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].

Income Levels

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the income distribution of persons aged 65 years and over according to the income distribution bands of the Central Statistics Office EU-SILC weekly equivalised income deciles (details supplied) when you do not include social State transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24090/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy John Curran)

The latest published SILC results are for reference year 2008. Table 1 below shows the distribution of persons by age group across the published SILC income bands when social transfers are excluded from income. Table 2 shows the average income of those persons referred to in table 1 when social transfers are excluded.

Table 1: Distribution of persons by SILC 2008 income band by age group, based on income excluding social transfers
Decile	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Weekly threshold (€)	<212.67	<256.19	<296.49	<341.17	<397.82	<450.92	<524.45	<612.25	<769.99	>769.99
Age group	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
0-17	38.0	7.8	5.4	8.0	8.8	7.8	6.4	6.5	6.0	5.3
18-64	32.2	6.7	4.5	6.0	8.5	7.4	6.8	8.7	9.7	9.5
65+	84.3	2.4	2.3	1.9	2.1	1.2	1.5	1.1	1.3	2.0

Table 2: Average weekly equivalised income excluding social transfers by SILC 2008 income band and age
Decile	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Weekly threshold (€)	<212.67	<256.19	<296.49	<341.17	<397.82	<450.92	<524.45	<612.25	<769.99	>769.99
Average Weekly Equivalised Income	€	€	€	€	€	€	€	€	€	€
Net Disposable Income (less social transfers)
0-17	82.51	235.79	273.09	316.73	371.60	419.77	485.29	565.98	690.75	1,369.56
18-64	79.81	235.84	274.56	316.89	368.99	421.88	487.58	565.82	682.32	1,117.32
65+	23.45	236.07	274.29	315.99	368.25	425.28	491.34	564.96	667.39	1,221.46

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

2 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s Governance Support Division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24393/10]

The Taoiseach

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the aegis of my Department. I am satisfied that the NESDO complies with the relevant aspects of the code of practice, as well as the statutory requirements placed on the Office by the NESDO Act 2006.

My Department is currently reviewing the governance arrangements in relation to the NESDO in light of the recent Government decision to amalgamate its three constituent bodies by absorbing the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) into the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).

Unemployment Levels

Arthur Morgan

Question:

3 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on the Live Register in December 2009, broken down by age, gender and county; the number of persons on the Live Register in December 2008, broken down by age, gender and county; the number of persons on the Live Register in December 2007, broken down by age, gender and county; the number of persons on the Live Register in April 2007, broken down by age, gender and county; the number of persons on the Live Register in April 2002, broken down by age, gender and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24571/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy John Curran)

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

The following table shows the number of persons on the Live Register broken down by age, gender and county in December 2009, December 2008, December 2007, April 2007 and April 2002.

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 Jobseekers 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
December 2009	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

Persons on the Live Register in December 2008, by gender, age and county.
December 2008	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	693	2,713	3,406	404	1,258	1,662	1,097	3,971	5,068
Donegal County	2,533	7,570	10,103	1,256	3,895	5,151	3,789	11,465	15,254
Leitrim County	316	1,365	1,681	129	689	818	445	2,054	2,499
Louth County	1,660	6,074	7,734	815	2,866	3,681	2,475	8,940	11,415
Monaghan County	559	2,282	2,841	286	1,170	1,456	845	3,452	4,297
Sligo County	531	1,893	2,424	270	835	1,105	801	2,728	3,529
Laoighis County	845	2,845	3,690	427	1,259	1,686	1,272	4,104	5,376
Longford County	529	2,092	2,621	285	926	1,211	814	3,018	3,832
Offaly County	855	2,994	3,849	476	1,286	1,762	1,331	4,280	5,611
Westmeath County	1,028	3,621	4,649	631	1,993	2,624	1,659	5,614	7,273
Galway County	2,294	8,614	10,908	1,202	4,337	5,539	3,496	12,951	16,447
Mayo County	1,223	4,618	5,841	606	2,322	2,928	1,829	6,940	8,769
Roscommon County	417	1,453	1,870	178	645	823	595	2,098	2,693
Dublin County	9,661	36,131	45,792	4,766	16,608	21,374	14,427	52,739	67,166
Kildare County	1,635	6,067	7,702	789	3,026	3,815	2,424	9,093	11,517
Meath County	911	3,714	4,625	442	1,910	2,352	1,353	5,624	6,977
Wicklow County	1,094	4,379	5,473	449	2,157	2,606	1,543	6,536	8,079
Clare County	1,009	3,774	4,783	480	2,236	2,716	1,489	6,010	7,499
Limerick County	2,073	7,433	9,506	1,143	3,350	4,493	3,216	10,783	13,999
North Tipperary	625	2,151	2,776	317	1,241	1,558	942	3,392	4,334
Carlow County	656	2,373	3,029	296	1,000	1,296	952	3,373	4,325
Kilkenny County	709	2,717	3,426	362	1,183	1,545	1,071	3,900	4,971
South Tipperary	985	3,203	4,188	400	1,290	1,690	1,385	4,493	5,878
Waterford County	1,477	5,518	6,995	727	2,727	3,454	2,204	8,245	10,449
Wexford County	1,854	6,595	8,449	1,005	3,520	4,525	2,859	10,115	12,974
Cork County	3,654	14,898	18,552	1,795	7,280	9,075	5,449	22,178	27,627
Kerry County	1,439	6,229	7,668	797	3,695	4,492	2,236	9,924	12,160
State	41,265	153,316	194,581	20,733	74,704	95,437	61,998	228,020	290,018

Persons on the Live Register in December 2007, by gender, age and county.
December 2007	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	329	1,267	1,596	212	820	1,032	541	2,087	2,628
Donegal County	1,161	4,353	5,514	788	2,805	3,593	1,949	7,158	9,107
Leitrim County	148	723	871	91	480	571	239	1,203	1,442
Louth County	891	3,491	4,382	468	2,042	2,510	1,359	5,533	6,892
Monaghan County	230	1,133	1,363	155	739	894	385	1,872	2,257
Sligo County	287	1,121	1,408	145	583	728	432	1,704	2,136
Laoighis County	400	1,320	1,720	236	831	1,067	636	2,151	2,787
Longford County	328	1,228	1,556	173	649	822	501	1,877	2,378
Offaly County	430	1,608	2,038	288	956	1,244	718	2,564	3,282
Westmeath County	529	1,899	2,428	334	1,340	1,674	863	3,239	4,102
Galway County	1,182	4,792	5,974	741	3,040	3,781	1,923	7,832	9,755
Mayo County	589	2,569	3,158	340	1,591	1,931	929	4,160	5,089
Roscommon County	199	746	945	94	473	567	293	1,219	1,512
Dublin County	5,326	21,578	26,904	2,685	11,243	13,928	8,011	32,821	40,832
Kildare County	724	2,894	3,618	411	2,032	2,443	1,135	4,926	6,061
Meath County	380	1,698	2,078	225	1,254	1,479	605	2,952	3,557
Wicklow County	572	2,356	2,928	276	1,407	1,683	848	3,763	4,611
Clare County	523	2,186	2,709	313	1,674	1,987	836	3,860	4,696
Limerick County	1,060	4,238	5,298	680	2,258	2,938	1,740	6,496	8,236
North Tipperary	282	1,121	1,403	186	879	1,065	468	2,000	2,468
Carlow County	330	1,203	1,533	177	738	915	507	1,941	2,448
Kilkenny County	332	1,402	1,734	189	769	958	521	2,171	2,692
South Tipperary	505	1,619	2,124	275	889	1,164	780	2,508	3,288
Waterford County	860	3,269	4,129	488	2,008	2,496	1,348	5,277	6,625
Wexford County	948	3,467	4,415	638	2,458	3,096	1,586	5,925	7,511
Cork County	1,911	8,698	10,609	1,037	5,050	6,087	2,948	13,748	16,696
Kerry County	712	3,551	4,263	476	2,549	3,025	1,188	6,100	7,288
State	21,168	85,530	106,698	12,121	51,557	63,678	33,289	137,087	170,376

Persons on the Live Register in April 2007, by gender, age and county.
April 2007	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	241	1,098	1339	177	809	986	418	1,907	2,325
Donegal County	972	4,059	5,031	760	2,697	3,457	1,732	6,756	8,488
Leitrim County	91	530	621	74	440	514	165	970	1,135
Louth County	808	3,214	4,022	500	2,050	2,550	1,308	5,264	6,572
Monaghan County	194	949	1,143	158	728	886	352	1677	2,029
Sligo County	268	946	1,214	138	517	655	406	1,463	1,869
Laoighis County	281	925	1206	229	747	976	510	1,672	2,182
Longford County	258	939	1,197	201	627	828	459	1,566	2,025
Offaly County	334	1,334	1,668	263	893	1,156	597	2,227	2,824
Westmeath County	475	1,611	2,086	388	1,261	1,649	863	2,872	3,735
Galway County	1,048	4,296	5,344	728	2,926	3,654	1,776	7,222	8,998
Mayo County	518	2,183	2,701	326	1,541	1,867	844	3,724	4,568
Roscommon County	151	605	756	81	434	515	232	1,039	1,271
Dublin County	5140	20,377	25,517	2,775	10,641	13,416	7,915	31,018	38,933
Kildare County	594	2,521	3,115	389	1,930	2,319	983	4,451	5,434
Meath County	333	1,404	1,737	229	1,115	1,344	562	2,519	3,081
Wicklow County	487	2,146	2,633	256	1,322	1,578	743	3,468	4,211
Clare County	418	1,771	2,189	278	1,448	1,726	696	3,219	3,915
Limerick County	1,004	3,673	4,677	652	1,898	2,550	1,656	5,571	7,227
North Tipperary	261	1,001	1,262	197	793	990	458	1,794	2,252
Carlow County	248	950	1,198	201	667	868	449	1,617	2,066
Kilkenny County	296	1,191	1,487	220	748	968	516	1,939	2,455
South Tipperary	404	1,400	1,804	270	778	1,048	674	2,178	2,852
Waterford County	759	3,066	3,825	489	1,909	2,398	1,248	4,975	6,223
Wexford County	686	2,955	3,641	609	2,337	2,946	1,295	5,292	6,587
Cork County	1,614	7,578	9,192	1,000	4,667	5,667	2,614	12,245	14,859
Kerry County	593	2,924	3,517	446	2,240	2,686	1,039	5,164	6,203
State	18,476	75,646	94,122	12,034	48,163	60,197	30,510	123,809	154,319

Persons on the Live Register in April 2002, by gender, age and county.
April 2002	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	198	972	1,170	131	603	734	329	1575	1,904
Donegal County	1,143	4,884	6,027	871	2,831	3,702	2,014	7,715	9,729
Leitrim County	77	552	629	54	416	470	131	968	1,099
Louth County	965	3,522	4,487	618	2,576	3,194	1,583	6,098	7,681
Monaghan County	300	1,260	1,560	190	861	1,051	490	2,121	2,611
Sligo County	292	1,147	1,439	201	742	943	493	1,889	2,382
Laoighis County	249	907	1,156	182	699	881	431	1,606	2,037
Longford County	195	797	992	130	537	667	325	1,334	1,659
Offaly County	276	1,161	1,437	209	875	1,084	485	2,036	2,521
Westmeath County	314	1,395	1,709	316	1,151	1,467	630	2,546	3,176
Galway County	974	4,216	5,190	734	2,695	3,429	1,708	6,911	8,619
Mayo County	551	3,153	3,704	339	2,036	2,375	890	5,189	6,079
Roscommon County	113	777	890	96	496	592	209	1,273	1,482
Dublin County	4,761	19,967	24,728	2,700	11,518	14,218	7,461	31,485	38,946
Kildare County	460	1,920	2,380	329	1,423	1,752	789	3,343	4,132
Meath County	306	1,381	1,687	215	975	1,190	521	2,356	2,877
Wicklow County	460	1,926	2,386	274	1,331	1,605	734	3,257	3,991
Clare County	348	1,595	1,943	234	1,247	1,481	582	2,842	3,424
Limerick County	903	3,620	4,523	549	2,310	2,859	1,452	5,930	7,382
North Tipperary	244	978	1,222	189	717	906	433	1695	2,128
Carlow County	246	984	1,230	192	706	898	438	1,690	2,128
Kilkenny County	262	1,128	1,390	163	675	838	425	1,803	2,228
South Tipperary	433	1,696	2,129	282	1,079	1,361	715	2,775	3,490
Waterford County	657	2,668	3,325	435	1,871	2,306	1,092	4,539	5,631
Wexford County	696	2,970	3,666	618	2,261	2,879	1,314	5,231	6,545
Cork County	1,880	8,561	10,441	1,188	5,154	6,342	3,068	13,715	16,783
Kerry County	533	2,805	3,338	370	1,865	2,235	903	4,670	5,573
State	17,836	76,942	94,778	11,809	49,650	61,459	29,645	126,592	156,237

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

4 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24604/10]

The Taoiseach

The contract for the Director of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is approved by the Department of Finance and all remuneration to the Director of the NESC is in accordance with the salary scales and guidelines issued by that Department. The salary for the Director of the NESC is the same as that applicable to the Civil Service grade of Assistant Secretary, and is currently €146,191. The current Director of the NESC also receives an allowance of 16.66% in lieu of pension. He does not receive any additional salary or allowance as Chief Executive Officer of the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO).

Expo 2010 Shanghai

Noel Ahern

Question:

5 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the strategy for follow-up in order to capitalise on our investment in the Shanghai International Exhibition 2010 from a tourism, industrial and education point of view; and if a statement will be made on the matter in relation to the level and named Irish agencies operating there; if marketing is outsourced and so on; and if it is intended to recruit local staff with knowledge of the Irish scene on the subsequent marketing and sale campaign. [24078/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

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 that come under the aegis of my Department have a permanent operational presence in the pavilion.

In relation to the Deputy's specific point on a strategy for follow-up, my Department and the development agencies have engaged with the Department of An Taoiseach to ensure that any opportunities for potential trade or investment benefits for Ireland, which could flow from our involvement in the Expo, will be pursued.

Work Permits

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

6 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will give migrant workers in the employment permit system the right to change employment in their job category; and his views on whether permit holders deserve the basic right to change employer. [24400/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Dara Calleary)

Since 2004, a key element of Irish labour market policy has been to ensure that general labour and skills needs are met from indigenous labour and from within the workforce of the European Union. For strategic skills or labour shortages in designated occupations in key economic sectors, Government policy is to issue employment permits for the employment of non-EEA nationals for specific vacancies and in response to employer demand. The various schemes that give effect to such policies — Green Cards, Work Permits, Spousal and Dependant Work Permits and permits for Intra-company Transferees — were introduced following enactment of the Employment Permits Act, 2006 and came into effect on 1st February 2007.

In early 2009, the Department undertook a review of employment permit arrangements to ensure their ongoing relevance to the needs of the Irish labour market. As an outcome of this review, more stringent eligibility criteria were implemented for prospective new entrants to the work permit schemes from 1st June 2009 onwards.

The Employment Permits Act 2006 provides immigrants with 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. The Act also allows 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.

It is important to retain the current arrangements which operate also to protect employees as it allows the system to trace employers who employ permit holders. I believe that the current arrangements for moving jobs are sufficiently flexible. 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.

Although employment permits are employer and location specific, it is the case that the Department currently makes best efforts to facilitate those who encounter difficult situations and who wish to change employers, with new employment permits. In the past year, for instance, almost 1,500 new employment permits were issued in respect of employees changing to new employers. These permit applications were issued without regard to the normal requirements of advertising the position in daily newspapers and with FÁS.

Exploitation in the labour market is unacceptable and I urge all who find themselves in this position, including employees on employment permits or persons who know of such a situation, to contact the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) who will investigate these matters. While reporting of breaches can sometimes present difficulties for employees who hold permits linked to a particular employer, I would remind the Deputy that NERA will also act on complaints made to them anonymously.

The Employment Permits Act 2006 provides for regular review of Ireland's economic migration policies and my Department keeps these policies under review on an on-going basis.

EU Directives

Michael Fitzpatrick

Question:

7 Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the reason his Department deleted paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 2 of Statutory Instrument No. 220 of 2010, the European Communities (Statutory Audits) (Directive 2006/43/EC) Regulations 2010, that were contained in earlier drafts; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the recognised accountancy bodies has made representations on this matter seeking discussions on the decision to delete these paragraphs to which they did not receive any reply from his Department in advance of the signing of the regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24086/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

Directive 2006/43/EC was transposed by means of S.I. No. 220 of 2010 on 20th May, 2010. No amendments have been made to the Regulations since and no paragraphs have been deleted from Schedule 2 of S.I. No. 220 of 2010.

In June 2007, the Department established a group consisting of the six Recognised Accountancy Bodies (RABs) and the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) to assist with the transposition of the Directive. The group met at regular intervals and considered each of the Articles of the Directive in detail. The Department undertook a formal written consultation in July 2008 in relation to Articles 9, 11 and 12 concerning optional derogations from standards of knowledge, education, competence and training for auditors.

The majority of the recognised accountancy bodies were strongly of the view that to avail of the derogations provided in these Articles could seriously diminish the quality and status of the professional qualification. In addition, the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), which has responsibility for promoting adherence to high professional standards in the auditing and accountancy profession, were concerned about any dilution in educational standards relating to qualification. In its view this could seriously compromise the integrity of the system of auditor qualification in Ireland. In the light of these views, it was decided not to avail of these derogations and this was communicated to the group in advance of making the Regulations.

I am aware that representations have been made by one of the recognised accountancy bodies and a reply will issue to this body on the issues raised as soon as possible.

Work Permits

Finian McGrath

Question:

8 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the various schemes and programmes that allow non-EU nationals to work in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24163/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Dara Calleary)

Under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 a non-EEA national must hold a valid employment permit issued by my Department or have other relevant permission from the Department of Justice and Law Reform to work in the State.

The Employment Permits Section of my Department processes employment permit applications under the different Employment Permit Schemes (Green Cards, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant and Intra-company Transfer). All applications under these Schemes are processed in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2006.

The four types of schemes operated under the Employment Permits legislation are:

Green Card Scheme

The Green Card Scheme is for occupations where there are strategically important high-level skills shortages. The Green Card Scheme is available for an extensive list of occupations with annual salaries of €60,000 and above, and for a specified list of occupations with salaries between €30,000 and €60,000.

This list of occupations has been identified after taking advice from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and is reviewed on a regular basis with its assistance. The list includes professional and associate professional occupations where we have skill shortages, such as in the Information and Communications Technology, Health Care, Engineering, Financial Services and Research sectors. The full list is posted on my Department's website at www.deti.ie.

No labour market test is required for the Green Card applications, so advertising with FAS and the European Employment Services — EURES, and in newspapers is not necessary. Green Cards are issued for two years initially and will normally lead to the granting of permanent or long-term residence after that. Green Card holders are also permitted to bring their spouses and families to join them immediately.

Work Permits Scheme

The second type of employment permit scheme is a Work Permit scheme. The Work Permit is mainly for non-Green Card occupations in the €30,000 to €60,000 annual salary range. It is only granted in exceptional circumstances for occupations with salaries below €30,000.

In order to establish that vacancies which are the subject of Work Permit applications cannot be filled by Irish or other European nationals, as required by our EU `Community preference' obligations, they are the subject of a rigorous labour market needs test. This test includes both advertising with FAS and the European Employment Services, or EURES, and in local and national newspapers.

There are also a number of categories of employment for which Work Permits will not to be considered, because it is clear that they can be filled from within the EEA. These occupations are also detailed on my Department's website.

Work permits are granted initially for a period of 2 years, and then, upon renewal, for a further period of up to 3 years.

Intra-Company Transfer Scheme

The Intra-Company transfer scheme is for trans-national senior management, key personnel and trainees. This facility is designed to allow multi-national companies to transfer this cohort of staff between branches in different countries, or to transfer staff with particular skills, knowledge and expertise here on a temporary basis in a start-up situation.

These permits are only available for those with annual salaries above €40,000 who can clearly show that they fit into one of these three categories and who have been with the sending company for one year.

These permits are for a period of two years initially, with the possibility of an extension for up to a further three years. No labour market needs test is required in respect of Intra-Company Transfer applications.

Spousal/Dependant Scheme

The fourth scheme is the Spousal/Dependant Scheme, which allows the spouses and dependants of specific Employment Permit holders who are entitled to reside here to apply for Work Permits. This allows the spouses and dependants of work permit holders to help support their families. These applications do not require a labour market needs test and may be in respect of any occupation in the labour market.

Advertising Agencies

Liz McManus

Question:

9 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if, in view of the recent collapse of a major advertising agency and the attendant financial losses to small and medium enterprise dealing with that company, he will ensure that advertising agencies are properly regulated and bonded to protect their clients into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24185/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I have no functional responsibility in relation to the regulation of advertising agencies and, hence, I have no plans to require that they be bonded.

Advertising agencies, like all companies, are covered by the provisions of the Companies Acts and creditors, including SMEs, can exercise their rights in accordance with those provisions.

If creditors are aware of any breaches of company law, they should refer the matter to the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

Israeli Imports

Sean Sherlock

Question:

10 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount of imported goods from Israel for the year 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24192/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

In 2009, Ireland imported goods from Israel to the value of €82.4 million. Services imports from that country for 2008, the last year for which data is available, were valued at €75 million.

The most recent figures for this year show that Ireland imported goods to the value of €11.1 million from Israel for the period January – February 2010.

Departmental Expenditure

Leo Varadkar

Question:

11 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the full cost of moving all Enterprise Ireland offices to a single location in East Point, Dublin 3; the cost per year of leasing office space in East Point; the length of time for which a lease has been signed; if Enterprise Ireland rents car park spaces in Dublin; if so, the number of same and the cost; if there were additional staff costs associated with moving Enterprise Ireland to East Point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24253/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

When Enterprise Ireland was established in 1998 it became a strategic objective to bring all Dublin based staff together in one location. This was achieved with the move to East Point Business Park in September 2008. Until this time, Enterprise Ireland occupied four office locations in Dublin, primarily as a result of the amalgamation of various state agencies into a single organisation over a number of years to support indigenous enterprise. From an operational perspective, occupying four separate locations in Dublin was not satisfactory for an Agency mandated to provide a range of services and expertise in a holistic manner across several critical business functions.

The capital cost of moving from four Dublin based Enterprise Ireland offices to a single location at East Point amounted to €24m. A breakdown of these costs is set out in the tabular statement.

The annual cost of leasing the property is €3.55m, which includes rent and service charge. This compares to an annual cost of €4.42m for leasing the previous locations at Merrion Hall, IPC House and a portion of Wilton House – an annual saving of €0.87m. The move to a single location also resulted in operational savings of €1m per annum. Options are being explored regarding the disposal of the Glasnevin site, following which approximately €1m in savings will accrue – which will bring the total savings to approximately €3m per annum. The lease is for 25 years with 10 and 15 year break clauses.

Enterprise Ireland leased 290 car parking spaces from the East Point Management Company. In addition, EI procured an additional 80 spaces from Dublin Port Company — these spaces are primarily used for clients attending Enterprise Ireland events hosted at East Point. The total cost of all spaces is €373,000 per annum.

There was minimal additional staff costs associated with the move. Following a Labour Relations Commission hearing, it was agreed that each staff member would receive a small gratuity and the total cost for 620 staff amounted to €65,000 approximately. The recommendation was in line with agreement reached for other state agency moves.

Breakdown of capital costs associated with moving to East Point
	€m
Fit-out	16.2
Furniture (desks, meeting rooms, audio visual equipment etc)	3.7
I.T Infrastructure	1.8
Professional Fees	2.3
Total	24.0

Job Protection

Terence Flanagan

Question:

12 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if she will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24280/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

As I outlined in my reply to the Deputy on 27 May, the outcome of the meeting was extremely positive. The takeover company has committed to investments already planned by the company acquired and this investment programme will be implemented over the next two years. Investment in new manufacturing technology is currently taking place and is due to be operational by the year-end in the Dublin 17 facility. I understand that there are 963 people employed there out of a total Irish-based workforce of 1,130. Agreements have been reached with all key employee groups at locations in Dublin and Kerry regarding a redundancy programme which will reduce the workforce by approximately 200. This redundancy programme was announced by the company in June 2009, seven months prior to the acquisition.

The Government and Enterprise Ireland have communicated to the takeover company that they are anxious to work in partnership with it to explore and capitalize on strategic opportunities that can be delivered so that growth ambitions are maximized. Enterprise Ireland will continue the process of engaging with the takeover company in relation to building research and innovation capability, improving competitiveness and strengthening manufacturing operations.

Job Creation

Charles Flanagan

Question:

13 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of Industrial Development Authority sponsored jobs created in County Laois in 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24322/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the industrial development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualized basis and therefore figures for 2010 will not be available until early 2011.

The survey shows that in 2007 nine new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in county Laois. There were no new jobs created in IDA supported companies in County Laois in 2008 or 2009.

Departmental Staff

Leo Varadkar

Question:

14 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of Enterprise Ireland overseas positions by geographic breakdown; the number of same for March 2008 and March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24372/10]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

15 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the reason Enterprise Ireland requested the roll over of 53 overseas positions in June 2009; the impact that the sanctioning of only four of these positions has had on services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24373/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

Enterprise Ireland has a network of 30 international offices. The staffing complement of these overseas offices by geographic breakdown for March 2008, 2009 and 2010 is set out in the tabular statement below.

The Public Sector Recruitment Moratorium provides that until the end of 2010, no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, nor payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. Where vacancies arise Departments/agencies must reallocate staff or re-organise work accordingly. Any exceptions to this moratorium will require the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance.

As a result of the moratorium a number of vacant posts have remained unfilled within Enterprise Ireland (EI). These vacancies are as a result of resignations and the expiration of individual contracts.

Enterprise Ireland has a number of staff on fixed term contracts in overseas offices and some of these contracts are due to expire over the next two years. The figure of 53 refers to the number of fixed term contracts which will expire over the period to end 2012. To date, sanction has been received to fill six overseas posts and these staff have been recruited to assist EI client companies operating in key overseas markets such as the UK, Europe and in Asia. The approval to fill these posts has helped to ensure the continuity of services to client companies exporting to these key markets. Enterprise Ireland's overseas offices play an important role in promoting Ireland and assisting their existing client companies to compete and grow their market share in overseas markets.

The situation regarding contracts expiring in 2010, 2011 and 2012 is being monitored and negotiations are ongoing between my Department and the Department of Finance in relation to staffing levels in the context of agreeing an Employment Control Framework for my Department and its agencies to cover the period up to the end 2012.

Region	Overseas Office	March 2008	March 2009	March 2010
US	Palo Alto	2	3	3
	Boston	3	2	3
	New York	11	10	10
	Toronto	1	1	2
	Brazil	0	1	1
UK	London	16	15	14
	Glasgow	3	1	1
Europe	Amsterdam	5	3	2
	Brussels	4	5	5
	Budapest	3	3	1
	Dusseldorf	16	16	15
	Madrid	3	3	4
	Milan	4	5	4
	Moscow	4	4	3
	Paris	8	8	8
	Prague	6	6	4
	Stockholm	4	5	4
	Warsaw	6	6	6
Asia	Beijing	3	4	4
	Dubai	3	5	5
	Guangzhou	1	1	1
	Hong Kong	2	2	2
	India	2	2	2
	Korea	2	2	2
	Kuala Lumpur	1	2	2
	Riyadh	1	2	2
	Shanghai	1	2	2
	Singapore	1	2	2
	Sydney	3	3	3
	Tokyo	5	5	5

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

16 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s Governance Support Division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24386/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The latest Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies circulated by Department of Finance in June 2009, applies to the following agencies under the aegis of my Department:

1. Enterprise Ireland (EI)

2. Industrial Development Authority (IDA)

3. Health and Safety Authority (HSA)

4. Forfás

5. National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI )

6. Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)

7. Shannon Development

8. Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

9. Competition Authority (CA)

10. Labour Relations Commission (LRC)

11. National Consumer Agency (NCA)

12. Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)

13. County & City Enterprise Boards (CEBs)

Ultimately it is the boards and chief executives of State agencies that are responsible for ensuring that effective systems of internal control are maintained and operated.

The Mullarkey Report of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers 2002 recommends that Departmental Accounting Officers should satisfy themselves, through the reporting arrangements, that the requirements of the Code of Practice are being implemented.

Action in my Department to address this includes regular meetings between Departmental Officials and agency personnel, and analysis of documentation obtained from agencies. Training in managing state agency performance is provided to Departmental staff dealing with monitoring compliance with the Code of Practice.

Based on a review by Departmental staff, there is a high level of compliance with the Code of Practice. Further assurance is taken from unqualified audit certificates provided by the Comptroller and Auditors General on annual financial statements of these agencies.

Industrial Development

Brian O'Shea

Question:

17 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will promote the site of the former cheese factory at Kilmeaden, County Waterford with potential investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24412/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The promotion of land banks to potential investors is the responsibility of IDA Ireland. The Agency was part of a team that assisted the company concerned in producing promotional material on the facility and site in Kilmeaden. The Agency has circulated the marketing and promotional material on the facility and site to its network of overseas offices. The Agency will promote the site for mobile overseas investment as appropriate.

Enterprise Ireland has made its regional and international staff aware of the availability of this land and continues to provide support within the realm of its remit.

The company concerned set up the ‘Kilmeaden Task Force Group' in 2009 and Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Waterford County Council and Waterford Chamber are actively involved. There have been meetings held on an almost monthly basis.

Employment Rights

Finian McGrath

Question:

18 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford. [24416/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The Employment Equality Act, 1998 and the Equal Status Act, 2000, are within the remit of the Minister for Community, Equality, and Gaeltacht Affairs. They outlaw discrimination in employment on the grounds of, among other matters, gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation and religious belief.

Discrimination is described in Section 6 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 as the treatment of a person in a less favourable way than another person is, has been or would be treated on any of the above, and other, grounds.

A complaint of discrimination must be made to the Equality Authority within the 6-month time limit from the last act of discrimination. The 6-month time limit can be extended up to 12 months by the Authority's Director ‘for reasonable cause'. Complaints should be addressed to the Equality Authority, Clonmel Street (off Harcourt Street), Dublin 2, Telephone (01) 417 3333, LoCall 1890 245 545, Website: www.equality.ie E-mail: info@equality.ie

In addition, employment rights legislation has provisions whereby workers who believe that they have been denied their entitlements, or otherwise unfairly treated, can, take the matter before a Commissioner in the Rights Commissioner Service of the Labour Relations Commission, Telephone: (01) 613 6700 or Lo call: 1890 220 227 (outside (01) area).

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) also deals with complaints in relation to employment rights legislation by carrying out inspections on employers. When evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the NERA Inspector seeks redress for the individual/s concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. NERA's Inspection Services can be contacted on Lo-Call 1890 220 100 or Email: inspection@employmentrights.ie A complaint form is available on www.employmentrights.ie

Small and Medium Enterprises

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

19 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will report on his meeting with a bank (details supplied) in the week of 17 May 2010 regarding the availability of working capital to small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24435/10]

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

20 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has met with each of the Irish banks concerning the availability of working capital to small businesses; if he will provide separate reports on the outcome of his meetings with each bank (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24436/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.

I met separately with Allied Irish Banks, Anglo Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland during the week beginning 17 May 2010. These were private meetings held with each bank to discuss the availability of bank credit for businesses, especially SMEs.

At the meetings, I raised concerns about the claims of many small businesses that some bankers were stonewalling loan requests and were not providing credit to viable enterprises. I reminded the banks of the purpose of the recapitalisation package and of the huge investment of taxpayers' money into the banks aimed at getting our economy moving again.

The banks assured me that they were fully committed to supporting businesses and would meet the requirements laid down for them in the recapitalisation package of 30 March 2010. Their message was that they were open for business and available to provide credit to viable businesses. The two main banks had submitted plans to the Department of Finance and the Credit Review Office on how they intended to meet their requirements and these plans are being reviewed.

Since my meetings, there has been considerable activity and announcements by the banks relating to supports available for the business sector, particularly for SMEs. I welcome these activities and these announcements.

As I have said in the past, however, the promises and activities of the banks must be matched with specific commitments and increased lending. All viable businesses must get appropriate access to bank credit.

The banks' performance in meeting their obligations under the recapitalisation scheme will be closely monitored by Government. I want to see our banks, which have been rescued at enormous cost to the taxpayer, acting responsibly and in the best interests of small businesses so that we can create jobs in the domestic economy and advance our recovery as a nation.

I will meet with the banks in the future, as necessary, to ensure that they are providing sufficient credit to the business sector.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

21 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24597/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

As regards non-commercial State-sponsored bodies, the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector advises the Government from time to time on the general levels of remunerations appropriate for senior posts across the public service including CEOS of non-commercial State-sponsored bodies. As it is not feasible for the Review Body to examine the chief executive posts in all of the non-commercial State-sponsored bodies on every occasion, the practice is that it examines a selection of posts for each general review. Specific Review Body recommendations are sanctioned by the Department of Finance once they have been approved by Government. The Department of Finance then determines the appropriate rate of remuneration for the remaining CEO posts in the non-commercial State sponsored bodies by reference to the recommendations of the posts examined.

The information set out in the following tables is the current salary of each CEO of each State Agency under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. Personal Pension Contribution rate (PPC rate) denotes where personal pension contributions are being made. There have been no breaches of the arrangements as sanctioned by the Department of Finance.

Department of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation
Non PPC Rate
	€	€	€	€
Competition Authority —Chairperson	156,240
County Enterprise Boards	67,115	to	87,126
Enterprise Ireland	179,659
FÁS	179,659
Forfás	179,659
Health and Safety Authority	127,796	133,605	139,898	146,191
IAASA	119,373
IDA Ireland	179,659
Labour Relations Commission	156,241
National Consumer Agency (personal)	168,000
NSAI (personal to holder)	138,894
Personal Injuries Assessment Board	159,959
Science Foundation Ireland*	175,999
SFADCO	138,894

PPC Rate
	€	€	€	€
Competition Authority —Chairperson	164,464
County Enterprise Boards	N/A
Enterprise Ireland	189,115
FÁS	189,115
Forfás	189,115
Health and Safety Authority	134,523	140,636	147,262	153,885
IAASA	125,655
IDA Ireland	189,115
Labour Relations Commission	164,464
National Consumer Agency (personal)	176,800
NSAI (personal to holder)	146,205
Personal Injuries Assessment Board	168,379
Science Foundation Ireland*	180,109
SFADCO	146,205

*In addition to a base salary of €180,109 per annum (PPC rate) the current Director General of Science Foundation Ireland receives an allowance of €79,588 in the nature of pay on a personal basis, in recognition of his international research experience and expertise, as approved by the Minister for Finance.

Work Permits

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

22 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to change the current employment system which binds a worker to the employer named in the permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24645/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The Employment Permits Act 2006 provides for regular review of Ireland's economic migration policies and my Department keeps these policies under review on an on-going basis.

Job Protection

Mary Wallace

Question:

23 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has information regarding the 200 jobs announced in February 2010 by a company (details supplied); if he will clarify the grant aid or Industrial Development Authority that was provided for these jobs; if his attention has been drawn to the news announcement on 21 April 2010 that there would be job cuts of over 300 in July 2010 in the same company; if he will clarify the information that is available to the workers who fear that they will be let go in July 2010 and who have not been given any clear information regarding the job cuts; the action he or the IDA will take to ensure that this grant aided company gives clearer information to these workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24789/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

On 24th March 2010, IBM announced the establishment of IBM's first Smarter Cities Technology Centre. The Centre will be located in Dublin where IBM will build a highly skilled and cross-disciplinary team to help cities around the world better understand, interconnect and manage their core operational systems such as transport, communication, water and energy.

The new Smarter Cities Technology Centre will create as many as 200 new roles in an IDA-supported investment of up to EUR 66 million over the next three years. The team of subject matter experts will work with city authorities, universities, small and large businesses as well as experts from IBM Research and the company's Software Development Lab in Ireland to research, develop and commercialise new ways of making city systems more connected, sustainable and intelligent.

On 21st April 2010, IBM announced that as part of its ongoing transformation of its Technology Campus in Dublin, they will be moving the manufacturing of some server products from Dublin to Singapore during 2010. The company has been in negotiations with its employees and has set out the position in relation to the number of jobs affected. Despite the ongoing transformation, IBM Ireland employs 3,400 people directly and 1,250 contractors.

IDA Ireland has supported the company in new project investments over the past year and I understand that the company continues to recruit for positions created as a result of these investments. Details of the grant aid provided to the company cannot be disclosed due to commercial sensitivities.

IDA Ireland continues to work with local and corporate IBM Management on a number of new investment opportunities which have the potential to create additional new jobs in areas of research, development and services.

Work Permits

Denis Naughten

Question:

24 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of PhD graduates who applied for both a work permit or green card since 2005 to date in 2010; the number who have been granted either a work permit or green card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24826/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Dara Calleary)

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) available under the Employment Permits Act 2006.

Unfortunately, I must advise the Deputy that at present, my Department is not in a position to provide the specific information requested. The Employment Permits Section is currently in the process of developing a new back-office Employment Permit Management System due to go-live later this year. This will capture specific information of the type requested by the Deputy. Table 1 sets out for the period 2007 to date, the number of permits issued in the various schemes that were introduced under the Employment Permits Act 2006 and which came into effect in 2007 i.e. Green Cards, Work Permits, Spousal and Dependant Work Permits and permits for intra-company transferees.

Type of Permit	New	Renewals	Total
2010	1,508	1,870	3,378
Work Permit	894	703	1,597
Green Card	254	0	254
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)	130	42	172
Spousal/Dependant	228	1,123	1,351
Training	2	2	4
2009	3,900	3,868	7,768
Work Permit	2,068	2,183	4,251
Green Card	757	0	757
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)	12	6	18
Spousal/Dependant	771	1,585	2,356
Training	13	4	17
2008	8,420	4,974	13,394
Work Permit	3,541	3,087	6,628
Green Card	2,112	0	2,112
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)	419	19	438
Spousal/Dependant	2,194	1,867	4,061
Training	155	0	155
2007	9,914	13,192	23,119
Work Permit	4,664	11,918	16,595
Green Card	2,839	0	2,839
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)	377	3	380
Spousal/Dependant	1,907	1,271	3,178
Training	127	0	127

Flood Relief

Mary Wallace

Question:

25 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Finance the funding that has been provided for remedial works in the County Meath section of the River Tolka over the past ten years; the future plans for ongoing maintenance and ongoing flood protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24091/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The River Tolka Flooding Study was commenced in 2002, following the severe flooding which affected many properties in the November 2000 flood event, and was completed in 2003. The Study examined the situation from Dunboyne in County Meath to the sea in Dublin City, and was well underway when a flood of major proportions occurred in November 2002. The final report made a range of recommendations along its length through Dublin City, Fingal and Meath areas.

In 2003 the Office of Public commenced works which were initially contained in an Interim Report, but were also included in the final report. The works included major channel works in the Dunboyne and Clonee areas, replacement of four bridges, and the construction of walls and embankments. These works were largely completed by the end of 2006.

The total expenditure incurred by OPW in the Meath area amounts to approximately €6.8Million. OPW have agreed, following discussions with the Local Authority, to provide ongoing maintenance of the Scheme.

EU Directives

Seán Barrett

Question:

26 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Finance his plans to use the discretion for credit unions provided for in the EU Consumer Credit Directive due to be implemented on 11 June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24101/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

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.

Tax Code

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

27 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce legislation that will both tax offshore betting and underpin greyhound racing and horse racing finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24131/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I can confirm that officials in my Department continue to work with relevant officials in the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General on ‘gambling' issues and this includes appropriate taxation arrangements.

Public Service Numbers

Joan Burton

Question:

28 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil and public servants at present and at the end of each of the past three years in each Government Department, and in each agency or authority under the aegis of each of these Departments, in tabular form; the breakdown of these figures by function, where appropriate (details supplied); the aggregate pay bills for each of these Departments, agencies and authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24200/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Public Service numbers at the end of each of the past three years, as reported to my Department, are presented in Table 1. The Public Service numbers for the end of the first quarter this year are currently being compiled. In functional terms, the public service is composed of the civil service, the education sector, the justice sector, the health sector, the local authorities and the non-commercial agencies. These numbers are based on information reported to my Department and may be subject to revision as new information becomes available. Insofar as possible, the figures are broken down by functional classification within each Department. It should also be noted that a new system for monitoring public service numbers was developed and implemented in 2009. This system uses the December 2008 figures as its base. The system is still being refined and enhanced and there may be minor discontinuities in the series reflecting methodological changes and updated information regarding numbers in particular sectors.

The Gross Exchequer Pay Outturns (excluding pensions) within each Vote from 2007 to 2009 are set out in Table 2. It has been broken down to subhead level. It should be noted that the Exchequer Pay Outturn cannot be directly related to the Public Service numbers outlined in Table 1 in all cases, as the staff numbers include public servants whose pay is not in all cases funded directly by the Exchequer. The largest category of these is Local Authority employees but there are also staff in some Non-Commercial Semi-State Bodies whose pay is wholly or partially funded from the own resources of these bodies.

More detailed information on the pay bill for agencies/bodies may be sought from the Ministers under whose aegis the agencies come. I should point out that general information in regard to Pay and Numbers is also set out in the Revised Estimated Volume 2010.

