goal to commence an independent study of broadband speeds available to customers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23035/10]

My Department commenced and substantially progressed a proposal to invite tenders to report on the quality of broadband speeds experienced by customers compared to headline speeds advertised by Internet service providers. In the course of the preparatory work a significant impediment identified was an absence of access to data on operators' technical capacities in different stages associated with the delivery of internet connectivity. I am advised that the robustness of any report would require access to data on matters such as customer port interfaces, backhaul connections and other technical aspects of the Internet connectivity. My Department is working with ComReg with a view to exploring how best to proceed and, if appropriate, ComReg using its powers and expertise to maximise the robustness of any report. I should also highlight that the EU Commission is currently considering a similar exercise and similar difficulties are arising.

Electricity Supply

Dinny McGinley

Question:

58 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the deal whereby the ESB will purchase the network and grid infrastructure in Northern Ireland from Viridian. [23106/10]

I refer the Deputy to the announcement by the ESB on the 4th of May 2010, in which the ESB confirmed that it is in discussions with Arcapita in relation to the possible acquisition (subject to requisite shareholder approvals) of Northern Ireland Electricity, the transmission and distribution business of Viridian Group Holdings Limited.

It is normal practice not to comment on commercially sensitive activities of semi-state companies.

Broadcasting Services

Bernard Allen

Question:

59 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide digital terrestrial television in view of the recent collapse of the tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23057/10]

Liz McManus

Question:

64 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he plans to proceed with digital terrestrial television here in view of the recent unsuccessful negotiations for the commercial DTT contracts; the further way he will ensure that commercial DTT will proceed here by the 2012 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23015/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 64 together.

Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides the legislative basis for the development of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services in Ireland and for analogue switch off. Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is required to develop a national free to air DTT service which enables the switch off of free-to-air analogue television services in 2012.

The RTÉ DTT service is required to provide a digital platform for the existing analogue free to air television services, and provide space for additional public service channels, if required. In the event of spare capacity it can be used by RTÉ on a commercial basis, to offer carriage to other commercial television channels.

In relation to commercial DTT, the Broadcasting Act also provides for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to seek to licence commercial DTT services in Ireland.

A competition for a commercial DTT service provider was initiated by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) in 2008. Three applicants were short-listed. In July 2008 the BCI announced its intention to enter into negotiations with Boxer DTT Ltd, the highest placed consortium.

Boxer withdrew from the process in April 2009. As a result, negotiations commenced with the next placed bidder, the OneVision consortium. In April 2010, BAI withdrew the contract offer from OneVision as that consortium was unable to reach agreement with the network operator, RTÉNL.

The BAI offered the contract to the third place consortium, Easy TV earlier this month but they declined the offer.

While the fact that the BAI process did not result in a commercial DTT operator is unfortunate, the plans for the national RTÉ DTT service continue to be progressed. In this regard, I signed an Order, SI 85 of 2010, under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 requiring RTÉ to launch their DTT service to approximately 90% of the population by 31st October 2010. I have been informed by RTÉ that they are on target to meet the October launch date and I welcome this development.

The 2009 Act also requires RTÉ to provide the full national digital service by the end of 2011 or such date as I may specify. I have communicated to RTÉ that the date for the provision of a full national DTT service is 31st December 2011.

The development of a national DTT network is important to Ireland, both in terms of securing the future of public service broadcasting and in terms of the benefits to be accrued from the use of the "digital dividend". The "digital dividend" arises from the closure of the analogue television network and is a clear enabler of economic and social growth.

My priority is therefore to provide for the closure, in 2012, of the analogue terrestrial "free to air" broadcasting services provided by RTÉ, TG4 and TV3. The European Commission has set 2012 as the timeline for analogue switch off throughout Europe and the EU Council of Ministers has asked Member States to complete switch over by 2012 in so far as possible.

Whilst a commercial DTT service is not essential to provide for analogue switch off, it would have provided additional consumer choice. In this regard, I intend to meet with those involved in the development of DTT and analogue switch over (ASO) in Ireland, the BAI, ComReg and RTÉ, to consider the broadcasting, telecommunications and spectrum policy issues that arise as a result of the outcome of the BAI's commercial DTT process.

Energy Resources

Joan Burton

Question:

60 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will comment on the development of a smart grid here; the position regarding the programme for Government 2007 commitment to select a smart town test site to test the new smart grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23046/10]

The Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the Government's strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand, deliver smart networks and enable greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. The harnessing of renewable energy and the development of micro generation and electric vehicles is creating an utterly different supply and demand energy landscape. The integration of energy and ICT systems will deliver an energy network which looks a lot more like the Internet than a traditional grid.

The current pilot phase of the smart meter programme is underway as planned. The technology trials are continuing to test a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure. Up to 5,000 meters have been deployed to accommodate technology testing in Limerick/Ennis, Cork City/Bandon and South Dublin/Wicklow.

The lessons learned from the pilot smart meter trials as well as the national roll-out of energy efficiency programmes and smart networks will then inform our approach to the selection and development of a Smart Town test site.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

61 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the progress made to date from the Government’s working group set up to ensure new building will have open access fibre connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/10]

In June 2009 I published a report, ‘Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland'. The installation of open access fibre connections in new premises, where practicable, was one of the policy actions.

A working group has been set up comprising officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and my own Department to examine a range of practical issues that need to be addressed to progress this action.

As part of this process, officials from my Department have been drafting technical recommendations and plan to consult with the construction industry and relevant stakeholders in the coming weeks.

Postal Services

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

62 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when post codes will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23054/10]

An invitation to tender issued on the 10th May 2010 for consultants to assist in selecting a body to implement and manage the delivery of a working national postcode system. The closing date for receipt of tenders is 22nd June 2010. I still expect to deliver a national postcode system for Ireland in 2011.

Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 59.

Energy Saving Schemes

Joe Costello

Question:

65 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the national energy efficiency retrofit programme will be launched in view of the difficulties that there has been with expenditure running behind profile in 2009 according to the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23018/10]

The National Energy Retrofit Programme announced on Budget Day in 2010 is a major initiative which will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions in homes and business while also creating jobs and developing a sustainable market for energy services. It will significantly reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to meeting the national efficiency targets including the target of 33% set for the public sector. It will also create significant employment in the energy and construction sectors in support of economic renewal and building the Smart Economy.

The detailed design and specification of the new programme is being finalised by my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). In broad terms the Retrofit Programme will bring together the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HES) and the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), as well as support programmes for business and the public sector.

The programme will involve energy supply companies, energy services providers, construction workers, energy auditors and policymakers, working together to deliver energy savings, cost reductions and ultimately smaller carbon footprints for energy customers throughout the country.

Pending the launch of the Retrofit Programme, which is subject to Government approval, all existing schemes, including the Home Energy saving scheme, are fully open for business with applications being received and processed by SEAI.

The HES Scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofitting measures including attic and wall insulation, very high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments.

The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 per year on their energy bills if they install the full suite of measures available under the scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, depending on the measure concerned.

The scheme, which was launched in March 2009, had attracted 40,724 applications by the end of 2009. Some €16.26 million was paid out by SEAI by the end of the year, representing 33,434 energy efficient measures installed in 18,183 homes. In 2010, already over €16m has been paid to homeowners under the Home Energy Saving scheme (HES). The scheme allows homeowners six months, from the date of grant approval, to have the work undertaken. Applications, take up and expenditure trends in 2010 to date have been most encouraging with over 1,000 applications per week on average.

Fuel Poverty

Olwyn Enright

Question:

66 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to develop a national fuel poverty strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23049/10]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

77 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for the energy affordability strategy; the form that this strategy will take; the way he plans to address the problem of fuel poverty here; the number of homes that were part of the warmer homes scheme for 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23025/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 66 and 77 together.

I am working closely with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to ensure a unified approach to energy affordability. Our Departments are collectively working to finalise the energy affordability strategy which I expect to bring to Government this month. I launched a public consultation process on the proposed strategy in March this year seeking the views of interested parties on all dimensions of energy affordability.

The Strategy will set out actions under way and proposed further actions to protect vulnerable households with a view to ensuring that existing and future measures are targeted at households where the risk of energy poverty is greatest.

Enhancing the energy efficiency of homes through structural improvements is pivotal to the Government's strategy to address energy affordability. To date, energy efficiency improvements in nearly 40,000 homes have been made under the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS).

The WHS provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty and is primarily delivered by community based organisations (CBOs) of which 23 have, to date, been approved to provide this service. The CBOs work in partnership with their local network of poverty and community support organisations including public health nurses, MABS and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to identify and address vulnerable homes. Private contractors were also engaged in 2009 to address the increasing demand for the scheme.

5,343 low-income homes benefited from energy efficiency upgrades under the WHS in 2008, with a further 19,000 retrofitted in 2009 (including nearly 3,000 homes delivered by the ESB according to WHS specification). Some €15 million was provided for the scheme in 2009, with a further €5 million provided by ESB and BGE. Of the €15 million Exchequer allocation €12.4m was spent under the scheme last year.

To date this year, the WHS has been delivered to 5,480 homes. I am confident that this year's target of 22,500 homes will be achieved.

Alternative Energy Projects

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

67 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has held talks with a company (details supplied) which is hoping to create thousands of jobs here in marine energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23045/10]

There has been some previous contact between the Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) in Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with Ocean Power Technologies (OPT).

Those discussions were about the possible use of an Underwater Connection Unit at the grid connected National Ocean Energy Test Site which is under development in Belmullet.

Following the recent marine energy conference which my Department co-hosted with the US Government and the Northern Ireland authorities, there were reports in the press that a US company, Rockhouse Mountain Energy, was looking at the possibility of deploying the Ocean Power technologies device in Irish waters by 2020.

No project proposals have been put forward by the developers to the OEDU at this stage.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 33.

Energy Prices

Emmet Stagg

Question:

69 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if reports that he intends to raise network charges for electricity and gas suppliers later in 2010 are accurate; if this move will result in higher residential utility bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23021/10]

The setting of electricity and gas network tariffs is the statutory function of the independent energy regulator, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

The CER reviews electricity and gas network charges on an annual basis and publishes its decision on these each summer, following a detailed consultation process. These charges are then included in the determination of final retail tariffs, both for ESB and BGE regulated tariffs, and for the prices offered by independent suppliers in the electricity and gas markets.

Network charges are only one component of final retail tariffs. In recent years, the most significant factor in determining both electricity and gas retail tariffs has been the wholesale price of gas.

In addition to the annual reviews, the CER is also close to completion of the third review in its cycle of 5-year reviews of electricity network expenditure, which also set the framework for the transmission, distribution and supply elements of the tariff for the subsequent five years. The first review in the cycle commenced in 2000 with a programme of significant infrastructure investment to address the deficit left by two decades of under-investment in our networks. The outcome of the current network review will come into effect on Oct 1st 2010 for the five year period to 2015.

The review is designed to ensure that ESB and EirGrid make even greater efficiencies in operational and capital expenditure relating to networks, thus minimising costs for consumers, while at the same time facilitating vital investments in electricity networks to ensure security of supply, facilitate the increased penetration of renewable generation and underpin the transition to a low carbon economy.

The provision of secure competitively priced energy supplies and the delivery at least cost of strategic energy infrastructure are central to the Government's core economic strategy of growing the smart economy with a thriving enterprise sector and high quality employment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

70 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he has taken or proposes to take, directly or through the aegis of the energy regulator, to reduce the price to the consumer of petrol, diesel and home heating oil, having particular regard to the decline in prices on world markets; if he has sought any clarification from or issued any instructions or directives to the regulator with a view to bringing about a reduction in energy prices commensurate with market trends in view of the necessity to reduce energy costs to the domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial sector at this time of economic need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23050/10]

The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has no function in relation to the price of petrol, diesel or home heating oil. There is no price control on petroleum products and it has been the policy objective of successive Governments to promote price competition and consumer choice. The CER therefore has no role in relation to the oil supply market.

On foot of a request from my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the National Consumer Agency (NCA) undertook a survey on retail prices of petrol and diesel. The NCA completed its report in December, 2008, which is available at www.consumerconnect.ie.

The NCA Report noted that the prices that Irish retailers charge for oil products relate to the refinery price rather than to the price of crude oil. The refinery price for oil products varies with demand and does not always move in line with crude oil prices. There is a time lag between movements in crude prices and refined prices. The current prices at the pump reflect global market price, which is fluctuating, transportation costs, euro/dollar fluctuations and other operating costs as well as the impact of taxes on oil products. Price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy.

Government policy in relation to energy is strongly focussed on reducing the impact of fossil fuel prices on consumers and business, through the promotion of alternative renewable resources, energy efficiency, security of supply and greater competition.

The Government's energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes are aimed at moving Ireland's economy away from reliance on imported, carbon intensive fossil fuels, which display ongoing price volatility. The objective is to ensure the long term protection of the domestic, commercial and agricultural sectors in the context of energy affordability.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, published in May 2009 identifies an overall energy savings target of 32,000 GWh to be achieved in 2020, representing approximately €1.6 billion in annual energy cost reductions.

Grant aid to move to renewable heating has also been provided in the domestic Greener Homes Programme and the Reheat Programme, allowing householders, businesses and local enterprises to move away from oil fired heating towards more efficient and sustainable forms of heating such as solar, geothermal and biomass heating.

In the transport sector, we are supporting a move away from imported oil through the introduction of biofuels into the fuel chain and an electric vehicle programme.

Following on the Biofuels excise relief programme introduced in 2005, the Biofuel Obligation Scheme is scheduled to commence in July 2010 and will compel fuel suppliers to include 4% biofuels in their overall annual fuel sales. The National Obligation will incentivise and enable the sustainable growth of the Irish biofuels market and support indigenous biofuel producers, allowing for the displacement of traditional oil products in the transport sector.

In addition to the Biofuels Obligation Scheme, I have announced a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020, which equates to around 225,000 vehicles. Electric vehicles are likely to play an important role in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels. The VRT exemption for electric vehicles and the VRT reliefs of up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles are already incentivising the roll out of alternative engine technologies. I have also announced the introduction of a grant scheme for up to 6,000 vehicles over a two year period from January 2011, which will provide grants of up to €5,000 for full battery electric vehicles and up to €2,500 for plug in hybrid electric vehicles. The grant scheme will be administered by the SEAI and full details will be published in advance of the scheme commencement date of Jan 2011. Working with ESB, who are rolling out the relevant technology, I have signed agreements with a number of car manufacturers with a view to making early production electric vehicles available to the Irish market.

The range and breadth of programmes which have been introduced by the Government demonstrate our commitment to reducing the impact of high fossil fuel prices, enhancing security of supply and ensuring sustainability.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 40.

Alternative Energy Projects

Jack Wall

Question:

72 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is an update on the publishing of Heads of a Bill for geothermal energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23022/10]

Considerable progress has been made in the preparation of a draft legislative scheme to permit exploration for and exploitation of geothermal energy and I have been considering an initial proposal for Heads of the Bill. My aim is to have technical legal drafting completed in time to have a publication of a Bill later this year and I will be bringing proposals to Government for this purpose ìn the near future.

Geothermal energy can be a potentially important source of indigenous energy in specific areas, but it is also a new area of legislative endeavour in this jurisdiction and so the Bill will be substantial, dealing with a range of matters such as ownership of the resource, regulation and licensing of exploration and development, ancillary rights and protection of third party interests. I would add that I have engaged closely with industry and interested parties in a public consultation process and in a series of meetings and workshops to ensure that the legislative proposals have the benefit of their input.

Electricity Generation

David Stanton

Question:

73 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question Nos 73 and 87 of 27 April 2010, the total number of customers who have now signed up under each category of the micro-generation programme; the further progress between his Department and the Electricity Supply Board in relation to the review of the programme and its participation levels; the action to be taken to improve take-up of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23052/10]

The ESB Customer Supply advises that of May 2010, 252 customers had availed of the scheme — 218 in the wind category, 33 in the solar photovoltaic and 1 in the hydro category.

ESB Networks have advised that they have received 745 applications from micro-generators for connection to the Low Voltage network.

My Department is also continuing to engage with ESB and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on the scope to improve take up of the scheme and to assess other potential support mechanisms.

Carbon Levy

Róisín Shortall

Question:

74 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he consulted with the industry in regard to the proposed carbon revenue levy to be imposed on generators; the views of the Commission for Energy Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23026/10]

The introduction of a carbon revenue levy has been the subject of much public discussion since the single Electricity Market was established in 2007 and the decision by the SEM Committee to allow generators to pass through carbon while availing of the free allowances to 2012. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has consistently taken the view that the introduction of a levy was a matter for the Government. Large Energy Users, IBEC and Forfás have been calling for the introduction of the levy for some time. The issue was discussed at a Round Table Forum on Energy Costs for Business which took place in Farmleigh in July 2009. This forum was chaired by my Department and involved the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the CER, the energy sector, Large Energy Users, ESRI, Forfás, IBEC, IDA and Enterprise Ireland. At this forum, large energy users and Forfás called for the introduction of the carbon windfall levy.

The Government agreed, around the time of the Forum, to my proposal to work to progress legislation to recover carbon windfall gains from electricity generators. The Government's intention to progress the legislation was flagged by the CER in its prices decision in August last year.

My Department subsequently met with several electricity generators who wished to discuss their concerns about the potential introduction of a carbon levy. I also met with some of the generators in question. In those meetings the generators outlined their concerns and my Department agreed to meet as necessary once the very complex work of drafting a proposed scheme was progressed.

In addition, shortly before the publication of the proposed legislation on 6th May, my Department met with those generators who would be affected by the introduction of the levy to outline the proposals and to hear their views.

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 30.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 28.
Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 66.

Departmental Websites

Enda Kenny

Question:

78 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of websites operated by his Department, including agencies under that Department; the cost of maintenance of these websites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22708/10]

My Department has 7 websites.

Site

Annual Support & Maintenance Charges

www.taoiseach.gov.ie

1,815.00

www.onegov.ie(formerly www.bettergov.ie)

1,815.00

www.betterregulation.ie

1,815.00

www.orp.ie

1,815.00

www.activecitizenship.ie

1,815.00

www.inp.ie

NIL

*www.forumoneurope.ie

NIL

*The www.forumoneurope.ie website is no longer active but will continue to be available as an information resource.

In addition to the above costs the total cost of hosting all seven sites for 2009 was 22,832.

National Economic and Social Development Office

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which includes its constituent body the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), comes under the aegis of my Department. There are five websites in operation in the NESDO.

Site

Annual Support & Maintenance Charges

www.nesdo.ie

NIL

www.nesc.ie

NIL

www.nesf.ie

NIL

www.ncpp.ie

NIL

www.futuresireland.ie

NIL

In addition to the above costs the total cost of hosting all five sites for 2009 was €3,025.

Following the dissolution in April 2010 of two constituent bodies of the NESDO, the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) and National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP), NESDO is reducing its websites to one. This work is currently underway. This website will include both NESDO and NESC, and will also incorporate pages from the websites of the former bodies, the NESF and NCPP, as well as the Futures Ireland Website.

Northern Ireland Issues

Joe McHugh

Question:

79 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Taoiseach if he will convene a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in advance of the budget that will be introduced by the new British Government on 22 June 2010; if he will ensure that this meeting will discuss monetary and competitiveness issues on which the stability of this island’s two economies rely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22709/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

80 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Taoiseach further to the communique that issued from the December 2009 plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, if the June or July 2010 meeting of that body will be held before the 22 of June 2010 when the new British Government will publish an emergency budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22810/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.

Meetings of the North South Ministerial Council are scheduled in agreement with the Northern Ireland Executive.

I will meet with Sinn Féin and the SDLP this week and I expect to meet with Prime Minister Cameron shortly.

The next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council will take place on Monday, 5 July. At that meeting, as is the norm, we will discuss the economic situation, North and South. At the last Plenary meeting of the NSMC in Derry on 14 December, 2009 there was discussion on the scope for future mutually beneficial cooperation in dealing with the economic downturn. I would expect that we will have further discussion on this at the meeting on 5 July.

There are also a number of meetings of the North South Ministerial Council in sectoral format scheduled before 5 July including on Health and Food Safety, Tourism and Intertrade Ireland.

As I said during replies in the House last week, we seek at all times to work with our counterparts in the North to identify synergies and a more cost effective delivery of services North and South. That is a matter we continue to pursue at all levels and in all respects in a transparent, open and beneficial way for everyone we serve.

Live Register

James Reilly

Question:

81 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged between 15 years to 25 years on the live register in December 2009 broken down by gender on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22811/10]

James Reilly

Question:

82 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on the live register in December 2009 broken down by gender on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22812/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social Protection.

The table contains Live Register information for persons aged under 25 years, 25 years and over and total persons in each county in December 2009.

It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance. It should also be noted that the Live Register includes only those aged 17 years and over.

Persons on the Live Register in December 2009, by gender, age and county.

Male

Female

All Persons

Under 25 years

25 years & over

Total Males

Under 25 years

25 years & over

Total Females

Under 25 years

25 years & over

Total All Persons

Cavan County

957

3,921

4,878

566

1,745

2,311

1,523

5,666

7,189

Donegal County

3,162

10,643

13,805

1,628

5,315

6,943

4,790

15,958

20,748

Leitrim County

433

2,007

2,440

220

940

1,160

653

2,947

3,600

Louth County

2,204

8,957

11,161

1,185

4,268

5,453

3,389

13,225

16,614

Monaghan County

817

3,499

4,316

433

1,585

2,018

1,250

5,084

6,334

Sligo County

698

2,594

3,292

425

1,275

1,700

1,123

3,869

4,992

Laoighis County

1,079

4,174

5,253

584

1,842

2,426

1,663

6,016

7,679

Longford County

646

2,897

3,543

379

1,235

1,614

1,025

4,132

5,157

Offaly County

1,137

4,431

5,568

628

1,995

2,623

1,765

6,426

8,191

Westmeath County

1,290

5,168

6,458

811

2,727

3,538

2,101

7,895

9,996

Galway County

2,959

11,835

14,794

1,621

6,307

7,928

4,580

18,142

22,722

Mayo County

1,750

6,824

8,574

877

3,285

4,162

2,627

10,109

12,736

Roscommon County

562

2,079

2,641

253

926

1,179

815

3,005

3,820

Dublin County

13,030

54,764

67,794

6,959

26,419

33,378

19,989

81,183

101,172

Kildare County

2,104

9,148

11,252

1,217

4,760

5,977

3,321

13,908

17,229

Meath County

1,265

5,996

7,261

765

3,045

3,810

2,030

9,041

11,071

Wicklow County

1,399

6,419

7,818

662

3,291

3,953

2,061

9,710

11,771

Clare County

1,312

5,454

6,766

714

2,924

3,638

2,026

8,378

10,404

Limerick County

2,786

11,653

14,439

1,543

5,393

6,936

4,329

17,046

21,375

North Tipperary

870

3,328

4,198

482

1,893

2,375

1,352

5,221

6,573

Carlow County

924

3,633

4,557

493

1,528

2,021

1,417

5,161

6,578

Kilkenny County

939

3,932

4,871

492

1,706

2,198

1,431

5,638

7,069

South Tipperary

1,269

4,780

6,049

610

1,855

2,465

1,879

6,635

8,514

Waterford County

1,809

7,781

9,590

1,025

3,730

4,755

2,834

11,511

14,345

Wexford County

2,406

9,428

11,834

1,394

4,928

6,322

3,800

14,356

18,156

Cork County

5,128

24,299

29,427

2,617

11,593

14,210

7,745

35,892

43,637

Kerry County

1,870

8,405

10,275

1,010

4,638

5,648

2,880

13,043

15,923

State

54,805

228,049

282,854

29,593

111,148

140,741

84,398

339,197

423,595

Departmental Expenditure

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

83 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the amount paid in each calendar year since inception in respect of the e-Cabinet system, in tabular form; the initial outlay for the e-Cabinet system; the nature of the service provided; the person by whom it was provided; if there were tenders sought for each such contract and the successful company or person; when the e-Cabinet system will be reviewed; the approximate number of public sector staff who have access to the system; the number of Ministers who utilise the system; the anticipated future outlay for the e-Cabinet system, the number of Cabinet meetings at which the e-Cabinet system has been used by some or all Cabinet members; the number of meetings at which it has not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22993/10]

The eCabinet system is in operation across all Government Departments and Ministers' Offices and at Government meetings. Work on it began in 2002 and it was implemented on a phased basis between 2004 and 2007 at a cost of some €5m. A breakdown of the costs, including licensing, maintenance, etc. per year, to date in 2010, will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

The system electronically supports and enables the administrative processes associated with the preparation and conduct of Government business and the dissemination of Government decisions, and replaces the former paper-based system which involved manual management and distribution of Government memoranda and decisions. Users at all levels get information more quickly, have more time to reflect on issues and can more readily contribute to proposals under development. Ministers and senior officials have information about items as they are placed on the Cabinet agenda, with access to the memoranda immediately.

The main development partner for the project was the In.vision Research Corporation Inc. (which was bought over by Quark Systems Ltd. in 2008). In.vision were the proprietors of an XML toolset that was selected for drawdown use by the public service in a public tender competition run by the LGCSB (Local Government Computer Services Board) in consultation with CMOD in the Department of Finance, and the drawdown facility was availed of by my Department for the eCabinet project which is built using the selected toolset. A small number of additional service providers were also contracted to build the infrastructure and to provide security for the system, using open and restricted (where necessary for security reasons) tendering procedures. These included Fujitsu Services, Bic Systems (Ireland) Ltd, LAN Communications and Entropy.

The system is kept under review and hardware and software upgrades are being implemented during 2010.

There are over 6,000 registered users of the system, between Ministers, Ministers of State and civil servants, with different levels of access rights depending on their responsibilities. All Ministers make use of the eCabinet system and it is and has been available at all meetings held in the Council Chamber in Government Buildings, which account for the vast majority of Cabinet meetings (for cost and security reasons the system functionality is only available for Cabinet meetings at the Cabinet table in the Council Chamber).

Brian Hayes

Question:

84 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Taoiseach the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23143/10]

My Department outsourced its payroll administration to the Department of Finance from 2004 to January 2008. The costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff of this Department by the Department of Finance during this period will be included in the Minister for Finance's answer to this question.

In February 2008, my Department outsourced its payroll administration to the Financial Shared Services Centre in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The costs associated with the issuing of payslips for staff in my Department since February 2008 are set out in the table. These costs cover stationery, labour, equipment maintenance and delivery. The Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform also provides an online payslip facility to staff of my Department and it is planned to phase out paper payslips later this year.

2007

February to December 2008

2009

Costs borne by Dept of Finance

€2,005

€2,028

Trade Opportunities

Noel Ahern

Question:

85 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his strategy to capitalise on our investment in the Shanghai International Exhibition 2010 from a tourism, industrial and educational point of view; the level and named Irish agencies that are operating there; if marketing is outsourced and so on; and if it is intended to recruit local staff with knowledge of the Irish scene in the subsequent marketing and sales campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22711/10]

The Department of An Taoiseach is responsible for coordinating the arrangements in relation to all aspects of our participation in Expo 2010 in Shanghai, including all decisions in relation to staffing and marketing. None of the Agencies which come under the aegis of my Department have a permanent operational presence in the pavilion. My Department and the development agencies have engaged with the Department of An Taoiseach to ensure that any opportunities for any potential trade or investment benefits for Ireland, which could flow from our involvement in the Expo will be pursued.

Redundancy Payments

Martin Ferris

Question:

86 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when redundancy will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [23161/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 17 May, 2010. This claim awaits processing. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September/October 2009.

The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. On the Redundancy side the scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.

Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents; prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours; establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments; better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website; and engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April2010.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

James Reilly

Question:

87 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of redundancies and insolvencies each month from January 2007 until May 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22718/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to both the Redundancy and Insolvency Payments Schemes on behalf of the Department of Social Protection.

Table 1 sets out the number of redundancy claims received by my Department in each month from January 2007 to end April 2010 under the Redundancy Payments Scheme. These figures reflect the number of employees who qualified and applied for statutory redundancy entitlements. They do not reflect those who lost their jobs with less than two years service in employment.

The number of claims received under the Insolvency Payments Scheme from January 2007 to end April 2010 is detailed at Table 2.

The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment and Insolvency claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained.

In relation to Insolvency Payments, this has resulted in a significant rise in the level of company receiverships and insolvencies, creating an unprecedented increase in the number of claims being submitted to the Insolvency Payments Section of my Department as Table 2 shows. My officials endeavour to process all claims as quickly as possible and claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt. A total of 20,172 claims were processed in 2009, which represents an increase in productivity of 108% over 2008, and the Insolvency Payments Section is constantly endeavouring to achieve earlier completion and payment dates.

On the Redundancy side the scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics in Table 1, that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounting to 77,001 representing a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.

Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

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

establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments;

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

engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April 2010.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

Table 1: Redundancy claims received from January 2007 to April 2010

Actual Redundancy claims received from January 2007 to April 2010 Monthly Breakdown

2007

2008

2009

2010

January

2,777

2,764

6,588

6,649

February

1,587

2,838

6,212

5,680

March

2,214

2311

7,680

5,515

April

2,155

3,114

7,131

5,749

May

1,942

2,462

7,948

June

2,046

2,914

6,764

July

2,287

3,852

6,285

August

2,319

3,147

5,831

September

1,859

3,971

5,989

October

2,174

4,623

6,561

November

2,380

5,261

5,891

December

1,719

3,350

4,121

Total

25,459

40,607

77,001

23,593

Table 2: Insolvency Payments 2007 to April 2010

Insolvency claims received from January 2007 to April 2010 Monthly Breakdown

2007

2008

2009

2010

January

656

1,219

1,485

2,523

February

260

804

1,215

2,031

March

418

282

2,484

2,509

April

1,191

1,189

1,662

2,121

May

454

705

2,663

June

369

668

2,452

July

508

981

3,136

August

359

614

1,504

September

390

904

1,332

October

462

2,069

999

November

400

1,570

1,295

December

428

1,023

1,184

Total

5,895

12,028

21,411

9,184

Employment Levels

James Reilly

Question:

88 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of persons employed in exporting firms on 1 January each year from 2000 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22743/10]

The figures available to me are in respect of numbers of persons employed in exporting firms assisted by the State Development agencies, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development, which come under the aegis of my Department. These figures are set out in the table. As the information is compiled on an annualised basis, the figures in respect of 2010 will not be available until early 2011.

Numbers in Permanent (Full time) Employment in Enterprise Agency Assisted Companies

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

311,424

308,491

299,924

293,191

291,559

295,693

302,316

304,785

297,848

264,584

SME Sector

Mary Upton

Question:

89 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he considers the fact that Donegal County Council, in respect of tenders of less that €40,000 in value, requires suppliers to provide indemnities of as high as €6.5 million for not only the county council itself but the peace and reconciliation partnership and the special EU programmes body are consistent with his policy of promoting small business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22749/10]

The particular issue referred to by the deputy is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The issue of improving access for SMES to public contracts is at the centre of the Governments current drive to eliminate barriers to SMEs access to public contracts. An increased involvement of SMEs into public purchasing will allow SMEs to make the most of their potential for job creation, growth and innovation. Government recognises the important business opportunities that public service contracts represent for business enterprises in the local and national economy and encourages participation to the greatest extent possible. As part of the Governments new strategy for public procurement, significant measures have been introduced which make it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to bid for public contracts.

Mary Upton

Question:

90 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will review the failure of the Competition Authority to challenge anti-competitive practices by the local authorities in which they set down conditions for suppliers that exclude small businesses; if he will send for a report on the failure of the Competition Authority to carry out its functions under section 4 and 5 of the Competition Act 2002 in respect of the anti-competitive practices of Donegal County Council which exclude small business from tendering for business through the setting of disproportionate indemnity charges; and if he will make a statement on the appearance of another example of regulatory failure. [22750/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

91 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has received any advice, views or recommendations from the Competition Authority on anti-competitive tendering practices by the local authorities concerning their setting down of disproportionate indemnity requirements that exclude small suppliers; if, in view of complaints by small suppliers, he will communicate with the Competition Authority about the problem and invite such advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22751/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.

Overall policy responsibility for public procurement is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance. However, specific complaints about individual contracts should be brought to the attention of the relevant Government Department.

The Competition Authority is the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of competition law in the State. Section 29(3) of the Competition Act 2002 provides that the Competition Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Under section 30(1)(b) of that Act, the Competition Authority is responsible for investigating any breach of the Act. As investigations are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Authority I have no direct function in the matter.

I understand however that the Competition Authority has received a number of complaints about pre-qualification criteria for public tenders. For example, a number of businesses have suggested that the level of turnover or indemnity insurance required by a local authority to tender for a contract is too high, disproportionate and anti-competitive.

The Competition Authority enforces the Competition Act 2002, which prohibits anti-competitive arrangements (under Section 4) and abuse of a dominant position (under Section 5). I am advised that for each of the complaints received, the Authority found no evidence of an anti-competitive arrangement or abuse of a dominant position within the meaning of the Competition Act. Consequently, the Authority cannot take any enforcement action because it does not appear that any breach of competition law has taken place.

Redundancy Payments

Charles Flanagan

Question:

92 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 19 May 2010, if the question might be re-addressed in view of the fact that the answer made no reference to the point at issue. [22761/10]

In my reply to the Deputy's previous Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 19 May 2010, I confirmed that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 15 September 2009. I did however indicate that there remains an outstanding query with the employee's former employer that, if resolved to satisfaction, would allow the claim to be processed for payment shortly thereafter. While this issue is unresolved, it is not possible to predict a date on which payment to the individual concerned will be made.

Job Creation

Denis Naughten

Question:

93 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 24 September 2008, the progress made to date on obtaining an alternative employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22767/10]

I understand from Enterprise Ireland that, at present, no active enquiries are known to the agency regarding the factory. The agency will continue to be of assistance to the company concerned in finding a replacement business for the facility. The company concerned and their commercial property agents have advertised the factory for sale.

Work Permits

Joe Costello

Question:

94 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will amend the Employment Permit Act 2006 to allow immigrants who have employment permits to work with Irish employers to register with new employers here when they are made redundant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22776/10]

A properly controlled employment permit system requires that permits be issued to a specific employee for a specific job with a specific employer. To do otherwise would not only risk abuse of the employment permit system but would make it much more difficult to ensure that employers observed the employment rights of employees.

In the event that a non-EEA national on a valid employment permit is made redundant, they have a period of 6 months from the date of their redundancy to source another employer and apply for a new employment permit. In the event that they are unable to source another employer within that timeframe, they should contact the Immigration Authorities of the Department of Justice and Law Reform to establish their immigration status beyond that period.

Full details of the policy relating to employees made redundant is available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie/labour/workpermits/redundant.htm.

Industrial Disputes

Finian McGrath

Question:

95 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will examine a matter (details supplied). [22788/10]

I understand that the case raised by the Deputy related to an industrial relations dispute, rather than one involving issues of employment rights law. The case was heard before a rights commissioner who issued his decision on 9 May 2008. The claimant appealed this decision to the Labour Court. The Labour Court subsequently issued its decision upholding the decision of the rights commissioner.

Both the Rights Commissioner Service and the Labour Court are independent statutory bodies that act independently in carrying out their functions.

The basic approach to industrial relations in Ireland is one of voluntarism, whereby the law will not seek to impose a solution on the parties to a dispute but will, where appropriate, assist them in arriving at a solution. The State's role in industrial relations in Ireland has been largely to facilitate the voluntary process through establishing, by legislation, a number of bodies to assist in the resolution of disputes. These bodies are the Labour Relations Commission, including its Rights Commissioner Service, and the Labour Court. The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement machinery, free of charge to assist this process.

Responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives.

Redundancy Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

96 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22851/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 14 December, 2009. This claim awaits processing. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September/October 2009.

The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. On the Redundancy side the scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.

Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

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

establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments;

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

engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April 2010.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

97 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a statutory redundancy payment will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22852/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 4 May, 2010. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees,such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September/October 2009.

The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. On the Redundancy side the scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.

Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

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

establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments;

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

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

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April 2010.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

John O'Mahony

Question:

98 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when redundancy payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22888/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 21 August, 2009.

In instances such as this, where the employer does not formally wind the company up but goes into informal insolvency and is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Department seeks from the employer evidence of inability to pay the entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting confirmation from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the employer's inability to pay the redundancy entitlements and, requesting the latest set of financial accounts/statement of affairs for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments. If this documentation is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share that the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees.

In the present instance, some but not all of the necessary documentation has been provided and my Department is in contact with the employer's accountant in relation to an outstanding issue. If this is resolved to satisfaction, it should be possible to process the claim for payment shortly thereafter.

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

National Competitiveness

James Reilly

Question:

99 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount by which labour costs must fall in order for competitiveness here to be restored to its level on 1 January 1999, assuming exchange rates and prices do not change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22892/10]

James Reilly

Question:

100 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount by which consumer prices must fall in order for competitiveness here to be restored to its level on 1 January 1999, assuming exchange rates, producer prices and labour costs do not change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22893/10]

James Reilly

Question:

101 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount by which producer prices must fall in order for competitiveness here to be restored to its level on 1 January 1999, assuming exchange rates, consumer prices and labour costs do not change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22894/10]

James Reilly

Question:

102 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount by which the exchange rate with sterling and the US dollar must fall in order for competitiveness here to be restored to its level on 1 January 1999, assuming producer prices, consumer prices and labour costs do not change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22895/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 102 together.

Measuring competitiveness is complex and requires an assessment of the full range of factors which enable firms to improve their productivity levels and compete in international markets. There are a number of international indices of competitiveness produced by international bodies, each with their own methodological constraints. The National Competitiveness Council's annual report, "Benchmarking Ireland's Performance", provides a comprehensive assessment of Ireland's competitiveness.

Taking a narrow view of competitiveness in terms of real effective exchange rates or price and labour costs is only one part of such an assessment. Table 1 shows labour cost (i.e. average industrial wage) developments since 1999.

Table 1: Labour costs 1999-2009

CSO, Earnings data

Average Industrial Wage

Hourly

Weekly

Q1 1999 in Irish Punts

7.61

305.95

Q1 1999 converted to €

€9.66

€388.46

Q3 2009

€21.30

€778.47

Q3 2009 in January 1999 constant prices

€15.49

€566.28

Nominal Difference between 1999 and 2009

€11.64

€390.01

Percentage change required in nominal terms

54.64%

50.10%

Difference between 1999 and 2009 using constant prices

€5.83

€177.81

Percentage change required in real terms

37.64%

31.40%

Table 1 shows that labour costs, as measured by the average industrial wage, would have to fall by 31.4% in real terms to be restored to levels seen in Q1 1999.

The Central Bank in collaboration with the European Central Bank have developed a whole economy relative cost index, the Harmonised Competitiveness Indicators (HCIs), which provide an indication of trends in competitiveness. The nominal HCI is a nominal effective exchange rate for the Irish economy that reflects, on a trade-weighted basis, movements in the exchange rates vis-à-vis 56 trading partners. The real HCI (deflated by consumer prices) takes into account relative price changes along with exchange rate movements. The HCI has been deflated by consumer and producer prices to show the level both would need to fall to reach 1999 levels.

Table 2: HCI, Consumer Price and Producer Prices 1999-2010

Harmonised Competitiveness Indicators for Ireland (HCIs)

Nominal HCI (Monthly average)

Real HCI (Deflated by consumer prices)

Real HCI (Deflated by producer prices)

1999

January

100.00

100.00

100.00

February

98.53

98.73

98.55

March

97.21

97.33

97.21

April

96.27

96.38

96.98

May

95.83

96.36

96.67

June

94.55

95.16

95.74

July

94.65

95.19

95.74

August

95.39

96.24

96.37

September

94.36

95.36

95.33

October

95.01

96.07

95.61

November

93.31

94.63

94.35

December

91.99

93.90

94.79

2000

January

91.90

94.11

95.08

February

90.98

93.39

93.98

March

89.98

92.51

93.07

April

88.91

91.76

92.69

May

87.81

91.08

92.20

June

90.23

93.59

94.37

July

89.81

93.49

94.41

August

87.96

91.82

92.70

September

86.77

90.41

91.34

October

85.80

89.81

90.72

November

86.37

90.65

90.80

December

88.58

92.44

93.48

2001

January

91.11

94.70

95.29

February

90.48

94.45

94.63

March

90.33

94.55

95.07

April

89.71

93.98

94.30

May

88.57

92.83

93.75

June

87.66

92.21

93.14

July

88.17

93.07

93.99

August

90.16

95.23

95.62

September

90.52

95.74

95.82

October

90.54

96.30

96.30

November

89.61

95.37

95.53

December

89.98

96.22

96.38

2002

January

89.72

96.11

96.42

February

89.10

95.55

95.97

March

89.31

96.12

96.77

April

89.58

96.70

97.30

May

91.03

98.61

99.02

June

92.89

100.66

100.86

July

93.90

101.69

101.24

August

93.47

101.40

100.39

September

93.55

101.67

100.32

October

93.77

102.14

100.54

November

94.50

103.21

101.43

December

95.27

104.28

102.93

2003

January

97.19

106.81

104.01

February

98.22

108.17

104.55

March

98.77

109.03

105.08

April

99.06

109.69

106.54

May

101.96

112.85

109.03

June

101.96

112.78

108.50

July

100.95

111.56

107.51

August

100.18

110.93

106.69

September

100.11

110.81

106.88

October

101.43

112.29

107.80

November

101.33

112.19

107.56

December

103.46

114.61

109.08

2004

January

104.12

115.10

109.31

February

103.84

115.02

108.53

March

102.50

113.43

107.08

April

101.33

112.03

105.78

May

102.01

112.74

106.07

June

102.08

113.08

106.73

July

102.46

113.48

105.95

August

102.36

113.66

105.32

September

102.74

114.01

105.52

October

103.70

114.90

105.43

November

104.94

116.39

106.70

December

105.90

117.33

107.73

2005

January

105.06

116.20

106.82

February

104.43

115.42

106.30

March

105.02

115.77

106.44

April

104.19

115.04

105.92

May

103.40

114.29

105.72

June

101.38

112.14

103.67

July

101.68

112.52

104.17

August

102.20

113.02

103.96

September

101.89

112.98

102.91

October

101.49

112.55

102.43

November

100.83

111.66

102.61

December

100.91

111.28

102.71

2006

January

101.51

112.17

102.61

February

100.91

111.78

102.50

March

101.42

112.37

102.71

April

102.25

113.25

102.94

May

103.25

114.51

103.29

June

103.40

114.59

103.20

July

103.52

114.76

102.87

August

103.51

115.16

102.83

September

103.30

114.61

103.50

October

102.89

114.43

102.89

November

103.51

114.86

103.18

December

104.32

115.90

103.99

2007

January

103.58

115.31

103.84

February

103.89

115.62

103.28

March

104.61

116.53

103.24

April

105.27

117.33

103.42

May

105.24

117.28

103.26

June

104.83

116.75

103.11

July

105.40

117.54

103.38

August

105.26

117.44

104.19

September

106.15

118.30

104.23

October

106.95

119.04

105.41

November

108.31

120.45

105.34

December

108.41

120.49

106.31

2008

January

109.22

121.16

106.63

February

109.18

121.37

106.78

March

111.61

124.41

108.10

April

112.75

125.14

110.05

May

112.26

124.55

108.29

June

112.30

124.37

107.30

July

112.77

124.20

106.51

August

110.93

122.08

106.70

September

109.75

120.75

105.08

October

107.17

118.05

104.66

November

106.76

117.95

106.62

December

110.75

122.38

111.16

2009

January

110.45

121.80

111.18

February

108.89

119.33

110.21

March

110.88

121.21

111.90

April

110.27

120.26

112.05

May

110.73

120.13

112.14

June

111.16

120.12

111.59

July

111.30

119.79

112.14

August

111.60

119.77

110.96

September

112.85

120.53

112.50

October

113.82

121.22

112.90

November

113.63

120.53

111.83

December

112.79

119.16

110.68

2010

January

111.22

117.27

108.35

February

109.32

114.64

107.17

March

109.20

113.85

106.15

April

107.93

112.25

104.74

Fall required

7.93

12.25

4.74

Table 2 shows that consumer and producer prices would need to fall by 12.25% and 4.74%, respectively, in real terms to reach the levels seen in January 1999.