Table 1
	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF THE TAOISEACH
Civil Service	243	233	210
NCSSB
National Economic and Social Development Office	17	19	24
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Civil Service	129	128	124
NCSSB
Law Reform Commission		27	23
CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE
Civil Service	825	847	793
CHIEF STATE SOLICITOR
Civil Service	237	245	230
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
Civil Service	192	197	195
OIREACHTAS
Civil Service	465	441	415
Industrial CS	53	55	56

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
FINANCE
Civil Service	658	631	567
NCSSB
Special EU Programmes Body	62	62	64
COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE APPOINTMENTS
Civil Service	9	12	9
COMPTROLLER & AUDITOR GENERAL
Civil Service	140	154	151
OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS
Civil Service	701	722	671
Industrial CS	1,405	1,377	1,236
OMBUDSMAN
Civil Service	85	94	88
PRESIDENTS ESTABLISHMENT
Civil Service	22	21	21
PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS SERVICE
Civil Service	151	146	112
REVENUE COMMISSIONERS
Civil Service	6,661	6,659	6,117
Industrial CS	17	16	13
STATE LABORATORY
Civil Service	89	91	91
VALUATION OFFICE
Civil Service	157	158	152

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, EQUALITY & LAW REFORM
Civil Service	2,435	2,662	2,444
GARDA CIVILIANS	1,551	1,944	1,957
Industrial CS	315	135	119
Justice Sector
Centres for Young Offenders		322	314
NCSSB	31	61	51
Human Rights Commission		20	14
National Disability Authority	31	41	37
PRISONS	3,501	3,641	3,577
PROPERTY REGISTRATION AUTHORITY	704	684	609
COURTS SERVICE	1,113	1,098	1,027
GARDA	14,827	15,385	14,803
GARDA	13,755	14,412	14,547
RECRUITS	1,043	944	232
TRAFFIC WARDENS	29	29	24

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Civil Service	1,276	1,204	1,082
Industrial CS	140	130	109
Local Authorities	34,987	35,008	32,044
Clerical/Admin		11,321	10,747
Contract Posts		1,276	1,022
Contracts of Indefinite Duration		0	0
Fulltime Fire Fighters		1,303	1,222
Local Authority Grade		0	0
Managerial		302	274
NDP Project Staff		296	221
Non DEH&LG Posts		0	0
Outdoor		14,294	13,734
Professional/Technical		4,371	4,169
Retained Fire Fighters		0	0
Site Supervisory Contract Posts		282	158
Supernumeraries		253	206
Temporary/Seasonal		1,309	290
NCSSB	806	889	859
Affordable Homes Partnership		11	10
An Bord Pleanála	180	167	169
Dublin Docklands Authority	54	47	34
Environmental Protection Agency	290	358	344
Heritage Council	17	16	15
Housing Finance Agency	12	12	11
Irish Water Safety Association	6	6	6
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency		7	2
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency		9	4
Local Government Computer Services Board	96	94	86
Local Government Management Services Board		30	28
National Building Agency	65	61	49
Private Residential Tenancies Board	26	23	55
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland	46	48	47
An Comhairle Leabharlana	14

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & SCIENCE
Civil Service	1,601	1,661	1,571
Industrial CS	1	1	1
Education Sector	90,456	94,663	92,984
Caretakers		196	181
Clerical Assistants		195	194
Clerical Officers		141	138
Community & Comprehensive Non Teachers		503	503
Community & Comprehensive Teachers		4,319	4,255
Model Schools		8	8
Other Education Projects		18	18
Primary Teachers		31,856	31,731
Ruthland St		7	5
Secondary Teachers		13,621	13,258
Special Needs Assistants		10,442	10,403
Third Level Grades		20,912	19,936
Vocational Non Teachers		2,131	2,131
Vocational Teachers		10,314	10,223
NCSSB	340	488	495
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies	77	65	79
Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)	93	53	42
	(HETAC & NQAI included)	53	42
Grangegorman Development Agency	3	6	3
Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)		30	31
Higher Education Authority	69	59	50
Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology		6	5
Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Science		7	5
National Education Welfare Board	89	103	102
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland		24	25
Royal Irish Academy		67	85
Royal Irish Academy of Music		70	69
Advisory Council for English Studies	5
NACD	4

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, RURAL & GAELTACHT AFFAIRS
Civil Service	274	273	256
NCSSB	546	537	541
Boord o Ulster-Scotch (An Foras Teanga)	15	16	19
Foras na Gaeilge (An Foras Teanga)	42	50	49
Údarás na Gaeltachta	113	113	103
Waterways Ireland	347	343	355
Western Development Commission	18	17	15
An Coimisnoir Teanga	6
NDST	5

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Civil Service	1,259	1,544	1,524

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
Civil Service	320	288	273
NCSSB	480	780	770
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland	38	38	34
Central Fisheries Board	394	85	78
Commission for Communication Regulation		120	119
Commission for Energy Regulation		68	65
Digital Hub Development Authority	21	15	15
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board		53	45
Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission		53	57
National Oil Reserves Agency		5	5
Northern Regional Fisheries Board		43	51
North-Western Regional Fisheries Board		50	47
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board		53	57
Southern Regional Fisheries Board		40	39
South-Western Regional Fisheries Board		39	40
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland	27	59	63
Western Regional Fisheries Board		61	57

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & FOOD
Civil Service	4,294	4,204	3,841
Industrial CS	87	83	75
NCSSB	1,996	2,115	1,864
Bord Bia	91	96	103
Bord Iascaigh Mhara	156	143	128
Marine Institute	230	196	190
National Milk Agency	6	6	7
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority		101	100
Teagasc	1,513	1,574	1,336

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
Civil Service	468	579	534
NCSSB	521	560	558
Commission for Aviation Regulation		19	16
Commission for Taxi Regulation	36	37	35
Medical Bureau of Road Safety	20	34	33
National Roads Authority	149	144	137
National Transport Authority		0	24
Dublin Transport Office	33
Railway Safety Commission	20	8	13
Road Safety Authority	263	319	301

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & CHILDREN
Civil Service	604	514	485
Industrial CS	2	2	1
NCSSB	1,002	1,090	1,138
An Bord Altranais — The Nursing Board 1985	48	49	44
Children’s Act Advisory Board	14	14	14
Crisis Pregnancy Agency	16	15	14
Dental Council 2001	3	5	4
Food Safety Authority of Ireland	89	90	84
Food Safety Promotion Board	36	26	31
Health & Social Care Professionals Council 2007		1	4
Health Information and Quality Authority	61	74	138
Health Insurance Authority	9	9	9
Health Research Board	76	84	77
Irish Medicines Board	219	245	253
Mental Health Commission	41	32	38
National Cancer Registry Board	41	47	46
National Cancer Screening Service	195	259	271
National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery	12	12	12
National Council on Ageing and Older People (Retired 2009)	12	8	0
National Paediatric Hospital Development Board		1	3
National Social Work Qualifications Board	7	7	7
National Treatment Purchase Fund	47	46	46
Office of Tobacco Control	13	9	5
Opticians Board 1956		2	2
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland 1875	19	19	21
Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board (Retired 2009)	19	16	0
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council	16	16	16
Women’s Health Council (Retired 2009)	9	5	0
HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE	111,506	111,025	109,753
General Support Staff	12,900	12,631	11,906
Health and Social Care Professionals	15,705	15,980	15,973
Management/Administration	18,044	17,967	17,611
Medical/Dental	8,005	8,109	8,083
Nursing	39,006	38,108	37,466
Other Patient and Client Care	17,846	18,230	18,714

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE & EMPLOYMENT
Civil Service
ENTERPRISE, TRADE & EMPLOYMENT	1,046	1,055	967
LABOUR RELATIONS COMMISSION		49	44
NCSSB	4,339	4,447	4,084
City and County Enterprise Boards	148	122	121
Competition Authority	51	48	23
Enterprise Ireland	844	903	841
Foras Áiseanna Saothair	2,265	2,242	2,030
Forfás	132	130	121
Health and Safety Authority	192	200	193
IDA Ireland	275	282	268
InterTrade Ireland	41	43	42
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority	9	11	11
National Consumer Agency	58	54	4
National Standards Authority of Ireland	158	157	185
Personal Injuries Assessment Board		75	74
Science Foundation Ireland	36	48	53
SFADCo Ltd (Industrial)	130	132	118

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, SPORTS & TOURISM
Civil Service	171	174	152
NATIONAL GALLERY
Civil Service	55	59	56
Industrial CS	69	79	63
NCSSB	1,170	1,167	1,123
Arts Council	78	62	59
Bord Scannan na hÉireann (Irish Film Board)	17	16	16
Chester Beatty Library	36	36	35
Fáilte Ireland	389	389	357
Irish Museum of Modern Art	66	68	93
Irish Sports Council	31	29	28
National Concert Hall	81	68	66
National Library of Ireland	107	122	103
National Museum of Ireland	174	181	176
National Sports Campus Development Authority	6	4	4
SFADCo (Tourism)	29	31	29
Tourism Ireland	156	162	159

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
Civil Service	399	402	373
Defence Sector	11,263	11,265	10,736
Air Corps		832	802
Army		9,363	8,896
Naval Service		1,070	1,038
NCSSB
Coiste an Asgard	8	0	2

	2007	2008	2009
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL & FAMILY AFFAIRS
Civil Service	4,487	4,610	4,911
Industrial CS	15	15	15
NCSSB	201	191	165
Citizens Information Board	88	86	86
Combat Poverty Agency (Retired 2009)	27	24	0
Family Support Agency	41	39	38
Pensions Board	45	42	41

*Note that the figures above are based on a whole-time equivalent basis, rounded to the nearest whole number.

**Numbers for year end 2007 were collected using a different system to that used for the 2008 & 2009 numbers. Accordingly, there may be minor discontinuities in the series reflecting methodological changes and updated information regarding numbers in particular sectors and may be subject to revision.

Table 2
	2007 Outturn	2008 Outturn	2009 Prov Outurn
V1 — President’s Establishment (Gross)	1,426	1,607	1,628
V1 — Administration	1,426	1,607	1,628
V2 — Department Of The Taoiseach (Gross)	17,289	18,355	16,989
V2 — Administration	13,952	15,062	13,991
V2 — Programme Expenditure	3,337	3,293	2,998
B — National Economic And Social Council (G-I-A)	2,226	2,263	2,378
D — Tribunal Of Inquiry (Payments To Haughey And Lowry)	447	355	316
— National Forum On Europe	483	625	252
— Newfoundland And Labrador Business Partnerships	93	50	52
— All Party Committee On The Constitution	88
V3 — Office Of The Attorney General (Gross)	10,868	12,517	11,967
V3 — Administration	9,290	10,724	10,241
V3 — Programme Expenditure	1,578	1,793	1,726
C — Law Reform Commission (G-I-A)	1,578	1,793	1,726
V4 — Central Statistics Office (Gross)	36,303	37,357	38,546
V4 — Administration	36,303	37,357	38,546
V5 — Office Of The Comptroller And Auditor General (Gross)	9,896	10,713	10,474
V5 — Administration	9,896	10,713	10,474
V6 — Department Of Finance (Gross)	41,256	42,932	42,222
V6 — Administration	39,241	41,141	40,464
V6 — Programme Expenditure	2,015	1,791	1,758
D — Gaeleagras Na Seirbhíse Poiblí	288	284	358
H.1 — Structural Funds Technical Assistance And Other Costs	924	920	848
L.2 — Special Eu Programmes Body	803	587	552
V8 — Office Of The Appeal Commissioners (Gross)	392	419	429
V8 — Administration	392	419	429
V9 — Office Of The Revenue Commissioners (Gross)	320,572	331,909	329,786
V9 — Administration	320,572	331,909	329,786
V10 — Office Of Public Works (Gross)	104,546	111,159	106,712
V10 — Administration	38,526	42,180	42,142
V10 — Programme Expenditure	66,020	68,979	64,570
B — President’s Household Staff: Wages And Allowances	861	1,001	877
F.1 — Maintenance And Supplies	19,253	21,108	19,078
G — Purchase And Maintenance Of Plant And Machinery	1,507	1,628	1,292
H.1 — Hydrometric And Hydrological Investigation And Monitoring	481	610	533
H.3 — Drainage — Maintenance	12,148	12,570	12,806
I — Heritage Services	31,770	32,062	29,984
V11 — State Laboratory (Gross)	5,279	5,462	5,524
V11 — Administration	5,279	5,462	5,524
V13 — Office Of The Chief State Solicitor (Gross)	13,936	15,448	15,791
V13 — Administration	13,936	15,448	15,791
V14 — Office Of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (Gross)	11,561	13,165	13,686
V14 — Administration	11,561	13,165	13,686
V15 — Valuation Office (Gross)	8,563	9,178	8,919
V15 — Administration	8,563	9,178	8,919
V16 — Public Appointments Service (Gross)	6,699	6,958	6,611
V16 — Administration	6,699	6,958	6,611
V17 — Commission For Public Service Appointments (Gross)	445	591	650
V17 — Administration	445	591	650
V18 — Office Of The Ombudsman (Gross)	4,928	5,767	6,068
V18 — Administration	3,007	3,882	4,184
V18 — Standards In Public Office Commission	736	691	684
V18 — Office Of The Information Commissioner	1,185	1,194	1,200
V19 — Justice, Equality And Law Reform (Gross)	146,921	170,308	168,255
V19 — Administration	29,214	31,289	31,398
V19 — Programme Expenditure	117,707	139,019	136,857
V19 — Commissions	2,619	3,119	2,591
B.1 — Commissions Etc	1,604	2,066	1,534
B.2 — Human Rights Commission (G-I-A)	1,015	1,053	1,057
V19 — Legal Aid	13,085	13,580	13,569
C.2 — Legal Aid Board (G-I-A)	13,085	13,580	13,569
V19 — Immigration And Asylum	34,458	39,385	37,912
D.1 — Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service	29,963	34,553	33,474
D.2 — A S Legal Aid	4,495	4,832	4,438
V19 — Equality	4,520	6,528	6,817
E.1 — Equality Authority (G-I-A)	2,542	2,945	2,150
E.2 — Equality Tribunal	1,880	2,258	2,255
E.5 — Cosc — Domestic, Sexual And Gender Based Violence		720	700
	98	3
E.8 — Office Of The Minister For Integration		602	1,712
V19 — Disability	2,920	2,652	2,396
F.2 — National Disability Authority	2,920	2,652	2,396
V19 — Other Services	19,139	24,639	25,527
V19 — Probation Services	23,559	27,318	27,206
V19 — Irish Youth Justice Service	17,407	21,798	20,839
V20 — Garda Síochána (Gross)	1,002,739	1,078,566	1,079,596
V20 — Administration	1,002,739	1,078,566	1,079,596
V21 — Prisons (Gross)	248,075	271,932	259,896
V21 — Administration	248,075	271,932	259,896
V22 — Courts Service (Gross)	54,137	58,343	58,181
V22 — Administration	54,137	58,343	58,181
V23 — Property Registration Authority (Gross)	30,363	32,883	30,020
V23 — Administration	30,363	32,883	30,020
V24 — Charitable Donations And Bequests (Gross)	327	326	332
V24 — Administration	327	326	332
V25 — Environment, Heritage And Local Government (Gross)	110,027	119,890	116,333
V25 — Administration	74,573	75,690	73,392
V25 — Programme Expenditure	35,454	44,200	42,941
V25 — Housing	5,957	8,294	8,524
B.1 — Social Housing Provision And Support	3,437	6,492	6,533
B.3 — Private Housing Adaptation — Grants & Other Supports	2,520	1,802	1,991
V25 — Environment	12,543	16,887	16,605
D.1 — Environmental Protection Agency	10,784	13,458	14,803
D.2 — Environmental Radiation Policy	1,759	3,429	1,802
V25 — Heritage	6,669	6,739	6,064
G.1 — Grant An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Her. Council) — Part Funded Nat Lot	1,136	865	937
G.3 — National Heritage (National Parks And Wildlife)	5,533	5,874	5,127
V25 — Planning	9,958	11,934	11,393
H.1 — An Bord Pleanala	9,644	11,619	11,211
H.2 — Planning Tribunal	314	315	182
V25 — Other Services	327	345	355
V26 — Education And Science (Gross)	5,231,473	5,661,836	5,722,678
V26 — Administration	61,277	80,662	81,943
V26 — Programme Expenditure	5,170,196	5,581,174	5,640,735
V26 — Other Services	41,438	29,488	25,522
V26 — First Level	2,102,469	2,296,364	2,408,755
V26 — Second Level	1,996,168	2,158,464	2,163,205
V26 — Third Level	1,030,121	1,096,858	1,043,253
V27 — An Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe Agus Gaeltachta (Gross)	44,739	42,644	40,535
V27 — Administration	13,868	14,840	14,463
V27 — Programme Expenditure	30,871	27,804	26,072
V27 — Tackling Problem Drug Use	520	495	435
C — Drugs Initiative	520	495	435
V27 — Rural Development	992	1,055	1,078
D.1 — Western Development Commission	992	1,055	1,078
V27 — An Ghaeilge Agus An Ghealtacht	11,800	8,480	8,200
E.5 — Údarás Na Gaeltachta — Administration	11,800	8,480	8,200
V27 — Promotion Of The Irish Language	360	525	603
F.2 — An Coimisinéir Teanga	360	525	603
V27 — North South Co-Operation	17,199	17,249	15,756
G.1 — An Foras Teanga	2,365	2,235	2,465
G.2 — Waterways Ireland	14,834	15,014	13,291
V28 — Foreign Affairs (Gross)	83,961	83,833	83,935
V28 — Administration	83,961	83,833	83,935
V29 — International Co-Operation (Gross)	15,455	17,416	16,419
V29 — Administration	15,455	17,416	16,419
V30 — Communications, Energy & Nr (Gross)	70,453	55,573	45,094
V30 — Administration	23,546	18,335	17,992
V30 — Programme Expenditure	46,907	37,238	27,102
V30 — Communications	1,024	1,244	614
B.2 — Multimedia Developments	1,024	1,244	614
V30 — Broadcasting	6,066	7,294	2,698
— Broadcasting Commission Of Ireland (G-I-A)	1,168	2,286	2,698
	4,898	5,008
V30 — Energy	4,108	4,500	4,986
D.1 — Sustainable Energy Ireland — Admin And General Exps (Gia)	4,108	4,500	4,986
V30 — Inland Fisheries	123	2,981	18,804
E.3 — Gsi Services	123	51
E.6 — Ordnance Survey Ireland (G-I-A)	19,350	2,930
V30 — Inland Fisheries	19,350	21,219
V31 — Agriculture, Fisheries And Food (Gross)	297,849	327,815	322,310
V31 — Administration	224,018	233,690	226,554
V31 — Programme Expenditure	73,831	94,125	95,756
K — Teagasc — Grant In Aid For General Expenses (G-I-A)	59,055	60,499	61,240
L — An Bord Bia — Grant In Aid For General Expenses (G-I-A)	9,165	9,816	9,771
M — Marine Institute (G-I-A)	2,005	8,742	8,328
N — Bord Iascaigh Mhara (G-I-A)	1,258	7,282	8,966
O — Sea Fisheries Protection Authority	2,337	7,688	7,406
P — Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board	11	98
Q — Other Services	11	98	45
V32 — Transport (Gross)	59,603	68,627	66,317
V32 — Administration	27,221	33,916	33,732
V32 — Programme Expenditure	32,382	34,711	32,585
V32 — Roads	31,565	33,195	31,517
V32 — Public Transport	643	1,415	992
V32 — Maritime Transport And Safety	174	101	76
V33 — National Gallery (Gross)
V33 — Administration	5,813	6,262	6,125
V34 — Enterprise, Trade And Employment (Gross)	302,784	319,659	316,745
V34 — Administration	41,274	46,793	48,181
V34 — Programme Expenditure	261,510	272,866	268,564
V34 — Enterprise, Science And Technology	125,432	129,734	129,076
B.1 — Forfas — Grant For Administration And General Expenses	8,684	9,324	8,463
B.3 — Intertrade Ireland	1,477	1,395	1,279
C.1 — IDA Ireland — Grant For Administration And General Expenses	25,142	26,754	27,110
D.1 — Enterprise Ireland — Grant For Admin & Gen Exps	65,025	65,630	64,578
F.1 — Science And Technology Development Programme	9,648	10,476	10,725
G — County Enterprise Development	8,591	8,032	9,016
I — Nsai — G-I-A For Admin & Gen Exps	6,865	8,123	7,905
V34 — Labour Force Development	105,266	110,070	108,480
K.1 — Fás Administration And General Expenses	104,978	109,740	107,854
M.1 — Operational Programme For Hr Development	288	330	626
V34 — Employment Rights And Industrial Relations	3,621	4,306	4,353
N — Labour Relations Commission — Grant For Admin & Gen Exps	3,621	4,306	4,353
V34 — Commerce And Competition	14,412	15,240	13,898
Q — Competition Authority	3,916	4,143	3,697
R.1 — Consumer Affairs — Grant For Admin & Gen Exps	3,644	3,815	3,407
S.1 — Cro & Rfs — Grant For Admin & Gen Exps	5,895	6,062	5,439
S.2 — Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority (G-I-A)	957	1,220	1,355
V34 — Health And Safety	12,779	13,516	12,757
T — Health & Safety Authotity — Grant For Admin	12,779	13,516	12,757
V34 — National Training Fund (Gross)	16,552	18,340	17,343
V35 — Arts, Sport And Tourism (Gross)	78,083	81,507	67,973
V35 — Administration	9,989	10,680	10,072
V35 — Programme Expenditure	68,093	70,826	57,901
V35 — Tourism Services	42,395	43,257	32,078
B.1 — Fáilte Ireland (G-I-A)	31,639	31,619	21,860
B.2 — Tourism Ireland Ltd — Grant For Admin & Gen Exps	10,000	10,868	10,218
	756	770
V35 — Sports And Recreation Services	1,811	2,343	2,295
C.3 — Irish Sports Council Admin (Nat Lott) (G-I-A)	1,450	1,770	1,737
C.4 — National Sports Campus	361	573	558
V35 — Art And Culture	23,887	25,226	23,528
D.2 — General Expenses Of Nat Archives & Advisory Council	82	123	67
D.3 — Gen Exps Irish M.O.M.A., Chester Beatty, Nch, Crawford Gallery (G-I-A)	7,462	7,552	7,002
D.7 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Nat Lott) (G-I-A)	2,770	3,150	2,980
D.8 — National Museum Of Ireland — Gen Exps (G-I-A)	7,613	8,126	7,709
D.9 — National Library Of Ireland — Gen Exps (G-I-A)	4,952	5,245	4,736
D.10 — Irish Film Board (G-I-A)	1,009	1,030	1,034
V36 — Defence (Gross)	560,204	590,636	588,057
V36 — Administration	17,819	19,258	18,744
V36 — Programme Expenditure	542,385	571,378	569,313
B — Permanent Defence Force: Pay	454,685	479,135	475,261
C — Permanent Defence Force: Allowances	43,206	45,623	51,075
D — Reserve Defence Force: Pay, Etc.	7,512	7,996	5,797
E — Chaplains & Officiating Clergymen: Pay & Allowances	1,375	1,322	1,342
F — Civilians Attached To Units: Pay, Etc.	33,766	35,344	33,820
U — Miscellaneous Expenditure	192	269	309
W — Civil Defence Board (G-I-A)	1,198	1,221	1,429
Y — Coiste An Asgard (Nat Lottery) (G-I-A)	451	468	280
V37 — Army Pensions (Gross)	103	105	105
V38 — Social And Family Affairs (Gross)	204,079	215,580	231,431
V38 — Administration	193,599	205,226	222,221
V38 — Programme Expenditure	10,480	10,354	9,210
V38 — Social Assistance	2,517	2,232	9,210
S — Family Support Agency	1,320	1,498	2,404
T — Grant To The Citizens Information Board	5,855	5,867	5,857
V — Miscellaneous Services	788	757	949
V39 — Health And Children (Gross)	35,382	32,010	87,507
V39 — Administration	35,382	32,010	33,303
V39 — Programme Expenditure			54,204
B.1 — Grants To Research Bodies:			8,035
E.1 — Developmental, Consultative, Supervisory & Advisory Bodies			43,527
1. Irish Medicines Board			3,385
2. Food Safety Authority Of Ireland			5,624
3. National Social Work Qualification Board			376
5. National Council For Professional Development Of Nursing And Midwifery			898
6. Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council			857
7. Mental Health Commission			4,015
8. National Cancer Screening Service			19,115
9. Office Of Tobacco Control			351
10. Children Acts Advisory Board			859
11. Health Information & Quality Authority			7,951
12. Health & Social Care Professionals Council			96
E.2 — The Food Safety Promotion Board			158
E.3 — The National Treatment Purchase Fund			2,484
V40 — Health Service Executive (Gross)	7,427,171	7,312,265	7,434,334
V40 — Administration	23,564	25,596	22,878
V40 — Programme Expenditure	7,403,607	7,286,669	7,411,456
Gross Pay Total	16,620,251	17,189,892	17,375,523

National Lottery Funding

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

29 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the level of National Lottery funding that will be allocated by his Department in 2010; the areas of expenditure this funding will be allocated towards; the amount that was allocated in 2008 and 2009 in this regard, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24250/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Section 5 of the National Lottery Act 1986 provides that the surplus from the National Lottery may be used for the following purposes: sport and other recreation; national culture, including the Irish Language; the arts, within the meaning of the Arts Act 1951; the health of the community; and for such other purposes as the Government may determine. The following additional categories have been so determined: youth, welfare, national heritage and amenities.

In order to give effect to this statutory provision, the surplus from the National Lottery is transferred to the Exchequer on a regular basis and is applied each year to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes. Each year, the amount transferred to the Exchequer from the National Lottery surplus, together with details of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant subheads are set out in Appendix 1 of the annual "Revised Estimates for Public Services".

The following is a summary of the information contained at Appendix 1 of the "Revised Estimates for Public Services" for the last few years:

	2008	2009	2010
Total Exchequer Allocation To The Subheads Part-Funded By The National Lottery	€472m	€435.4m	€409m (Estimated)
Of Which: Transferred To The Exchequer From The Surplus Of The National Lottery	€265m	€275.0m	€260m (Estimated)

Credit Union Sector

Joe McHugh

Question:

30 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether proposals to amend section 35 of the Finance Act will not benefit credit unions and their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

31 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he acknowledges that his intention, as expressed at League Annual General meeting 2009, to facilitate credit unions whose ability to lend to members is unduly restricted by section 35, will not be achieved by the proposed amendments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24267/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

33 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether section 35 of the Credit Union Act, which proposes to give extensive powers to the Regulator to impose lending related requirements on all credit unions, is a one size fits all draconian approach to regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24273/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

34 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will defer implementation of the proposed amendments to section 35 of the Credit Union Act, including Sections 35A & B, published in the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 pending the outcome of the upcoming Strategic Review of Credit Unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24275/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

35 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the reason the relevant representative organisations were not consulted on section 35A of the Credit Union Bill prior to the publication of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24276/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 31 and 33 to 35, inclusive, together.

I met with the credit union representative bodies two weeks ago and again yesterday and I am listening to their concerns. My Department, in conjunction with the Registrar of Credit Unions, is examining the scope for linking more closely the powers conferred by the new Section 35A to the framework required for implementing the new rescheduling arrangements.

When the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 was published on 30 March this year, ILCU welcomed the new initiative in its press release that day stating "This new arrangement is good for our members and good for credit unions". ILCU has since formed a different view. That is, of course, its right. The credit union sector is not immune to the economic downturn. It needs to be safeguarded to ensure that it can continue to provide assistance to its members in the current difficult economic climate while at the same time lending only within its capacity to do so. The Government's intention is to facilitate relaxation of the lending limits in conjunction with appropriate regulation of the sector to achieve this objective.

In my address to the ILCU Conference in April 2009, I expressed my wish to help members who are experiencing difficulty in meeting loan repayments due to unfavourable changes in their financial circumstances in the current economic environment. I stated that any solution would be subject to the over-arching consideration that the financial position of a credit union is not undermined, the security of members' savings is maintained and accurate reporting of the financial status of a credit union is not jeopardised. Re-scheduling of repayments to a level which is affordable to members should be possible in carefully monitored and controlled circumstances. Of course, each credit union must fully and properly recognise arrears situations where they exist. Where members are in difficulty, the process of facilitating them must be transparent to board members and regulators so that a credit union is never in doubt as to its own position. This continues to be my view and the proposed amendment to Section 35 seeks to achieve the desired result.

The credit union sector has been seeking relaxation of the Section 35 lending limits in an effort to facilitate borrowers who have run into difficulties in repaying their loans and need to have them rescheduled to allow for repayment over a longer period of time. The lending limits are set in primary legislation. Together with the measures to balance the increased flexibility in relation to rescheduling, they must apply to all credit unions in a uniform way. However, as I have indicated above, my Department and the Registrar are exploring ways of meeting the key concerns of the representative bodies.

Also, as I indicated to the House during the second stage debate on the Bill, the Registrar of Credit Unions will take a balanced and proportionate approach to the implementation of any new Section 35 requirements and he 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 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. Overall, the Registrar will take account of individual circumstances in credit unions in exercising the powers being given to him in the Bill. I want to assure the Deputy that there is no question of a one size fits all draconian approach as has been suggested.

It is not correct to say that the Registrar has the necessary powers under existing legislation. He does not have the power to impose conditions across the sector and it would not be prudent to await the outcome of the strategic review. While the review itself is planned to be completed by March 2011, any primary legislation arising would require some considerable further time to implement. As I have indicated already, the credit union sector needs to be safeguarded further now to ensure that it can continue to provide assistance to its members in the current difficult economic climate while at the same time lending only within its capacity to do so.

As indicated by the Registrar during his appearance on 27 May 2010 before the Joint Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs, a Regulatory Impact Assessment within the meaning of the term as set out in the Better Regulation Guidelines prepared by the Department of the Taoiseach was not carried out. However, as he also indicated, an internal analysis was carried out. This examined the level of provisions which are held against rescheduled loans. The Registrar indicated that he will make this analysis available to the Joint Committee. I will ask the Registrar to furnish the Deputy with a copy of any material which he provides to the Joint Committee in this regard.

Contrary to suggestions now being made, there was extensive and detailed consultation on the measures now being brought forward. Following general discussions in early 2009, the detailed views of credit union representative groups on the Section 35 issue were sought and obtained in the summer of 2009. The provisions to be included in the requirements to be made by the Registrar have already undergone considerable adjustment following discussions between the Registrar of Credit Unions and both credit union representative bodies.

Concerns have been raised in relation to the need for the Registrar of Credit Unions to consult with the representative bodies before introducing requirements. As a matter of general practice, the Registrar consults with the credit union representative bodies before introducing regulations or requirements in relation to any aspect of credit union regulation and I understand that he intends to continue with this approach. However, the independent position of the Registrar of Credit Unions in carrying out the duty of financial regulation is not open to question and the Registrar has the statutory powers and responsibility to introduce, if necessary without consultation, regulatory requirements in the interests of the well-being and stability of the sector. For this good reason, a requirement for the Registrar to consult with the sector is not included in the legislation. Neither is it appropriate to provide for an appeals mechanism. Such a device would render the provisions ineffective and inoperable as decisions of the Registrar would become subject to constant review.

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.

Tax Collection

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

32 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [24272/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that no tax refund is due as this person did not pay any tax in 2009.

Questions Nos. 33 to 35, inclusive, answered with Question No. 30.

Joe McHugh

Question:

36 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he provides information on the Revenue guide for Form 11; if he will furnish this Deputy with this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24309/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Revenue Commissioners have sole responsibility for the guide to completing the Form 11. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the guide is updated annually to take account of changes introduced in the Finance Act. The guide is available on the Revenue website, in Revenue offices and from Revenue's Forms and Leaflets Service on Lo-Call 1890-306706. The 2010 edition of the guide, which covers the 2009 Form 11, will be available on the Revenue website within the next two weeks and in booklet form from next month. The guide will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Question:

37 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify a matter (details supplied) in relation to the offices of a Department. [24310/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Commissioners of Public Works have leased two premises in Tubbercurry and the information sought on each lease is as follows:

The lease on one building was signed on 14 July 2008 and the lease term is 14 July 2008 until 13 July 2012.

The lease on the second building was signed on 8 June 2006 and the lease term is 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. The extension of the lease was agreed 30 April 2009.

Tax Yield

Michael Ring

Question:

38 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on motor fuels from 1 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. [24359/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the data available on the amounts of Excise, VAT and the Carbon Charge for the period 1 January 2009 to the end of April 2010, in respect of petrol and auto-diesel is set out in the following 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 below relate to sales in the previous month.

Petrol	Mineral Oil Tax	VAT Estimate	Total	Auto-Diesel	Mineral Oil Tax	VAT Estimate	Total
2009	€m	€m	€m	2009	€m	€m	€m
Jan	129.4	43.9	173.3	Jan	104.9	5.0	109.9
Feb	81.7	29.1	110.8	Feb	75.3	3.6	78.8
Mar	91.6	33.0	124.5	Mar	86.8	4.0	90.8
Apr	90.8	33.8	124.7	Apr	91.7	4.0	95.7
May	94.9	36.6	131.6	May	92.8	4.1	96.9
Jun	89.7	36.3	126.0	Jun	90.7	4.1	94.8
Jul	94.6	38.1	132.6	Jul	95.2	4.5	99.7
Aug	87.3	35.8	123.1	Aug	86.0	4.0	89.9
Sep	93.0	38.1	131.2	Sep	96.7	4.5	101.3
Oct	90.0	36.2	126.2	Oct	92.6	4.3	96.9
Nov	83.1	34.4	117.5	Nov	87.4	4.2	91.6
Dec	48.8	20.2	69.0	Dec	60.2	2.9	63.1
Total	1,075.1	415.5	1,490.5	Total	1,060.3	49.2	1,109.5

Petrol	Mineral Oil Tax	Carbon	VAT Estimate	Total	Auto-Diesel	Mineral Oil Tax	Carbon	VAT Estimate	Total
2010	€m	€m	€m	€m	2010	€m	€m	€m	€m
Jan	107.2	1.0	45.8	154.0	Jan	103.4	1.5	5.1	110.0
Feb	77.9	7.3	33.2	118.4	Feb	83.8	10.1	4.1	98.0
Mar	89.8	5.3	38.9	134.0	Mar	93.8	8.1	4.7	106.7
Apr	85.7	6.0	39.1	130.7	Apr	91.1	9.2	4.7	105.0
Total	360.6	19.5	157.0	537.1	Total	372.2	28.9	18.6	419.7

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.

Departmental Expenditure

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

39 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the amount that will be contributed by civil and public servants to public funds both through deduction in pay by way of pension contribution under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 for the year 2010 and also by way of PRSI and, where relevant, other pension contribution schemes; the amount expected to be paid out by way of pension to retired civil and public servants in relation to the same category of former employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24361/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The estimated amounts for receipts and expenditure in respect of civil and public servants in 2010 for the categories requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table, with the exception of PRSI receipts which are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.

The Deputy referred to the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 in the context of "deductions in pay by way of pension contributions". I assume the Deputy is referring to the Pension Related Deduction (PRD) which was provided for in the first Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. I have therefore given the 2010 estimate for PRD receipts in the table below.

	Civil Servants 2010 estimate	Public Servants 2010 estimate	Total 2010 estimate
	(€ million)	(€ million)	(€ million)
Pension-related deduction from Civil and Public Servants	103	872	975
Pension contributions by Civil and Public Servants	46	709	755
Pension payments to Civil and Public Servants	477	2,903	3,380

Departmental Agencies

Leo Varadkar

Question:

40 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his reasoning in sanctioning in June 2009 of four and refusing 49 of 53 requested posts by Enterprise Ireland for overseas contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24371/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The moratorium is the mechanism in place to control numbers in the public sector to help achieve cost savings. In assessing these requests for exemptions from the application of the moratorium for certain Enterprise Ireland (EI) posts I have regard to the case made in the context of the current budgetary situation and in particular in the context of the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Control,which recommended reducing staffing level and rationing the overseas office network of EI, IDA and Bord Bia.

I have sanctioned the filling of 24 posts in EI as an exceptional measure in recognition of the importance of their work in driving Irish export performance.

Remuneration Rates

Joan Burton
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Joan Burton
Question:
41 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants, public servants and employees at commercial semi-State companies or majority State owned financial institutions earning remuneration packages greater than that earned by An Taoiseach by function and organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24374/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
Share

The current salary of An Taoiseach, following the application of the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009 is €228,466 p.a. On the basis of information currently to hand, the numbers of those within the public service and those within the majority State owned financial institutions that have a salary (some of which are held on a personal to holder basis) in excess of €228,466 are as follows:

Sector

Organisation/Function

Numbers

Judiciary

Chief Justice

1

President of the High Court

1

Judge of the Supreme Court

7

President of the Circuit Court

1

Judge of the High Court

35

Health Services Executive

Chief Executive Officer

1

Master Consultant

*

Academic Consultants

*

Clinical Directors

*

Education

President of UCC

1

Non Commercial State Sponsored Bodies

CEO of National Roads Authority and Director General of Science Foundation Ireland

2

Commercial State Bodies

Chief Executive Officer Coillte Teoranta, ESB, Bord na Móna, Bord Gáis Éireann, An Post, RTE, VHI, Bus Átha Cliath, Córas Iompair Éireann, Dublin Airport Authority, Iarnród Éireann, Irish Aviation Authority.

12

Financial Institutions

EBS-Chief Executive Officer

1

EBS –Executive Directors

2

Anglo Irish Bank – Executive Director

1

Anglo Irish Bank – Senior Management

17

INBS – Executive Directors

2

INBS – Senior Management

1

*Due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply a breakdown of the numbers at consultant level in the HSE in the time available. This data will be supplied to the Deputy when the detailed information comes to hand.

Remuneration rates in the Central Bank Financial Services Authority of Ireland are solely a matter for the Board of the Bank and the Authority to determine while the remuneration packages of all National Treasury Management Authority staff (which includes the staff of the National Asset Management Authority) are negotiated on an individual contract basis and are confidential. With the exception of the posts of Chief Executive Officer, I have no role in determining the salary rates of employees in the commercial State bodies.

Departmental Staff

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
42 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 1 June 2010, if he will provide the same information as of May 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24375/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
Share

The breakdown of civil servants by grade employed at the end of April 2010, the latest date for which information is available, is set out in the following table.

GRADES

30 APRIL 2010

NON INDUSTRIAL CIVIL SERVANTS — FTE

SECRETARY GENERAL RELATED GRADES

35.00

DEPUTY SECRETARY RELATED GRADES

16.00

ASSISTANT SECRETARY RELATED GRADES

229.00

PO RELATED GRADES

1,295.55

AP RELATED GRADE

3,575.67

HEO RELATED GRADES

3,678.19

AO RELATED GRADES

2,065.69

EO RELATED GRADES

6,409.57

SO REALATED GRADES

1,597.60

CO RELATED GRADES

11,263.34

SERVICE OFFICER RELATED GRADES

1,155.01

MISC GRADES

88.56

TOTAL NON INDUSTRIAL GRADES

31,409.18

GENERAL SERVICE GRADES INCLUDED IN TOTAL

24,056.38

INDUSTRIAL GRADES

1,690.72

FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Local Recruits Serving Abroad)

300

EDUCATION (staff outside main Departmental records)

79

PRISONS, NATIONAL GALLERY and CPSA

3,647.37

Total

37,126.27

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
43 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s Governance Support Division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24388/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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The following is the position in relation to compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies by State bodies under the aegis of my Department.

National Treasury Management Agency

The National Treasury Management Agency's legal structure does not follow the general semi-state model in all respects. The National Treasury Management Agency is currently carrying out a detailed review of how the code can be adapted to the specific structure of the Agency and its associated bodies.

National Asset Management Agency

In accordance with the provisions of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009, NAMA has submitted codes of practice for my approval on the conduct of officers of NAMA. This code is being reviewed. Once finalised and approved, it will be published on the NAMA website.

An Post National Lottery

The National Lottery Company, which operates the National Lottery under a licence issued by the Minister for Finance, is a subsidiary of An Post, which is under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Corporate Governance of the National Lottery Company is a matter, in the first instance, for the Board of the Company and are overseen by An Post as parent company and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as parent Department. The annual reports of the National Lottery Company for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 confirm that the Company is fully compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Anglo Irish Bank

The Bank has confirmed in its annual report for 2009 that during 2009 the bank adopted the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and is working with my Department towards full compliance.

Financial Services Ombudsman Council and Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau

The Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau have confirmed that both it and the Financial Services Ombudsman Council are compliant with the Code of Governance of State Bodies.

Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal

The Financial Services Appeals Tribunal have confirmed that they have a code of conduct in place which is compliant with the Code of Governance of State Bodies.

While within the current statutory provisions, the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland are independent of the Minister for Finance in this area, I understand that the Board of the Central Bank and the Regulatory Authority have adopted codes of practice which reflect the document prepared by my Department.

Public Service Staff

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
44 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in County Donegal employed by the State earning less than €20,000 per year; the number of persons in County Donegal employed by the State earning less than €30,000 per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24426/10]

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
51 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 102, 104 and 106 of 16 December 2009, if he will provide updated figures of the numbers of public sector workers in County Donegal earning less than €20,000, €30,000, €40,000, €50,000, €60,000, €70,000, €80,000, €90,000 and €100,000 and earning more than €100,000 per annum. [24617/10]

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
52 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 102, 104 and 106 of 16 December 2009, if he will provide updated figures of the numbers of public sector workers in County Donegal earning less than €20,000, €30,000, €40,000, €50,000, €60,000, €70,000, €80,000, €90,000 and €100,000 and earning more than €100,000 per annum excluding various forms of income from public sources to groups that would not normally be regarded as being employed within the public service, for example persons receiving fees and those on the State Boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24618/10]

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
53 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 102, 104 and 106 of 16 December 2009, if he will provide updated figures of the numbers of public sector workers in County Donegal earning less than €20,000, €30,000, €40,000, €50,000, €60,000, €70,000, €80,000, €90,000 and €100,000 and earning more than €100,000 per annum, distinguishing atypical work patterns and earnings by employees such as work sharing and temporary or short term work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24619/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 51 to 53, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no more recent information available than that provided last November. To be helpful to the Deputy, I reprint that information here.

Range of Gross Income — Donegal

From

To

Numbers

€

€

—

20,000

20,658

20,000

30,000

6,437

30,000

40,000

2,336

40,000

50,000

1,038

50,000

60,000

537

60,000

70,000

371

70,000

80,000

181

80,000

90,000

109

90,000

100,000

58

100,000

150,000

69

Over

150,000

12

Total

31,806

The data also includes various forms of income from public sources to groups that would not normally be regarded as being employed within the public service, e.g. those receiving fees, those on State Boards etc. On the basis of the available tax-based data it is not possible to identify and exclude income from public sources to groups that would not normally be regarded as employed within the public service or to distinguish the earnings of employees associated with atypical work patterns. Accordingly, it is likely that the number of lower paid public servants is overstated.

EU Directives

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
45 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the meaning of the terms “Head Office” and “Registered Office” in Article 5 of the European Parliament text for the European Commission proposal for the Alternative Investment Fund Manager Directive; if he will confirm that this part of the directive means that an AIFM with a legal personality in an EU jurisdiction can be forced to register with the supervisory authority of the Member State in which the legal personality is established; if he will outline whether this provision requires that the US headquarters of an alternative investment fund with a presence in Europe will have to move to the EU in order to comply with the directive; his views on whether the terms “Head Office” and “Registered Office” should be defined in such a way in the legislation that would not force non EU funds operating in the EU market to have their headquarters in the EU; his further views on whether the European Parliament text in respect of Article 5 is a protectionist measure and should be amended or removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24519/10]

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
46 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his views on Jean Paul Gauzes 66th amendment to Article 17 of the European Commission proposal for the Alternative Investment Fund Manager Directive which will require an Alternative Investment Fund to use a single depository; his views on whether investors may be put at risk by forcing Alternative Investment Funds to put their money into one bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24523/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.

The substantial issue raised by the Deputy relates to the extent to which non-EU managers of alternative investment funds are required to register with an EU authority. Article 5 only sets down the rules for EU managers of alternative funds. However, Article 35 and a proposed new Article 39a set down the parameters for non-EU managers. I agree with the Deputy that there could be greater clarity on this issue. While it is not for me to interpret the European Parliament's intentions with regard to their proposed amendments, I think it is reasonable to assume that the proposal would require non-EU firms, which propose to sell funds within the Community, to register with the new European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The EP text would also require agreements between the supervisor of the non-EU fund and the competent authority of the relevant Member State and also between the supervisor of the AIFM and ESMA. This is an issue which will be the subject of further discussions between the Council, Parliament and Commission.

As I have mentioned in previous PQ replies to the Deputy and others, the third country provisions of the proposed Directive were the most contentious issues of the negotiations and I have also stated that the agreement on a general approach which was reached recently at Ecofin, represents a balanced, workable approach. I still believe that the Council's text on Article 35 represents the best solution on this difficult issue.

Although the proposed treatment of depositaries has been an issue of particular concern for Ireland, I would be less concerned about the proposed requirement for an alternative fund to appoint a single depositary. This requirement is already imposed by the Financial Regulator who requires that a single entity is responsible for the safe-keeping of Irish fund assets. However, there is a critical difference insofar as the Financial Regulator permits the depositary to delegate some of its functions to others who provide custodial or safe-keeping services, subject to no dilution of the liability of the depositary.