Table 3 shows exchange rates between the euro (€) and both the sterling (£) and the dollar ($) on May 28th, 2009 and January 1st, 1999. The euro has appreciated against both currencies in the past 10 years despite weakening in recent months. This means that Irish imports from Britain and the US have become relatively cheaper, while Irish exports have become more expensive to trading partners in the US and UK. To revert to the level seen on January 1st, 1999, the euro would need to depreciate by 5.1% against the dollar and almost 17% against sterling.

Table 3: Exchange Rate movements €/$ and €/£ 1999-2010 (source — www.oanda.com)

01/01/1999

28/05/2010

Change

% Change required

Eur — US$

1.1674

1.2301

0.0627

5.10%

Eur — GB£

0.7038

0.8476

0.1438

16.97%

Employment Rights

Tom Sheahan

Question:

103 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has had investigations made into the phenomena of migrants who take leases in previously unviable businesses, work 16 hours per day and immediately turn these businesses into viable entities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22912/10]

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) endeavours to ensure that people, who are new to this country whether as employee or employer, are aware of the legislation relating to employment law. The Employment Permits service of my Department also gives information on employment rights to each employee who is issued with a work permit. Employers' attention is drawn to employee rights through the statement of rights which form part of the permit.

If the Deputy has information about suspected breaches of employment law on specific premises, he should bring the matter to the attention of NERA which may be contacted as follows:

National Employment Rights Authority

Government Buildings

O'Brien Road, Carlow

Ph.1890 808090

inspection@employmentrights.ie

However, I wish to make it clear that NERA does not conduct its inspection programmes on the basis of the racial origin of employers nor is it appropriate that they should do so.

Trade Missions

Tom Sheahan

Question:

104 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will report on his latest trade mission; if inward investment in employment is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22927/10]

I visited the Mid West of the United States from 5th to 9th of April 2010, on a marketing programme organised by IDA Ireland.

The programme involved meeting Chairpersons, CEOs and other senior executives of leading companies, across all sectors and in particular in the Life Sciences and Financial Services sectors. It also involved interviews in the US media, promoting Ireland as a location for foreign direct investment.

Some of the companies, which I met have substantial and valuable activities in Ireland and those meetings focused on retaining, expanding and further embedding the employment footprint here. For companies which do not have a presence in Ireland, the focus was to underpin Ireland as the location for their proposed investment activities against intense competition from other locations around the world.

Overall the engagement at the meetings was positive, with many companies upbeat in their discussions on expansion and growth strategies.

While no specific commitments were made in regard to new investment projects during my visit, I am not surprised at this, as most major FDI projects can involve a lengthy evaluation and decision-making process. It is often the case following such visits that a considerable number of meetings and discussions will take place between the company and IDA Ireland before the company makes a final decision on location.

I am optimistic, however, that new investments and jobs will follow in time, particularly given the positive views which were expressed to me during those meetings.

Redundancy Payments

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

105 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when payment of a specific payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22995/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 7 September 2009.

In instances such as this, where the employer does not formally wind the company up but goes into informal insolvency and is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Department seeks from the employer evidence of inability to pay the entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting confirmation from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the employer's inability to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements and, requesting the latest set of financial accounts/statement of affairs for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments. If this documentation is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share that the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees. In the present instance, some but not all of the necessary documentation has been provided and my Department is in contact with the employer's accountant in relation to an outstanding issue. If this is resolved to satisfaction, it should be possible to process the claim for payment shortly thereafter.

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

Work Permits

Pat Breen

Question:

106 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 2 March 2010, the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23129/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Appeals Officer in the Employment Permits Section of my Department is currently dealing with appeals received in the last week of January 2010. A decision will be made on this appeal in the next week.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

107 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23136/10]

My Department processes payroll payments for approximately 1,200 individuals on behalf of the Department, its Offices and a number of agencies.

Under Section 4 of the Payment of Wages Act, 1991, there is an obligation on my Department to provide a statement of wages and deductions to each individual (i.e. a payslip) as soon as may be after payment has been effected. These payments are made either weekly or fortnightly and my Department issues up to 50,000 payslips per annum in respect of these payments.

It is not possible to identify all of the individual costs associated with the issuing of payslips. For example, issuing payslips is just one element of the overall payroll administration carried out by staff of my Department's Salaries Section. Pay and overhead costs associated specifically with the production of payslips by these staff are not disaggregated on my Department's accounting system. Similarly, payslips are generally delivered as part of the normal in-house postal arrangements in my Department, so no additional cost is incurred in delivering the payslips in these circumstances. In the relatively small number of cases where payslips are posted through the Post Office system, the cost of posting payslips is included in the general postal costs for my Department.

Other costs related to the issuing of payslips, such as the purchase of special stationery or equipment, arise periodically. These costs are captured as part of general stationery and equipment costs on my Department's accounting system and it is not feasible to comprehensively disaggregate them.

However, my officials have been able to identify that costs of €8,221 and €14,655 were incurred in 2007 and 2008 respectively for payslip stationery. The supplies purchased in 2008 have not yet been exhausted.

As part of a general upgrade of my Department's payroll systems, my officials are currently exploring the introduction of on-line payslips as an alternative to the current printed format. This project will minimise the time spent in producing and issuing payslips and will therefore reduce the related costs.

Work Permits

Michael McGrath

Question:

108 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [23163/10]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits (Green Cards Permits, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant Permits and Intra-company Transfer Permits). All applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.

Due to the prioritisation of business needs of my Department, it was necessary to re-deploy a significant number of staff in the Employment Permits Section to the Redundancy Payments area in early 2009 where there is a strong need for additional resources to process payments to those who have lost their jobs. This has resulted in currently higher processing times for some of the permit types and appeals. In the priority high skills area of Green Cards and Intra Company Transfers, applications are still being processed within 15 working days. In relation to Work Permits, Spousal applications and appeals, measures have been put in place to address the current backlog.

I can report that significant progress has been made in reducing the backlog in these areas from 3,000 in August 2009 to 2,000 in May 2010. The Employment Permits Section is now processing Work Permit applications received in the first week of March 2010.

I wish to advise the Deputy that a Work Permit application in respect of the person concerned was received in the Employment Permits Section of my Department on the 9th April 2010. A decision will be due on this application in about 3-4 weeks.

Public Procurement

Niall Collins

Question:

109 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if an allowance in the rating criteria will be built in for companies who are based here and tendering for such projects based on the imbalance stated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23233/10]

Responsibility for Public Procurement rests with my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

Departmental Funding

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

110 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to resource the recommendations of the mid-west jobs taskforce; the amount of funding he will make available to implement the recommendations; when he expects the funding to be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23241/10]

The Task Force completed its Interim Report, which was presented to the Minister by Mr. Brosnan last July. Since then the Government has been responding to the recommendations under the various headings.

Last September, the Tánaiste sent the Task Force a report on responses up to that time. Following completion of a cross-departmental consultation, taking account of Ministers' budgets for 2010, with other Ministers and all relevant Divisions and agencies in my Department, the Tanaiste and Minister of State made detailed Statements to the Dáil on 28 January, 2010, on the issue. A summary on responses up to March, 2010, was provided in response to a Parliamentary Question.

The situation in relation to responses is now being updated again and I expect to meet with Mr. Brosnan in the next week or so to inform him on the current state of play in relation to the recommendations. I shall also circulate the updated response to Deputies for information.

This latest response will provide an update on the extensive multi-agency response which has been under way since the Dell-related job losses were announced, and which was augmented by the funding approved late last year under the EU Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

The agency-delivered response provides information & services to individual employees facing unemployment to facilitate them to re-train, to re-educate or to start a new business, and delivers specific initiatives to indigenous sub-supply companies in the Mid-West to explore alternative markets, products and business opportunities. Services to affected workers are delivered in particular through Fás, EI, CEBs, VECs and the education institutions.

The latest update on responses to the recommendations will also contain details of the response to all of the recommendations on Enterprise Development, including responses delivered through IDA, Shannon Development, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards, as well as in relation to grant aid rates and the development of industrial estates in Limerick.

It will also give details on the response to the other recommendations in the Task Force Report.

Redundancy Payments

Joe Carey

Question:

111 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 13 October 2009 will he expedite the redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare, when he expects payment to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23249/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum redundancy claim for the individual concerned on 14 November, 2008. Queries were raised on 9 December 2008 in relation to this claim which were finally resolved in April 2010. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the claim is at an advanced stage of processing. Payment is expected to issue to the individual within the next two weeks.

Joe Carey

Question:

112 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if assistance will be given in expediting redundancy payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23251/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 18 February, 2010. This claim awaits processing. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September/October 2009.

The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.

Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

Almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

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

Establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.

Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;

Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities, which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April 2010.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

113 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the reason for the delay in processing redundancy payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23264/10]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

114 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on whether it is acceptable that persons made redundant in the past two years have to wait for more than a year for their statutory payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23265/10]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

115 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the measures that have been implemented to ensure that claims will be processed in a more timely manner. [23266/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 to 115, inclusive, together.

The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications received in November 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 6 months. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September/October 2009. In some instances where the necessary supporting documentation for claims is not provided to my Department, or where queries arise, processing of claims can be further delayed until the required documentation is provided and/or outstanding queries are resolved.

Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

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

establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments;

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

engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April 2010.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

Joe Carey

Question:

116 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the procedure for claiming statutory redundancy payments; the average length of time for settling a claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23339/10]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

The Statutory Redundancy Payments Scheme is operated strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967-2007.

Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. Statutory Redundancy is an employment right, and any employee over the age of 16 who is in insurable employment with the relevant employer for two years prior to the date of termination of the employment, is eligible. An employee is entitled to two weeks pay for every year of service, plus a bonus week, subject to a maximum weekly ceiling of €600 gross pay.

A redundancy situation arises in general where an employee's job no longer exists and he/she is not replaced. It is up to the employer concerned in the first instance to determine whether or not in fact a redundancy situation obtains. Application should be submitted to my Department on an RP50 form completed and signed as appropriate by the employer and the employee. This form can be completed online or downloaded from the Department's website at www.entemp.ie. In the case of forms submitted online, it is necessary also to submit a signed hardcopy of the form. Disputes arising in relation to statutory redundancy entitlement can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication.

Under the Redundancy Acts, the objective is to ensure that statutory redundancy payments, due to eligible employees on being made redundant, are made in accordance with the legislative provisions. The legislation places the onus, in the first instance, on the employer to discharge the obligation to pay redundancy entitlement to employees. On so doing, the employer is entitled, by virtue of the pay related social contributions made to the State, to recover a rebate of 60% of the lump sum redundancy payments paid out to employees.

In instances where the employer does not formally wind the company up but goes into informal insolvency and is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Department seeks from the employer evidence of inability to pay the entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting confirmation from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the employer's inability to pay the redundancy entitlements and, requesting the latest set of financial accounts/statement of affairs for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments. If this documentation is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy lump sum entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share, which the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees.

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

The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing rebate applications received in November 2009, so that the waiting time is approximately 6 months. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September/October 2009. In some instances where the necessary supporting documentation for claims is not provided to my Department, or where queries arise, processing of claims can be further delayed until the required documentation is provided and/or outstanding queries are resolved.

Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

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

establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments;

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

engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.

The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. During the period 1 January 2010 to 30 April, 2010, 23,593 claims were received and 27,592 were processed. In the year to date, inroads have been made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end of January to 36,333 at the end of April 2010.

Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.

Job Creation

Joe Carey

Question:

117 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of visits to the Information Age Park, Ennis, County Clare, that have taken place in 2010 by companies looking to set up here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23340/10]

Joe Carey

Question:

118 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of new jobs created in the Information Age Park, Ennis, County Clare for each of the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23341/10]

Joe Carey

Question:

119 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs in the Information Age Park, Ennis, County Clare for the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23342/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 119, inclusive, together.

The Information Age Park in Ennis is operated by Shannon Development and the task of securing and supporting industrial clients there is assigned to IDA and Enterprise Ireland.

I am informed by Shannon Development that, to date in 2010, there have been 13 site visits to the Information Age Park in Ennis and from these visits the development agencies have got 5 new clients.

The number of new jobs created in the Information Age Park in each of the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 are set out in the tabular statement, as are the total employment figures in the Park for each of those years.

Table showing the number of new jobs created in the Information Age Park, in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010

Year

Number of new jobs created

2008

25

2009

12

2010 (to date )

9

Table showing the total number of jobs in the Information Age Park, in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010

Year

Total number of jobs

2008

61

2009

63

2010

67

Joe Carey

Question:

120 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of site visits made by the Industrial Development Authority to sites for the purposes of creating new businesses and employment in County Clare for each of the years from 2007, 2008, 2009 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23343/10]

I have been informed by IDA Ireland and Shannon Development that since 2007, a total of 60 site visits were made by potential investors to County Clare and the Shannon Free Zone. A breakdown of these visits, by year and location is set out in the tabular statement.

Table showing the number of site visits for potential investors arranged by Shannon Development to the Shannon Free Zone in the period from the beginning of 2007 to date in 2010.

Year

Number of site visits

2007

8

2008

10

2009

12

2010 (end May)

5

Table showing the number of site visits for potential investors arranged by IDA to County Clare (including the Shannon Free Zone) in the period from the beginning of 2007 to date in 2010

Year

Number of site visits

Location

2007

6

All to Shannon Free Zone

2008

4

All to Shannon Free Zone

2009

10

6 to Shannon Free Zone4 to Ennis

2010 (end May)

5

All to Shannon Free Zone

Employment Rights

Brian O'Shea

Question:

121 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will make a statement on the concerns of the migrant rights centre in regard to the employment permit policy (details supplied). [23377/10]

I am very concerned about the issues raised by the Migrant Rights Centre and strongly condemn any practices by employers that may result in non-compliance with employment rights entitlements or any other mistreatment of employees, including those on employment permits. I have expressed these concerns directly with representatives of the Migrant Rights Centre when I met them in April 2010. As I indicated at that meeting, it is the case that Ireland's Employment Rights Legislation establishes the framework of statutory rights applicable to all people working in Ireland whether they are Irish citizens or not. I would urge all whose employment rights are being breached by an employer or those who know of such exploitation, to contact the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) who will investigate these matters.

The Employment Permits Act 2006 sets out in legislation the rules governing employment permits. One of the main objectives of this Act was to increase the rights and protections afforded to migrant workers and the means to ensure redress in the event of exploitative practices. The Act's provisions give immigrants greater freedom, autonomy and control over their own employment choices by enabling workers for the first time to apply and re-apply for their own permit and allow workers to change their employer after a period of a year and move to another employment in order to take advantage of better conditions or career options. Last year, my Department issued almost 1,500 employment permits in respect of employees changing to new employers.

While understanding the concerns expressed, I am equally aware that a properly controlled employment permit system requires that permits be issued to a specific employee for a specific job with a specific employer. To do otherwise would not only risk abuse of the employment permit system but would make it much more difficult to ensure that employers observed the employment rights of employees.

The Employment Permits Act 2006 allows for regular review of Ireland's economic migration policies and my Department keeps these policies under review, in line with the emerging needs of the labour market, on an on-going basis.

Industrial Development

Brian O'Shea

Question:

122 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of visits made by prospective overseas investors at the invitation of the Industrial Development Authority to locations in the Waterford constituency since January 2009; the sites visited; the outcome of each visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23392/10]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

123 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the sites in the Waterford constituency to which the Industrial Development Authority have brought or will bring foreign direct investors to visit; the reason that these are the sites that are selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23438/10]

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

I have been informed by IDA that from the beginning of 2009 and to date in 2010, there have been a total of 14 site visits by potential investors to Waterford City and County, 10 visits in 2009 and 4 to date in 2010. Details of the locations of those visits are set out in the tabular statement.

There have been no immediate investment announcements resulting from these but there can often be a considerable time lag between a site visit and investment an announcement as there are many factors effecting a company's decision as to where to locate. IDA Ireland introduces a prospective client company to 3 or 4 selected locations, which can meet the company's requirements for skills, labour, site and/or building(s), and infrastructure. While IDA seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on location is taken in all cases by the promoting company.

In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA's strategy for Waterford is focused on the Gateway City of Waterford and the county town of Dungarvan, and as will be seen from the tabular statement, all of IDA's itineraries have been to there two towns.

Table showing the location and number of site visits to Waterford City and County in 2009 and to date in 2010.

Location

2009

2010 (to date )

Waterford City

8

3

Dungarvan

2

1

Brian O'Shea

Question:

124 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the locations throughout the country that have been visited by prospective foreign direct investors at the invitation of the Industrial Development Authority since January 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23439/10]

I have been informed by IDA Ireland that since January of this year, there have been a total of 193 site visits by potential investors to various locations throughout the country. Details of the locations of those visits are set out in the tabular statement.

Typically, a company is shown three or four selected towns, which can meet its requirements for skills, labour, site and/or buildings and infrastructure. In selecting locations to show companies, IDA Ireland seeks to include locations which have been affected by closures/job losses and also gives priority to the Border, Midlands and West regions.

While IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on both visits and final location is taken, in all cases, by the promoting company.

Table showing the location of site visits made by potential investors since the beginning of January 2010.

Site Visits By County Jan-May 2010

Region County

No. of site Visits

North West Donegal

1

Sligo

6

Total

7

East Region Dublin (City &County)

92

Wicklow

2

Total

94

Midlands Athlone

11

Mullingar

1

Tullamore

2

Total

14

Mid West Limerick

11

Clare (Shannon Free Zone)

5

Total

16

North East Dundalk

11

Drogheda

5

Total

16

South East Waterford City

3

Dungarvan

1

Carlow

2

Total

6

South West Cork city

16

Cork County

6

Total

22

West Galway (all City)

18

Trade Opportunities

Noel Ahern

Question:

125 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the Shanghai International Exhibition 2010; the details of the investment by his Department; the size and purpose of the pavilion; if it is fully run by Government agencies or if it is leased to commercial interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22711/10]

EXPO 2010 opened in Shanghai, China on 1 May 2010 and remains open until 31 October 2010. Under the direction of the nominated Commissioner General for the Irish exhibition, the Office of Public Works was requested by the Government to design and manage the construction of the Ireland pavilion. The procurement and installation of the exhibition within the pavilion, based on an outline provided by the Commissioner General, was also overseen by the OPW.

The size of the Ireland pavilion site, based on the total site and area covered, is 3000m2.

The contract for the construction of the pavilion was placed with a local Chinese firm. The budget for building construction, exhibition installation and operation is €10m.

The Ireland Pavilion Management Team, led by the Pavilion Director, is responsible for the operation of the pavilion, the exhibition and the events programme being held in the pavilion. Promotional and commercial programmes are being prepared by the Ireland Pavilion Management Team in association with Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Culture Ireland. The Ireland pavilion will not be leased to commercial interests.

Departmental Property

Michael Ring

Question:

126 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if negotiations have taken place regarding the lease on buildings (details supplied); if discussions have taken place regarding extending the lease; if so, the cost to the Department; the details of the terms of any extension of the lease; and the details of the duration. [22836/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

127 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when the initial lease on buildings (details supplied) is due to expire; and the exact term of the initial lease. [22837/10]

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

The Commissioners of Public Works have leased two premises in Tubbercurry and these leases are due to expire on 13 July 2012. The terms of the leases for each building involved are as follows:

14 July 2008 until 13 July 2012;

1 June 2006 until 13 July 2012 (the initial expiry date of 31 May 2008 was extended to coincide with the term of the other leased building).

At this stage, there are no ongoing negotiations pertaining to these leases.

Carbon Levy

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the cost increase implications in respect of all energy sources affected by the carbon tax; his expenditure proposals for the revenue accruing from the tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23436/10]

I announced in the Budget that a carbon tax at a rate €15 per tonne would be introduced on fossil fuels. It should be noted that a carbon tax came into effect on 10 December 2009 in respect of petrol and auto-diesel and from 1 May 2010 to kerosene, marked gas oil (also known as ‘green diesel' or ‘agricultural diesel'), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. The application of the tax to coal and commercial peat is subject to a Commencement Order.

It is estimated that the carbon tax, inclusive of VAT, will yield approximately €250 million in 2010 and €330 million in a full year. The revenue will, amongst other things, be used to boost energy efficiency, to support rural transport and to alleviate fuel poverty.

The impact on individual fuels in terms of nominal and percentage price changes is illustrated as follows:

Fuel Type

Unit

Current Price

Carbon Tax @ €15 (VAT incl.)

% change in price

Petrol

Litre

1.19*

4.2 cents

3.5%

Auto-diesel

Litre

1.10*

4.9 cents

4.4%

Kerosene

1,000 Litres

600

€43.14

7.2%

Marked Gas Oil

1,000 Litres

626

€46.87

7.5%

LPG

1,000 Litres

690

€27.97

4.1%

Fuel Oil

1,000 Litres

660

€52.15

7.9%

Natural Gas

13,800 kwh**

685

€47.86

7.0%

Peat Briquettes

Bale

3.85

39 cents

10.1%

Coal

40kg

15.20

€1.79

11.8%

*Price of petrol and auto-diesel in December 2009 when carbon tax was introduced for that fuel.

**Average annual household consumption.

EU Directives

Joe Carey

Question:

129 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance when he plans to publish legislation in relation to EU consumer credit directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22694/10]

Pat Breen

Question:

138 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the implementation of the consumer credit directive; when he expects legislation to be published in respect of this; his plans to implement this Directive as and from the 11 June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22801/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 138 together.

In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, my Department is currently preparing the draft Statutory Instrument, which will transpose the Consumer Credit Directive into Irish Law. It is intended that the legislation will be finalised by 11th June 2010. The Directive will take effect from that date.

Joe Carey

Question:

130 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding applying a differentiated regime for credit unions in relation to EU consumer credit directive as the directive allows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22696/10]

Joan Burton

Question:

153 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the deadline for implementation of the consumer credit directive; if and when implementing legislation is foreseen; his plans to apply a differentiated regime to credit unions, the possibility for which is foreseen in the directive; the consultations that have taken place with the credit union movement in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22908/10]

Richard Bruton

Question:

160 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the legislation that is necessary to implement the new EU consumer credit directive due to be implemented on 11 June 2010; and if he will include measures to avail of the discretion in that directive to treat credit unions differently from other financial institutions. [22965/10]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

174 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance when the EU consumer credit directive will be incorporated into Irish law; if it will be done by way of primary legislation or statutory instrument; if it will take account of the significant difference between credit unions and other credit institutions in the regime that will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23230/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 153, 160 and 174 together.

The Consumer Credit Directive establishes a harmonised legal framework in the European Union for the provision of consumer credit ranging from €200 up to €75,000. (It does not apply to mortgages). It replaces a 1987 Directive (87/102/EEC), which laid down minimum rules for consumer credit arrangements within the EU.

In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, my Department is currently preparing the draft Statutory Instrument, which will transpose the Directive into Irish Law. It is intended that the legislation will be finalised by 11th June, 2010. The Directive will take effect from that day.

I believe that the Directive enhances the strong regulatory regime underpinning consumer protection, and as such, I have decided that credit unions should be subject to its full application.

However, following consultation with representatives of the Credit Union movement, I am aware that the credit unions will require some time to upgrade their systems and train staff, so that they can effect compliance with all the requirements of the Directive. Consequently, I have adopted the discretion allowed for under Article 2.5 applying limited provisions of the Directive to them until 11th December 2011, after which date, the full Directive will take effect.

River Management

Enda Kenny

Question:

131 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the numerous river bank collapses in County Mayo on a river (details supplied); if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that these river bank collapses are undermining commercial building in some areas; if an application has been received from the town council concerned; the action that will be taken by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22713/10]

In early May, Mayo County Council contacted the Office of Public Works (OPW) in relation to the collapse of sections of retaining walls along the Castlebar River. The OPW understands that the Council will shortly submit an application for funding for remedial works under the minor flood mitigation works scheme. If an application is received, it will be assessed by the OPW having regard to the eligibility criteria of the scheme and the overall availability of resources.

Departmental Staff

Leo Varadkar

Question:

132 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of the 18 May 2010, if he will provide in terms of whole time equivalents a breakdown by grades of the civil servants employed in March 2009 prior to the introduction of the recruitment and promotion moratorium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22738/10]

The breakdown of civil servants by grade employed in March 2009 prior to the introduction of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion is set out as follows.

GRADES

Moratorium 27 March 2009

NON INDUSTRIAL CIVIL SERVANTS

SECRETARY GENERAL RELATED GRADES

38

DEPUTY SECRETARY RELATED GRADES

15

ASSISTANT SECRETARY RELATED GRADES

244

PO RELATED GRADES

1,454

AP RELATED GRADES

3,875

HEO RELATED GRADES

3,889

AO RELATED GRADES

2,245

EO RELATED GRADES

6,738

SO RELATED GRADES

1,615

CO RELATED GRADES

11,843

SERVICE OFFICER RELATED GRADES

1,212

MISC GRADES

102

TOTAL NON INDUSTRIAL GRADES

33,271

GENERAL SERVICE GRADES INCLUDED IN TOTAL

25,281

INDUSTRIAL GRADES

1,779

FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Local Recruits Serving Abroad)

300

EDUCATION (staff outside main Departmental records)

79

PRISONS, NATIONAL GALLERY and CPSA

3,767

Total

39,196

The numbers correspond to full-time equivalent staff serving in General Service, Professional, Technical and Industrial grades in the civil service on 27 March 2009.

Tax Collection

Michael McGrath

Question:

133 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount owed by businesses to the Revenue Commissioners under each tax heading; the age profile of arrears; and the steps being taken by the Revenue Commissioners to engage with business currently struggling to meet their tax liabilities. [22771/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the total amount of tax outstanding at 31 March 2010 was €2,112 m. Of the total outstanding at end March 2010, €669 m is the subject of appeal, leaving €1,443 m available for collection. The table attached shows the age profile of this collectible debt and the breakdown under each tax heading. This amount includes monies owed by both businesses and individuals. The economic and financial environment in which Revenue and its customers operate has been extremely challenging over the last number of years. Notwithstanding the difficult economic, financial and business environment Revenue is clearly focused on securing the taxes and duties due to the Exchequer on a timely basis. This approach is appropriate to ensure the collection of tax as effectively as possible in the current environment.

I am assured by Revenue that it is aware of the difficulties faced by some taxpayers and businesses in the difficult environment that prevails at the moment. Revenue is conscious of the need to strike the appropriate balance between giving some latitude to viable businesses experiencing short-term difficulties and ensuring timely collection of tax debts. Indeed, Revenue responded to the current problematic environment as it emerged by actively encouraging businesses experiencing particular payment difficulties to proactively engage with them when the issues start to emerge so that an agreed approach to them can be put in place and timely compliance speedily restored. I commend Revenue for the work that it has done in that regard and in the practical support and assistance it has been providing and continues to provide to viable businesses. I am aware that tax practitioners and representative bodies have recognised and welcomed the Revenue efforts in this regard also.

I know that Revenue is, when required, fully committed to taking the appropriate measures, including the necessary enforcement action, where a business is not viable or seeks to deliberately evade the obligation to pay what is owed, on time. Aside from the importance of ensuring that debts due are recovered to the greatest extent possible, this also ensures that compliant businesses are not put at a competitive disadvantage. I am fully supportive of Revenue's action in deploying the necessary collection and enforcement measures to address non-compliance in such circumstances.

Age Analysis by Taxhead of Debt Available for Collection at 31 March 2010

All Years to 1998

98/99

99/00

2000/01

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total All Years

Taxhead

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

€M

Income Tax

21.18

6.71

4.71

9.55

5.55

7.92

10.46

15.75

23.36

35.58

57.62

85.62

3.13

287.15

Corporation Tax

7.29

0.76

0.18

0.63

0.15

0.31

1.29

0.69

4.33

3.60

7.26

20.39

21.17

68.06

PAYE

1.35

0.38

0.63

1.08

1.37

2.86

3.15

3.88

5.17

7.95

12.25

30.96

88.52

159.56

PRSI

1.13

0.33

0.69

1.21

1.48

2.42

2.58

4.15

5.64

9.52

19.52

54.13

147.93

250.74

CGT

4.38

0.17

0.96

1.02

1.08

3.18

1.88

5.23

12.67

24.70

26.16

20.24

1.51

103.18

CAT

1.04

0.13

0.81

0.47

0.05

0.33

0.00

0.13

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

2.96

RCT (Net)

0.64

0.11

0.70

0.58

0.55

-0.50

0.72

3.63

6.61

8.85

9.82

8.60

11.30

51.61

VAT (Net)

-5.48

-0.33

0.44

2.28

2.12

6.19

0.44

14.60

10.43

32.25

44.04

134.19

273.13

514.31

Abolished Taxes

5.57

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

5.57

Total

37.10

8.27

9.13

16.82

12.34

22.72

20.52

48.06

68.20

122.46

176.67

354.13

546.70

1,443.13

%

2.57%

0.57%

0.63%

1.17%

0.86%

1.57%

1.42%

3.33%

4.73%

8.49%

12.24%

24.54%

37.88%

100.00%

Paul Kehoe

Question:

134 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance when notice of assessment will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22772/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer lodged a Return of Income on 6 November 2009. However, the accounts submitted did not refer to the correct period and they were subsequently returned to the individual with a request that correct accounts be provided. When these are received the relevant notice of assessment will be issued. There is no record of Revenue having received accounts from the taxpayer in January.

Departmental Properties

Denis Naughten

Question:

135 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a response to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 2 February 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22780/10]

There are no unoccupied dwelling houses owned by the Office of Public Works in the Dublin region.

Tax Code

Michael Moynihan

Question:

136 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding inheritance tax for a person who has jointly owned a house with their aunt for more than ten years and the entire house has been left to them following the death of the aunt. [22790/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for the purposes of Capital Acquisitions Tax (Gift and Inheritance Tax), the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance — the disponer — and the person who received the gift or inheritance — the beneficiary — determines the maximum tax-free threshold — the "group threshold" — below which gift or inheritance tax does not arise. There are, in all, three separate group tax-free thresholds based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the disponer.

Group A: €414,799 — applies where the beneficiary is a child (including adopted child, step-child and certain foster children) or minor child of a deceased child of the disponer. Parents also fall within this threshold where they take an inheritance of an absolute interest from a child.

Group B: €41,481 — applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, a nephew, a niece, or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the disponer.

Group C: €20,740 — applies in all other cases.

When calculating whether a beneficiary has received benefits in excess of his or her group tax-free threshold, any other gifts and inheritances received by that beneficiary since 5 December 1991 from within the same group are also taken into account. A beneficiary who receives an inheritance from an aunt falls into the group B threshold above. In the present case, where the aunt and the beneficiary jointly owned the house, the beneficiary is treated for inheritance tax purposes as inheriting the half-share of the house owned by the aunt and is not taxed on the full value of the house. Inheritance tax, at a rate of 25%, would therefore be payable by the beneficiary only on the excess value of the half-share of the house over the Group B tax-free threshold figure of €41,481 (assuming the beneficiary had received no prior gifts and inheritances since 5 December 1991 from within the same group).

Separately, in addition to the tax-free group thresholds available to a beneficiary, the Capital Acquisitions Tax code also exempts a gift or inheritance of a dwelling-house, or of a share of a dwelling-house, completely from gift or inheritance tax in certain circumstances. The main conditions attaching to the exemption are that the beneficiary of the dwelling-house must have resided in the dwelling-house for a minimum of three years prior to the gift or inheritance and must not have an interest in any other dwelling-house. In addition, the beneficiary must continue to occupy that dwelling-house as his or her only or main residence for a period of six years from the date of the gift or inheritance. This exemption ensures that what may be the family home for many people will not be the subject of any gift or inheritance tax when it is transferred. The dwelling-house exemption is available to any beneficiary who meets the conditions for the exemption irrespective of whether or not they are related to the disponer of the gift or inheritance and irrespective of the value of the dwelling-house being transferred.

Financial Services Regulation

Finian McGrath

Question:

137 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the Irish League of Credit Unions in 2010. [22796/10]

The details supplied by the Deputy relate to current campaign by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) in relation to amendments to Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 contained in the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 and to the transposition by Ireland of the Consumer Credit Directive. Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 imposes limits on credit unions in relation to longer-term lending. The restrictions contained in Section 35 are an important asset and liability instrument which has protected the financial stability of the credit union movement over many years. The matter was considered by my Department following extensive consultation with the two credit union representative bodies — the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) and the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) — and with the Registrar of Credit Unions. I have decided that, in addition to extending from 20% to 30% the proportion of a credit union loan book that may apply to loans over five years, it is necessary now to give the Registrar of Credit Unions powers to require credit unions to have appropriate liquidity, provisioning and accounting requirements in place.

The Registrar of Credit Unions will take a balanced and proportionate approach to the implementation of the new Section 35 requirements and has set out for the credit union representative groups transitional arrangements and clarifications on the implementation approach. The Registrar has already indicated that these include transitional arrangements for a 15% provisioning requirement up to 30 September 2011, trial periods, exceptions with regard to top-up loans and relaxation of the 100% provisioning requirement in respect of rescheduled loans which have missed two or more payments. The transitional arrangements as proposed by the Registrar will help to ease the position for credit unions in the current financial year and the next financial year ending in September 2011. They will also allow time for credit unions to adjust to the new regime. While I continue to believe that while the principle of the approach we are taking in the Bill must be adhered to, the Registrar and I are prepared to look at the scope for any further flexibility in relation to the transitional arrangements.

As I have indicated previously, there is a balance to be struck between meeting members' needs to reschedule loans and ensuring the stability of the credit union sector overall. We are not seeking to have a credit union sector which is over-regulated. However, we must act now in a prudent and preventative manner. It is in the interests of every credit union in the country that the stability of the sector is safeguarded. The proposals being brought forward in connection with the Bill will achieve this fundamental aim. The effect of the new provisions on credit unions will be closely monitored.

The Consumer Credit Directive establishes a harmonised legal framework in the European Union for the provision of consumer credit ranging from €200 up to €75,000. (It does not apply to mortgages). It replaces a 1987 Directive (87/102/EEC), which laid down minimum rules for consumer credit arrangements within the EU. In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, my Department is currently preparing the draft Statutory Instrument, which will transpose the Directive into Irish Law. It is intended that the legislation will be finalised by 11 June, 2010. The Directive will take effect from that day. I believe that the Directive enhances the strong regulatory regime underpinning consumer protection, and as such, I have decided that credit unions should be subject to its full application.

However, following consultation with representatives of the Credit Union movement, I am aware that the credit unions will require some time to upgrade their systems and train staff, so that they can effect compliance with all the requirements of the Directive. Consequently, I have adopted the discretion allowed for under Article 2.5 applying limited provisions of the Directive to them until 11 December 2011, after which date, the full Directive will take effect. Notification of my decision to adopt this discretion was published on my Department's website on 21 May 2010 and the both credit union representative bodies were informed of my decision by e-mail on that date.

Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 129.

Banking Sector Regulation

James Reilly

Question:

139 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the deposit ratio of the Irish banks each month from January 1999 to May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22807/10]

I refer the Deputy to the table. This information is taken from tables C4 and C5 of monthly reports produced by the Central Bank which shows loans to and deposits taken from customers, excluding Government and credit institutions. I am assuming that the reference to Irish banks in the Deputy's question comprises of the retail clearing banks and the non-clearing domestic banks. As the Deputy is aware, the Retail Clearing banks are AIB, Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank and Ulster Bank and some of their subsidiaries. The Non-Clearing domestic banks include ACC Bank plc, Anglo Irish Bank, EBS Building Society, Irish Life and Permanent plc, Irish Nationwide Building Society, KBC Bank Ireland plc and Postbank.

Table C4: Retail Clearing Credit Institutions

Table 5: Non-Clearing with Predominantly Domestic Business Credit Institutions

Assets: Item 5: Loans to other residents

Liabilities: Item 5: Deposits from other residents

Loans-to-Deposits Ratio

Assets: Item 5: Loans to other residents

Liabilities: Item 5: Deposits from other residents

Loans-to-Deposits Ratio

€ million

€ million

€ million

€ million

29/01/1999

33,536

32,077

1.05

37,332

33,775

1.11

26/02/1999

33,506

32,358

1.04

37,554

34,688

1.08

31/03/1999

35,099

33,016

1.06

39,449

34,975

1.13

30/04/1999

35,580

33,790

1.05

41,947

36,030

1.16

31/05/1999

36,032

33,771

1.07

43,650

36,827

1.19

30/06/1999

37,347

35,073

1.06

40,663

35,434

1.15

30/07/1999

37,603

34,780

1.08

41,343

34,708

1.19

31/08/1999

37,617

35,786

1.05

42,469

35,613

1.19

30/09/1999

39,202

36,099

1.09

43,277

35,869

1.21

29/10/1999

40,484

37,770

1.07

43,627

35,871

1.22

30/11/1999

41,291

37,640

1.10

43,849

37,074

1.18

30/12/1999

42,531

39,478

1.08

44,884

36,507

1.23

31/01/2000

43,114

39,600

1.09

45,960

37,882

1.21

29/02/2000

43,932

39,457

1.11

48,198

38,954

1.24

31/03/2000

45,416

40,957

1.11

50,760

38,385

1.32

28/04/2000

46,643

41,810

1.12

49,837

38,568

1.29

31/05/2000

46,903

41,654

1.13

48,929

38,146

1.28

30/06/2000

47,289

42,023

1.13

49,863

37,945

1.31

31/07/2000

48,370

43,278

1.12

48,673

37,093

1.31

31/08/2000

48,894

43,295

1.13

52,565

40,950

1.28

29/09/2000

51,552

44,760

1.15

50,814

40,286

1.26

31/10/2000

52,907

45,553

1.16

51,831

41,079

1.26

30/11/2000

53,172

45,302

1.17

50,078

40,220

1.25

29/12/2000

53,104

46,043

1.15

51,443

39,756

1.29

31/01/2001

53,394

45,023

1.19

51,554

40,572

1.27

28/02/2001

54,132

45,528

1.19

51,991

39,802

1.31

30/03/2001

54,715

46,746

1.17

53,254

40,863

1.30

30/04/2001

52,934

46,067

1.15

57,836

44,147

1.31

31/05/2001

53,959

47,262

1.14

57,816

45,071

1.28

29/06/2001

55,311

48,059

1.15

58,652

45,219

1.30

31/07/2001

55,365

47,490

1.17

58,224

44,764

1.30

31/08/2001

55,219

48,518

1.14

57,964

45,428

1.28

28/09/2001

56,501

49,706

1.14

59,637

45,034

1.32

31/10/2001

60,359

52,473

1.15

55,757

43,404

1.28

30/11/2001

61,513

52,163

1.18

56,203

43,823

1.28

28/12/2001

62,878

54,919

1.14

58,287

44,901

1.30

31/01/2002

63,061

53,923

1.17

57,764

44,896

1.29

28/02/2002

62,726

53,848

1.16

60,742

45,969

1.32

28/03/2002

62,985

54,942

1.15

61,133

47,074

1.30

30/04/2002

63,462

54,664

1.16

62,115

46,546

1.33

31/05/2002

63,932

55,038

1.16

61,105

46,897

1.30

28/06/2002

64,721

55,015

1.18

61,657

46,216

1.33

31/07/2002

65,320

56,066

1.17

63,039

48,633

1.30

30/08/2002

65,938

57,012

1.16

64,760

48,502

1.34

30/09/2002

67,852

57,478

1.18

65,197

48,578

1.34

31/10/2002

67,937

57,932

1.17

65,134

48,918

1.33

29/11/2002

68,594

57,376

1.20

65,327

48,949

1.33

31/12/2002

68,771

59,457

1.16

76,637

50,576

1.52

31/01/2003

69,534

59,571

1.17

75,929

51,260

1.48

28/02/2003

70,220

60,047

1.17

75,392

51,608

1.46

31/03/2003

71,665

59,720

1.20

77,676

51,103

1.52

30/04/2003

72,761

61,194

1.19

79,787

52,819

1.51

30/05/2003

72,692

61,605

1.18

79,305

51,847

1.53

30/06/2003

74,214

62,913

1.18

80,520

53,154

1.51

31/07/2003

75,373

63,402

1.19

82,049

52,998

1.55

29/08/2003

76,773

63,904

1.20

82,585

54,216

1.52

30/09/2003

77,543

64,889

1.20

84,827

54,919

1.54

31/10/2003

78,918

65,904

1.20

87,526

55,731

1.57

28/11/2003

80,541

65,217

1.23

89,411

55,179

1.62

31/12/2003

81,235

69,201

1.17

90,372

56,002

1.61

30/01/2004

83,029

67,271

1.23

92,410

58,855

1.57

27/02/2004

84,243

66,803

1.26

94,084

58,053

1.62

31/03/2004

87,055

68,267

1.28

95,970

59,173

1.62

30/04/2004

88,947

69,081

1.29

96,733

58,535

1.65

31/05/2004

91,944

69,418

1.32

99,261

59,878

1.66

30/06/2004

93,891

70,946

1.32

100,184

61,611

1.63

30/07/2004

95,965

72,499

1.32

106,265

63,189

1.68

31/08/2004

96,861

72,260

1.34

106,352

62,297

1.71

30/09/2004

98,305

73,449

1.34

108,937

63,090

1.73

29/10/2004

99,979

74,722

1.34

108,141

63,124

1.71

30/11/2004

102,323

74,153

1.38

110,413

63,515

1.74

31/12/2004

103,814

77,677

1.34

115,861

64,474

1.80

31/01/2005

106,622

77,262

1.38

117,997

65,310

1.81

28/02/2005

108,196

79,334

1.36

119,363

65,269

1.83

31/03/2005

111,224

80,322

1.38

122,816

65,689

1.87

29/04/2005

113,277

82,135

1.38

122,760

66,127

1.86

31/05/2005

116,625

83,512

1.40

126,283

67,208

1.88

30/06/2005

118,354

84,611

1.40

129,027

68,849

1.87

29/07/2005

120,728

87,352

1.38

132,516

69,937

1.89

31/08/2005

123,043

88,752

1.39

135,547

73,207

1.85

30/09/2005

126,099

89,581

1.41

137,143

73,160

1.87

28/10/2005

130,649

91,656

1.43

140,733

76,732

1.83

30/11/2005

134,137

89,477

1.50

144,145

79,198

1.82

30/12/2005

137,144

97,506

1.41

148,627

79,151

1.88

31/01/2006

139,657

94,937

1.47

150,002

80,269

1.87

28/02/2006

142,878

95,044

1.50

154,079

82,927

1.86

31/03/2006

144,338

98,257

1.47

157,099

83,991

1.87

28/04/2006

147,480

99,796

1.48

158,731

83,645

1.90

31/05/2006

151,460

102,120

1.48

162,104

85,703

1.89

30/06/2006

153,747

107,392

1.43

167,264

86,966

1.92

31/07/2006

156,997

107,995

1.45

173,926

91,922

1.89

31/08/2006

160,013

109,363

1.46

176,306

93,027

1.90

29/09/2006

162,843

107,948

1.51

178,493

94,518

1.89

31/10/2006

166,656

110,871

1.50

182,092

94,175

1.93

30/11/2006

169,649

110,484

1.54

184,378

91,653

2.01

29/12/2006

169,888

114,979

1.48

190,919

94,026

2.03

31/01/2007

177,589

115,344

1.54

189,991

90,778

2.09

28/02/2007

180,404

116,678

1.55

193,562

90,495

2.14

30/03/2007

184,196

115,465

1.60

197,941

92,760

2.13

30/04/2007

186,492

117,490

1.59

200,918

91,025

2.21

31/05/2007

189,596

117,865

1.61

205,649

91,116

2.26

29/06/2007

194,892

118,916

1.64

209,423

89,366

2.34

31/07/2007

195,833

120,831

1.62

217,324

91,517

2.37

31/08/2007

197,749

121,272

1.63

222,976

92,816

2.40

28/09/2007

201,666

122,147

1.65

225,483

93,633

2.41

31/10/2007

207,233

124,942

1.66

230,298

91,044

2.53

30/11/2007

212,241

123,858

1.71

234,314

89,011

2.63

31/12/2007

218,852

124,444

1.76

238,671

96,497

2.47

31/01/2008

220,353

126,101

1.75

240,136

96,957

2.48

29/02/2008

221,080

124,109

1.78

238,763

95,897

2.49

31/03/2008

223,518

125,134

1.79

240,298

100,349

2.39

30/04/2008

225,804

126,123

1.79

249,963

102,086

2.45

30/05/2008

228,157

127,578

1.79

253,852

99,310

2.56

Northern Ireland Issues

Joe McHugh

Question:

140 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance further to the communique that issued from December 2009 plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, if he agrees that he should meet with his Northern Ireland counterpart in advance of the budget that will be published by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22 June 2010; if they will jointly through the North-South Ministerial Council communicate Irish concerns about fiscal and monetary issues that could destabilise this island’s two economies to the British Chancellor before 22 June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

141 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance further to the joint communique that followed the December 2009 plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, if he met with the Northern Ireland Minister for Finance early in 2010; if he will summarise the outcome of that meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22809/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.

The Minister for Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland Sammy Wilson and I have met on a number of occasions and we discussed matters of mutual interest, including NAMA, the potential for budgetary savings and improved outcomes through North South co-operation and the economic challenges facing both jurisdictions. Indeed, Minister of State Mansergh had a bilateral meeting with Minister Wilson as recently as 20th May last in Belfast.

In addition, the Government is in regular contact with its British counterparts including the new Prime Minister and Secretary of State for NI. The North South Ministerial Council also meets regularly in Plenary and Sectoral formats and discusses the significant economic and public finance challenges in each jurisdiction. The next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council Plenary will take place on Monday, 5 July. At that meeting, as is the norm, we will discuss the economic situation, North and South. At the last Plenary meeting of the NSMC in Derry on 14 December, 2009 there was discussion on the scope for future mutually beneficial cooperation in dealing with the economic downturn. I would expect that we will have further discussion on this at the meeting on 5 July.

I met the Minister for Finance and Personnel Sammy Wilson at the tenth North South Ministerial Meeting in Special EU Programmes Sectoral Format that was held in my Department on 17th February 2010 I represented the Irish Government and the NI Executive was represented by Minister Wilson, MP, MLA and Minister for Social Development Margaret Richie (just after her election as leader of the SDLP). The communiqué issued following the meeting is available on the NSMC website at the following:

address:http://www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org/index/publications/joint-communiques/ sectoral-jc/seupb_jc/seupb_jc_17_february_2010-2.htm

The Irish Government remains strongly committed to practical and mutual beneficial North/South cooperation and we continue to explore ways to advance our common interests.

Tax Yield

James Reilly

Question:

142 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the tax revenue collected each year from 1997 to 2009; the amount of current expenditure each year from 1997 to 2009; the capital expenditure each year from 1997 to 2009; the projected figures for 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22816/10]

James Reilly

Question:

143 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of tax revenue collected by income tax, corporation tax, VAT, capital gains tax and any other relevant categories each year from 1997 to 2009; the projected figures for 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22817/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

I have set out the information sought by the Deputy in the attached tables. By way of information, the historical figures the Deputy requests are published each year in the Finance Accounts. The most recent projected figures for 2010 to 2014 were those published in Budget 2010 and are available on the Department of Finance website. It should be noted that the figures in the attached tables are total tax revenue, total net current expenditure and total net capital expenditure and, as such, the expenditure figures contain both the voted and non-voted elements. As the 2009 Finance Accounts have not yet been published, the 2009 figures are taken from the end-December 2009 Exchequer Statement.

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009*

Tax Revenue (€m)

18,124

20,480

23,565

27,072

27,925

29,294

32,103

35,581

39,254

45,539

47,249

40,777

33,043

Net Current Expenditure (€m)

17,795

18,301

19,750

20,634

24,009

26,126

28,747

30,764

33,496

37,090

40,896

44,693

45,248

Net Capital Expenditure (€m)

2,025

2,934

8,591

6,527

6,020

6,868

6,678

6,729

7,847

8,662

10,019

11,043

14,737

Source: Finance Accounts.
*2009 figures are still provisional until Finance Accounts published.
Budget 2010 Projections

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Tax Revenue (€m)

31,050

32,800

34,950

37,200

39,500

Net Current Expenditure (€m)

47,123

49,689

49,918

50,311

50,437

Net Capital Expenditure (€m)

6,734

5,848

6,576

7,372

7,435

Source: Budget 2010 Table 10.

Banking Sector Regulation

James Reilly

Question:

144 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the liabilities of Anglo Irish Bank; the breakdown of the liabilities of Anglo Irish Bank clearly showing the proportion that is owed to Irish credit unions, Irish pension funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22818/10]

As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the bank. The bank provides details of its assets and liabilities through the Annual Report and Accounts. The Report and Accounts for the 15 month period to 31 December 2009 was published in March 2010, please see following link http://www.angloirishbank.com/About-Us/Reports/. In addition, the bank makes appropriate disclosures to the regulatory authorities. The Deputy will appreciate that a breakdown of the information in the manner requested is confidential and commercially sensitive and I do not have available the breakdown of the liabilities into the categories requested by the Deputy.

Tax Code

John Deasy

Question:

145 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances in which interest payments are charged on outstanding taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22823/10]

This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners who are charged with responsibility for the timely collection and recovery of taxes and duties due to the Exchequer. Where businesses or individuals fail to meet their tax payment obligations on time, then they are liable to interest. The statutory rates of interest charged by the Revenue Commissioners in relation to late payment of tax and underpayment of tax were reduced in the Finance Act 2009. The current daily rates of 0.0219% for most taxes and 0.0274% for fiduciary taxes give respective annualised equivalents of 8% and 10% approximately. Interest on late payment of tax operates not just as a compensation for the Exchequer for the late payment of monies due to it but also supports timely voluntary compliance by levelling the playing field between those who meet their obligations on time and those who pay late. I am satisfied that Revenue's actions in the charging and collection of interest are reasonable having regard to the importance of timely payment of tax.

Flood Relief

Pat Breen

Question:

146 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 19 January 2010, the position regarding a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22824/10]

The Office of Public Works has met with Iarnrod Éireann regarding the flooding problem at Ballycar. It was agreed that Iarnrod Éireann, as the body responsible for the maintenance and safety of the railway line network, would manage the procurement of an investigation into the matter and subsequently implement any remedial measures, as appropriate. To this end, my Officials provided technical expertise in seeking a costed proposal for a flood study of the area at Ballycar, which is now with Iarnrod Éireann.

Banking Sector Regulation

Billy Timmins

Question:

147 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts regarding the proposal that European Union countries will be required to impose an up-front levy on banks, with the proceeds to be paid into national funds to insure against future financial failures under proposals to be unveiled shortly; if the taxpayer will again end up footing the bill through higher bank charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22826/10]

Billy Timmins

Question:

178 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23256/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 178 together.

Discussion on the issue of how to ensure that the financial sector contribute to the cost of dealing with crises is underway in various fora internationally. In addition to the proposals from the European Commission referred to by the Deputy, which are set out in the Commission's Communication on Bank Resolution Funds, the IMF is also examining this issue, at the request of the G20 and is due to present its final report to the G20 in June this year. There is no particular consensus as yet as to the most appropriate form for a charge to the financial sector. Some countries, including Sweden, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and France, have also announced various types of charges including a stability fee, a financial crisis responsibility fee and a tax on bonuses.

The Commission's Communication sets out the Commission's proposals for the financial sector to contribute to the cost of managing the failure of a bank in the future but does not address the recoupment of costs arising from the current crisis. The Commission supports the establishment of ex ante resolution funds, funded by a levy on the banks to facilitate the managed failure of ailing banks in an orderly manner and suggests that a resolution fund should form part of the toolbox of measures available to Member States in an EU crisis management framework. The Commission is clear that shareholders and creditors must be first to face the consequences of bank failure. It is important to note that an objective of the Commission's proposal, in conjunction with its wider proposals on a crisis management system, is to mitigate the burden on the taxpayer arising from financial crises.

The issue of the financial sector contributions to the cost of financial crises has been discussed by Finance Ministers at EU level. The most recent meeting of ECOFIN on 18 May concluded that better mechanisms are needed to ensure that the financial sector bears the cost of resolution measures in a way that equitably reflects its responsibility and with a view to eliminating the need for the use of public funds, whilst preventing further moral hazard. Ministers acknowledged that further work is necessary, at EU and international level, on the design of the arrangements to mitigate systemic risk and better anticipate and defray the costs of a possible crisis, and the Council agreed some overarching principles to guide this work, including the importance of coordination.

With respect to the taxation treatment of bank losses, the position is that in general, companies can offset trading losses incurred in an accounting period by carrying those losses forward and using them to reduce trading income arising in a later accounting period. In the case, however, of the banking institutions participating in the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) process, the NAMA Act 2009 inserted a new section 396C into the Taxes Consolidation Act which has the effect of restricting the amount of a participating institution's taxable trading income which can be reduced by losses carried forward, including losses arising from the NAMA process. The legislation limits the amount of trading income of a participating institution and all other participating institutions in the same group against which losses forward may be set off in any accounting period to 50 per cent of such income. The objective is to leave a portion of income in the tax net which would otherwise have been relieved by the use of losses forward. Unused losses can be carried forward indefinitely by companies until they are fully utilised and this remains the position both for institutions involved in the NAMA process and for companies generally.

Economic and Monetary Union

Billy Timmins

Question:

148 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with his European counterparts in respect of the European Union leaders summit next month to assess proposals for strengthening the eurozone’s economic governance with a view to averting a sovereign debt disaster that might destabilise the global financial system; his views on whether the proposed reforms will be a radical step closer towards a full fiscal union, such as operates in the US and other countries with a federal political system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22828/10]

The European Council has taken a number of steps in recent weeks and months to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area. However there is a broad understanding that economic governance within the euro area needs to be improved. To this end, the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy has established a Task Force to look more closely at reform. The Task Force — of which I am a member — has met once already and is set to look four main issues: a crisis resolution mechanism for the euro area, addressing macroeconomic imbalances, reinforcing the Stability and Growth Pact, and budgetary coordination. Ministers discussed all issues and the general view was that all avenues for improvements that could be advanced quickly should be the focus of their work. The Task Force will meet next week and the President intends to provide an interim report to the European Council in June. A final report will be made to the European Council in October.

Tax Code

Dan Neville

Question:

149 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he will process an application for repayment of income levy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22858/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the application for a refund of income levy was received from the person named on 2 February 2010. Additional details in support of the application were requested on 26 May 2010. When the supporting information is received, the application will be considered without further delay.

Tax Yield

Phil Hogan

Question:

150 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the taxation mechanism he is proposing to put in place to improve excise revenues from tobacco products while ensuring that cheap products do not proliferate the market; if he is considering utilising existing fiscal mechanisms such as a minimum excise duty which the majority of EU member states have in place to protect or improve revenues and keep prices high for health reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22866/10]

The yield from all tobacco products for 2009 was €1,216.5m. I would draw to the Deputy's attention that Ireland, at around €8.50 for a pack of 20 cigarettes, has the highest price and tobacco tax levels for cigarettes in the European Union. Any changes in tobacco taxes will be considered in the context of the Budgetary process.

Banking Sector Regulation

Joan Burton

Question:

151 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the average delay in commencing investigations by the Financial Ombudsman’s Office; the number and proportion of cases in which the delay in commencing an investigation is more than 12 weeks and more than 16 weeks; the reason for these delays; the steps being taken to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22876/10]

The Financial Services Ombudsman was established on a statutory basis as an independent body to deal with complaints from customers of financial services providers. The Minister for Finance has no involvement in the day to day workings of the Financial Services Ombudsman. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to make any statement in relation to the Deputy's question.

The Deputy may wish to note that the latest annual report from the Financial Services Ombudsman (for the year 2008) gives an account of the number of complaints received since the service was set up, the number resolved and closed and the number on hand at end 2008. However, I am advised by the Financial Services Ombudsman that the commencement of an investigation takes between 12 and 16 weeks once the decision to investigate a case has been taken.

I am advised that the reason for this is the increase in the number of new cases which the Ombudsman has received over the past two years along with the changes to the procedures as set down by a ruling of the High Court in June 2008.

Tax Collection

Joan Burton

Question:

152 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the forthcoming changes to the filing of capital acquisitions tax returns forms or other tax return forms; if CAT or any other tax is to be accepted solely on-line; if this is the case, the options that exist to facilitate the submission of such return forms by persons without access to or ease of use with the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22877/10]

The Deputy will be aware that the Finance Act 2010 introduced significant changes in connection with the modernisation and simplification of the probate process and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT). One of the key elements of the change relates to the filing of CAT returns (Forms IT38). A new simplified paper form has been developed and may be used where the following conditions are met: No relief/exemption/credit is claimed, apart from small gift exemption; The benefit taken is an absolute interest without conditions or restrictions; The property included in the return was taken from only one disponer and is not part of a larger benefit.

Where any other relief/exemption/credit is being claimed, the return must be filed electronically through Revenue's On-line Service (ROS). The 2009 Report of the Commission on Taxation recommended that where data on "tax expenditures" is required to facilitate evaluation and cost-benefit analysis, taxpayers availing of the tax reliefs should be required to e-file their tax returns. The opportunity was taken to implement Commission's recommendation in relation to CAT as part of the modernisation and simplification changes. Reliefs from CAT can be very significant; for example, agricultural and business property reliefs can reduce the taxable values by 90% and dwelling house relief gives a full exemption. CAT is also one of the more complex taxes resulting in many calculations and potential adjustments. Online filing and calculation reduces the scope for error and miscalculation. The online form is relatively simple and quick to complete as only questions that are pertinent to the return are presented for answers. As information is entered, the system progressively customises the return screens that have to be completed, thus minimising the number of screens and options presented.

Returns through ROS may be made by the taxpayer or by a practitioner (for example, a solicitor or accountant) acting on his or her behalf. Where an individual taxpayer cannot use the simplified paper return form but has genuine capacity difficulties in relation to online filing and where there is no practitioner involved in the process, the individual can contact Revenue directly to discuss their individual circumstances and they will be facilitated as far as possible.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 130.

Coastal Erosion

Tom Sheahan

Question:

154 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to preserve the spit at Rossbeigh Beach, County Kerry, in view of the fact that coastal erosion is having a detrimental effect on the spit and on the sand dunes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22914/10]

In 2009, I launched the Office of Public Works Minor Works and Coastal Protection Programme, whereby my Officials invited and assessed applications for minor works and studies in respect of Coastal protection. To date, no application has been received from Kerry County Council with respect to the preservation of the spit at Rossbeigh Beach. The Minor Works and Coastal Protection Programme is ongoing and it is open to Kerry County Council to submit an application for funding for consideration by the Office of Public Works.

Flood Relief

Tom Sheahan

Question:

155 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide funding for flood relief measures needed at Incharee, Glenbeigh, County Kerry, to protect residences from the annual flooding that occurs at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22915/10]

The Office of Public Works received an application from Kerry County Council under the 2010 Minor Works and Coastal Protection Programme to provide funding for works at Incharee, Co. Kerry. The application is currently being assessed by my Officials, and additional information and clarification has being sought from Kerry County Council in order to conclude this evaluation.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Tom Sheahan

Question:

156 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance the regulatory provisions that have been put in place to ensure best practice in the debt management industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22940/10]

The Money and Budgeting Service (MABS), which falls under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection, provides a national, free, confidential and independent service for people in debt. MABS offices, throughout the country, work with people in order to assist them with their financial planning and budgeting for the future.

Recently, as the numbers experiencing debt problems have increased, commercially orientated debt management undertakings/advisors have also become more active in this area. I note that the Law Reform Commission, in its recently published Interim Report on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, recommends that commercial debt management undertakings/advisors should be subject to a regulatory regime and that codes of practice should be established to govern the business practices of such operators. Some form of regulation is now required for this sector. My Department is examining policy options in consultation with relevant bodies and I have asked my officials to come forward with proposals which will satisfactorily address this issue in legislation.

Pension Provisions

Joan Burton

Question:

157 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the value of the State holding, through the National Pensions Reserve Fund, in a bank (details supplied); the net expenditure by the NPRF to acquire this holding; the nominal change in value of this holding since the conversion of 1.036 billion preference shares into ordinary shares at a price of €1.80 per ordinary share; the treatment in the public finances, and calculation of general Government deficit and debt, of any such nominal change in the value of the NPRF investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22951/10]

On 25 April 2010, having consulted the Governor of the Central Bank and the Regulatory Authority and having decided that it is required in the public interest to prevent potential serious damage to the financial system in the State and to ensure the continued stability of that system. I issued directions to the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission to convert part of its €3.5 billion holding of Bank of Ireland preference stock into ordinary stock as part of the capital raising exercise announced by the bank on 26 April. The details of the transaction are as follows:

Placing/Conversion (Step 1)

The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) has subscribed for 576 million units of ordinary stock. In exchange for this stock the NPRF converted 1,036 million units of preference stock at their issue price of €1.00 into ordinary stock.

Warrant cancellation

The NPRF has received €491 million in cash in return for the cancellation of the warrants issued in conjunction with the preference stock.

Rights Issue (Step 2)

The NPRF will participate in the Bank of Ireland rights issue taking up the full allocation to which it is entitled at a price of €0.55 per unit of ordinary stock. In order to exercise the rights, the NPRF will convert a further 627 million units of its preference stock into ordinary stock.

Fees

The NPRF will receive €51 million in fees for its participation in the transaction.

Change in dividend rate on preference stock

The dividend rate on the remaining preference stock increases from 8.00% to 10.25%.

The transaction involves no new investment by the NPRF in Bank of Ireland and is being funded entirely via conversion of preference stock. Including the cancellation of the warrants issued in conjunction with the preference stock and fees, the NPRF will receive total cash income of €542m from Bank of Ireland for participation in the transaction.

On completion of the transaction, the NPRF's directed investment in Bank of Ireland will consist of: 1,900 million units of ordinary stock valued at their current market price (36% of the bank's ordinary stock in issue including the bonus stock issued to the NPRF in lieu of a cash dividend on the preference stock in February 2010); and 1,837 million units of preference stock held at their issue price of €1.00 paying an annual dividend of 10.25%.

The return on the investment comprises dividends received on the ordinary and preference stock, changes in the market value of the ordinary stock and receipts in respect of the cancellation of the warrants and transaction fees. Bank of Ireland's share price has been volatile since the announcement of the transaction. It is not uncommon for the volatility of a stock to increase during a rights issue period. Additionally, market volatility globally has increased in recent weeks.

The NPRF Commission will continue to publish information on the overall return to and value of the investments it holds at my direction in credit institutions in its quarterly Performance and Portfolio Updates.

As regards the treatment of changes in the value of the NPRF, the contribution of the NPRF to the General Government Balance is made up of the interest and dividends which it earns on its investments, less any costs associated with the administration of the fund. Any changes in the nominal values of investments held by the NPRF are not considered to be income or expenditure, as they affect the value of the stock of NPRF assets and do not have an impact on the General Government Balance. The payment to Government of ordinary shares in lieu of a dividend is considered as income in national accounting terms and, therefore, improves the General Government Balance by the same amount as if the Fund had received the dividend payment.

Joan Burton

Question:

158 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund; the total cash it has in hand; and its total holdings of near cash financial instruments. [22952/10]

The National Pensions Reserve Fund was established on 2 April 2001 under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 with the objective of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until at least 2055.

The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission — who control and manage the Fund — publish a report on the performance of the NPRF at the end of each quarter on the Commission's website www.nprf.ie/home.html. The most recent such report, as of 31 March 2010, valued the Fund at €24.5 billion. A breakdown of the Fund by asset class as detailed in the report is set out as follows.

NPRF Asset Allocation at 31 March 2010

€m

% of Total Fund

Large Cap Equity

7,895

32.3

Small Cap Equity

852

3.5

Emerging Markets Equity

842

3.4

Private Equity

673

2.8

Property

451

1.8

Commodities

165

0.7

Bonds

1,330

5.4

Currency & Asset Allocation Funds

194

0.8

Cash

3,729

15.3

Assets transferred from University Pension Funds

1,026

4.2

Total Discretionary Portfolio

17,157

70.2

Directed Investments

7,295

29.8

Total Fund

24,452

100.0

The Discretionary Portfolio comprises investments made by the Commission under the Fund's investment policy as set out in the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000.

The transfer of assets from university pension funds took place on 31 March 2010 under the Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which provides for the meeting of future pension liabilities on a pay-as-you-go basis by the relevant bodies.

The Directed Investments comprise preference share investments in Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks plc and warrants which give an option to purchase up to 25% of the enlarged ordinary share capital of each bank following exercise of the warrants. Dividends on preference shares received in the form of ordinary shares are also included. The investments were made by the Commission for the purposes of bank recapitalisation at the direction of the Minister for Finance under the Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009. The preference share investments are held at cost. While the preference shares pay a non-cumulative fixed dividend of 8%, income on the preference shares is not recognised until declaration of the dividend by the bank concerned. The Minister for Finance directed the NPRF Commission on 25 April 2010 to convert part of its preference shareholding in Bank of Ireland into ordinary stock as part of the bank's capital-raising exercise but this is not reflected in the figures above which relate to the position of the NPRF at 31 March 2010.

Electoral Act

Finian McGrath

Question:

159 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [22958/10]

Payments to Political Parties are provided for in the Electoral Act 1997 as amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001. Payments are made quarterly in arrears. The following payments have been made in respect of the first quarter of 2010:

Name of Party

Quarterly amount in Euros

Fianna Fáil

582,354.52

Fine Gael

393,729.09

Labour

165,889.17

Green Party

93,905.22

Sinn Féin

123,718.14

The Party Leader's Allowance is provided for in the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) Act, 1938, as amended by the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act, 2001. The allowance is paid to the parliamentary leader of a qualifying party in relation to expenses arising from the parliamentary activities, including research, of the party.

In accordance with the legislation payments up to end of April 2010 have been made to qualifying political parties as follows:

Fianna Fáil

966,129.44

Fine Gael

973,000.34

Labour Party

507,056.68

Green Party

142,126.00

Sinn Féin

110,948.68

The legislation also provides that an allowance in connection with his or her parliamentary activities may be paid to a member of Dáil Éireann or Seanad Éireann, who at the last preceding general election or a subsequent bye-election, was elected as a member of Dáil Éireann or elected/nominated for Seanad Éireann other than as a member of a qualifying party, i.e. an independent member.

To the end of April, sums of €13,717.32 each in respect of four independent Deputies and €7,794.32 each in respect of six independent Senators have issued in accordance with the terms of the legislation.

Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 130.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme

Joan Burton

Question:

161 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the liabilities currently guaranteed under the credit institutions financial support scheme at end May 2010; the liabilities currently guaranteed under the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme at end May 2010; the liabilities he expects to be guaranteed under the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme before 30 September 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22979/10]

Returns for the end of April were only submitted to the Financial Regulator on 28 May and are being analysed at present. The end of May figures are not yet available.

As of the end March, liabilities guaranteed under the Covered Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme (CIFS) amounted to €130 billion while liabilities under the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme (ELG) amounted to €139 billion.

I would expect further amounts of the eligible liabilities currently covered under CIFS to rollover into ELG as they mature however as the Deputy is aware, asset-covered securities and dated subordinated debt, which together amounts to €11.8 billion at end March, are not covered under the ELG.

Tax Code

Michael Ring

Question:

162 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a refund of the income levy paid in 2009 in view of the fact that this person is the holder of a full medical card; and when this person will receive mortgage interest relief on a home improvement loan. [22980/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the claim for repayment of income levy paid during the year 2009 has been processed and the repayment will issue very shortly. I am also advised that a claim in respect of interest paid on a credit union loan for home improvements has not been received in this case. The taxpayer should submit a certificate of the interest paid during the year 2009 to Mayo Revenue District, Michael Davitt House, Castlebar and that office will process his claim without delay, and grant the relief provided the qualifying conditions are met.

Banking Sector Regulation

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

163 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the assurances that have been given to the UK Financial Services Authority by him regarding the continuing operation of a company (details supplied) in the UK; if his attention has been drawn to the recent press reports stating that the Irish Government has moved to address concerns in Britain about the insurers long-term position by telling UK FSA that his Department will make appropriate funding available to assist the administrators perform their roll in bringing the company back to a sound commercial and financial footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23130/10]

The objective of the administration of the company in question is to support the operation of the business on a going concern basis and to return it to a sound and commercial financial footing in order to safeguard the interests of all policyholders.

My Department has been in touch with the UK Treasury and has provided them with confirmation that the Government would ensure that no policyholders — including those in the UK — would be put at risk by the administration of the company in question. In addition, it was indicated that if it was necessary, I, in my role as Minister for Finance, would provide funds to support the administration through the Insurance Compensation Fund.

This clarification was provided to the UK Authorities in advance of business reopening in the UK in the context of ongoing communication with the UK customers of the company in question.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

164 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23138/10]

My Department, in addition to paying Finance staff, provides a shared payroll service for a number of Government Department/Offices. The details sought by the Deputy are provided in the following table. The figures quoted represent total costs for the shared services for the following Departments/Offices — Office of the Chief State Solicitor, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Ombudsman, Commission for Public Service Appointments, Public Appointments Service, State Laboratory, President's Establishment, Judicial Salaries for the Courts and the Department of an Taoiseach for 2007 and 2 months of 2008.

The Office of the Paymaster General in my Department is responsible for the issue of pension payments to 18,000 retired Civil and Public Servants and their surviving spouses across a range of Government Departments and Offices. The figures provided as follows exclude costs associated with pension payments.

Costs Associated With Issuing Payslips for the Department of Finance Shared Services

Description

2007

2008

2009

Stationery

600.00

472.00

340.00

Production

9,117.00

3,652.00

3,251.00

Equipment Depreciation/maintenance

5,040.00

5,040.00

5,040.00

Delivery

1,700.00

1,500.00

1,100.00

Totals

16,457.00

10,664.00

9,731.00

Banking Sector Regulation

Billy Timmins

Question:

165 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the way he can reconcile the appointment of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that those who oversaw the bank’s actions at a time of light touch regulations should be removed from that system as opposed to being brought back; the significant contribution that he will make to attempt to stabilise and de-risk this bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23149/10]

Under the Relationship Framework the Board of the bank must obtain the prior approval of the Minister for any Board appointments it proposes. In this instance the Board recommended the appointment of the individual referred to in the Deputy's question, and submitted his name including details of his background, for approval.

Further the Deputy will be aware that as a regulated entity, all proposed appointments to the Board of the bank require the approval of the Financial Regulator in accordance with fitness and probity requirements. The recent board appointments were all made in adherence to this process and the appointment was approved by the Financial Regulator and subsequently by me under the Relationship Framework.

The Framework Agreement provides that the Board of the bank will ensure that the bank operates at all times in a manner which promotes defined objectives and shall comply with any policies or directions issued by the Minister in respect of their achievement. The requirements to stabilise and de-risk the bank are central to the objectives set for the bank by the Minister.

Tax Yield

Michael Ring

Question:

166 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on motor fuels from January 2009 to the end of April 2010 on a monthly basis in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23152/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the data available on the amounts of Excise, VAT and the Carbon Charge for the period January to April 2010, in respect of petrol and auto-diesel is set out in the tables. It should be noted that the carbon charge in respect of petrol and auto-diesel is payable in the month after it is released for consumption so each of the monthly figures for the carbon tax relate to sales in the previous month.

Petrol receipts

Excise

Carbon tax

VAT (estimate)

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

Jan-10

107.2

1.0

45.8

154.0

Feb-10

77.9

7.3

33.2

118.4

Mar-10

89.8

5.3

38.9

134.0

Apr-10

85.7

6.0

39.1

130.8

Total

360.6

19.5

157.0

537.2

Auto- diesel receipts

Excise

Carbon tax

VAT (estimate)

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

Jan-10

103.4

1.5

5.1

110.0

Feb-10

83.8

10.1

4.1

98.0

Mar-10

93.8

8.1

4.7

106.6

Apr-10

91.1

9.2

4.7

105.0

Total

372.1

28.9

18.6

419.6

VAT returns do not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified. The figures provided in this reply for monthly VAT receipts are estimates of the amount of VAT yield that would be generated by the volume of clearances of Petrol and Auto Diesel up to the end of each month. VAT returns can be made monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually depending on the nature of the registration status of a trader, and this will dictate the point in time when VAT on sales will actually be paid. It should also be noted that the VAT content of purchases of Auto Diesel is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.

Michael Ring

Question:

167 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on diesel and to express this as a percentage. [23153/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

168 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on petrol and to express this as a percentage. [23154/10]

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

The taxes applying to auto-diesel and petrol are Excise, VAT and the new carbon charge.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the percentage tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on diesel is 53.3%. This percentage is based on a sample price of €1.249 per litre. The percentage tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on petrol is 57.6%. This percentage is based on a sample price of €1.349 per litre.

Michael Ring

Question:

169 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the tax take on a litre of diesel costing €1, €1.05, €1.10, €1.15, €1.20, €1.25 and €1.30. [23155/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

171 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on a litre of petrol costing €1, €1.05, €1.10, €1.15, €1.20, €1.25 and €1.30. [23157/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 171 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax take on a litre of auto-diesel and petrol selling at the stated prices is as follows:

Commodity

Price per Litre

Excise & Carbon Content

VAT Content

Total Tax Content

1 Litre

(Cent)

(Cent)

(Cent)

(Cent)

Auto-diesel

100

44.918

17.36

62.27

105

44.918

18.22

63.14

110

44.918

19.09

64.01

115

44.918

19.96

64.88

120

44.918

20.83

65.74

125

44.918

21.69

66.61

130

44.918

22.56

67.48

Commodity

Price per Litre

Excise & Carbon Content

VAT Content

Total Tax Content

1 Litre

(Cent)

(Cent)

(Cent)

(Cent)

Petrol

100

54.317

17.36

71.67

105

54.317

18.22

72.54

110

54.317

19.09

73.41

115

54.317

19.96

74.28

120

54.317

20.83

75.14

125

54.317

21.69

76.01

130

54.317

22.56

76.88

Freedom of Information

Richard Bruton

Question:

170 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to amend the Freedom of Information Act in order that it apply to the Office of the Ombudsman in the same way as to any other body and subject to the same grounds for declining information and the same process of appeal when parties are unhappy with the outcome of a request for information. [23156/10]

Under section 46 of the FOI Act, the Act does not apply to records relating to an investigation or examination carried out by the Ombudsman under the Ombudsman Act, 1980 other than a record that was created before the commencement of such an investigation or examination, together with any administrative records of the Office Ombudsman which are also covered by FOI. I do not have any plans to amend the Act in relation to the investigation or examination records of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 169.

Banking Sector Regulation

Billy Timmins

Question:

172 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23180/10]

The Financial Regulator has identified the recapitalisation requirement of EBS at €875 million to enable it to meet its regulatory capital requirements.

A total of €100m of capital was provided on 27 May 2010 in return for the issue to the Minister of special investment shares (SIS) in the society. The remaining capital requirement of €775 million may be reduced through a liability management exercise as announced today by the Society. The balance of the capital requirement will be met through a combination of possible private capital investment and, to the extent that private capital investment is not forthcoming in the near term, partly or fully through the issuance of a Promissory Note or Notes from the State to the institution.

The use of a Promissory Note (or Notes) would reduce the impact on the Exchequer this year as the promised capital would be paid over a period of ten to fifteen years.

The State capital investment ensures that the Society is recapitalised in accordance with the Financial Regulator's requirements, and it supports the financial position of the Society in its continued operations as a going concern, including taking deposits and providing mortgages. The rights attaching to the SIS investment give the State majority control and economic rights over the Society, including the right to potential dividends if the Society has sufficient distributable reserves to enable payment. In addition, the proceeds of any future investment in, or sale or merger of, the Society would accrue to the State.

Richard Bruton

Question:

173 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on extending the credit appeal mechanism developed for small businesses to include householders; his further views on developing codes of practice which would give banks guidance as to when they ought to accept requests by mortgage holders to move to interest-only payments for a certain period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23189/10]

Certain concerns were raised in regard to credit flowing to small businesses arising from the Mazars reports and other sources. Given the key strategic importance of small business to the economy, not least in terms of the numbers employed in the sector, a credit appeal mechanism in the form of an independent Credit Review Office was established in the December 2009 budget. This was a specific measure to deal with a specific issue.

Individual consumers who feel that they have been refused credit on unfair grounds may appeal the decision to their lender. If they are not satisfied with the outcome they may then take their appeal to the Financial Services Ombudsman. The Financial Services Ombudsman is an independent office established to deal with consumer complaints about their dealings with financial institutions. The Financial Services Ombudsman will not attempt to evaluate on the decision of the lender but he may examine the case from a procedural point of view. If procedural flaws are identified, in any given case, the Ombudsman may, for example, instruct the lender to review the decision and to follow the correct procedure.

Question No. 174 answered with Question No. 130.

Public Procurement

Niall Collins

Question:

175 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if an allowance in the rating criteria will be built in for companies who are based here and tendering for such projects based on the imbalance stated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23232/10]

Niall Collins

Question:

176 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to specify the supply of Irish-produced or Irish-grown products in future Government tenders (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23234/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.

The EU procurement directives provide that public contracts for supplies and services above certain thresholds must be advertised EU-wide and awarded to the most competitive tender in an open and objective process. The thresholds are currently €125,000 for the Central Government sector and €193,000 for most other authorities. The aims of the regulations are to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds of nationality and there are legal sanctions which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.

The Government recognises the important business opportunities that public service contracts represent for business enterprises and encourages participation to the greatest extent possible. In this regard the Government is fully aware of the difficulties experienced by the small and medium business sector in the current market. The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Transforming the Public Service recently considered the issues currently facing small businesses in the public procurement market. In a submission to the Sub-Committee, my Department has given a commitment to reiterate Government policy in this area, to examine current issues and to address them in general guidance to contracting authorities. It is envisaged that this guidance will be issued in the near future.

Labour Court Recommendations

Emmet Stagg

Question:

177 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 18 May 2010, if, in view of the fact that the Labour Court has now issued the clarification required, he will issue the approval required to implement the Labour Court recommendation. [23235/10]

As the Deputy is aware, the Labour Court has now responded to my Department's request for clarification of its recommendation in this case. This clarification was received on Thursday 27 May and confirmed that, in the Court's view, exceptional or special circumstances applied in this case. In light of this, my Department has now issued the necessary approval to implement the Court's recommendation.

Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 147.

National Asset Management Agency

Richard Bruton

Question:

179 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a copy of the first quarterly report of the National Asset Management Agency; and if, in the context of this report, he has issued any guidelines, directions or requests for specific information. [23287/10]

NAMA is required, under the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009, to make quarterly reports to the Minister for Finance. The first quarterly report, for the period ending 31 March 2010, is to be submitted to me on or before 30 June 2010. Section 55(6) of the Act sets out the information to be included in each quarterly report. On receipt, it will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as specified in the legislation.

On receipt of the first quarterly report, it will be open to me to determine if any further guidelines, directions or requests for information are required.

Richard Bruton

Question:

180 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency has submitted to him codes of practice, a revised business plan, requests for staff or funding and a policy statement; and if he will outline whether it has met all of the schedules set out in the Act or requested by him in respect of such documents. [23288/10]

In accordance with section 35 of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009, NAMA, within three months of its establishment, submitted codes of practice for my approval on the conduct of officers of NAMA, servicing standards for acquired bank assets, risk management, disposal of bank assets and the manner in which NAMA is to take account of the commercial interests of credit institutions that are not participating institutions. These codes are being reviewed. Once finalised and approved, they will be published on the NAMA website.

The Board of NAMA has committed to the production of an updated NAMA business plan, which it will submit to me by the end of June. It will then be published by the Board of NAMA.

All officers of NAMA are staff of the NTMA and, as such, the issue of staffing requests to my Department does not arise.

In response to requests from NAMA, two advances from the Central Fund have been made for the purpose of providing the Agency, under Section 46(2) of the National Asset Management Agency Act, with funding necessary for the performance of its functions. The first was an advance of €49 million to enable NAMA to subscribe for its shareholding in the NAMA SPV. The second was an advance of €250 million, which must be repaid to the Central Fund by 31 October 2010, to provide the Agency with a liquidity buffer to meet working capital demands pending the establishment of its own funding programme.

NAMA has complied with all deadlines set out in the Act.

Richard Bruton

Question:

181 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has met with the chairman of the board or chief executive of the National Asset Management Agency to discuss the progress made and its ability to meet various schedules for the acquisition of loans and other associated activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23289/10]

I am advised by NAMA that it expects to acquire the remaining loans from the participating institutions by the end of February 2011 at the latest. Officials of my Department are working in close co-operation with NAMA and I am informed that the transfer process is on track to meet this deadline. I have not personally met with the Chairman or Chief Executive Officer of NAMA to discuss this particular issue.

Tax Code

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

182 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the financial implication for the State arising out of the recent Supreme Court decision regarding VAT for the National Aquatic Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23321/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are aware of the recent Supreme Court decision involving the leasing of the premises in Dublin known as the National Aquatic Centre. However, in keeping with the obligation on them to respect the right of all persons to have their tax affairs dealt with in confidence, the Commissioners are unable to comment on the tax affairs of any of the parties involved in the Supreme Court case.

Joan Burton

Question:

183 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made with the implementation of the domicile levy as set out in the Finance Bill 2010; the number of persons who have self-declared to date in the context of the domicile levy; the amount of revenue this levy is expected to raise in 2010 and 2011; the number of non-resident individuals who filed Irish tax returns in 2008 and 2009; the number of these persons likely to be subject to the domicile levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23329/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that administrative arrangements are currently being put in place in connection with the implementation of the Domicile Levy.

The Domicile Levy is charged on an individual

who in any year is Irish domiciled and an Irish citizen,

whose worldwide income in the year exceeds €1m,

whose Irish located property in the year is greater than €5m, and

whose liability to Irish income tax for the year is less than €200,000.

The Levy will be charged for 2010 and subsequent years but the payment for each year can be made at any time up to 31 October in the year following the valuation date, which is 31 December of each year. The first such valuation date will be 31 December 2010 so that the payment of the levy for 2010 can be made at any time up to 31 October 2011.

As yet, no one has "self-declared" for the domicile levy for the tax year 2010. This is because it is not possible to establish whether the levy applies to an individual for a particular tax year until after the end of that year.

In 2008, some 6,966 Irish income tax returns showed one or both spouses as non-resident. As many of the non-residents included in this figure are foreign nationals or have a foreign domicile, they would not be subject to the domicile levy. The equivalent figures for 2009 are not yet available. Returns for 2009 are due to be filed by 31 October 2010 or, in the case of returns made on ROS, the Revenue Online Service, by mid-November 2010.

While the Domicile Levy is to be charged for the tax year 2010 it is not payable for that year until 2011 with the latest date for payment being 31 October 2011. Therefore no Levy will be payable in 2010. As respects the estimated yield in 2011, having regard to the lack of available data, it is not possible to estimate the number of individuals, including individuals who filed Irish income tax returns for the tax year 2008, that this measure will affect; hence it is not possible to estimate the yield.

Sale of Assets

Mary Upton

Question:

184 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the proposal by Bank of Ireland to sell its art collection; if he considers this to be appropriate in view of the fact that the State is now a substantial shareholder in the bank; if he is concerned that by breaking up the collection, it will be impossible to replace or guarantee its retention in this country; if he considers it appropriate that the bank should consult with the National Gallery prior to any final decision on the collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23333/10]

The management of assets by Bank of Ireland, including the holding or display of artworks, is a matter for the Board of the Bank.

I understand that the Bank's art collection dates back to the early 1970's and its primary purpose was to support emerging Irish artists rather than to create a corporate collection per se. Many of the important works have already been donated by the Bank to the State through two substantial donations in 1999 and 2008 to the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The Bank has informed me that its remaining artworks will be sold and that the proceeds from the sales will be added to its existing community and charitable investment programme. The disposal of the assets will be conducted in a responsible, transparent and fair manner. The Bank envisages that the artworks will be released for sale on a phased basis over a period of five years so as not to flood the market.

The artworks will be made available for viewing to as wide as possible an audience and the option to purchase will be open to all interested parties.

Health Services

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

185 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take all necessary measures to ensure that four students (details supplied) at a primary school in Dublin 3, who are due to begin secondary school in September 2010, will still be able to receive the valuable speech and language and occupational therapy they currently receive at their primary school after the initial six-month transfer period; if they will still be able to receive the psychological services they receive at their primary school after the initial six-month transfer period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22733/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Asylum Support Services

Joe Costello

Question:

186 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will allow a person (details supplied) to remain in Dublin in order to complete the last year of their second level studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22779/10]

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

The immediate and the ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum relating to accommodation, medical and social needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with Section 8(5)(a) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991. When an unaccompanied asylum seeker minor in the care of the HSE reaches 18 years of age he or she may be referred by the HSE to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) for transfer to adult accommodation and service provision. In circumstances where the HSE deem such a person to be particularly vulnerable, the period in HSE care can be extended beyond 18 years of age at the HSE's discretion. Furthermore where a young person is in the process of completing an educational course the HSE would liaise with RIA to ensure that educational needs are met. A considerable degree of liaison between the HSE and the RIA takes place before that person reaches 18 and is due to be transferred from the former to the latter.