The draft measures for depositaries remain the biggest concern for Ireland. Depositaries play a critical role in protecting those who invest in funds. It is of course imperative that depositaries should be subject to rigorous regulatory standards to ensure that they fulfil their safe-keeping and custodial obligations. However, the current proposals would impose stricter requirements on depositaries for hedge funds and other alternative funds, which can only be sold to institutional or professional investors, than currently exist in relation to UCITS, which can be sold to retail investors. In my view, this makes little sense and I will continue to raise this point with our European partners in order to seek a balanced solution.

Banking Sector Regulation

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
47 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 1 June 2010, the proportion of Anglo Irish Bank’s liabilities that is owed to Irish credit union and Irish pension funds; the reason that bondholders cannot be forced to accept losses due to the fact that so many of them are Irish credit union and Irish pension funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24582/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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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 were 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.

The Deputy is no doubt aware that bondholders are covered under the Government Guarantee Scheme; this includes all liabilities for the period from 30 September 2008 to 29 September 2010.

Banking Sector

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
48 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the deposit ratio of the Irish banks on each month from May 2008 to May 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24584/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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I refer the Deputy to the following table. As I indicated in my reply to PQ 22807 on 1 June, 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. The latest statistics are available on the Bank's website at http://www.centralbank.ie/frame_main.asp?pg=nws%5Farticle%2Easp%3Fid%3D517&nv=nws_nav.asp.

I am assuming that the reference to Irish banks in the Deputy's question comprises 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

30/05/2008

228,157

127,578

1.79

253,852

99,310

2.56

30/06/2008

235,094

127,605

1.84

253,612

99,399

2.55

31/07/2008

235,886

127,038

1.86

255,518

101,044

2.53

29/08/2008

237,317

130,579

1.82

260,074

105,672

2.46

30/09/2008

237,814

130,815

1.82

262,064

99,260

2.64

31/10/2008

248,157

139,342

1.78

267,494

89,588

2.99

28/11/2008

253,647

134,798

1.88

265,239

87,783

3.02

31/12/2008

251,849

137,701

1.83

239,334

82,489

2.90

30/01/2009

250,868

133,492

1.88

241,018

79,078

3.05

27/02/2009

251,822

135,595

1.86

240,551

79,725

3.02

31/03/2009

249,427

134,378

1.86

233,776

76,022

3.08

30/04/2009

248,503

134,963

1.84

233,477

76,801

3.04

29/05/2009

248,602

134,754

1.84

230,194

77,333

2.98

30/06/2009

249,254

137,303

1.82

228,951

77,349

2.96

31/07/2009

246,368

139,735

1.76

227,411

76,663

2.97

31/08/2009

246,411

141,970

1.74

224,298

76,506

2.93

30/09/2009

243,525

138,519

1.76

221,580

76,315

2.90

30/10/2009

241,806

139,260

1.74

220,202

77,762

2.83

30/11/2009

243,122

132,194

1.84

218,960

76,977

2.84

31/12/2009

242,181

131,732

1.84

212,594

76,328

2.79

29/01/2010

240,678

128,067

1.88

213,401

75,750

2.82

26/02/2010

245,756

132,094

1.86

206,593

74,351

2.78

31/03/2010

242,636

131,878

1.84

205,714

72,914

2.82

30/04/2010

241,069

131,325

1.83

204,452

71,293

2.86

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
49 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24599/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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The Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector advises the Government from time to time on the general levels of remunerations appropriate for senior posts across the public service including CEOS of non-commercial State-sponsored bodies. As it is not feasible for the Review Body to examine the chief executive posts in all of the non-commercial State-sponsored bodies on every occasion, the practice is that it examines a selection of posts for each general review. Specific Review Body recommendations are sanctioned by the Department of Finance once they have been approved by Government. The Department of Finance then determines the appropriate rate of remuneration for the remaining CEO posts in the non-commercial State sponsored bodies by reference to the recommendations of the posts examined.

Since 1 January 2010 the Institute of Public Administration falls under the auspices of my Department. With effect from the 1 January 2010 the salary for the Director General of the Institute of Public Administration is €188,952 per annum.

There are separate arrangements in the case of commercial State-sponsored bodies but there are no such bodies under the auspices of the Department of Finance.

My Department also jointly sponsors the Special EU Programmes Body with the Department of Finance and Personnel of Northern Ireland as a North/South initiative. The CEO's salary scale is £61,217 — £69,020 — £76,826 — £84,630 and this salary is linked to civil service pay rates.

There have been no breaches of approved arrangements in the case of these bodies.

Tax Code

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
50 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the payment of health levy 2008 and 2009 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24608/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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The position is that the income levy was introduced with effect from 1 January 2009 so the question of a refund for 2008 does not arise.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the named individual made a claim for a refund of his income levy on 10 January 2010. The repayment claim was not dealt with at that time due to industrial action by the CPSU across the public sector. However, this specific issue has now been resolved and the repayment claim has been dealt with. A refund was issued to the taxpayer on 28 May 2010 and the records of the Revenue Commissioners indicate that the cheque was cashed on 31 May 2010.

Questions Nos. 51 to 53, inclusive, answered with Question No. 44.

Dinny McGinley
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Dinny McGinley
Question:
54 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Finance if retired public servants on a pension of less than €40,000 a year and aged over 65 years are obliged to pay the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24684/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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In general, public servants are liable to pay the pension-related deduction, also known as the pension levy, as legislated for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, as amended.

The pension-related deduction applies to a public servant's remuneration as a public servant, and is calculated by reference to the following annual income bands and rates:

Earnings

Per Cent

Earnings up to 15,000

Exempt

Earnings between 15,000 and 20,000

5 per cent

Earnings between 20,000 and 60,000

10 per cent

Earnings over 60,000

10.5 per cent

A public service pension in payment is not liable to the pension-related deduction, and liability to the deduction is not age-related in any way.

A person in receipt of a public service pension who takes up a public service position is liable to the pension-related deduction in respect of the remuneration for that position. However this would only be paid where that remuneration exceeded 15,000 in a full year, as earnings up to that level are exempt.

Licensed Moneylenders

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
55 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the report on the Licensed Moneylending Industry, in March 2007, by the Financial Regulator; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that licensed moneylenders charge APRS ranging from 10.2% to 188.5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24691/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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Moneylenders are covered by a range of provisions under the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (the Act) including the annual licensing process and the register of licensed moneylenders system as administered by the Financial Regulator.

Consumers who avail of loans from moneylenders licensed under the Act (moneylenders) are entitled to a considerable amount of information in relation to such loans. Moneylenders are required to assist consumers to understand the products on offer. This assistance has to include the method of repayment, all related interest payments, charges and the cost per €100 borrowed. Also the moneylenders are required to:

disclose all the fees, costs and interest in a clear manner, and

prominently indicate the high-cost nature of the loan on all loan documentation where the APR is 23% or higher.

These requirements are set out in the Financial Regulator's "Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders". This Code came into full effect on 30 September 2009.

In his question, the Deputy refers to the Financial Regulator's report on the Licensed Money- lending Industry which was published in March 2007. That Report concluded that the introduction of an interest rate ceiling for moneylenders may not achieve the objectives of lowering the cost of credit for consumers. Other research findings included:—

Customers of licensed moneylenders generally have a positive impression of their moneylender

The significant majority of customers do not have difficulties making repayments to their moneylender.

Customers mainly borrow from a moneylender because it is convenient, available, out of tradition or because of an established relationship with the moneylender.

I would encourage consumers to shop around and consider all the difference sources of loans that are available to them including credit unions. I would also encourage them to avail of the personal finance information that is available from the National Consumer Agency. This information can be found on the website www.itsyourmoney.ie. In addition, to the information provided on this website people who are in debt or in danger of getting into debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). MABS works with people in order to assist them with their financial planning and budgeting for the future. It is a national, free, confidential and independent service for people.

Banking Sector Regulation

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
56 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance when dividends on preference shares in a bank (details supplied) are due to be paid; and the terms on which he will acquire shares if these cannot be paid. [24694/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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The first coupon payment due on the State's €3.5 billion investment in the named bank was due to be paid on 13 May 2010. As the Deputy is aware, the European Commission, indicated whilst the required restructuring plan was under assessment, that in line with its policy on state aid no coupon payments on the named bank's tier 1 and tier 2 capital instruments should be paid unless under a binding legal obligation to do so.

Accordingly, the named bank issued to the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission 198,089,847 ordinary shares in lieu of the annual €280 million cash payment on the Fund's preference share investment. The allotment of the ordinary shares represent the amount of the preference share dividend due on the 13 May 2010 divided by the average share price in the 30 trading days prior to that date.

The next coupon payment on the shares arises on 13 May 2011. At this stage, it is not possible to say whether the State's investment will be remunerated by way of cash or the issuance of shares.

Urban Renewal Schemes

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
57 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number and location in County Kildare of the various urban renewal, Section 23, or other incentives approved by him since the inception of the respective schemes; the extent to which all such schemes were completed in accordance with the proposals; the degree to which all moneys were drawn down; the number and location of any such schemes incomplete for whatever reason; the extent of any remaining works to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24803/10]

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
58 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number and location in the country of the various urban renewal, Section 23, or other incentives approved by him since the inception of the respective schemes; the extent to which all such schemes were completed in accordance with the proposals; the degree to which all moneys were drawn down; the number and location of any such schemes incomplete for whatever reason; and the extent of any remaining works to be completed. [24805/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 58 together.

I have provided information in an appendix on the areas that were designated for tax relief under the various area-based tax incentive schemes and where projects may have been developed, viz.:

Islands

Seaside Resorts

Integrated Area Urban Renewal

Town Renewal

Rural Renewal

Living over the Shop

The sectoral schemes, such as those for childcare facilities and nursing homes, were not restricted to designated areas and could have been developed in any part of the country. I am not in a position to provide information on the number of projects that were developed and the precise location of such projects. Many of the projects developed under the various area-based and sectoral property incentive schemes did not require approval or certification. To facilitate more efficient administration, the incentive schemes operated to a certain extent on a self-assessment basis, subject, of course, to compliance with the planning requirements of local authorities. The conditions that had to be met by a project or by a person claiming tax relief are set out in the Tax Acts and also, in some cases, in detailed guidelines. For example, student accommodation projects must meet the conditions set out in guidelines published by the Department of Education and Science. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that when all of the conditions for a particular incentive scheme have been met, claims for tax relief are made in the annual return of income submitted by taxpayers under the self-assessment system. All returns are subject to check and audit to ensure that, inter alia, any tax relief is correctly claimed. Taxpayers claiming tax relief are required to indicate the particular incentive scheme under which the relief is being claimed but not the actual project and where it is located. For these reasons, the information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Similarly, I am not in a position to provide the information requested by the Deputy on the extent to which schemes have been completed in accordance with the proposals and the number and location of incomplete schemes. I would point out that the termination date for most of the schemes has already passed and future termination dates are in place for other schemes. These termination dates are the dates by which the construction or refurbishment work on a building has to be carried out if the expenditure that is attributable to that work is to qualify for tax relief.

The Deputy will see from the following table that many of the schemes have a termination date of 31 July 2008. As part of the phasing out of these schemes there was a gradual reduction in the amount of expenditure that can qualify for tax relief. All of the expenditure in 2006 will qualify for relief but only 75% of the expenditure incurred during 2007 will qualify. This goes down to 50% for expenditure incurred during 2008. Where a building is not completed by 31 July 2008 the expenditure attributable to any construction or refurbishment work that takes place after this date cannot qualify for tax relief. Thus, while certain buildings in schemes with a termination date of 31 July 2008 are currently incomplete, the amount of potential tax relief that will apply on completion will not increase beyond that which applied at 31 July 2008. A similar situation applies with all of the termination dates.

Schemes

Termination Date

Urban Renewal 1994

30 April 1999

Temple Bar Area

31 December 1999

Seaside Resort

31 December 1999

Islands

31 December 1999

Customs House Dock

30 June 2000

Enterprise Areas

31 December 2000

Countrywide Refurbishment

31 July 2008

Urban Renewal 1999

31 July 2008

Town Renewal

31 July 2008

Rural Renewal

31 July 2008

Multi-storey Car Parks

31 July 2008

Living over the Shop

31 July 2008

Park and Ride

31 July 2008

Third Level Buildings

31 July 2008

Qualifying Sports Injury Clinics

31 July 2008

Hotels continue to qualify for capital allowances but over 25 years instead of over 7 years.

31 July 2008

Holiday Cottages

31 July 2008

Student Accommodation

31 July 2008

Nursing Homes

30 June 2010 or 30 June 2011

Housing for elderly/infirm

30 April 2010

Convalescent Homes

30 June 2010 or 30 June 2011

Hospitals

30 June 2010 or 30 December 2013

Mental Health Centres

30 June 2010 or 30 June 2011

Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Scheme

31 May 2013

Childcare Buildings

31 March 2011 or 31 March 2012 (Finance Bill 2010)

Specialist Palliative Care Units

Scheme awaiting Commencement Order

Information on the potential overall cost of the property-based incentive schemes is not available. Therefore, I am not in a position to tell the Deputy the degree to which all monies have been drawn down. I can, however, provide the Deputy with information collected by the Revenue Commissioners in respect of tax relief claimed by taxpayers in respect of the various schemes. I would point out that this information is collected at the aggregate level for a particular scheme and not in respect of individual projects and locations. The following table sets out the position for the years 2007 and 2008.

Schemes

2007 (note 2)

2008 (notes 2 & 3)

Amount Claimed

Tax Forgone

Amount Claimed

Tax Forgone

€m

€m

€m

€m

Urban Renewal

280.0

109.3

224.6

84.5

Town Renewal

86.1

34.6

60.5

23.7

Seaside Resorts

20.3

8.0

14.5

5.7

Rural Renewal

121.9

48.5

84.6

34.2

Multi-storey car parks

24.0

9.6

16.8

6.6

Living over the Shop

8.0

3.0

6.1

2.5

Enterprise Areas

7.0

2.8

6.2

2.5

Park & Ride

3.3

1.4

1.7

0.7

Holiday Cottages

30.7

12.4

26.8

10.8

Hotels

307.1

118.0

300.6

114.7

Nursing Homes

45.3

18.3

47.6

19.4

Housing for the Elderly/Infirm

6.3

2.6

7.4

3.0

Hostels

1.76

0.72

1.62

0.66

Guest Houses

0.06

0.02

0.26

0.11

Convalescent Homes

1.2

0.5

1.3

0.5

Qualifying (Private) Hospitals

29.3

12.0

28.9

11.8

Qualifying Sports Injury Clinics

4.3

1.8

3.7

1.5

Buildings used for childcare purposes

24.2

9.8

29.9

12.0

Mental Health Centres

0.3

0.1

0.2

0.0

Student Accommodation

108.7

42.0

58.0

22.7

Registered Caravan Parks

N/A

N/A

1.5

0.6

Notes to Table 3

(1) The information available on the cost to the Exchequer is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers (Form 11) and corporation tax returns filed by companies for the years 2007 and 2008, the latest year for which this information is available. Data for 2009 cannot be provided as the tax returns for this year are yet due.

It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return (Form 12) is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return (Form 11).

(2) The estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 41% rate for 2007 and 2008 in the case of individuals and 12.5% in the case of companies for both years. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax.

(3) The figures for 2008 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.

Appendix 1: Designated Islands

County

Island

Cork

Bere, Clear, Dursey, Hare, Long, Sherkin, Whiddy

Donegal

Arranmore, Inishbofin, Inishfree, Tory

Galway

Inishbofin, Inisheer, Inishmaan, Inishmore

Limerick

Foynes

Mayo

Claggan, Clare, Inishbiggle, Inishcottle, Inishlyre, Inishturk

Sligo

Coney

Seaside Resprt Scheme — Designated Resorts

County

Resort (note)

Clare

Kilkee, Lahinch

Cork

Clonakilty, Youghal

Donegal

Bundoran

Galway

Salthill

Kerry

Ballybunion

Louth

Clogherhead

Mayo

Achill, Westport

Meath

Bettystown, Laytown, Mosney

Sligo

Enniscrone

Waterford

Tramore

Wexford

Courttown

Wicklow

Arklow

Integrated Area Urban Renewal Scheme

Areas Designated

City/County

Area/Town

Cork

Blackpool/Shandon, City Docks Area

Dublin

Ballymun, HARP, Inchicore/Kilmainham, Liberties/Coombe, North East Inner City, Millenium/O’Connell Street

Galway

3 Suburban Local Authority Estates

Limerick

1 Large Central Area

Waterford

Periphery of commercial centre

Carlow

Carlow

Clare

Shannon

Cork

Bandon, Cobh, Mallow (N), passage West (S)/Glenbrook

Donegal

Buncrana

Dublin

Dun Laoghaire, Balbriggan, North West Blanchardstown, North Clondalkin, Tallaght

Galway

Tuam

Kerry

Tralee

Kildare

Athy, Kildare

Kilkenny

Kilkenny

Laois

Portlaoise

Limerick

Newcastlewest

Longford

Longford

Louth

Drogheda, Dundalk

Mayo

Ballina

Meath

Navan

Monaghan

Monaghan

Offaly

Birr, Tullamore, Clara

Sligo

Sligo

Tipperary

Roscrea, Thurles, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary

Waterford

Dungarvan

Wexford

Athlone, Mullingar

Wicklow

Arklow, Wicklow

Rural Renewal Scheme – Qualifying Areas

County

Area — District Electoral Divisions

Cavan

Arvagh, Springfield, Killashandra, Milltown, Carrafin, Grilly, Kilconny, Belturbet Urban, Ardue, Carn, Bilberry, Diamond, Doogary, Lissanover, Ballymagauran, Ballyconnell, Bawnboy, Templeport, Benbrack, Pedara Vohers, Tircahan, Swanlinbar, Kinawley, Derrynananta, Dunmakeever, Dowra, Derrylahan, Tuam, Killinagh, Eskey, Teebane, Scrabby, Loughdawan, Bruce Hall, Drumcarban, Corr, Crossdoney, and Killykeen.

Leitrim

The administrative county of Leitrim.

Longford

The administrative county of Longford.

Roscommon

Ballintober, Castleheen, Carrowduff, Kilbride North, Lissonuffy, Killavackan, Termonbarry, Roosky, Kilglass North, Kilglass South, Bumlin, Cloonfinlough, Killurkin (in Roscommon Rural District), Strokestown, Annaghmore, Tulsk, Coolougher, Ballinlough, Kiltullagh, Cloonflower, Artagh South, Artagh North, Ballaghaderreen, Edmondstown, Loughglinn, Buckhill, Fairymount, Castlereagh, Frenchpark, Bellengare, Castleplunket, Baslick, Breedoge, Altnagowlan, Lough Allen, Ballyfarnan, Keadue, Aghafin, Ballyformoyle, Crossna, Kilbryan, Boyle Rural, Boyle Urban, Tivannagh, Rushfield, Tumna North, Tumna South, Killurkin (in Boyle No.1 Rural District), Oakport, Rockingham, Danesfort, Cloonteem, Kilmore, Elia, Ballygarden, Aughrim East, Aughrim West, Creeve (in Boyle No. 1 Rural District), Creeve (in Roscommon Rural District), Elphin, Rossmore, Cloonyquinn, Ogulla, Mantua, Lisgarve, Kilmacumsy, Kilcolgan, Estersnow, Croghan, Killummod, Cregga, Cloonygormican, Kilbride South, Kilgefin, Cloontuskert, Drumdaff, and Kilteevan.

Sligo

Ballintogher East, Ballynakill, Lisconny, Drumfin, Ballymote, Cloonoghill, Leitrim, Tobercurry, Kilturra, Cuilmore, Kilfree, Coolavin, Killaraght, Templevanny, Aghanagh, Kilmactranny, Ballynashee, Shancough, Drumcolumb, Riverstown, Lakeview, Bricklieve, Drumrat, Toomour, Kilshalvy, Killdoon, Streamstown, Cartron, Coolaney, Owenmore, Temple, Annagh, Carrickbannagher, Collooney, and Ballintogher West.

Town Renewal Scheme — Designated Towns

County

Towns

Carlow

Hacketstown, Muinbheag, Tinnahinch/Graiguenamanagh, Tullow

Cavan

Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan, Cootehill

Clare

Ennistymon, Milltown Malbay, Kilrush, Scarriff, Sixmilebridge,

Cork

Bantry, Charelville (Rathluirc), Cloyne, Doberaile, Fermoy, Kanturk, Skibbereen,

Donegal

Ardara, Ballybofey- Stranolar, Ballyshannon, Moville, Ramelton,

Galway

Ballygar, Clifden, Headford, Loughrea, Portumna

Kerry

Caherciveen, Castleisland, Killorglin, Listowel

Kildare

Castledermot, Kilcock, Kilcullen, Monasterevan, Rathangan

Kilkenny

Callan, Castlecomer, Pilltown, Thomastown, Urlingford

Laois

Mountmellick, Mountrath, Portarlington, Rathdowney

Limerick

Abbeyfeale, Castleconnell, Croom, Kilmallock, Rathkeale

Lough

Ardee, Carlingford, Castlebellingham, Dubleer

Mayo

Ballinrobe, Belmullet, Claremorris, Foxford, Newport

Meath

Duleek, Kells, Oldcasrle, Trim

Monaghan

Ballybay, Castleblayney, Clones

Offaly

Banagher, Clara, Edenderry, Ferbane,

Roscommon

Roscommon

Sligo

Bellaghy-Charlestown, Rosses Point

Tipperary N.R.

Borrisokane, Littleton, Nenagh, Templemore

Tipperary S.R.

Cahir, Cashel, Fethard, Killenaule

Waterford

Cappoquin, Kilmacthomas, Portlaw, Tallow

Westmeath

Castlepollard, Kilbeggan, Moate

Wexford

Bunclody, Ferns, Gorey, Taghmon

Wicklow

Baltinglass, Carnew, Dunlavin, Tinahely

Living Over the Shop Scheme

Year

City

Designated Areas

2004

Cork

Qualifying Streets

2004

Dublin

Qualifying Streets

2004

Galway

Qualifying Streets

2004

Limerick

Qualifying Streets

2004

Waterford

Qualifying Streets

2007

Cork

Qualifying Streets

2007

Dublin

Qualifying Streets

2007

Galway

Qualifying Streets

2007

Limerick

Qualifying Streets

2007

Waterford

Qualifying Streets

Youth Services

Bernard Allen
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Bernard Allen
Question:
59 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Pobal has refused to grant a group (details supplied) in County Cork. [24611/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the recently announced OMCYA Dormant Accounts Youth Café Funding Scheme which is being administered by POBAL on behalf of my Office. As the closing date for applications under this scheme is not until Friday June 11th next, no applications have yet been received or considered in relation to this scheme.

All initial applications under this scheme will be forwarded to local County & City Development boards (CDBs) who will then submit a short-list of suitable applications to POBAL. Full details of the scheme are available on www.pobal.ie

Departmental Correspondence

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
60 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children her response to representations received from a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24647/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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Correspondence received in regard to this matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
61 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost per week of a private nursing home stay; the way the cost of this stay is broken down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24097/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, the weekly cost of long-term residential care in both public and private nursing homes is published on the HSE's website. Based on this, the average cost of care per week in a private nursing home is €850 for a single room and €844 for a shared room.

In the case of private nursing homes, the National Treatment Purchase Fund has to agree a price for long-term residential care with each private nursing home provider wishing to partake in the scheme. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.

The services which fall within the scope of long-term residential care and which are covered by this agreed price are:

nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person,

bed and board,

basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living, and

laundry service.

A person who avails of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme should not be charged any additional fee over and above the agreed price, except where he or she chooses to obtain additional services over and above long-term residential care services, for example, hairdressing or the delivery of daily newspapers.

Existing arrangements with regard to the provision of incontinence wear free of charge to residents in public and private nursing homes also remain in place.

A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, is unaffected by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. In other words, a person can continue to receive goods and services in accordance with the terms of these other schemes regardless of whether they are in a private nursing home or elsewhere.

Children in Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
62 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the number of children who were sent to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, Dublin 14 for misbehaving while in child care institutions; and the number who subsequently died in the Central Mental Hospital and were cremated without the knowledge and consent of their families. [24100/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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Prior to the implementation of the Mental Health Act 2001, admissions to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) were governed by Section 207 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 which provided for the transfer of a person detained in a district mental hospital to the CMH, where in the opinion of the Justice of the District Court, such person had committed an offence and would, if placed on trial, be unfit to plead. Strict legal procedures applied to admissions to the CMH; I am advised that misbehaving in a childcare institution, never constituted grounds for admission to the hospital. The Deputy may also wish to note that there was never a crematorium in the CMH.

If the Deputy has continuing concerns, I am happy to facilitate a visit to the CMH and for the Deputy to examine the admission registers.

Hospital Services

Seán Barrett
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Seán Barrett
Question:
63 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to make balloon angioplasty services available for the treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency, which treatment has major beneficial effects for multiple sclerosis sufferers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24102/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 the HSE in due course.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Seán Ó Fearghaíl
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Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:
64 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that house properties left vacant in the aftermath of a person securing long term residential care are inordinately difficult to insure; if this situation has implications for the long term operation of the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24104/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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A key purpose of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is to ensure that individuals do not have to sell or re-mortgage their homes in order to meet their long-term nursing home care costs. For this reason, the scheme provides that a person's principal residence is only taken into account in the financial assessment for their first three years in care. It also provides that the portion of the person's contribution based on the principal residence may be deferred for the duration of their lifetime. This is an optional element of the scheme termed the Nursing Home Loan.

It is not a requirement of the scheme that a person's property be insured in order to be taken into account during the financial assessment or in order to be considered for the Nursing Home Loan. As such, the situation referred to by the Deputy does not have implications for the long-term operation of the scheme.

Services for People with Disabilities

Olivia Mitchell
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Olivia Mitchell
Question:
65 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide structured occupational therapy and or speech and language therapy for the pupils of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24109/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
66 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will allow a person who is suffering from a personality disorder to be treated in the UK under the National Treatment Purchase Fund in view of the fact that there are no treatment options here; the reason there are no residential centres here to help persons with personality disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24112/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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The National Treatment Purchase Fund currently arranges treatment for patients who have been waiting longest on surgical in-patient waiting lists, and in some cases, diagnostic procedures for public patients. Therefore the type of service to which the Deputy refers does not fall within the remit of the Fund.

There is some expertise within the mental health service for the treatment of personality disorders. In addition individuals can be referred by their consultant for treatment abroad using the S2 (or E112). The question of further developing the service here in line with ‘A Vision for Change' is a matter for the HSE.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
67 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy provisions that are in place to prevent deliberate overcharging in private nursing homes with regard to physical therapy, personal care and so on once a person has qualified under the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24127/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has to agree a price for long-term residential care with each private nursing home provider wishing to partake in the scheme. The services which fall within the scope of long-term residential care and which are covered by this agreed price are: nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person, bed and board, basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living, and laundry service.

A person who avails of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme should not be charged any additional fee over and above this agreed price, except where he or she chooses to obtain additional services over and above long-term residential care services, for example, hairdressing or the delivery of daily newspapers. Existing arrangements with regard to the provision of incontinence wear free of charge to residents in public and private nursing homes also remain in place.

A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, is unaffected by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. In other words, a person can continue to receive goods and services in accordance with the terms of these other schemes regardless of whether they are in a private nursing home or elsewhere.

Finally, the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 specify that the registered provider shall agree a contract with the resident within one month of their admission. The contract must include details of the services to be provided for that resident and the fees to be charged. It should also outline any additional health, personal and social services to be paid for over and above those included in the price agreed with the NTPF, e.g. daily newspapers, hairdressing etc.

Youth Services

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
68 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application by Fingal Development Board for funding for youth cafés in Fingal and in particular for a youth café at a premises (details supplied) in County Dublin which Fingal County Council has purchased for community use and in respect of which a €100,000 grant application has been made for conversion to a youth cafe as per her policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24129/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the recently announced OMCYA Dormant Accounts Youth Café Funding Scheme which is being administered by POBAL on behalf of my Office. As the closing date for applications under this scheme is not until Friday June 11th next, no applications have yet been received or considered in relation to this scheme. All initial applications under this scheme will be forwarded to local County & City Development boards (CDBs) who will then submit a short-list of suitable applications to POBAL. Full details of the scheme are available on www.pobal.ie

Departmental Funding

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
69 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange to have a facility (details supplied) cleaned and painted. [24137/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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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

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
70 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will stop the proposed cuts to home help in Marino and Fairview, Dublin 3. [24142/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Departmental Investigations

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
71 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the report of a Health Information and Quality Authority investigation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24155/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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I have been informed by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) that no specific investigation has been conducted nor Report prepared into the particular circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy. However the circumstances of the case are known to HIQA and helped inform the Authority's Report of the investigation into the quality and safety of services and supporting arrangements provided by the Health Service Executive at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Ennis, which was published in April 2009. I understand that the Authority has been in communication with the Deputy in relation to the specific matters that he has raised.

Tobacco Control

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
72 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has submitted information on the national focal points for tobacco control as required by point six of the European Council Recommendation on smoke free environments by the deadline of 30 May 2010; if so, the details of the focal points; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24165/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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The national focal point for tobacco control is the Assistant Principal Officer in the Tobacco Control Unit in my Department, as notified to the European Commission.

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
73 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she plans, as previously indicated by her Department, to introduce mandatory pictorial health warnings on cigarette packets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24166/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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Section 6 of the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act, 2009 provides for regulations to facilitate the introduction of the combined text and photo warnings on tobacco products and the regulations are currently being drafted. The date for the introduction of the new warnings will be determined following consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

Mental Health Services

Christy O'Sullivan
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Christy O'Sullivan
Question:
74 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the health budget allocated and spent on mental health for the years 2008, 2009, and to date in 2010; the way that compares with international figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24177/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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Following is the information requested by the Deputy in tabular form.

Year

2008

2009

2010*

€M

€M

€M

Mental Health Funding

1,043.816

1,006.682

976.964

Gross Non- Capital Health Expenditure

14,352.642

14,698.354

14,583.431

Mental Health Funding as a percentage of Gross Health Expenditure

7.27%

6.85%

6.70%

*Denotes Estimate.

Source: Revised Estimates for Public Services.

The figures contained in the table only reflect expenditure on specialist mental health services. Approximately 90% of public mental health services are provided at primary care level. Expenditure on these services is not captured in the table. Cross-national comparisons of funding are unreliable, as not all countries calculate mental health expenditure in the same way. While the percentage of total health funding spent on mental health is of interest, the principles of efficiency and effectiveness are also important and must apply in relation to the funding allocated to mental health services.

Christy O'Sullivan
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Christy O'Sullivan
Question:
75 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on a recent report supplied to her Department by Amnesty International Ireland; her further views on the reports recommendations for a performance assessment framework in respect of mental health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24183/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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I welcome the publication of Amnesty International Ireland's Report, Accountability in the Delivery of A Vision for Change. I regret however that my Department did not get the opportunity to input to the Report, which would I believe, have added considerable value to the project and to the knowledge of the Report’s authors in relation to mental health service issues.

My Department works on an ongoing collaborative basis with the HSE to further develop and refine performance measures across all service areas, including mental health, to ensure that they are as robust and meaningful as possible and reflect key priorities and international best practice as well as being comparable both within the EU and further afield.

Health Services

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
76 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. [24196/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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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.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
77 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24203/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
78 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [24209/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Organ Donation

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
79 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24212/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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Many countries in the European Union operate organ donor registers. However, the rates of deceased organ donation vary widely between Member States from 1.1 to 34.4 deceased organ donors per million of population. Therefore, it is difficult to demonstrate the effectiveness of a donor register as a means to increasing organ donation.

Ireland consistently performs above the average EU rate of organ donation. In 2008, Ireland's annual rate was 18.4 organ donors per million of population, compared to the EU rate of 18.2. In 2009, Ireland significantly increased its level of organ donation to 20 organ donors per million of population, which is expected to again place it above the average EU rate.

Notwithstanding this performance, options to further improve organ donation should be open to consideration. With this in mind, I agreed with the Health Service Executive, as part of its 2010 Service Plan, that it will establish an organ donation and transplantation unit within its existing national structures and resources. This unit will provide a national focal point for reporting, monitoring and assessing organ donation and transplantation activities. It is appropriate that these functions be carried out at a national level, on the basis of regular, comprehensive performance data provided by all the transplant centres. This approach will provide a sound basis for evaluating performance and examining other issues related to transplantation.

Hospital Services

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
80 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time protocols regarding children in need of surgery for the condition scoliosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24225/10]

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
81 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the after care policy here for persons who have undergone surgery for the condition scoliosis abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24226/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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Ì propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.

The treatment provided to a patient is a matter for clinical decision, in consultation with the patient, where appropriate, and his or her family. Cases are reviewed by the relevant clinical team on a regular basis and surgery and other treatment is determined and prioritised according to clinical need.

In relation to public patients who are referred for surgical treatment abroad, arrangements are made for appropriate ongoing care by the referring consultant, in conjunction with the hospital in which the procedure has been carried out.

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
82 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the average number of cases allocated to social workers here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24237/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 again with me in due course.

Health Service Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of locum social workers employed by the Health Service Executive to cover social workers on sick leave for more than three weeks during each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24238/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 again with me in due course.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
84 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers who have taken sick leave for longer than three weeks for each of the past five years. [24239/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 again with me in due course.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
85 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers who have taken maternity leave during each of the past five years; the number of locum social workers who have been employed to cover maternity leave during each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24240/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 again with me in due course.

Children in Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
86 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if children who had been in care and subsequently died at home were included in their audit of child deaths in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24241/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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The Independent Review Group on Child Deaths (IRGCD) was established in March 2010to examine the results of completed reviews of deaths of children in care over the last ten years. The Group is composed of Ms Norah Gibbons and Mr. Geoffrey Shannon. A third independent person of international standing will be appointed once the Group has completed an initial examination of documentation received from the HSE. The Group has been asked to complete its work within a six months timeframe and by year end at the latest. The Report of the Review Group will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published.

The categories of deaths to be reported on are as follows: (i) children in care; (ii) children known to the HSE child protection system; (iii) young adults (up to 21 years of age) who were in the care of the HSE in the period immediately prior to their 18th birthday or were in receipt of aftercare services under Section 45 of the Child Care Act, 1991. These include the category identified by the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
87 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive intend to conduct an audit of cases where children who had been in care were returned to their pre-care home and suffered injury, neglect, abuse, or who died; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24242/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
88 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive plan to conduct an audit of children who died in care for the decade previous to the current audit and the decade prior to that; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24243/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE is not in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
89 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the 444 children missing from the care system who are presumed dead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24244/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE is not in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
90 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of meetings that have taken place between the Health Service Executive and the Gardaí in respect of children who have gone missing from the care system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24245/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
91 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have had multiple entries into the care system; and the reasons for these entries. [24246/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
92 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have received aftercare from the Health Service Executive during each of the past five years; and the number of persons who have been monitored upon leaving aftercare during each of the past five years. [24247/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
93 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children in care who have had multiple changes of social workers during each of the past five years. [24248/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 to 93, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE is not in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.

Information and Response Systems

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
94 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps taken by the Health Service Executive to establish a rapid response system here, that covers both sea and airports; the steps taken to establish a two-way information and response system in co-operation with authorities in the north of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24249/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 the HSE in due course.

Child Care Services

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
95 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if additional funding will be provided for child care facilities (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if she will provide clarification regarding the funding of this facility; and if an error has been made regarding the allocation of this vital funding. [24254/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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I have responsibility for implementing the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which was introduced in January of this year. I understand that the child care facility referred to by the Deputy is participating in the new ECCE scheme and that to date capitation funding in the region of €95,000 has been allocated by my Office to the facility to enable it to provide the free pre-school year. As the query relates to the withdrawal of funding previously received by the service from the Health Service Executive (HSE), I asked for enquiries to be made in this matter. However, 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.

Medical Cards

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24261/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
97 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the provision of dentures and teeth cleaning have been withdrawn under the medical card scheme; if she will restore provision of same to medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24279/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million.

The provision and repair of dentures has not been withdrawn but will be provided in cases of clinical emergency. Under the new measures the range of treatments available are being prioritised. These measures have been introduced to protect access to emergency dental care for medical card holders and to safeguard services for children and special needs groups. The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS.

Health Service Staff

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
98 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are a number of advance paramedics here who are suitably qualified and in view of the fact that it is estimated to cost €100,000 to train each paramedic to the advanced paramedic standard; the number of advanced paramedics likely to be needed over the next few years; if the existing cohort of advanced paramedics are sufficient for the proposed service in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24304/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
99 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is proposed by the Health Service Executive to have support such as multi-task attendants and other support staff in hospitals and public nursing homes replaced by outsourcing the jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24305/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
100 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received any speech therapy to date from the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24306/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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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.

Care of the Elderly

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
101 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Community Hospital and Nursing Home, Belmullet, County Mayo; the proposals for the future of this hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24307/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Services for People with Disabilities

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
102 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no maintenance dental service available to disabled persons in County Galway and in particular to persons with cerebral palsy; if her attention has been brought that the dental service is limited to extractions where there is great pain; if her further attention has been drawn this stress and anxiety this causes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24308/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
103 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not in receipt of physiotherapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24320/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 hospital 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 hospital.

Departmental Investigations

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
104 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the non-statutory report into the death of a person (details supplied) is incorporated into the proposed emergency legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24362/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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The Health Service Executive engaged Counsel in 2007 to carry out the Non-Statutory Inquiry referred to by the Deputy. The Inquiry's Report was delivered to the HSE in October 2009. Following receipt of the report two of the parties requested that they be allowed make further submissions and these requests were granted. These submissions were made in early 2010 and were considered by the Inquiry. I understand that the Executive is engaged in a fair procedures exercise which it intends to complete without undue delay. The question of the dissemination of the Report is a matter for the Executive, which has indicated its intention to publish it. It is not anticipated that this legislation will be required in these circumstances.

Hospitals Building Programme

Catherine Byrne
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Catherine Byrne
Question:
105 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the new national children’s hospital project; the budget for this project; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24379/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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My objective, and that of the Government, is to ensure the provision of a world-class hospital to serve the children of this country. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and the HSE are making very good progress in their work to bring this important project to fruition. The Integrated Design Team, appointed in Oct 2009, completed the concept designs for the new children's hospital and the Ambulatory & Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght in February 2010. The tendering process for the enabling works for the ceded site on Eccles Street has commenced. This work is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2010 subject to planning permission being secured.

The HSE have indicated that the capital development cost of the hospital will be approximately €750m. It is intended that €400m of this funding will be provided from the Exchequer for the hospital build. The remainder will be raised from other sources, including philanthropic contributions. To date, €21.8m has been expended on the project. I am very pleased to note that the planning of the new hospital is proceeding on schedule and due to be operational by the end of 2014.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
106 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the details and outcome of the past three reviews by her Department’s governance support division of compliance by her Department’s State bodies 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 her; the results of same. [24390/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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Agencies established under the remit of my Department are required to comply with this Department's Frameworks for Corporate and Financial Governance. The two Frameworks (one for regulatory bodies under the aegis of my Department and one for the agencies funded by the Department) are supplementary to statutory requirements and to Government approved guidelines including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

All Agencies meet their legal and financial obligations with regard to control, compliance and internal risk processes linked to their requirements to publish Audited Accounts. Broader agency best practice relating to non statutory governance provisions are in place to varying but increasingly improved standards. Officials of my Department ensure that the Frameworks for health sector agencies is adhered to by monitoring progress on an ongoing basis.

Mental Health Services

Alan Shatter
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Alan Shatter
Question:
107 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, taken by her with regard to concerns expressed to her about the alleged substandard consultant and management within the Brothers of Charity southern service, child and adolescent mental health services; if her attention has been drawn to the reason for the Health Service Executive engaging a recruitment agency to employ on a short-term basis a number of professionals to form a multidisciplinary team to undertake the assessment of children on the waiting list of south Lee team A; if she has investigated the reason the waiting list is currently three years despite there being no such waiting list in the neighbouring geographic area of south Lee team B; the number of psychologists or others who have reported to her that there are serious clinical and managerial inadequacies in the provision of this service; and the further reason nothing has happened for a period of 12 months to resolve this problem to the detriment of the children on the waiting lists in need of mental health services. [24397/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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The Health Service Executive and the Mental Health Commission have been asked to investigate the issues raised by the Deputy as a matter of urgency. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Child Abuse

Alan Shatter
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Alan Shatter
Question:
108 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that individuals acting as children’s officers in local sports clubs are concerned that should they make any report of possible abuse of a child to the Health Service Executive in accordance with the child protection guidelines, there is no certainty that any such report made by them will be followed up; there is no structure in place to inform them of the action taken pursuant to any such report made; there is widespread concern that as a consequence of the HSE failing to properly assess or follow up children at risk they could in future years be held responsible for the failings of the HSE. [24398/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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The Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children clearly state that the Children and Family Social Services of the HSE should always be informed when a person has reasonable grounds for concern that a child may have been abused, or is being abused, or is at risk of abuse. The ability of the Children and Family Social Services of the HSE or An Garda Síochána to assess suspicions or allegations of child abuse will depend on the amount and quality of information conveyed to them by the people reporting concerns. It is critical that there is a clear understanding of professional and legal responsibilities with regard to confidentiality and the exchange of information. The Children First Guidelines state that “all information regarding concern or assessment of child abuse should be shared on ‘a need to know’ basis in the interests of the child”.

The Protections for Persons reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998 makes provision for the protection from civil liability of persons who have communicated child abuse ‘reasonably and in good faith' to designated officers of the HSE or to any member of An Garda Síochána. This protection applies to organisations as well as to individuals. This means that even if a communicated suspicion of child abuse proves unfounded, a plaintiff who took an action would have to prove that the person who communicated the concern had not acted reasonably and in good faith in making the report.

I am currently finalising proposals for Government in which I will set out a framework for improved implementation of the Children First Guidelines. The framework will take into account the position of sports clubs and other voluntary organisations working with children. The purpose will be to ensure that the Guidelines are effectively and consistently implemented across each sector, supported by a particular focus on inspection and audit of compliance.

Community Welfare

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
109 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. [24432/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
110 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 has been granted a medical card. [24433/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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As indicated to the Deputy in my previous responses, it was not possible to answer the original questions 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.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Michael Moynihan
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Michael Moynihan
Question:
111 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will issue on an application for the nursing home support scheme in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [24437/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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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
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if home help or assistance from a district nurse will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [24438/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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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.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
113 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget provided for the home help scheme for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; the number of home helps employed; the number of home help hours provided for these years on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24520/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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The information in relation to the Home Help service, currently available within my Department, is set out in the following table.

Activity

2006

2007

2008

2009

Number clients in receipt of Home Help Service at year end

49,578

54,736

55,366

53,791

Hours Provided

10.8m

11.78m

11.96m

11.97m

Funding €m

185.4

206.4

211

211

The HSE Service Plan 2010 commits the Executive to provide 11.98 million Home Help hours this year. The funding available for this service in 2010 is unchanged from 2009 i.e. €211 million. 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 other detailed information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
114 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget provided in the south Lee area for the home help scheme for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of home helps employed; the number of home help hours provided in the south Lee area for each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24521/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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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.

Care of the Elderly

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
115 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports that are available for families who look after Alzheimer’s suffers; if there are any plans to provide extra resources to this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24522/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Health Services

Bernard Allen
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Bernard Allen
Question:
116 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [24542/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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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 Waiting Lists

Jim O'Keeffe
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Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
117 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients on orthopaedic waiting lists at Cork University Hospital for consultant appointments and surgical procedures; and the steps proposed to deal with delays. [24556/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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 the HSE again in due course.