Social Welfare Benefits

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

187 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the delays in the delivery of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme; if she will ensure that application forms are made available to applicants right away; if she will authorise the recruitment of additional staff and redeployment of staff where necessary to ensure the timely delivery of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22874/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

192 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional supports given to community welfare officers to deal with the increased demand for access to support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22765/10]

Joe Carey

Question:

226 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements that are in place with regard to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; the date from which applications will be accepted ; if additional staff will be assigned to processing this vital scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23011/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 192 and 226 together.

I understand that the HSE and officials from my Department have sought the agreement of the Department of Finance for a number of temporary posts for the administration of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear allowance this year and that this has been agreed. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the further information requested regarding the administration of the scheme. 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

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

188 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the cardiovascular policy will be published; if it will include an implementation plan; and if funding will be provided for implementation. [22705/10]

The Report of the Cardiovascular Policy Group is expected to be launched early in June. The Health Service Executive is in the process of developing an implementation plan to cover the first three years of the policy. The emphasis during this period will be on the reorganisation of services to achieve best value for money out of existing resources in a way that will deliver on the objectives set out in the new policy.

EU Directives

Denis Naughten

Question:

189 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the European working time directive for non-consultant hospital doctors; the manpower implications that this will have on small hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22722/10]

In relation to the progress made in implementation of the Directive and the implications for small hospitals, 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.

With regard to the impact of the European Working Time Directive on services, there is wide spread acceptance that attainment of compliance is good for patient safety. It is agreed that it serves no good purpose to have over-stretched, over-tired junior doctors treating patients. The use of excessive levels of overtime is not in patients' best interests. The Labour Court, in Recommendation 19559 of June 2009, accepted the HSE's requirements to provide hospital services in a structured way 7 days per week, 24 hours per day and accordingly recommended that NCHDs should undertake to operate 5/7 day working with effect from 1st July 2009. The Labour Court also recommended that the core working hours should run from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. at weekends. These recommendations were accepted by the IMO and the HSE. They are now reflected in the NCHD contract and represent a significant step forward towards achieving EWTD compliance.

Vaccination Programme

Denis Naughten

Question:

190 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 105 and 106 of 12 February 2009 and No. 222 of 6 May 2009, the position regarding the issues raised; the breakdown of the figures in the primary community continuing care areas in which waiting lists apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22726/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.

Medical Cards

Deirdre Clune

Question:

191 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the unsuccessful medical card application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22737/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the HSE it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 187.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Denis Naughten

Question:

193 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the negotiations on a bilateral adoption agreement with Ethiopia; the consultation to date with the Australian authorities on the issue; the implications of her decision on adoptions from Vietnam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22766/10]

The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.

Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia in respect of adoption. Consideration of this matter is at an early stage. I have recently written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs seeking the assistance of the Embassy in Ethiopia in this regard. There has been no formal consultation on this issue with the Australian authorities. However, I am aware that Australia recently re-opened Ethiopian adoptions following a brief suspension.

Issues relating to intercountry adoption from Vietnam are treated on their own merits and are unaffected by consideration of matters related to adoption from Ethiopia.

Tom Hayes

Question:

194 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding persons who were approved for adoption from Vietnam and who are awaiting outstanding reports to have their cases processed; the number of reports still outstanding; when these families and children will be able to complete the adoption; the status of the bilateral agreement between Vietnam and Ireland regarding foreign adoption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22773/10]

It remains my intention to assist 20 named applicants to complete intercountry adoptions in respect of children from Vietnam on an exceptional basis and insofar as it is practicable in law. In communicating the decision to suspend the bilateral negotiations the Irish Government asked the Vietnamese Government whether it will be possible to proceed with these adoptions. The Vietnamese response was not definitive. The Government is attempting to put in place a mechanism in respect of these 20 applicants that safeguards against recent concerns raised in relation to intercountry adoption in Vietnam.

The Government decided to suspend indefinitely negotiations on a new bilateral intercountry adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This will have the effect of suspending intercountry adoption from Vietnam until such time as the Adoption Bill, 2009 has been enacted and Ireland and Vietnam have both ratified the provisions of the Hague Convention. The Adoption Bill, 2009 is currently at Report stage and I hope will complete its passage through both Houses shortly thereafter.

Children in Care

Finian McGrath

Question:

195 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support foster families in 2010 as a major strategy for assisting children at risk. [22786/10]

Foster care is the main form of alternative care provided by the Health Service Executive for children in need of care and protection who cannot remain in their own homes. The provision of foster care is central to child welfare and protection. The HSE works closely with foster /relative carers and places a very high value on the role they play in the provision of care in a secure and stable family setting. The Government's Implementation Plan arising from the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child abuse provided for the filling of social work posts currently vacant. In 2010 additional revenue in excess of €14m has been allocated to the HSE to implement actions in the Governments Ryan Implementation Plan. Included in this funding is a provision for the recruitment of an additional 200 social workers in the current year. The HSE are working to improve services to children in foster care in line with previous HIQA reports and in particular ensuring compliance with the statutory provisions in relation to children in foster/relative care.

The Child Care Act, 1991 places a legal obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. A child is taken into the care of the State only as a last resort where alternative care and welfare services cannot adequately meet the needs of the child and his/her family. The Child Care Act, 1991 allows for a child at risk to be taken into care on a voluntary basis or pursuant to a court order. Provisions have also been included in the Act for emergency situations where there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the child.

The Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) within HIQA currently inspects HSE residential centres, excluding private/voluntary centres, which are inspected by the HSE under section 69 of the Child Care Act, 1991. The SSI has played a key and important role in the setting of standards, inspecting and ensuring quality services in the area of children's welfare services. The role of the SSI is key in ensuring and monitoring the safety of children in the care of the State.

Services for People with Disabilities

Terence Flanagan

Question:

196 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22798/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, "National Quality Standards-Residential Services for People with Disabilities" were published by the Health Information and Quality Authority in May 2009 and are under consideration by the Minister for Health and Children.

Given the current economic situation, to move to full statutory implementation of the standards, including regulation and inspection, presents significant challenges at this time. Notwithstanding this, my Department, the HSE and HIQA have agreed that progressive non-statutory implementation of the standards will now commence, and that they will become the benchmark against which the HSE assesses both its own directly operated facilities and other facilities that the HSE funds.

For example, compliance with the HIQA standards is included in the Service Level Arrangements being implemented between the HSE and service providers. As part of the ongoing review of Service Level Arrangements, service providers will now be required to demonstrate compliance with the standards through the provision of audit outcomes. I am informed by the HSE that the majority of service providers have already commenced a review of their services within the context of the HIQA standards and many service providers have also achieved external accreditation over the past number of years.

Hospital Services

James Reilly

Question:

197 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the national spinal injury service provided at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, is funded by her Department; if not, if she will address the funding of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22799/10]

The management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004 and decisions on the allocation of resources and the prioritisation of service developments at regional level are a matter for the HSE.

I am aware that the funding of this unit was the subject of discussions between the Health Service Executive and the Mater Hospital.

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Patient Private Property Fund

Denis Naughten

Question:

198 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 10 December 2009, the value of payments made to date in 2010; the number of payments which have been issued; when repayments will commence in the western region; the timetable for the completion of this process; the reclaim procedure for the next of kin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22800/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Hospital Services

Denis Naughten

Question:

199 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a bed will be available for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22805/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested.

However, I would like to advise the Deputy that the scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.

Health Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

200 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the refusal by the community welfare officer of further assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [22841/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Hospital Procedures

Deirdre Clune

Question:

201 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have a date for a medical procedure confirmed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22842/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested.

However, I would like to advise the Deputy that the scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.

Health Services.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

202 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of formal expressions of interest that have now been received to develop the Carrigaline health centre, County Cork, under the public private partnership model; the number of expressions of interest that involve using the site purchased by the Health Service Executive for the purpose of developing the health centre as the location of the health centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22843/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Youth Services

Alan Shatter

Question:

203 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of State funding, if any, an organisation known as Lucca Leadership Ireland has received from the Health Service Executive and other State agencies such as Comhairle na nÓg and vocational education committees to date; the number of successful tenders the organisation has received from Comhairle na nÓg and from various vocational education committees here; the details of the due diligence performed by these bodies into the organisation; the courses it provides and its links with the School of Philosophy and Economic Science; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22865/10]

Funding for the provision of youth services is provided under Vote 41. I can confirm that this organisation is not funded under youth services programmes under my remit. As regards funding under the Comhairle na nÓg Development fund (also under Vote 41), this is allocated to the County/City Development Boards via the Local Authorities on an annual basis to enhance the development of Comhairle na nÓg as a participation structure and mechanism at local level. The application process does not require the Local Authority to provide details of the training organisations they are working with.

Obviously, these funds are not the only source of income for Vocational Education Committees or Local Authorities. Therefore, the funding of such an organisation by Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees is a matter for those individual organisations. I have asked the Health Service Executive to advise whether such an organisation has been funded from Vote 40 and the purpose for which funding has been granted and to reply to you directly as regards the matter.

My understanding is that Lucca Leadership is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status. Any affiliations or links with other organisations would need to be directed to the organisation itself.

Hospital Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

204 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [22872/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested.

However, I would like to advise the Deputy that the scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.

Medical Cards

Michael Ring

Question:

205 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved a medical card. [22881/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Inter-Country Adoption

Richard Bruton

Question:

206 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Mexico, which is compliant with the Hague agreement on adoption, is willing to change its adoption process in order to accommodate Irish adoptions; and if the Bill, as currently drafted, will go ahead, due to the fact that in Mexico the central government authority is not involved in approvals prior to proceedings for adoption commencing. [22887/10]

The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.

There is nothing in the provisions of the Adoption Bill 2009, currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, which will preclude couples/individuals from effecting a valid, Hague standard adoption from Mexico. With regard to ‘independent' adoptions, Part 13 of the Adoption Bill outlines the restrictions on a person in seeking to make arrangements for adoptions. It also identifies the particular role of accredited authorities in this regard. The Adoption Board is currently reviewing the adoption laws of Mexico in terms of their compliance with Hague standards and Irish adoption law.

As with all applications, the Adoption Board reserves all of its statutory rights and functions in the matter of applications made to it, without partiality or prior commitment.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

James Reilly

Question:

207 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide advice on the procedure a person, who has applied for the fair deal scheme in respect of his or her spouse and must provide copies of bank and credit union statements, should do in view of the fact that he or she has no power of attorney to demand details of his or her spouse’s accounts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22901/10]

Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, a person can act on behalf of their spouse in relation to an application for State support in circumstances where their spouse lacks capacity. The person does not need to have an enduring power of attorney or any other form of legal appointment in place in order to do this. This authority is set out in primary legislation; a fact which should be recognised by financial institutions when a person is compiling the documentation required to support an application on behalf of their spouse.

The issue of a person obtaining bank statements in respect of their spouse extends far beyond the scope of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. The requirement to provide evidence of income/assets applies in respect of means-tested schemes generally, including those operated by the Department of Social Protection. To this end, the Deputy may wish to note that the Department of Social Protection provides for the appointment of an agent where a person is unable to manage their own financial affairs. It is likely that anyone who needs assistance applying for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme would already have an agent in place to assist with the collection of their pension and the management of their financial affairs.

Hospitals Building Programme

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

208 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding plans to relocate the Central Mental Hospital; when a decision will be made; the locations that are being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22907/10]

It has been ascertained that the site proposed for the development of a new Central Mental Hospital (CMH) at Thornton Hall, Co Dublin, is not large enough to accommodate an Intellectual Disability Forensic Mental Health Unit and a Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health, the need for which has been identified by the HSE.

The question of the relocation of the CMH to an alternative site is currently under consideration and remains a priority for the Government.

Prison Drug Treatment Services

Tom Sheahan

Question:

209 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the setting up of a drug treatment facility for young offenders as an alternative to prison or St. Patrick’s Institution with one year in-house treatment and two years aftercare as an alternative to incarceration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22923/10]

The National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009-2016 lists various actions under the Treatment & Rehabilitation pillar which affect young people. Actions such as early identification and referral where appropriate, to treatment services are a vital aspect of preventing young people from gravitating into the judicial system through crime. Drug intervention programmes which incorporate a treatment referral option for people who come to the attention of the Gardaí and Probation Services is also another important key action. These actions involve several agencies working together such as An Garda Síochána, The Probation Services, the HSE as well as the wider statutory, community and voluntary sectors.

As the Deputy may be aware, the HSE and a key voluntary addiction treatment service in Dublin city centre are currently piloting an arrest / treatment referral pilot for young people that come to the attention of the Gardaí and the Probation Service in an effort to redirect them out of the judicial system into treatment services. This 12 month pilot project, which has only recently been put in place, will be evaluated and the details of this evaluation will inform how services should be developed for this cohort into the future.

Mental Health Services

Tom Sheahan

Question:

210 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry will close and more suitable facilities be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22925/10]

Tom Sheahan

Question:

215 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the opening of the new mental health facility at St. Finian’s, Killarney, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22948/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 215 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

211 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will redeploy staff to the recently acquired day care centre for persons with mental health needs in Kenmare, County Kerry. [22926/10]

Redeployment of staff to this facility is a matter for the Health Service Executive. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Executive at the present time, it is not possible to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Hospital Accommodation

Tom Sheahan

Question:

212 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the progress report on the provision of a new 40 bed hospital at Kenmare, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22945/10]

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.

Hospital Services

Tom Sheahan

Question:

213 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the official opening of the new hospital at Dingle, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22946/10]

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.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

214 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the opening of the new community hospital at Tralee, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22947/10]

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.

Question No. 215 answered with Question No. 210.

Medical Cards

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

216 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22962/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Billy Timmins

Question:

217 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this application will be processed promptly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22963/10]

It remains my intention to assist 20 named applicants to complete intercountry adoptions in respect of children from Vietnam on an exceptional basis and insofar as it is practicable in law. In communicating the decision to suspend the bilateral negotiations the Irish Government asked the Vietnamese Government whether it will be possible to proceed with these adoptions. The Vietnamese response was not definitive. The Government is attempting to put in place a mechanism in respect of these 20 applicants that safeguards against recent concerns raised in relation to intercountry adoption in Vietnam.

In response to recent concerns that Vietnam may be considering a suspension of intercountry adoptions prior to the ratification of the Hague Convention, our Embassy in Vietnam clarified the position with officials of the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam. The Vietnamese authorities have advised that no suspension is planned.

Accident and Emergency Services

Liz McManus

Question:

218 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give a commitment that the 24-hour accident and emergency service in St. Columcille’s Hospital, County Dublin, will continue as is currently provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22964/10]

At present, I am not aware of any changes to the manner in which emergency services will be delivered at St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown.

The Deputy will be aware that the HSE is examining the number of Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors who will be available in all hospitals after the next rotation of NCHDs in early July. This may have implications for how services are delivered in some hospitals. The overall picture will become clearer in the coming weeks.

Preschool Services

Michael McGrath

Question:

219 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the basis of the selection of 30 June as the outer date for eligibility for the free preschool year in early childhood care and education scheme in view of the fact that some parents with children born in July or August may wish to send their children to primary school shortly after their fourth birthday. [22978/10]

I have responsibility for implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced in January of this year.

The objective of the ECCE scheme is to provide appropriate age related activities and programmes in a formal setting to children, in the year before they commence primary school. Targeting the pre-school year at a particular age cohort is fundamental to the scheme and requires the setting of minimum and maximum age limits within which children are eligible to participate. The age range which has been selected extends for almost 17 months, from the age of 3 years 3 months to 4 years 6 months. In September 2010, children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will be eligible for a free pre-school year place.

In setting these limits, account was taken of a number of factors including the differing enrolment policies of primary schools and the fact that the great majority of children commence primary school between the ages of 4 years and 6 months and 5 years and 6 months. It is accepted that children who commence primary school within two months of reaching their fourth birthday will not be able to benefit from the scheme.

Medical Cards

Michael Ring

Question:

220 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the lack of synchronisation between the Health Service Executive medical card lists and the national primary care reimbursement service list in view of the fact that some patients with valid medical cards are not on the PCRS list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22982/10]

The Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) is part of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the HSE it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Hospital Staff

Jimmy Devins

Question:

221 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will proceed with the appointment of a second consultant dermatologist for the north west to be based in Sligo and Letterkenny General Hospitals. [22984/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

222 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence regarding a person (details supplied) who is awaiting a colonoscopy; if the procedure will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22999/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would like to invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

It is open to the clinician who requests diagnostic tests for a patient, to approach the hospital concerned about the allocated appointment date, should the patient's medical condition warrant it.

Medical Cards

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

223 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 has not been granted a medical card. [23003/10]

As indicated to the Deputy in my previous response, it was not possible to answer the original question due to industrial action. This industrial action currently remains in place and continues to affect the provision of substantive replies to certain Parliamentary Questions. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the Deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.

Hospital Services

Pat Breen

Question:

224 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports regarding the future of cardiology services at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; if this service will continue at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23006/10]

Joe Carey

Question:

225 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding cardiac services at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23008/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.

The HSE has made significant progress on reconfiguring acute hospital and related services in the Mid West region informed by the Teamwork/Horwath Report and the Health Information and Quality Authority Report on Ennis, which was published in April 2009. These Reports highlighted the need for changes to be made in the organisation and provision of acute hospital services across the Mid West region as they found services there to be too fragmented, to carry increased risks for patients and staff and to be unsustainable.

The reconfiguration of services in the Mid-West Region began in early April, 2009. This involved the cessation of 24-hour Accident and Emergency services at Ennis and Nenagh. These hospitals now provide an urgent care/minor injuries service for 12 hours a day as part of a regional Accident and Emergency structure.

A regional department of surgery has been established in the Mid-West. All complex acute surgery was centralised to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick in October 2009. Ennis and Nenagh hospitals also now undertake an expanded range of day case surgery and diagnostic work.

I am satisfied that the measures being taken by the HSE are necessary and appropriate in order to ensure the provision of safe and effective health services to the people of the Mid West region.

As part of the reconfiguration of services in the Mid-West the HSE is currently considering the most appropriate model for the provision of acute medicine services in the region, including cardiac services. The HSE is consulting with key stakeholders across the acute hospital and primary and community care service sectors in relation to the development of this model, having regard to factors, such as patient safety. The HSE's National Director for Quality and Clinical Care and National Clinical Lead for Medicine are working on this process.

Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 187.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

227 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23140/10]

The total costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff for the years 2007 to 2009 are shown as follows:

Year

2007

3,557

2008

2,716

2009

711

Total

6,984

These costs have reduced due to the introduction of computerised payslips.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

228 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [23158/10]

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:

229 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if home help hours will be restored in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23160/10]

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.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

230 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that sufferers of eating disorders are unable to complete therapy programmes due to lack of funding from the Health Service Executive; if she will increase funding for these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23170/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Medical Cards

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

231 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23173/10]

As indicated to the Deputy in my previous response, it was not possible to answer the original question due to industrial action. This industrial action currently remains in place and continues to affect the provision of substantive replies to certain Parliamentary Questions. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the Deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.

Hospital Services

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

232 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork, whose appointment for orthodontic treatment at St. Finbarr’s Hospital was cancelled, will now be treated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23176/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. 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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

233 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will direct the Health Service Executive to carry out a multidisciplinary assessment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan, to ensure that the person receives the most appropriate assistance and support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23185/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

234 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the reason that a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not been allocated a social worker by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23186/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

235 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the reason that a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan was discharged by the Health Service Executive from occupational therapy support in Whiltown House, Dundalk in 2009 without any alternative service being put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23187/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 235, inclusive, together. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Adoption Services

James Reilly

Question:

236 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to enable adopted children to access information regarding their natural families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23195/10]

The Information and Tracing Unit in the Adoption Board provides an advice and referral service for those seeking to trace or to obtain medical or personal information. This unit provides services directly to adoptees, natural mothers and birth families. It also works closely with the registered adoption societies and the HSE nationwide information and tracing services. Improvements to this service have been effected by the computerisation of the unique adoption files held by the Board.

The National Adoption Contact Register was established in 2005 to assist adopted people and their natural families to make contact with each other, exchange information or state their contact preferences. They decide, through a range of information and contact options, how they wish to proceed. Already 440 matches have been made on the Register representing over 900 individuals who have now received a service. The operation of the Register was reviewed in 2007 and a major upgrading of it has recently been completed.

The Adoption Board, together with the societies, the HSE and the support groups, developed the "Standardised Framework for the Provision of a National Information and Tracing Service". This framework was published in November 2007. It sets standards and provides guidance and advice for information and tracing services providers nationally. The standardised Framework is currently being piloted nationally. In relation to Information and Tracing for persons adopted from abroad, the Adoption Board is undertaking a process, with Romanian authorities initially, to determine how best to address the needs of those adopted from abroad.

Registration of domestic adoptions is governed by Section 22 of the Adoption Act 1952. Under that provision, an tArd Chláraitheoir (Registrar General) is required to maintain a register of domestic adoptions (i.e. adoptions effected in Ireland, regardless of where the adopted person was born). The register is called the Adopted Children Register. An index to the register is maintained and can be searched by any person. Any person may obtain a copy of any entry in the register. The legislation also provides for an index linking the birth entry in the register of births (in the case of an Irish-born adopted person) with the entry in the Adopted Children Register. Information from this index may not be given to any person except by order of a court or the Adoption Board. I am aware that the treatment of adopted persons in this regard differs from the rest of the population but consideration of this issue must take place in the context of the complex legal, ethical and constitutional issues arising from the need to fairly balance the rights of all parties to the adoption process.

During the Committee stage debate for the Adoption Bill I indicated my intention to bring forward legislation in this area. In this regard, the policy position is currently being assessed by my Office. Once this process is complete Government approval will be sought to commence the process of preparing legislation.

Legislative Programme

Joe McHugh

Question:

237 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce and progress the national vetting bureau Bill, ensuring that the Bill provides adequately for the sharing of information between relevant agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23210/10]

The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is drafting the Heads for the National Vetting Bureau Bill. It is expected that the Heads of Bill will be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. Formal consultations have taken place with the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána and colleagues in other Government Departments. My Department has also received a number of public representations on the issue of "soft" information.

This area has also been considered by the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment for Children and the findings of the Committee are being considered in the preparation of the legislation.

Joe McHugh

Question:

238 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a referendum to strengthen children’s rights in the Constitution is held in the lifetime of this Dáil; if she will speed up the legislation to place Children First on a statutory basis and widen its remit to include all organisations and individuals, including faith organisations, sports bodies and volunteer groups; if she will make statutory provision for the right of children’s voices to be heard in judicial proceedings affecting them; if she will ensure that all children in care have an allocated social worker and care plan; if she will amend the Child Care Act 1991 via the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009 to place a statutory obligation on the State to provide aftercare for all children who need it and develop a comprehensive national aftercare policy; if she will publish the promised national review of current practice in section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991 to establish current practices and gaps in the system for children experiencing homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23211/10]

The Final Report of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Childrendeals with the rights of children under the Constitution, and the statute and case law concerning adoption, guardianship, care proceedings, custody and access to children.

The issues raised in the Final Report are being carefully considered by the Government. The Government decided that the matter should be referred to the Senior Official's Group set up previously to discuss this issue so that relevant Departments can consider its implications. The Attorney General's Office is also considering the legal and constitutional issues that arise. The Senior Officials Group will report on these matters shortly.

The Government is committed to drafting legislation by December 2010 to provide that State employees and staff employed in agencies in receipt of funding from the Exchequer, and who are working with children, will have a duty to comply with the Children First national guidelines. My Department is developing legislative proposals in this regard which I will bring to Government for approval. I am mindful of the issue raised by the Deputy regarding the application of Children First across all organisations and individuals.

The Child Care Act, 1991 provides that, in any proceedings under Parts IV and VI of the Act, the court may, if it is satisfied that it is necessary in the interests of the child and in the interests of justice to do so, appoint a guardian ad litem for the child. My Department is developing legislative proposals in this regard which I will bring to Government for approval.

A Guardian ad litem is a representative appointed by the court under the Child Care Act 1991 to represent the views of the child in court. In May 2009, I launched the Children Acts Advisory Board guidelines on the Role, Criteria for Appointment, Qualifications and Training of Guardians ad Litem. I am currently engaging with Ministerial colleagues with a view to agreeing a future policy on the management and funding of this service.

The Government's Implementation Plan arising from the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child abuse provided for the filling of social work posts currently vacant. In 2010 additional revenue in excess of €14m has been allocated to the HSE to implement actions in the Governments' Ryan Implementation Plan. Included in this funding is a provision for the recruitment of an additional 200 social workers in the current year.

I am currently giving consideration to the legal position with regard to the provision of aftercare services, having regard to the existing legislative provisions as set out in the Childcare Act 1991. I have received legal advice which confirms that the obligation contained in Section 45(4) of the Child Care Act 1991 is in substance mandatory. The legal advice is that the Act creates a statutory power and the HSE, as recipient of this power, must put itself in a position where it can exercise the power should the need arise. Section 45(4) of the Child Care Act allows me to write to the HSE and instruct it in this or in any other regard. I intend to do this and will in parallel continue to examine legislative options. In line with the Government commitment as reflected in the Ryan Implementation Plan funding of €1.0m was set aside by the HSE in its 2010 Service Plan, for the development of aftercare services in 2010.

The HSE have indicated that they will publish, as soon as possible, the national review of current practice in relation to Section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991 in the coming months. The Government’s Implementation Plan arising from the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse included a commitment that the HSE would undertake such a review.

Children in Care

Joe McHugh

Question:

239 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that separated children moving into care placements are provided with adequate supports to meet their specific needs; if she will ensure these children have access to aftercare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23212/10]

The HSE seeks to implement an equity of care policy in relation to all service provision to ensure that all children and young people receive the same level of care as that afforded to children who are citizens of this country. Appropriate care services at local and national level are being developed, working in partnership with NGOs, private agencies and HSE staff.

The immediate and the ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum relating to accommodation, medical and social needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with Section 8(5)(a) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991. When an unaccompanied asylum seeker minor in the care of the HSE reaches 18 years of age he or she may be referred by the HSE to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) for transfer to adult accommodation and service provision. In circumstances where the HSE deem such a person to be particularly vulnerable, the period in HSE care can be extended beyond 18 years of age at the HSE's discretion. Furthermore where a young person is in the process of completing an educational course the HSE would liaise with RIA to ensure that educational needs are met. A considerable degree of liaison between the HSE and the RIA takes place before that person reaches 18 and is due to be transferred from the former to the latter.

I am currently giving consideration to the legal position with regard to the provision of aftercare services, having regard to the existing legislative provisions as set out in the Child Care Act 1991. I have received legal advice which confirms that the obligation contained in Section 45(4) of the Child Care Act 1991 is in substance mandatory. The legal advice is that the Act creates a statutory power and the HSE, as recipient of this power, must put itself in a position where it can exercise that power should the need arise. Section 45(4) of the Child Care Act allows me to write to the HSE and instruct it in this or in any other regard. I intend to do this and will in parallel continue to examine legislative options.

In line with the Government commitment as reflected in the Ryan Implementation Plan, funding of €1.0m was set aside by the HSE in its 2010 Service Plan, for the development of aftercare services in 2010.

Joe McHugh

Question:

240 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will commence the Health Act 2007 to allow independent inspection of foster carers and all children’s residential centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23213/10]

The Government's Implementation Plan on the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009 recommended that the Health Act 2007 be commenced to allow the Social Services Inspectorate in HIQA to undertake independent inspection of all children's residential centres and foster care. The Department is currently reviewing the existing regulations relating to inspections in order to establish the scope of the regulatory amendments required. In the interim the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) within HIQA is continuing to inspect HSE residential centres, excluding private/voluntary centres, under section 69 of the Child Care Act, 1991. The HSE undertakes inspections of private residential facilities.

Care of the Elderly

Seán Barrett

Question:

241 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to prioritise dementia to prevent a deepening crisis for carers and persons living with dementia in view of a programme (details supplied) on 24 May 2010 which highlighted the hidden health crisis here in relation to dementia and the extreme difficulties faced by persons living with dementia and their carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23215/10]

As the Deputy is aware, dementia is a most distressing condition both for those suffering from it and their families, and presents a significant and growing challenge to health and social services. Alzheimer's disease represents about 70% of the cases of dementia. People are living longer and as a consequence are more likely to develop some form of dementia. While dementia is not solely related to age, the prevalence is higher in older people and increases with age. It is estimated that about 5% of people over 65 years of age have some form of dementia with this figure rising to 20% for people over 80 years of age. The demographic make–up of Irish Society is changing. The population is growing older and the number of people aged over 65 is estimated to almost triple over the next 30 years. As I have indicated previously, my Department has started the process of developing a policy on dementia that will support the delivery of long-term care services having regard to future demographic trends and the consequential increase in demand for long-term care. This policy will be developed on the basis of the best evidence available from national and international sources. Officials in my Department are now in discussions with relevant stakeholder groups on the first stage of the process. Finally, I would like to advise the Deputy that the Health Services Executive (HSE) is currently exploring the potential for changes in care pathways for people with dementia, and will make recommendations for the future provision of dementia care across all health and social services. An audit is underway within the HSE of the current specialist dementia care services available both in residential/hospital and community services. This audit will inform future planning and development of services for people with dementia. The educational needs of staff will also be identified to inform any future staff requirements for working in the area of dementia care. This work will also feed into the overall Dementia Policy formulation.

Medical Cards

Seán Barrett

Question:

242 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the delays being experienced by older persons at the centralised primary care reimbursement centre in Finglas, Dublin 11 for renewal of their medical cards; if she envisages that this centre will be capable of handling the entire country’s medical card business after 30 April 2010 as planned by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23216/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the HSE it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Care of the Elderly

Olwyn Enright

Question:

243 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a long-term care facility (details supplied) has been carried out by her Department, other organisations or both on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23219/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

244 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a long-term care facility (details supplied) has been carried out by her Department, other organisations or both on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23220/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

245 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a long-term care facility (details supplied) has been carried out by her Department, other organisations or both on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23221/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

246 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a long-term care facility (details supplied) has been carried out by her Department, other organisations or both on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23222/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

247 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a long-term care facility (details supplied) has been carried out by her Department, other organisations or both on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23223/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

248 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a long-term care facility (details supplied) has been carried out by her Department, other organisations or both on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23224/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

249 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a long-term care facility (details supplied) has been carried out by her Department, other organisations or both on behalf of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23225/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 to 249, inclusive, together.

I can confirm that my Department has neither carried out, nor has requested any other organisation to carry out, a review of any of the specific, named long term care facilities referred to in the Deputy's questions. At a national level, the Deputy will be aware that significant changes took place within the nursing home sector in 2009 resulting in a single system of registration and inspection for all providers, public, private and voluntary, and a single system of financial support. The net effect of these changes is an assurance to every person in need of care that the same quality standards and the same level of financial State support will apply regardless of which nursing home they choose. In light of these important changes and in light of service pressures arising from demographic trends, my Department is currently working closely with the HSE to examine long-term capacity, quality, staffing and funding requirements at a national level.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Jack Wall

Question:

250 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment for a medical procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23227/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would like to invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Health Services

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

251 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a chiropodist appointment will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Cork whose last appointment was cancelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23255/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Health Service Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

252 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there are only three orthodontists for the entire Limerick, north Tipperary and Clare areas, and if she will take immediate steps to address this issue which is leading to long delays for orthodontic treatment. [23262/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Departmental Correspondence

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

253 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason parliamentary questions addressed to the Health Service Executive are being returned with the response that they cannot be answered due to the ongoing industrial dispute, when parliamentary questions are being responded to from other Departments including the Department of Social Protection, which are also operating a work-to-rule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23269/10]

Responding to the information needs of the Oireachtas is a priority for my Department and I very much regret that in recent months it has not been possible to provide a substantive response to many Parliamentary Questions due to industrial action. Where Parliamentary Questions have been submitted which concern policy issues which are exclusively the responsibility of my Department, every effort has been made to answer those questions in full. However, a large number of questions submitted to my Department concern operational issues which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Staff of the Executive were instructed by their union, IMPACT, that from the beginning of March, they were not to cooperate with any political representations including Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests. It has not therefore been possible for either my Department or the Executive to provide substantive answers to a large number of Parliamentary Questions and this is likely to be the case until the industrial action has been resolved in full. I am not in a position to comment on how other Government Departments have been affected by industrial action. All Parliamentary Questions affected by the action have been answered by my Department to the effect that the industrial dispute has prevented the supply of substantive answers, and Deputies have been consistently advised to raise the question again, upon resolution of industrial action, should the matter remain of ongoing concern. This approach was designed to prevent a backlog of questions building up, particularly as a significant proportion of the questions related to cases where the information being sought by the Deputy through the Parliamentary process might, in the circumstances, be obtained by alternative means. The Department of Health and Children will handle in the region of 6,000 Parliamentary Questions this year, approximately half of which will be referred to the Health Service Executive, either for the provision of information to the Department or for direct reply to the Deputy. A considerable proportion of these will concern personal enquiries on behalf of individuals seeking services from the HSE. In such cases, the information can also be obtained by addressing the enquiry directly to the relevant service area of the Executive, and where members of the public do so on their own behalf, their enquiries are not affected by the current dispute. I fully appreciate the frustration of Deputies who are currently unable to obtain information through the usual Parliamentary channels. While alternative access is available for individual cases, Deputies may wish to resubmit, on resolution of the dispute, any questions in respect of wider service, operational and policy issues that have not been answered and are still a cause of concern. My Department and the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive will, when the current industrial action is resolved, continue to assist Deputies as before.

Medical Cards

Damien English

Question:

254 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for processing over 70 years medical card applications; if she will provide a breakdown for each Health Service Executive region in tabular form. [23270/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. 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

Terence Flanagan

Question:

255 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23273/10]

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.

Care of the Elderly

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

256 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene to prevent the closure by the Health Service Executive of Loughloe House, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23274/10]

This Government is committed to supporting people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate and we continue to develop and improve health services in all regions of the country and to ensure quality and patient safety. The Health Service Executive has sole operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at facilities such as Loughloe House. As the Deputy is aware this is a former welfare home located in Athlone which shares its site with Day Services for Older Persons for the area. Loughloe House has been inspected by HIQA. Numerous concerns have been raised in the course of this inspection process both in terms of the physical infrastructure and in relation to management/staffing issues. There are also concerns regarding the Fire Safety Precautions at the home. It must be appreciated that all developments have to be addressed in the light of the current economic and budgetary pressures. The Executive has been asked to make a rigorous examination of how existing funding might be re-configured or re-allocated to ensure maximum service provision is achieved. In particular we need to ensure that the highest standard of care will continue to be provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

257 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is a requirement under health legislation that the consent of next of kin or responsible relative must be sought for the removal of a person from one Health Service Executive nursing home to another, or from HSE nursing home to a private nursing home; if it is a requirement that a choice of location should be given when available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23275/10]

Article 29 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 (S.I. no. 236 of 2009) requires that the person in charge of the nursing home shall ensure that, insofar as practicable, residents are discharged from the centre in a planned and safe manner and discharges are discussed, planned for and agreed with the residents and, where appropriate, with their family and/or carer. This underpins criterion 10.7 of the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People that "...the resident is discharged from the residential care setting in a planned manner and the discharge is discussed, planned for and agreed with the resident or his/her representative." Nursing homes are also required under the regulations to have in place a written operational policy on "Temporary absence and discharge of residents" along with operating procedures governing the application of this policy.

Departmental Expenditure

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

258 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 2 March 2010, if she will now furnish the details required in respect of the amount of expenditure incurred in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009 by her Department as well as offices, agencies and any bodies falling within her remit on the lease, rental or purchase of car parking spaces for use by civil and public servants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23302/10]

Expenditure on the lease, rental or purchase of car parking spaces for a number of Departments and Offices, including my Department is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). A co-ordinated reply to this question was given by the Minister for Finance on Tuesday 25th May (PQ 21794/10).

The position regarding the Health Service Executive and the other agencies is a matter for the agencies themselves. The industrial action in the HSE continues to affect the provision of a reply to this question. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved. My Department has requested the agencies to reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.

Health Services

Joe Carey

Question:

259 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 27 April 2010, when will the proposed meeting take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23314/10]

On 25th February, 2010 I met with Oireachtas members from Clare and a deputation from Clarecastle Day care Centre to discuss proposals regarding a new dementia unit. At the meeting I agreed to consider the issues raised and to meet again with the local representatives. I intend to reconvene this meeting within the next two weeks and have asked officials in my Office to make the necessary arrangements.

Foreign Adoptions

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

260 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is now a two to three year wait for a referral for persons wishing to adopt a child from the Philippines, despite an executive agreement being in place between the adoption boards in both countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23315/10]

The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future inter-country adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.

The Philippines has ratified the Hague Convention on the Protection and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption and its domestic adoption law is compatible with Ireland. The issue of waiting times for referrals of children to Irish prospective adoptive parents with a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to Adopt is a matter for the authorities in the Philippines having due regard to their inter-country adoption procedures, including the application of the principle of subsidiarity as set out in the Hague Convention.

Health Services

Tom Hayes

Question:

261 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the out of hours general practitioner services that are available in Cashel, County Tipperary; the plans that are in place to facilitate persons in Cashel; the changes this will make to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23331/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Child Care Services

Alan Shatter

Question:

262 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if approval has been granted by her for the national child care information service included in the Health Service Executive national service plan 2010; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Ombudsman for Children has strongly recommended that work to standardise processes and improve data sets by the HSE be continued as a priority and that there is an urgent need to provide the national uniform system in view of the current position regarding the application for funding for this system. [23336/10]

The National Child Care Information System (NCCIS) is a Health Service Executive project which has been included in the National Service Plan for 2010.

I share the view of the Ombudsman for Children that access to improved information based on standardised business processes across the child welfare and protection service within the HSE is essential in terms of improving the monitoring, measurement and quality of service delivery.

In accordance with Government policy a formal peer review process is applied to all major ICT projects in the Irish public sector. Peer review is designed to provide assurance that a project can progress successfully and is carried out at key decision points of a project including, inter alia, the business case stage, request for tender (RFT) and subsequent tender evaluation exercise, project initiation and at key milestones in the project cycle.

The business case for the NCCIS was peer reviewed in late 2009. The project was approved by the Department of Finance to allow it move to the preparation of the RFT. Preparation of the RFT, including a detailed requirements specification for the ICT system, is almost complete. Tender documentation will be sent for peer review shortly. Completion of this review will allow the HSE to advertise nationally and internationally for the NCCIS.

The project plan for the NCCIS identifies the need for standardised business processes to be implemented before the ICT system is deployed. I understand that the standardised processes have now been signed off for national implementation and that a senior official within the HSE has been assigned to the NCCIS project to lead out on implementation.

Care of the Elderly

Joe Behan

Question:

263 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the person who is responsible for paying the fees for the Health Information and Quality Authority inspections of residential care facilities for older people as announced in March 2009. [23378/10]

The Deputy will be aware that it was decided that the new registration and inspection regime for designated centres for older people, which commenced on 1 July 2009, would mainly be self-financing. In this regard the Health Act 2007 provides for the following fees:

Applications for registration or renewal of registration under Section 48. This section states that the applicant shall include with the application the prescribed application fee.

An annual fee payable by the registered provider under Section 99

A fee for variation or removal of any conditions of the registration under Section 52.

A registered provider making an application under this section must include the fee with their application.

Following analysis of the types of centres, numbers of places, etc. it was decided to set a registration fee of €500, payable every 3 years by each nursing home together with an annual fee of €190 per place in each registered centre. It is estimated that the fee will represent an average weekly cost of €3.73 per registered place. The fees are payable by the registered provider (or in the case of applications for registration by the applicant, who for existing designated centres would normally be the registered provider). These fees are not due or payable by the resident or their family.

The Deputy may be aware that article 28 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 states that:

"(1) The registered provider shall agree a contract with the resident within one month of the admission of that resident to the designated centre.

(2) Such contract shall deal with the care and welfare of the resident in the designated centre and shall include details of the services to be provided for that resident and the fees to be charged."

Therefore, only those fees, including any agreed increases, set out in the contract should be charged by the registered provider to the resident.

Health Services

Pat Breen

Question:

264 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23386/10]

I regret that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive (HSE), it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. As this matter will be of continuing concern to you, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course. However, I would also recommend that the Deputy inform the family of the individual mentioned that it is open to them to contact their local health office directly, to see if this matter can be progressed through the HSE.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

265 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the location and current treatment numbers in relation to the five level two and three level one general practitioners in the north east region broken down on a town and county basis; the treatment figures for the period 2007 to 2010 including counties Cavan, Meath, Monaghan and Louth. [23387/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. 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:

266 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that a drug users first presentation is recorded using the national drug treatment reporting system forms in each county within the north east region; or if these people only appear on the system after they have been in receipt of a prescription. [23388/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. 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:

267 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons receiving methadone treatment in the north east region; and the number of persons receiving treatment at each of the treatment centres in the north east region. [23389/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. 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:

268 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons awaiting treatment in the north east region; the numbers waiting at each of the specific treatment centres in the region. [23390/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would like to invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

269 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a central referral agency for those seeking methadone treatment in the North East Region with specific reference to all counties in the region and town. [23391/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Adoption Services

Simon Coveney

Question:

270 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the tender process for the appointment of an accountancy firm (details supplied) to the Irish Adoption Board; the terms of reference of the current inquiry; the expected expenditure involved with this inquiry; and the envisaged over all timescale of the inquiry. [23399/10]

The matters raised by the Deputy relate to an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Adoption Board which is an independent quasi judicial statutory body. I have asked the Board to consider these issues with a view to providing the information requested directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

271 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23405/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. 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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

272 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding provided in 2009 and 2010 for the Meath adult physical and sensory disability service; the amount per capital that this equals; the amount of this funding that is spent on management and administration and related areas; the way this is allocated to clinical supports for adults with physical and sensory disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23411/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

273 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding for disability services targeted for County Meath in 2009 and in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23412/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

274 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent in each area of disability, physical and sensory, autism intellectual disability and other in 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23413/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

275 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding that is being provided to the Health Service Executive north east, counties Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan areas, for disability services for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23414/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 275, inclusive, together.

I regret that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Health Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

276 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for periodontal treatment at the Dental Hospital, Dublin 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23415/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Child Care Services

Brian O'Shea

Question:

277 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has for the provision of a hot-line telephone number for missing children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23535/10]

I have discussed the proposal to put in place a hot-line for missing children that is operational in some EU Member States with members of charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations with a view to providing some level of service. I will keep the Deputy informed of developments in this regard.

Public Transport

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

278 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the reason an application for a licence for a bus service (details supplied) was not granted; the further reason the licence was granted to a different provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22692/10]

My Department made an offer in January 2009 for the grant of a licence in respect of the bus service to which the Deputy refers, which sought to operate between Dalkey and Dublin Airport. That service is known as "The Patton Flyer". That offer did not include certain of the stops sought by the applicants in respect of their proposed service, as these stops were already being served by a previously licensed bus service being operated by Aircoach that connects the locations in question with Dublin Airport.