Mental Health Services

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
118 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 9 March 2010, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the child psychiatry service in counties Laois and Offaly is currently suspended to all routine referrals, due to a backlog in work and very limited resources; the number of referrals on the waiting list; the number of persons who have been informed that they cannot be placed on the waiting list; the steps she proposes to take to deal with this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24557/10]

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
119 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 9 March 2010 regarding child psychiatry services in counties Laois and Offaly and the backlog of work and very limited resources, if she is now in a position to reply thereto. [24558/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 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.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
120 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of her Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if she has taken any action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24601/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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My Department approves the remuneration of CEOs of the State-sponsored bodies under its aegis and, from time to time, notifies the bodies concerned of adjustments resulting from the terms of national pay agreements and, where applicable, recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. In January of this year, the Department conveyed detailed instructions to its non-commercial State-sponsored bodies on the application of pay reductions to Chief Executive Officers of such bodies with effect from 1 January 2010 in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 (No. 41 of 2009).

My Department's agencies are required to comply with the Department's Frameworks for Corporate and Financial Governance. The two Frameworks (one for regulatory bodies under the aegis of my Department and one for the agencies funded by the Department) are supplementary to statutory requirements and to Government approved guidelines including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Specifically, the Code of Practice requires Chairpersons and Boards of all State bodies to implement Government policy in relation to the total remuneration of the Chief Executive/Managing Director. Arrangements put in place by a relevant Department or the Department of Finance for determining and approving the remuneration of the Chief Executive/Managing Director must also be implemented and adhered to. The review and appraisal of the degree of compliance with legislation and with requirements centrally (e.g. by Government, the Department of Fiance and my Department) is included in the objectives of an Agency's internal audit function as set out in my Department's Frameworks for Corporate and Financial Governance.

Officials of my Department ensure that the Frameworks for health sector agencies are adhered to by monitoring progress on an ongoing basis.

Over the past three years, my Department has dealt with two specific cases where it came to light that the ceo of an agency under its aegis was being paid a higher basic salary than the approved rate. In the first case (National Treatment Purchase Fund), the position was subsequently regularised with the approval of the Department of Finance. In the other case (National Cancer Screening Service), the matter has yet to be brought to finality.

A table outlining the salaries of the CEOs is currently being prepared and will be forwarded to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.

Departmental Expenditure

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
121 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if additional funding has been allocated to Beechpark Services for approved schools; the number of schools; which approved schools are included; and if a timeline has been set for approved schools including a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6 to move forward. [24607/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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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

Brendan Howlin
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Brendan Howlin
Question:
122 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that patients in the south east, including a person (details supplied) must wait two to three years for an appointment with a hospital-based orthopaedic consultant; her views on whether this constitutes an acceptable level of service for patients who are often in severe pain and sometimes immobilised with orthopaedic complaints; the steps that are being taken by her and the Health Service Executive to ensure that this service is substantially improved without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24615/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned.

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.

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
123 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be called for a procedure. [24616/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Adoption Services

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
124 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the review of the Helping Hands Adoption Agency; and when she expects the review to be completed. [24622/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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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.

Hospital Staff

Joe McHugh
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Joe McHugh
Question:
125 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will deploy graduate-employment programmes for graduate nursing staff at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, in view of the fact that there is a shortage of nursing staff at Letterkenny General Hospital and that the Health Service Executive spent €15.6 million on the education of nurses at Letterkenny Institute of Technology in 2004 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24637/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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This year, the HSE is required to achieve a net reduction of 1,520 (or 1.4%) in its employment levels. Corresponding reductions will be required in 2011 and 2012 to achieve an overall reduction of 6,000 between March 2009 and December 2012. These reductions are an essential and unavoidable part of the measures being taken by the Government to address the gap between revenue and expenditure.

While there is provision in the HSE's Employment Control Framework for some exemptions and exceptions these are limited because of the need to achieve the required payroll savings. The alternative would be to reduce services in order to secure the necessary expenditure reductions which I assume the Deputy would not favour.

I recognise that the employment controls introduced by the Government will obviously impact on newly qualified nurses. However, the only way to ensure we have a sustainable health service in the future is to take firm action now to address the budgetary imbalance.

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
126 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason home help hours have been reduced to two hours per week in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will intervene in this case in view of the fact that the person has no family living in Ireland and is dependent on home help for assistance with day to day chores. [24643/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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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.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl
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Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:
127 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider correspondence regarding a person (details supplied); if the needs assessment which is required will be expedited by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24659/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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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.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
128 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the valuation of property is valued as of the date of transfer rather than the present day valuation in respect of the fair deal scheme and in the case of the family home being transferred to a family member within the past five years; her views on whether this is fair; and the statutory basis for same. [24661/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
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The five year anti-avoidance mechanism is necessary in order to ensure that the scheme is fair to all and financially sustainable. The inclusion of transferred assets in the financial assessment is not a new measure. Transferred assets were also taken into account under the Subvention Scheme which was introduced by way of Regulations in 1993 and established in primary legislation in the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Act 2007.

Transferred assets are taken into account under the financial assessment using the valuation at date of transfer because this is the amount that could have been realised from the sale of the asset at the time. The financial sustainability of the scheme is underpinned by the principle that applicants will contribute according to their means, which includes a percentage of their assets. To allow the transfer of assets prior to application would therefore undermine the entire scheme. The legal provision is contained in Schedule 1 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.

Medical Cards

Beverley Flynn
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Beverley Flynn
Question:
129 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 has not yet received notification of whether their renewal application for a medical card has been successful. [24682/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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

Jan O'Sullivan
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Jan O'Sullivan
Question:
130 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a second dermatologist has been appointed in the mid-west; if not, when the embargo of that post will be lifted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24690/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
131 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive an appointment at the Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24693/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Accident and Emergency Services

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
132 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on waiving the accident and emergency charge for persons who attend A&E as a result of being victims of crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24786/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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The Health (Out-Patient Charges) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008, provide for a statutory charge of €100 for attendance at Accident and Emergency Departments. This charge is levied only for persons who attend at Accident and Emergency Departments without a referral note from their doctor and applies only for the first visit of any episode of care. This applies to everyone receiving treatment in a public hospital with the exception of, inter alia, persons with full eligibility, women receiving services in respect of motherhood, children up to the age of six weeks and children suffering from prescribed long term diseases.

There are no plans at present to exempt any further category of persons from the A&E charge.

Hospital Services

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
133 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason that the car park at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 has a parking ticket and clamping system in operation (details supplied); if she will raise the issue with the Health Service Executive with a view to considering a barrier system where persons pay at the barrier when exiting the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24790/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Willie Penrose
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Willie Penrose
Question:
134 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to have a person (details supplied) admitted for treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24829/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)
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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.

Road Network

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
135 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the financial allocation to each local authority for road maintenance on a per kilometre basis for each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24298/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants paid by my Department.The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Regional and local road grants are allocated under a number of grant categories. The maintenance grant categories are the discretionary maintenance and restoration maintenance grants and these are calculated by reference to length of road. Funding is also provided to local authorities under a number of other grant categories such as Improvement Grants, Strategic Grants, Specific Improvement Grants and Low Cost Safety Improvement Grants. Greater flexibility was given to local authorities in 2010 in the use of Improvement Grant monies.

Details of the grant allocations per kilometre to each county council under these maintenance grant categories, for each of the past ten years, are set out in the table below.

Table: Allocation per km for maintenance grants for regional and local roads

LOCAL AUTHORITY

2001 allocation

2002 allocation

2003 allocation

2004 allocation

2005 allocation

€

€

€

€

€

Carlow County Council

592

819

819

909

975

Cavan County Council

613

848

848

909

975

Clare County Council

611

846

846

909

975

Cork County Council

617

854

854

909

975

Donegal County Council

614

850

850

909

975

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

1,129

1,561

1,561

1,817

1,948

Fingal County Council

863

1,195

1,195

1,364

1,463

Galway County Council

615

851

851

909

975

Kerry County Council

616

853

853

909

975

Kildare County Council

615

852

852

910

975

Kilkenny County Council

616

853

853

909

975

Laois County Council

608

841

841

909

975

Leitrim County Council

633

877

877

909

975

Limerick County Council

614

850

850

909

975

Longford County Council

598

827

827

909

975

Louth County Council

616

853

853

909

975

Mayo County Council

605

837

837

909

975

Meath County Council

612

848

848

909

975

Monaghan County Council

614

850

850

909

975

North Tipperary County Council

622

861

861

909

975

Offaly County Council

583

807

807

909

975

Roscommon County Council

663

917

917

909

975

Sligo County Council

629

870

870

909

975

South Dublin County Council

826

1,144

1,144

1,364

1,462

South Tipperary County Council

609

842

842

909

975

Waterford County Council

623

862

862

909

975

Westmeath County Council

614

850

850

909

975

Wexford County Council

618

856

856

909

975

Wicklow County Council

610

844

844

909

975

LOCAL AUTHORITY

2006 allocation

2007 allocation

2008 allocation

2009 allocation

2010 allocation

€

€

€

€

€

Carlow County Council

1,166

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Cavan County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Clare County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Cork County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Donegal County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

2,328

2,483

2,572

2,572

2,492

Fingal County Council

1,748

1,863

1,931

1,931

1,871

Galway County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Kerry County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Kildare County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Kilkenny County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Laois County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Leitrim County Council

1,165

1,243

1,287

1,287

1,247

Limerick County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Longford County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Louth County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Mayo County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Meath County Council

1,165

1,242

1,288

1,288

1,247

Monaghan County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

North Tipperary County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Offaly County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Roscommon County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Sligo County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

South Dublin County Council

1,747

1,862

1,929

1,929

1,870

South Tipperary County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Waterford County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Westmeath County Council

1,165

1,242

1,286

1,286

1,247

Wexford County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Wicklow County Council

1,165

1,242

1,287

1,287

1,247

Duty Free Sales

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
136 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recent closure of a duty free outlet in the area designated as the US Pre-Clearance Area at Shannon Airport; the reason for this closure; the efforts that are being made in conjunction with the US Government to resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24113/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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This is a matter that falls within the operational responsibilities of the Dublin and Shannon Airport Authorities.

However, I understand that a retail shop for passengers is open and fully operational within the U.S. preclearance area in Shannon Airport and that its operating procedures have been agreed with the local U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff. I understand that initially the shop operated as a temporary facility and after a successful trial period a new shop was constructed.

Following this, there was a very short period of time when the shop was not open to allow CBP staff to review the operation and to certify that their requirements with regard to U.S. customs were met.

State Airports

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
137 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the annual liquid confiscation levels per tonne for each Irish Airport for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24207/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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Carriage of liquids by those intending to travel by air is governed by Regulation (EC) 300 / 2008, Regulation (EU) 185/2010 and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme. The amounts of liquids being confiscated at Irish airports are an operational matter for the relevant airport authorities.

Motor Vehicle Registration

Joe McHugh
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Joe McHugh
Question:
138 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the reason the responsibility for signing the statutory declaration for vehicle registration and licensing has moved from the competency of Peace Commissioner to Commissioner of Oaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24326/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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My Department through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) maintains a record of the ‘Registered Owners' of motor vehicles. Article 10 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 to 2008 sets out the procedures in respect of the notification and recording of changes of vehicle ownership through the completion of the relevant portion of the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC).

To cater for isolated instances where the legal requirements cannot be complied with because the VRC is not available or cannot be produced for genuine reasons my Department, through administrative process, accepts a declaration that ownership of a vehicle has changed in the form of a statutory declaration sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths, notaries public or a Peace Commissioner.

The categories of person who are authorized to sign the declarations have not changed.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
139 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s Governance Support Division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24394/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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Details of the Review carried out in late 2009 were given in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 1st June 2010.

Details of the reviews carried out previously to this are set out below:

The key findings of a review completed in February 2008 on compliance with the code of practice were that Department's monitoring divisions reported that 21 State Bodies under the aegis of the Department were compliant. The 10 Harbour Authorities were not reported as being compliant. A review completed in late 2008 considered the level of compliance with the Code of Practice as satisfactory. It reported that deficiencies identified were being addressed and that the recent ‘Change in Tone' corporate governance initiative by the Minister had set the scene for improved standards of reporting and compliance for 2009 onwards.

The Review noted that issues relating to compliance with the Code of Practice by Port Companies had been the subject of a separate audit and that issues identified were being addressed by the relevant Divisions within the Department. It further noted that the development of a standard reporting template by the Department for use by chairpersons should achieve better standards in reporting and compliance by the Port Companies.

The Review reported that a delay in completing audits by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General were a serious barrier for some Bodies in meeting their reporting deadlines under the Code of Practice. The Review referenced the National Roads Authority by way of example.

In September 2007 the Department reviewed if all Bodies under the Department's remit were in compliance with Paragraph 10.2 of the 2001 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

This provision required the Chairperson of each Body to confirm, inter alia, in his or her annual report to the Minister that the Code of Practice had been adopted and was being complied with.

At the same time, the Department also reviewed the position regarding the establishment of an internal audit function in the agencies as required under Section 3 of the Code of Practice.

In relation to confirmation by the Chairperson, the review found that confirmation had been received in all, except two cases. In the two cases involved, a response from the relevant Division in the Department was awaited in relation to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and the Commission for Taxi Regulation regarding the compliance confirmation and the internal audit function. In relation to the internal audit function, the review noted that all Bodies had an internal audit function in place with the exception of a number of Port companies where internal audit units were not established (Drogheda, Waterford, Wicklow, Dundalk and New Ross). The review noted that these five did have an Audit Committee in place.

The Review recognised that the requirement for a properly constituted internal audit function may present difficulties for some of the very small State bodies and noted that in some cases alternative approaches were being examined in consultation with the Department's Internal Audit Unit. The revised Code of Practice, published in May 2009, subsequently provided the opportunity for greater flexibility in relation to the internal function audit for smaller State Bodies.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
140 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24605/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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The salary scales of Chief Executives of commercial State bodies are reviewed from time to time by the Minister for Finance and based on comparisons with posts in the private sector.

Salary ranges recommended through this system – known as the "Hay Rates" — were last approved by Government in 2007, with a further general sanction by the Department of Finance for revised pay ranges with effect from 1st September 2008. In some cases, chief executives are on non-Hay rates. These are primarily cases where chief executives had already been on salaries higher than the Hay rates and opted not to move to a Hay contract.

Chief Executives of non-commercial State companies and agencies come within the remit of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration and have been subject to the salary reductions provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No.2) Act 2009.

The salary scale of each Chief Executive was provided to the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 10th February 2010. These reflected the salary reductions imposed on the non-commercial State Bodies from January 2010.

In relation to the commercial State companies, some Chief Executives may have taken a voluntary salary reduction in the interim.

My Department is currently reviewing compliance with the current arrangements.

Environmental Policy

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
141 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has supported academic research into transport issues in third level institutions over the past five years; the amount and institution involved; if he will continue this research; if he will support research into the way climate change is affecting our geology and thus impacting on out transport systems including rail and road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24650/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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My Department has co-funded, with the EPA, a project entitled "Barriers to sustainable transport in Ireland". This project aims to identify and assess the barriers to implementing more sustainable transport patterns in Ireland. The project is being carried out in TCD, and funding from my Department for this project is €46,425.

In addition to this my Department is supporting the "Irish Transport Research Network Conference" to the value of €5,000. This conference, which is hosted by UCD, includes topics such as sustainable transport and energy in transport, and will take place on August 31st and September 1st 2010.

It should also be noted that section 72 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, enables the National Transport Authority to promote, engage in and fund research in relation to any of its functions.

State Airports

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
142 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his Department had any concerns when the St. Margaret’s bypass was planned and constructed in the 1990s across the line previously reserved for proposed runway 10/28 at Dublin Airport; if he will confirm whether the presence of such bypass alerted the location of the said runway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24656/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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The issues raised by the Deputy are the responsibility of the Dublin Airport Authority and the relevant planning authority. I have no function in the matter.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
143 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 25 May 2010, if he will direct the Irish Aviation Authority to provide the precise distance that the red zone commences from the threshold of the western end of runway 10/28 at Dublin Airport in view of the evidence shown on a map of the Fingal development plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24658/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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I have been in contact with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in relation to this matter.

I understand from the DAA that the Red Zone referred to in the Deputy's question was based on a proposed ultimate runway length of 11500ft/3505 metres in 1968. The Red Zone was set 200ft/60 metres from (then) proposed thresholds of the runway. However, the runway eventually constructed was 8650ft/2637metres long.

I hope that this information clarifies the issue for the Deputy.

Visa Applications

Dan Neville
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Dan Neville
Question:
144 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 25 May 2010, if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [24088/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The position in relation to this visa application remains unchanged from that stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 226 of 25 May 2010.

The visa provided allows the person concerned to enter the State on multiple occasions up to and including the 30 August 2010. The person concerned has visit permission which would allow her to stay in the State for no longer than 90 days from the date of last entry. It is not clear from the question whether the person concerned wishes to be in the State for longer than would be permitted by a ‘C' visit visa.

However, it is essential to note that a visa is solely a form of pre-clearance for entry into the State and the period of time which a Non EEA national may remain in the State is entirely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

Citizenship Applications

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
145 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [24089/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2009.

All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 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.

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.

Refugee Status

Pat Rabbitte
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Pat Rabbitte
Question:
146 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for judicial review taken against decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in each of the past five years; the number of such applications that were successful; the number that were unsuccessful; and the number of cases that were settled or withdrawn. [24106/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.

Judicial Reviews taken against decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (2005 to 2009)

Year *

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

No. of Judicial Reviews

384

360

313

324

289

Outcomes

Successful

2

8

9

15

16

Unsuccessful

36

40

39

89

128

Settled before leave

152

175

147

144

44

Settled after leave

16

47

32

33

18

Withdrawn

13

47

16

23

73

Total

219

317

243

304

279

*There is no direct correlation between the Judicial Reviews taken against the Tribunal in a particular year and the outcomes for that year.

In considering the number of applications taken to judicially review decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) in the past five years, account should be taken of the high number of decisions made by the RAT in the same period, i.e. 14,140 decisions issued. I would also add that the Tribunal has informed my Department, that in the majority of cases, the reasons for the Judicial Review relate to matters of a technical nature in relation to the processing of appeals rather than the substance of the Member's decision itself.

With a view to bringing about improvements in this regard, the Tribunal has also informed my Department that a strong focus on quality decision making continues to be a core part of the ongoing training provided to members of the Tribunal.

Road Traffic Offences

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
147 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 265 of 25 May 2010, if he has information from the Garda on the number of such vehicles that have been confiscated to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24125/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of motorcycles which are recorded as having been detained under the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Acts:

Motorcycles detained during the period 2005 to 2010

Year

Number detained

2010 (to 7 June)

284

2009

594

2008

697

2007

633

2006

714

2005

647

I am also informed that it is not possible to indicate a specific type of motorcycle detained.

Garda Recruitment

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
148 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the recent application of the public sector embargo to Garda recruitment, he will outline the procedure for an aptitude test, interviews, medical and physical examinations; if he will confirm that persons who have completed the stages of the process will have to re-apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24132/10]

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
175 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of a report recently published (details supplied), he is satisfied that Garda recruits that commenced their training before the current moratorium, that such students were selected having regard to their position on the panel of successful applicants; if he will confirm that there was no further procedure in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24562/10]

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
176 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of a report (details supplied), he is satisfied that recruits to the Garda Training College in Templemore in the next intake will be taken from successful applicants who are on the panel, based on their position on that panel and the length of time they have been waiting to be called and unable for calling due to the current public sector moratorium on recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24563/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 175 and 176 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all applicants for Garda trainees are selected by the Public Appointments Service and subsequently undergo a Physical Competency Test, a Medical Examination and also Character Vetting.

All student Gardai have gone through this procedure prior to commencement of training.

Applicants who are currently on a panel have also gone through this procedure and are available to be offered positions as Garda Trainees in a future intake.

These applicants enter the Garda College as trainees in strict order of where they were placed on the panel.

Citizenship Applications

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
149 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 5 May 2010 the reason for the delay in the processing of applications; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24138/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 225 on 5 May, 2010. The position remains as stated.

Garda Deployment

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
150 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will detail the legal and operational relationship that his Department has with the Garda National Immigration Bureau; if he has any plans to change or modify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24158/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The legal relationship as between the Minister and Garda Síochána in immigration matters is a detailed one and is set out in the various immigration Acts. The Minister has overall responsibility on behalf of the Government to manage the State's immigration regime. Within that structure certain roles are carried out by Gardaí who are appointed by the Minister as Immigration Officers. These roles include manning immigration desks at the airport, granting immigration permissions, investigation of illegal migration, arrest and detention where necessary and executing Deportation Orders signed by the Minister. The head of the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the District Superintendents are also responsible for the registration of foreign nationals.

The Immigration Residence and Protection Bill 2008 in respect of which I have indicated an intention to publish a replacement shortly, will replace almost all existing immigration legislation and the future legal relationship between the Minister and an Garda Síochána will be set out in that proposed legislation. Since the Bill, like its predecessor, will be very detailed it is inevitable that some changes in operational procedure will be necessary. Any such matters will be progressed during planning for implementation. This process is already underway. I can say however that I have no plans for fundamental operational changes in respect of the relationship between the Department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Asylum Applications

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
151 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 23 March 2010, when the requested information on language analysis will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24159/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Further to Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 23 March 2010, the information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows. The services in question were availed of by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC).

YEAR

Sprakab

Semantix (incorporated Semantix Eqvator in 2006)

Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Netherlands

TOTAL

€

€

€

€

2005

4,044.51

7,174.46

3,402.50

14,621.47

2006

1,937.80

10,866.80

2,148.25

14,952.85

2007

7,957.19

2,220.29

1,220.00

11,397.48

2008

42,944.65

1,361.36

303.41

44,609.42

2009

60,018.49

870.57

2,271.75

63,160.81

TOTAL

116,902.64

22,493.48

9,345.91

148,742.03

Following an initial pilot project on the use of language analysis which commenced in December 2004, a Public Procurement process was undertaken in 2007 arising from which two service providers, Sprakab and Semantix, were chosen to provide language analysis services. On occasion, it has also proven necessary to use the services of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Netherlands in respect of a small number of cases over the period in question.

Arrangements under the current contract are due to expire this year. Accordingly, invitations to tender will be advertised in the near future on the eTender website. This tendering process will be run in accordance with EU Procurement Rules.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
152 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will detail the various legal provisions that govern the holding and conduct of hearings of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24160/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The legislative provisions governing the processing of asylum appeals are set out in the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), Statutory Instrument No. 424 of 2003, Refugee Act 1996 (Appeals) Regulations 2003 and Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006, European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
153 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of refugee determinations involving nationals from non-safe countries that were processed by the way of a prioritised procedure for each of the past five years; if he has been in contact with the European Commission on this procedure; if he is planning to reconsider these cases by means of new interviews or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24161/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I assume the Deputy is referring in his question to refugee determinations relating to asylum applications from Nigerian nationals, which were subject to a Ministerial prioritisation direction from 11 December 2003. The information requested by the Deputy in this regard is set out in the following tables.

In light of legal proceedings relating to the Minister's direction in respect of such nationals, the Minister, without prejudice to any actions taken to date under the direction, revoked this direction from 1 March 2010 pending completion of the proceedings in question. The Deputy's reference to contacts with the European Commission in this regard is not understood.

Recommendations to grant refugee status to Nigerian nationals 2005-2009

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

First Instance

9

8

9

5

1

32

Appeal Stage

85

23

25

57

25

215

Total

94

31

34

62

26

247

Recommendations to refuse refugee status to Nigerian nationals 2005-2009*

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

First Instance

1,463

1,070

1,078

1,068

577

5,294

Appeal Stage

1,361

436

523

804

801

3,925

Total

2,824

1,506

1,601

1,872

1,378

9,219

*Please note that this table does not include refusals where the application was deemed to be withdrawn under Section 22 (8) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended).

Proposed Legislation

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
154 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the UK overstaying a visa by a non-EU national is an offence; his views on whether such an offence should be introduced into law here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24162/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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By virtue of section 4(9) of the Immigration Act 2004, it is an offence for a foreign national not to comply with any conditions attached to his or her permission to be in the State including a condition as to duration of stay. A person guilty of such an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.

The Immigration Residence and Protection Bill 2008, in respect of which I have indicated an intention to publish a replacement shortly, will strengthen this penalty. Under the Bill a person who is present in or enters the State unlawfully will be liable, on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both. The person will also be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €500 for each day that he or she continues to remain in the State thereafter.

Residency Permits

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
155 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of international students that are registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in tabular format; the percentage of these students that attend English language colleges, further education colleges and higher education colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24167/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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There are some difficulties in precise classification as some institutions may offer courses of more than one type. However, based on an analysis by the immigration authorities of the computerised records, the table provides the information sought by the Deputy as at 11 March 2010. It should be noted that international students who are required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau are non-EEA students whose course of study exceeds 3 months. These represent a minority of those coming to Ireland to study. By far the largest cohort of international students comprises EEA nationals engaged in language courses. These are not included in the figures as such persons do not have to register with the immigration authorities.

Non-EEA Students registered in Ireland as at 11 March 2010 by education sector

English Language

Further Education

Higher Education

Other

Total

8,057

10,206

12,888

1,742

32,893

24.5%

31%

39.2%

5.3%

100%

Visa Applications

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
156 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the refusal rates for student visa applications and tourist visa applications for the past four years from persons applying through the Irish Embassy in Beijing, China; the approval rates for students applying to an Irish college (details supplied) through the Beijing Embassy for the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24168/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The figures detail the percentage of visa applications refused by the Irish Visa Office, Beijing for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Visa Office BeijingRefusals

Study

Tourist

2006

55%

n/a

2007

37%

n/a

2008

19%

17%

2009

22%

13%

I regret to advise the deputy that it is not possible to provide the approval rates for students applying to the Irish college in question, through the Beijing Embassy for the past four years, at this time. The information sought by the Deputy will be provided at a later date.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
157 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the process that the decisions taken by visa officers are vetted or overseen; if there is any handbook or manual that outlines the proper procedures that a visa officer should follow in order to ensure that visas are being processed correctly; the reason Ireland is the only country in Europe that does not publish comprehensive statistics concerning visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24169/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Detailed guidelines on visa criteria and procedures, including documentation, can be found at the INIS website (www.inis.gov.ie) and visa applications are judged in regard to these criteria. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits, the onus resting with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why the visa should be granted.

On joining the Visa Section, Visa Officers are provided with on the job training and support by more experienced Visa Officers in the section. This is particularly the case in instances where matters of a more complex nature arise or no previous precedent arise. Furthermore, Visa Officers are kept fully informed with regard to any changes of policy relating to visa matters as and when these changes are deemed necessary in the interest of public policy.

While straight forward visa applications can be granted by Department of Foreign Affairs diplomatic staff working in Irish Embassies/Consulates without reference to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), the remaining applications are handled by visa officers in the INIS headquarters, Burgh Quay, Dublin and the other dedicated INIS Visa Offices in Abuja, Beijing, Cairo, London, Moscow and New Delhi.

As regards visa statistics, I can inform the Deputy that my Department provides statistics to the European Migration Network and also by way of my Department's Annual Reports. Further statistical information is provided on an ongoing basis to members of the Oireachtas and other interested bodies, where possible. Consideration is currently being given to the publishing of further general visa statistics on my Department's website on a regular basis.

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
158 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances that visas are refused, in respect of international students who are attempting to come to Ireland for study visa; if he will clarify the refusal for the need to undertake the course in this State is neither demonstrated nor warranted; if this implies that students should go to some other country to study; the procedure that a person would make an appeal for a refusal under this ruling and specifically the courses that are peculiar to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24199/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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At the outset, it should be borne in mind that each visa application is considered on its individual merits with the onus resting with the applicant to satisfy the visa officer as to why the visa should be granted.

In assessing a visa application, a visa officer takes a number of factors into consideration. These factors are essentially based on the type of visa sought. Information regarding reasons for refusal can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).

The following are examples of cases where it is considered that the need to undertake the course in this State is neither demonstrated nor warranted: an applicant has not outlined and/or satisfied the visa officer as regards the reasons for undertaking the particular course of study identified in the visa application. An example of this might be where there is no clear link to a particular course — be it a change of career, work related or progressing/advancing to the next stage of study e.g. diploma, degree or masters level an applicant has already obtained a higher level of qualification in a particular area than that from which the course of study applied for might result. An example of this might be where an applicant holds a degree in nursing yet applies to study a FETAC level care assistant course the course in question is readily available in the home country of the applicant and there is no reason for the applicant to travel to Ireland for the purpose an applicant from a country where English is commonly spoken but seeks to study English in Ireland rather than in their home country.

It is open to an individual who is refused a visa to submit an appeal within two months of the date of refusal. Guidelines with regard to the appeals process are again available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).

Garda Training

Christy O'Sullivan
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Christy O'Sullivan
Question:
159 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the training received by student gardaí on mental health related issues and dealing with persons with mental health problems; if there is any continuous professional development training on these subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24201/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Student Gardaí receive training in relation to the Mental Health Act 2001 during Phases 1 and 3 of their training. During phase 3, Student Gardaí receive further training on mental health awareness covering the areas of schizophrenia, depression and suicide. A module on mental health awareness was delivered as part of the continuous professional development programme in 2007. A module on mental health is included in both the Garda Negotiator and On Scene Command courses. Previous participants can be updated by way of distance learning techniques.

The Garda Síochána provides updates on progress towards implementation of the recommendations on Garda Training in Chapter 15 of the "Vision for Change" report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy.

In September 2009, the Garda Commissioner and the Mental Health Commission published the Report of the Joint Working Group on Mental Health Services and the Police 2009. The Working Group was established to review best practice models of cooperation between the police and mental health services with a view to making recommendations for enhanced liaison and joint working systems between An Garda Síochána and the mental health services in Ireland. The Working Group made 7 recommendations. The Garda Commissioner has already commenced work to progress the recommendation relating to Training which builds on the work already done towards implementing recommendations of "A Vision for Change".

Deportation Orders

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
160 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow a person (details supplied) in County Waterford to remain in Ireland and continue his business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24218/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim and his application to remain temporarily in the State. The person concerned does not have the right to work or run a business in the State. Representations were received from the persons' legal representative asking that his Deportation Order be revoked, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). This application is under consideration at present. When a decision has been made on that application, that decision, and the consequences of that decision, will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.

The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Youth Services

Seán Ó Fearghaíl
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Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:
161 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request for funding towards the establishment of a youth diversion project (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this application will be favourably considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24232/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) are funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service, through An Garda Síochána. The projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which, primarily, seek to divert young people who have been involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, and promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/community relations. The projects may also work with young people who are significantly at risk of becoming involved in anti-social and /or criminal behaviour. Essentially the projects provide a resource to An Garda Síochána, and to Juvenile Liaison Officers in particular, in the implementation of the Diversion Programme as set out in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended. There are currently 100 of these projects operating throughout the country. Most projects are located within areas of high social deprivation.

I can confirm that an application to establish a Garda Youth Diversion Project in the town in Co. Kildare specified by the Deputy is one of over thirty similar applications from across the country which have been received by the Garda Commissioner. However, the planned expansion in the number of projects beyond the existing 100 has been re- assessed in the light of the changed economic climate and, in this context, the focus is now on ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the services provided. The Irish Youth Justice Service and the Garda Síochána are reviewing the effectiveness of the diversionary measures as set out under the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010. In view of the circumstances, I do not, at this stage, expect to announce any new projects in 2010.

Visa Applications

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
162 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24251/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 112 on Thursday 20 May 2010. The position remains unchanged.

Garda Vetting Services

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
163 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 will receive Garda clearance in order to commence employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24268/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person referred to has been received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. The application is being processed at present and a response will issue as soon as possible.

Road Traffic Offences

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
164 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a system whereby a driver who was disqualified from driving can lodge a case for consideration to have the duration of disqualification reduced; and if there are criteria that would be up for consideration in such a case. [24315/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Deputy will appreciate that responsibility for licensing issues under the Road Traffic Acts is a matter for the Minister for Transport. However, I understand that Section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended by section 7 of the Road Traffic Act 2006, allows a person who has been disqualified for more than 2 years to apply to have the disqualification removed. In order to apply the person must have completed one half of the period of disqualification. The Court may, on application, confirm the period of disqualification or order the removal of the disqualification from a specified date such that the person will have served at least two thirds of the original period of disqualification.

Citizenship Applications

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
165 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the policy of requiring applicants for naturalisation to be in work has been modified due to the fact of the present difficulty in holding jobs or due to the fact of legal challenges. [24316/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 429 on 23 March, 2010 in which I stated that I have adopted a general policy that I will generally require an applicant for naturalisation, unless he/she is a refugee, programme refugee or Stateless person, to show that he/she has supported him or herself (and his or her family if appropriate) while residing in the State and, as far as can be determined, is in a position to continue that support into the future.

Sentencing Policy

John Browne
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John Browne
Question:
166 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Ireland does not have a minimum sentence policy for emotional, physical, sexual and intentional neglect of children by adults. [24323/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the range of penalties for particular offences are set out in law. I am satisfied generally that the law provides for appropriately lengthy sentences for the type of offences referred to by the Deputy. Members of the judiciary are, subject only to the Constitution and that law, independent in the matter of sentencing, as they are in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions.

The Courts Service Board has established a Steering Committee to plan for and provide information on sentencing. The Committee, under the chair of Mrs Susan Denham of the Supreme Court, comprises a judge from each of the High, Circuit and District Courts and a university lecturer with expertise in sentencing law.

The project, known as the Irish Sentencing Information System (ISIS), involves the provision of a computerised information system on sentences and other penalties imposed for criminal offences. The system will enable a judge, by entering relevant criteria, to access information about the range of sentences and penalties imposed for various types of offences in previous cases. This will assist any judge when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case.

The system has been piloted in several court jurisdictions, including Dublin, Cork and Limerick Circuit Criminal Courts, the Dublin District Court and the Court of Criminal Appeal. The outcomes will be reviewed and assessed by judges prior to the final evaluation and establishment of a web-based system.

Departmental Funding

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
167 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding that is available from his Department for domestic violence support programmes including the provision of help lines, shelters and advice centres; the amount that was provided to such programmes in each year from 2006 to date in 2010; and the number of centres or projects that benefited from this funding in each year 2006 to date in 2010 on a county basis [24366/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The details requested by the Deputy, to the extent available, are set out in the following tabular statement. The table outlines funding for services relating to domestic violence provided by Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, by the Victims of Crime Office and by the Probation Service. The funds were provided for organisations to assist them to provide support to victims of domestic violence, to raise awareness of the domestic violence problem primarily at local level and to provide intervention programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence.

The table is based on the best available information but some points need to be kept in mind in interpreting it. The county of the funded organisation is based on the address of the organisation. At the same time many of the organisations based in one county run programmes, and provide outreach services, in neighbouring counties. Indeed some of the organisations concerned provide a nationwide service. In addition points need to be kept in mind in interpreting the information for the years 2006 and 2010. In relation to 2006, it was not possible for Cosc to obtain details of amounts granted for local awareness raising in 2006 mainly because that year preceded the establishment of Cosc in 2007. The information sought by the Deputy cannot be easily extracted from voluminous records and to do so would require the deployment of a disproportionate amount of resources. As regards 2010, Cosc's grants for local awareness raising and some domestic violence perpetrator intervention programmes cannot be included in the table because decisions have not yet been taken in relation to the grant applications for the current year.

Domestic Violence-Related Support Projects per County 2006-2010

County

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Number of projects

Amount provided

Number of projects

Amount provided

Number of projects

Amount provided

Number of projects

Amount provided

Number of projects

Amount provided

(€)

(€)

(€)

(€)

(€)

Carlow

1

6,500

2

12,165

3

16,500

3

15,000

1

15,000

Cavan

0

0

1

2,030

1

2,500

0

0

0

0

Clare

1

303,200

3

370,890

6

458,000

3

377,000

2

145,750

Cork

1

20,000

4

28,216

7

49,150

5

50,500

2

28,500

Donegal

1

18,000

3

25,244

5

31,500

4

28,500

2

15,000

Dublin

1

59,000

10

109,835

22

150,290

18

169,000

2

68,500

Galway

0

0

1

500

4

17,000

10

41,000

1

14,591

Kerry

1

21,000

3

31,000

4

48,000

2

31,000

1

30,000

Kildare

0

0

0

0

1

3,600

0

0

0

0

Kilkenny

0

0

1

420

1

1,230

0

0

0

0

Laois

0

0

2

23,600

2

16,500

2

23,400

1

16546

Leitrim

0

0

2

2,210

1

2,000

0

0

0

0

Limerick

1

40,000

6

89,782

5

49,680

4

60,400

1

50,000

Longford

1

20,000

1

21,000

2

24,000

1

28,000

1

25,000

Louth

2

27,000

3

29,140

4

67,000

6

43,500

1

14,860

Mayo

1

15,000

2

18,200

5

25,780

2

21,000

1

18,000

Meath

2

49,500

3

55,513

6

88,300

3

82,000

1

20,000

Monaghan

1

20,000

1

18,000

2

17,500

2

21,000

1

13,883

Offaly

0

0

0

0

3

25,000

3

35,000

2

29,000

Roscommon

0

0

0

0

1

1,250

1

1,500

0

0

Sligo

1

6,000

3

22,082

3

11,200

1

17,000

1

8,000

Tipperary

2

34,000

4

26,238

4

34,000

3

38,000

2

33,000

Waterford

1

185,400

3

328,557

3

334,000

2

305,000

0

0

Wexford

0

0

0

0

1

3,500

0

0

0

0

Wicklow

0

0

0

0

2

6,250

2

4,000

0

0

Westmeath

0

0

1

10,000

1

15,000

3

21,000

1

15,000

TOTALS

19

824,600

57

1,224,711

99

1,498,730

80

1,412,800

24

560,630

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
168 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s Governance Support Division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same [24391/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Revised Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies was circulated to all relevant bodies by my Department last year. State bodies are required to confirm that they comply with the up to date requirements of the Code in their governance practices and procedures and have the agreement of the parent Department with regard to the level of compliance and the measures being implemented.

Appropriate Corporate Governance and reporting arrangements, in compliance with the Code, are in place in all State bodies under the aegis of my Department. These arrangements are overseen by the appropriate Line Divisions of my Department and by senior management at Heads of Sector meetings.

Citizenship Applications

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
169 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for citizenship will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24411/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in January 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 the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to parliamentary Question No. 137 of 27 May 2010 if he will confirm that the correspondence in question was already submitted to his own office on 26 January 2010; the current location of the documents in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24440/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 137 on 27 May, 2010. The position remains as stated.

Sexual Offences

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
171 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the obligations of a person on the sexual offenders register when they move to a new area; if local residents have a right to information about oversight of such past offenders for protection of the public; if stricter provisions apply when a person has been released before the end of their sentence by way of probation or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24544/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Oireachtas, by virtue of the provisions of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, provides that a convicted sex offender must notify his name and current home address to the Garda Síochána within seven days of becoming subject to the notification requirements. This means that the convicted offender must notify the Garda Síochána of any change of name or address within seven days of that change. Furthermore, notification of any address where the offender spends either as much as seven days or two or more periods amounting to seven days in any twelve month period must also be given to the Gardaí.

If the offender intends to leave the State for a period of seven days or more, he/she must inform the Gardaí of this fact and the address at which he/she intends to stay and also notify the Gardaí of his/her return. I am currently looking at the possibility of reducing this seven day time period and when my consideration is completed I will be bringing my proposals to Government.

As the Deputy may know the Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of all persons subject to these requirements. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit monitors and manages the notification provisions and maintains all information relating to persons who have obligations under the Act. There is a nominated Garda Inspector in each Garda Division who has responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Act in their Division. As soon as the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit is advised by a relevant authority, such as the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service or a foreign law enforcement agency, of the impending release or movement of a sex offender, this information is immediately passed to the nominated Inspector.

In January 2009 I published a comprehensive discussion document on the management of sex offenders. One of the issues raised was the question of whether the name and address of sex offenders who completed their sentences should be made public, known as Megan's Law. Following publication of the document my Department invited comment and held a Forum to hear the views of a range of interested parties. The universal view of those who responded was that such a general approach to the publication of this type of information would be counter productive and would, in all probability, drive sex offenders underground where they could not be monitored and where they were more likely to re-offend. There was, however, support for the view that in particular cases where a sex offender was not cooperating or otherwise posed a specific danger, the Gardaí should continue to be in a position to warn those in danger. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in due course that would have the effect of allowing the Gardaí to warn individuals of a particular danger or to respond to specific requests.

Apart from the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Act, sex offenders released from prison can be subject to supervision and other restrictions. For example, Part 5 of the Act introduced a system for the supervision of sex offenders after their release from prison. Post Release Supervision Orders allow for court sanctioned supervision of offenders after their custodial sentence has expired. There are currently 40 sex offenders being supervised in the community by the Probation Service who are subject to a Court imposed Supervision Order under Part 5 of the Sex Offenders Act. An additional protection in law is that convicted sex offenders must advise their employer or any prospective employer of their conviction if the work involves unsupervised access or contact with children or mentally impaired persons.

The Deputy will also be aware that I presented the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database) Bill earlier this year. As soon as that legislation is enacted we will be in a position to start work on compiling a DNA Database which will include sex offenders. It is not the norm to grant temporary release to sex offender prisoners.

Redundancy Payments

Emmet Stagg
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Emmet Stagg
Question:
172 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No 175 of 12 May 2010 and in view of the fact that the Department of Finance have now issued approval to implement the Labour Court’s recommendations, he will ensure that the redundancy payments are awarded forthwith. [24550/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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I am informed by the Irish Youth Justice Service that the terms of the Labour Court recommendation are being implemented with arrangements under way to make redundancy payments where appropriate.

Citizenship Applications

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
173 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the re-opened application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24555/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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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 October 2007. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in the near future.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Sentencing Policy.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of persons (details supplied). [24560/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Deputy will be aware that the persons to whom he refers were sentenced in the Circuit Court for offences including obstruction and assault of Gardaí. The Deputy will appreciate that judges are independent in the exercise of their functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Questions Nos. 175 and 176 answered with Question No. 148.

Garda Recruitment

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
177 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of a report (details supplied), he will consider using the recruitment process used in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, where such recruitment process has regard to part time and reserve officers; if such service in the part time or reserve force will be taken into consideration on the matter of recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24564/10]

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
178 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons serving in the Garda Reserve who joined the Garda Reserve and who were over the age of 35 years and are still serving but are unable to become full time members of the Garda Síochána due to the age restriction in view of a report (details supplied). [24565/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

Statutory Instrument 509 of 2006, Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulation 2006, allows the Public Appointments Service to give due recognition to any satisfactory service by the person as a reserve member of the Garda Síochána.

As of the 30th April 2010, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of serving Garda Reserve members was 557. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 291 who are over the age of 35.

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
179 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is proposed to appoint a director of human resource management and when a director of information, communication and technology will be set in place as per the report of the Garda Inspectorate on senior management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24566/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Appointments have been made to five senior Garda civilian positions, namely Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Director of ICT, Executive Director of Finance & Services, Director of Communications and Head of Legal Services. The Public Service moratorium on recruitment and promotions has resulted in two other proposed positions (Executive Director of HRM and Director of Change Management) remaining to be filled.

Garda Inspectorate Reports

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
180 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the status implementation report will be published by the Garda Inspectorate on its last report and recommendations on Garda resource allocation published on 2 February 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24567/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda Inspectorate that, following discussions with Garda management, it intends to publish an update in July 2010 on the implementation of the recommendations contained in their latest report which addressed Resource Allocation in the Garda Síochána.

Citizenship Applications

Jim O'Keeffe
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Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
181 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24580/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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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 September 2006.

All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 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 the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Garda Vetting Services

Billy Timmins
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Billy Timmins
Question:
182 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24588/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person referred to has been received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. The application is being processed at present and a response will issue as soon as possible.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
183 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24602/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The salaries of the Chief Executive Officers and their equivalents, serving in the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are approved by the Department of Finance and are generally linked to Civil Service grades. The current salaries are set out in the table. There have been no breaches of the approved salaries.

Name of Body

CEO/Equivalent

Current Salary

Courts Service

CEO

Secretary General level €188,640

Garda Síochána Complaints Board

CEO

Assistant Secretary scale €127,796 – €146,191

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC)

Chairperson

Specific rate €83,500

Two Commissioners

Specific one-point scale €152,598

Legal Aid Board

CEO

Assistant Secretary scale €127,796 – €146,191

Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

Data Protection Commissioner

Assistant Secretary scale €127,796 – €146,191

Private Security Authority

CEO

Principal Officer scale €80,051 – €98,424

plus Director’s allowance €18,763

Property Registration Authority

CEO

Deputy Secretary General €168,000

In addition to these posts, there are also a number of other full-time Heads of Office in the Justice Sector (that are generally graded at Deputy/Assistant Secretary level) responsible for the Irish Prison Service, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, the State Pathology Service, etc. The position regarding the salaries of these postholders is the same as for those listed above.

Garda Investigations

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
184 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a unique reference number is given to crime reported directly to the Garda station by telephone or in person rather than using the emergency telephone; if this is recorded on the Pulse System; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24609/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that, where a crime has occurred, a record of the crime is created on the Garda PULSE system, which produces a unique reference number for that crime. This reference number is produced irrespective of how a crime is reported. Where appropriate, this unique reference number can be made available to relevant parties.

Road Traffic Offences

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
185 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [24612/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in the Raheny Garda District. I am further informed that no specific complaint of the type referred to by the Deputy has been reported to local Garda management by residents or management of the educational facility in the location referred to and no traffic related incidents are recorded for this specific location. The provisions of the Road Traffic Acts are fully enforced, with fixed charge penalty notices issued and proceedings initiated, where appropriate.

The area referred to is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the local Detective and Drugs Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated specifically to the area and regularly meets local residents.

Current policing strategies are designed to prevent crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour, and preventing breaches of road traffic legislation is a central feature. This ensures an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life for residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.

I am further informed that local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review, with primary consideration being given to the needs of residents.

Deportation Orders

Joe Costello
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Joe Costello
Question:
186 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24620/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order following a comprehensive and thorough examination of her asylum claim, her application for subsidiary protection and her application to remain temporarily in the State. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Garda Investigations

Jack Wall
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Jack Wall
Question:
187 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the information requested by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24626/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that he is constrained in commenting on the matters concerned as related criminal proceedings are underway.

Garda Vetting Services

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
188 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to address the backlog in the area of the Garda vetting, with particular reference to child care providers operating under FÁS community employment schemes who require clearance before they are able to take up employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24654/10]

Willie Penrose
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Willie Penrose
Question:
207 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the steps that have been taken to have the vetting procedures expedited in respect of persons who apply for positions, including participants in community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24832/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 207 together.

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. This would include participants in some community employment schemes.

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.

Citizenship Applications

Maureen O'Sullivan
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Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:
189 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [24674/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2009.

Applications on behalf of minors are dealt with by a separate unit in the Citizenship Division. Because they generally require less processing than standard adult applications, it is usually possible to finalise them more quickly. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in the near future.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Proposed Legislation

Jan O'Sullivan
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Jan O'Sullivan
Question:
190 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce regulation or legislation to address the difficulties that District Courts are having in enforcing the payment of maintenance orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24681/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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There are a number of provisions in the law for ensuring that payments continue to be made by spouses in support of their dependent spouses and children. They include enabling powers for the courts to order attachment of the earnings of a debtor spouse, to order the securing of payments to the maintenance creditor, to order the payment of lump sums and to order arrears of maintenance to be paid by instalments.

While the law generally operates successfully in this area I am aware that difficulties have arisen in some cases because of the effect of a judgment of the High Court last year. The High Court judgment in that particular case had implications for sections 6 (imprisonment in the case of non-payment of debt) and 8 (imprisonment relating to non-payment of maintenance) of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940. The Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Act 2009 made changes in the law consequent on that judgment in accordance with legal advice.

I am currently in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to developing early proposals for amendments in respect of maintenance enforcement which I hope to include in the forthcoming Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

Residency Permits

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
191 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda National Immigration Bureau cards issued annually since 2005 to date in 2010; the amount received annually for these cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24809/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The number of registration cards issued to foreign nationals in the years 2006 to 2010 is as follows:

Year

Number

2006

144,090

2007

127,893

2008

127,253

2009

116,332

2010 (to May 30)

47,864

Total

563,432

From 29 May 2006 to 22 August 2008, a statutory fee of €100 was charged in respect of each Certificate of Registration (GNIB Registration Card) issued to a non-EEA national, subject to certain exemptions. On 23 August 2008, this fee was increased to €150.

Registration Fee receipts to date are as follows:

Year

€

2006

5,771,200

2007

10,861,800

2008

12,580,950

2009

14,156,550

2010 (to May 30)

6,054,850

Total

49,425,350

The following categories of persons are excluded from paying the statutory fee:

Convention Refugee;

Dependent and Spouse of EU National;

Family Reunification;

Minors;

Programme Refugee;

Spouse of Irish Citizen.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
192 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process business permission applications from non-European Economic Area nationals for permission to reside in the State for the purposes of establishing and operating a commercial business; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected annually since 2005 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24810/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that applications for Business Permission are currently taking 5-6 weeks to process on receipt of fully completed applications.

The following table outlines the figures since 2005 to May 2010 in respect of applications processed by the Business Permission Unit of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Business Permission Applications 2005 to 31 May 2010

Year

Received

Approved

Refused

Abandoned

2005

629

99

160

92

2006

1,179

108

1,064

87

2007

230

72

43

485

2008

115

47

38

62

2009

164

86

90

14

2010 (31/05)

54

40

16

1

Applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to the nature of the application and overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. At the end of May 2010 there were 7 applications on hand awaiting decision.

Human Trafficking

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
193 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of investigations into alleged human trafficking since the introduction of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008; the number of potential victims of trafficking identified; the number of prosecutions that have commenced; the number of victims of trafficking who have received the period of recovery and reflection as defined in the 2008 Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24811/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The information sought by the Deputy for the period in question is being compiled and will be forwarded to him as soon as it becomes available.

Citizenship Applications

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
194 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of citizenship applications received by his Department annually since 2005 to date in 2010; the number of successful applications; the timeframe for processing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24812/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The table below sets out the number of applications for certificates of naturalisation received and the number of certificates of naturalisation issued in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010:—

Year

Applications received

Certificates issued

2005

4,523

1,451

2006

7,026

1,390

2007

7,616

1,501

2008

10,885

3,117

2009

27,765

4,531

2010 YTD

7,614

3,392

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.

Residency Permits

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
195 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of residency and long-term residency applications his Department has received annually since 2005 to date in 2010; the number of successful applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24813/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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For the purposes of this Question, information is being provided in respect of the Long Term Residency scheme only, given that the Deputy is separately being provided with information regarding other residency schemes.

Long Term Residency is an administrative scheme that was introduced in May 2004 and is focused on persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work vis conditions. Such persons may apply to the Long Term Residency Unit of my Department for a five year residency extension.

The following table sets out the figures requested by the Deputy, however, all of the statistics requested are not readily available and would require an inordinate amount of time to obtain and an inappropriate expenditure of limited resources.

Year

Applications Received

Applications Granted

2005

N/A

463

2006

2,907

1,239

2007

4,155

561

2008

4,085

1,784

2009

3,528

3,604

2010 (as at 1 May 2010)

677

2,000

Asylum Applications

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
196 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of leave to remain applications he has received annually since 2005 and to date in 2010; the timeframe of the backlog for applications to be processed; the number being processed annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24814/10]

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
200 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of leave to remain applications still awaiting decision over two years, three years, four years; the number of applications waiting over five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24818/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 200 together.

In the interests of clarity, the Deputy might wish to note that there is no such thing as an ‘application for leave to remain' and, as such, it is not possible to provide statistics on the numbers of such applications which were received in any particular year. However, what has become known as ‘an application for leave to remain' is the submission of written representations to the Minister against the making of a Deportation Order.

Any person issued with a notification of intention to deport — a so called ‘15 Day Letter' — under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) is advised, inter alia, of their entitlement to submit written representations to the Minister setting out reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against them with any representations submitted being considered by the Minister, under a variety of headings, before a final decision is taken. The ultimate decision will be that a Deportation Order is made or, where, in the Minister's view, it would not be appropriate to make a Deportation Order, leave to remain in the State will be granted.

Against this background, it will be seen that there is no ready means of recording the amount of ‘leave to remain applications' that are received each year given that in every instance, regardless of whether or not written representations are submitted, each individual case must be considered under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) before a final decision is taken.

Notifications of intention to deport under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) arise under two headings i.e. those of asylum origin and those of non-asylum origin with the latter category made up of persons who are illegal in the State following, for example, the expiry of a work, study or holiday visa or a work permit. Reliable statistics are available for persons served with such a notification following the formal refusal of their asylum applications and figures for these are represented hereunder (see Table 1). However, statistics for notifications issued to persons of non-asylum origin for the same periods are not available. As a rule of thumb, the ratio of notifications of asylum origin to those of non-asylum origin is generally about four to one. Based on this it is reasonable to infer that the figures provided below account for about 80% of all notifications issued during those years.

Table 1 — Negative asylum decisions issued, 2005-2010

Year

No. of negative decisions

2005

5,224

2006

2,448

2007

3,444

2008

2,766

2009

4,237

2010 (to 30 April)

1,330

Total

19,449

At 30 April 2010, 11,506 cases were recorded as awaiting a decision under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). However, this figure includes some 3,359 cases where applications for Subsidiary Protection have been submitted by the same persons. Where an application for Subsidiary Protection has also been submitted, this application must be determined before consideration can be given to the position in the State of the same person under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).

The Deputy will appreciate that the processing of such cases is ongoing and will continue until all cases are being finalised within a reasonable timeframe.

The following table (see Table 2) sets out the numbers of cases, including those where voluntary return to countries of origin was facilitated, finalised in each of the years referred to by the Deputy.

Table 2 — Cases finalised 2005 to 2010

Year

Deportation Orders signed

Leave to Remain granted

Assisted Voluntary Returns

Total number of cases finalised

2005

1,900

154*

330

2,384

2006

1,573

217

238

2,028

2007

418

859

417

1,694

2008

757

1,278

529

2,564

2009

1077

659

539

2,275

2010 (to 30 April)

292

222

140

654

Totals

6,017

3,389

2,193

11,599

*This figure does not include persons granted permission to remain under the IBC/05 Scheme.

The number of cases of asylum origin deriving from each of those years which remain to be finalised at present are as follows (see Table 3).

Table 3: Cases of asylum origin ‘pending'

Year notification issued

No. of cases ‘pending’

2004 and earlier

770

2005

559

2006

724

2007

1,372

2008

1,511

2009

3,072

2010 (to 30 April)

1,028

Total

9,036

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
197 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum applications he received annually since 2005 to date in 2010; the timeframe for processing these applications; the number of asylum applications granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24815/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of asylum applications received and recommendations to grant refugee status in the period 2005-2010 (30/4) is set out in the tables below.

Table 1: Asylum Applications Received 2005-2010 (30/4)

Year

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010 (30/4)

Applications Received

4,323

4,314

3,985

3,866

2,689

693

Table 2. Recommendations to Grant Refugee Status at First Instance and Appeal Stage 2005-2010 (30/4)

Year

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010 (30/4)

First Instance

455

397

376

295

97

14

Appeal Stage

511

251

205

293

266

54

Total

966

648

581

588

363

68

In relation to processing times, in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) the average processing time for prioritised applications (applicants from South Africa and Croatia) is 3-4 weeks. The average processing time for non-prioritised applications in ORAC is 8-9 weeks. While in the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) the median processing time for accelerated appeals (appeals on papers only) is 9 weeks and is 43 weeks for substantive appeals.

Cases that take longer than this to complete in the ORAC and RAT arise for many reasons such as postponements, adjournments, availability of interpreters, judicial reviews, medical reasons etc.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
198 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum applications still awaiting decision over two years, over three years, over four years; the number of applications waiting over five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24816/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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There were 16 asylum applications still awaiting a decision at first instance in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) as at 30 April 2010. The breakdown sought by the Deputy in relation to these cases is not available.

A breakdown of asylum appeals on hand over two years in the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) is set out in the table below.

Cases on hand over two years in the RAT as at 30 April 2010.

No. of years

No. of cases on hand

2 – 3

315

3 – 4

111

4 – 5

16

> 5

6

Total

448

Delays in relation to the processing of asylum appeals arise for many reasons such as adjournments and postponement of appeal hearings, availability of interpreters, medical reasons, judicial reviews etc. With regard to the 448 appeals included in the table above Judicial Review proceedings taken against the ORAC, following the lodging of an appeal with the RAT, gave rise to the vast majority of these appeals being outstanding for the lengths of time indicated. Such Judicial Reviews effectively render an appeal unprocessable until such time as the proceedings have been completed which can take several months or indeed years.

Citizenship Applications

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
199 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of citizenship applications still awaiting decision over two years, three years, four years; the number of applications waiting over five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24817/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The table below sets out the available information requested by the Deputy.

Year

No. of applications received

No. of apps awaiting a decision

2005

4,523

41

2006

7,026

384

2007

7,616

1,578

2008

10,885

6,052

Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 196.

Information Systems Project

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
201 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the eborders project; when he will implement it; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24819/10]

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

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

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

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

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

Underpinning legislative provisions for IBIS are being developed at the present time and will be taken forward in the context of the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill in respect of which I have indicated an intention to publish a replacement Bill shortly.

The country's economic circumstances in the last 18 months has meant that we have had to re-examine our thinking in how to bring forward this project. We are now developing in house a prototype which will inform a tendering process for the full scale system. Over the last number of months, officials in my Department have met with several external consultants who specialise in electronic border management as well as representatives of the airline industry to inform the development of this prototype. My officials are also consulting on a regular basis with colleagues in the UK Border Agency in relation to the development and roll out of their e-Borders system.

It is intended to develop and implement the prototype during 2010/2011 with a view to holding a tender competition for the full system soon thereafter.

Deportation Orders

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
202 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 364 of 20 October 2009, the cost of deportations annually since 2005 to date in 2010; the cost of the ten most expensive individual deportations annually since 2005 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24820/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The deportation costs provided below refer to the removal from the State of illegal immigrants and persons whose asylum applications were refused. The vast majority of the removals involved persons whose asylum applications were refused.

Set out below are the costs, from 2005 up to 31 March 2010, of the removal of persons subject to Deportation Orders, by scheduled and charter flights. These figures include the travel costs relating to the deportees and their Garda escorts.

Year

Cost of scheduled/commercial and charter flights

€

2005

1,663,464.44

2006

1,517,539.19

2007

786,334.69

2008

927,091.00

2009

1,069,634.00

2010 (1st Quarter)

84,975.97

The Deputy might wish to note that the figures above do not include the cost of overtime or subsistence payments for Garda escorts.

My Department deports persons to non — European Economic Area (EEA) countries. To identify the ten most expensive deportations would involve a disproportionate use of resources in disaggregating those individual costs from the cost figures quoted above. During the period in question however, notwithstanding the foregoing, the single most expensive deportation involved the removal of a Ghanaian man on 11 March 2008 at a cost of €151,900. In this case, attempts to remove the man by scheduled flight were unsuccessful due to his violent reaction to his deportation. For safety reasons he was subsequently removed by charter flight.

In considering the costs of deportations, the considerable expense arising from the continued presence in the State of persons who are the subject of deportation orders has to be taken into account. These costs include social welfare costs, direct provision costs, and detention costs in certain cases. While it is important to keep deportation costs to a minimum, not to remove persons refused permission to remain in the State would call into question the integrity of the entire immigration system. This would leave this country open to further illegal immigration and even more expense to taxpayers.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
203 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of deportation orders issued annually since 2005 to date in 2010; the number of deportations implemented annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24821/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The deportation statistics requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table:

Year

Deportation Orders Issued

Deportation Orders Effected

2005

2,186

395

2006

1,371

301

2007

400

139

2008

669

161

2009

985

291

2010(1 Jan-8 June)

332

126

The enforcement of Deportation Orders is and remains an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. While every effort is made to effect these orders as speedily as possible the process is regularly delayed by judicial challenges commenced by persons who are due to be deported. Evasion of deportation orders is also a factor that can lead to delays in removing people from the State.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
204 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of deportations in 2008 to date in 2010 whose costs have been shared with other member states; if he will provide a breakdown of these deportations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24822/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Below is the list of charter operations which took place between 1 January 2008 and 31 May 2010, in which Ireland and other Member States participated. These charter operations were organised through the EU-wide FRONTEX network.

2008 Frontex Flights

Date

Destination

No. Deported from Ireland

Lead Country

Other Participants

24th June

Nigeria

8

Netherlands

Ireland

22nd July

Nigeria

6

Ireland

Luxembourg, Poland, Switzerland, UK, Austria, France, Germany, Spain

21st August

Nigeria

4

Austria

Ireland

11th December

Nigeria

51

Ireland

UK

2009 Frontex Flights

Date

Destination

No. Deported from Ireland

Lead Country

Other Participants

25th February

Nigeria

31

Ireland

UK, Switzerland, Germany

27th March

Georgia

1

Austria

Ireland

29th April

Nigeria

25

Ireland

UK, Spain, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia

28th May

Nigeria

9

Switzerland

France, Poland, Ireland

24th June

Georgia

5

Austria

Ireland, Spain, France, Sweden, Poland

30th June

Nigeria

30

UK

Ireland, Poland, Norway, Czech Republic

1st September

Nigeria

12

Austria

Ireland, Finland, France, Poland, Czech, Switzerland, Germany

21st October

Nigeria

44

Ireland

Slovenia, Hungary, Norway

2010 Frontex Flights

Date

Destination

No. Deported from Ireland

Lead Country

Other Participants

3rd February

Nigeria

22

UK

Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, France

3rd March

Nigeria

21

Austria

Ireland, Greece, Germany, Poland, Sweden

Crime Levels

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
205 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recorder offences, proceedings commenced and convictions under sections 6,7 and 8 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, annually since 2005 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24823/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

Visa Applications

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
206 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 10 February 2010, the details of student visa applications received annually since 2005 to date in 2010; the number of applications from each country that were approved or refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24824/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I must advise the Deputy that for the years 2005 and 2006 electronic records were not maintained in such a way as to easily facilitate the extraction of the details requested. Furthermore, figures for 2010 to date are not available. The tables below detail the approval and refusal numbers for student visa applications by nationality for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Study Visa decisions by Nationality 2009

Granted

Refused

Nationality

Granted

Refused

Afghanistan

4

3

Mauritania

1

2

Albania

7

1

Mauritius

1

0

Algeria

5

5

Moldova

3

3

Angola

2

0

Mongolia

5

20

Armenia

2

0

Montenegro

0

1

Azerbaijan

0

0

Morocco

14

6

Bahrain

5

1

Mozambique

1

0

Bangladesh

23

48

Nepal

57

56

Belarus

6

4

Nigeria

100

115

Benin

1

0

Oman

24

1

Bosnia and Herzegovina

2

1

Pakistan

137

134

Burkina Faso

1

0

Palestinian National Authority

2

4

Burma/Myanmar

3

7

People’s Republic of China

1,254

341

Cameroon

11

10

Peru

15

2

Colombia

15

12

Philippines

6

9

Congo

0

1

Qatar

14

1

Congo Democratic Rep

4

0

Russian Federation

953

22

Ivory Coast

0

4

Rwanda

2

2

Cuba

2

0

Saudi Arabia

200

13

Ecuador

5

1

Senegal

1

0

Egypt

29

8

Serbia

15

0

Equatorial Guinea

0

1

Sierra Leone

3

1

Ethiopia

21

0

Sri Lanka

10

5

Gabon

2

0

Sudan

3

11

Georgia

1

3

Syrian Arab Republic

6

10

Ghana

10

16

Taiwan

1

1

Haiti

1

0

Tajikistan

2

0

India

393

174

Thailand

6

10

Indonesia

10

0

Timor-Leste

1

0

Iran

33

8

Togo

1

0

Iraq

4

3

Tunisia

4

0

Jamaica

0

2

Turkey

71

15

Jordan

10

2

Uganda

10

1

Kazakhstan

32

1

Ukraine

36

5

Kenya

7

4

United Arab Emirates

71

3

Kosovo

2

0

United Republic of Tanzania

8

1

Kuwait

191

3

Uzbekistan

0

1

Kyrgyzstan

1

0

Vietnam

28

5

Lebanon

4

1

Yemen

1

1

Libya

9

8

Zambia

13

1

Macedonia, Republic of

3

1

Zimbabwe

5

4

Malaysia

1

0

Uncategorised *

102

0

Totals

4,049

1,140

Study Visa decisions by Nationality 2008

Granted

Refused

Nationality

Granted

Refused

Afghanistan

0

4

Libya

16

16

Albania

3

6

Macedonia

1

1

Algeria

2

6

Madagascar

0

1

Angola

2

1

Mali

1

0

Armenia

1

0

Mauritania

4

0

Azerbaijan

4

0

Moldova

11

16

Bahrain

5

1

Mongolia

13

12

Bangladesh

34

116

Morocco

19

5

Belarus

11

6

Mozambique

2

0

Benin

3

0

Myanmar

8

7

Bosnia/Herzegovina

1

2

Nepal

27

62

Cambodia

0

1

Niger

1

0

Cameroon

9

9

Nigeria

114

170

Cape Verde

1

0

Oman

1

1

Chad

0

1

Pakistan

189

744

China

1,390

333

Palestine

4

3

Colombia

27

12

Peru

26

7

Congo

3

1

Philippines

16

20

Cuba

3

3

Qatar

1

4

Dominican Republic

1

0

Russia

1,530

41

Ecuador

13

16

Rwanda

3

0

Egypt

13

14

Saudi Arabia

8

9

Eriitrea

0

1

Serbia

17

2

Ethiopia

23

4

Senegal

1

0

Gabon

0

1

Sierra Leone

3

0

Gambia

0

1

Sri Lanka

6

10

Georgia

1

8

Sudan

2

2

Ghana

9

12

Syria

3

8

Guinea

0

3

Taiwan

6

2

Haiti

0

0

Tanzania

7

4

Hong Kong

1

0

Thailand

10

16

India

588

346

Timor

1

0

Indonesia

9

1

Tunisia

5

3

Iran

30

21

Turkey

85

45

Iraq

4

9

Turkmenistan

1

0

Ivory Coast

2

0

U.A.E.

2

0

Jamaica

1

1

Uganda

10

4

Jordan

4

5

Ukraine

47

15

Kazakhstan

56

6

Uzbekistan

4

3

Kenya

8

5

Vietnam

21

33

Kirghizstan

2

0

Yemen

0

3

Kosovo

0

0

Yugoslavia

4

0

Kuwait

39

2

Zambia

17

1

Lebanon

3

2

Zimbabwe

9

8

Liberia

1

0

Totals

4,563

2,238

Study Visa decisions by Nationality 2007

Granted

Refused

Nationality

Granted

Refused

Afghanistan

2

4

Libya

7

18

Albania

5

3

Macedonia

0

3

Algeria

6

5

Madagascar

2

1

Angola

3

1

Mali

0

1

Armenia

0

0

Mauritania

0

0

Azerbaijan

2

1

Moldova

8

13

Bahrain

7

1

Mongolia

22

3

Bangladesh

177

450

Morocco

24

12

Belarus

12

7

Mozambique

2

0

Benin

0

1

Myanmar

3

11

Bhutan

0

1

Namibia

0

0

Bosnia/Herzegovina

1

9

Nepal

35

56

Brunei

1

0

Niger

0

3

Burkina Faso

0

0

Nigeria

120

130

Burundi

0

0

Oman

3

1

Cambodia

0

0

Pakistan

589

2087

Cameroon

12

12

Palestine

1

1

Cape Verde

0

0

Papua New Guinea

0

0

Chad

0

0

Peru

11

11

China

1,288

786

Philippines

15

12

Colombia

41

29

Qatar

0

0

Comoros

0

0

Russia

736

27

Congo

9

2

Rwanda

3

0

Cuba

7

2

Saudi Arabia

14

12

Dominican Republic

1

0

Senegal

3

1

Dr Congo

0

0

Serbia

5

1

Ecuador

15

9

Sierra Leone

2

1

Egypt

3

0

Somalia

0

0

Eritrea

0

0

Sri Lanka

17

5

Ethiopia

16

1

Stateless

0

0

Fiji

0

0

Sudan

0

1

Gabon

3

0

Surinam

0

0

Gambia

0

3

Syria

1

0

Georgia

3

7

Taiwan

9

3

Ghana

5

9

Tanzania

18

2

Guinea

0

1

Thailand

2

10

Haiti

0

0

Tibet

0

0

India

923

421

Timor

0

1

Indonesia

11

2

Togo

0

1

Iran

22

14

Tunisia

2

1

Iraq

10

3

Turkey

68

60

Ivory Coast

0

4

Turkmenistan

0

9

Jamaica

3

0

Uganda

9

3

Jordan

0

1

Ukraine

33

21

Kazakhstan

64

4

Uzbekistan

2

3

Kenya

10

5

U.A.E.

0

0

Korea Nth

0

0

Vietnam

16

23

Kuwait

19

1

Yemen

0

1

Kyrgzstan

0

0

Yugoslavia

15

2

Laos

0

0

Zambia

17

2

Lebanon

1

2

Zimbabwe

7

7

Liberia

2

0

Uncategorised *

344

44

4,849

4,405

*‘Uncategorised' — nationality not available as figures are based on aggregate returns.

Question No. 207 answered with Question No. 188.

Passport Applications

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
208 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a person (details supplied) will have their application for a passport processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24195/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The passport applications for the persons named were registered with the Passport Office in Balbriggan on 18 May, 2010. On 1 June, the applicant contacted the Passport Service and provided information of imminent travel plans. The applications were subsequently prioritised and the applicant collected the passports in the Passport Office, Molesworth Street on 03 June.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
209 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [24208/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The passport for the applicant in question has been available for collection in the passport office since 3 June, 2010.

Departmental Offices

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
210 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the detail of the work of the conflict resolution unit of his Department in Timor-Leste; the way it works with different sectors in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24227/10]

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
211 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way the work of the conflict resolution unit of his Department is integrated with the development of Ireland’s national action plan on the UN Security Council Resolution No. 1325 on women, peace and security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24228/10]

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
212 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of co-operation between the conflict resolution unit of his Department and Irish and international non-governmental organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24229/10]

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
213 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of co-operation between the conflict resolution unit of his Department and similar units in other EU countries, the United Nations and other international organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24230/10]

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
214 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of the work being carried out by the conflict resolution unit of his Department; the countries in which the unit is currently operating; the way the work of the unit integrates with overall foreign policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24231/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 214, inclusive, together.

The role of the Conflict Resolution Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs is to support conflict resolution efforts internationally while also seeking to develop our national capacity in this area. It draws on our own experience of peacemaking and peace building and from the work of Irish Aid, while also developing a range of partnerships with relevant international organisations and NGOs. The Unit maintains close contact with Irish Aid and the Anglo-Irish Division of my Department and reflects Ireland's commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security under the UN Charter, and to respect for international law.

Our engagement in Timor-Leste, in close cooperation with Irish Aid's development programme there, is designed to address key issues directly related to the risk of renewed internal conflict. Initiatives taken so far include support for an early warning and response system based in civil society, a programme on peace, remembrance and reconciliation, advice on security sector reform, and support for structured high level dialogue amongst rival leaders. President Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste was very appreciative of Ireland's support in this area during his State visit to Ireland in February of this year.

The Conflict Resolution Unit is taking the lead role in the development of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The Resolution calls for an increase in the participation of women in peacemaking and peace building processes; the protection of women and girls in armed conflict; and the incorporation of a gender perspective into peacekeeping and peace building processes. 2010 is the 10th anniversary of the resolution and the Government will have approved Ireland's National Action Plan on 1325 in time for events in New York in October to mark that anniversary. The plan is being drafted with input from civil-society and academia and is informed by an innovative cross-learning initiative which brought together women and men from three conflict-affected areas (Timor-Leste, Liberia and Ireland, North and South) working on issues relating to women, peace and security. Representatives from these regions have met three times, under the chairmanship of Ireland's Special Envoy for UNSCR 1325, Nuala O'Loan, and a report detailing the results of the process will be presented to the UN in October.

Given the complexity and sensitivity of conflict resolution work, close coordination with other key agencies and governments is essential. The Conflict Resolution Unit has developed a broad network of contacts in the UN, EU and the OECD's Development Assistance Committee. It has a close working relationship with a number of Irish and international NGOs, particularly the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Interpeace, International Alert, International Crisis Group, Crisis Management Initiative and the International Security Sector Advisory Team. I will also ensure that conflict resolution is at the heart of Ireland's Chairmanship in Office of the OSCE in 2012.

In addition to this work, the Conflict Resolution Unit has launched a Research Development Initiative for academic institutions with the aim of strengthening research capacity in the area of conflict resolution in both national and international contexts. In February of this year, I renamed our conflict resolution PhD scholarship scheme in honour of the late Andrew Grene, the Irish UN Worker who died tragically in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake.

Passport Applications

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
215 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the renewal of a passport in respect of a person (details supplied). [24262/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The application in question was received in the passport office on 27 May, 2010. If the applicant is required to travel urgently he should contact the passport office and provide details of his travel itinerary so that his application can be expedited.

John O'Donoghue
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John O'Donoghue
Question:
216 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [24311/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The passport for the applicant is question was posted to him on 4 June, 2010.

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
217 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite an application for a passport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is due to travel abroad shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24325/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The passport application for the person in question was registered with the Passport Office in Balbriggan on 17 May, 2010.

If the applicant contacts the passport office and provides details of her urgent travel itinerary, her application will be expedited.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
218 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24389/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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There are no state agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.

Passport Applications

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24442/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The application in question was received in the passport office on 28 May, 2010.

If the applicant has immediate travel plans she should contact the passport office and provide details of his travel itinerary so that his application can be expedited.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who applied for same over two months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24443/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The application in question was received in the passport office on 7 May, 2010 and was incomplete. Additional documentation has now been received in the passport office and the family were assured by the passport office that the passport will be issued in time for travel on June 15, 2010.

Foreign Conflicts

Billy Timmins
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Billy Timmins
Question:
221 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24552/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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I utterly condemn the murder of over 90 members of the Ahmadi community in Lahore, as well as the terrible injuries visited upon so many others as they worshipped in two mosques in the city on 28 May. Nothing can justify attacks which cause such senseless carnage and destruction. On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Government, I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families on their great loss.

These heinous attacks bring to public attention once again the threats which exist to the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, the discrimination they can face there and in neighbouring countries, and issues relating to other minority communities more broadly.

As I mentioned in my response to previous questions in this House in relation to the Ahmadiyya community, most recently in September last, promoting religious tolerance remains a key objective of Ireland and the EU in relation to Pakistan. Bilaterally, and through the EU, we have urged the Government there to make every effort to promote effectively the rights of minorities and to improve their current conditions. In our bilateral contact with Pakistan, we have emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate protections for minorities in Pakistan. Minority and human rights issues in Pakistan were discussed at political consultations held between Ireland and Pakistan at Political Director level in Islamabad on 10 February last. The issue of the recent attacks has been raised with the Embassy of Pakistan and my Department will continue to discuss issues relating to minorities in its ongoing bilateral contacts with Pakistan.

At EU level, the EU Council Conclusions on 28 April and 8 December 2008 reaffirmed the importance of human rights in Pakistan as a central priority for the EU. Human rights and minority issues were discussed with Pakistan, most recently at the second EU-Pakistan Summit held in Brussels on 4 June.

The Government of Pakistan has made it clear that it is committed to the protection of minorities, the promotion of religious tolerance and combating the terrorist actions of the local Taliban and other radicals. However, it faces very serious challenges in this regard. Many hundreds of innocent Pakistani civilians from many parts of the country, from many tribal and religious groups and from all levels in society have fallen victim to terrorists. In the case of the attacks on the Ahmadi community on 28 May, I note that the Punjab wing of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility.

The EU has pledged to assist the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to fight terrorism. In this context, leaders at the EU-Pakistan summit last week agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, both within the framework of the United Nations as well as in other relevant forums. The EU and Pakistan also reiterated that counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are complementary and mutually reinforcing, and should be implemented in full respect of international law.

Middle East Peace Process

Billy Timmins
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Billy Timmins
Question:
222 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24553/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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I understand that the Tent of Nations project is an initiative of a Christian Palestinian family, the Nassars, who live close to Nahaelin in Bethlehem. This project was established in 2000 – the family own 100 acres which they were asked to evacuate in 1991 by the Israeli authorities but they contested the case in court and won on the basis of official documents that prove their ownership of the land. The family's response to increased settlement around their property, prohibition on building themselves as well as the lack of amenities provided to them, was to construct makeshift accommodation and invite volunteers to help them farm the land in what appears to be an atmosphere of peace and environmental sustainability.

These makeshift dwellings appear recently to have been legally challenged by the Israeli military authorities. The latest media reports indicate that the Supreme Court of Israel has this week upheld the appeal by Daoud Nassar, and the Tent of Nations, to deny an order to demolish the structures on the farm until the Supreme Court takes a decision.

I welcome this verdict. Deputies will be aware of my long-standing view that the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and related policies involving demolitions of family homes and forced evictions represent a major impediment to the two-State solution. It both prejudges the outcome of final status negotiations and undermines the fundamental viability of a Palestinian State. I also firmly believe that it weakens the standing of moderate Palestinian leaders and plays into the hands of extremists on both sides. Groups who advocate a peaceful resolution to the conflict should be encouraged and supported in their activities by the Israeli and Palestinian authorities and by all those in the international community working to achieve a peaceful and just resolution to the problems of the Middle East.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
223 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24600/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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There are no state agencies operating under the auspices of my Department.

There are currently three bodies which operate under the aegis of my Department — The Development Education Advisory Committee, The Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (previously known as Díon), and The Fulbright Commission (The Board of the Ireland – United States Commission for Educational Exchange). All members serving on these bodies do so in a voluntary capacity and are not in receipt of a salary or fee.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
224 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the details and outcome of the past three reviews by her Department’s governance support division of compliance by her Department’s State bodies 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 her; the results of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24395/10]

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Department of Finance's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies mandates that the chairperson of each State body must furnish to the relevant Minister a comprehensive annual report confirming, inter alia, that the Code of Practice has been adopted and the extent to which it is being complied with, subject to Board approval.

For the years 2006 to 2008, inclusive, confirmation of the adoption of the Code of Practice and of full compliance with it has been received from the State bodies under the aegis of my Department, with the exception of The Arts Council, Chester Beatty Library (CBL), Crawford Art Gallery Cork, National Gallery of Ireland (NGI) and National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA).

In the case of CBL, this body is a public charitable trust established pursuant to the will of the late Sir Alfred Chester Beatty and is under the ownership of its Board of Trustees. As a charitable institution, it is responsible directly to the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests and complies with the requirements of the Commissioners.

In the case of the Crawford Art Gallery Cork, this body fell under the aegis of my Department only from 2007 during its start-up phase, and its annual accounts for 2008 remain with the Comptroller & Auditor General for examination.

In the case of The Arts Council, NGI and NSCDA, I am assured that procedures have been put in place to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice. My Department is currently in the process of receiving formal written confirmation of these assurances.

With respect of Tourism Ireland, the Code of Practice does not apply to North-South bodies established pursuant to the Good Friday Agreement.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
225 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of her Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if she has taken any action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24606/10]

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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Government policyin relation to the levels of remuneration appropriate to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)/Directors of the agencies under the aegis of my Department is determined on the basis of recommendations by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. The Review Body has regard to changes in economic circumstances and in pay levels in the private sector, taking account of the pay of comparable posts in other countries with similar economic and political systems, particularly those in the eurozone.

The remuneration of all agency CEOs/Directors is subject to the agreement of the relevant Minister and the Minister for Finance. I am not aware of any breaches of these arrangements in the past three years in the case of agencies under the remit of my Department. The salaries of these CEOs/Directors are as set out in tabular form below.

Agency

CEO/Equivalent

Salary

Arts Council

Director

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

Chester Beatty Library

Director

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

Crawford Art Gallery*

Director

Civil Service Assistant Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

Fáilte Ireland

CEO

€177,990

Irish Film Board

CEO

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Director

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

Irish Sports Council

CEO

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

National Concert Hall

Director

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

National Gallery of Ireland

Director

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

National Library of Ireland

Director

Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale

National Museum of Ireland

Director

Civil Service Principal OfficerGrade 1 Scale

National Sports Campus Development Authority

CEO

€140,632

In addition, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment are sponsor Departments for Tourism Ireland. The remuneration of the CEO of Tourism Ireland is determined by the Board of the Company, with the approval of the North-South Ministerial Council and the respective Finance Ministers and is currently set at €169,412.

The salary of the Director of the Crawford Art Gallery Cork is paid by the Vocational Education Committee but is recouped from my Department.

In 2008 my Department circulated a comprehensive Corporate Governance document to assist the bodies under my aegis in fulfilling their Corporate Governance requirements. Finally my Department circulated the revised Code of Practice to these bodies in 2009.

National Concert Hall

Liz McManus
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Liz McManus
Question:
226 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in relation to the tendering process for the organ in the National Concert Hall; her views to the concerns raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24660/10]

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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I have received correspondence from the person referred to in the Deputy's question regarding the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall and in particular the refurbishment of the existing organ at the hall.

In accordance with a decision of the Government, the project is being procured through a Design/Build/Finance/Maintain Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract. This means that the entire project will be contracted to one consortium. Given the size of the project it was not permitted to directly invite tenderers to participate for particular aspects of the project. Details of the project were published in the Official Journal of the European Union (available through the etenders.ie website), as required under EU procurement regulations and interested consortia were invited to respond to the request for tenders.

As part of the requirements of the project prospective teams were required to design, build and maintain a new organ and refurbish the existing organ. The selection of organ builders to join the prospective teams was left solely to the discretion of the participating consortia. Given the nature of PPP projects it was not permitted for the refurbishment of the existing organ to be the subject of a separate tender, indeed even if it were permitted, the cost would prohibit the State from seeking direct tenders from any company and such a call for tenders would have to be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union.

I understand that staff at the National Concert Hall had a number of meetings with the person concerned and outlined the PPP process in detail to him, including the fact that no one company could be directly nominated for the project. I am satisfied that the competition has been run in accordance with the Guidelines governing PPP projects.

Departmental Funding

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
227 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide funding for the Dyslexia Association of Ireland in order to alleviate poverty, social exclusion and inequality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24133/10]

Seán Barrett
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Seán Barrett
Question:
228 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in preparing his Estimates, he will ensure that organisations such as the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, which work to alleviate poverty, social exclusion and inequality, will receive priority in the allocation of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24176/10]

Liz McManus
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Liz McManus
Question:
229 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will ensure continued funding of the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this scheme is vital to allow agencies such as the Dyslexia Association to support financially disadvantaged families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24180/10]

Willie Penrose
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Willie Penrose
Question:
236 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in the context of the current review of the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector, he will ensure that a future funding programme prioritises a focus on combating poverty excluding an inequality by supporting organisations that represent and respond to the needs of disadvantaged groups and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24833/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 to 229, inclusive, and 236 together.

The Dyslexia Association of Ireland 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. On the basis of the findings of the review, I will consider the options available to me regarding the future of the Scheme.

All organisations involved in the Scheme, including the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, are being consulted as part of the review process. As the Deputies are aware, Departments are currently preparing their initial estimates for 2011. While I cannot at this stage give a commitment to any individual organisation, I will be endeavouring to make the best possible use of the resources available, taking account of the outcome of the review under way at present.

Community Development.

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
230 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will formally give a letter of approval to a local authority (details supplied) in respect of CLÁR funding for phase 2 of projects in order that they can proceed. [24204/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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My Department approved CLÁR funding for the projects referred to by the Deputy in August 2008. I understand that those projects represented Phase 1 of larger developments, which the local authority chose to proceed in various phases. To date, funding has been fully drawn down for just one of the projects and I am advised that the others have yet to be completed.

The particular measure under which the CLÁR funding in question is being provided was closed to new applications from August 2008 and I have had no correspondence with the local authority involved, other than in relation to the already approved projects. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the circumstances, it is not possible to issue a letter of approval to the local authority for any funding over and above that which is already being provided.

I should also point out that the CLÁR Programme seeks to facilitate the progress of projects by way of top-up funding and, accordingly, that the primary funding must, in the first place, be provided by the bodies responsible for the developments in question.

Departmental Programmes

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
231 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available from his Department for domestic violence support programmes including the provision of helplines, shelters and advice centres; the amount provided to such programmes in each year from 2006 to date in 2010; and the number of centres or projects that have benefited from this funding on a county basis in each year 2006 and to date in 2010 [24300/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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As the Deputy will be aware, COSC is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence and comes within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Law Reform. Details in relation to the programmes and work of COSC, including services for people affected by these forms of violence, can be accessed at www.cosc.ie

In relation to the availability of funding from my own Department for domestic violence support programmes, I can advise the Deputy that funding is provided by the Family Support Agency, which comes within the remit of my Department, to Women's Aid. Through the provision of training and information, Women's Aid supports and encourages Family Resource Centres to respond to the issue of violence against women.

Funding provided by the Family Support Agency to Women's Aid since 2006 is outlined in the table below:

Year

Funding to Women’s Aid

€

2006

99,661

2007

79,778

2008

138,350

2009

110,680

2010 (to date)

54,340

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
232 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same. [24383/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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 I can confirm to the Deputy that all State bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group have been provided with a copy of the updated Code.

My Department monitors the compliance of the relevant State bodies with the Code on an ongoing basis and where issues arise these are addressed. It may be noted that the Corporate Governance Division of my Department has developed a comprehensive checklist to assist relevant divisions across my Department in monitoring compliance levels with the Code.

Irish Language

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the Deontas grant was reduced in respect of persons (details supplied) in 2009; the reason they have been told they will not get the grant this year in view of the fact that these persons both speak Irish and attend all-Irish schools; and if this can be appealed. [24420/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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Under Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge, a grant of €260 per school year is payable to households in the Gaeltacht where my Department is satisfied that Irish is the normal spoken language of the family and that family members are, accordingly, naturally fluent in the language. A reduced grant is payable to households that have not yet achieved the required level of Irish usage and where my Department is satisfied that the required standard can be achieved within a 3-year period.

In the case of the household referred to by the Deputy, a reduced grant was paid in respect of 2007/08 and 2008/09. However, as the expected improvement had not taken place when the 2009/2010 application came to be examined, the grant was refused accordingly.