The Patton Flyer operators lodged an appeal in February 2009 against the terms of the offer made by my Department and also sought to add additional stops to the proposed service. The appeal was considered and a licence offer was made in May 2009, which again excluded those stops which conflicted with the licensed Aircoach service.

The Patton Flyer operators wrote to the Department on 19 June 2009 rejecting the licence offer.

When the Patton Flyer operators rejected the licence offer the Department moved, in accordance with licensing guidelines, to consider the next application it had on hand, from Aircoach, for a Dalkey-Dublin Airport service.

A new application was submitted in relation to the Patton Flyer service in December 2009, which is currently, in accordance with licensing guidelines, under consideration in my Department.

Employment Levels

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

279 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of persons that are employed in the transport sector including all of the public transport companies and the private bus sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22813/10]

I refer the Deputy to the Quarterly National Household Survey published by the CSO, which contains statistics on the labour market by sector.

Numbers employed by CIÉ and its subsidiaries are included in its Annual Report and Financial Statements which are available on its website. I understand that the average number of persons employed in 2009 was 11,463.

Light Rail Projects

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

280 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the feasibility studies that have been undertaken and the agency on proposed light rail systems for Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick; his views on these feasibility studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22833/10]

The Programme for Government made a commitment to conduct feasibility studies into light rail systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. I subsequently asked the local authorities in these cities to use these studies to consider the feasibility of both light rail and bus rapid transit systems.

These studies, which are being carried out by consultants appointed by the relevant local authorities, with funding from my Department, are examining the most appropriate and feasible public transport systems for the cities in question.

In the case of Galway, the Study was adopted by the City Council on 8th March 2010 but I understand that the City Council are considering how to address a number of issues raised by Councillors before the Study is presented to me.

In the case of Cork, Limerick, and Waterford, the Studies are expected to be formally adopted in the coming months following completion of all the relevant local public consultation and adoption procedures in each case.

On the completion of these studies, I will consider their recommendations before making decisions on how best to enhance public transport in the four cities.

Rail Network

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

281 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has met Irish Rail since it announced the deferral of the rail interconnector until 2018 at the earliest; the outcome of these talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22834/10]

Since 1st December 2009, the development of the DART Underground project is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

DART Underground and Metro North are the Government's key priority projects for public transport investment in the period ahead.

Officials from my Department and the NTA hold monthly monitoring meetings.

Following a request from my Department, the NTA arranged for a presentation by the DART Underground team from Irish Rail to coincide with the monthly meeting on 25 May 2010.

Irish Rail has advised that the change in the DART Underground timetable is driven by practical and technical considerations primarily resulting from—

consideration that the railway order application may take longer than originally planned. This is based on the experience of Metro North.

construction and testing are now estimated to take longer than earlier projected. This includes allowing for the extension of the project from Heuston to Inchicore and a decision to use 2 tunnel boring machines instead of 4. This change to fewer tunnel boring machines lessens the environmental impact of the project and reduces costs considerably.

Irish Rail also advise that these are conservative estimates on timeframe and it is possible that the PPP company may make substantial improvements to this programme by, for example, using innovative techniques. It may also be possible that An Bord Pleanála can reduce the time taken to consider the railway order application, having regard to its experience on Metro North.

The Government remains committed to the earliest possible start up date and the speediest possible delivery of this project and will continue to pursue all available opportunities to shorten the delivery timescale.

As I have said previously, I am not in a position to give any information in relation to the budget for this project, or the nature or duration of the payment options, in advance of the completion of the PPP process. The publication of such commercially sensitive information prior to the completion of the competitive procurement process would prejudice the State's capacity to derive maximum value for money in respect of this project.

Departmental Agencies

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

282 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the details and outcome of the review by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by State bodies that come under its remit with the code of practice, in particular to name the State bodies that have not achieved full compliance; the reason for same: the action taken by his Department; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23000/10]

State Bodies are required to comply with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies published by the Department of Finance. The Code was last updated in May 2009 and all State Bodies under the remit of the Department were provided with the updated Code.

The Department formally reviews compliance by State Bodies with the Code of Practice on an annual basis.

The last review was carried out in late 2009. It found that in general the level of the compliance with the Code was good. However, the review noted some areas where full compliance had not been achieved in addition to some areas of concern. The main areas of non-compliance related to:

the nature of internal audit arrangements in place by the port companies and whether these complied fully with the requirements in the Code (all port companies with the exception of Shannon Foynes Port Company),

the absence of updated annual rolling Business / Corporate Plan (Marine Casualty Investigation Board and CIE),

the non-disclosure of chief executive pay in annual accounts (Drogheda Port Company and Dundalk Port Company),

the delay in finalisation and publication of annual reports and accounts (Arklow Harbour Authority, NRA),

the non-completion of accounts (Wexford Harbour Authority),

Outstanding tax liability (Kinsale Harbour Commissioners)

A follow-up review earlier this year on these issues found that the issues had been finalised or were being progressed.

Rural Transport Services

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

283 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the result of the value for money review in his Department on the rural transport service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23001/10]

My Department is finalising arrangements to undertake the Value for Money Review of the Rural Transport Programme. It is expected that the Review itself will commence within the next fortnight.

Departmental Surveys

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

284 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the result of the value for money review in his Department on maritime safety expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23002/10]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

288 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number and name of value for money reviews carried out by his Department annually for the past four years; when each review commenced and was subsequently published; the number and name of value for money reviews to be carried out in 2010; if they have commenced and when they are planned to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23444/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 288 together.

The Value for Money Reviews carried out by this Department since 2007 are set out in the following table.

Name of Review

Year Commenced

Year Completed & Published

CIE Subvention

2005

2007

Capital Spend by Dublin Transportation Office

2007

2008

Strategic Non-National Roads

2007

2008

Railway Safety Programme

2008

2008

Regional Airport Expenditure

2009

In Progress

Rural Transport Programme

2010

In Progress

The review of Regional Airport Expenditure begun in 2009 is nearing completion and it is anticipated it will be finalised and published shortly. The review of Rural Transport Programme will commence within the next fortnight.

The value for money review of maritime safety expenditure will be undertaken in 2011.

National Car Test

Joe Carey

Question:

285 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting periods now associated with the national car test; the actions he will take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23012/10]

I am aware that there is currently a high level of demand for car testing and I understand that the National Car Testing Service is responding to that demand in a timely manner. The RSA continues to monitor the position regarding demand for car testing and testing arrangements.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) vehicle testing arrangements are matters for the Road Safety Authority.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

286 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007 to 2009, inclusive, such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23144/10]

The information requested is contained in the following table.

Costs

2007

2008

2009

Production

18,514

14,255

1,510

Printing

1,360

1,090

333

Delivery

8,321

6,279

1,329

Total

28,195

21,624

3,172

95% of staff in my Department now receive their payslips on-line, with the exception of those who do not have access to my Department's internal computer network.

Departmental Schemes

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

287 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if all State and semi-State agencies and companies have been mandated to facilitate the cycle-to-work scheme, including all vocational education committees; the State and semi-State agencies and companies that do not facilitate the cycle-to-work scheme; the reasons for same; the number of persons who have so far availed of the cycle-to-work scheme; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23272/10]

Implementation of the cycle to work scheme for officers within the Department of Transport is a matter for my Department, whereas the broader implementation of the scheme is not. Within the Department, to date 16 staff members signed up for the cycle to work scheme since its introduction last year. The only cost to my Department is in terms of administration. It is estimated that total administration costs for the scheme will be of the order of €3,000 per annum.

Question No. 288 answered with Question No. 284.

Road Network

Michael Ring

Question:

289 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with representatives of multinational companies in the west on their concerns about infrastructure to the west affecting the future of their businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23542/10]

During my recent visit to Mayo on April 16th, I met with local representatives and interested groups who raised this issue with me. I met with the Mayo Industries Group on a number of occasions over the past two years (including a meeting with the Taoiseach in February 2009). I have met with Minister of State Calleary, Deputy Beverly Flynn and Deputy P. Kelly on numerous occasions at their request to review progress on the N5 and have informally met with Mayo Fianna Fáil Councillors group on several visits to the County or at Party functions and Ard Fheiseanna at which Mayo roads especially the N5 and N26 were raised.

Stardust Fire

Terence Flanagan

Question:

290 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in providing counselling to the families of the victims of the Stardust tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22712/10]

I can inform the Deputy that arrangements for the provision of counselling services have been in place since February of this year. The relevant details have been communicated to the Stardust Victims Committee and to those other victims and bereaved who have expressed an interest in accessing such services.

Departmental Bodies

Leo Varadkar

Question:

291 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 331 and 332 of 18 May 2010, if he will provide in terms of whole-time equivalents a breakdown by the rank of members of the Garda employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; if he will further provide the same information relating to those employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22741/10]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

292 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos 331 and 332 of 18 May 2010, if he will provide in terms of whole-time equivalents a breakdown by the grade and position of staff in the Prison Service employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; if he will further provide the same information relating to those employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/10]

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

The Deputy has sought very detailed information which is currently being sourced and collated. I will arrange to have it forwarded to him as soon as possible.

Departmental Properties

Denis Naughten

Question:

293 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timetable for the completion of the Property Registration Authority offices in Roscommon town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22762/10]

The Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for providing the accommodation in Roscommon, has informed the Property Registration Authority (PRA) that work on the new building is proceeding. The OPW has indicated that the new building will be ready for occupation in the first quarter of 2011.

Firearms Licensing

Tom Hayes

Question:

294 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason law-abiding citizens who wish to target shoot and meet all the requirements of the new legally held firearm legislation are being refused permits; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this results in private court cases being instigated and with costs being won by the successful appellants which is being borne by the taxpayer and also ties up court time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22769/10]

As the Deputy is aware, the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which was commenced last August introduced changes to the procedures for the certification of firearms. The remaining sections of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 relating to firearms licensing were also commenced at that time. It is important to realise that under the new legislation, arising from both statutes, which created the three year licence and placed additional requirements on applicants, that all applications for Firearm Certificates are regarded as new applications and not renewals.

Since 19 November 2008, large calibre handguns have been generally banned. However, persons who already held certificates for large calibre handguns were entitled to apply for a new certificate under the stricter licensing regime. As the Deputy may be aware, provision is made under the Firearms Acts, as amended, including the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009 that, before granting a Firearm Certificate to any person, a Superintendent or a Chief Superintendent, as the case may be, shall be satisfied that an applicant:

(a) has a good reason for requiring the firearm in respect of which the certificate is applied for, and

(b) can be permitted to have in his possession, use, and carry a firearm or ammunition without danger to the public safety or to the peace, and

(c) is not a person declared to be disentitled to hold a firearms certificate under the Firearms Acts.

These three conditions must be satisfied in respect of every application, thereby ensuring that Firearm Certificates are granted to responsible persons. Additionally, a Chief Superintendent, when considering an application for a Restricted Firearm Certificate, must be satisfied that the applicant has ‘demonstrated that the firearm is the only weapon suitable for the purpose for which it is required'. The licensing of firearms is an operational matter and each application is judged on its own individual merits and the decision on whether, or not, to grant a Firearm Certificate rests solely with the issuing person. The decision of the issuing person cannot be fettered in any way and I have no role in the matter.

Where an issuing person refuses an application for a firearms certificate the reason for such refusal shall be communicated to the applicant, in writing, within three months of the valid application being received. Applicants, who have been refused and are dissatisfied with the decision of an issuing person, have recourse to appeal that decision, within 30 days, to the District Court, in accordance with the provisions of section 43, Criminal Justice Act, 2006 and in some cases the District Court may award an applicant his costs.

The Garda Authorities have informed me that, since the introduction of the new licensing regime, there have been approx 450 Firearm Certificates granted for handguns to date. This figure includes both unrestricted and restricted categories but I do not have a precise breakdown at this time. I am also informed that a similar number of applications were refused. The Deputy may be aware that, in a recent composite judgment, the Supreme Court upheld the Charlton judgment which I have mentioned before in the House. It also fully endorsed the power of the Superintendent to impose conditions on licences. Of particular interest was that the Supreme Court held, that in assessing ‘good reason', that the "reason and the weapon were inseparable", and that " the Superintendent had power to refuse the firearms certificate in the case for the reason given, namely that he did not believe the firearm in question was a suitable weapon for target practice".

Rent Reviews

Joe Costello

Question:

295 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the working group on transparency in commercial rent reviews will issue its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22777/10]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 67 of 25 March 2010.

Residency Permits

Bernard Allen

Question:

296 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22838/10]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 191 on 26 May, 2010. The position remains as stated.

Proposed Legislation

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

297 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to reform the current wards of court procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22850/10]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 10 on 4 February 2010. The Government Legislation Programme indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in this session.

Prison Building Programme

Charles Flanagan

Question:

298 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the proposed custodial unit at Kilworth, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22863/10]

I am already on record as indicating that I am committed to the replacement of Cork Prison with a modern prison complex at Kilworth, County Cork on a site previously owned by the Department of Defence. This significant project forms part of the substantial replacement, refurbishment and provision of high quality prisoner accommodation across the entire prison system. While the project has not advanced to detailed design stage, it is anticipated that the capacity of the new prison will be in the region of 450. A preliminary site suitability report was conducted which included reviewing its archaeology, flora and fauna, road/infrastructure, topography etc. These preliminary surveys confirmed that there are no significant constraints to the development of the site.

The next step in the appraisal process is the preparation of a detailed business case in relation to the project by the Irish Prison Service. The business case will examine the various procurement options including a public private partnership option. The advice of the National Development Finance Agency will also be sought in relation to the project. It is intended to commence preliminary planning and design work on the project this year and to deliver the project on a phased basis. All aspects of the project, including the design phase and construction will be procured by means of a public tender process.

Prison Accommodation

Charles Flanagan

Question:

299 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to extend the Midlands Prison at Portlaoise, County Laois, for the purposes of providing expanded accommodation for prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22864/10]

The Irish Prison Service, subject to the completion of the statutory planning procedures, intends to construct an additional cell block at the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise. In addition to the new block certain other necessary back-up services such as expanded catering facilities, additional education, recreation and work/training facilities will also be provided. The project, when completed, will provide accommodation for approximately 300 prisoners with full in-cell sanitation and showering facilities. It is hoped to have the project completed by late 2011/early 2012. This development will mark a significant step in the ongoing prisons modernisation programme as well as providing much needed employment in the construction sector.

Drug Courts

Catherine Byrne

Question:

300 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the drug treatment court which currently operates in Dublin 7 only, will be opened up to other areas of Dublin city; if he sees a future for this court; if it will link in with treatment services in the city to promote rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22875/10]

As the Deputy may be aware, I published a Review of the Drug Treatment Court on 24th May 2010. This Review found that those offenders who engaged with the treatment and rehabilitation provided have a significantly lower rate of recidivism. However, in order for the project to be more widely effective it requires a greater throughput of offenders as well as greater capacity for research and analysis. An Advisory Committee, chaired by the Courts Service and comprising of a number of agencies associated with the programme has been established to oversee the ongoing management and operation of the programme and monitor the implementation of the Review's recommendations over the next two years.

Asylum Applications

Brian O'Shea

Question:

301 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a subsidiary protection application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 9 April 2008. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 14 April 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Asylum Support Services

John O'Mahony

Question:

302 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a family (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given self-catering accommodation. [22889/10]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. The family of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question has made a number of representations seeking a transfer, based on medical need, to self-catering accommodation which forms a very small part of RIA's overall portfolio. The view of the medical referee, to whom the relevant correspondence was forwarded for advice, and of RIA is that the family's needs can be adequately addressed within the direct provision system. Further correspondence on this case has been received in the past week. This is being examined and a considered response will issue directly to the family is due course.

Citizenship Applications

Ulick Burke

Question:

303 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing a citizenship application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22896/10]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in August 2009. On examination of the application submitted, it was determined that the application in its entirety be returned to the person concerned for further attention on 12 August, 2009. In order to be fair to all applicants, only valid applications can be considered. It is open to the person in question to re-submit the application to the Citizenship Section of my Department at any time.

Peace Commissioners

Tom Sheahan

Question:

304 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision has been made regarding the provision of peace commissioners in respect of the east Kerry area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22917/10]

I have asked my officials to contact the Deputy in relation to this matter.

Criminal Prosecutions

Tom Sheahan

Question:

305 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the double jeopardy in relation to murder and the retrospective trial of those acquitted of murder on the finding of new evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22918/10]

The effect of the rule against double jeopardy is that a person cannot be prosecuted for an offence where he or she has already been acquitted or convicted of the offence in question. In the Criminal Procedure Bill 2009, which has been passed by the Seanad and is now awaiting Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann, I am seeking to modify the rule in two respects by providing that:

1. where new and compelling evidence emerges after a person's acquittal; or

2. where an acquittal is tainted, for example because of perjury by a witness,

the Director of Public Prosecution may apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for an order quashing the acquittal and ordering a re-trial. The "new and compelling evidence" procedure applies to a list of scheduled offences including murder, while the ‘tainted acquittal' procedure may apply in any case tried on indictment.

These provisions will apply only to acquittals arrived at after the commencement of the new legislation. I am advised that to provide otherwise would constitute an interference by the Oireachtas in the administration of justice. It would, in other words, be a breach of the constitutional position on the separation of powers. The Deputy will find a comprehensive exposition on the Bill as well as on the issues surrounding the modifications to the rule that I am proposing in the statement I made to the House when I introduced the Second Stage debate on 11 February 2010.

Drug Courts

Tom Sheahan

Question:

306 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to put a drug treatment facility in place to offer young offenders drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22919/10]

On 24th May 2010, I published a Review of the Drug Treatment Court. This Review found that those offenders who engaged with the treatment and rehabilitation provided have a significantly lower rate of recidivism. As the Deputy may be aware, the Drug Treatment Court operates on a multi-agency basis and utilises treatment facilities made available through the Health Service Executive which operates under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children.

International Agreements

Tom Sheahan

Question:

307 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider a Schengen type agreement with China and Japan to attract tourist from the Orient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22921/10]

The Deputy's proposal would entail abolishing systemic border controls and the establishment of enhanced co-operation in the areas of law enforcement and judicial cooperation between Ireland, China and Japan. Such a move would open our borders to unrestricted travel from a population of almost 1,500,000,000 persons. I have no proposals to advance the Deputy's proposal.

Residency Permits

Finian McGrath

Question:

308 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [22957/10]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2007. Further to my response to Parliamentary Question 263 on 17 November, 2009 and letters issued to the person concerned via his legal representatives on 9 September, 2009 & 16 December, 2009, the person in question has not contacted the General Immigration Division of my Department with regard to the requested documentation relating to his permission to remain.

Further processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation has been suspended to give the person concerned an opportunity to regularise his position with regard to his presence in the State. Permission to remain in the State as confirmed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau is a matter of vital importance to all applicants for Citizenship. Applicants must ensure that their registration with the GNIB is kept up to date during their residency in this country.

Asylum Applications

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

309 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; when a decision will be made on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 6 May 2008. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 25 June 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Visa Applications

Dan Neville

Question:

310 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [22985/10]

Based on the information provided by the Deputy, my Department has no record of a visa application for the person referred to. It would appear that the reference number provided is not a current visa application number for the person concerned. It is open to the applicant to complete an on-line visa application form. It should be borne in mind that the signed two page summary sheet along with the required supporting documentation and fee, if applicable, must be submitted to the relevant embassy/consulate within 30 days of completing the on-line application form. Comprehensive information when making a visa application can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).

Residency Permits

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

311 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22992/10]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the person referred to by the Deputy has been granted residency in the State and his current permission to remain here is valid until 6 January 2011.

Garda Stations

Brian Hayes

Question:

312 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a property (details supplied) in Dublin 1, the time scale for the works required; when the station will close for refurbishment works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22994/10]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question number 247 of 25th May, 2010 which sets out the position in relation to the property referred to by the Deputy.

Residency Permits

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

313 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 25 May 2010, when a decision will be made on this application; and if a decision date will be given at this stage. [23010/10]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 255 on 25 May 2010. The position remains as stated.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

314 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23141/10]

The costs of issuing payslips to the staff of my Department, including production, printing and delivery, were €4,030 in 2007, €4,027 in 2008 and €3,738 in 2009.

Residency Permits

Deirdre Clune

Question:

315 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the application of a person (details supplied) for an extension to a working holiday authorisation; when the applicant will expect to receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23151/10]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy applied for permission to remain in the State and this application is currently under consideration. A decision will issue in the near future.

Parliamentary Questions

Chris Andrews

Question:

316 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the staff at the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service intend to clear the backlog of raised questions when they cease their industrial action; if Members will receive the answers to questions raised over the past few months in due course then; or if Members’ staff have to duplicate their work and raise the questions a second time, in order to hopefully achieve a response. [23179/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that arrangements are in place to ensure substantive responses issue as soon as possible to Parliamentary Questions that could not be addressed during the recent industrial action. Accordingly, it is not necessary for Members to raise these questions a second time. With regard to the representations from Members using the INIS Oireachtas Mail Service, the position is as set out in response to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 26 May 2010.

Visa Applications

Róisín Shortall

Question:

317 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons travelling to Ireland from Mauritius solely for the purposes of a three week visit, are required to make a visa application. [23199/10]

I can confirm for the Deputy that citizens of Mauritius are required to be in possession of a valid Irish visa regardless of the proposed duration of travel to the State.

Asylum Applications

Bernard Allen

Question:

318 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork regarding his or her refugee appeal. [23205/10]

If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned, the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.

Visa Applications

Paul Kehoe

Question:

319 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding visa applications in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23206/10]

I am informed that an official from the Visa Office in my Department has been in contact with the Embassy of Ireland, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania with a view to seeking further documentation from the applicants. The documentation sought is required in order to give full consideration to the visa applications. The Visa Office, Dublin is awaiting receipt of same. Upon receipt, decisions on the applications will issue in due course.

Departmental Expenditure

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

320 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 300 of 2 March 2010, if he will now furnish the details required in respect of 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. [23301/10]

The information sought by the Deputy in respect of my Department's expenditure on car parking spaces for the period in question was approximately €4,900. This expenditure is no longer being incurred since early 2009. Details of this expenditure in respect of the Justice bodies and agencies, such as An Garda Síochána, Irish Prisons Service and so forth, is not maintained in a format which would facilitate its accurate retrieval in the manner sought by the Deputy.

Residency Permits

Mary Upton

Question:

321 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for permission to remain in this country for a family (details supplied) can be processed as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23312/10]

The persons concerned, a mother and two minor daughters, applied for asylum with the mother's application lodged on 12 April 2007 and the daughters' applications lodged on 16 January 2008. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the persons concerned were all entitled to remain in the State until their individual applications for asylum were decided. The asylum applications were refused following their individual consideration by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of their asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the persons concerned were individually notified, by letters dated 18 July 2008 in the case of the mother and 10 and 14 October 2008 in the case of the daughters, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them. In addition, they were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The persons concerned have each submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and these applications are under consideration at present. When consideration of these applications has been completed, the persons concerned will be notified in writing of the outcomes. In the event that the applications for Subsidiary Protection are refused, the positions in the State of the persons concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the files are passed to me for decision. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the persons concerned.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Róisín Shortall

Question:

322 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 26 May 2010, if he will provide the information requested on a Garda division basis. [23316/10]

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when their response is to hand.

Citizenship Applications

Joe Carey

Question:

323 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the applications for naturalisation and long-term residency will be completed in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23323/10]

Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2008. All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of both applications is ongoing and the files will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

An application for Long Term Residency was received in my Department from the person in question on the 4th July 2008. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the person concerned has been granted Long Term Residency. A letter informing him of this issued on 1 March 2010. The second person in question currently has an application in the latter stages of processing and a decision will issue in due course. As soon as a decision is reached in this case, the person concerned will be notified.

Road Traffic Accidents

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

324 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to include and record any vehicle defect and the use of alcohol or drugs on the C(T)68 form for data collection by the Garda Síochána after a road collision; if he has had discussions with the Road Safety Authority on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23330/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that form C(T)68 provides for the recording of information regarding vehicle defects and the use of alcohol and drugs. I am further informed that data in respect of all traffic collisions is provided to the Road Safety Authority and there is ongoing contact between the two organisations regarding such data.

Child Protection

Alan Shatter

Question:

325 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Ombudsman for Children has recommended that there should be a dedicated child protection service within the Garda Síochána; the consideration given by him to this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23335/10]

In her report based on an investigation into the implementation of the Children First national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children, the Ombudsman for Children states that her Office could see merit in the proposal for a dedicated child protection service in An Garda Síochána and recommended consideration of this proposal. While, as the report notes, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children has no authority in relation to An Garda Síochána, I am bringing what the Ombudsman has to say to the attention of the Garda authorities. I might mention that in April An Garda Síochána published a comprehensive document setting out its policy on the investigation of sexual crime, crimes against children and child welfare.

Vetting of Personnel

Alan Shatter

Question:

326 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applications for vetting to the Garda vetting office take between 12 and 14 weeks to process; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay in the vetting process is creating an obstacle to persons unemployed taking up employment and is a cause for concern to schools and voluntary organisations across the country that wish to fill vacant positions; if he recognises that the increase in the number of vetting applications requires the allocation of additional staff to the vetting office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23338/10]

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. The GCVU has managed a substantial increase over recent years in the numbers of vetting applications it receives — 187,864 in 2007; 218,404 in 2008 and 246,194 in 2009.

The processing time for vetting applications fluctuates during the year due to seasonal demands when the volume of applications received from certain sectors can increase, for training placements for example. Additional time may be required to process an individual vetting application in cases where clarification is required as to the details provided or where other enquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad. There will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process a vetting application. However, the Gardaí make every effort to reduce this to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out the necessary checks. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the average processing time for valid vetting applications received at the GCVU may vary from four to five weeks in periods of lower demand to up to about 12 weeks at times when demand is particularly high.

The allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. An additional five persons were assigned to the Vetting Unit recently, bringing the total to 83 personnel currently assigned to the vetting unit, including six Gardaí and 77 Garda civilian personnel. A further five additional personnel are being recruited on a temporary basis and it is intended that these persons will commence work shortly. This represents a very significant increase in the level of personnel assigned to the unit, which stood at only 13 before the current process of development in Garda vetting began in 2005.

Residency Permits

Phil Hogan

Question:

327 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will issue on an application for stamp 4 in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23401/10]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy applied for permission to remain in the State and this application is currently under consideration. A decision will issue in the near future.

Garda Investigations

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

328 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 317 of 24 November 2009, the extent to which he has received reports from the Garda; the degree to which the issues raised have been dealt with to a person’s (details supplied) satisfaction; if any attempt has been unable to resolve any issues outstanding; if further action is required or planned; if this person has been contacted in the interim; if any of the legal representatives involved in the case were the subject of validated complaints; if the issues arising were satisfactorily dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23410/10]

I wrote to the Deputy in April 2010 further to a previous Question on this matter. I have requested an update on the matter from the Garda authorities and I will be in contact with the Deputy when this is to hand.

Courts Service

Sean Sherlock

Question:

329 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy in relation to the consolidation of the District Court services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23442/10]

I should say at the outset that the Courts Service is responsible for the management and administration of the courts including the designation of court venues for the transaction of the business of the District Court. I am aware that the Service has undertaken a nationwide review of the numbers and location of venues where District Court business is transacted. In undertaking the review, the Service applied a number of qualitative criteria to each venue including case count, condition of the building, proximity to a suitable venue, number of sittings per annum, etc. The review is designed to ensure that the best possible service is provided to court users and optimum operating efficiency is achieved through the best possible use being made of court resources, facilities and judicial time. This is particularly important in the context of pressures on public expenditure and reduced funding resources.

Commemorative Events

Charles Flanagan

Question:

330 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he proposes to take to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October each year in view of the UN Resolution 61271, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in respect of that day and to disseminate the message of non-violence by way of public awareness and other measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22710/10]

In June 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which declared 2 October, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution invited United Nation Member States to commemorate the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

Ireland actively promotes the message of non-violence on an ongoing basis in its national and international policies. Our commitment to the objectives of Resolution 61271, which we co-sponsored, is clear and profound. Our strong support for the promotion and protection of human rights, our long tradition of participating in UN-mandated peace operations, our leading role internationally in disarmament and non-proliferation issues, our work in the area of conflict resolution and the work of Irish Aid on combating gender-based violence are good examples of areas in which the Government gives practical expression to this commitment. While commemorative steps relating specifically to 2 October require further consideration, the education and public awareness activity which underpins the Government's work in such areas includes powerful and continuous messages about non-violence as the only basis for achieving progress.

Ministerial Meetings

Billy Timmins

Question:

331 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with his American counterparts in respect of their proposed expansion of clandestine military activity in an effort to disrupt militant groups or counter threats in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and other countries in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22830/10]

Billy Timmins

Question:

332 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with his American counterparts in respect of reports that say that the order also permits reconnaissance that could pave the way for possible military strikes in Iran if tensions over its nuclear ambitions escalate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22831/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.

I have had a number of meetings with US Secretary of State Clinton, most recently when I visited Washington for St. Patrick's Day. We have discussed issues of mutual interest, including situations of concern in the Middle East and elsewhere. I have not discussed the matter raised by the Deputy with Secretary of State Clinton or any other US official.

Passport Service

Pat Breen

Question:

333 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will sanction the opening of a passport office in the mid-west region close to Shannon Airport in view of his recent comments regarding the need for the provision of additional passport offices here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22860/10]

As I indicated on 20 May last I have identified the necessity to examine further contingency arrangements for passport production. This will include the provision of passport production equipment in other parts of the country, including the mid west region. I have asked my officials to examine the feasibility of providing this service. However, as the examination is at a very early stage it is premature to confirm if or when any additional passport offices might be opened. As of now and into the future, passport applications can be submitted through the Passport Express Service available at Post Offices across the Mid West and throughout the country.

Question No. 334 withdrawn.

Departmental Correspondence

Tom Sheahan

Question:

335 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the experience of a person (details supplied) following a trip to Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22944/10]

I received correspondence in August 2009 outlining how the person mentioned by the Deputy escaped drowning in the El Indio caves during a tour of Cuba. On my instructions our Embassy in Mexico wrote to the Cuban Tourist Ministry in September 2009 to bring this person's incident to their attention and also to encourage the Cuban authorities to take measures to avoid repeat accidents. Unfortunately, to date, the Cuban authorities have not responded. I have asked that this matter be raised again with the Cuban authorities.

Departmental Bodies

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

336 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the numbers of membership, term of office, salary or expenses, and appointing body of the advisory board for Irish Aid. [22988/10]

The Advisory Board for Irish Aid was established in August 2002, originally as the Advisory Board for Development Cooperation Ireland, to provide general advice to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the strategic direction of the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries. This Board consisted of eleven members who were appointed for a three year period. The Advisory Board was re-constituted in November 2005 with a membership of sixteen for a further three years.

All members of the Board served in a voluntary capacity and were not paid for their work with the Board. Expenses related to attendance at Board meetings or travel on official business of the Board were met from the administrative budget of the Board. Appointments were made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the basis of each individual's expertise and ability to contribute to the work of the Board.

The Advisory Board published annual reports in each year of its operation, and these include full details of the Board's activities and accounts. I am arranging for copies of these to be sent to the Deputy.

Foreign Conflicts

Billy Timmins

Question:

337 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he and his European counterparts have had and their position in respect of recent incidents between North Korea and South Korea in which the former said it was cutting all ties with the latter and threatening its neighbour with military action over alleged violations of its waters off the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23013/10]

Billy Timmins

Question:

339 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the pressure he and his European colleagues have brought to bear on the Chinese Government to persuade North Korea to change its ways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23127/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 339 together.

I condemn the sinking of the Republic of Korea (ROK) naval vessel "Cheonan" on 26 March and the resulting deaths of forty-six members of its crew. I take this opportunity to extend my condolences, and those of the Government, to the families of the victims and to the Government of the ROK, on their tragic loss.

I note with deep concern the findings of the investigation, published on 20 May by the ROK authorities, into the causes of the sinking. This investigation was supported by an international team of specialists, including participants from the US and the UK, and has been described as objective, methodical and scientific. Based on evidence recovered from the scene of the attack, the investigation has concluded that the explosion was caused by a torpedo made in the DPRK and fired from a DPRK submarine.

The ROK is to be commended for its restrained and measured response to this unprovoked and heinous attack. I fully support the intention of the Government of the ROK to seek redress through the offices of the UN, and through other non-military means.

Since the announcement of the report's findings on 20 May, relations between the ROK and DPRK have deteriorated rapidly. Most recently, the DPRK has announced that it since the announcement of the report's findings on 20 May, relations between the ROK and DPRK have deteriorated rapidly. Most recently, the DPRK has announced that it would cancel an agreement designed to prevent accidental naval skirmishes along the disputed western sea border and it has also announced the severing of all ties with the ROK. It has threatened to engage any ROK vessels which are perceived to be in its territorial waters and has stated that any retaliation for the sinking of the "Cheonan" would lead to "all-out" war. These threats are unacceptable.

Ireland will continue to consult closely with EU and other international partners to determine an appropriate response to the findings of the ROK investigation. In this respect, I welcome the statement made on 20 May by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, in which she called on all the countries concerned to step up efforts to promote lasting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. I note also the call made by Foreign Ministers at the EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting held in Madrid on 26 May that the parties involved should exercise restraint. It is important also to ensure that recent events do not overshadow the ongoing suffering of the people of the DPRK, who face systematic, widespread and grave human rights abuses and endure sustained food insecurity and widespread malnutrition.

China is, of course, a key interlocutor for the parties involved and for the international community where the Korean peninsula is concerned. Although it has not yet officially responded to the findings of the South Korean investigation, I very much welcome the fact that the Chinese Government too has called for restraint and dialogue so that the crisis can be defused.

The situation on the Korean peninsula is a regular feature of Ireland's bilateral dialogue with China. I discussed the issue, including the "Cheonan" attack, with Foreign Minister Yang during my visit to Beijing last week and the matter was also raised in official level Political Consultations in Beijing on 8 April last. I can assure Deputies that the Government will continue in its efforts to seek China's support in securing a lasting, peaceful solution in the region.

Emigrant Support Services

Billy Timmins

Question:

338 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of recent developments in the US whereby the President of that country will deploy up to 1,200 National Guard troops to the US-Mexican border and request $500 million for enhanced border protection to combat immigration issues which have been the subject of intense focus in Washington with the President calling for comprehensive reform, he will capitalise on the opportunity of such immigration reform to address the issue of undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23126/10]

The difficult situation of the undocumented Irish in the US and the impact on their families in America and Ireland is a matter of deep concern to the Government. I would urge anybody who might be tempted in the current economic climate to follow in the footsteps of the undocumented to take account of the plight in which they now find themselves.

Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States continues to be a Government priority. We are also committed to enhancing our bilateral migration arrangements with the US through the establishment of a reciprocal two year renewable visa scheme, known as the E3 visa, and the further development of the recently agreed working holiday programme.

The Government, particularly through our Embassy in Washington, continues to work proactively with the US Administration and Congressional leaders to achieve positive progress on this important issue. The status of the undocumented can only be changed by virtue of legislation passed by both Houses of Congress in the US — it is not merely a matter of bilateral engagement between the two Governments. It is clear that this is a challenging political issue in the US and it is also clear that the undocumented can only be provided for through comprehensive immigration reform.

During our St Patrick's Day visit to Washington this year, the Taoiseach and I took the opportunity to discuss immigration reform and the undocumented Irish in our meetings with President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and leading members of Congress. As part of his St. Patrick's Day address, President Obama offered an assurance that his own commitment to comprehensive immigration reform remains unwavering.

President Obama has since reiterated this commitment to immigration reform, and has welcomed what he has described as the "strong proposal" for reform presented at the end of April by senior Democratic Senators Harry Reid, Charles Schumer, and Robert Menendez. This proposal includes provision for a path towards legalisation for the undocumented, including the Irish, provided they first admit to having violated US laws, undertake the repayment of taxes and perform community service. This outline legislation also specifically mentions an E-3 visa arrangement for Irish citizens. Although the proposal is only the first step in a long process, the inclusion of an Irish E3 scheme at this initial stage is an important achievement for the Government and the Irish community.

While I am encouraged by these developments and also by the efforts which continue to be made on Capitol Hill to resolve this issue, very considerable political challenges remain, particularly in an election year. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we have provided $285,000 to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, since 2006, to assist with their lobbying efforts. In 2009, we also provided $10,000 to the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.

Question No. 339 answered with Question No. 337.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

340 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23139/10]

My Department introduced an electronic payslip system in late 2007 whereby staff may access details of their salary payments on-line. As a result, paper payslips are now only used in a small number of cases. A stock of paper payslips was purchased in 2007 at a cost of €2,604. There were no other production, printing, or delivery costs for payslips during the years in question.

Passport Applications

Joe McHugh

Question:

341 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address the frustrations of 63,000 Irish citizens whose applications for passports are unprocessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23214/10]

At 28 May, 2010 there were 61,185 applications in the system. These arrears have built up due to industrial action in the Passport Service. On 27 May officials of my Department and the CPSU attended a mediation process at the invitation of the Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Commission. On 28 May a proposal was presented by Mr. Mulvey to both sides. The management side have accepted the proposals which will be considered by members of the union over the coming days.

I very much hope that the union membership support the proposals which, if implemented, will enable the recruitment of the additional temporary staff necessary to allow the Passport Service to return as soon as possible to normal operation and, in the meantime, to implement an enhanced system of prioritisation for applicants who need to travel as a matter of urgency.

Human Rights Issues

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

342 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the case of two gay men who have been jailed, separately, for a period of 14 years each in Malawi due to their sexual orientation, an abuse of human rights as set out in a number of international treaties; the action he will take on the matter; and if the fact that Malawi is a donor country of Ireland’s will influence any decision to act taken by the Irish Government. [23247/10]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

344 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he proposes to take in regard to a prison sentence that was handed down in Malawi (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23536/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 344 together.

The Deputy will have seen the welcome news that on Saturday President Mutharika granted an unconditional pardon to Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, after meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. In a press conference announcing the pardon, the President stated that he had taken his decision on humanitarian grounds and that the law itself has not changed. I have been following the case of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga since the two men were first arrested. Our Embassy in Lilongwe, along with our EU partners, has been active in raising our concerns about the matter with the Government of Malawi throughout.

I want to emphasise in particular our very serious concern and dismay at the arrest, conviction and severe sentence imposed upon these men on account of their sexual orientation. The conviction was contrary to international human rights principles which Malawi has ratified. With our EU partners, we have called on the Government of Malawi to fulfil its commitments to the protection of the human rights of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation. My colleague the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, T.D., made a statement to this effect on 20 May and Ireland supports the similar statement made by High Representative Catherine Ashton on 21 May, which also refers to Malawi's commitments and obligations under international human rights law.

Malawi is one of the nine Programme Countries where Ireland has a commitment to long term strategic assistance. Our five year country programme focuses on nutrition and food security and support for good governance. These are targeted programmes and we do not provide general budget support. Ireland also supports civil society organisations working in Malawi, including those that engage in human rights work there.

We remain in constant contact with our Ambassador in Malawi and our concerns are being fully communicated to the Government of Malawi. The Deputy can be assured that we will continue to coordinate with our EU and international partners on this matter to impress upon the Government of Malawi the need for compliance with its own obligations under international human rights agreements.

Passport Service

Billy Timmins

Question:

343 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a request was made on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23322/10]

In February 2010 a technical advisor to the Israeli Interior Ministry made contact with the Department and asked if a meeting could be arranged with the Passport Service to discuss a range of passport technology issues of international interest. The meeting was proposed in the context of a visit by officials of the Israeli Interior Ministry to a number of European countries.

The Israeli delegation proposed to present information in respect of the technologies used in the Israeli passport and learn from the experiences of other countries who had developed similar systems. The meetings would also discuss the benefits and pitfalls of the international system for exchanging passport security data. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory is a system for exchanging data which is subsequently used at border control points to validate the authenticity of passports. The meeting request was declined.

Question No. 344 answered with Question No. 342.

Swimming Pool Projects

Joe Costello

Question:

345 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of swimming pools which were funded under the last round of the local authority swimming pools programme in Dublin city; their locations; the amount in each case; when the new programme will be launched; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22778/10]

The following projects in the Dublin area have been or are being dealt with under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.

Pool Project

LocalAuthority

Status

Funding allocated

€m

Finglas (replacement pool)

DCC

Completed

3.8

Ballymun (replacement pool)

DCC

Completed

3.8

Ballyfermot (replacement pool)

DCC

Completed

3.8

Jobstown (new)

SDCC

Completed

3.8

Clondalkin (replacement)

SDCC

Completed

3.8

St Michael’s House (new)

DCC

Completed

3.7

Dundrum (replacement)

DRCC

Completed

3.8

St. Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys (refurbishment)

DCC

Completed

0.3

Glenalbyn (refurbishment)

DRCC

Preparing contract documents

*

Balbriggan (new)

Fingal

Preliminary Report submitted

*

*Grant aid is formally allocated at the stage when the tender for the project is approved:

DCC — Dublin City Council

SDCC — South Dublin County Council

DRC — Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County

Council Fingal — Fingal County Council

Under the current programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country with a further 12 pools at various stages of development. Between 1998 and 2009 a sum of almost €143m has been spent under the programme. This has leveraged a total investment of some €400m in swimming pools throughout the country. No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

346 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009, such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23145/10]

The payroll function in my Department is administered by Financial Shared Services (FSS) in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in accordance with the terms of a service level agreement. All the costs associated with issuing of payslips are therefore borne by that Department. While the majority of the staff of the Department receive payslips electronically it has been ascertained from the FSS that the relevant costs associated with the issuing of payslips for my Department are set out in the following table.

2007

2008

2009

€1,281

€1,275

€1,137

Arts Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

347 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the position regarding her commitment to the provision of a new purpose built facility to house the Garage Theatre, Monaghan town; if she will prioritise this project in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23259/10]

A capital grant of €2 million was made to this project under the ACCESS II programme. My Department is engaging with County Monaghan Vocational Education Committee, which is the local promoter of the project so that the project can be progressed.

Banks’ Art Collections

Mary Upton

Question:

348 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport her views on the recent proposal by Bank of Ireland to sell its art collection; if she will request the bank to consult with the National Gallery prior to any final decision on the future of the collection; if she is concerned that since the State is now a substantial shareholder in Bank of Ireland it is only appropriate that this shareholder should be consulted prior to any decision on the future of the art collection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23334/10]

Bank of Ireland has widely been acknowledged for the collection of Artworks that it has built up since the 1960's. The collection includes many well known contemporary Irish artists and its value as an entire collection is what makes it so special. In 1999 and 2008, Bank of Ireland, under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, donated 21 and 25 Artworks, respectively, to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). These donations were valuable additions to the IMMA and national collection and their donation to one of National Cultural Institutions demonstrates the quality of what Bank of Ireland has succeeded in collecting over the years.

While it is a matter, in the first instance, for the Board of Bank of Ireland to manage its assets in an appropriate manner, it is my opinion that this collection should be kept intact if possible. Bank of Ireland should, of course, give careful consideration to the impact culturally which losing the collection to out of the State would have. Furthermore, the timing of any placing on the market would have to consider the relative buoyancy and level of the market for Irish art and the potentially negative and displacement impact of a significant volume collection like this coming on that market. Optimising shareholder value, in which the State now has a very significant interest, must be a paramount consideration too.