This decision can be appealed and the Deputy may be assured that the application will be fully reviewed if the family writes to my Department requesting such a review.

National Drugs Strategy

Jack Wall
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Jack Wall
Question:
234 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24543/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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The National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 is being implemented across its five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research in line with the Government's commitment to address problem drug use in a comprehensive way.

Solid progress is being made on the implementation of the various Actions of the Strategy. One of the recent highlights was the introduction of regulations by the Minister for Health and Children under the Misuse of Drugs Acts that make the possession and sale of a wide range of psychoactive substances illegal and subject to criminal sanctions. In addition, legislation is being drafted by the Minister for Justice & Law Reform that will make it a criminal offence to sell or supply substances that are not prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but that have psychoactive effects on humans.

An Garda Síochána and Revenue's Customs Service continue to prioritise the targeting of those involved in the supply of drugs and I congratulate them on their recent successes in this area, both nationally and abroad.

Significant progress continues to be made in regard to treatment and rehabilitation services for recovering drug users. New opiate substitution facilities, greater opportunities for detoxification and the roll-out of a comprehensive needle exchange programme across the country are among the improvements that are coming on stream. Progress is also being made towards providing comprehensive rehabilitation services. In that regard, my officials have recently agreed on a way forward in regard to residential rehabilitation services with the HSE and the voluntary sector. It is envisaged that significant improvements can be achieved through interagency co-operation and comprehensive care planning for the individual clients.

I will shortly be undertaking a series of meetings with a number of Ministers and various senior officials who are responsible for the implementation of different Actions of the Strategy. In those meetings, I will again stress the need for Departments and agencies to continue to ensure that high priority is given to achieving the objectives of the Strategy.

I am determined to tackle the issue of problem substance misuse over the coming years and I am confident that the Drugs Strategy will continue to facilitate this.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
235 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in respect of determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24594/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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The salary details in respect of the Chief Executive Officers/Managing Directors (or nearest equivalent) of the agencies/bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are outlined in the table below.

It should be noted that the remuneration of each such person has been approved by the Department of Finance and, where required by specific legislation, appointments and remuneration have been approved by Government. No breaches have taken place of the nature referred to by the Deputy.

Body/Agency

Present annual salary of CEO/Managing Director (or nearest equivalent)

€

Údarás na Gaeltachta

146,205

Western Development Commission

107,584

An Coimisinéir Teanga

127,588

Office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests

79,337

Waterways Ireland

£92,636

Foras na Gaeilge

119,271

Ulster-Scots Agency

N/A*

Equality Authority

126,718

Equality Tribunal

127,796

Human Rights Commission

139,898

National Disability Authority

99,236

Family Support Agency

110,844

*Position filled at present on an interim basis by an officer of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

Question No. 236 answered with Question No. 227.

Community Development

Seán Ó Fearghaíl
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Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:
237 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24873/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)
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The organisation referred to by the Deputy 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. On the basis of the findings of the review, I will consider the options available to me regarding the future of the Scheme.

All organisations involved in the Scheme, including the one referred to by the Deputy, are being consulted as part of the review process.

Social Welfare Benefits

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
238 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money paid out in rent allowance for the years 2008 and 2009, on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24282/10]

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
248 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the rent supplement per year since 2007; the cost per annum for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24121/10]

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
249 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the percentage and number of rent supplement claimants in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment per year since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24122/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 238, 248 and 249 together.

Expenditure on rent supplement is not available on a county basis. The information in relation to expenditure and recipients from 2007 is shown in the following tabular statement.

Table 1: Expenditure and Recipients on Rent Supplement 2007 to date

Year

Expenditure

Recipients

Of which the primary payment is jobseekers allowance or jobseekers benefit

€000

%

2007

391,466

59,726

16,433

27.5%

2008

440,548

74,038

24,480

33.1%

2009

510,751

93,030

38,244

41.1%

2010⁽¹⁾

164,908

95,698

41,441

43.3%

(1) Expenditure is at end April 2010 and recipients is at 28th May 2010.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
239 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has any plans to attach to the payment of rent supplement a condition that the physical condition of the property in question be maintained to a reasonable standard and that the tenants would not engage in any activity which damages the residential amenity of the neighbours in the area. [24405/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source.

If issues arise in relation to good estate management and anti-social behaviour there are a number of avenues open to landlords, including the mediation service for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board and/or recourse to the Garda Síochána and/or the Courts in relation to the enforcement of the law in dealing with anti-social behaviour.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
240 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the refusal of rent allowance to persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24413/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

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

Social Welfare Appeals

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
241 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on the supplementary allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) from County Waterford. [24079/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard Allen
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Bernard Allen
Question:
242 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason no decision was made on an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [24083/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 9 December 2008.

In order to determine his means, his file was sent to a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. He was interviewed by a Social Welfare Inspector on 9 January 2009 and was requested to provide details of his 2008 income derived from self employment.

Subsequent to that interview, it came to light that the person may have other means that were not disclosed to the Social Welfare Inspector and he was requested, in writing, to supply full details of these other means, along with his 2008 accounts which were yet to be furnished. When the information requested had not been received by November 2009 his claim was returned to the Deciding Officer stating that the person had failed to disclose his means.

The person concerned subsequently provided certain information in relation to his claim and his file was referred back to the Social Welfare Inspector for investigation.

In the meantime there was a change in the Inspectorate personnel for the Mallow area and a new Inspector was appointed.

I understand a Social Welfare Inspector will be in contact with the person concerned in the next few days regarding his means. When the report is received a decision will be made and the person will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals

Dan Neville
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Dan Neville
Question:
243 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for disability allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [24087/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

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

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
244 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for carer’s allowance will be opened in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24094/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a form for the opening of an appeal has been forwarded to the person concerned and requesting him to state the grounds for his appeal.

On receipt of his reply the appeal will be opened and processed in the normal manner.

Damien English
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Damien English
Question:
245 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24095/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

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 is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
246 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the one parent family payment for each of the past five years in tabular form; the cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24114/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the accompanying tabular statement.

Table: Recipients and Expenditure of One-Parent Family Payment, 2005 to 2009

Year

Number of Recipients

Expenditure

€000

2005

80,366

751,102

2006

83,081

834,262

2007

85,084

962,425

2008

87,840

1,067,158

2009

90,484

1,121,344

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
247 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the one parent family payment on a county basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24115/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

The information requested by the deputy is contained in the accompanying tabular statement.

Number of Recipients of One-Parent Family Payment by County, 2009

County

Number of Recipients

Carlow

1,356

Cavan

1,142

Clare

1,769

Cork

9,195

Donegal

3,830

Dublin

29,824

Galway

3,397

Kerry

2,617

Kildare

3,640

Kilkenny

1,379

Laois

1,095

Leitrim

389

Limerick

3,871

Longford

930

Louth

3,057

Mayo

2,026

Meath

2,447

Monaghan

997

Offaly

1,352

Roscommon

800

Sligo

1,090

Tipperary

3,131

Waterford

2,992

Westmeath

1,627

Wexford

3,593

Wicklow

2,930

Total

90,476

Questions Nos. 248 and 249 answered with Question No. 238.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty
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Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:
250 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social Protection if the domiciliary care allowance paid to parents whose children are on the autism spectrum is a discretionary payment; the guidelines that determine its disbursement; if there has been a recent change of policy in this area; if there has been a reduction in the budget for the domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24124/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, almost all of the time, so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this care and attention for at least 12 months.

Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is not based primarily on the impairment or disease but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating a degree of extra care and attention required. As such it is not possible to say in advance if a child diagnosed with autism or indeed any other condition will qualify for a payment under the scheme. Every application is assessed by one my Department's Medical Assessors and an individual medical opinion, based on the information submitted by the applicant in support of their claim, is given in each case. The deciding officer then makes a decision having considered the medical opinion provided and all the other information available.

There has been no change in policy in relation to the Domiciliary Care Allowance and the budget available remains unchanged.

Social Welfare Code

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
251 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 19 May 2010, his views on further observations from a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [24126/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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Under section 18 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2008 which came into effect on December 17th, 2008, changes were introduced relating to the duration of the jobseeker's benefit payment. Firstly, the duration of the benefit for payable to people with 260 or more paid social insurance contributions was reduced from 15 to 12 months, for (then) current claimants with less than six months duration on the scheme, as well as all new claimants. Similarly, where the claimant had less than 260 contributions the maximum duration of benefit was reduced from 12 to 9 months for people in receipt for less than three months, as well as all new claimants.

On this basis reductions in claim durations were subsequently applied entirely in accordance with the law as passed by the Oireachtas. Accordingly, in regard to this matter, no actions were "taken without proper authority", within the meaning of section 4(2)(b)(i) of the Ombudsman Act 1980.

More generally, I would point out that it is well established that the doctrine of legitimate expectation cannot overcome a statutory bar and that it cannot be invoked to prevent the enactment of legislation by the Oireachtas or the implementation of legislation by the executive.

Social Welfare Appeals

Damien English
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Damien English
Question:
252 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24153/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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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.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
253 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24215/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

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.

Departmental Agencies

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
254 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review a case (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24216/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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While the Citizens Information Board operates under the aegis of the Department, matters pertaining to individual staff members and the specified case are the responsibility of the Board.

Social Welfare Appeals

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
255 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has not been facilitated in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24258/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

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

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
256 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason jobseeker’s allowance has been cut in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24263/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

The person concerned is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance of €200 per week with effect from 31 July 2009. This comprises a personal rate of €100 and a qualified adult dependant rate of €100. As Mr. Collins was not in receipt of a jobseeker's allowance in April 2009, the Budgetary changes for new claimants are relevant in his case.

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
257 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance can be allowed to travel abroad to seek employment in the same way as those in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24297/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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Under EU Regulations, while a person on jobseeker's benefit may retain payment for a period while seeking work in another EU country, it is not possible to transfer jobseeker's allowance in the same way. Jobseeker's allowance is listed by EU Regulation 883/2004 as a special non-contributory cash benefit and, as a result, it is paid "exclusively in the Member State in which the persons concerned reside, in accordance with its legislation". A jobseeker's allowance customer, to retain his or her payment, is therefore required to remain in the State.

Locally, however, arrangements may be made between a local office and a person on jobseeker's allowance, permitting the person to travel abroad for a job interview or short holiday.

Flood Relief

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
258 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application under the humanitarian assistance scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24321/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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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 Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
259 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24392/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition, the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department.

The Department does not have a Governance Support Division; however State bodies are required to comply with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies published by the Department of Finance, which was last updated in May 2009. The Statements on Internal Financial Control contained in the annual reports of the bodies under the aegis of this Department reflect that the Boards operate in accordance with the code of practice. The Comptroller and Auditor General has reviewed these Statements on Internal Financial Control and confirmed compliance.

Social Welfare Benefits

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
260 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Donegal, excluding pensioners, in receipt of social welfare. [24428/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The numbers of people availing of specified programmes operated by my Department are set out in the following tabular statement.

Table: Number of Persons in County Donegal, excluding pensioners, in receipt of Social Welfare, 2009

Type of Payment

Number of Recipients

Pre-Retirement Allowance

638

Widow/er’s (Contributory)Pension

3,270

Widow/er’s (Non-Contributory) Pension

181

One Parent Family Payment

3,830

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

175

Deserted Wife’s Allowance

24

Guardian’s Payment (Contributory)

21

Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory)

12

Child Benefit

20,841

Maternity Benefit

656

Health & Safety Benefit

1

Illness Benefit

2,725

Invalidity Pension

1,572

Carer’s Benefit

67

Disablement Pension

403

Incapacity Supplement

32

Injury Benefit

19

Interim Illness Benefit

6

Death Benefit

21

Disability Allowance

4,554

Blind Pension

81

Carer’s Allowance

2,947

Respite Care Grant

270

Live Register

20,748

Family Income Supplement

1,297

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

353

Back to Work Allowance Employee

136

Farm Assist

1,219

Part-Time Job Incentive

5

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

1,120

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
261 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. [24431/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

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

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 20 May 2010, the status of the report from the Health Service Executive deeming the person in question had habitual residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24439/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The case of the person in question is currently under review, based on a newly completed form regarding the habitual residence condition (HRC). He will be notified of the decision in due course. Decisions made by a Deciding Officer on habitual residence are based on the officer him/herself being satisfied that the HRC conditions are met and all available evidence in this regard is taken into account in reaching a decision.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a domiciliary care appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24441/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 31 May 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received the appeal in question 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

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
264 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has any measure of support for the 18 year olds who are in full time education and are currently excluded from child payments and would only get support if they dropped out of school and became eligible for Youthreach and in order to support children in particular who might be at risk of early drop-out from school. [24528/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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Child Benefit assists parents in the cost associated with raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. Between 2000 and 2009, overall expenditure on Child Benefit grew from just €638 million to approximately €2.5 billion per year. However, with tax revenues having fallen dramatically, we cannot afford to maintain spending at this level.

It was decided in Budget 2009 to limit spending on Child Benefit by lowering the upper age limit that currently applies from 19 years to 18 years. The impact of this measure was phased in, with payment for existing children being halved from January 2009 and payment stopping from the 18th birthday from January 2010. Budget 2009 provided for a compensatory payment of €15 per week to be made to people receiving a social welfare payment which included an increase in respect of an 18 year old child. Further compensatory measures were also applied to the Family Income Supplement (FIS) and the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme in respect of 18 year olds.

In recognition of the need to target limited available resources at persons on low incomes with children in full-time education a number of provisions have been introduced. These include the extension of entitlement to Increase for Qualified Child, payable to social welfare recipients in respect of qualifying child dependants, to age 22 where the parent of a full-time student (including third level) is in receipt of either a long-term social welfare payment, or a short-term social welfare payment for six months or more (short-term schemes include such payments as Jobseeker's Benefit and assistance, Illness Benefit and Supplementary Welfare Allowance). It also includes the provision of a weekly payment to low paid employees with families through the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme. Under this scheme, a qualified child is any child under the age of 18 or aged 18 to 22 in full-time education. This supplement is paid where a family's weekly income is below a specified amount for the family size, and is calculated at 60% of the difference between the net family income (i.e. gross pay less tax, PRSI, health contribution, superannuation) and the relevant income limit.

Low income families may also be entitled to a Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which is administered by the Health Service Executive and operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year.

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
265 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the back to work enterprise allowance on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24546/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

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

Table: Number of Persons in receipt of Back to Work Enterprise Allowance by County, 2009

County

Number of Recipients

Carlow

89

Cavan

53

Clare

87

Cork

421

Donegal

353

Dublin

1,147

Galway

365

Kerry

220

Kildare

156

Kilkenny

99

Laois

95

Leitrim

52

Limerick

144

Longford

72

Louth

152

Mayo

126

Meath

83

Monaghan

81

Offaly

62

Roscommon

48

Sligo

66

Tipperary

136

Waterford

141

Wexford

82

Westmeath

132

Wicklow

129

Total

4,591

Defence Forces Recruitment

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
266 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence if there is a cap on recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force; if it is anticipated that recruitment will begin shortly; the criteria and standards that are used, in terms of vision, hearing and other capacities for applicants for admission; if there is a specific level of visual capacity required, particularly in respect of colour identification, for applicants to the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24277/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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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. 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. In addition, as I have already stated, the Military Authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army. It is a matter for the Military Authorities to select candidates based on specific criteria and in accordance with Defence Force Regulations for positions in the Permanent Defence Force.

The colour vision requirements for general service enlistment to the Permanent Defence Force are normal colour vision as measured by the Ishihara Method. In relation to vision capacity the requirements are for a military visual acuity grade of 1, 2, or 3 for applications for the Army and Air Corps. For the Naval Service it is Grade 1 for applications other than for the Administrative Branch. For the Naval Service Administrative Branch it is unaided vision not less than 6/36 in each eye and can be corrected to unaided vision of not less than 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other.

Grade 1 is unaided vision of not less than 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other. Grade 2 is not less than either 6/12 in each eye or 6/6 in the right eye and 6/36 in the left eye. Grade 3 is not less than 6/36 in each eye and can be corrected to Grade 1. Applicants must not have undergone any corrective surgery for refractive error.

In relation to hearing requirements applicants must achieve an Audiometric test result, where in each ear, the sum of hearing threshold levels at the low and at the high frequencies does not exceed the age-related hearing levels contained in the "Guidelines on Hearing Checks and Audiometry" issued by the Health and Safety Authority. Those under 25 years of age must be able to hear all measured tones up to and including 8 kHz at 20 dB in each ear and applicants aged 25 years and older must be able to hear all measured tones up to and including 8 kHz at 25 dB in each ear. Candidates must be free from acute or chronic ear disorders. An applicant must also meet specified physical and medical requirements as laid down by Defence Force Regulations for entry to the Permanent Defence Force. Details in relation to those requirements are available at www.military.ie.

Defence Forces Strength

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
267 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have retired, resigned or left for other reasons for the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24367/10]

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
268 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence the breakdown of the number of members of the Defence Forces who have retired, resigned or left for other reasons for the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010, by rank in tabular form; the number of persons who have left the Defence Forces over the same period on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24368/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.

The number of Defence Forces personnel who have retired, resigned or left the organisation between 2008 and 30 April 2010, the latest date for which figures are currently available, is set out in the tabular statements according to rank and County in the case of the PDF and rank and Brigade in the case of the RDF.

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 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. I am advised that, at this time, the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas.

PERSONNEL DISCHARGED FROM THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE 1 JAN 2008-30 APR 2010

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

Comdt

LT

2/LT

Total Offrs

SGT MAJ

BQMS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

Total NCO

PTE3*

PTE2*

Appren.

Recruit

Total

2008

1

1

13

25

7

1

1

49

4

1

16

22

76

70

189

162

28

149

2

579

2009

2

3

14

18

33

10

0

2

82

9

12

22

25

94

62

224

184

15

3

7

2

517

2010

0

0

0

1

1

1

3

0

0

6

1

1

3

4

8

17

34

33

4

0

0

0

77

PERSONNEL DISCHARGED FROM THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE 1 JAN 2008-30 APR 2010 BY COUNTY

PROVINCE

COUNTY

NO. OF PERS

ULSTER

ANTRIM

10

ARMAGH

3

CAVAN

26

DERRY

5

DONEGAL

58

DOWN

6

FERMANAGH

2

MONAGHAN

22

TYRONE

3

LEINSTER

CARLOW

11

DUBLIN

242

KILDARE

144

KILKENNY

36

LAOIS

11

LONGFORD

22

LOUTH

49

MEATH

35

OFFALY

18

WESTMEATH

71

WEXFORD

13

WICKLOW

17

MUNSTER

CLARE

12

CORK

179

KERRY

14

LIMERICK

30

TIPPERARY

28

WATERFORD

9

CONNAUGHT

GALWAY

50

LEITRIM

6

MAYO

8

ROSCOMMON

20

SLIGO

13

2008

LT COL

CAPT

LT

2LT

Total Officers

BQMS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

NCOS

PTES

Grand Total

2 Eastern Bde RDF

1

4

6

2

2

15

1

3

18

34

56

277

348

1 Southern Bde RDF

10

10

1

2

23

2

1

4

2

17

66

92

489

604

4 Western Bde RDF

1

5

2

2

10

1

2

3

20

86

112

389

511

RDF Training

1

1

0

1

Naval Service Res

2

2

1

1

1

2

2

7

26

35

Total

2

21

19

5

4

51

3

2

8

9

57

188

267

1,181

1,499

2009

LT COL

CAPT

LT

2LT

Total Officers

BQMS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

NCOS

PTES

Grand Total

2 Eastern Bde RDF

1

4

5

1

1

1

3

19

21

46

267

318

1 Southern Bde RDF

1

7

1

2

4

15

1

1

7

3

15

27

54

210

279

4 Western Bde RDF

4

4

3

11

2

3

15

56

76

278

365

RDF Training

1

1

0

1

Naval Service Res

1

1

0

13

14

Total

2

12

9

6

4

33

2

2

10

9

49

104

176

768

977

2010

LT COL

CAPT

LT

2LT

Total Officers

BQMS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

NCOS

PTES

Grand Total

2 Eastern Bde RDF

0

4

36

40

78

118

1 Southern Bde RDF

1

2

2

5

2

3

5

33

43

4 Western Bde RDF

2

1

3

1

12

19

32

81

116

RDF Training

0

0

0

Naval Service Res

1

1

2

1

3

21

25

Total

0

3

4

2

0

9

0

0

1

0

20

59

80

213

302

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
269 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces for each year between 2006 and 2010; the number of recruits that joined the Defence Forces each year between 2006 and 2010; the number of those persons currently retiring or resigning from the Defence Forces that will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24369/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
Share

The strength of the Defence Forces for each year between 2006 and 2009 and as at 30 April 2010, the latest date for which figures are currently available, is set out in the tabular statement. The number of recruits that joined the Defence Forces for the same period is also set out.

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.

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 to the Naval Service. In addition, the Military authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army.

In terms of the Reserve Defence Force, limited recruitment is continuing subject to the overall strength level that existed at 1 January 2009 (7,671) not being exceeded. The limited recruitment will also be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the RDF and the future budgetary provision available to the Department. Work has also commenced on a Value for Money Review of the Reserve and the findings of this Review will, inter alia, inform the future plans for the Reserve. 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.

I am advised that, at this time, the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas.

STRENGTH OF DEFENCE FORCES 2006-2010

YEAR

PDF STRENGTH

RDF STRENGTH

2006

10,479

9,134

2007

10,434

8,408

2008

10,409

7,671

2009

9,933

6,644

2010*

9,856

6,304

*As at 30 April 2010.

PDF RECRUITMENT 2006-2010

Year

General Service Recruits

Cadets

Apprentices

Instrumentalists DF School of Music

Direct Entry Officers

Total

2006

559

55

56

2

4

676

2007

565

48

28

4

4

649

2008

507

41

1

4

553

2009

42

4

46

2010

0

RDF RECRUITMENT 2006-2010

Year

No. Recruited

2006

1,124

2007

972

2008

1,037

2009

544

2010

107

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
270 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24384/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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The agencies associated with the Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. Given the nature of these bodies, they are subject to the same governance arrangements as apply to the Department.

Departmental Properties

Bernard Allen
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Bernard Allen
Question:
271 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the disposal of land at Collins Barracks, Cork (details supplied). [24583/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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The Department has had some discussion with the local authority concerned. It is still the Department's intention to dispose of this property to the local authority subject to the consideration being agreed between both parties.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
272 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24595/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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The agencies associated with the Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. The Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard do not have a Chief Executive Officer or Managing Director. The Civil Defence Board has a Chief Executive Officer who is a serving civil servant at principal officer grade. It does not have a Managing Director. The current pay scale for principal officers appointed to the civil service prior to 1995 is:

Principal Officer Pay Scale

1/1/2010

80,051 – 98,424

The arrangements that apply to the CEO of this agency in respect of salary are the same as for all civil service staff and are in full compliance with all relevant regulations.

Defence Forces Property

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
273 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of 1 June 2010, if he will confirm that the red zones at Casement Aerodrome, County Dublin are not two-dimensional surfaces on the ground in view of the reply given in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 465 of 13 December 2005 but also confirmed that each such zone comprises 160 acres approximately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24655/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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The Review of Policy in Relation to Casement Aerodrome compiled by Sir Frederick Snow & Partners (1999) illustrated that the areas approaching the aerodrome are wedge-shaped. I have arranged for a copy of the report to be sent directly to the Deputy. If the Deputy has any further questions concerning this matter I will arrange for him to meet with the relevant officials.

Defence Forces Investigations

Martin Ferris
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Martin Ferris
Question:
274 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence his views on reports (details supplied) that serving officers in the Permanent Defence Force are implicated in buying illegal arms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24662/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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I am advised by the military authorities that they are conducting an investigation into the matters referred to by the Deputy. In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter until this investigation has been concluded.

Army Barracks

Dinny McGinley
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Dinny McGinley
Question:
275 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if he will re-consider the decision to close Lifford Barracks, County Donegal, in view of the increased subversive activities in border areas, the increase in vigilance and security by the Garda and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24686/10]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)
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The closure of barracks and the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training. It also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security. The consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while also freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties.

In the context of the 2009 Budget, the Government approved the closure of four barracks at Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford in County Donegal, and also St. Bricin's Hospital in Dublin. The four barracks closed at the end of January 2009. The decision to close Lifford Military Post will not be re-considered.

National Parks

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
276 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will address a matter (details supplied). [24572/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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There are no negotiations taking place between my Department and Kerry County Council in connection with the provision of additional burial plots in Killarney National Park at Muckross, Co. Kerry, though the matter has been raised previously in correspondence by the Council. Responsibility for the adequate provision of burial facilities for its functional area is a matter for the relevant local authority.

Muckross Estate forms the nucleus of Killarney National Park and is protected under the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park Act, 1932. The Act, inter alia, imposes an obligation on me as Minister to maintain and manage the Park as a national park for the general purpose of the recreation and enjoyment of the public and I am precluded from selling or otherwise permanently disposing of any of the lands conveyed to the State under the Act.

Grant Payments

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
277 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when hen harrier scheme payments will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24871/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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My Department has now received confirmation from the applicant's farm planner of compliance by the applicant with the provisions of the farm plan. Payment will issue shortly.

Natural Heritage Areas

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
278 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide maps of the bogs in County Mayo in special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas on which the derogations for the cessation of non-commercial turf cutting will end in 2011 and in 2013. [24081/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The ten year derogation allowing a continuation of turf-cutting for domestic purposes has now ended within Flughany Bog Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and those parts of River Moy SAC that were previously designated as Derrynabrock Bog and Tawnaghbeg Bog SACs. These sites were subsequently subsumed into the larger River Moy SAC. The derogation will elapse at the end of 2011 in the remaining areas of the River Moy SAC. No sites in Mayo are affected by the cessation of turf-cutting in 2013.

My Department has previously provided to the Deputy a map of the River Moy SAC, as well as details of the townlands within that site where the derogation has now ended.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Dan Neville
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Dan Neville
Question:
279 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Dromcollogher sewerage, Dromcollogher, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24092/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 337 and 342 of 5 May 2010. The position on the Dromcollogher Sewerage Scheme remains unchanged.

Local Authority Staff

Pádraic McCormack
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Pádraic McCormack
Question:
280 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that all local authority employers fulfil the regulation that at least 3% of staff employed are persons with a disability; and his plans to make a regulation to ensure that when local authorities fall below that figure they will be allowed to recruit staff suffering from a disability to bring the percentage up to 3% in all local authorities. [24130/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 outlines the obligations on public service bodies to employ people with disabilities. There are three interlinked requirements. Firstly public bodies must, insofar as practicable, take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. Secondly, unless there are good reasons to the contrary, at least 3% of their employees must be people with disabilities. Finally on an annual basis public bodies must report to the statutory Monitoring Committee and to the Minister of their parent Department on the number of people with disabilities in their employment and the measures they are taking to support them in employment.

A Monitoring Committee was established in 2007 to monitor compliance by local authorities and public bodies under the remit of my Department with Part 5 of the Disability Act. The members of this Monitoring Committee (including a person representative of people with disabilities) were appointed for a 3 year term and have met regularly. The Committee has reviewed employment targets to determine levels of compliance with the Government's 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities and has reported each year in relation to compliance by the local authorities and public bodies under the aegis of my Department to the National Disability Authority (NDA) and to me. For the years 2007 and 2008, 33 out of 34 local authorities were in compliance.

When the Monitoring Committee reports to me on the levels of compliance for the year 2009 within the local authority sector, I will then determine the need for further regulation in this area, if any.

There is a general moratorium on the filling of public sector posts across all local authorities and the overall staffing levels in the sector are to be reduced significantly by the end of 2010 in accordance with the Government's Policy on Staffing and Numbers in the Public Sector.

Local Authority Housing

Ciaran Lynch
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Ciaran Lynch
Question:
281 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action that has been taken by him to ensure that local authorities adhere to regulations in view of the recent revelations regarding the standard of housing in Dolphin House, Dublin 8 and the legislative requirement by local authorities as landlords to comply with regulations governing the standard and maintenance of the accommodation it provides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24150/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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In the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 the Government committed to updating and more effectively enforcing the minimum standards regulations for rented houses. The final elements of the package of measures approved by the Government in 2009 to deliver on this commitment came into effect on 1 December 2009 and since that date local authorities have a strengthened regulatory framework available to them in respect of their functions regarding rented accommodation.

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 local authorities have responsibility for ensuring compliance.

It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide on the specific details of its inspection arrangements. However, in discharging their responsibilities in relation to the rented sector, authorities have been asked to have regard to the report Good Practice Guidelines for Local Authorities on Standards in the Private Rented Sector: Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007, which makes a range of recommendations on matters relevant to inspection procedures such as identifying and targeting inspection requirements.

In addition, a one day seminar entitled Standards for Rented Houses: Enforcement Practitioners' Seminar, hosted by Dublin City Council and sponsored by my Department, took place on 15 December 2009. This seminar provided an important opportunity for local authority staff involved in the enforcement of standards in rented accommodation to discuss the implementation of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 and to develop inspection performance so as to ensure effective enforcement of standards in the rented sector. On that occasion I emphasised the point that the minimum standards regulations also apply to dwellings let by local authorities and must be no less rigorously applied there than in the private rented sector.

The key element in ensuring good standards of local authority housing is the performance of local authorities in relation to the maintenance and, where necessary, improvement of their housing stock. These are matters in respect of which local authorities have a significant degree of devolved responsibility and which are subject to oversight by the elected members of each individual authority. This role was strengthened further under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, particularly in terms of the requirement placed on local authorities to prepare, and submit to the elected members for approval, Housing Services Plans addressing a wide range of quality-related issues relating to their housing stock, including their management and maintenance policies.

On the more general issue of long-term regeneration my Department is committed to a multi-annual regeneration programme to help improve the lives and conditions of the communities involved. The programme is reviewed on a regular basis, 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 individual local authorities, in the first instance, to prioritise and manage the advancement of projects within the programme, having regard to available resources.

Water Quality

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
282 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when river basin management submissions will be considered by him; and if local and regional authorities will receive a draft report in each region for final adoption. [24223/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The procedure for adoption of river basin management plans is set out in the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003, as amended. In accordance with the regulations, the plans have now been adopted by all of the relevant local authorities. Copies of the plans were then sent to relevant public authorities, including the regional authorities in the area, for comment. The Environmental Protection Agency has also reviewed the plans and has submitted a report to me.

In accordance with the regulations, I will be reviewing the plans, together with the EPA's report and the comments made during the adoption process. This process will be completed by the end of this month and the finalised plans will then come into effect from 9 July 2010.

Unfinished Housing Estates

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
283 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [24281/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Ciarán Cuffe)
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As stated in reply to Question No. 4 of 27 May, my Department is progressing a range of actions, with the co-operation of local authorities and other key stakeholders, to address the issue of unfinished or unoccupied estates. These actions include in the first instance an accurate quantification, classification and mapping of the various types of unfinished or unoccupied estates on a county by county basis to understand the scale and distribution of the problem. Following completion of a pilot exercise with one local authority, a comprehensive national inventory is now under way and should be completed in the middle of the year.

My Department is also preparing a best practice policy manual which aims to identify the necessary responses to ensure satisfactory outcomes in tackling difficulties on specific sites in a co-ordinated and pro-active manner. The responses will require a range of interventions across a number of disciplines – there are issues of public safety, the provision of bonds and securities, environmental protection, building control and estate management.

On the issue of promoting energy efficiency in buildings, my Department is undertaking a number of initiatives. Proposals for amendment of Part L of the Building Regulations, to deliver the targeted 60% improvement (over 2005 requirements) in permitted energy usage and carbon emissions levels for new dwellings from 2010, will be available for public consultation shortly. The new proposals will focus on reducing the demand for energy by improving passive measures, such as minimising heat losses by better insulation and improving airtightness to eliminate uncontrolled airflows and on meeting that reduced energy demand by using efficient heating systems and renewable energy resources.

Work has also been prioritised, through the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body, to establish realisable targets for reductions in primary energy and CO2 emissions for buildings other than dwellings. A consultancy project to examine the potential for upgraded energy efficiency targets for Buildings other than Dwellings will be advertised later this year.

Water Services.

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
284 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the current spend on providing water supplies; the amount recouped through charges on non domestic buildings for the latest year that figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24324/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The local authorities' adopted budgets for 2010 include an estimate of €722 million for the provision of water services. In addition, an Exchequer provision of €508 million is available for investment in water services infrastructure this year under the Water Services Investment Programme. In 2008, the most recent year for which data are available, local authorities collected almost €163.9m from non domestic users of water services.

Local Authority Staff

Joe McHugh
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Joe McHugh
Question:
285 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will renew a contract (details supplied) that will conclude on 10 June 2010; if he recognises that the relevant organisation’s work requires the involvement of a contracted officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24370/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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A request for staffing sanction for a six month contract post of Donegal Youth County Council Coordinator was received by my Department, and approval issued to the Council on 4 June 2010. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible, in compliance with the relevant public sector recruitment and employment law requirements.

Local Authority Housing

Catherine Byrne
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Catherine Byrne
Question:
286 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is committed to urban regeneration, particularly in the south-west inner city of Dublin which has a high proportion of flat complexes in urgent need of repair; if he currently has a budget for regeneration of housing complexes; if so, the figure for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24380/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 425, 426, 427, 428 and 429 of 1 June 2010, which outlines the position in relation to the Dublin inner city flats regeneration programme.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
287 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24387/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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My Department takes seriously the governance arrangements of agencies under its aegis. In accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (May 2009 edition) (paragraph 13), the Chairperson of each State body is required to furnish to the relevant Minister, in conjunction with their annual report and accounts, confirmation that the Code of Practice has been adopted and the extent to which it is being compiled with. My Department regularly reminds agency management of the corporate governance provisions contained in both their own specific, and other, relevant legislation. An annual meeting of my Department's Management Committee and the Chairs and Chief Executive Officers of the various agencies is convened, at which, inter alia, governance and compliance issues are discussed.

There are currently 20 agencies of varying size and function operating under the Department's aegis. In line with recent Government decisions, work is ongoing to progress the amalgamation of some of these agencies, including the Local Government Management and Computer Services Boards and a number of housing-related agencies (including the Affordable Homes Partnership and National Building Agency).

The Code of Practice makes provision for certain requirements to be applied proportionately to smaller bodies. In particular cases, the Code is considered to have a disproportionate effect on such bodies because of either the nature or scale of their activities, the resources available to them, or their governing statutes. In other cases, some agencies within my remit have particular governing structures (e.g. tribunal structures) which differ from the conventional Board structure of state agencies. This group of agencies include the Building Regulations Advisory Board, Designated Appeals Advisory Board, Comhar and the Rent Tribunal. My Department is working with these organisations to agree the extent to which the requirements of the Code might suitably be adopted in each case.

The table overleaf sets out the position regarding the adoption of the revised Code of Practice, the training that has been undertaken in this context and the nature of the monitoring procedures in place in all of the agencies under the Department's remit.

My Department will continue to work with all the agencies concerned to ensure that both the internal practices of the bodies and their external relations with the Government, the Oireachtas, the Minister for Finance and my own Department, meet the highest standards of corporate governance.

Agency

Revised Code adopted by Board

Training Undertaken

Monitoring In Place

Affordable Homes Partnership

Yes

Yes

Yes

Executive training has been provided in relation to performance management. Advice has been received on implementation issues for new areas of the Code including risk and performance management.

Audit and Risk Committee ensures that compliance with the Code is part of the annual audit plan. A Chief Risk Officer was appointed. Risk Management Framework and policy adopted by Board. Risk Management is standing item on Board agenda. Confidential Disclosure policy in place and brought to attention of all staff.

An Bord Pleanála

Yes

Yes

Yes

There are monitoring procedures in place through the Director of Corporate Affairs, Board Secretary and Internal Auditor to ensure compliance with the previous code of practice. The Board is fully aware of the new Code and is reviewing its procedures to determine what changes, if any, are required to these.

An Comhairle Leabharlanna

Yes

Yes

Yes

Building Regulations Advisory Board

*see point above in relation to the application of the Code being proportional to the size and structure of the body

n/a

n/a

Comhar

*see point above in relation to the application of the Code being proportional to the size and structure of the body

n/a

n/a

Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board

*see point above in relation to the application of the Code being proportional to the size and structure of the body

n/a

n/a

Dublin Docklands Development Authority

Yes

Not as yet

Yes

Internal controls are in place, overseen by the Board, to ensure proper compliance. Some of these controls are being enhanced.

Fire Services Council

*see point above in relation to the application of the Code being proportional to the size and structure of the body

n/a

n/a

Local Government Computer Services Board

Not as yet¹

See footnote

See footnote

Local Government Management Services Board

Not as yet — see footnote above

See footnote

See footnote

Environmental Protection Agency

Yes

Ongoing

Yes

Current monitoring structures are being reviewed.

Heritage Council

Yes

Yes

Yes

The Board have noted that some additional new arrangements, procedures and policies will be required. These will be presented to the board as implementation proceeds.

Housing Finance Agency

Yes

Yes

Yes

Directors of the Agency receive induction training on corporate governance matters, including the Code. Further ongoing training is planned.

There is a number of monitoring procedures in place within the Agency including that of the Compliance Officer (Company Secretary), semi-annual reports by the Chairman to the Minister, and annual reviews of compliance by the Board and the Board Performance Review Committee.

Irish Water Safety

Yes

Not as yet

Yes

The requirement for training is under review by the Board

Ongoing monitoring by the Finance Committee

Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency

Yes

Not as yet

Yes

A suite of Governance Manuals (10) have been prepared and circulated within the agency to reflect the revised Code

Internal compliance mechanisms in place

Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency

Yes

Not as yet

Yes

A suite of Governance Manuals (10) have been prepared and circulated within the agency to reflect the revised Code

Internal compliance mechanisms in place.

National Building Agency

Yes

Yes

Yes

CEO and Company Secretary have received formal training and have presented outcomes to Board. Training in Risk Management is being considered by the Board.

General monitoring by Board. Audit Committee has taken on Risk Management function and is now titled Audit and Risk Committee. Audit and Risk Committee has also been charged with overseeing Procurement within the Agency.

Private Residential Tenancies Board

Yes

Yes

Yes

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

Yes

Yes

Yes

Staff have received training from the IPA and Public Affairs Ireland.

The RPII Audit Committee regularly reviews compliance with the Code. All staff, Executive and Board have been made aware of their obligations under RPII Corporate Governance.

Rent Tribunal

*see point above in relation to the application of the Code being proportional to the size and structure of the body

1The LGMSB will shortly be merged with the LGCSB to form the LGMA, which will comply fully with the new Code. Pending the enactment of the necessary legislation, both Boards have appointed the same members to their respective Boards and continue to comply with the 2001 Code. The preparatory work being undertaken for the proposed new Agency includes a review of all policies & procedures including a revised Code of Business Conduct taking account of the 2009 changes to the Code. It was intended that formal adoption of the revised Code would be undertaken by the Board of the LGMA on implementation of the merger in the first quarter of 2010. As the enactment of the legislation is subject to delay, it is intended that the Board of the LGCSB and the LGMSB will adopt the revised Code separately at the next meeting of both Boards scheduled for later in June. Members of the executive of both Boards have received training to ensure implementation of the Code and it is intended that additional training will be provided for all Board members. Continued auditing of compliance is being implemented as heretofore.

World Heritage Sites

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
288 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will list the world heritage sites here; the date upon which the site was designated as a world heritage site; the advantages and disadvantages to the site and to the surrounding community of the designation; if he will list any other sites in the country which he feels have potential for world heritage site designation and the advantage and disadvantage of such a designation to these potential sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24415/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Ireland has two properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List at present, namely, the Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne (Brú na Bóinne) in County Meath (inscribed in 1993) and Skellig Michael in County Kerry (inscribed in 1996).

Brú na Boinne attracts on average 230,400 visitors each year to the World Heritage property and creates employment for 27 full-time staff and 20 seasonal staff at the Visitor Centre, which remains open all year round and is managed by the Office of Public Works. The majority of the staff employed at the Visitor Centre are local to the area.

The visitor season at Skellig Michael runs from the end of May to September, weather permitting, and the island attracts an average of 11,000 visitors each year. These visitors are conveyed to the island by fourteen local boat operators from Knightstown, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs and Caherdaniel. There are five guides employed on the island by the Office of Public Works during the visitor season.

Ireland has an international obligation to protect, conserve and present its World Heritage properties. This implies a strong conservation commitment around the properties and greater international and national attention to what happens there.

The new Tentative List of potential nominees to the World Heritage List was announced in April 2010 and comprises those properties considered of outstanding universal value, to meet the UNESCO World Heritage inscription criteria in terms of integrity and authenticity and which have the best potential for future inscription on the World Heritage List. The properties on the list are:

the Burren;

the Céide Fields & North West Mayo Boglands;

the Monastic City of Clonmacnoise and its Cultural Landscape;

the Historic City of Dublin;

the Early Medieval Monastic Sites (Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Glendalough, Inis Cealtra, Kells & Monasterboice);

the Royal Sites of Ireland (Cashel, Dún Ailinne, Hill of Uisneach, Rathcroghan Complex &Tara Complex); and

the Western Stone Forts.

World Heritage inscription brings increased international awareness of the outstanding universal value of the inscribed property and a potential increase in tourist activity around the property and the area.

The proposed nomination of any property on the new Tentative List to the World Heritage List will require the preparation of comprehensive nomination documentation including a management plan for the property. Consultation will take place with the relevant stakeholders including local communities in the preparation of the documentation for future nominations.

Proposed Legislation

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
289 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to regulate and control housing estate management services and fees; the timetable for any such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24585/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 207 and 208 of 27 May 2010, which outlines the position in regard to the preparation of the relevant legislation.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
290 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24598/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The remuneration of the Chief Executive Officers, or equivalents, of the non-commercial semi-state bodies is sanctioned by the Department of Finance in line with Government decisions on the recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector and subsequent pay adjustments.

The Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector, which was established in 1969, is a independent standing body whose primary function is to advise the Government on the general levels of remuneration appropriate to higher public servants (civil service, local authorities, health boards, non-commercial State bodies, Garda Síochána, Defence Forces, hospital consultants, etc.), members of the judiciary, and political office-holders.

Review Body Reports (No 42 — September 2007 and No 44 — September 2009) contain recommendations on the remuneration of the Chief Executive Officers, or equivalents, of the non-commercial semi-state bodies since 2007. Copies of the reports are available in the Oireachtas Library.

The recommendations of these reports are subject to Government modification and approval. Sanction to implement the approved remuneration is subsequently issued by my Department to the bodies concerned. Implementation of these arrangements is a matter for the boards concerned in accordance with the terms of sanctions. The table attached shows the salary scales for Chief Executive Officers and their equivalents under the aegis of my Department.