I have requested my officials to ascertain from the Bank of Ireland its intentions in this regard.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian O'Shea

Question:

349 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the 11 lawyers who participated in but did not complete the intensive course set up under the advanced Irish language skills programme in 2006 refunded the stipend and accommodation expenses to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22754/10]

Firstly, I would once again emphasise that stipend payments were paid to students only in respect of time when they were actually present on the course. Where a student missed classes, the stipend payments payable to him or her were reduced accordingly. It was also the case that stipend and accommodation payments ceased as soon as a student left the course. Furthermore, my Department has been advised by the institution responsible for the course concerned that proof of expenses was required from all students. It is understood that due to the pre-pay nature of most rented accommodation, most students had to pay for their accommodation before commencing the course and claimed the accommodation costs back subsequently.

Students who did not complete the course may have been unable to do so for a variety of reasons, ranging from illness or personal circumstances beyond their control, to failing to achieve the required standard. In such circumstances, the rationale and indeed the fairness of penalising students by seeking the refund of stipends and/or accommodation costs is not clear.

Legal Proceedings

Brian O'Shea

Question:

350 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of court cases his Department has become involved in since the setting up of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22869/10]

My Department has been involved in one court case, which related specifically to the Official Languages Act, since the enactment of the Act in 2003. That case was the Central Applications Office Limited v the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ireland and the Attorney General.

Community Development

Tom Hayes

Question:

351 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way a community organisation (details supplied) in south Tipperary will get funding for a website to promote and explain its work and further its fund-raising aim to build improved facilities for the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22949/10]

Funding is available under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 for the provision of basic services — including the development of amenity/leisure facilities and recreational infrastructure — for rural communities. The Programme also provides funding to build the capacity of community organisations, to encourage their participation in a broad range of social and economic activities, and to provide them with the necessary skills and training to implement initiatives under the Programme. Details of the group administering the Programme in South Tipperary — South Tipperary Development Company — are available from my Department's website www.pobail.ie and the community organisation referred to by the Deputy should contact it for further information and advice regarding the funding being sought.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Jack Wall

Question:

352 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied); his plans to address the concerns raised; if an extension of the programme will be favourably considered; if so, when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22997/10]

The Dormant Accounts Fund Acts provides for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in May 2003 to end-March 2010, the net transfers to the DAF have totalled some €326m. The projects to which the Deputy refers are currently funded under a measure managed by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The projects in question received approval for grants totalling some €93,000 of which some €27,000 was for capital needs and the balance of some €66,000 for operational purposes.

The nature of funding received from the Dormant Accounts Funds is that is it once-off in nature and this is made clear to projects at the time of application. My understanding is that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has no plans to extend the funding available to the measure from which funding was provided in the cases referred to. Further details of the projects to which funding has been allocated to date and a summary of the status of the DAF are available on my Department's website:

www.pobail.ie/en/DormantAccounts.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

353 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009, such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23133/10]

The general practice in my Department is to make payslips available online. In a relatively small number of cases, where online access is not readily available, payslips have been printed and sent to individual staff members. The estimated cost (incorporating printing, stationery and postage) associated with issuing payslips in my Department has been constant over the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, and is set out in the following table.

2007

2008

2009

372

372

372

Departmental Programmes

Michael Ring

Question:

354 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will explain the way the centre for effective services was established; the public procurement processes that were undertaken; his views on whether a commitment of €5 million of public funds to a body which is largely autonomous and unaccountable is appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23244/10]

The Centre for Effective Services (CES) was developed in recognition of the fact that high quality research and data informs good social policy and that the application of evidence-based policy making can make a real difference in the quality of services delivered, and, ultimately, in the quality of beneficiaries' lives. At its most basic, the approach is to seek to provide a means to enable projects to access the expertise that they need on a timely and supportive basis, to be focussed on tangible outcomes, and to lend themselves to robust objective evaluation. The underlying aim is to develop a process whereby programmes and projects can be designed, developed and evaluated on the basis of a ‘what works' pragmatic approach.

Against a background of reforms under way by my Department, ongoing concerns to strengthen programme delivery and evaluation, and issues confirmed by a VFM Policy Review of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP), my Department was eager to access independent international expertise. Separately, one of the issues with the local/community development programmes operated by my Department had been the difficulty in objectively demonstrating whether our programmes are actually working or not. This problem is compounded by the concern that, even when the programmes are independently evaluated, there is a relatively small pool of expertise which can be drawn on locally, which can result in a familiarity between potential evaluators and the operators of the programmes. The close identification of the operators of such programmes with the programmes themselves can make it difficult for detached, objective and critical debate on the overall effectiveness of the programmes, as opposed to their delivery.

It was in this context that my Department, in consultation with the Office of the Minister of Children (OMC), considered the CES as offering a particular opportunity to support programme redesign, while overcoming the usual constraints of local interests and difficulty in accessing international expertise. The CES also offered capability to set out tangible, deliverable, qualitative outcomes for the LDSIP/Community Development Programme (CDP) and wider programmes. In addition, my Department's view was that the CES would be in a position to provide ongoing mentoring on programme efficiency and evaluation over a number of years.

The concept for the CES grew from an idea formulated initially by Atlantic Philanthropies in the context of the provision of children's services — most notably the early childhood intervention project in Tallaght, Dublin. The CES was subsequently established as a joint venture between Government and Atlantic Philanthropies. Accordingly, in 2008 my Department engaged the CES to assist with the redesign of its community development/social inclusion programmes, particularly the LDSIP and CDP. Key outputs agreed with the CES were the review of the design of both programmes, which, informed by good international practice, would specify outcomes at the outset and provide effective evaluation mechanisms. It was also agreed that any proposals put forward should facilitate effective evaluation of the performance of individual local delivery structures and allow for either the re-alignment or merger of the two programmes.

Under the agreement signed in October 2008 between my Department and the OMC with the CES, each will provide c€500,000 per annum to the Centre for 5 years. This amount will be matched by a contribution from Atlantic Philanthropies of c€5m over the period. The agreement, which ends in 2012, sets out in detail deliverables to be provided over this period to each public body, as well as timelines for progress.

The contracted deliverables relating to my own Department include the following:

1. Assist the Department with planning for future delivery and development of LDSIP and CDP by collating and making available international evidence of good practice and ‘what works' in similar community-based initiatives, and review the design of the existing programme in the light of this evidence.

2. Inform policy and practice relating to LDSIP and CDP with the aim of maximising programme impact and effectiveness within existing funding parameters.

3. Promote access to expertise (including international expertise) for developing appropriate evaluation methodologies and measures for the evaluation of local services delivered under the programmes, and make recommendations for subsequent evaluation design(s).

4. Assist the Department to build internal and external capacity for evidence-based design and delivery of other related services and programmes.

Given

the unique nature of this project as a joint approach between Government and Atlantic Philanthropies, particularly in the context of Government initiatives on children's services;

the not-for-profit remit of the CES;

the unparalleled access which CES has to international expertise on the design, delivery and evaluation of social programmes; and

the significant support available from Atlantic Philanthropies; it was not considered that a competitive tendering arrangement was appropriate in this case.

I can assure that Deputy that the CES is not unaccountable. As already referred to, my Department has a contract with the CES which lists specific deliverables and timelines. Progress is reported on regularly and all deliverables to date have met the agreed timelines.

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Dinny McGinley

Question:

355 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas ina Roinn le haghaidh deontais cóirithe do chéibheanna Gaeltachta i nDún na nGall; cad iad na céibheanna atá i gceist; an bhfuil na hiarratais á meas faoi láthair; agus an mbeidh deontais á gceadú ina leith. [23374/10]

Is féidir liom a dheimhniú don Teachta go bhfuil roinnt iarratais ar láimh ag mo Roinnse le haghaidh deontais cóirithe do chéanna beaga i nDún na nGall, a bhfuil liosta díobh leagtha amach thíos.

Calafoirt

Cé na nDúnaibh

Cé Mhucróis

Cé Theilinn

Oileán an Bhráighe

Ros na Gurra

Cé Áith an Aoil

Cé Fhánaide

Loch Cionn Caslach

Maramaolán

Cé Rannaigh

Tá na hiarratais seo á meas i láthair na huaire ach, i bhfianaise méid na ngealltanas ar láimh cheana féin agus na n-acmhainní teoranta atá ar fáil, ní léir dom go mbeidh ar chumas mo Roinne-se deontais a cheadú i leith na gcéanna seo sa ghearr-théarma.

Bóithre Straitéiseacha

Dinny McGinley

Question:

356 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mbeidh airgead á chur ar fáil i mbliana chun leanúint ar aghaidh le forbairt na mbóithre straitéiseacha Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina dtaobh. [23375/10]

Tá soláthar de €2m curtha ar fáil i Meastacháin mo Roinne i 2010 chun bonneagar na Gaeltachta a fheabhsú, ar a n-áirítear bóithre, muiroibreacha agus grúpscéimeanna uisce. I gcomhthéacs na ngealltanas éagsúla atá ar láimh cheana féin i ndáil le feabhsúcháin den chineál seo, áfach, ní léir dom go mbeidh ar chumas mo Roinne-se deontais bhreise a cheadú i leith Bóithre Straitéiseacha sa Ghaeltacht sa ghearr-thréimhse.

Íocaíochtaí Deontais

Dinny McGinley

Question:

357 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas ag a Roinn ar dheontas do thionscnamh (sonraí tugtha); cén dáta ar ar fuarthas an t-iarratas; an bhfuil an t-iarratas á mheas faoi láthair; agus cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ina leith. [23376/10]

Tá iarratas ag mo Roinn ar dheontas i leith an tionscadail atá luaite ag an Teachta ó mhí an Mhárta 2006. Is amhlaidh go raibh oifigigh de chiuid mo Roinne-se i gcumarsáid leis an iarratasóir faoi nithe éagsúla den tionscadal ó shin. Tar éis an t-iarratas a scrúdú, iarradh ar an iarratasóir athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar scála na forbartha d'fhonn an costas a laghdú. Chomh maith leis sin, tá mo Roinn fós ag fanacht ar eolas eile ón gcoiste atá i gceist.

Ní miste a lua, áfach, nuair a cuirtear na cúinsí eacnamaíocha faoi láthair san áireamh, nach léir go bhféadfaí a bheith dóchasach go mbeidh ar chumas mo Roinne-se deontas a cheadú sa chás seo sa ghearr-thréimhse.

Departmental Programmes

Brian O'Shea

Question:

358 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he proposes to take regarding the concerns of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland in respect of the review he is carrying out on the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23398/10]

The organisation in question is funded under my Department's Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector and has been allocated funding of €80,352 in 2010. Contracts with the various organisations which are being funded under this Scheme are due to expire on 31 December 2010. Officials in my Department are currently carrying out a review to evaluate the Scheme and its operations and I hope that this process will be completed by the autumn.

All organisations involved in the Scheme, including the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, are being consulted as part of the review process.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

359 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will withdraw the requirement that projects funded under the community development programme close and instead allow them to engage in the local and community development programme on an equal footing with the partnership companies, retain their company structure, retain their assets and retain their independence, autonomy and accountability. [23440/10]

As the Deputy is aware, the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme were my Department's two main social inclusion/community development programmes. These came to an end on 31 December last and have been superseded by a new integrated programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). A key difference between the new LCDP and its predecessor programmes is the fact that, when fully implemented, it will be delivered nationally on an integrated basis by a reduced number of companies.

It is important to note that, despite what is stated by some community development projects (CDPs) and by others, integration does not mean closure of a CDP or the cessation of CDP activities in any given area. As has been stated previously, any worthwhile community development activity or service delivered under the CDP can continue to be delivered under the new LCDP and by the same staff who currently do this work. My Department has set out a model involving full integration of CDPs with local development companies (LDCs), but has made it clear that other options can be considered and that it is not a question of ‘one size fits all'. The only option not acceptable is one that seeks to preserve the status quo: some models proposed by CDPs and other parties in the period since the launch of the LCDP have had to be rejected on that basis.

In recent weeks, however, my Department has been able to respond positively to a number of other alternative models put forward by both LDCs and CDPs. While agreement has not yet been fully finalised in these cases, I am satisfied that the real possibility for agreement exists. Additional proposals from other CDPs or LDCs are also being considered positively but are less developed at this stage. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to respond positively to all constructive proposals that it receives.

In a full integration situation, all assets and net liabilities would usually transfer by agreement. However, my Department has made it clear that other arrangements are possible if sought by CDPs or LDCs — for example, the ownership of buildings need not transfer to the LDC.

Social Welfare Benefits

Martin Ferris

Question:

360 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their backdated rent supplement. [22967/10]

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

Pension Provisions

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

361 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status and details of his plans to extend the age of qualification for the State old age pension, both contributory and non-contributory; the intended impact on those who have, for whatever reason, already retired but who will not reach the current age of qualification until after the proposed commencement date of the planned change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23258/10]

The National Pensions Framework was published on 3 March 2010. It encompasses all aspects of pensions, from social welfare to private occupational pensions and public sector pension reform. 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.

A technical implementation group has been established to develop the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to put the reforms into operation. The group which is chaired by my Department held its first meeting in May 2010.

Recognising that people are living longer and healthier lives, the Government has decided to amend State pension age in three separate stages:

In 2014, the State pension (transition) will be abolished. The effect of this will be to standardise State pension age at 66;

In 2021, the State pension age will be set at 67; and

Finally, in 2028, State pension age will be set at 68.

For those people who wish to postpone drawing down their State pension, arrangements will be put in place to enable them to receive an actuarially increased benefit when they decide to retire. In addition, for those with contribution shortfalls at pension age, arrangements will be put in place to allow them to receive additional benefit at a later date if they continue to make paid contributions for pension purposes while remaining in work or self-employment.

Currently, State pension (transition) is paid at age 65 with State pension (contributory) being paid at age 66. While the standard age at which people retire is currently 65, for those who have had to retire earlier due to illness they may be entitled to illness payments. Others who are unemployed may be entitled to unemployment payments.

Social Welfare Benefits

Joe Costello

Question:

362 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will grant rent supplement to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23271/10]

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

Registration of Birth

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

363 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [22707/10]

The position in respect of the registration of the birth of the person (details supplied) is as follows.

The person (details supplied) was born on 4th February, 1962 and the birth was registered on 9th February, 1962. On 15th October, 1963, the birth entry was amended, on the authority of the Superintendent Registrar, in order to correct factual errors contained in the entry in relation to parentage. The amendment was made following the production of a statutory declaration from the person now registered as the mother. This information is contained in a marginal note, which was made in the original entry as part of the amendment process at the time.

Following the amendment of the original entry, the amended entry became the only valid entry in relation to the birth, under the statutory provisions, and the original entry cannot be issued as a certified copy.

Unfortunately, the documentation in relation to the amendment, such as the statutory declaration referred to above, cannot be located. As such, it can only be presumed that the amendment was carried out by the registrar in accordance with the statutory provisions in force at the time and subject to the production of satisfactory evidence in support of the statutory declaration that was the basis of the application for the amendment.

The person (details supplied) has been in direct contact with the office of the Registrar General and has been informed of the position as outlined above.

Social Welfare Benefits

Sean Sherlock

Question:

364 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22719/10]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received by the Department on 27 th April 2010. This application together with medical reports has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for a medical opinion on the case. Upon receipt of the opinion a decision will issue to the customer. Currently it takes some eight weeks to process an application for this allowance.

Pension Provisions

Denis Naughten

Question:

365 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he will take to facilitate women, forced out of employment due to the marriage rule, to avail of contributory pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22725/10]

The National Pensions Framework was published on 3 March 2010. It encompasses all aspects of pensions, from social welfare to private occupational pensions and public sector pension reform. 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.

The issue of the marriage bar and how it might have affected women's eligibility for a State pension was one of the most common issues raised in the Green Paper consultation process. The gaps in pension coverage today are partly the result of societal norms which existed through to the 1970s and which, in the case of the marriage bar, required some women to retire from employment when they married.

Many Green Paper submissions proposed that the homemaker's scheme should be backdated beyond 1994 to take account of periods of care when women left employment due to the marriage bar. The main difficulty with this approach is that it would only address the position of women who paid full PRSI contributions during their working lives and would not assist the position of those women, mainly public servants, affected by the marriage bar. The State pension (non-contributory) is available to anyone who has an income need.

The Government accepts that, in today's society, policies such as the marriage bar would not be acceptable. However, it cannot always address issues that have arisen through the shortcomings and inequities in previous decades.

While it has been decided not to backdate the homemaker's scheme beyond 1994, however, for new pensioners from 2012, social insurance credits will be awarded to homemakers which will be backdated to 1994. This will assist many women to achieve a higher rate of state pension in the future.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Noonan

Question:

366 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for domiciliary care by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22727/10]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received by the Department on 6 th May 2010. This application together with medical reports has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for a medical opinion. Upon receipt of the opinion a decision will be made and issued to the customer. Currently it takes some eight weeks to process an application for this allowance.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

367 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis that a claim for domiciliary care allowance was disallowed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if they would have an entitlement to another payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22731/10]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received by the Department on 23 rd September 2009. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child in question was not medically eligible for the allowance. In order to qualify a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

A letter issued to the person in question on 27th October 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse payment for not satisfying the medical criteria. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days. To date no additional information or appeal request has been received in this case.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

368 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households currently in receipt of rent supplement; the number of households currently in receipt of mortgage interest supplement; when he expects to complete the review of mortgage interest supplement ; if it his intention to publish the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22744/10]

There are currently 95,730 people in receipt of rent supplement and 16,588 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement.

The mortgage interest supplement scheme is currently under review. The main purpose of this review is to examine how the scheme can best meet its objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis. The review group includes representatives from my Department, the Community Welfare Service, the Departments of Finance and Environment, Heritage and Local Government, together with a representative from the Office of the Financial Regulator.

As part of the initial review, guidelines on specific and immediate operational issues were drawn up and circulated to the community welfare officers. These guidelines are available on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie.

More recently, the Government has established a broader and more comprehensive review of mortgage arrears and personal debt. The Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Hugh Cooney, comprises representatives from my own Department, the Departments of Finance, Taoiseach, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. In addition, the Group has representatives from the Office of the Financial Regulator, the ESRI, the Irish Banking Federation, the Free Legal Advice Centre and the Law Reform Commission.

The terms of reference for the Group are based on the Renewed Programme for Government, with an emphasis on protecting the family home. They include a review of the statutory Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and the recently agreed protocol between the Irish Bankers Federation and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service on debt default, with a view to expanding the options available for dealing with debt situations to avoid foreclosure. In addition, the Group is examining measures adopted in other jurisdictions and considering ways of expanding existing mortgage-support measures.

The conclusions and recommendations from the review of the mortgage interest supplement scheme, which is currently being finalised, will inform the work of Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group. I understand that the Group will make its report to the Minister for Finance by the end of June.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

369 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment will issue on an application for domiciliary care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [22746/10]

No application for domiciliary care allowance has been received from the person in question to date. When an application is received, a decision will be made and the outcome notified to the customer. Currently it takes some eight weeks to process an application for this allowance.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Ring

Question:

370 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be held on a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22782/10]

Further to my response to PQ 14945/10 on 20 April 2010, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given in that response. Every effort will be made to have this appeal dealt with as quickly as possible.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Code

Sean Sherlock

Question:

371 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will clarify the evidence a person must provide to satisfy departmental requirements regarding habitual residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22839/10]

The determination of a person's habitual residence is made in accordance with Section 246 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.

If the person is not an Irish or UK national, the first requirement is that they must show that they have a right of residence in the State. In the case of non-EEA nationals this will be evidenced by their visa or other official form of residence permission. In the case of EEA nationals, the duration of their right of residence may be restricted if they are not self-supporting, if they have not been employed since arrival here, or if their employment lasted less than 1 year and they have been unable to obtain further employment during the following 6 months.

Where the right of residence exists, the deciding officer will consider all the circumstances of the case, including five specified factors which have been derived from European Court of Justice case law and are set out in subsection (4) of Section 246. These factors are:

(a) the length and continuity of residence in the State or in any other particular country;

(b) the length and purpose of any absence from the State;

(c) the nature and pattern of the person's employment;

(d) the person's main centre of interest, and

(e) the future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.

The evidence required to show that the person satisfies the habitual residence condition, taking the above factors into consideration, will vary according to the particular circumstances of each case. The application forms for the relevant payments include questions which assist in identifying the cases which require particular examination of this condition. Each claim is checked to see if sufficient information has been given on the initial claim form to determine whether the condition is satisfied. If necessary a more detailed enquiry form is given to the claimant to obtain further information.

These forms indicate the basic types of evidence required to support the answers given which will depend on the circumstances of the case, and may include details of their residence permit or renewal application, work permit, immigration documents, etc. Other evidence sought may include details of a spouse or partner's PPS number and employment where relevant.

A full disclosure of all the relevant details in completion of these forms will enable the correct decision to be given in each case.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

372 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the refusal of further assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [22840/10]

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

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

373 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for child benefit will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; the reason for the delay in processing this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22904/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 46% in the number of appeals received in the first quarter of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

374 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money leaving the country each week in jobseeker’s allowance; the number of applicants involved and in which countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22932/10]

Jobseeker's allowance is only payable in this state. It is not possible to export it to another country.

Departmental Expenditure

Tom Sheahan

Question:

375 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money leaving the country each month in children’s allowance; the number of applicants involved and to which countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22933/10]

EU Migrant workers may have an entitlement to child benefit and other "family benefits" under EU Regulations 883/04 and 987/09. Where a national of an EU state is working in Ireland, she/he is entitled to payment of these benefits when his/her children are resident in the worker's home country. The Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work.

Child Benefit is currently in payment to a total of 5,289 customers in respect of 8,512 children resident in seventeen EU countries. A breakdown of these customers by country is not readily available. The estimated total cost for 2010 is €19.3million, which represents less than 1% of the total Child Benefit expenditure. This equates to approximately €1.6million per month.

James Bannon

Question:

376 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused a jobseeker’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22972/10]

The person concerned made an application for jobseeker's allowance on 8 April 2010. The payment of jobseeker's allowance is subject to a means test and, in this regard, his means which were derived from parental income were found to be in excess of the statutory limits for receipt of that payment. He was notified of this decision and of his right of appeal. If there has been a change in circumstances the person concerned should contact his Social Welfare Local Office.

Social Welfare Appeals

James Bannon

Question:

377 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an appeal in relation to jobseeker’s allowance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, is being delayed to the detriment of the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22973/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 46% in the number of appeals received in the first quarter of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

James Bannon

Question:

378 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused illness benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/10]

Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

An appeal was opened on 06 May 2010 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Ring

Question:

379 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of the recent review of the farm assist for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22983/10]

The person concerned requested a review of her farm assist entitlement in March 2010 and the matter is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. On completion of enquiries, a decision will be made as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome. She is currently in receipt of farm assist at the weekly rate of €310.90.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

380 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23142/10]

The table sets out the costs of producing, printing and issuing salary payslips in each of the years 2007 to 2009.

Year

Stationary costs

Postal costs

Estimated staff costs

Total

2007

2,042

73,000

32,427

107,469

2008

2,477

73,000

33,657

109,134

2009

1,366

43,500

19,636

64,502

The production and distribution of paper payslips to the Department's 5,300 staff approximately ceased in July 2009. Since that date employees access their salary details electronically via the on-line payroll system. Paper payslips are now issued only where a staff member is on a long term paid absence from work e.g. on maternity leave or long term sick leave.

Consequently the average number of payslips issued has reduced to 150 per week. The associated estimated cost in the region of €9,000 for 2010, giving full year savings in the order of €120,000 on foot of the withdrawal of paper payslips and the introduction of electronic payslips.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Ring

Question:

381 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is an appeal for domiciliary care allowance lodged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [23148/10]

An application for domiciliary care allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department in October 2009. I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no trace of appeal against this decision by the person concerned.

In the normal course, an appeal against the decision of a Deciding Officer must be made within 21 days of a decision being notified. Appeals received outside of this time limit may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer. This limit is not rigidly enforced but in view of the length of time which has elapsed since the person concerned was notified of the decision and in the absence of any explanation for the failure to make the appeal within the prescribed time, it is considered that the acceptance of an appeal would not be warranted at this late stage. However, it is open to the person concerned to make a new application to the Department.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Creed

Question:

382 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have their claim for domiciliary care allowance approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/10]

An application for domiciliary care allowance for the child concerned was received by the Department on 28 th April 2010. This application, together with the medical reports supplied, have been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion on the case. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's opinion a decision will be made and issue to the customer. Currently it takes around eight weeks to process an application for domiciliary care allowance.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Noonan

Question:

383 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick which proved unsuccessful, will be re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23190/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal on the grounds that the person concerned does not provide full-time care and attention as defined in legislation.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to this case that was not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of this appeal, they may be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

384 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the decision of the appeals officer where their local community welfare officer refused rent allowance under the current rules to the persons (details supplied) who are both on jobseeker’s allowance and are unable to find work to pay their rents; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these persons applied for the rent allowance as far back as January 2010, are privately renting and very shortly will be made homeless if rent allowance is not granted urgently. [23245/10]

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

James Bannon

Question:

385 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jack Wall

Question:

386 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare would be entitled to a exceptional needs payment. [23263/10]

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

Departmental Expenditure

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

387 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 2 March 2010, if he will now furnish the details required in respect of the amount of expenditure incurred in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009 by his Department and also offices, agencies and any 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. [23303/10]

In the period from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009, the expenditure on the lease, rental or purchase of car parking spaces incurred by the Department amounted to €14,400. With regard to any remaining accommodation, the Office of Public Works provides for car parking payment arrangements.

In relation to the agencies within the remit of the Department, expenditure amounted to €68,000, as follows: The Pensions Board €23,000; Citizens Information Board €45,000; Social Welfare Tribunal NIL.

The accommodation occupied by the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman is leased and paid for by the Office of Public Works. There is no charge therefore to the Department of Social Protection in respect of car parking spaces.

Regarding the Combat Poverty Agency and some instances in the Citizens Information Board, car parking spaces are unspecified costs under their respective lease agreements.

Social Welfare Appeals

Mary Upton

Question:

388 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure that an appeal for a jobseeker’s payment will be processed in the near future in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23317/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Flood Relief

Deirdre Clune

Question:

389 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social Protection the level of funding that his Department has paid to flood relief victims on a local authority basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23385/10]

The HSE's Community Welfare Service has been providing support to households under the humanitarian assistance scheme since last November's flooding. Up to 7th May 2010 they had made 2,976 payments to 1,276 individuals to the value of €1,270,547 throughout the country.

The amount spent on a local authority basis is not available. However, I have set out a tabular statement of expenditure on a county by county basis.

Value and Number of Payments Made and Individuals Assisted — Week Ending 7th May 2010 under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme

Expenditure by County

County

Number of Payments Made

Individuals Assisted

323,667

CORK

858

486

387,953

GALWAY

821

335

243,201

CLARE

453

100

103,525

WESTMEATH

413

86

74,789

TIPPERARY

128

77

23,774

ROSCOMMON

65

28

5,171

CARLOW

32

28

16,115

LIMERICK

33

23

17,681

WICKLOW

22

15

12,883

KILDARE

35

15

6,666

WATERFORD

11

10

55,121

OTHER

05

73

1,270,547

Total

2,976

1,276

*There were fewer than 10 individuals assisted in each of the other counties.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

390 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when jobseeker’s allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23416/10]

According to the records of the Department, there is no application pending for jobseeker's allowance for the person. If the person wishes to make an application for jobseeker's allowance, he should go to his Social Welfare local office in Coolock where staff can help with his application. This is located in the Northside Civic Centre, Bunratty Road.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who applied for jobseeker’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23417/10]

The person concerned made an application for jobseeker's allowance on 10 July 2009. Following an investigation in November 2009 by an Inspector from this Department, the person concerned was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit for this payment. In March 2010 the person concerned indicated his wish to submit an appeal against the means assessed and an Inspector undertook a review of means in this case. The case has been referred to a Deciding Officer for a decision and the person concerned will be notified of the decision in the next week. No formal written appeal was received from the person concerned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23419/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

Departmental Expenditure

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

393 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the cost of maintaining and operating the Government jet in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22730/10]

The Ministerial Air Transport Service is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose.

The Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:

(a) The direct cost, i.e. the costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges; and

(b) The total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, i.e. depreciation and personnel costs.

The average hourly costs associated with Air Corps aircraft used in the provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service, which are kept under review and were updated in 2005 and most recently in 2009, are as follows:

Aircraft

2005

2009

Average Direct Cost Per Hour

Average Total Cost Per Hour

Average Direct Cost Per Hour

Total Cost Per Hour

Gulfstream IV

3,500

7,100

4,050

7,890

Learjet 45

1,000

2,100

1,270

2,950

Details of hours flown per aircraft type for the last five years are contained in the tabular statement:

Year

Type

Hours

2005

Gulfstream IV

395.75

Learjet 45

293.83

2006

Gulfstream IV

411.52

Learjet 45

232.67

2007

Gulfstream IV

281.33

Learjet 45

170.25

2008

Gulfstream IV

344.92

Learjet 45

234.33

2009

Gulfstream IV

220.42

Learjet 45

239.17

Defence Forces Strength

Leo Varadkar

Question:

394 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 426 of 18 May 2010, if he will provide in terms of whole time equivalents a breakdown by rank of the members of the Permanent Defence Forces prior to the introduction of the moratorium; if he will further provide the same information relating to those currently employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22740/10]

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 March 2009 was 10,325 and 9,856 as at 30 April 2010. A breakdown of these strengths, according to formation and rank, is provided in the tabular statements.

As previously advised in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 426 of 18 May 2010, I am acutely aware of the impact of the moratorium on the Permanent Defence Force, particularly in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of Budget 2010. This figure reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard, advertisements were recently placed for recruitment to the Naval Service and some further recruitment to the Defence Forces is also under consideration in the same context. In addition, officials from the Department are continuing to engage with the Military Authorities in relation to the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force in light of the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 serving personnel.

I am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and overseas.

STRENGTH OF THE DEFENCE FORCES 31-Mar-09

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

Comdt

CAPT

LT

Total Offrs

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGTS

CPLS

Total NCOS

PTES

Cadets

Total

Army

1

3

7

41

131

300

231

376

1,090

32

37

134

254

1,049

1,496

3,002

4,304

37

8,433

Air Corps

1

1

12

31

56

45

146

7

4

52

13

130

176

382

292

13

833

Naval Services

1

2

12

41

42

60

158

6

6

75

15

214

174

490

398

13

1,059

Total

1

3

9

44

155

372

329

481

1,394

45

47

261

282

1,393

1,846

3874

4,994

63

10,325

STRENGTH OF THE DEFENCE FORCES 30-Apr-10

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

Comdt

CAPT

LT

Total Offrs

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGTS

CPLS

Total NCOS

PTES

Cadets

Total

Army

1

2

6

33

114

289

278

348

1,071

25

28

126

237

990

1,401

2,807

4,126

32

8,036

Air Corps

1

2

13

28

66

38

148

7

4

50

13

130

164

368

276

5

797

Naval Service

1

2

11

38

49

57

158

4

6

72

16

213

161

472

375

18

1,023

Total

1

2

8

37

138

355

393

443

1,377

36

38

248

266

1,333

1,726

3,647

4,777

55

9,856

Departmental Income

Tom Sheahan

Question:

395 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Defence the remuneration that his Department is receiving from banks in respect of the security provided during cash in transit deliveries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22939/10]

The level of contributions by the Banks in respect of the costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of Cash Escorts is subject to the agreement concluded by my predecessor, Mr. Willie O'Dea, T.D., with the IBF and the member banks in 2005. The banks are charged for their proportion of the total escorts provided i.e. approximately 78%. The remainder relates to post office escorts. The issue of the post office paying for the cash in transit services provided to it is currently being pursued by the Department with An Post.

The total amount charged to the Banks for 2009 is €7.39m. Payment is expected in early June.

National Monuments

Seán Power

Question:

396 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Defence his plans to have repairs carried out at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22968/10]

Repairs to the recently vandalised monument referred to by the Deputy are currently being carried out by the Department of Defence. In recent days the three stones, which make up the monument, have been moved back into their original positions. Unfortunately, the railing that surrounds the monument may have been damaged beyond repair. The Department is currently in the process of sourcing a suitable, more appropriate, replacement railing and it is hoped to have this installed in the near future.

Defence Forces Strength

Olwyn Enright

Question:

397 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Defence if personnel within the Naval Service can transfer to the Permanent Defence Forces; the procedure that is in place to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22987/10]

I am advised by the Military authorities that personnel from the Naval Service are no different to any other Service or Formation within the Defence Forces in that they may apply for transfers within the organisation.

All transfer requests are considered on an individual basis by the Unit Commander and the Formation Commander of the applicant in light of personnel strengths and exigencies of the service, in addition to the personal circumstances of individual applications.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

398 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23134/10]

The following table provides the information requested in relation to the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

2009

2008

2007

Pressure Seal Machines & Maintenance

Capital cost of new pressure seal machinery

9,567

0

0

Annual maintenance

4,921

4,922

4,279

Printers, Stationery, Toner

Capital cost of new high volume printers

0

10,326

0

Annual Maintenance

617

948

568

Consumables

5,040

5,040

432

Stationery

16,278

21,578

16,362

Production and Printing Staff Costs

1 × EO 48 days 2009, 96 days 2008 and 2007

5,260

10,294

9,932

Postage

Postage of payslips and cheques to barracks

25,508

18,150

23,595

Standard Post billed to Officers

4,428

4,251

4,225

Totals

71,618

75,509

59,393

Currently 83% of Department of Defence Civil Servants receive electronic payslips. The rollout of electronic payslips to Defence Forces personnel is under ongoing discussion between the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

399 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 2 March 2010, if he will now furnish the details required in respect of 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. [23300/10]

The rental or lease of buildings by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Department of Defence includes car parking spaces on the sites. No expenditure, additional to that incurred by the OPW in the rental or lease of sites, was incurred by the Department of Defence for the lease, rental or purchase of car parking spaces for civil or public servants in 2009.

Defence Forces Property

Pat Breen

Question:

400 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 25 May 2010, if he will make available a copy of his Department’s submission relating to the restricted zone around Baldonnel Aerodrome to the then Dublin County Council in 1955 together with copies of all subsequent submissions to the said council seeking alterations to the restricted zone in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23381/10]

I will arrange for the Department to forward the documentation requested by the Deputy as soon as possible. However, it will take some time to retrieve the material.

Pat Breen

Question:

401 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Questions No. 335 of 25 May 2010 and No. 594 of 13 December 2007 the fact that the red zones at Casement Aerodrome, County Dublin, are essentially two dimensional surfaces on the ground, his views on whether the area of each such red zone is a constant value irrespective of contours variations of the land bounding such zone; his further views on whether each of runways 05, 11, 23 and 29 has the same size of red zone; if he will outline such size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23382/10]

The Red Zones referred to by the Deputy are not two-dimensional surfaces on the ground. They are referred to as obstacle limitation surfaces and would best be described as wedge-shaped. As a result of their shape the zone for each runway would not be of constant value due to the typography of the terrain. The Department's policy states that each zone is the same length of 1,370 metres. However, in 1998 South Dublin County Council reduced this length by 100 metres for Runway 05.

Defence Forces Recruitment

David Stanton

Question:

402 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 11 March 2010, the further progress which has been made in relation to a recruitment campaign for the Permanent Defence Forces in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23539/10]

Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of Budget 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 30 April 2010 was 9,856 comprising 8,036 Army, 797 Air Corps and 1,023 Naval Service personnel.

Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard, I have recently approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits for the Naval Service.

I intend, with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies.

EU Funding

Billy Timmins

Question:

403 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agreement between his European counterparts on the EU’s plan to prolong its financial support for the decommissioning of four blocks of the nuclear power plant at Kozloduy, Bulgaria, until the end of 2013; if the EU will call for stricter financial controls and more investment in energy efficiency by the Bulgarian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22847/10]

Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is a first generation reactor of Soviet design that was previously identified as posing a major safety risk to human health and the environment. As part of its pre-accession agreement with the EU, Bulgaria agreed to shut down all four reactors at Kozloduy. Units 1 and 2 were shut down at the end of 2003. Units 3 and 4 were shut down immediately prior to Bulgaria's accession to the EU in 2006. To support preparatory decommissioning activities at Kozloduy, the EU agreed to provide €210 million to Bulgaria in the period 2007-2009, which has now been paid in full. The European Commission confirmed that Bulgaria, for its part, fulfilled its own commitments to the EU in respect of this agreement.

In 2005 Bulgaria requested additional EU support of €300 million for the period 2010-2013, of which 60% would cover accelerated decommissioning and 40% measures in the energy sector for the purpose of improving security of supply and efficiency measures. Similar agreements were already in place with Slovakia and Lithuania to support their decommissioning activities up to 2013.

In October 2009 the European Commission presented its proposal for a Council Regulation for the continuation of support for the decommissioning of Units 1 to 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant in Bulgaria, known as the ‘Kozloduy Programme'. On 20 May 2010 the European Parliament voted to support an amended version of the proposal. Following further consideration by the Commission, it is understood that a revised proposal will be put to Ministers of all EU Member States for decision at a European Council meeting later this year.

Architectural Heritage

Tom Sheahan

Question:

404 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider a public private partnership with a view to restoring Killarney House, County Kerry, to its former glory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/10]

Killarney House is a building of architectural and historic importance which requires a programme of sensitive repair and refurbishment. To this end, my Department is working with the architectural conservation expertise of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

It is planned to commence remedial repairs to the fabric of the building later this year. At the same time, and also in collaboration with OPW, my Department is looking at options, including funding options, for the restoration and future use of the House. Having regard to the status of the House as a protected structure, the conservation expertise available from OPW will be of critical importance in this work.

My Department has not received any proposals from Killarney Rugby Football Club in relation to a public private partnership arrangement for Killarney House.

Local Authority Staff

Enda Kenny

Question:

405 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff who have been let go from Mayo County Council during 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of the affected staff who were permanent and temporary workers; the number of these staff that have been replaced; the number of positions that still remain vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22691/10]

The staffing figures supplied to my Department by Mayo County Council indicate that the number of employees expressed as whole time equivalents, at the dates in question, were as shown in the table.

Permanent

Temporary/Seasonal

31 December 2007

1,093

137

31 December 2008

1,115

182

31 December 2009

1,064

113

31 March 2010

1,061

65

My Department does not compile data for the number of staff that have been replaced or the number of positions that still remain vacant in each local authority.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

406 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 18 May 2010, if he will provide a breakdown by the grade and position of the staff employed by local authorities prior to the introduction of the moratorium; if he will further provide the same information relating to those currently employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22739/10]

A breakdown of the number of staff, expressed as whole time equivalents, employed across all 34 local authorities prior to the introduction of the moratorium, and currently employed is given in the table.

Category

31 March 2009

31 March 2010

Managerial

302

276

Clerical /Admin

11,101

10,701

Professional /Technical

4,347

4,156

Outdoor

14,395

13,587

Fulltime Firefighters

1,290

1,224

Other Permanent Posts(including staff on career break)

244

423

Contract Posts

2,499

1,577

Total

34,178

31,944

My Department does not compile data providing a breakdown by the grade and position for each local authority.

Local Authority Housing

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

407 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of vacant social housing units in each local authority; the average period of vacancy; the average time taken by each local authority to restore and re-allocate a property which comes back into its possession; the estimated loss of revenue to local authorities where social housing units remain vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22748/10]

Information in relation to vacant local authority houses is a Local Authority Service Indicator and reports on these indicators are available on the Local Government Management Services Board's website www.lgmsb.ie. The latest available figures relate to 2008. The 2008 data show a significant improvement (i.e. decrease) in the level of local authority housing stock that is vacant. The 2007 report showed that a total of 5,090 dwellings, excluding those that were subject to major refurbishment programmes, were empty. This represented 4.3% of the total stock of 118,000 dwellings. The 2008 report shows a decrease of 1,231 on the 2007 total — a 24% improvement — bringing the number of vacant units down nationally to 3,859 (3.15%). The performance of local authorities in this regard is comparable with that of other jurisdictions and can also be improved upon. To support further improvement, the Local Government Audit service is finalising a Value for Money study on housing management and maintenance, which will include specific recommendations on how best practice can be achieved.

In addition, in order to achieve energy efficiency improvements, a fund of €20 million was set aside under my Department's Social Housing Investment Programme in 2009 to provide co-funding for the retrofitting of vacant properties, both casual and planned, across local authority housing stock. This retrofitting provision has doubled to €40 million in 2010 and will continue to have a positive impact on the ability of local authorities to deal with vacant stock.

Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of local authority housing stock is a matter for individual authorities. My Department has no information on the estimated loss of revenue to local authorities where units remain vacant. It is a matter for each local authority to manage its own budget and prioritise its own spending, within the resources available to it, across the range of services it provides. Equally, local authorities must ensure full value for money for the resources invested, and seek the maximum efficiency across their operations.

Public Procurement

Mary Upton

Question:

408 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Donegal County Council, in respect of tenders of less that €40,000 in value, requires suppliers to provide indemnities of as high as €6.5 million for not only the county council itself but for the peace and reconciliation partnership and the special EU programmes body; if he regards such requirements as proportionate; if he will investigate the matter and question the county council accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22752/10]

National Public Procurement Guidelines provide that the requirements to be met in respect of a particular project should be proportionate to its nature, complexity and scope. The requirement to provide public indemnities is related to the risks attached to the project, rather than to its value.

For this purpose, local authorities avail of the services of the Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd. to advise on the appropriate level of insurance for the risks involved. It is a matter for local authorities as contracting authorities to administer public procurement procedures in the appropriate manner. Local authorities generally are subject to annual audit by the Local Government Audit Service, which includes examination of procurement and tendering procedures on a sample basis to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements.

Planning Issues

Niall Collins

Question:

409 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the position regarding a grant that is approved for a new thatch on a roof of a protected structure to a person who died prior to the works commencing and the grant being drawn down, if the new owner of the property can avail of this grant approval and draw down the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22759/10]

The local authority conservation grants scheme provides grant assistance for the conservation of protected structures i.e. those buildings which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures contained in each local authority development plan. This scheme is administered by the local authorities on behalf of the Department and specific queries on the scheme should be addressed directly to the relevant local authority. It would appear, however, that the new owner of the property could avail of the approved grant once certain conditions are met.

A scheme of thatching grants is also administered by my Department. This scheme offers support for necessary works to renew or repair the thatch of existing thatched houses that are structurally sound, are 10 or more years old and will be used on completion of the approved works as a normal place of residence. This grant is non-transferable and a new owner would need to re-apply for grant funding in his or her own right. The heritage management grants scheme administered by the Heritage Council, with funding from my Department, includes works to ensure the survival of a heritage building or structure. Information in relation to the scheme is available from the Heritage Council.

Departmental Expenditure

Denis Naughten

Question:

410 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be made available for a project (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22763/10]

My Department has no record of an application for funding from Galway County Council in respect of this proposal.

Local Authority Housing

Denis Naughten

Question:

411 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding that will be available for voluntary housing projects in 2010; his plans to review this level of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22764/10]

My Department's voluntary and co-operative housing programme is supported through two funding schemes, the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) and the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). In the case of the CAS, which provides capital funding to approved housing bodies for the provision of accommodation for people with specific categories of need including the homeless, older people and persons with an intellectual, physical or mental health disability, a total of €145 million is being provided for 2010. In the case of the CLSS, which provides funding for family-type accommodation, the provision for 2010 is €140 million.

Noise Pollution

James Reilly

Question:

412 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the law regarding noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22774/10]

Currently, a person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority, which may initiate proceedings on grounds of noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. This Act also provides for any person, or group of persons, to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance, is available on my Department's website www.environ.ie.

Notwithstanding the measures already in place as set out above, the Government is committed to introducing comprehensive legislation to further address noise nuisance. The General Scheme of a Noise Nuisance Bill was approved by the Government in May 2009. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, is progressing matters in this regard and the Bill is scheduled for publication later this year.

Natural Heritage Areas

Terence Flanagan

Question:

413 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22781/10]

The report in question, A Management Plan for North Bull Island, was published by Dublin City Council in 2009 and based on the most recent information available, from 2007, during the preparatory process. North Bull Island has been designated by my Department as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive and much of the SPA is also a candidate Special Area of Conservation. The issue raised in relation to the impact of the causeway and sedimentation is addressed in the report. It is a matter for Dublin City Council to implement the various recommendations as detailed in the report relating to this matter.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Emmet Stagg

Question:

414 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the allocation by local authority for group water schemes in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. [22792/10]

Details of payments to local authorities under my Department's Rural Water Programme in respect of the group scheme sector from 2007 to 2009 and the allocations for 2010 are set out in the following table.

Payments in respect of Group Schemes in 2007

Payments in respect of Group Schemes in 2008

Payments in respect of Group Schemes in 2009

Allocations in respect of Group Schemes in 2010

Carlow

5,707,278.59

3,329,568.57

1,835,996.90

1,540,000.00

Cavan

9,192,347.75

4,350,000.00

3,739,388.17

1,440,000.00

Clare

2,917,991.16

3,183,672.31

2,015,107.90

2,760,000.00

Cork (North)

827,500.00

1,016,963.95

1,050,000.00

Cork (South)

700,000.00

675,000.00

700,172.77

120,000.00

Cork (West)

264,500.00

9,759.87

774,000.00

275,000.00

Donegal

7,335,299.46

5,220,000.00

3,046,715.39

1,950,000.00

Galway

17,703,726.03

18,387,711.58

14,323,360.69

21,052,000.00

Kerry

13,426.73

1,760,998.61

2,230,041.86

1,140,000.00

Kildare

723,796.59

421,833.21

524,751.80

360,000.00

Kilkenny

433,083.11

302,678.32

265,168.96

155,000.00

Laois

2,430,065.24

1,422,617.13

1,129,999.75

77,000.00

Leitrim

4,875,041.60

2,748,178.71

4,528,042.75

3,750,000.00

Limerick

5,723,368.80

3,700,336.96

2,853,309.17

3,450,000.00

Longford

548,811.95

339,690.56

246,890.50

115,000.00

Louth

250,000.00

90,034.38

142,750.00

120,000.00

Mayo

19,244,270.97

15,235,956.38

15,605,647.00

14,110,000.00

Meath

1,955,569.90

2,206,127.81

1,466,000.00

560,000.00

Monaghan

1,767,204.60

2,382,748.74

1,792,303.82

1,100,000.00

North Tipperary

7,217,340.84

1,892,421.16

1,970,231.87

1,300,000.00

Offaly

1,914,800.00

744,755.19

1,291,634.68

520,000.00

Roscommon

4,028,711.63

2,738,458.17

8,806,000.00

10,310,000.00

Sligo

1,148,000.00

1,355,000.00

714,414.51

620,000.00

South Tipperary

33,059.97

230,000.00

Waterford

86,455.39

100,000.00

Westmeath

464,000.00

2,185,198.44

886,000.00

370,000.00

Wexford

622,539.77

1,087,684.91

1,188,623.79

760,000.00

Wicklow

2,939,543.99

1,793,697.33

1,071,096.87

535,000.00

100,948,218.71

77,564,128.34

74,284,128.46

69,869,000.00

Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual group schemes for advancement under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant funding provided, is, therefore, a matter for the local authorities. By far the major part of the block grant payments and allocations detailed in the table relate to group water schemes. However, a small proportion, details of which would be available from the local authorities, may relate to group sewerage schemes.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Denis Naughten

Question:

415 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is expected to meet European targets in respect of carbon emission reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22820/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

416 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will bring forward new proposals to meet Kyoto climate change targets here; the number of carbon credits and the estimated cost of buying same during the Kyoto timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22821/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together.

Ireland will meet its target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol through a series of national measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supplemented as necessary by the purchase of carbon units on the international market. Government policy in this regard is set out in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2013.

Since 2007, the Government has introduced a number of measures, including the carbon levy, aimed at reducing domestic emissions across the economy. In addition to ensuring compliance with Kyoto Protocol obligations, these measures constitute important preparations for more stringent emission reduction requirements in the post-2012 period, initially to 2020 but ultimately to 2050. The planned Climate Change Bill 2010, the Heads of which I intend to publish shortly, will provide a statutory framework for the core national priority of major and continued reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the context of transition to a low carbon economy.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for greenhouse gas emission projections. The latest projections in its report Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections 2010-2020 (April 2010) show the distance to target in the Kyoto Protocol commitment period (2008-2012) at 2.5 million tonnes CO2e per year, or 12.7 million tonnes for the five year period. It is significantly lower than the original expectation in the National Climate Change Strategy published in April 2007. At that time, it was estimated that up to 18 million credits would be required to ensure compliance over the five-year commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol at an estimated cost of €270m.

The National Treasury Management Agency, as designated purchasing agency for the State, has, to date, purchased some 5.255m credits at a cost of some €73.7m. In addition, investments made by my Department in 2006 and 2007 in carbon funds operated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank are expected to yield some 3m credits at a projected cost of some €27.6m during the five-year Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008 — 2012.

As outlined in the EPA's most recent projections under the National Allocation Plan 2008-2012, the EPA established a New Entrant Set-Aside where allowances were set aside for new entrants coming into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and for the expansion of existing installations over the 2008-2012 period. It is currently estimated that there will be around 5 million allowances remaining in the New Entrant Set-Aside at the end of the Kyoto period which will be available for the State to use towards Kyoto compliance. Based on these projections, it is likely that the remaining allowances in the New Entrant Set-Aside will cover the remaining ‘gap' of 4.4 Mtonnes of CO2e and no further purchase of carbon credits will be needed.

In the current economic climate, an unusually high degree of uncertainty attaches to all projections. Requirements to ensure Kyoto compliance are being kept under review and will be revised as necessary in the light of future projections.

Planning Issues

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

417 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress that has been made in the establishment of a planning aid service as set down in programme for Government. [22891/10]

The Planning Acts and associated Regulations provide for extensive consultation in relation to development at all stages of the planning process. It is a requirement that a valid application for planning permission must be advertised by site notice and newspaper notice. The site notice and newspaper notice must state that the planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority, and that submissions or observations in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the 5 week period beginning on the date of the receipt by the planning authority of the application. A newspaper notice of the proposed development must be published in an approved local or national newspaper.

The Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 provided increased rights for third parties in the planning process. Since the enactment of the 2000 Act planning authorities are statutorily obliged to acknowledge submissions on planning applications and to consider those submissions before making decisions on planning applications. Persons who make submissions are also entitled to be notified of—

any new information provided;

the decision of the planning authority;

any appeal against the decision of the planning authority.

Increasingly, planning authorities are making information relating to planning applications, submissions and observations available on their websites. Furthermore, most planning authorities have guidance available on their websites advising the public on how to go about making a submission or observation. In addition, the Department has provided funding in 2007, 2008 and 2009 to assist An Taisce in facilitating public participation in forward planning and in carrying out research to support the preparation of submissions to Planning Authorities in relation to their Draft Development Plans, and to support the making of those submissions generally including attending associated meetings and hearings.

Since 2007, the Department has provided €210,000 to support this work and is currently reviewing the An Taisce 2010 planning fund application.

Survey Mapping

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

418 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the year in which a laneway (details supplied) in County Dublin was first identified on the Ordnance Survey map; the reason that particular name was chosen; if there was a plebiscite carried out originally; the steps that need to be taken if the residents now want to change the name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22909/10]

I have no role in relation to Ordnance Survey Ireland, which is a State body under the aegis of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The law currently in force in relation to the changing of placenames is set out in the Local Government Act 1946, as amended. Section 78 of the 1946 Act provides that a local authority may, with the consent of the majority of qualified electors, change the name of a street or lane.

The general scheme of the Local Government (Dublin Mayor and Regional Authority) Bill, which I published in February 2010, contains updated provisions for the changing of placenames. I look forward to the introduction of the Bill to the Oireachtas, as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing

Tom Sheahan

Question:

419 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made regarding the long term lease scheme announced by him in 2009 nationally and in County Kerry; the number of applications that have been received in respect of LTS; the number that have been successful; the number of same that have unsuccessful; the reason for same; when he expects to roll out this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22916/10]

To the end of quarter 1 2010, my Department has received some 112 applications, comprising 2,801 units, under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative. Of these, 71 applications have been given approval, 25 are under consideration, 12 have been placed on hold and a further 4 refused. In Kerry, 1 application has been given approval with a further application under consideration.

Applications have been refused when they do not comply with the conditions governing the Social Housing Leasing Initiative. It is essential that the use of the leasing option complies fully with the sustainable communities philosophy at the heart of Government housing policy, as outlined in Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities. Leasing proposals must ensure that accommodation is in a location and of a type that can appropriately meet the needs of persons on local authority housing lists and does not conflict with the overall sustainable communities objective. The progress made in 2009 will be built on and developed further in the year ahead. It is anticipated that the leasing initiative and the RAS programme will together deliver some 4,000/4,500 units in 2010, accounting for 50% of the total social housing output expected this year.

Waste Disposal

Tom Sheahan

Question:

420 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made regarding the provision of an incinerator at Poolbeg, Dublin 4; when it will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22937/10]

The project concerned forms part of the Dublin Regional Waste Management Plan, implementation of which is a matter for the local authorities concerned. Accordingly, the information sought is not available in my Department.

As outlined in the reply to Question No. 15 of 25 February 2010, I have made no secret of my concerns regarding the potential implications of the large scale of the facility for a progressive approach to waste management, based on evolving policy and legislation in the areas of resource management and environmental protection, and I have conveyed these views to Dublin City Council. I have also appointed Mr. John Hennessy, SC, as an authorised person under section 224 of the Local Government Act 2001, to examine various financial matters arising in relation to the project and I expect his report to be furnished to me shortly.

Grant Payments

Tom Sheahan

Question:

421 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of grant aid that has been drawn down for the husbandry of tadpoles and frogs; the amount of grant aid that has been drawn down for the counting of frogs in special areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22938/10]

The common frog (Rana temporaria) is listed on Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive. Accordingly, Ireland is obliged to report on its conservation status at regular intervals to the European Commission. My Department’s last report to the European Commission in 2008 indicated that the frog was not in a favourable state of conservation. Particular concern was expressed at the level of wetland habitat loss across the country.

In order to fulfil Ireland's obligations under the Habitats Directive, my Department awarded a contract, following a tender process, in March 2010 to a joint team from Queens University Belfast and the UK's Amphibian Conservation Trust to undertake a National Frog Survey. The field work will be coordinated by a team of ecologists from Co. Mayo. The contract is for a twenty one month period and will cost €70,000. No payment has been made to date to the contractors.

The survey will sample habitats and landscapes throughout the country. As well as providing an up-to-date map of frog distribution in Ireland it will also examine the aquatic and terrestrial habitats used by frogs and gather information on the threats facing these habitats. It will therefore gather useful environmental data as well as a population baseline which can be used to examine long term environmental trends.

Planning Issues

Thomas Byrne

Question:

422 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the maximum size of outdoor sheds for non-agricultural purposes and for agricultural purposes which are exempt from planning permission. [22966/10]

Article 6 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 sets out certain classes of development which are exempt from planning permission requirements. The exemptions are circumscribed by article 9, which places a number of general qualifications on the availability of exemptions.

Under Class 3 of Schedule 2 Part 1 of the 2001 Regulations the erection of a non-agricultural shed of up to 25 square metres is, subject to certain conditions and limitations, exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts.

Under Class 9 of Schedule 2 Part 3 of the 2001 Regulations the provision of a shed for agricultural purposes, having a gross floor space not exceeding 300 square metres is, subject to certain conditions and limitations, exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

423 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23137/10]

The estimated costs associated with the issuing of payslips in respect of the years 2007 to 2009 are set out in the following table:

2007

2008

2009

Payslip stationery

3,489

4,027

3,492

Production (printing, sealing, etc.)

6,739

7,222

7,222

Postage

7,259

8,424

8,143

Total

17,487

19,673

18,857

Arrangements are being made for the introduction this year of electronic payslips for Department staff.

Social and Affordable Housing

Brian Hayes

Question:

424 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the terms of the affordable housing scheme for persons who purchased their homes through this scheme; the way the clawback will work should they decide to sell their property and are in negative equity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23164/10]

Eligibility generally for the affordable housing schemes is determined on the basis that applicants are in need of housing and cannot afford to purchase a house on the open market. In the case of the Shared Ownership and 1999 affordable housing scheme, single applicants are eligible where their income in the previous tax year was €40,000 or under. In the case of a two income household, the income limit is based on the formula that 2½ times the main income plus once the secondary income does not exceed €100,000.

Those with incomes greater than the limits mentioned above may be eligible for affordable housing under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2008. Eligibility for these purposes is determined on the basis that a person's income is insufficient to meet the mortgage repayments on a house suitable to their needs, by virtue of the fact that the mortgage payments on such accommodation would exceed 35% of the person's income after tax and PRSI.

Where a person is selling an affordable home and the clawback amount payable would reduce the proceeds of resale below the initial price actually paid, current legislation provides for the amount of the clawback payable to be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid that result.

Local Authority Housing

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

425 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will visit the Dolphin House flats complex, Dublin 8, following the findings of the human rights commissioner on the living conditions which prevail there. [23165/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

426 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make additional funding available to Dublin City Council to address the issues highlighted by the human rights commissioner’s hearing into conditions in the Dolphin House flats complex, Dublin 8; and if he will speed up the regeneration process. [23166/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

427 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the full detailed sewerage report regarding the Dolphin House flats complex, Dublin 8, has not been released. [23167/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

428 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address the housing conditions in Dolphin House flats complex, Dublin 8; if he is concerned that the existing situation will result, or may already have resulted in, damage to the health and well-being of the residents of the complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23183/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

429 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to Dublin City Council in 2010; his views on whether this level of funding is adequate to allow the local authority to address the needs of the local communities; if he is concerned that the cancellation or deferring of plans for the regeneration of a number of flats complexes is acceptable, in view of the standards that exist in some of these complexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23188/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 to 429, inclusive, together.

With regard to social housing maintenance issues generally, under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966 the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock is a matter for individual authorities, in this case Dublin City Council.

Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, as amended by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. With very limited exemptions, these regulations apply to local authority and voluntary housing units, as well as private rented accommodation, and all landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the regulations. The publication of any report into sewerage matters in the Dolphin's house complex is therefore a matter for the landlord, Dublin City Council.

On the more general issue of long-term regeneration my Department is committed to a multi-annual regeneration programme in Dublin City to help improve the lives and conditions of the communities involved. The programme is reviewed on a regular basis with Dublin City Council, including through the biannual Housing Action Plan meetings, with new projects added and additional elements of existing projects advanced, as resources permit. It is a matter for Dublin City Council, in the first instance, to prioritise and manage the advancement of projects within the programme, having regard to its available funding resources.

Over the past decade my Department has invested over €100 million in the Dublin City Council inner city flats regeneration programme to improve the accommodation quality of the complexes, as well as to address economic and social issues including anti-social behaviour. Under the 2009 capital programme, my Department provided €12 million for projects at Bridgefoot Street, Queen Street, Lourdes House, and Sean Treacy House. Investment in approved projects at Poplar Row, Lourdes House, and Seán Treacy House is continuing in 2010 with funding of almost €9 million available to substantially complete the programme.

In 2008, due to the changing economic climate, the City Council was not in a position to progress a number of projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. The City Council therefore suspended its PPP programme pending recovery in the market, and established a multi-disciplinary Special Housing Taskforce to examine alternative options for the redevelopment, in particular, of the priority regeneration projects i.e. St Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street. The Taskforce's initial strategy for the phased development of these estates, incorporating the construction of social housing as Phase 1, was adopted by the City Council in December 2008.

In support of this process, my Department has liaised closely with Dublin City Council to ensure that the former PPP regeneration projects are considered for inclusion in the national regeneration programme. In this regard my Department issued approval in 2009 to the City Council to go to tender for phase one of the St. Michael's Estate Project and funding of €3.5 million is available to support the project this year. Detailed proposals for the future redevelopment of O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street are expected from the City Council in 2010/2011 and in the meantime the City Council is continuing its strategy for the detenanting of these areas.

With regard to specific regeneration proposals for Dolphin House, my Department has not yet received a proposal from Dublin City Council. However, I understand that the City Council has set up a further Taskforce which is examining redevelopment options for the next group of projects, one of which is Dolphin House. The Regeneration Board, established by the City Council, has consultants engaged to work with the Dolphin House residents with a view to developing regeneration solutions that are acceptable to the community and that can be implemented.

It will be up to Dublin City Council to decide on the type of regeneration proposal that is most appropriate for the area and the means by which the project should be delivered. However, it is open to the Council to prioritise the project in terms of its Social Housing Investment Programme and submit a proposal in the usual way to my Department for project approval and funding from within the authority's annual Social Housing funding allocation.

Finally, my Department continues to work actively with Dublin City Council in connection with its Social Housing Investment Programme and as part of this I support and look forward to the Council's progression of its ambitious regeneration programme.

Grant Payments

John Cregan

Question:

430 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention to continue to accept applications for the hen harrier compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23243/10]

My Department will continue to accept new applicants to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme for designated areas and commonages subject to available funding. Calls for submissions will be announced annually. Applications to join the scheme will be screened on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and the overall cost.

It will be open to farmers in designated areas, including Special Protection Areas designated for the Hen Harrier to apply to enter the scheme.

Housing Aid for the Elderly

Deirdre Clune

Question:

431 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of funding that has been provided to Cork County Council and to Cork City Council every year for the past five years in respect of housing aid for the elderly, housing adaption grants, mobility aid grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23313/10]

My Department's involvement with the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. The grant schemes, introduced in November 2007, are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The new suite of grants replaced the discontinued Disabled Persons Grant Scheme, the Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, administered by the Health Service Executive.

It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed to each of the various grant measures from within the allocations notified to them by my Department and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within their allocation.

Details of the annual Exchequer allocations to Cork County Council and Cork City Council for the period 2005 to 2009 are set out in the table below. Data for 2005 and 2006 relate to the discontinued Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes. Data for 2007 onwards include the new Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, the Housing Aid for Older People and the Mobility Aids Grant Schemes.

Suite of Grants for Older People and People with a Disability

Year

Cork County Council

Cork City Council

2005

3,238,158

135,476

2006

3,042,028

533,684

2007

3,622,522

1,218,359

2008

5,784,957

1,546,070

2009

5,496,334

2,166,333

Exchequer allocations totalling almost €80 million for 2010 were notified to local authorities on 5 March under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. The allocation to Cork County Council amounts to €6,490,067 compared to an initial Exchequer allocation of €4,863,334 in 2009, an increase of €1.626 million. The allocation to Cork City Council amounts to €2,166,333 compared to an initial Exchequer allocation of €1,635,333 in 2009, an increase of €0.531 million.

Unfinished Housing Estates

Deirdre Clune

Question:

432 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support local authorities in their quest to finish housing estates that are not completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23320/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 4 of 27 May 2010, which outlines the actions underway to address the issue of unfinished housing estates.

State Airports

Pat Breen

Question:

433 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 25 May 2010, his views on whether the relevant local authorities around the three State airports have been premature by incorporating the proposed public safety zones in their respective development plans in the absence of the long overdue guidelines from his Department and more pertinently from his recent confirmation that the designation of such zones will require primary legislation; his further views on the legality or otherwise of such hasty and ill advised action on the part of the said local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23380/10]

As previously stated in the reply to Question No. 320 of 11 May 2010, I am advised that the designation of public safety zones around Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports requires primary legislation. The mechanism by which these legislative changes can be introduced is under consideration by my Department in consultation with the Department of Transport and the Office of the Attorney General.

In the interim, I believe that the incorporation of proposed Public Safety Zones in the relevant plans is an appropriate step by the local authorities concerned.

Waste Management

Deirdre Clune

Question:

434 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes that are required to reduce the level of organic waste going to landfill; the time scale for this introduction; the preparedness of landfill operator for this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23383/10]

The Landfill Directive has particular requirements in terms of diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill as well as pre-treatment obligations, and these are set out in Articles 5 and 6(a) of the Directive. These treatment and diversion obligations restrict the tonnage of biodegradable waste that can be accepted at landfills and the restrictions involved are to be introduced on a phased basis up to 2016. The diversion obligations of the Landfill Directive for Ireland can be summarised as follows:

By July 2010, Ireland can only landfill a maximum quantity of 916,000 tonnes,

By July 2013, this figure is reduced to 610,000 tonnes, and

By July 2016 the figure is further reduced to 427,000 tonnes.

In 2008, the latest year for which figures are available, Ireland landfilled 1,196,044 tonnes of biodegradable waste, which leaves a gap to target of some 280,000 tonnes to be achieved to comply with the 2010 target set in the Directive.

The separate collection and development of outlets for organic waste will play a significant part in meeting the Directive's diversion targets. The separate kerbside collection of household food and garden waste (in brown bins) has been increasing substantially, doubling from 18,705 tonnes in 2007 to 37,920 tonnes in 2008, with the number of local authority areas where the separate kerbside collection service is provided, by local authority and/or private collectors, increasing from 13 to 16. In addition, in December 2009, I introduced legislation requiring the separate collection of commercial biodegradable waste; this will become operational from 1 July 2010 and has considerable potential to divert large quantities of food waste from landfill.

In the context of the development of a new waste policy framework, in respect of which I expect to issue a policy document for consultation in the coming weeks, and otherwise, a range of measures are being developed in order to underpin further progress towards the improved management of biodegradable municipal waste and to secure compliance with the Landfill Directive. These include:

Greater penetration of separate organic waste collections, possibly supported by further legislative measures;

Continued promotion of food waste prevention through the National Waste Prevention Programme initiatives such as StopFoodWaste.ie, Green Business and Green Hospitality Awards; and

Encouraging the provision of adequate infrastructure to treat the large quantities of organic (particularly food) waste that must be collected separately and diverted from landfill and developing outlets for the products of such treatment.

In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency published guidance on municipal waste pre-treatment and, on foot of that guidance, started to review municipal waste landfill licences and attach appropriate pre-treatment licence conditions. This process is now almost complete. The enforcement of waste restriction obligations at landfills will be a major priority for the EPA in the coming years.

National Monuments

Michael Kennedy

Question:

435 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the vandalism by motorbike riders and metal detector users that is occurring consistently on an ongoing scale and on a regular basis at a particular heritage site (details supplied); the measures that will be put in place to protect the area against these activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23393/10]

Drumanagh Promontory Fort is a national monument which is subject to a Preservation Order made in 1977 under section 8 of the National Monuments Act, 1930. It is an offence for any person to interfere with the monument without the written consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

My Department recently carried out an inspection of the site on foot of reports of damage to the monument. A formal report of the inspection findings is being prepared for submission to an Garda Síochána with a view to prosecutions being initiated in respect of any offences under the National Monuments Acts. My Department will continue to monitor the site and to undertake inspections at regular intervals.

Local Authority Members

Willie Penrose

Question:

436 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will specify the specific section of an Act or legal instrument which prevents a local authority paying the appropriate cessation allowance to a local authority member who has spent a full term on the council and has lost their seat but was under 50 years of age at the date of the loss of their seat if same is deferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23402/10]

The terms applicable to local authority members who cease to hold office on or after 19 December 2006 are covered in the Local Authority Members (Gratuity) (Amendment) Regulations 2006. A member who has not attained the age of 50 on cessation, but who satisfies the minimum service requirement, can be paid a preserved gratuity on reaching the age of 50 in accordance with Article 5(1) of the Regulations.

Willie Penrose

Question:

437 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will indicate if it is appropriate that a representational allowance be awarded to a duly elected member of a local authority when such a person might be in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance or disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23403/10]

A member of a local authority is entitled to receive a Representational Payment whether or not he or she is in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection. It is a matter for that Department to determine whether or not a local authority member in receipt of a Representational Payment is entitled to receive a payment under any of its schemes.

Foreshore Licences

John Browne

Question:

438 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in issuing the documentation regarding the approval of a foreshore licence for a company (details supplied) in County Wexford. [23541/10]

The application concerned has been approved and the Chief State Solicitor's Office have been instructed to draft the licence for execution. My Department will be in touch with the applicant shortly once the draft licence is available.

Fishing Industry Development

John Deasy

Question:

439 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding fishing for salmon in the south east of the country in 2010; the quotas that will be provided on each river; the way the quota will be allocated; the way the quota will be administered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22822/10]

Details of the rivers which are open for harvest in 2010 can be found in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 557, 2009). Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides details of the Total Allowable Catch allocated to each river. A copy of the Regulations can be downloaded from the Department's website (www.dcenr.gov.ie).

The Regulations are administered by the relevant Regional Fisheries Board on a river by river basis. The Regulations also provide for the establishment of Fishery District Committees, comprising representatives from both commercial and recreational stakeholders, with whom the Chief Executive of the relevant Regional Fisheries Board consults, before allocating the quota in respect of those rivers which have an identified surplus for harvest.

Telecommunications Services

Denis Naughten

Question:

440 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure the roll-out of broadband in rural areas not covered by the national broadband scheme; his plans to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22697/10]

Prior to the commencement of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) a detailed mapping exercise was carried out to help determine those areas that would be included in the scheme and those which, by virtue of being already substantially served by existing broadband suppliers, were to be excluded.

EU State aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers operating. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability to un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas.

I would like to stress that this scheme will not be available in locations already served by existing service providers. My Department will be consulting with existing Internet Service Providers to ensure that the scheme does not encroach on their existing customer base and to verify that applicants are in fact unable to obtain a broadband service.

In a parallel exercise, there will be a competitive process to engage a service provider who will offer a broadband service to qualified applicants under the scheme. While the exact details have yet to be finalised, I expect that the service offered under this scheme would at least match the service offered under the NBS. This process will be technology neutral — it will be a matter for the bidders to decide which technical approach they propose in their bids.

The proposed scheme is intended to complement the Government's previous broadband intervention initiatives and would, subject to the market responding to the scheme, ensure that the remaining un-served rural premises would able to avail of a broadband service. This underlines the Government's commitment to the goal of ubiquitous broadband.

It is intended to commence the scheme later this year with the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is expected that the roll-out phase of the scheme will be carried out during 2011 and 2012.

Denis Naughten

Question:

441 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 801 of 9 July 2009, the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22768/10]

I can inform the Deputy that officials are currently undertaking an appraisal exercise to explore options for investment, including further phases of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme, in line with Department of Finance Guidelines. I will consider the outcome of this appraisal when it is completed. Decisions on future investment will be guided by (i) the outcome of the appraisal, (ii) the policy paper of June 2009 on Next Generation Broadband; (iii) the Value for Money and Policy Review undertaken on Phase I of the MANs Programme; and (iv) the availability of resources.

Harbours and Piers

Tom Sheahan

Question:

442 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry, will be opened to salmon fishermen; his plans to open other fisheries in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22920/10]

There are no plans to open Castlemaine Harbour to licensed commercial fishing this year. The fisheries board will, however, oversee a pilot fishery operating in a particular area of Castlemaine Harbour, permitted under section 18 of the Fisheries Act 1980 (No. 1 of 1980).

The pilot will be operated to determine how a salmon fishery could be operated on salmon stocks in the harbour, making the most of the opportunities for commercial fishing while ensuring that at-risk stocks are not compromised and surplus stocks are not over-exploited.

Details of the fifty rivers which are open for salmon harvest in 2010 can be found in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 557, 2009), a copy of which can be downloaded from the Department's website (www.dcenr.gov.ie).

Telecommunications Services

Tom Hayes

Question:

443 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the rollout of the national broadband scheme will take place; when the various areas in south Tipperary will be upgraded; the amount that has currently been spent on this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22960/10]

My Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed its network rollout and NBS broadband services are now available in more than 65% of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by the end of September 2010.

The total current and capital cost of the full rollout of the NBS has been estimated by "3" at some €223m, of which a maximum of €79.8m will be contributed by the Government and the EU. The Government and the EU contribution to date amounts to some €48m. The Table below sets out the full list of electoral districts in County Tipperary that are included in the NBS. Details on roll-out of the NBS are available at www.three.ie.

National Broadband Scheme (NBS)

Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered by the NBS in Co. Tipperary

ED Name

ED Reference No.

ABINGTON ED

217001

AGHNAMEADLE ED

217002

ARDFINNAN ED

217006

BALLYCAHILL ED

217013

BALLYCARRON ED

217014

BALLYGRIFFIN ED

217017

BALLYLUSKY ED

217019

BORRISOKANE ED

217030

BRUIS ED

217034

BURNCOURT ED

217037

CARRIG ED

217043

CLOGHER ED

217049

CLOGHPRIOR ED

217051

CLONBEG ED

217053

CLONEEN ED

217054

COOLAGARRANROE ED

217060

CULLEN ED

217063

CURRAHEEN

217064

DERRYGRATH ED

217066

DOLLA ED

217067

EMLY ED

217072

FINNOE ED

217075

FOILNAMAN ED

217076

GARRANGIBBON ED

217078

GLENGAR ED

217079

GOLDEN ED

217081

GORTKELLY ED

217082

INCH ED

217088

KILBARRON ED

217090

KILCORAN ED

217095

KILLAVINOGE ED

217100

KILLEENASTEENA ED

217102

KILNANEAVE ED

217108

KILPATRICK ED

217110

LACKAGH ED

217117

LATTERAGH ED

217118

LATTIN ED

217119

MOYALIFF ED

217131

OUGHTERLEAGUE ED

217142

POYNTSTOWN ED

217144

RODUS ED

217151

SHRONELL ED

217153

TEMPLEDERRY ED

217155

TEMPLETOUHY ED

217158

TERRYGLASS ED

217159

THOMASTOWN ED

217160

TIMONEY ED

217163

TUBBRID ED

217167

TULLAGHMELAN ED

217168

TWO MILE BORRIS ED

217171

Alternative Energy Projects

Martin Ferris

Question:

444 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the REFIT price for co-firing miscanthus in power stations will be implemented; and if the price will be paid to the producer. [23009/10]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

447 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or his Department has examined the support structures that are available in other EU countries which allow farmers and other small businesses to generate electricity from farm waste and wind in a way that farmers here and small businesses cannot do; if he will ensure that the necessary changes are put in place to maximise alternative energy and ensure that intensive farming can be retained from a nitrate directive point of view; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23236/10]

Michael Noonan

Question:

449 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 230, 232, 233, 234 and 235 of 12 May 2010, when the REFIT price for co firing in the peat power stations will be announced; if he now has this information to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23238/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 444, 447 and 449 together.

I recently announced new Renewable Energy Feed In Tariffs (REFIT) for biomass, which will range from 8.5 cent per kilowatt hour to 15 cent per kilowatt hour depending on the technology deployed. The tariff is payable to the generator. The technologies supported include Anaerobic Digestion Combined Heat and Power, Biomass Combined Heat and Power and Biomass Combustion, including provision for up to 30% co-firing of biomass in the three peat powered stations.

Taken together, these new tariffs will underpin the development of a robust and sustainable biomass supply sector in Ireland by stimulating demand for biomass and build on the measures already in place such as the REHEAT programme and the Energy Crop grant schemes run by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. These new tariffs will require State Aids clearance by the EU Commission before they can be implemented and my Department will be seeking the requisite Commission clearance as soon as possible noting that the process takes a number of months.

My Department, through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) also runs a number of capital grant aid programmes for Combined Heat and Power installations, and for renewable heating installations. SEAI's Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Programme assists the deployment of small-scale fossil-fired and biomass CHP systems in the industrial, commercial, service and public sectors. The Biomass CHP Programme provides grant aid for Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion CHP. Anaerobic Digestion, in particular, offers opportunities for farmers to use animal waste to generate electricity, while also reducing the environmental impact of that waste when spread on the land.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

445 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff, including production, printing and delivery, for 2007, 2008 and 2009, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23132/10]

Printed payslips issue to 38 staff in my Department. All other staff have access to their payslip via an on-line facility. The costs associated with issuing of payslips relate to the printing and delivery of same. The printing of payslips is part of the overall payroll process and it is not possible to disaggregate the cost for the printing element of the process. Delivery of payslips to staff who have decided to avail of a printed payslip is via the established internal mail system. This system incorporates collection and delivery of all items of internal mail of which payslips would be a very minor element. It is not possible to disaggregate the cost of payslip delivery from overall costs. A small number of payslips are delivered externally and the cost to my Department is €230 per annum.

Warmer Homes Scheme

Thomas Byrne

Question:

446 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding an application under the warmer homes scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [23229/10]

I am advised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) that an application under the Warmer Homes Scheme has been received from the individual in question. SEAI has recently surveyed her home and her Warmer Homes upgrade has been scheduled for installation within the next 6 weeks.

More generally the Deputy may wish to note that a dedicated Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) hot line — 1800 250 204 — has been in operation for some time and all queries, from scheme applicants and public representatives, on delivery dates for individual households and/or funding agreements are dealt with immediately. In addition, the WHS programme manager, Mr. Michael Martin of SEAI is available to deal with queries on 042 939 1548. The availability of both points of contact ensures that there is no delay in dealing with specific queries related to the delivery of the Warmer Homes Scheme.

Question No. 447 answered with Question No. 444.

Telecommunications Services

Seymour Crawford

Question:

448 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 27 April 2010, if he will justify the fact that some individuals cannot get broadband in the area or have to pay significant prices for a booster box; his views on whether it is fair that a national organisation should advise that the area is covered by broadband when the reality is only pockets of areas are covered by broadband, depending on which side of the hill that one lives on; his further views on whether in the current economic climate broadband is essential for people wherever they live to make contact with opportunities which will allow them to get income from employment in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23237/10]

The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite.

In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. Prior to the commencement of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) a detailed mapping exercise was carried out to help determine those areas that would be included in the scheme and those which, by virtue of being already substantially served by existing broadband suppliers, were to be excluded.

EU State aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers operating. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion. Precise details of the electoral divisions throughout the State that are to be included in the National Broadband Scheme can be viewed on my Department's website www.dcenr.ie Details of the telecommunications service providers operating in county Monaghan can be found at www.callcosts.ie on ComReg's website.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).

The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding and granted State Aid approval for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would be available to un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. As the scheme is only at the design stage, there is no application process at this juncture. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.

Question No. 449 answered with Question No. 444.

Aquaculture Licences

Tom Sheahan

Question:

450 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views regarding the development of fish farming; if he is opposed to the implementation of the operational programme for fisheries due to his difficulty with the development of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23328/10]

The development of fish farming and the Seafood Operational Programme 2007 to 2013 are matters for the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Legislative Programme

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

451 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the progress of the geothermal Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23332/10]

Considerable progress has been made in the preparation of a draft legislative scheme to permit exploration for and exploitation of geothermal energy and I have been considering an initial proposal for Heads of the Bill. My aim is to have technical legal drafting completed in time to have a publication of a Bill later this year and I will be bringing proposals to Government for this purpose within the next four to six weeks.

Geothermal energy can be a potentially important source of indigenous energy in specific areas, but it is also a new area of legislative endeavour in this jurisdiction and so the Bill will be substantial, dealing with a range of matters such as ownership of the resource, regulation and licensing of exploration and development, ancillary rights and protection of third party interests. I would add that I have engaged closely with industry and interested parties in a public consultation process and in a series of meetings and workshops to ensure that the legislative proposals have the benefit of their input.

Telecommunications Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

452 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he directly or through the regulator applies policy tests to the provision of mobile telephone services; if he will outline the future direction of policy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23420/10]

Telecommunications services, including mobile telephony services, are provided by various private sector companies operating in a liberalised open market under EU and national legislation. The authority of member states is generally limited to regulation and occasional investment intervention to address market failure.

Both my Department and the national regulatory authority, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) monitor market developments to ensure the main policy objective of fostering sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and innovation is met. Thereafter, permitted regulation, including spectrum management in the case of mobile telephony services, is vested in ComReg. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its regulatory functions.

Broadcasting Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

453 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy in respect of the future of broadcasting in respect of both the public and private sectors; the extent to which his preferred options are likely to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23421/10]

Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is charged with, inter alia, providing a regulatory environment that is stable and predictable and that will facilitate the development of a broadcasting sector in Ireland that is responsive to audience needs. The BAI is also charged with stimulating the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by commercial, community and public service broadcasters and independent producers.

I am satisfied that the provisions of the Broadcasting Act provide the correct policy framework for the development of the Broadcasting sector. I will continue to work with the BAI and other stakeholders, private and public, to progress the objectives in the Broadcasting Act for the sector.

Telecommunications Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

454 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the most cost-effective and efficient means for provision of broadband, whether by wire, fibre optic, wireless or otherwise; the extent of investment under each heading thus far; when it is expected that full high-speed broadband will become available throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23422/10]

Government policy on the development of the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper was developed in accordance with various key principles, which are crucial to the development of the market including—

(i) competition, at platform and service levels, which drives innovation and investment,

(ii) investment certainty for service providers considering investing in network infrastructure,

(iii) investment intervention by Government to bridge any digital divide in cases of market failure and to meet some of the State's own communication needs, and

(iv) appropriate regulation.

The policy paper contains specific targets to ensure that every area in Ireland has broadband access by 2010 and that broadband speeds will be equal to or in excess of those in comparator EU regions by 2012.

Electronic communications services, including broadband services, are provided by various private sector companies operating in a liberalised open market under EU and national legislation. The authority of member states is generally limited to regulation and occasional investment intervention to address market failure. Additionally, the Government facilitates infrastructure investment, where appropriate and possible, by (i) providing a stable regulatory environment; (ii) maintaining certainty to facilitate investment, and (iii) providing access to State owned infrastructure.

Although my Department monitors market developments to ensure that Government policy objectives are being delivered, costs incurred by operators in the provision of broadband services, including capital investment costs, are matters for the relevant operators. The operators are not required to notify such costs to my Department.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

455 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the precise areas throughout the country which are currently deficient in respect of broadband availability; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23423/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

456 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost to date of the provision of broadband throughout the country; the extent to which this entailed the most modern high-speed technology; the areas in the country still deficient in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23424/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 456 together.

The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite.

In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) and the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) are examples of such market intervention.

Details of the telecommunications service providers operating on a county by county basis can be found at www.callcosts.ie on ComReg's website. In addition, my own Department's website www.dcenr.ie carries full details of all of the electoral divisions throughout the country that are included in the NBS.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). It is therefore not possible to say precisely where these individual premises might be located, except that they will not be in NBS areas.

The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding and granted State Aid approval for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would be available to un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. As the scheme is only at the design stage, there is no application process at this juncture. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.

To-date the cost to the Department for Phase I MANs is €76 million and €81 million for Phase II.

The total current and capital cost of the full rollout of the NBS has been estimated by "3" at some €223 million, of which a maximum of €79.8 million will be contributed by the Government and the EU. The Government and the EU contribution to date under the Scheme amounts to some €48 million.

In rolling out the NBS, 3 is effectively future-proofing the network by upgrading its 3G network to the latest Nokia Siemens Internet High Speed Packet Access ("I-HSPA") technology. This is a world first in terms of deployment of such technology. Its deployment will facilitate a speedy launch of Long Term Evolution ("LTE"), which is expected to enhance significantly the quality and speed of mobile broadband in the coming years. v Effectively, 3's NBS network is LTE ready.

I can also confirm that 3's I-HSPA network is designed and dimensioned to ensure that the network delivers the minimum contracted service, or better to all NBS users. Performance monitoring reports, including customer experience data, confirms this to be the case.

Broadcasting Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

457 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy and proposals for future development of free to air digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23425/10]

Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides the legislative basis for the development of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services in Ireland and for analogue switch off. Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is required to develop a national free to air DTT service which enables the switch off of their analogue television services in 2012.

In this regard, I recently signed an Order, SI 85 of 2010, under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 requiring RTÉ to launch their DTT service to approximately 90% of the population by 31st October 2010. I have been informed by RTÉ that they are on target to meet the October launch date and I welcome this development.

The 2009 Act also requires RTÉ to provide the full national digital service by the end of 2011 or such date as I may specify. I have communicated to RTÉ that the date for the provision of a full national DTT service is 31st December 2011.

The RTÉ digital terrestrial television service is required to provide a digital platform for the existing analogue free to air television services, and provide space for additional public service channels, if required. In the event of spare capacity it can be used by RTÉ on a commercial basis, to offer carriage to other commercial television channels.

Postal Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

458 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy in respect of the structure and operation of An Post and the postal service in the aftermath of deregulation; if such issues have been the subject of or are likely to become the subject of discussions between his Department, other Departments, groups, bodies or agencies; if discussions have taken place with staff at various levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23426/10]

The Irish Postal market is due to be liberalised from the 1st of January next year in accordance with the 3rd EU Postal Services Directive. Following comprehensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, legislation to transpose this Directive has been prepared and will be brought to Government shortly.

In designing the new regulatory framework, the key principles are the maintenance of a universal postal service and the provision of competitively priced high quality postal services to both business and residential customers.

In the case of An Post, it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer focussed network of post offices.

My officials and I meet regularly with An Post management to discus issues of importance to An Post, including the future of the company. However, structural, operational and staff issues in An Post are the responsibility of the board and management of the company and, as with other postal service providers, are not matters in which I have a direct role.

Natural Gas Grid

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

459 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the Corrib gas field; when it is expected that all safety requirements will be compiled with and completed in accordance with planning and other permissions or licences; when the product is likely to become available; the full extent of the product when available to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23427/10]

As I informed the Deputy in my response to Question Number 347 on 27 April 2010, production of first gas from the Corrib gas field is a matter for the developer, subject to conformity with all statutory consent requirements.

For the Deputy's information, construction of the Corrib Gas Terminal at Bellanaboy is substantially completed as are the subsea facilities at the Corrib Gas Field. Last summer the 83 km offshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline was installed. The developers are engaged in the process of securing a number of statutory consents required for the construction of the onshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline.

Completion of the development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available. It is estimated that the Corrib gas field contains about 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.

I would like to assure the Deputy that proper safety and environmental standards have always been central to my Department's evaluation of the Corrib Gas project. The implementation of all safety requirements and conditions is of course an obligation of the Developer. Compliance with safety requirements with respect to planning and other licensing permissions are not a matter in respect of which I have a function.