Non-PPC Rates

Agency/Body

Post

Salary at 1 January 2010

€

€

Affordable Homes Partnership

CEO

119,373

An Bord Pleanála

CEO

196,285

Dublin Docklands Development Authority

CEO

138,894

Environmental Protection Agency

Director General

175,999

Heritage Council

CEO

85,957

to

105,429

Housing Finance Agency

CEO

119,373

Irish Water Safety Association

CEO

67,913

to

84,296

Limerick Regeneration Agencies

CEO

128,343

Local Govt. Computer Services Board

Director

119,373

Local Govt. Management Services Board

CEO

138,655

National Building Agency

CEO

119,373

Private Residential Tenancies Board

Director

80,051

to

98,424

Radiological Protection Institute

CEO

138,655

Regional Assemblies

Director

109,992

PPC Rates*

Agency/Body

Post

Salary at 1 January 2010

€

€

Affordable Homes Partnership

CEO

125,655

An Bord Pleanála

CEO

206,616

Dublin Docklands Development Authority

CEO

146,205

Environmental Protection Agency

Director General

182,787

Heritage Council

CEO

90,355

to

110,844

Housing Finance Agency

CEO

125,655

Irish Water Safety Association

CEO

71,359

to

88,598

Limerick Regeneration Agencies

CEO

135,097

Local Govt. Computer Services Board

Director

125,655

Local Govt. Management Services Board

CEO

153,855

National Building Agency

CEO

125,655

Private Residential Tenancies Board

Director

84,132

to

103,472

Radiological Protection Institute

CEO

145,952

Regional Assemblies

Director

115,681

*The higher Personal Pension Contribution rate is only applicable where personal pension contributions to an approved scheme are being made.

Architectural Heritage

Chris Andrews
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Chris Andrews
Question:
291 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will undertake a national inventory of architectural heritage survey of the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24633/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures and to include in that record every structure which is, in the opinion of the planning authority, of such interest within its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities.

The Act also enables the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its Record of Protected Structures, and a planning authority must have regard to any such recommendations. These recommendations are based on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) surveys conducted by my Department. The aim of NIAH surveys is generally to include structures which are of international, national and regional importance.

The NIAH survey of the remainder of the Dublin region (Dublin City and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown) is a significant undertaking. Preparatory work, including discussions with all the relevant authorities, is currently taking place with the objective of starting the survey(s) in 2011.

The details of NIAH surveys for Fingal and South County Dublin have already been published and may be consulted on the NIAH website www.buildingsofireland.ie

Housing Grants

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
292 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to change the condition of the housing adaption grant for people with a disability, where work commenced prior to approval will not be grant aided, particularly where the waiting period for grant approval is unreasonable based on that person’s disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24636/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are administered by local authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) Regulations 2007. Matters such as the assessment and approval of individual applications and the payment of grants to householders, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

At my Department's request, the Centre for Housing Research is currently finalising an evaluation of the grant schemes which was undertaken in consultation with stakeholders, including the local authorities, representative organisations for older people and persons with a disability, and with a cross-section of grant applicants. I expect to receive the evaluation report shortly. I will consider the need for any amendments to the terms and conditions of the various grant measures in the light of the findings and recommendations contained in the report.

State Airports

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
293 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 433 of 1 June 2010, if he will clarify the legal position relating to any decision of a planning authority to refuse planning permission for a development within a public safety zone, incorporated by a local authority in its development plan; the formal designation on which still awaits the passage of primary legislation; his views on whether failure to enact such primary legislation leaves us in uncharted waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24657/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Ciarán Cuffe)
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As previously stated in the replies to Questions No. 320 of 11 May 2010 and 433 of 1 June, 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.

Part I of the First Schedule of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2009 currently sets out the purposes for which objectives may be indicated in a development plan, including the regulation, restriction or controlling of development in order to reduce the risk of serious danger to human health or the environment. The interpretation of planning legislation is a matter for the Courts.

Environmental Policy

Jan O'Sullivan
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Jan O'Sullivan
Question:
294 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for a working group to examine the problems arising from an industrial site (details supplied); if the Department of Health and Children, or other health interests, will be represented on the working group; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24689/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The Government, in 2008, considered the position in relation to the former Irish Steel/Ispat site at Haulbowline, noting the outcome of the site investigations, the requirement for various works and further monitoring recommended by the environmental consultants, and the development issues, particularly technical constraints, site boundary issues, zoning issues and regulatory requirements, meriting early attention.

The Government decided that the Office of Public Works would chair a working group to develop a structured and coherent approach to the further management and development of the site with Cork County Council continuing to discharge site management responsibilities on an agency basis. The membership and terms of reference of the working group are matters primarily for OPW.

Regarding human health, the Government noted the outcomes of the independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline. This comprised three distinct modules:

1. assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity;

2. assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by current site conditions; and

3. ambient air monitoring.

The consultants had available the advice of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute and the Health and Safety Authority.

Ambient air monitoring was undertaken in accordance with relevant national and international occupational exposure limit values and found that air quality complied with all relevant standards and guidelines, including in Cobh which was the main population centre monitored, and that there is no occupational risk to human health from airborne substances. Similarly, the assessment of water, sediment and mussel samples employed the relevant applicable screening criteria and found no identifiable risk to the residents of Cork Harbour.

In the case of assessing the health and environmental risks posed by potential contaminants in the waste material on the East Tip itself the screening was undertaken using human health generic assessment criteria which are derived from guidance issued in the UK. These criteria were considered most appropriate for the site, are conservative for on-site exposures for current land use, and did not suggest a risk to health of people on site undertaking normal activities or to those in the Cork harbour area, including the Naval Base.

Planning Issues

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
295 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location in County Kildare of the various urban renewal, section 23, or other incentives approved by him since the inception of the respective schemes; the extent to which all such schemes were completed in accordance with the proposals; the degree to which all moneys were drawn down; the number and location of any such schemes incomplete for whatever reason; the extent of any remaining works to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24804/10]

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
296 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location in the country of the various urban renewal, Section 23 or other incentives approved by him since the inception of the respective schemes; the extent to which all such schemes were completed in accordance with the proposals; the degree to which all moneys were drawn down; the number and location of any such schemes incomplete for whatever reason; the extent of any remaining works to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24806/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Ciarán Cuffe)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 296 together.

As stated in reply to Questions Nos. 172 and 173 of 22 April 2010, the Urban Renewal Scheme 1998, the Multi-Storey Car Parks Scheme 1997, the Town Renewal Scheme 2000, and the Living over the Shop Scheme 2001 gave designated status to areas and were operational in the period 2000 – 2009. The deadlines for each of these schemes were extended to 31 December 2006 where existing conditions were met and further extended to 31 July 2008 where additional conditions were met. 305 cities, towns, villages and other locations in urban or rural areas were awarded Section 23 status.

24,483 certificates were issued by my Department in respect of these schemes; 156 of these certificates relate to County Kildare. This figure does not include multi-storey car parks for which certificates were not issued. The schemes have now closed and no new designations are being considered.

The locations in County Kildare which had a designated status in the past 10 years are Athy, Castledermot, Kilcock, Kilcullen, Kildare, Maynooth, Monasterevin and Rathangan.

I refer to Appendices 2 and 3 of the Revenue Commissioners' Guide to Section 23 Relief which is available on its website – www.revenue.ie. The number and location of areas in Ireland that have benefited from urban renewal or special designation status in the past 10 years are set out in the Revenue Commissioners' Guide.

In order to apply for section 23 tax relief, an applicant is required to produce a certificate issued by my Department under the relevant scheme to the Revenue Commissioners. The record of section 23 tax relief claimed and granted on foot of the 24,483 certificates issued by my Department is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The enforcement of any planning permissions granted is a matter for individual Planning Authorities, irrespective of any designated status applicable.

Waste Management

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if clean up operations at landfill or recycling sites in County Kildare are the responsibility of the local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency or other bodies; if the regulatory structures in place are sufficient to meet requirements in full; if any action is required to improve the response of the statutory agencies charged with regulatory or monitoring responsibility in such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24807/10]

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
298 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if clean up operations at landfill or recycling sites are the responsibility of the local authorities, the EPA or other bodies; if the regulatory structures in place are sufficient to meet requirements in full; if any action is required to improve the response of the statutory agencies charged with regulatory or monitoring responsibility in such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24808/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 298 together.

The operation of landfills and recycling facilities is subject to the regulatory controls of either a waste licence issued by the Environmental Protection Agency or a waste facility permit issued by the local authority. The statutory responsibility for any actions required in relation to complaints on licences or permits issued is a function for the regulatory body concerned. I have no function in relation to these matters. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Acts 1996-2010, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in particular circumstances in relation to functions conferred on the EPA or a local authority under the Act.

There are adequate powers available to local authorities and the EPA to ensure compliance with the conditions of licences and permits issued regarding the operation of waste facilities. A significant number of complaints received by the EPA relate to odour problems at licensed waste facilities. A range of measures is being pursued to address these issues, including significant enforcement efforts, the revision of waste licences to require odour management plans, and the publication of guidelines setting minimum acceptable pre-treatment criteria for municipal solid waste being landfilled. Furthermore, the Food Waste Regulations, which I made in December 2009 and which come into effect in July, will reduce significantly the level of biodegradable waste being landfilled. On foot of these measures, I do not consider that further legislation is needed in this area.

Where non-compliance is detected, an escalating series of enforcement actions, from ongoing communication to warning letters, legal notices and, ultimately, Court proceedings are utilised. EPA resources are managed and directed on an ongoing basis to focus the enforcement effort to where the risks or potential risks are highest and a combination of enforcement tools is used to bring about changes in environmental performance, including the use of site agents, communication with residents' groups and other stakeholders, and assessment of the landfill gas management systems employed.

Telecommunications Services

John Deasy
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John Deasy
Question:
299 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason that Stradbally, County Waterford, has not been included in the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24099/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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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.

That mapping exercise found a number of existing broadband suppliers were already active in the area referred to in the Deputy's Question and consequently the locality was excluded from the Scheme. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie

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 considering the design and implementation of a scheme which would use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability to unserved 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.

Liz McManus
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Liz McManus
Question:
300 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on Ireland’s failure to implement the EU missing children’s hotline 116000; the steps he will take to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24182/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The European Commission published a Commission Decision dated the 15th February 2007 entitled "Reserving the national numbering range beginning with "116" for harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value".

The allocation of specific numbers in the 116 number range in Ireland is managed by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which published (July 2007) and advertised (November 2007) the existence of the number range and invited suitable applicants to apply for the setting up of services.

I am advised by ComReg that Childline commenced a service using the telephone number 116111 in April 2009 and that the number 116123 has been allocated to the Samaritans.

It is open to other organisations to apply to ComReg for the allocation of additional numbers from this numbering range. I am informed by ComReg that no organisation has yet applied for the missing children hotline number 116000. More generally, I would expect that cases of missing children would be reported to the Garda Síochána in the normal way.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
301 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24382/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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My Department monitors the compliance of State bodies, under the remit of the Department, with the Department of Finance Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, on an annual basis. The Code was updated in May 2009 and all State bodies under the remit of my Department were provided with the updated Code and advised of their obligations to comply with same. My Department has developed a comprehensive checklist to assist it in its monitoring role. In addition there is a specific requirement on the Chair of each State Body to specifically certify that the Body has complied with the Code. There are some twenty-five Bodies under the aegis of my Department and I have asked my Department to provide the information requested by the Deputy in relation to any issues of non compliance with the Code as soon as possible.

Telecommunications Services

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
302 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the regulation of the premium rate telecommunications services sector; the recourse available to a person who is receiving a text service they have not subscribed to and wish to cancel the service and be refunded the money charged to their account. [24401/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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Responsibility for the regulation of the content and promotion of premium rate telecommunications service currently rests with the Regulator of Premium Rate Telecommunications Services Limited (Regtel), which is a self regulatory body established in 1995. A person who is receiving a text service they have not subscribed to and wish to cancel the service and be refunded the money charged to their account should contact Regtel and discuss the matter with them. Regtel may be contacted at Crescent Hall, Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2, callsave: 1850 741 741, telephone: 01 676 7025, www.regtel.ie. Under the provisions of the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Act, 2010 responsibility for the regulation of premium rate services will fall to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) on 12 July next. This will result in a more effective regulatory regime and better consumer protection.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
303 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in regard to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24593/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The pay and all other elements of the remuneration package granted to the chief executive officers of bodies under the aegis of my Department is the responsibility, in the first instance, of each Board. The Board agrees terms and conditions including remuneration, with my Department, within remuneration levels sanctioned by the Department of Finance. Details of pay and emoluments for each year are generally available in the published annual reports and accounts of the bodies concerned.

Telecommunications Services

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
304 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason there is such a poor level of broadband reception available to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will ensure that the level of reception will be dramatically increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24628/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The direct provision of broadband services is a contractual matter between the service provider and its customer and I am therefore not in a position to intervene in such matters. The service provider retains the primary responsibility for complaint resolution where a user experiences difficulties with the service being provided to them. If a customer is not satisfied with the service provider's complaints handling procedures, he or she may contact the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg). The Communications (Regulation) Act, 2002, as amended outlines ComReg's role in protecting and promoting consumer interests. Under this Act, ComReg is mandated to ensure a high level of protection for consumers in its dealings with suppliers and to investigate complaints from consumers regarding the supply of and access to, electronic communications services, networks and associated facilities.

Electricity Generation

Billy Timmins
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Billy Timmins
Question:
305 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24642/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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Electricity losses are an operational matter for the ESB and EirGrid. The Department advises that ESB estimate that losses in the Transmission and Distribution of electricity will be approximately 8.5% of recorded customer usage in 2010. ESB believe that theft and other commercial losses amount to a further 0.5% so that the difference between generated electricity and recorded customer usage will be 9.0% in 2010. The cost of losses to electricity customers is in the region of €150m per annum. ESB has reduced losses in the distribution system in the last 5 years by 0.5% of recorded customer usage. This is mainly as a result of the programme to upgrade rural distribution lines form ten thousand volts (10kV) to 20 thousand volts (20kV). This programme also improves the quality of voltage provided to customers in rural areas. EirGrid also works to minimise losses through the way it operates the transmission system. EirGrid also estimate that the adoption of higher voltages and specialised technologies will result in a reduction of losses on the transmission system.

Losses in the transmission and distribution of electricity are a facet of all power systems worldwide and the figure in Ireland is in line with international experience. Significant reductions require changes to the distribution system which entail substantial capital cost. Both EirGrid and ESB Networks aim to achieve a balance between capital costs and the level of losses when reinforcing or extending its system. EirGrid and ESB's policies and practices in relation to losses are supervised by the Commission for Electricity Regulation.

Departmental Agencies

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
306 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of employees and officer holders in all forms of State agencies under the aegis of his Department with remuneration packages comparable or higher than €100,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24666/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The number of State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is 25. Of these, 8 bodies have a commercial remit. Apart from the remuneration of Chief Executive Officers which is agreed by me and the Minister for Finance within limits sets by the Minister for Finance, it is a matter for the commercial State Agencies concerned to regulate pay. I can inform the Deputy that, of the remaining 17 non-commercial bodies under the aegis of my Department, 44 employees and office holders hold remuneration packages comparable to or higher than €100,000.

Alternative Energy Projects

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
307 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the terms of reference that were granted to the representatives who attended meetings (details supplied) on behalf of his Department in respect of the renewable energy technology categories that Ireland supported for inclusion in the decision taken at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24667/10]

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
308 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of representations made to him or his Department about the European Commission’s NER300 draft decision in February 2010 in respect of Ireland’s support for renewable energy; the persons who submitted the representations; if any such representations were added to or altered in the European Commission’s NER300 draft decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24668/10]

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
311 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the processes he intends to put in place to select and process applications for projects in respect of the European Union NER300 fund; the State agencies that will be involved in providing support and assistance to those wishing to apply for NER300 funding; the State agencies that have projects that may qualify for NER300 funding and under which NER300 project categories, and sub categories they might qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24671/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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I propose to take Questions Nos 307, 308 and 311 together.

Article 10(a)8 of the revised Emissions Trading Directive 2009/29/EC contains provision for earmarking up to 300 million ETS allowances in the New Entrants Reserve for subsidising demonstration projects in CCS and innovative renewable energy technologies. The value of funds to be committed is predicated on the actual price of carbon when the funds are committed. A carbon price of €15 per tonne would value the fund at €4.5 billion. The definition of eligible technology sub-categories was finalised by the Climate Change Committee of DG Environment with the involvement of Member States, including Ireland at a meeting in February 2010. The NER300 proposal has not yet been fully signed off on and is currently still at scrutiny stage with the European parliament.

While the technology subcategories were being finalised, potential developers in two technology areas, one in the pumped storage technology area and another in the concentrated solar panel technology area brought the relative merits of their respective technologies to the attention of the Department. The Department did not propose any amendments to the subcategories under discussion at the Management Committee meeting following these representations. The meeting in question was attended by an official of the Department who is serving as Energy Attaché in the Permanent Representation in Brussels. The official consulted with the Department in advance of the meeting. I am satisfied that the technologies provided for under the programme can accommodate innovative renewable energy technologies subject to suitable projects emerging for assessment as set out below.

There will be a single, Europe-wide call for proposals by the Commission. The Commission is currently working on the terms and conditions for this call for proposals and they have signalled to Member States that they hope to issue the call in quarter three 2010. Proposals will be sent to the individual Member States for national evaluation and short listing, before any short-listed projects are assessed by the European Investment Bank using its existing standard evaluation methods. In order to carry out the short listing, Member States will be issued with an assessment methodology by the Commission. This methodology has not yet been issued. The assessment will be made by a committee of officials from my Department and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Subject to eligible proposals emerging, each Member State is guaranteed a minimum of one and a maximum of three demonstration projects across all sub-categories. The indicative Commission timetable is as follows:

Quarter 3 2010 — publication of call in the Official Journal;

November/December 2010 — national evaluation process;

December 2010 — submission of recommended projects to EIB;

End 2011 — Final decision by European Investment Bank.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will provide information on the scheme, once it is available from the Commission, to any interested parties. It is a matter for any individual State Agencies and other entities both public and private to determine whether they wish to apply for support under the NER300 scheme.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
309 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact local and regional authorities are conducting reviews of their development plans, including renewable energy strategies; if he will direct the State bodies under his aegis to publish all wind data in their possession or those involved in wind assessment projects, including the precise location of anemometers, the height above ground of measurement equipment and all wind data gathered or calculated, to enable local authorities and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to make accurate assessments of the economic characteristics of wind resources; if such assessments will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24669/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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Contracts and agreements entered into by State bodies under the aegis of my Department in pursuit of their commercial mandates are day to day matters for the bodies concerned. I have no function in relation to this matter. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland already have very significant information available on the wind resource in Ireland and have published on their website a national Wind Atlas which shows the onshore and offshore wind resource in great detail on a county by county basis. The Wind Atlas for Ireland displays wind speed maps for the entire country, and for each county, plus information about the location of the electricity network at both national and county levels. The Wind Atlas displays wind speeds at 50, 75 and 100 metres above ground level, tiled over Ordinance Survey Ireland (OSI) maps. Wind speeds can be accurately measured at any location in the country, but the three levels referred to in the previous paragraph represent the hub-heights of current and future wind turbine technology. Offshore, wind speeds have been mapped to a distance of 25 kilometres from the Irish coast and these are available at www.seai.ie. The wind resource displayed here has been constrained to exclude areas where wind energy projects will not be permitted such as areas where seabed cables and gas pipelines are located, indicative navigation channels, marine traffic separation / exclusion zones, Department of Defence Danger Areas and near-shore anchorages.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
310 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will direct State agencies and companies within his aegis that are involved in energy projects, such as wind farms, to fully disclose any contracts and agreements with other State owned organisations in respect of their projects to the communities in which these projects are sited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24670/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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Contracts and agreements entered into by State bodies under the aegis of my Department in pursuit of their commercial mandates are day to day matters for the bodies concerned. I have no function in relation in this regard.

Question No. 311 answered with Question No. 307.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
312 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. [24134/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The person named received his full payment in two instalments on 4 May and 10 May 2010.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
313 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under the young farmers installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24139/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
314 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under the installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24140/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Michael Moynihan
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Michael Moynihan
Question:
315 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the early retirement scheme application to be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [24144/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The application from the person named is currently being examined in my Department. It is at an advanced stage of processing and my Department will be in contact with the applicant within the next week.

Grant Payments

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
316 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be awarded their forestry grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24145/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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A query regarding the applicants Tax Clearance Certificate and PPS number is delaying payment of the Forestry Premiums. The Revenue Commissioners, from which clarification has been requested, has assured my Department that the matter will be resolved as a matter of urgency. Payment will issue once my Department receives the requested clarification.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
317 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be awarded their area aid for 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24146/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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A 2000 area aid application form was received from the person named on 28th April 2000. The application was processed in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Area Aid Scheme and he has received any payment due to him in respect of the 2000 scheme year.

In response to correspondence from the person named, expressing dissatisfaction with the processing of the application, a senior official of my Department carried out a full review of the case. That review confirmed that the application had been processed in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the 2000 Area Aid Scheme. The detailed findings of the review were forwarded to the person named who subsequently appealed to the Agriculture Appeals Office. That Office decided to disallow the appeal. The Office of the Ombudsman subsequently investigated the case and did not find in favour of the person named. I can confirm that this Department's officials fully co-operated with the Agricultural Appeals Office and the Office of the Ombudsman in their reviews of this case.

John O'Donoghue
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John O'Donoghue
Question:
318 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme four payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [24312/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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An adjusted plan was received from the person named on 13 April 2010. My officials are currently examining this plan, and if it is found to be in order his application will be processed for payment.

Direct Payment Schemes

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
319 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason an application for the 2009 single payment scheme national reserve in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon was refused; if it is possible for the person to appeal this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24360/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements under Category B of the 2009 National Reserve.

This category catered for new entrants to farming after 15th May 2007. A New Entrant is defined as a farmer who did not pursue any agricultural activity in his/her own name or at his/her own risk in the five years immediately preceding the commencement of the new agricultural activity. In addition applicants must also meet certain criteria in relation to on and off farm income limits and educational qualifications.

The person named was deemed ineligible under this category as his off-farm income exceeded the upper limited of €30,000. The person named was notified in writing of this decision on 2nd December 2009 and was given an opportunity to appeal. To date there is no record of an appeal having being submitted by the person named.

Departmental Offices

Joe McHugh
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Joe McHugh
Question:
320 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the context of his Department’s reorganisation of local offices programme, he agrees that his Department’s Raphoe centre ought to be suitably upgraded with adequate facilities before the Letterkenny and Donegal Town AES offices are merged into Raphoe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24363/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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Current facilities in Raphoe are adequate to meet the requirements of the new regional office.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
321 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details and outcome of the past three reviews by his Department’s governance support division of compliance by his Department’s State bodies 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 him; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24381/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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Responsibility for liaising with State Bodies under the aegis of my Department rests with the relevant line Divisions. The liaison function of the line Divisions includes monitoring compliance with the "Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies".

In early 2008, the Corporate Affairs Division of my Department carried out a review of the way in which the line Divisions interact with their respective agencies. The purpose of this review was to ensure a consistency of approach by the line Divisions rather than checking compliance with the Code of Practice. The relevant Divisions have not noted any significant non-compliance in recent years and are ensuring that the revised Code, published in May 2009, is applied by all of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
322 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 2009 cow welfare scheme will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24559/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The person named applied for 29 animals in 2009 under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. Under the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, for herds of more than 10 cows, the animals must be weaned in at least two separate groups with at least five days between the weaning of each group. Payment will not issue until all of the animals have been weaned to ensure compliance with this condition. Also there are a number of queries regarding some of the animals and when these have been resolved payment can issue.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
323 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of his Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if he has taken any action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24592/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each Chief Executive of each state body under the auspices of my Department is that set out by Government and in Department of Finance guidelines. My Department liaises with the Department of Finance regarding the approved salary levels and advises the state bodies accordingly. I am not aware of any breach of such arrangements.

The present salary for each CEO is set out in the following table:

CEO’s Current Salary

€

Non-Commercial State Bodies

Bord Bia

151,800

Teagasc

151,800*

Irish Marine Institute

138,655

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

122,812

Sea Fisheries Protection Authority — Chairman

110,844

National Milk Agency

85,845

Commercial State Bodies

Coillte

297,024

Horse Racing Ireland

175,200

Bord na gCon

139,500

Irish National Stud

133,419

*Figure does not include annual deduction of 20% towards cost of car.

Harbours and Piers

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
324 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funds he will be providing in 2010 for non-core fisheries harbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24627/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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My Department has, in recent years, provided funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned harbours under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Unfortunately, due to the current budgetary situation, funding can not be provided for Local Authority owned and managed projects under the 2010 Programme. Funding under the 2010 programme has been allocated to meet contractual commitments and essential safety and maintenance works in this Department's six Fishery Harbour Centres

It is hoped that in the future, when the Exchequer situation improves, my Department will be in a position to recommence funding projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned facilities under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
325 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a grant has not been awarded under the cow welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24638/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The person named applied for ten animals in 2009. To date payment totaling €320 has issued in respect of eight animals. Payment has not issued in respect of the two remaining animals due to late registration. An official from my Department has been in contact with the applicant with a view to resolving the matter.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
326 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24663/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The application form and relevant documentation regarding the transfer of the Herdnumber has not been submitted, to my Department's District Veterinary Office in Limerick. My staff have established that the documentation is currently with Teagasc and will be lodged to the Limerick DVO shortly. Following receipt of the required documentation, the herdnumber can be transferred to the person concerned, provided that my Department is satisfied that all the relevant criteria are fulfilled.

Alternative Energy Projects

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
327 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local and regional authorities are conducting reviews of their development plans, including renewable energy strategies; if he will direct the State bodies under his aegis to publish all wind data in their possession or those involved in wind assessment projects, including the precise location of anemometers, the height above ground of measurement equipment and all wind data gathered or calculated to enable local authorities and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland make accurate assessments of the economic characteristics of wind resources; if such assessments will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24664/10]

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
328 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will direct State agencies and companies within his aegis that are involved in energy projects, such as wind farms, to fully disclose any contracts and agreements with other State owned organisations in respect of their projects to the communities in which these projects are sited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24665/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 328 together.

The operational work of State Bodies is a matter for the Bodies themselves but I am sure that any State Body would be happy to co-operate with any such requests received.

Departmental Bodies

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
329 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 175 to 181, inclusive, of 2 June 2010 relating to the Irish National Stud, annual reports received by him under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies and separate assurances received from the chairperson referred to in his response to Parliamentary Question No. 181, he believes the allegations of corporate governance failings at the Irish National Stud are unfounded; if he will insist on an independent investigation on these matters, in view of the vital national interest at stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24782/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The Chairman of the Irish National Stud Company Ltd. Has provided annual assurances that the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies was adhered to.

As I indicated last week, I have been in contact, in particular, over the past four months, with the Chairman and representatives of the Company and emphasised the continuing need for the Company to ensure it fully complies with all corporate governance requirements. The Chairman and the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer have assured me this will continue to be done. I have also sought a report on how the Company intends to address the current financial difficulties and am awaiting this report.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
330 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, arising from his correspondence of 18 September 2009 and 13 January 2010 with the chairman of the Irish National Stud and the reports received subsequently from the chairman, he is satisfied that in the annual report provided to him from the chairman and provided for under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies he had been kept adequately informed of issues, including those of corporate governance, human resources and legal cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24783/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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Human resources issues arising in the Irish National Stud Company Limited are matters for the Board of the Company. Apart from the correspondence referred to in the question I have been in discussions with the Chairman of the INS about the necessity to ensure full compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and I reminded the Chairman that matters which affect, or could potentially affect, the reputation, the administrative or financial stability of the INS be brought to my attention.

I have been assured that the Company has in the past and will continue in the future to comply with the Code. While I accept that operational matters are the responsibility of the Board I have sought a report of the manner in which the Board intends to address its current financial position and I am awaiting this report.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
331 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether it is acceptable that the first occasion he heard of alleged breaches of corporate governance issues at the Irish National Stud was via a press article of 18 September 2009, in view of the presence of the code of practice for the governance of State bodies and assurances that he received via annual reports that the code was being complied with; if reports which he has since received regarding corporate governance at the Irish National Stud confirms that the code was not complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24784/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Ciarán Cuffe)
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The Irish National Stud Company Limited (INS) is a commercial State Body established in 1946 and is a company registered under the Companies Act. The Board of the Irish National Stud is responsible for the operations and management of the Company.

The Government has put in place a system of corporate governance to ensure that State Agencies are directed and managed in such a way so that they serve the interests of the State. A Code of Practice or the Governance of State Bodies issued in 2001 and an updated version of the Code issued in 2009. The revised Code is evidence of the Government's recognition of the need to adapt to a changing environment setting out, as it does, an enhanced system of corporate governance for State Agencies for the future.

I was most concerned when I learned of press reports in September 2009 of certain financial matters affecting the Irish National Stud Company Ltd., which had the potential to damage the reputation of the Company. I immediately sought and received a full report from the INS Chairman on the matters raised. The Chairman confirmed to me that she was satisfied that the expenses to which the Deputy refers were approved and adjudged to be necessary for the conduct of the business of the company; international travel is an integral part of the CEO's functions; no first-class travel was incurred by the former CEO; and the Board has since revised its travel policy with a view to achieving greater efficiencies. In these circumstances these were operational matters within the remit of the Board.

Departmental Schemes

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
332 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who have been successfully placed in work experience under the scheme announced in 2009; if a new tranche of placements will soon become available; and her views on a scheme whereby short work experience placements could be permissible with any employer certified as suitable and that welfare entitlements could be retained during the placement. [24313/10]

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
344 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who have been successfully placed in work experience under the scheme announced in 2009; if a new tranche of placements will soon become available; and her views on a scheme whereby short work experience placements could be permissible with any employer certified as suitable and that welfare entitlements could be retained during the placement. [24314/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 344 together.

As of 4th June 2010, a total of 1,116 people have started on a placement since the launch of the Work Placement Programme last year. In addition to these placements, there are currently a further 1,719 active Work Placement Programme opportunities being advertised on the FÁS Job Bank.

The duration of placements under the Work Placement has been reduced to a minimum of two months and extended to a maximum of nine months; so short work experience placements can be currently accommodated within the programme. FÁS has in place an application and approval process for determining whether an employer meets the criteria and is therefore suitable to be approved as a provider of placements under the programme.

Once they meet the eligibility criteria, clients in receipt of certain welfare payments may retain their welfare entitlements while on a placement, subject to the normal social welfare rules applying.

Higher Education Grants

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
333 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the supports that can be put in place for a person (details supplied) to allow them to accept a university place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24527/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The Deputy will be aware that the current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In these circumstances, from September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), 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.

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 relevant grant schemes. 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.

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

This measure was recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

Although BTEA students progressing to a new course or new applicants who are in receipt of the BTEA will no longer be able to hold the maintenance portion of the student grand in addition to the BTEA, they may still submit a student grant application to establish entitlement to payment of the student service charge or tuition fees from my Department.

Some €5m will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need through the Student Assistance Fund. The access offices themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies. The objective of the fund is to assist students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Information on the fund is available from the access officer at a candidate's college.

European Funding

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
334 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund application, EGF/2009/012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24632/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The Irish application seeking co-financing assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was approved by the College of Commissioners on 6th May 2010. It is anticipated that the European Parliament will, in turn, formally approve the application on or around the 15 June 2010. The EGF application must also be approved formally by the European Council of Ministers.

Both before and since the making of the EGF application in August 2009 the relevant State agencies have been implementing measures in support of those Waterford Crystal workers and workers in ancillary enterprises. For example, guidance has been provided by FAS to over 480 workers and almost 250 workers have availed of training places to date. FAS is also funding a foundation course in skills study and recognised prior learning in conjunction with the Waterford Institute of Technology and a further foundation course aimed at older workers in conjunction with Waterford Vocational Education Committee. The Vocational Education Committees, Enterprise Ireland and the City and County Enterprise Boards are also offering a range of educational and enterprise supports to former workers.

In relation to the recruitment of a specific coordinator of those services to be funded under the EGF, the Department of Education and Skills tendered publicly for this position earlier this year. A limited number of tenders were received and upon assessment by an evaluation committee chaired by the Department no tender was deemed suitable. The Department is exploring alternative avenues of recruitment currently.

In the interim FAS is chairing a working group of the relevant State agencies and educational institutions to coordinate measures in anticipation of EGF funding. Steps are also being taken to establish a Steering Committee to include representatives of the former workers with whom FAS continues to have strong linkages. It is intended that the Steering Committee will be established and hold its first meeting later this month. The temporary absence of a specific EGF coordinator has not to date constrained, and will not constrain, the design and delivery of measures in support of redundant workers in this instance.

Pension Provisions

Dinny McGinley
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Dinny McGinley
Question:
335 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if retired teachers in receipt of a retirement pension of under €40,000 a year and who are aged over 65 years are subject to the pension levy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24685/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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Retired teachers do not pay pension related deduction on their pensions.

Special Educational Needs

Joe Behan
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Joe Behan
Question:
336 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has received the report of the review of the current and future role of special schools and special classes conducted for the National Council for Special Education; if so, the report’s recommendations that have been accepted; the recommendations that have been rejected and the reason for same; the way the report’s recommendations will inform her policy in the area of special educational needs in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24093/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the Research Report on the role of Special Schools and Classes in Ireland which was commissioned by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). I have received a copy of this report.

This research, including recommendations, needs to be considered first of all by the NCSE. While the NCSE has funded this research, the report clearly states that the views and opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the NCSE.

I understand that the report may be one of a number of many strands of evidence to be considered when formulating its position in relation to special schools and special classes. Ultimately, it is expected that advice received from the NCSE will assist my Department with policy formulation in relation to the role of special schools and special classes.

I look forward to receiving the considered views of the NCSE in relation to this issue.

Third Level Education

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
337 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 25 May 2010, if she will identify the higher education institutes at which the 369 students currently on full-time access courses are enrolled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24128/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The table details the higher education institutions where the 369 students on full-time access courses referred to by the Deputy are currently enrolled. The information has been supplied to my Department by the Higher Education Authority.

Higher Education Institution

Number of Full Time Students

Trinity College Dublin

125

NUI Maynooth

30

NUI Galway

40

University of Limerick

131

IT Tralee

43

School Accommodation

Liz McManus
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Liz McManus
Question:
338 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the population base continues to grow in Greystones, County Wicklow, and is placing pressure on capacity of a school (details supplied); her views on proposals from the board of management regarding redevelopment of the existing site along with the conversion of the convent building on the adjacent site which is lying vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24184/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for additional accommodation to facilitate the appointment of an extra teacher for the new school year and for resource teaching. The school's application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue to the Board of Management in due course.

The Board of Management has not made any proposal to my Department to develop the Convent building on the adjacent site.

However, in recognition of the population growth in Greystones, my Department recently opened two new primary schools. The need for any additional accommodation in the area will continue to be monitored by the Department's Forward Planning Section.

School Staffing

Darragh O'Brien
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Darragh O'Brien
Question:
339 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason she is proposing to disband the supply teaching panel for the Ballymun and Finglas area, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24202/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an additional full-time teacher being allocated to a school to cover certified sick leave absences in that school and a cluster of neighbouring schools. If the teacher is not required on a given day to cover sick leave absences they generally assist with other work in their school such as administrative duties. There are 60 posts allocated to the scheme.

A value for money review of the Supply Teacher Scheme was published in July 2006. The review found that approximately 60% of these teachers' time was used to cover sick leave absences with the balance on various other school duties. This reflects the unpredictable nature of sick leave absences.

In relation to the Supply Teacher Scheme, while there are benefits for schools in having these full-time teachers it is considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences instead of having a cohort of full-time teachers "on call" all the time in these schools to cover sick leave absences that may or may not arise.

The supply teacher scheme will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. The teachers concerned will be redeployed in accordance with the existing redeployment arrangements to other schools that have vacancies. It is expected that this measure will save €0.4m in 2010 and €1.1m in a full year.

Teacher Training

Paul Nicholas Gogarty
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Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:
340 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to increase the number of full-time, postgraduate teacher training places in teacher training colleges for intake in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24233/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The level of student intake to the Colleges of Education is determined annually by my Department and it takes account of the supply of, and demand for, primary teachers. The post graduate primary teacher education course for holders of suitable university degrees is provided in four of the Colleges of Education and was introduced as a response to a shortage in the supply of primary teachers. It was first provided in the 1995/96 academic year and has been repeated almost each year since then.

The course has not as yet been incorporated as a permanent feature of primary teacher training. The decision to provide further courses is generally made on an annual basis depending on the teacher supply situation. Intake to the courses which commenced in 2008 and 2009 was at a record high of 490 students. 200 places were approved for the course which commenced in February 2010.

The decision on whether to run the course in 2011 will not be taken until later in the year when my Department will consider the factors affecting supply and demand in the light of available resources.

Schools Building Projects

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
341 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the supplementary tender report was sought, required or requested; when it is likely to become available in the case of the new gaelscoil in Maynooth, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24260/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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My Department is currently awaiting receipt of the Supplementary Tender Report from the Board of Management. When this report is received and assuming that no issues arise, the project will progress to construction shortly thereafter.

Joanna Tuffy
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Joanna Tuffy
Question:
342 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed development of new class rooms and an upgrade of the existing physical environment at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; when she expects work to commence on this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24283/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.4 rating.

Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

In the meantime, it is open to the school authority to apply to my Department for grant aid under the Summer Works Scheme or for additional temporary accommodation, if this is required.

Third Level Institutions

Joe McHugh
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Joe McHugh
Question:
343 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on comments by the chief executive officer of the Higher Education Authority that third level institutes and universities must merge; if the new national strategy for third level education that is currently being prepared by her will deal with this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24302/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I believe that the Chief Executive Officer's comments are a recognition of many of the challenges that face our higher education system over the coming years.

The High Level Strategy Group is examining all aspects of Ireland's higher education system; how it is performing, how it ranks internationally, how well existing resources are being used and how the system should be configured to best meet the many challenges it faces over the next decade having regard to the key role it has to play in contributing to Ireland's economic recovery. A round of consultation was completed in summer 2009, under which an open call for written submissions elicited a significant and valuable response. In addition, a series of discussion forums with academics, students, enterprise as well as bilateral meetings with other stakeholders, including the institutions, have been held. The outcomes of these consultations and other ongoing discussions are feeding into the current deliberations of the Strategy Group who are expected to complete their report before this summer.

Question No. 344 answered with Question No. 332.

State Examinations

Catherine Byrne
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Catherine Byrne
Question:
345 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of leaving certificate students who are sitting more than two exams in one day; the pastoral provisions such as rest and snack breaks that are being provided for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24376/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to the Deputy.

School Staffing

Catherine Byrne
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Catherine Byrne
Question:
346 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of contracts of school secretaries and school caretakers which are within the remit of her Department that will not be renewed in September 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24377/10]

Catherine Byrne
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Catherine Byrne
Question:
347 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of contracts of school secretaries and caretakers at both primary and post-primary level within the constituency of Dublin South Central that will not be renewed in September 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24378/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 347 together.

My Department does not have a role in the provisions of contracts of employment to secretaries and caretakers in primary and voluntary secondary schools. The provision of and renewal of all such contracts is a matter for each individual Board of Management.

Contracts for such staff employed in Community and Comprehensive Schools and schools operated by the 33 Vocational Education Committees are matters for the relevant Board of Management or VEC.

The Deputy will be aware of the Government decision to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector. In the case of VECs and schools in the Community & Comprehensive sector, positions other than teacher and SNA posts in schools, are comprehended by this decision. Circular 0023/2009, a copy of which can be viewed on my Department's website, outlines the impact of the moratorium on Community and Comprehensive Schools and VECs.

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available, and given that there are over 4,000 first and second level schools, would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
348 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details and outcome of the past three reviews by her Department’s governance support division of compliance by her Department’s State bodies 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 her; the results of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24385/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I am not aware of the three reviews to which the Deputy is referring.

The revised and updated Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, published by the Department of Finance in May 2009, which contains the framework agreed by Government for the internal management and the internal and external reporting relationships of commercial and non-commercial State bodies was forwarded to all bodies under my aegis.

The revised Code sets out principles of Corporate Governance which State bodies are required to adopt and it is essential that the activities of all State bodies are in compliance with this revised Code.

State bodies and their subsidiaries are required to confirm to their relevant Minister that they comply with the up-to-date requirements of the Code in their governance practices and procedures. Section 13.1 of the Code sets out in detail the reporting requirements which include, inter alia, a statement on internal financial control and an affirmation that all appropriate procedures for financial reporting, internal audit, travel, procurement and asset disposal are being carried out.

Corporate Governance arrangements, including ongoing monitoring are overseen by the appropriate Line Divisions of my Department. This process is now underway in respect of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department in the context of the Revised Code of Practice.

School Curriculum

Maureen O'Sullivan
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Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:
349 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of fee-paying schools in the Dublin area and outside Dublin that provide leaving certificate applied and junior certificate school programmes; and the way these figures compare on a percentage basis with those programmes provided in vocational education committee schools and voluntary secondary schools. [24399/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The information sought is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Bullying in Schools

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
350 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to introduce legislation to address the issue of bullying in schools. [24408/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have in place a Code of Behaviour. The Act further requires that such a code be prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). These guidelines were issued to schools in 2008 and make it clear that each school must have policies to prevent or address bullying. Accordingly, all schools must have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of its overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

I have no plans to introduce additional legislation as suggested by the Deputy. I am however, intent on supporting schools in tackling bullying. In this regard, a number measures and supports have been put in place in recent years.

Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established.

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

In 2007 my Department published, on its website, policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies and take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes. Reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.

The National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) was established in 2006 in response to the recommendation in "School Matters", the report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools. The NBSS is currently working with over 70 Post Primary Schools to promote and support positive student behaviour.

The National Centre for Technology in Education's Webwise Internet Safety initiative includes an integrated educational programme with the following elements:

1. The development of an integrated educational programme in partnership with the SPHE Support Service called — Be Safe Be Webwise, which is delivered in the context of the SPHE module on Personal Safety by the SPHE Second Level Support Service

2. Delivery of Internet Safety Seminars for parents in schools in partnership with the National Parents Council Primary.

3. Provision of Internet safety continuing professional development training for teachers

4. The Watch Your Space awareness campaign, which was launched in February 2007, seeks to raise awareness and promote safe, responsible practice by young people when on-line. The campaign has a strong peer-to-peer perspective and centres on an interactive on-line service, www.watchyourspace.ie developed by the NCTE. This site offers practical tips and advice and supports teenagers who use the web. A key feature is the advice given from teenagers to teenagers on how to cope with the fall-out from abuses and misuse of social networking and picture-sharing websites.

5. The EU Safer Internet Programme campaign WATCH_YOUR_SPACE — STOPCYBERBULLYING was launched in 2009. This social marketing campaign combined blanket and targeted messages delivered through a wide range of media channels and involving children and young people themselves, to the promotion of effective responses to cyber bullying by young people. In Ireland, the campaign included an on-line source of information and advice for young people, watchyourspace.ie, and the TEENTXT active listening service of the ISPCC.

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

School Accommodation

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
351 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of rented prefabricated buildings in use in schools in County Donegal. [24429/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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There are currently 60 prefabricated buildings being rented in schools in County Donegal.

School Staffing

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
352 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the way the teacher panel transfer operates in the vocational education committee regarding gael coláistí (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24430/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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Each Vocational Education Committee (VEC) is an independent statutory body established under the Vocational Education Act 1930. My Department has no direct involvement in the deployment of teachers within individual VECs. Teacher allocations to all VECs are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment and, in accordance with these rules, each VEC is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation.

The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are a matter for the individual VECs.

Schools Recognition

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
353 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the numbers required for a primary school to obtain permanent recognition; the numbers for a post primary school to obtain permanent recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24434/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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A primary school can be considered for permanent recognition by the Department if:

it was established with a minimum enrolment of 17 Junior infants on 30th September in the year of establishment; it has reached a total enrolment of 51 or more pupils within 3 years of establishment; and the relevant local inspector confirms that the school is viable and is operating in adherence to the ‘Rules for National Schools'

At post-primary level my Department must be satisfied that there is a need for such a school having regard to existing provision, if any, for post-primary education in the district.