Alternative Energy Projects

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

460 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number and location of wind farms currently awaiting approval for access to the national grid throughout the country on a county basis; the progress in each case over the past three years; if planning permission has been granted in all such cases; when it is likely that access will be granted in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23428/10]

EirGrid figures show that there are just over 100 wind farms connected to the grid with an installed wind capacity 1264 MW.

There are an additional 100 wind farms with a total contracted capacity of 1415 MW which have contracted for grid connections which will be built out over the next number of years.

Detailed information is provided on the number and location of wind farms awaiting approval for access to the grid and the breakdown by county on the EirGrid website.

Grid connection offers for projects within the Gate 3 process began to issue in December 2009 and will continue to be issued on a phased basis until mid 2011.

In terms of progress in recent years, further information on those contracted to connect to the grid and their target connection date is also available on the EirGrid website.

Supervision of the grid connection process and settlement of any disputes arising is vested in the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER has operated a group approach to connecting renewable projects to the national grid, which is designed to streamline the connection process in the interests of efficiency and cost effectiveness for developers. To date, the CER has not required evidence of planning permission to be provided prior to determining that a project will receive a grid connection offer.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

461 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the full extent of alternative energy now supplied by various alternative energy sources including wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23429/10]

A report just published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland entitled ‘Renewable Energy in Ireland 2010 Update' sets out the latest position in this matter.

Renewable Electricity (RES-E)

The share of electricity generated from renewable energy sources (RES-E) in 2009 was 14.4% (provisional), exceeding the interim EU target of 13.2% by 2010 and placing Ireland firmly on track to meet the Government target of 15% by 2010.

Wind energy accounted for over 10% of all electricity generation in 2009.

Renewable Heat Energy (RES-H)

Renewable heat (RES-H) accounted for 3.6% of all thermal energy in 2008. RES-H grew from 2.6% in 1990 to 3.8% in 2004.

Industrial biomass energy use (mostly in the wood and food sectors) accounted for 70% of all thermal renewable energy used in 2008, which corresponds to 2.8% of all thermal energy use in Ireland.

Industrial biomass energy use increased by 106% (3.9% average annual growth) between 1990 and 2008.

Residential biomass energy use increased by 9.5% between 1990 and 2008 (0.5% average annual growth). However the average annual growth rate between 2005 and 2009 was 18%.

Renewable Transport Energy (RES-T)

Biofuels accounted for 1.2% of road transport consumption in 2008. Provisional 2009 data estimates biofuels at 1.5% of road transport.

The dominant biofuel is biodiesel, representing 63% of biofuel usage in 2008, followed by bioethanol (32%) and finally pure plant oil (5%).

Indigenous production accounted for 43% of biofuels in 2008.

Avoided CO 2 Emissions

CO2 avoided through renewable energy use increased by 257% (7.3% per annum on average) over the period 1990 to 2008 reaching 2,830 kt CO2 in 2008.

Television Licence Fee

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

462 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the full extent of the TV licence fund reserve; the annual income from TV licences; the manner in which it is currently spent; the way this compares with established practices over the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23430/10]

Television licence revenue is generated from the sales of television licences and the recoupment of the cost of free television licences from the Department of Social Protection. There is no fund reserve as such because the revenue generated is received and paid out on an ongoing basis.

The income generated from television licences was €226.2 million in 2009.

Under Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, with the approval of the Minister for Finance, I may pay RTÉ in respect of each financial year an amount equal to the total of receipts in that year in respect of broadcasting (TV) licence fees less (i) any expenses incurred in relation to the collection of those fees, and (ii) an amount being equal to 7% of these net television licence fee receipts, which is paid under Section 156 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in respect of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. This amount was increased from 5% to 7% under the 2009 Act, to support public service broadcasting activities. In effect, therefore, RTÉ is now being paid 93% of net television licence fee receipts on an annual basis.

Energy Resources

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

463 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the storage capacity of oil, gas, coal or other fuels; his plan to improve this in line with economic development requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23432/10]

The National Oil Reserves Agency Limited (NORA) is responsible for ensuring that Ireland meets its EU and International Energy Agency (IEA) obligations to maintain 90 days' oil stocks for use in the event of an oil supply disruption.

NORA meets its stock-holding obligations by a combination of wholly-owned stocks and by entering into agreements with third parties in Ireland and other EU Member States.

NORA currently holds approximately 80 days of Ireland's 90 day stockholding requirements, the balance of which is held by industry. Of the stocks held by NORA, approximately 45% are held as physical stocks on the island of Ireland, 40% are held as physical stocks abroad, and 15% are held as stock "tickets" (short term contracts to purchase oil in the event of a crisis).

NORA's storage capacity in Ireland at present is 666,657 tonnes and holds stocks of Gasoline, Kerosene, Jet Kerosene, Gas Oil and Diesel. At present the majority of NORA's stocks in Ireland are held at Bantry. Government policy is to increase the volume of strategic stocks held on the island of Ireland, subject to value for money considerations. NORA is delivering on this objective through the development of three new locations on the island of Ireland (Ringsend, Tarbert & Kilroot), with facilities for 320,000 tonnes of storage. NORA is also considering further storage opportunities, with a view to further increasing the level of stocks held on the island.

Security of gas supply is a fundamental priority for the Irish economy given its continued importance for power generation. Given our high level of import dependence over the interconnectors with the UK, gas storage has an important role to play in contributing to enhanced gas security for the island of Ireland. The Report on an all-Island Common Approach to Gas Storage and LNG reinforces the case for additional storage facilities.

The existing commercial gas storage facility at Kinsale has the capacity to hold 198 million cubic metres. Licensed for use by Bord Gáis Éireann, the facility can supply around 50% of residential and SME gas needs for up to 50 days in the event of a gas disruption.

The short to medium term prognosis for the security of Ireland's gas supplies is relatively secure in light of the projected relative stability of the UK gas market. Increased global gas supplies, the growth of LNG and reduced global demand has lead to the IEA projecting a more benign world outlook for the next few years. Nonetheless the risk of supply disruption should never be discounted and the continuing depletion of North Sea gas supplies means that Ireland will become reliant, over time, on gas supplies from more distant markets. The impact of the Russia Ukraine dispute on a number of Member States in early 2009 highlighted the issue of gas security of supply for the EU. The key objective of the proposed EU Regulation on Security of Gas Supply is to ensure that the market meets the gas supply needs of Member States including through commercial gas storage.

I welcome the current market interest in developing further commercial gas storage, both in Ireland and in Northern Ireland.

My Department is working with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, and the energy Regulators North and South on actions to enhance security of gas supply on the island including the scope for commercial gas storage.

The development of the Corrib Gas field would also provide a new source of gas supply which could meet up to 60% of our annual demand in its early years of operation.

In addition, the interest in providing liquefied natural gas storage on a commercial basis is also an important development. Shannon LNG has received planning permission to construct an LNG re-gasification terminal at a site located on the Shannon Estuary. This facility could potentially provide up to 40% of Ireland's gas. LNG has the potential to improve Ireland's connectivity to the global gas market, which would be a critical factor in the event of a major supply disruption.

I have no function in relation to storage capacity for coal.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

464 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when it is expected that all oil, gas or other mineral discoveries on and offshore are likely to become available for commercial purposes, with particular reference to those areas that have shown discoveries of commercial value but are not yet developed or available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23433/10]

The only petroleum discovery that has been declared commercial but has yet to be developed is the Corrib Gas Field. Construction of the Corrib Gas Terminal at Bellanaboy is almost completed as are the subsea facilities at the Corrib Gas Field. Last summer the 83 km offshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline was installed.

Completion of the development works by the developers, which is subject to conformity with all statutory consent requirements, is the principal factor that will ultimately determine the date for first gas.

With regard to non-petroleum minerals, exploration and development is undertaken by private enterprise and regulated under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. New exploration is continually undertaken as part of my requirements to holders of Prospecting Licences. While there have been some encouraging results in a number of areas, no new commercially viable deposits of non-petroleum minerals have been discovered in recent years.

Details of Prospecting Licences can be found in the six-monthly reports to the Oireachtas, which I am obliged to lay before the Houses. The last such report was in respect of the six-month period ended 31 December 2010 which was recently laid before the House.

Departmental Bodies

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

465 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the digital hub project is progressing with original intentions and objectives, costs or investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23434/10]

The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) is continuing to work towards its development objectives to grow the Digital Hub. As I indicated in my reply to a similar question in April, there were, as of early this year, 98 companies operating in the Digital Hub with 664 full time and a further 220 part time employees. The DHDA continues to promote the identity and brand of the Hub and companies located there have enjoyed notable successes and have gained national and international recognition. On its educational remit the DHDA has delivered a very successful learning programme, which has provided state-of-the-art digital media education to schools and the wider community in Dublin's inner city. The DHDA has developed an award-winning community engagement process, the Community Public Private Partnership.

The DHDA has reached the point where all of its own available office space has been occupied and has leased office space to meet the requirements of its tenant companies. An additional 20,000 square feet was recently completed through redevelopment of a building in the Hub in partnership with the OPW. The Agency had plans for the development of further office space that would have eliminated its reliance on Exchequer funding. This development is not progressing at present and the Agency is pursuing the matter with the two developers concerned.

I have initiated a review of the DHDA which is currently underway. It will, inter alia, focus on the objectives of the Agency, how these have been achieved and set out recommendations for the continuing role of the Agency and its potential role in the delivery of the Government's Smart Economy objectives.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

466 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their forestry grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22720/10]

The Forest Service has yet to receive an application for payment from the person named.

Legislative Programme

Denis Naughten

Question:

467 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the Animal Health and Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22723/10]

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

Grant Payments

Phil Hogan

Question:

468 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when outstanding payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22745/10]

The payment due to this applicant under the above forestry contract number is currently being processed. It will issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Joe McHugh

Question:

469 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the delivery of a REP scheme payment to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has been delayed for 14 months; if he will expedite payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22760/10]

The person named was the subject of a REPS on-the-spot inspection. In the course of this inspection he was found to be in breach of his undertakings and on 15 March 2010 he was notified of penalties to be imposed for non-compliance. The decision to impose these penalties was reviewed locally on request, and by letter dated 15th April 2010 my officials advised him that the penalties were upheld and that it was open to him to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeal Office (AAO). At that stage the penalty amount was deducted from his REPS 3 payment.

Departmental Programmes

Sean Sherlock

Question:

470 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons who have subscribed to the agri-environmental options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22789/10]

Applications for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme were received up to the deadline of 17 May both at my Department's office at Johnstown Castle in County Wexford, from where the scheme is administered, and, in order to facilitate farmers, at local offices throughout the country. The local offices are in the process of sending the applications they received to Johnstown Castle. As not all applications have yet reached Johnstown Castle, it is not possible to say exactly how many farmers have applied for the scheme. However it appears that the total number will be in the region of eight thousand.

Grant Payments

Michael Ring

Question:

471 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an appeal for the suckler cow welfare scheme 2009 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22829/10]

The person named applied for 15 animals in 2009. Payment is currently being processed through Suckler Section and will issue shortly.

Michael Creed

Question:

472 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22867/10]

Payment will issue to the person named within ten working days.

Fishing Industry

Martin Ferris

Question:

473 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that imported lobsters from Canada and the US are reported to be less than the Irish minimum gauge of 87 mm; and the steps that he is taking to address this issue. [22950/10]

Currently the legal minimum size for the European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) is 87mm carapace length as laid down in EU Regulation 850/98 as amended. The regulations apply only to the European lobster caught in European waters. This legal minimum size does not apply to the American or Canadian Lobster (Homarus gammarus) when imported into Ireland as the European legislation is a fisheries conservation instrument designed to address conservation of EU lobster stocks.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

474 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff, including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009, in tabular format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23131/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Year

Payslip & Stationary costs

Postage

2007

1,589

21,479

2008

1,729

23,920

2009

1,112

15,711

Hard copy payslips are only issued to some 8% of Department's staff who are currently paid by cheque (payable order) and to a small number of other staff who do not have regular access to the Department's computer network. The other 92% of staff may access their payslips on-line.

Grant Payments

Michael Ring

Question:

475 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of an appeal in respect of payment for suckler cow welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [23147/10]

The person named applied for 19 calves in 2009. Payment is currently being processed in respect of 16 calves and will issue shortly. No payment is due on the remaining three calves as one is a twin and the other two were sold prior to weaning.

Departmental Agencies

Róisín Shortall

Question:

476 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 490 of 18 May 2010, if he will clarify the agency that is responsible for the enforcement of the Control of Horses Act 1996 in respect of the buying and selling of horses at the monthly Smithfield Market and in view of the significant animal welfare breaches at this fair; if he will ensure that this matter receives priority attention. [23254/10]

The sale of goods in a public place is a matter covered by the Casual Trading Act 1995. The enforcement of this Act is the responsibility of the Local Authority in whose functional area the goods are sold. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has responsibility for the Casual Trading Act 1995. The Local Authority with responsibility for implementing the Control of Horses Act 1996 in the Smithfield area is Dublin City Council. The Act includes provisions for an authorised person appointed by a local authority or member of An Garda Síochána who suspects that a horse is in pain or acute neglect to direct the owner/keeper to seek veterinary attention for the horse and the Act also empowers a member of An Garda Síochána to seize and detain a horse where there is reasonable cause to suspect that the necessary veterinary attention has not been obtained. Furthermore with regard to horse welfare issues, the main statutes governing cruelty to all animals, including horses, in this country is the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing cases under this legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, who may on receipt of a complaint investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under this Act.

Grant Payments

Denis Naughten

Question:

477 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23299/10]

The person named has received his full REPS payment for 2009; 75% of the payment issued on 23 February 2010 and the remaining 25% issued on 22 March. No payments for 2010 can be released until administrative checks have been completed on every participant's payment application. This process involves a cross-check with the IACS database, which cannot be done until the database has been updated following the processing of this year's applications for the Single Payment Scheme.

Beef Imports

Dinny McGinley

Question:

478 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he proposes to take to prevent the importation of Brazilian beef into the EU and particularly this country in view of the reported outbreak of BSE in Brazil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23307/10]

Under EU harmonized legislation a series of health and supervisory requirements are applied in the Member States to ensure that animal products are produced to standards that guarantee the safety of food and the protection of human and animal health. The application of these standards in the Member States is monitored by the FVO (Food & Veterinary Office) of the EU. It is a requirement that animal products imported from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, Member States. All meat imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries approved for export to the EU and be presented at an approved Border Inspection Post to undergo documentary, identity and physical checks in accordance with EU requirements. In order to be approved a third country must: Appear on a list drawn up and updated on the basis of EU audits and guarantees given by the competent authority of the exporting country. Have veterinary controls equivalent to those applicable in the EU, particularly in terms of legislation, hygiene conditions, animal health status, veterinary medicine controls, zoonosis controls and other food law. Have in place a residues programme approved by the European Commission. Products of Animal Origin must be sourced from establishments that have: Standards equivalent to the requirements for EU export establishments. Effective control systems and supervision by the competent authorities. Traceability/labelling in accordance with the systems approved by the FVO and accepted and notified to the EU Member States.

The EU's FVO carries out assessment of third countries wishing to export animal products to EU and submits for Commission approval those where the responsible authorities can provide appropriate guarantees as regards compliance or equivalence with Community feed and food law and animal health rules. Third countries and their establishments that are approved to export are audited and inspected by the FVO with regard to these guarantees and reports of the findings of inspections are published on its website. Where there are concerns with regard to the effectiveness of controls being operated in an approved third country the Commission, in consultation with the Standing Committee on Animal Health and the Food Chain, may introduce specific or additional import control by means of a safeguard measure to ensure the protection of human and animal health. Safeguard measures limiting or banning the export of animal products from third countries or regions of countries may be implemented where, for example, the conditions of an animal disease outbreak could seriously effect production and trade in animal products in the EU. I am not aware of any outbreak of BSE in Brazil, nor of any move by the Commission to introduce safeguard measures in this regard.

Departmental Bodies

Tom Sheahan

Question:

479 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the advanced environmental solution office, Beech Road, Killarney, County Kerry has been closed since 23 April 2010 and many REP scheme files are still located there and therefore cannot be submitted for payment; the steps he will take to resolve this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23324/10]

Arrangements are in place to deal effectively with the REPS 4 files which were submitted to the Department's local office in Killarney. Files are being actively processed and have been brought to payment stage where possible. Those with outstanding queries have been referred back to the applicants.

Harbours and Piers

Tom Sheahan

Question:

480 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of his commitment to visit Cromane, County Kerry, when he intends to visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23325/10]

Kerry County Council proposes to construct a new pier at Cromane. The proposed pier will be the property of that Local Authority who will be responsible for its development, maintenance and repair. No arrangements have been put in place for a visit to Cromane in the near future.

Fisheries Protection

Tom Sheahan

Question:

481 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his position regarding the opening of the bass fishery for commercial fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23326/10]

The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has made a proposal to my Department concerning a limited sea bass fishery in the Celtic Sea. In the proposal, the FIF have stated that they will take a "precautionary approach to avoid any fishing whatsoever of the Irish inshore stock". The FIF has specifically proposed that vessels would be permitted to land only sea bass caught south of (51.30'N) in area VII, which is an area approximately 50 KM off the SE coast and adjacent to the SW coast of Ireland, this area extends 375Km south. The FIF proposal, having regard to the scientific advice that is available on the inshore stock, also provides that all fishing for sea bass should be prohibited inside the Irish 12 mile coastal limit until there is further assessment carried out to determine the state of the stock.

Irish vessels are currently precluded from landing sea bass under the Bass (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 230 of 2006) and the Bass (Restriction on Sale) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 367 of 2007). The complete ban for the commercial fishing of sea bass applies to Irish fishing vessels in all areas while the vessels of other EU Member States are permitted to fish for sea bass, other than within Ireland's 6 mile coastal zone where a complete ban applies.

I recognise that this is a very complex issue which can have significant local and national impacts aside from commercial fishing, such as angling tourism and marine bio-diversity. Indeed, I am very conscious that a large number of continental and UK anglers visit Ireland every year for the sole purpose of bass fishing.

In order to assess the full impacts of the FIF proposal, I have sought and received scientific advice from the Marine Institute. Additionally I have sought and received the advice of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in relation to control implications of the proposal, from the perspective of the regulation of such a fishery. Minister Killeen wrote to Minister Lenihan in the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, including bass angling, seeking his views on this proposal and Minister Lenihan has provided those observations.

I am currently considering the proposal together with the advice, observations and submissions made to date, in order to determine whether sufficient information is available in order to reach a determination on the matter.

Aquaculture Licences

Tom Sheahan

Question:

482 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of aquaculture licences currently awaiting first-time approval or renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/10]

There are 488 aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination — this consists of 259 applications for first time licences and 229 renewal applications.

The backlog in the processing of new and renewal licence applications largely arises because the majority of areas for which the licences are sought are designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing. The comprehensive data collection programme together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives will enable all new and renewal applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

School Transport

John Perry

Question:

483 Deputy John Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that the Bus Éireann service to a school (details supplied) in County Sligo is extended to cover the village of Coolaney; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22783/10]

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre.

The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.

The Transport Liaison Officer of Co. Sligo has advised that pupils from the Coolaney area do not reside in the catchment area referred to in the details supplied and therefore may only apply for catchment boundary transport subject to the terms outlined above.

As the Deputy is aware, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the review of the catchment boundaries formed part of the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme.

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

Special Educational Needs

Joe McHugh

Question:

484 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there is an appeals process for parents or guardians of children with special needs who unsuccessfully apply for support from the National Council for Special Education. [22815/10]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has introduced an appeals process whereby schools and parents may seek to appeal the decision of a SENO in relation to the allocation of resources. Information regarding the appeals process is available on the NCSE's website at www.ncse.ie.

The NCSE is also in the process of establishing an Independent Appeals Advisory Committee to consider cases where schools consider that the NCSEs internal appeals process was inadequate or inappropriate in addressing schools' concerns raised in relation to the resources allocated to the school.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Schools Building Projects

Denis Naughten

Question:

485 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22714/10]

A new post primary school at the location in County Leitrim referred by the Deputy, is one of eight schools which were approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.

This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has been received in respect of the eight schools. Following completion of the pre procurement process, the Bundle will be ready for handover to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.

The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.

Denis Naughten

Question:

486 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a building project for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22715/10]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project to which he refers commenced construction on the 24th of May.

Schools Recognition

Denis Naughten

Question:

487 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress on the recognition of new primary schools; when he will allow for their establishment and recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22724/10]

The Commission on School Accommodation Needs is due to report to me soon on the recognition of new primary schools.

I will then consider the policy matters and any necessary arrangements and revised procedures that will need to be put in place in regard to the recognition process for new primary schools.

No new primary schools are being established pending the completion of the review and the implementation of the revised procedures, except in cases where new schools are warranted because of increased demographics.

School Transport

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

488 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to raise the cost of the school transport scheme to €500; if she will rule out this fare increase in the next budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22797/10]

Frank Feighan

Question:

521 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the proposals under consideration to raise school transport from €300 to €500; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23311/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 521 together.

The arrangements currently in place for school transport annual charges, namely €300 per eligible and concessionary post primary pupil, €200 for concessionary primary pupil, and a maximum family charge of €650 will remain in place for the 2010/2011 school year.

The McCarthy report made recommendations to levy charges, at both primary and post primary level, at a rate of €500 per annum per child or 50% of the full economic cost of providing the service, with the exemption for social welfare recipients continuing to apply.

The recommendations in the McCarthy report fall to be considered as part of the annual estimates and budget process. It would not be appropriate to comment specifically on whether any of these recommendations or indeed other expenditure issues will be included in next years estimates and budget prior to Government consideration and decisions on estimates 2011.

Higher Education Grants

Róisín Shortall

Question:

489 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in receipt of both the back to education allowance and student maintenance grant for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010, broken down by the level of grant received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22802/10]

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and therefore, their prospects of returning to the workforce. Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social Protection and is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

It is understood from the Department of Social Protection that figures for the BTEA are collated on an academic year basis. Some 4,641 of their clients were in receipt of the BTEA Third Level Option in the 2007/08, 6,559 in 2008/09 and 10,351 in the current (2009/10) academic year. However, not all BTEA recipients qualify for support under the student grant schemes.

The Deputy will appreciate that many categories of applicants apply for funding under the maintenance grant schemes. My Department does not collate information specifically on students in receipt of the BTEA allowance only.

Students currently in receipt of the BTEA and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the schemes. With effect from the academic year 2010/11, students entering or progressing to a new course will no longer be eligible to hold the BTEA together with a student maintenance grant. These students may continue to apply to be assessed to have the cost of the student service charge and any tuition fees paid on their behalf.

Inquiry into Child Abuse

Mary Upton

Question:

490 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm that an official in her Department opened a file in February or March 1988 to deal with allegations and concerns from a member of staff on a Children’s Detention Centre (details supplied); the date on which the file was supplied to the Commission to enquire into Child Abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22856/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

491 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she is satisfied that the statements made by members of her Department over the period 1992 to 1996 regarding representations made by a person (details supplied) were accurate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22857/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 490 and 491 together.

The matter to which the Deputy refers has already been dealt with in answers to previous Parliamentary Questions and in correspondence with the person referred to. In those responses it was confirmed that files held by my Department containing allegations made by the persons to whom the Deputy refers were given to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse in 2001, 2003 and 2008.

In conclusion, all records held by my Department relating to allegations of physical and sexual abuse at the centre referred to were provided to the Commission.

I am satisfied that, at all times, officials in my Department endeavour to ensure that responses issued to representations are accurate.

Schools Building Projects

Olwyn Enright

Question:

492 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date on the proposed amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in County Laois; her plans to progress this proposed amalgamation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22879/10]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received an application for large scale capital funding to provide accommodation to cater for the amalgamation of the two primary schools in the town to which she refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 1.4 rating.

A technical inspection of the existing buildings found that neither would be suitable to accommodate the amalgamated school.

The progression of this project, including the determination as to the acquisition of a suitable site, as with all large scale building projects, will be considered in the context of the 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.

Social Welfare Code

Olwyn Enright

Question:

493 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the criteria that are in place for persons, who are unemployed and returned to third level education under the labour market activation scheme and in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit, but are no longer in receipt of a social welfare payment after a claim for jobseeker’s allowance was disallowed to continue with their third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22898/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

494 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who returned to college under the labour market activation programme, to continue into second year of their college course; the assistance that will be given to this person to continue their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22900/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 494 together. Under the Labour Market Activation (LMA) initiative almost 1,800 unemployed people were supported to embark on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from September 2009 in areas that support the goals of the ‘Smart Economy'.

Subject to institutional requirements regarding passing exams and course progression, students who continue to meet the criteria in terms of being unemployed are entitled to remain on and receive free fees on their programme of study. If a student gains employment, they would still be entitled to remain on the programme but would be liable for fees for subsequent academic years.

All students participating on these programmes who continue to meet all Department of Social Protection criteria on eligibility for Job Seekers Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance are entitled to retain their payments while studying on the programme. However participation on a programme does not in itself create an entitlement to a social welfare payment.

Institutes of Technology

Tom Sheahan

Question:

495 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to upgrade Tralee Institute of Technology, County Kerry, to university status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22930/10]

The position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology. No application has been received from Institute of Technology Tralee.

A High Level Group is currently developing a new national strategy for higher education. That Group is critically examining the roles and relationships of higher education institutions so that the system can deliver the levels of efficiency, performance, innovation and growth that will optimise Ireland's ‘smart' economic recovery and social development. The Strategy Group are expected to finalise their report before the summer and there are no plans to advance any applications for university status before the publication of the report.

School Curriculum

Tom Sheahan

Question:

496 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider a proposal (details supplied) regarding money education for students and adults being incorporated into the second level curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22941/10]

The Department of Education and Science participated in the work of the National Steering Group on Financial Education established by the Financial Regulator. The Report of the Group, Improving Financial Capability — a Multi-stakeholder Approach, was published in July 2009. The Group also developed a Financial Competency Framework which sets out a comprehensive set of learning outcomes detailing the knowledge skills and competences a financially competent person should have at different stages of their lives. This can be used as an important resource for those developing educational materials for young people and adults in the field of financial literacy. The learning outcomes cover Levels 1 to 4 of the National Framework of Qualifications.

Aspects of financial literacy are included in the curriculum at present in such areas as Mathematics, Home Economics, Economics, Business and Accounting, Enterprise Education and the Mathematical Applications within the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. The programmes cover computational skills, using appropriate tools to estimate and measure, to compare value for money, to calculate prices, compound interest, profit and loss, discount, VAT, PRSI, income tax, domestic bills and charges, recording and interpreting financial data, converting into other currencies and solving problems. Consumer studies, money and banking, housing finance, credit and insurance are also covered. These areas will be further strengthened to the extent possible in line with ongoing curriculum reform. In addition, Ireland has participated in the EU Dolceta programme designed to provide on-line education resources for financial literacy and consumer education.

Get Smart with Your Money has been developed by the Financial Regulator as a specific resource for use within Transition Year. In addition, the National Adult Literacy Agency working in collaboration with the Educational Building Society, has developed a website www.makingcents.ie to help adults learn more about money and financial matters.

The choice of resources to support the curriculum is a matter for decision by school authorities, and my Department does not generally endorse commercial products or prescribe particular texts of resources.

School Transport

Tom Sheahan

Question:

497 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the private school bus operator for the past 40 years who was recently informed by Bus Éireann that it will not contract the person next year due to the fact they will be 70 years of age even though they have a licence and their insurers will insure them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22943/10]

As the Deputy is aware Bus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department.

Bus Eireann has advised the Department that in response to the expressed wishes of many school bus drivers — both Bus Éireann and private contractor school bus drivers — who wanted to remain in the position upon reaching retirement age at sixty-five years, and following the advice of their Medical Department, the company decided to alter the compulsory retirement age for school bus drivers who provide services under the School Transport Scheme to enable experienced personnel to remain on in the position for a maximum of five more years if desired.

School bus drivers who opt to remain on after sixty-five years of age may do so up to the age of seventy, if they are satisfied to do so, subject to annual medical review and once they continue to hold the requisite driving licence. In the opinion of the Bus Éireann Chief Medical Officer, given the demanding and safety critical nature of School Bus driving, 70 years of age is deemed a reasonable age at which to retire from such employment.

A Contractor may continue to hold the Contract to provide a school bus service on behalf of Bus Éireann when over the age of seventy years, using a nominated driver to provide their service.

Schools Building Projects

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

498 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm that a school (details supplied) in County Dublin is included in the current building project budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22953/10]

I can confirm that the project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

499 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a request for a new school building will reach design and planning stage in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Louth; when tenders are expected to issue in respect of this development; the length of time construction is expected to take to complete this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22955/10]

A project to provide permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers involves the acquisition of a site. Contracts for the provision of a site for the school are now being exchanged and my Department has recently issued instructions to the CSSO to complete the transaction.

The progression of a building project for the school from initial design stage through to construction phase will then 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 Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school at this time.

Higher Education Grants

Deirdre Clune

Question:

500 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the financial support that is available to a person who has been made redundant and wishes to attend a course in a third level institute to improve their employment skills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22956/10]

My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarships Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees and the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses. The Higher Education Grant Scheme is administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department; the other three maintenance grant schemes are administered on a similar basis by the VECs.

Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.

Eligibility for grant assistance is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC to establish. Students should apply to their local authority or VEC to establish their eligibility. The person referred to by the Deputy may also wish to explore entitlement under the Back to Education Allowance scheme with the Department of Social Protection.

Early School Leavers

Terence Flanagan

Question:

501 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22959/10]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

502 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22961/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.

The review of mainstreamed projects in local drugs task force areas funded by my Department is not as yet finalised. A key aspect of the review is to determine whether my Department is the appropriate location for these projects or whether funding should more appropriately be channelled through another Department or agency.

In this regard, officials of the Department have held discussions with officials in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to determine whether projects which involve a significant element of youth work might be more appropriate to that office.

A number of the projects are being considered within the Department in the context of their work being similar to that of other departmental initiatives aimed at preventing early school leaving. There are also some projects which concentrate on treatment or rehabilitation work. They are in receipt of significant funding from a number of State bodies, in addition to the funding received from my Department.

My Department will shortly submit for my consideration the outcome of the project reviews.

My Department has now issued the second half of funding for 2010 in respect of the projects, including the two projects referred to by the Deputy.

School Patronage

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

503 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 411 of 27 April 2010, the ten locations identified by her Department for a possible transfer of patronage; if she will forward the requested information as promised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22990/10]

Officials in my Department are currently finalising an assessment of 10 sample locations where the modalities for changes to schools' patronage may be tested. The aim is to complete the assessment very shortly with a view to publication of the list of sample areas.

Departmental Staff

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

504 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 382 of 11 May 2010, if she will provide the information as requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22991/10]

As I mentioned in my response to the Deputy on the 11th, May 2010 the appointment of Special Advisers and the Press Adviser are being processed in accordance with section 11 of the Public Services management Act 1997. As the matter has still not been finalised I am not in a position to give the details to the Deputy at this point. However, as previously agreed, when this process is completed I will forward the information requested to the Deputy.

Higher Education Grants

Niall Collins

Question:

505 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will advise a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in relation to a request for college funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23125/10]

Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.

Eligibility for grant assistance is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC to establish. Students should apply to their local authority or VEC to establish their eligibility. The person referred to by the Deputy may also wish to explore entitlement under the Back to Education Allowance scheme with the Department of Social Protection.

Departmental Expenditure

Brian Hayes

Question:

506 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to staff including production, printing and delivery for 2007, 2008 and 2009 such as delivery costs, printing costs and so on, in tabular format; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23135/10]

The information relevant to the Deputy's question is being compiled and will be made available to him as soon as possible.

Higher Education Grants

Arthur Morgan

Question:

507 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of student grant applicants who have yet to be notified of a final decision regarding their grant application for the current academic year 2009-10, on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23150/10]

The table details the latest information on the number of new applications awaiting decisions. It is understood from the awarding authorities that the applications still outstanding are mainly from students who have not responded to requests from the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees to provide further information or required documentary evidence. The information has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees.

It is understood from the awarding authorities that the applications still outstanding are mainly students who have notresponded to further requests from the LA/VEC's to provide further information/documentary evidency.

VEC

Number of applications outstanding as of 28/5/10

Carlow

1

Cavan

4

Clare

95

Cork City

32

Cork County

550

Donegal

18

Dublin County VEC

404

Dublin City

415

Dun Laoghaire

5

Galway County VEC

25

City of Galway VEC

17

Kerry

44

Kildare

0

Kilkenny

82

Laois

69

Leitrim

23

Limerick City

6

Limerick County

84

Longford

10

Louth

5

Mayo

71

Meath

2

Monaghan

77

Offaly

0

Roscommon

1

Sligo

15

Tipperay NR

0

Tipperary SR

0

Waterford City

10

Waterford County

74

Westmeath

97

Wexford

0

Wicklow VEC

4

Total

2,240

Local Authority

Number of applications outstanding as of 28/5/10

Carlow

1

Cavan

37

Clare

110

Cork City

1

Cork Co

42

Donegal

0

Dublin City

73

Dun Laoghaire

0

Fingal Co Co

4

Dublin South Co Co

1

Galway Co

209

Kerry

0

Kildare

3

Kilkenny

0

Laois

0

Leitrim

10

Limerick City

21

Limerick Co

0

Longford

12

Louth

2

Mayo

1

Meath

8

Monaghan

8

Offaly

17

Roscommon

15

Sligo

23

Tipperay NR

38

Tipperary SR

1

Waterford City

0

Waterford Co

10

Westmeath

11

Wexford

0

Wicklow

0

Total

658

Schools Building Projects

Pat Breen

Question:

508 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 10 November 2009, the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23172/10]

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy received approval in November 2009 for capital funding on to build one additional classroom.

Subsequently, the school authority applied for funding to build another additional classroom. This application was not successful as the approval in November 2009 was considered sufficient to meet the school's accommodation needs. A letter issued to the school in May 2010 informing them of this decision.

In addition, the school was recently approved under Summer Works 2010 for the provision of access ramps to two school entrances and toilet facilities for special needs pupils.

Special Educational Needs

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

509 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has only been allocated 1.5 hours resource assistance per week when they begin secondary school in September 2010 in view of the fact that they currently have five hours at primary level; her views on whether that this should be increased in line with recommendations included in a report compiled by the National Educational Psychological Service; if she will endeavour to have their resource hours increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23184/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants to primary and post primary schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Schools Building Projects

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

510 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Galway which is anxious to advance its project in view of the fact that its planning permission is due to expire later in 2010; when it is likely that the next public private partnership bundle will be announced; and if this school will be included on that list. [23198/10]

The school referred to by the Deputy was announced in 2005 as one of the 27 schools included in my Department's PPP school building programme. A site has been purchased by City of Galway VEC for the provision of a new school building.

My Department is now in the process of identifying what school projects might be eligible for consideration for inclusion in a 4th bundle of PPP schools and the school in question is being considered in that context.

The nature of procurement via Public Private Partnership is that a Bundle of school projects is offered to the market together. The other issues which have to be considered in the timing and bundling of schools include outline planning permission being secured, geographical spread and the total committed cost of the proposed bundle.

The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a Bundle of Public Private Partnership schools currently stands at approximately 4 years for the date the Bundle is announced.

Special Educational Needs

Damien English

Question:

511 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) in County Meath has not been allocated a full-time shared special needs assistant despite the recommendations from physiotherapist, occupational therapist and child psychologist; the justification used for this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23201/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

The Deputy will be aware that the responsibility for deciding on the quantum of educational resources to be allocated to pupils with special educational needs resides with the NCSE through the SENO. I wish to assure the Deputy that consideration of professional reports is an integral part of determining the extent of supports to be provided for pupils with special educational needs. The NCSE has outlined the processes involved in the consideration of applications for special needs supports in its Circular 01/05 which is available on www.ncse.ie.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

School Staffing

Olwyn Enright

Question:

512 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to her commitment that there would be limited alleviation of the current moratorium on posts in secondary schools, when schools will be notified of the form this limited alleviation will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23208/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

513 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to her commitment that there would be limited alleviation of the current moratorium on posts in secondary schools, the form such alleviation will take; if the criteria for filling these posts will remain as before in voluntary secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23209/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 513 together.

When the moratorium was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal appointments in all primary and post-primary schools and these continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium is therefore limited to the Assistant Principal and Special Duties allowances payable to teachers on promotion.

I am conscious that the impact of the moratorium on middle management posts has applied unevenly in schools depending on the level of retirements. Discussions are on-going with the Department of Finance in relation to some limited alleviation for schools that are acutely affected by the impact of the moratorium. Schools will be advised of the outcome of the discussions at the earliest possible stage so that they can plan ahead for the coming school year.

It is a matter for school authorities to re-organise and prioritise, as best as possible, the appropriate duties for post of responsibility holders in the context of implementing the moratorium.

Mary Upton

Question:

514 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the review of the general allocation model will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23217/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

515 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in a DEIS band 2 school, an increase in total numbers, the ratio of boys to girls, the ratio of boys to girls with special needs will be taken into account when reviewing the general allocation model; if she will identify the criteria that will apply; the frequency with which reviews take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23218/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the General Allocation Model (GAM) was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs.

When the GAM commenced, a commitment was given to carry out a review after three years of operation. This review commenced in 2008. The process involved engaging with the Education Partners which includes parent, management and union interests in the context of securing their views on the model's operation.

Any decision in relation to the operation of the model will be taken in the context of the outcome of the review, the resources available and the competing demands for resources generally in the education system.

The review is at an advanced stage and is currently being considered within my Department. It is expected that the review will be completed this year.

Special Educational Needs

Willie Penrose

Question:

516 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will take steps to ensure that a special needs assistant is appointed to assist a pupil (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23231/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Departmental Correspondence

Thomas Byrne

Question:

517 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if correspondence to her Department (details supplied) will be replied to. [23246/10]

I will arrange for officials of my Department to respond to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy as soon as possible.

School Staffing

Michael McGrath

Question:

518 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a staffing appeal submitted by a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [23248/10]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

519 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will give favourable consideration to an appeal by a school (details supplied) for the restoration of the tenth mainstream teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23250/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 519 together.

It is open to any Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0021/2010 which is available on my Department's website. I understand that the school referred to by the Deputies has submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board. The school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal in the normal way. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Teaching Qualifications

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

520 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline the level of financial support given, by the State, either directly or indirectly, to each of the teacher training colleges here over the past five years in tabular format; the ethos of each of these respective training colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23308/10]

St. Patrick's College, Mary Immaculate College, Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire Marino were established as Catholic Colleges of Education. However, they each now have links with third level colleges and accept students of all faiths and none. Entry is based on points achieved in the Leaving Certificate examination. Religious affiliation is not used by any of the Catholic Colleges of Education as an entry requirement.

The situation with the Church of Ireland College of Education is somewhat different as its remit is to provide an adequate supply of primary teachers capable of upholding and maintaining the distinctive ethos and spirit of Protestant national schools. Entry is based on points achieved in the Leaving Certificate Examination and appropriate numbers of places on the Bachelor of Education Degree programme are reserved for students who are members of recognised Churches in the Protestant tradition. Remaining available places can be made available to other candidates.

Hibernia College does not receive state funding. It has no religious affiliation. The following table outlines funding to the Colleges over the past five years.

Funding — Colleges of Education

College

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010 to date

Froebel College

2,862,988

2,942,498

3,335,251

3,023,897

533,325

Coláiste Mhuire, MIE

4,148,408

4,159,376

4,932,172

4,742,393

839,091

CICE

1,867,366

2,481,349

2,912,191

2,528,259

899,519

St Patrick’s College

13,019,687

16,448,667

17,309,339

16,211,804

13,479,638*

Mary Immaculate College

14,858,394

18,890,674

20,292,671

19,189,140

16,214,453*

*Provisional figures from HEA.

Question No. 521 answered with Question No. 488.

School Transport

Brian Hayes

Question:

522 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the decrease in the number of students using school transport in the 2009-10 year compared with the previous school year; if she considers this to be linked to the increase in school transport fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23319/10]

The revised annual charges for school transport have been confined to eligible and concessionary post-primary children (€300) and primary children availing of concessionary transport (€200). Charges for school transport continue to be waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card. Eligible children attending primary schools and children with special needs will still travel free. A maximum family rate of €650 also applies.

Bus Éireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department confirmed that the overall decrease in the number of students using school transport was approx. 10,000 (or 7%) when compared with the 2008/2009 figure of approx. 135,000 using the service.

This decrease occurred at post primary level while the numbers of eligible primary students using the school transport service increased slightly and the numbers of children with special educational needs remained consistent.

It is considered that the decrease in the uptake of school transport services at post primary level was due in part to the increased post primary charges in 2009/2010.

Scéimeanna Tógála Scoile

Dinny McGinley

Question:

523 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le scoil úr (sonraí tugtha); an bhfuil suíomh ceannaithe; an bhfuil cead pleanála faighte; agus cén staid ina bhfuil an tionscnamh faoi láthair. [23373/10]

Is mian liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuil mo chuid oifigigh tar éis conarthaí a shíniú don suíomh i gceist. Beidh feidhm leis na conarthaí ar choinníoll go ndéanfar Cead deiridh Pleanála a dheonadh ar mo Roinnse. Tá mo Roinnse ag súil le hiarratas ar Chead Pleanála a chur faoi bhráid an Údaráis Áitiúil insna seachtainí seo chugainn.

Machnófar cur chun cinn na dtionscadal ar scála mór go léir, an tionscadal seo san áireamh, ó chéim an dearaidh tosaigh go dtí an tógáil san áireamh, i gcomhthéacs an chláir tógala agus nuachóirithe scoileanna. I bhfianaise an leibhéal éilimh ar bhuiséad caipitil na Roinne, áfach, ní féidir scála ama táscach do chur chun cinn an tionscadail a thabhairt ag an dtráth seo.

Higher Education Grants

Phil Hogan

Question:

524 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the conditions for grant assistance for mature students at third level in view of recent budgetary changes; and if she will outline the assistance that is available for second chance education with particular reference to institutes of technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23445/10]

From September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants including mature students, who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all schemes and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, will be ineligible for student maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met, for eligible students, by the Exchequer on their behalf. They should apply to their assessing authority to have their eligibility assessed.

Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course, provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the scheme. Students progressing to a new course, with effect from 2010/11, will no longer be eligible for student maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.

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

Under the student grant schemes all mature candidates, if approved, are automatically provided with the higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance which, this year, ranges from €810 to €6,355 depending on individual circumstances. The entitlement to the non-adjacent rate applies regardless of how far the college is from the mature candidate's residence and whether or not the candidate is dependent on or independent of his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).

There is a growing number of second chance students entering higher education. The numbers entering higher education from further education have increased substantially in recent years, up from 2.7% of entrants in 2005 to over 10% in 2008.

In addition, revised criteria for the 2010 grant schemes require that the duration of the break in studies required for re-entry as a mature candidate has been increased from one year to three years, providing for greater targeting of support to genuine mature students.

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