In considering an application for permanent recognition due regard is had to the demonstrated growth, success and continuity of the school. As a guideline, it may be taken that a minimum overall enrolment of 300 pupils would be required in order to provide a comprehensive curriculum.

With regard to the criteria for All-Irish permanent recognition, my Department is guided by a Commission on School Accommodation (CSA) Report produced in 2004 on the "Criteria and Procedures for establishing and maintaining provision through the medium of Irish in second level schools".

As the Deputy may be aware, a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is currently being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. A Technical Working Group, under the direction of the Chairman of the Commission, was established for this purpose. This group has almost completed its work and it is expected that it will make recommendations to me shortly. Among the many issues being considered by the Technical Working Group is the issue of the minimum number of pupils required for the commencement of new schools.

Special Educational Needs

Joan Burton
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Joan Burton
Question:
354 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the structure of the review which is being carried out into special needs assistants; the context in which children and-or schools will retain special needs assistants; the context in which they may lose special needs assistants; her policy on children transferring from primary school to secondary school; if children will automatically continue to have a special needs assistant or if a special needs assistant will have to be separately appointed in the context of a child moving from primary to secondary school; if the entire evaluation procedure will have to be completed at that point; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24539/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the review of special needs assistant (SNA) support currently being carried out by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The Deputy will be aware that the NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), has been carrying out a review of SNA allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts, as outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02, are properly met. This was an exercise in identifying surplus posts which are in the system and which do not meet the current criteria — posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or where the pupil has left. At the same time, the NCSE is allocating additional posts where the criteria are met. The terms and criteria for the SNA scheme have not changed.

The NCSE has advised that, in deciding the level of SNA support to be allocated to the school, the SENO visited each school and examined the professional reports for each child with special educational needs. Every school was requested by the NCSE to inform parents that the review was commencing and to invite them to contribute, should they wish, either by phone contact or by appointment during the review. The NCSE has further advised that many parents participated in the process.

The review process also allowed SENOs the opportunity to discuss with the Principal, teachers and SNA the manner in which the care needs of the child arose in the school and also to look at the school records e.g. incidence reports. Finally the SENO observed the student in the classroom and schoolyard settings. In order to fully review the needs of all pupils enrolled in special schools, the NCSE arranged for a team of 2 to 3 SENOs to visit each school.

The NCSE has published its report on the Review of SNA Allocation to Schools April 2009 — March 2010 on its website www.ncse.ie. A small number of schools remain to be reviewed and the NCSE has indicated that these will be reviewed by the end of the current academic year.

Where a pupil with special educational needs is in receipt of SNA support in a school and moves to another school, the new school applies for SNA support to the SENO. Such applications are considered by the SENO in the context of the needs of the pupil at the time of transfer to the new school as well as the available resources in the new school.

I wish to confirm for the Deputy that my Department is very supportive of the SNA scheme. It has been a key factor in both ensuring the successful integration of children with special educational needs into mainstream education and providing support to pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes. The SNA scheme will continue to be supported and the NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.

Joan Burton
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Joan Burton
Question:
355 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants that have been employed at primary and secondary school level for each of the years from 2002 to date in 2010; and if she has a projected number of special needs assistants who will be in the employment at primary and secondary schools for the year 2011. [24540/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded direct to her.

Joan Burton
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Joan Burton
Question:
356 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 2; if a review of special educational needs in that school has been completed; the outcome of that review; if this school for children with special needs, including severe dyslexia, will retain its existing cohort of special needs assistants or if some of the special needs assistants will be let go; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24541/10]

Joe Costello
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Joe Costello
Question:
364 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will rescind the decision to suppress all four posts for special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 2 which is a special school for children with specific learning disabilities. [24641/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 364 together.

As the Deputies 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.

Schools Refurbishment

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
357 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24561/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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I can confirm that my Department has received an appeal from the school to which the Deputy refers in respect of their Summer Works Scheme application. The appeal has been considered and I am happy to inform the Deputy that the school has been approved funding towards a mechanical upgrade. A letter will issue to the school authority on this matter in due course.

School Transport

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
358 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the circumstances regarding school transport in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24576/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport. The position in this case is that the pupils referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy are not attending their nearest national school and therefore are not eligible for free school transport.

Pupils not attending their nearest national school may avail of fare-paying transport to another school, provided:

(a) the written agreement of the board of management of the nearest school is secured;

(b) there are spare seats available on the bus; and

(c) no extra cost is incurred by extending or re-routing an existing service.

The families referred to by the Deputy should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of spare seats on any existing bus service to the school in which the children are enrolled.

Departmental Bodies

Maureen O'Sullivan
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Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:
359 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason that 1,719 teachers were removed from the Teaching Council between 28 March 2008 and 27 March 2009; and the person who addresses issues involving difficulties with the Teaching Council. [24578/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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Section 34 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 states that where a registered teacher fails to apply for renewal of registration, the Council shall, upon the expiration of his or her registration, inform him or her that he or she shall be removed from the register within one month unless an application is received for renewal of registration within that period along with the fee for late renewal of registration: Where a registered teacher fails to apply for renewal of registration in accordance with the Act, the Council shall remove the teacher from the register. A registered teacher who has been removed from the register in accordance with the Act may apply to the Council for registration.

In the 2008/2009 Annual Report of the Teaching Council, (page 12), it is stated that some 1719 teachers were removed from the register between 28/03/2008 and 27/03/2009 for non-renewal of registration. These persons, who would have received three separate letters requesting them to renew their registration, did not do so prior to the final deadline and were removed from the register in accordance with section 34(1) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001. As stated earlier, these persons may apply again to the Council for registration.

As the Teaching Council is the body with statutory responsibility for the registration of teachers any query with regard to registration/renewal of registration should be addressed directly to the Council. The contact details for the Council are available on the website www.teachingcouncil.ie.

School Transport

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
360 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not entitled to school transport; if she will give consideration to a cash grant to defray the costs of the 40 km return trip each day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24581/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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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. Galway has informed my Department that the pupil referred to in the details supplied is not attending a school in the catchment area in which he resides and therefore the payment of a grant does not arise. As previously advised, the pupil referred to in the details supplied 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.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
361 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when her Department will introduce a mechanism to replace the fuel rebate to school transport operators which was discontinued two years ago; the timeframe for same; the reason this mechanism has not been introduced to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24590/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Fuel Duty Rebate Scheme (Provisions of Section 99 (1) Finance Act 1999) allowed for a rebate in respect of the excise duty paid on fuel used by private contractors on delivering school transport services. This scheme, which was processed by the Revenue Commissioners, ceased on 31st October 2008 in accordance with the EU Energy Tax Directive. Due to the very difficult fiscal conditions, it is not possible for my Department to approve any increase towards compensating private operators on contract to Bus Éireann for any loss of income arising from the termination of the fuel rebate scheme.

Departmental Staff

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
362 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements that are in place to implement policy in respect of determining and approving the remuneration of each chief executive officer and managing director under the auspices of her Department; the salary of each such chief executive officer and managing director; if such arrangements have been breached in the past three years and the person involved; if she has taken any action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24596/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to him shortly.

Higher Education Grants

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
363 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason she has introduced a new regulation which prevents returning emigrants from successfully applying for third level education grants (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24630/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The residency requirement in the State for grant eligibility for the academic year 2010/2011 will be increased from one year to three out of the past five years for the student. This amendment is in line with provisions already outlined in the Student Support Bill. In fact, the change in the residency requirement to three out of the last five years instead of the year immediately before entering college will in many instances provide greater flexibility for students who may be returning from abroad. The new residency requirement will also ensure that persons applying for grants will have more established links with and integration in the State.

The residency requirement must be met by the student him/herself in all cases and is no longer linked to the residency of the parent/legal guardian for certain categories of students. However, a candidate may qualify for a grant, having met the residency requirement during the course of their studies. The residency requirement is also extended to 3 out of 5 years in respect of those in receipt of the "fees only grant".

Question No. 364 answered with Question No. 356.

Teaching Qualifications

Billy Timmins
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Billy Timmins
Question:
365 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24649/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the recognition of teacher qualifications is now a matter for the Teaching Council, the body with responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards in the teaching profession. My officials have made enquiries with the Teaching Council regarding this case and are advised as follows:

The Teaching Council has verified from the records of its predecessor, the Registration Council, that the person who is the subject of this question was admitted to the Register of Intermediate School Teachers. The person was registered by the Registration Council on November 26, 1992. To date, The Teaching Council has no evidence that the person's qualifications were recognised by the Registration Council or the Department of Education and Skills for the purpose of teaching Mathematics.

The details of the person concerned were transferred onto the register in March 2006. However, she did not avail of the provisions of registration under section 31(2) and (3), (a person who was already a teacher) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001. She applied for registration on November 26, 2008 and was registered under section 31(5) on December 15, 2008. Her B.Sc. degree was deemed to have met the requirements for the curricular subjects of Chemistry and Biology.

In late May 2010, the applicant queried why Mathematics was not presented on her confirmation of registration. She was invited to present the transcripts of her qualifications. On May 26th 2010, the applicant submitted transcripts and at this stage it was confirmed that her qualifications did not meet the criteria for Mathematics.

The Council has re-examined her transcripts in recent weeks and maintains its view that the coverage of Mathematics in her undergraduate qualification does not meet the registration criteria for Mathematics. It has recently submitted the transcripts to an external assessor for a further assessment and a response is awaited. The Council will consider the matter further when a response has been received from the external assessor.

Schools Building Projects

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
366 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 1146 of 3 November 2009, if there has been any progress on a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24675/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department has received an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Departmental Bodies

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
367 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the commission on school accommodation was established; the names of the members of the commission; the commission’s terms of reference; the number of times it has met; the location at which it meets; if the commission has issued an interim report; when the final report will be delivered and published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24688/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools currently being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. This review was initiated by my predecessor in September 2008. A Technical Working Group, under the direction of the Chairman of the Commission, was established by the Commission to undertake the detailed work on the review and to report back to the Commission.

The terms of reference for the Technical Working Group are as follows:

Invite submissions from the public and interested parties

Consider the submissions both written and oral

Conduct a detailed analysis of all the issues

Examine the Reports of the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) and the issues raised

Consider international best practice in this area

Report to the Steering Group of the Commission on their analysis and findings

Make detailed recommendations for revised arrangements for new schools.

The Technical Working Group has met on eight occasions, which included an initial joint meeting with the Commission Steering Group. It also had a meeting with the original NSAC members, where the issues raised in the NSAC annual reports were explored in greater detail. These meetings were all convened in the Department's offices in Marlborough Street. The Technical Working Group is due to report to the Commission in the near future.

I would hope that the Commission will be in a position to report to me soon after receipt and consideration of the Technical Working Group's report. 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. For the information of the Deputy, details of the membership of the Technical Working Group and of the overall Commission Steering Group are contained in the following tables:

The Commission on School Accommodation Steering Group

Representative

Body/Association

Monsignor James Cassin

Episcopal Commission for Education

Sean Ashe, CEO

Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA)

Jacinta Stewart, CEO

IVEA

Cllr Brendan Griffin

IVEA

Ciaran Flynn,

ACCS

Andy Flaherty

ACCS

Dr John Harris

Protestant Managers/Governors (Second Level)

Aine Lynch, CEO

National Parents Council –Primary

Carole Trodden

National Parents Council –Post Primary

Noel Merrick

JMB/AMCSS

Breda Corr (wef 24/07/2009) (formerly Antoinette Buggle who has retired)

General Secretary, National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE)

Caoimhín Ó hEaghra

An Foras Pátrúnachta

Blathnaid Ni Ghreachain

Gaelscoileanna Teo

Sr. Canice Hanrahan

Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI)

Sr Eithne Woulfe

Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI)

Sheila Nunan

INTO

Pat Hurley

ASTI

Iman Yahya Al-Huessein

Islamic Foundation of Ireland

Paul Rowe, CEO

Educate Together

Don Ryan

TUI

Declan Glynn,

TUI

Eileen Flynn

Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA)

Canon John McCullagh

Church of Ireland Board of Education

Frank Murray

Executive Chairperson

Department of Education & Skills (DES) Officials

Department of Finance Officials

The Technical Working Group

Representative

Body/Association

Professor Tom Collins

Education Department, NUI, Maynooth

Monsignor Dan O’Connor, Dublin

CPSMA

Donal O’Conaill

An Foras Pátrúnachta

Peter Archer

Educational Research Centre, St Patrick’s College,

Ms Eileen Jackson

Principal

Mary Carney, AP

DES, Regional Office, Naas

Pat O’Connor. CEO

County Dublin VEC

Deirdre O’Donoghue

Educate Together

Denis Bohan

Retired President of INTO

Niall Cussen

Department of the Environment

Frank Wyse

Former Assistant Secretary, DES (to end February 2010)

Sean Ó Foghlú

Assistant Secretary, DES (since March 2010)

Frank Murray

Executive Chairperson

DES Officials

Secretariat

Third Level Fees

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
368 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she will be in receipt of a report from the Higher Education Authority on the issue of a review of student service charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24785/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) have been asked to carry out a review of the student charge in respect of all HEA institutions. The review will identify the income and expenditure, and also the internal institutional allocation process associated with the charge. I understand that the HEA is currently finalising its report in the matter and I expect to receive the report in the near future.

School Transport

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
369 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will reconsider the proposal to increase school transport fees to €500 per pupil for the next academic year in view of the prohibitive nature of the increase and the effect it will have on rural families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24788/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that 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. As the Deputy will be aware, eligible primary children and children with special educational needs are currently transported free of charge. Charges are waived in the case of eligible post primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card.

Third Level Graduates

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
370 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of PhD graduates by nationality annually since 2005 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24825/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)
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The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by my officials and will be sent to him as soon as possible.

Range of Gross Income — Donegal
From	To	Numbers
€	€
—	20,000	20,658
20,000	30,000	6,437
30,000	40,000	2,336
40,000	50,000	1,038
50,000	60,000	537
60,000	70,000	371
70,000	80,000	181
80,000	90,000	109
90,000	100,000	58
100,000	150,000	69
Over	150,000	12
Total		31,806

Appendix 1: Designated Islands
County	Island
Cork	Bere, Clear, Dursey, Hare, Long, Sherkin, Whiddy
Donegal	Arranmore, Inishbofin, Inishfree, Tory
Galway	Inishbofin, Inisheer, Inishmaan, Inishmore
Limerick	Foynes
Mayo	Claggan, Clare, Inishbiggle, Inishcottle, Inishlyre, Inishturk
Sligo	Coney

Seaside Resprt Scheme — Designated Resorts
County	Resort (note)
Clare	Kilkee, Lahinch
Cork	Clonakilty, Youghal
Donegal	Bundoran
Galway	Salthill
Kerry	Ballybunion
Louth	Clogherhead
Mayo	Achill, Westport
Meath	Bettystown, Laytown, Mosney
Sligo	Enniscrone
Waterford	Tramore
Wexford	Courttown
Wicklow	Arklow

Integrated Area Urban Renewal Scheme
Areas Designated
City/County	Area/Town
Cork	Blackpool/Shandon, City Docks Area
Dublin	Ballymun, HARP, Inchicore/Kilmainham, Liberties/Coombe, North East Inner City, Millenium/O’Connell Street
Galway	3 Suburban Local Authority Estates
Limerick	1 Large Central Area
Waterford	Periphery of commercial centre
Carlow	Carlow
Clare	Shannon
Cork	Bandon, Cobh, Mallow (N), passage West (S)/Glenbrook
Donegal	Buncrana
Dublin	Dun Laoghaire, Balbriggan, North West Blanchardstown, North Clondalkin, Tallaght
Galway	Tuam
Kerry	Tralee
Kildare	Athy, Kildare
Kilkenny	Kilkenny
Laois	Portlaoise
Limerick	Newcastlewest
Longford	Longford
Louth	Drogheda, Dundalk
Mayo	Ballina
Meath	Navan
Monaghan	Monaghan
Offaly	Birr, Tullamore, Clara
Sligo	Sligo
Tipperary	Roscrea, Thurles, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary
Waterford	Dungarvan
Wexford	Athlone, Mullingar
Wicklow	Arklow, Wicklow

Rural Renewal Scheme – Qualifying Areas
County	Area — District Electoral Divisions
Cavan	Arvagh, Springfield, Killashandra, Milltown, Carrafin, Grilly, Kilconny, Belturbet Urban, Ardue, Carn, Bilberry, Diamond, Doogary, Lissanover, Ballymagauran, Ballyconnell, Bawnboy, Templeport, Benbrack, Pedara Vohers, Tircahan, Swanlinbar, Kinawley, Derrynananta, Dunmakeever, Dowra, Derrylahan, Tuam, Killinagh, Eskey, Teebane, Scrabby, Loughdawan, Bruce Hall, Drumcarban, Corr, Crossdoney, and Killykeen.
Leitrim	The administrative county of Leitrim.
Longford	The administrative county of Longford.
Roscommon	Ballintober, Castleheen, Carrowduff, Kilbride North, Lissonuffy, Killavackan, Termonbarry, Roosky, Kilglass North, Kilglass South, Bumlin, Cloonfinlough, Killurkin (in Roscommon Rural District), Strokestown, Annaghmore, Tulsk, Coolougher, Ballinlough, Kiltullagh, Cloonflower, Artagh South, Artagh North, Ballaghaderreen, Edmondstown, Loughglinn, Buckhill, Fairymount, Castlereagh, Frenchpark, Bellengare, Castleplunket, Baslick, Breedoge, Altnagowlan, Lough Allen, Ballyfarnan, Keadue, Aghafin, Ballyformoyle, Crossna, Kilbryan, Boyle Rural, Boyle Urban, Tivannagh, Rushfield, Tumna North, Tumna South, Killurkin (in Boyle No.1 Rural District), Oakport, Rockingham, Danesfort, Cloonteem, Kilmore, Elia, Ballygarden, Aughrim East, Aughrim West, Creeve (in Boyle No. 1 Rural District), Creeve (in Roscommon Rural District), Elphin, Rossmore, Cloonyquinn, Ogulla, Mantua, Lisgarve, Kilmacumsy, Kilcolgan, Estersnow, Croghan, Killummod, Cregga, Cloonygormican, Kilbride South, Kilgefin, Cloontuskert, Drumdaff, and Kilteevan.
Sligo	Ballintogher East, Ballynakill, Lisconny, Drumfin, Ballymote, Cloonoghill, Leitrim, Tobercurry, Kilturra, Cuilmore, Kilfree, Coolavin, Killaraght, Templevanny, Aghanagh, Kilmactranny, Ballynashee, Shancough, Drumcolumb, Riverstown, Lakeview, Bricklieve, Drumrat, Toomour, Kilshalvy, Killdoon, Streamstown, Cartron, Coolaney, Owenmore, Temple, Annagh, Carrickbannagher, Collooney, and Ballintogher West.

Town Renewal Scheme — Designated Towns
County	Towns
Carlow	Hacketstown, Muinbheag, Tinnahinch/Graiguenamanagh, Tullow
Cavan	Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan, Cootehill
Clare	Ennistymon, Milltown Malbay, Kilrush, Scarriff, Sixmilebridge,
Cork	Bantry, Charelville (Rathluirc), Cloyne, Doberaile, Fermoy, Kanturk, Skibbereen,
Donegal	Ardara, Ballybofey- Stranolar, Ballyshannon, Moville, Ramelton,
Galway	Ballygar, Clifden, Headford, Loughrea, Portumna
Kerry	Caherciveen, Castleisland, Killorglin, Listowel
Kildare	Castledermot, Kilcock, Kilcullen, Monasterevan, Rathangan
Kilkenny	Callan, Castlecomer, Pilltown, Thomastown, Urlingford
Laois	Mountmellick, Mountrath, Portarlington, Rathdowney
Limerick	Abbeyfeale, Castleconnell, Croom, Kilmallock, Rathkeale
Lough	Ardee, Carlingford, Castlebellingham, Dubleer
Mayo	Ballinrobe, Belmullet, Claremorris, Foxford, Newport
Meath	Duleek, Kells, Oldcasrle, Trim
Monaghan	Ballybay, Castleblayney, Clones
Offaly	Banagher, Clara, Edenderry, Ferbane,
Roscommon	Roscommon
Sligo	Bellaghy-Charlestown, Rosses Point
Tipperary N.R.	Borrisokane, Littleton, Nenagh, Templemore
Tipperary S.R.	Cahir, Cashel, Fethard, Killenaule
Waterford	Cappoquin, Kilmacthomas, Portlaw, Tallow
Westmeath	Castlepollard, Kilbeggan, Moate
Wexford	Bunclody, Ferns, Gorey, Taghmon
Wicklow	Baltinglass, Carnew, Dunlavin, Tinahely

Living Over the Shop Scheme
Year	City	Designated Areas
2004	Cork	Qualifying Streets
2004	Dublin	Qualifying Streets
2004	Galway	Qualifying Streets
2004	Limerick	Qualifying Streets
2004	Waterford	Qualifying Streets
2007	Cork	Qualifying Streets
2007	Dublin	Qualifying Streets
2007	Galway	Qualifying Streets
2007	Limerick	Qualifying Streets
2007	Waterford	Qualifying Streets

Table: Allocation per km for maintenance grants for regional and local roads
LOCAL AUTHORITY	2001 allocation	2002 allocation	2003 allocation	2004 allocation	2005 allocation
	€	€	€	€	€
Carlow County Council	592	819	819	909	975
Cavan County Council	613	848	848	909	975
Clare County Council	611	846	846	909	975
Cork County Council	617	854	854	909	975
Donegal County Council	614	850	850	909	975
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council	1,129	1,561	1,561	1,817	1,948
Fingal County Council	863	1,195	1,195	1,364	1,463
Galway County Council	615	851	851	909	975
Kerry County Council	616	853	853	909	975
Kildare County Council	615	852	852	910	975
Kilkenny County Council	616	853	853	909	975
Laois County Council	608	841	841	909	975
Leitrim County Council	633	877	877	909	975
Limerick County Council	614	850	850	909	975
Longford County Council	598	827	827	909	975
Louth County Council	616	853	853	909	975
Mayo County Council	605	837	837	909	975
Meath County Council	612	848	848	909	975
Monaghan County Council	614	850	850	909	975
North Tipperary County Council	622	861	861	909	975
Offaly County Council	583	807	807	909	975
Roscommon County Council	663	917	917	909	975
Sligo County Council	629	870	870	909	975
South Dublin County Council	826	1,144	1,144	1,364	1,462
South Tipperary County Council	609	842	842	909	975
Waterford County Council	623	862	862	909	975
Westmeath County Council	614	850	850	909	975
Wexford County Council	618	856	856	909	975
Wicklow County Council	610	844	844	909	975

Judicial Reviews taken against decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (2005 to 2009)
Year *	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
No. of Judicial Reviews	384	360	313	324	289
Outcomes
Successful	2	8	9	15	16
Unsuccessful	36	40	39	89	128
Settled before leave	152	175	147	144	44
Settled after leave	16	47	32	33	18
Withdrawn	13	47	16	23	73
Total	219	317	243	304	279

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed)

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Sector	Organisation/Function	Numbers
Judiciary	Chief Justice	1
	President of the High Court	1
	Judge of the Supreme Court	7
	President of the Circuit Court	1
	Judge of the High Court	35
Health Services Executive	Chief Executive Officer	1
	Master Consultant	*
	Academic Consultants	*
	Clinical Directors	*
Education	President of UCC	1
Non Commercial State Sponsored Bodies	CEO of National Roads Authority and Director General of Science Foundation Ireland	2
Commercial State Bodies	Chief Executive Officer Coillte Teoranta, ESB, Bord na Móna, Bord Gáis Éireann, An Post, RTE, VHI, Bus Átha Cliath, Córas Iompair Éireann, Dublin Airport Authority, Iarnród Éireann, Irish Aviation Authority.	12
Financial Institutions	EBS-Chief Executive Officer	1
	EBS –Executive Directors	2
	Anglo Irish Bank – Executive Director	1
	Anglo Irish Bank – Senior Management	17
	INBS – Executive Directors	2
	INBS – Senior Management	1

GRADES	30 APRIL 2010
NON INDUSTRIAL CIVIL SERVANTS — FTE
SECRETARY GENERAL RELATED GRADES	35.00
DEPUTY SECRETARY RELATED GRADES	16.00
ASSISTANT SECRETARY RELATED GRADES	229.00
PO RELATED GRADES	1,295.55
AP RELATED GRADE	3,575.67
HEO RELATED GRADES	3,678.19
AO RELATED GRADES	2,065.69
EO RELATED GRADES	6,409.57
SO REALATED GRADES	1,597.60
CO RELATED GRADES	11,263.34
SERVICE OFFICER RELATED GRADES	1,155.01
MISC GRADES	88.56
TOTAL NON INDUSTRIAL GRADES	31,409.18
GENERAL SERVICE GRADES INCLUDED IN TOTAL	24,056.38
INDUSTRIAL GRADES	1,690.72
FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Local Recruits Serving Abroad)	300
EDUCATION (staff outside main Departmental records)	79
PRISONS, NATIONAL GALLERY and CPSA	3,647.37
Total	37,126.27

	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
30/05/2008	228,157	127,578	1.79	253,852	99,310	2.56
30/06/2008	235,094	127,605	1.84	253,612	99,399	2.55
31/07/2008	235,886	127,038	1.86	255,518	101,044	2.53
29/08/2008	237,317	130,579	1.82	260,074	105,672	2.46
30/09/2008	237,814	130,815	1.82	262,064	99,260	2.64
31/10/2008	248,157	139,342	1.78	267,494	89,588	2.99
28/11/2008	253,647	134,798	1.88	265,239	87,783	3.02
31/12/2008	251,849	137,701	1.83	239,334	82,489	2.90
30/01/2009	250,868	133,492	1.88	241,018	79,078	3.05
27/02/2009	251,822	135,595	1.86	240,551	79,725	3.02
31/03/2009	249,427	134,378	1.86	233,776	76,022	3.08
30/04/2009	248,503	134,963	1.84	233,477	76,801	3.04
29/05/2009	248,602	134,754	1.84	230,194	77,333	2.98
30/06/2009	249,254	137,303	1.82	228,951	77,349	2.96
31/07/2009	246,368	139,735	1.76	227,411	76,663	2.97
31/08/2009	246,411	141,970	1.74	224,298	76,506	2.93
30/09/2009	243,525	138,519	1.76	221,580	76,315	2.90
30/10/2009	241,806	139,260	1.74	220,202	77,762	2.83
30/11/2009	243,122	132,194	1.84	218,960	76,977	2.84
31/12/2009	242,181	131,732	1.84	212,594	76,328	2.79
29/01/2010	240,678	128,067	1.88	213,401	75,750	2.82
26/02/2010	245,756	132,094	1.86	206,593	74,351	2.78
31/03/2010	242,636	131,878	1.84	205,714	72,914	2.82
30/04/2010	241,069	131,325	1.83	204,452	71,293	2.86

Earnings	Per Cent
Earnings up to 15,000	Exempt
Earnings between 15,000 and 20,000	5 per cent
Earnings between 20,000 and 60,000	10 per cent
Earnings over 60,000	10.5 per cent

Schemes	Termination Date
Urban Renewal 1994	30 April 1999
Temple Bar Area	31 December 1999
Seaside Resort	31 December 1999
Islands	31 December 1999
Customs House Dock	30 June 2000
Enterprise Areas	31 December 2000
Countrywide Refurbishment	31 July 2008
Urban Renewal 1999	31 July 2008
Town Renewal	31 July 2008
Rural Renewal	31 July 2008
Multi-storey Car Parks	31 July 2008
Living over the Shop	31 July 2008
Park and Ride	31 July 2008
Third Level Buildings	31 July 2008
Qualifying Sports Injury Clinics	31 July 2008
Hotels continue to qualify for capital allowances but over 25 years instead of over 7 years.	31 July 2008
Holiday Cottages	31 July 2008
Student Accommodation	31 July 2008
Nursing Homes	30 June 2010 or 30 June 2011
Housing for elderly/infirm	30 April 2010
Convalescent Homes	30 June 2010 or 30 June 2011
Hospitals	30 June 2010 or 30 December 2013
Mental Health Centres	30 June 2010 or 30 June 2011
Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Scheme	31 May 2013
Childcare Buildings	31 March 2011 or 31 March 2012 (Finance Bill 2010)
Specialist Palliative Care Units	Scheme awaiting Commencement Order

Schemes	2007 (note 2)	2008 (notes 2 & 3)
	Amount Claimed	Tax Forgone	Amount Claimed	Tax Forgone
	€m	€m	€m	€m
Urban Renewal	280.0	109.3	224.6	84.5
Town Renewal	86.1	34.6	60.5	23.7
Seaside Resorts	20.3	8.0	14.5	5.7
Rural Renewal	121.9	48.5	84.6	34.2
Multi-storey car parks	24.0	9.6	16.8	6.6
Living over the Shop	8.0	3.0	6.1	2.5
Enterprise Areas	7.0	2.8	6.2	2.5
Park & Ride	3.3	1.4	1.7	0.7
Holiday Cottages	30.7	12.4	26.8	10.8
Hotels	307.1	118.0	300.6	114.7
Nursing Homes	45.3	18.3	47.6	19.4
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm	6.3	2.6	7.4	3.0
Hostels	1.76	0.72	1.62	0.66
Guest Houses	0.06	0.02	0.26	0.11
Convalescent Homes	1.2	0.5	1.3	0.5
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals	29.3	12.0	28.9	11.8
Qualifying Sports Injury Clinics	4.3	1.8	3.7	1.5
Buildings used for childcare purposes	24.2	9.8	29.9	12.0
Mental Health Centres	0.3	0.1	0.2	0.0
Student Accommodation	108.7	42.0	58.0	22.7
Registered Caravan Parks	N/A	N/A	1.5	0.6

Activity	2006	2007	2008	2009
Number clients in receipt of Home Help Service at year end	49,578	54,736	55,366	53,791
Hours Provided	10.8m	11.78m	11.96m	11.97m
Funding €m	185.4	206.4	211	211

LOCAL AUTHORITY	2006 allocation	2007 allocation	2008 allocation	2009 allocation	2010 allocation
	€	€	€	€	€
Carlow County Council	1,166	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Cavan County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Clare County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Cork County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Donegal County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council	2,328	2,483	2,572	2,572	2,492
Fingal County Council	1,748	1,863	1,931	1,931	1,871
Galway County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Kerry County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Kildare County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Kilkenny County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Laois County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Leitrim County Council	1,165	1,243	1,287	1,287	1,247
Limerick County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Longford County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Louth County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Mayo County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Meath County Council	1,165	1,242	1,288	1,288	1,247
Monaghan County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
North Tipperary County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Offaly County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Roscommon County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Sligo County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
South Dublin County Council	1,747	1,862	1,929	1,929	1,870
South Tipperary County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Waterford County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Westmeath County Council	1,165	1,242	1,286	1,286	1,247
Wexford County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247
Wicklow County Council	1,165	1,242	1,287	1,287	1,247

Year	Number detained
2010 (to 7 June)	284
2009	594
2008	697
2007	633
2006	714
2005	647

YEAR	Sprakab	Semantix (incorporated Semantix Eqvator in 2006)	Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Netherlands	TOTAL
	€	€	€	€
2005	4,044.51	7,174.46	3,402.50	14,621.47
2006	1,937.80	10,866.80	2,148.25	14,952.85
2007	7,957.19	2,220.29	1,220.00	11,397.48
2008	42,944.65	1,361.36	303.41	44,609.42
2009	60,018.49	870.57	2,271.75	63,160.81
TOTAL	116,902.64	22,493.48	9,345.91	148,742.03

English Language	Further Education	Higher Education	Other	Total
8,057	10,206	12,888	1,742	32,893
24.5%	31%	39.2%	5.3%	100%

Visa Office BeijingRefusals	Study	Tourist
2006	55%	n/a
2007	37%	n/a
2008	19%	17%
2009	22%	13%

Name of Body	CEO/Equivalent	Current Salary
Courts Service	CEO	Secretary General level €188,640
Garda Síochána Complaints Board	CEO	Assistant Secretary scale €127,796 – €146,191
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC)	Chairperson	Specific rate €83,500
	Two Commissioners	Specific one-point scale €152,598
Legal Aid Board	CEO	Assistant Secretary scale €127,796 – €146,191
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner	Data Protection Commissioner	Assistant Secretary scale €127,796 – €146,191
Private Security Authority	CEO	Principal Officer scale €80,051 – €98,424
		plus Director’s allowance €18,763
Property Registration Authority	CEO	Deputy Secretary General €168,000

Year	Number
2006	144,090
2007	127,893
2008	127,253
2009	116,332
2010 (to May 30)	47,864
Total	563,432

Year	€
2006	5,771,200
2007	10,861,800
2008	12,580,950
2009	14,156,550
2010 (to May 30)	6,054,850
Total	49,425,350

Year	Received	Approved	Refused	Abandoned
2005	629	99	160	92
2006	1,179	108	1,064	87
2007	230	72	43	485
2008	115	47	38	62
2009	164	86	90	14
2010 (31/05)	54	40	16	1

Year	Applications received	Certificates issued
2005	4,523	1,451
2006	7,026	1,390
2007	7,616	1,501
2008	10,885	3,117
2009	27,765	4,531
2010 YTD	7,614	3,392

Year	Applications Received	Applications Granted
2005	N/A	463
2006	2,907	1,239
2007	4,155	561
2008	4,085	1,784
2009	3,528	3,604
2010 (as at 1 May 2010)	677	2,000

Year	No. of negative decisions
2005	5,224
2006	2,448
2007	3,444
2008	2,766
2009	4,237
2010 (to 30 April)	1,330
Total	19,449

Year	Deportation Orders signed	Leave to Remain granted	Assisted Voluntary Returns	Total number of cases finalised
2005	1,900	154*	330	2,384
2006	1,573	217	238	2,028
2007	418	859	417	1,694
2008	757	1,278	529	2,564
2009	1077	659	539	2,275
2010 (to 30 April)	292	222	140	654
Totals	6,017	3,389	2,193	11,599

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 9 Jun 2010

Written Answers.

Income Levels

Olivia Mitchell

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Unemployment Levels

Arthur Morgan

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Expo 2010 Shanghai

Noel Ahern

Work Permits

Maureen O'Sullivan

EU Directives

Michael Fitzpatrick

Work Permits

Finian McGrath

Advertising Agencies

Liz McManus

Israeli Imports

Sean Sherlock

Departmental Expenditure

Leo Varadkar

Job Protection

Terence Flanagan

Job Creation

Charles Flanagan

Departmental Staff

Leo Varadkar

Leo Varadkar

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Industrial Development

Brian O'Shea

Employment Rights

Finian McGrath

Small and Medium Enterprises

Lucinda Creighton

Lucinda Creighton

Departmental Bodies

Fergus O'Dowd

Work Permits

Olivia Mitchell

Job Protection

Mary Wallace

Work Permits

Denis Naughten

Flood Relief

Mary Wallace

EU Directives

Seán Barrett

Tax Code

Jimmy Deenihan

Public Service Numbers

Joan Burton

National Lottery Funding

Kieran O'Donnell

Credit Union Sector

Joe McHugh

Joe McHugh

Joe McHugh

Joe McHugh

Joe McHugh

Tax Collection

Ned O'Keeffe

Joe McHugh

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Tax Yield

Michael Ring

Departmental Expenditure

Ruairí Quinn

Departmental Agencies

Leo Varadkar

Remuneration Rates

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Jun 2010

Year notification issued	No. of cases ‘pending’
2004 and earlier	770
2005	559
2006	724
2007	1,372
2008	1,511
2009	3,072
2010 (to 30 April)	1,028
Total	9,036

No. of years	No. of cases on hand
2 – 3	315
3 – 4	111
4 – 5	16
> 5	6
Total	448

Year	No. of applications received	No. of apps awaiting a decision
2005	4,523	41
2006	7,026	384
2007	7,616	1,578
2008	10,885	6,052

Year	Cost of scheduled/commercial and charter flights
	€
2005	1,663,464.44
2006	1,517,539.19
2007	786,334.69
2008	927,091.00
2009	1,069,634.00
2010 (1st Quarter)	84,975.97

Year	Deportation Orders Issued	Deportation Orders Effected
2005	2,186	395
2006	1,371	301
2007	400	139
2008	669	161
2009	985	291
2010(1 Jan-8 June)	332	126

Date	Destination	No. Deported from Ireland	Lead Country	Other Participants
24th June	Nigeria	8	Netherlands	Ireland
22nd July	Nigeria	6	Ireland	Luxembourg, Poland, Switzerland, UK, Austria, France, Germany, Spain
21st August	Nigeria	4	Austria	Ireland
11th December	Nigeria	51	Ireland	UK

Study Visa decisions by Nationality 2009	Granted	Refused	Nationality	Granted	Refused
Afghanistan	4	3	Mauritania	1	2
Albania	7	1	Mauritius	1	0
Algeria	5	5	Moldova	3	3
Angola	2	0	Mongolia	5	20
Armenia	2	0	Montenegro	0	1
Azerbaijan	0	0	Morocco	14	6
Bahrain	5	1	Mozambique	1	0
Bangladesh	23	48	Nepal	57	56
Belarus	6	4	Nigeria	100	115
Benin	1	0	Oman	24	1
Bosnia and Herzegovina	2	1	Pakistan	137	134
Burkina Faso	1	0	Palestinian National Authority	2	4
Burma/Myanmar	3	7	People’s Republic of China	1,254	341
Cameroon	11	10	Peru	15	2
Colombia	15	12	Philippines	6	9
Congo	0	1	Qatar	14	1
Congo Democratic Rep	4	0	Russian Federation	953	22
Ivory Coast	0	4	Rwanda	2	2
Cuba	2	0	Saudi Arabia	200	13
Ecuador	5	1	Senegal	1	0
Egypt	29	8	Serbia	15	0
Equatorial Guinea	0	1	Sierra Leone	3	1
Ethiopia	21	0	Sri Lanka	10	5
Gabon	2	0	Sudan	3	11
Georgia	1	3	Syrian Arab Republic	6	10
Ghana	10	16	Taiwan	1	1
Haiti	1	0	Tajikistan	2	0
India	393	174	Thailand	6	10
Indonesia	10	0	Timor-Leste	1	0
Iran	33	8	Togo	1	0
Iraq	4	3	Tunisia	4	0
Jamaica	0	2	Turkey	71	15
Jordan	10	2	Uganda	10	1
Kazakhstan	32	1	Ukraine	36	5
Kenya	7	4	United Arab Emirates	71	3
Kosovo	2	0	United Republic of Tanzania	8	1
Kuwait	191	3	Uzbekistan	0	1
Kyrgyzstan	1	0	Vietnam	28	5
Lebanon	4	1	Yemen	1	1
Libya	9	8	Zambia	13	1
Macedonia, Republic of	3	1	Zimbabwe	5	4
Malaysia	1	0	Uncategorised *	102	0
			Totals	4,049	1,140

Study Visa decisions by Nationality 2008	Granted	Refused	Nationality	Granted	Refused
Afghanistan	0	4	Libya	16	16
Albania	3	6	Macedonia	1	1
Algeria	2	6	Madagascar	0	1
Angola	2	1	Mali	1	0
Armenia	1	0	Mauritania	4	0
Azerbaijan	4	0	Moldova	11	16
Bahrain	5	1	Mongolia	13	12
Bangladesh	34	116	Morocco	19	5
Belarus	11	6	Mozambique	2	0
Benin	3	0	Myanmar	8	7
Bosnia/Herzegovina	1	2	Nepal	27	62
Cambodia	0	1	Niger	1	0
Cameroon	9	9	Nigeria	114	170
Cape Verde	1	0	Oman	1	1
Chad	0	1	Pakistan	189	744
China	1,390	333	Palestine	4	3
Colombia	27	12	Peru	26	7
Congo	3	1	Philippines	16	20
Cuba	3	3	Qatar	1	4
Dominican Republic	1	0	Russia	1,530	41
Ecuador	13	16	Rwanda	3	0
Egypt	13	14	Saudi Arabia	8	9
Eriitrea	0	1	Serbia	17	2
Ethiopia	23	4	Senegal	1	0
Gabon	0	1	Sierra Leone	3	0
Gambia	0	1	Sri Lanka	6	10
Georgia	1	8	Sudan	2	2
Ghana	9	12	Syria	3	8
Guinea	0	3	Taiwan	6	2
Haiti	0	0	Tanzania	7	4
Hong Kong	1	0	Thailand	10	16
India	588	346	Timor	1	0
Indonesia	9	1	Tunisia	5	3
Iran	30	21	Turkey	85	45
Iraq	4	9	Turkmenistan	1	0
Ivory Coast	2	0	U.A.E.	2	0
Jamaica	1	1	Uganda	10	4
Jordan	4	5	Ukraine	47	15
Kazakhstan	56	6	Uzbekistan	4	3
Kenya	8	5	Vietnam	21	33
Kirghizstan	2	0	Yemen	0	3
Kosovo	0	0	Yugoslavia	4	0
Kuwait	39	2	Zambia	17	1
Lebanon	3	2	Zimbabwe	9	8
Liberia	1	0
			Totals	4,563	2,238

Study Visa decisions by Nationality 2007	Granted	Refused	Nationality	Granted	Refused
Afghanistan	2	4	Libya	7	18
Albania	5	3	Macedonia	0	3
Algeria	6	5	Madagascar	2	1
Angola	3	1	Mali	0	1
Armenia	0	0	Mauritania	0	0
Azerbaijan	2	1	Moldova	8	13
Bahrain	7	1	Mongolia	22	3
Bangladesh	177	450	Morocco	24	12
Belarus	12	7	Mozambique	2	0
Benin	0	1	Myanmar	3	11
Bhutan	0	1	Namibia	0	0
Bosnia/Herzegovina	1	9	Nepal	35	56
Brunei	1	0	Niger	0	3
Burkina Faso	0	0	Nigeria	120	130
Burundi	0	0	Oman	3	1
Cambodia	0	0	Pakistan	589	2087
Cameroon	12	12	Palestine	1	1
Cape Verde	0	0	Papua New Guinea	0	0
Chad	0	0	Peru	11	11
China	1,288	786	Philippines	15	12
Colombia	41	29	Qatar	0	0
Comoros	0	0	Russia	736	27
Congo	9	2	Rwanda	3	0
Cuba	7	2	Saudi Arabia	14	12
Dominican Republic	1	0	Senegal	3	1
Dr Congo	0	0	Serbia	5	1
Ecuador	15	9	Sierra Leone	2	1
Egypt	3	0	Somalia	0	0
Eritrea	0	0	Sri Lanka	17	5
Ethiopia	16	1	Stateless	0	0
Fiji	0	0	Sudan	0	1
Gabon	3	0	Surinam	0	0
Gambia	0	3	Syria	1	0
Georgia	3	7	Taiwan	9	3
Ghana	5	9	Tanzania	18	2
Guinea	0	1	Thailand	2	10
Haiti	0	0	Tibet	0	0
India	923	421	Timor	0	1
Indonesia	11	2	Togo	0	1
Iran	22	14	Tunisia	2	1
Iraq	10	3	Turkey	68	60
Ivory Coast	0	4	Turkmenistan	0	9
Jamaica	3	0	Uganda	9	3
Jordan	0	1	Ukraine	33	21
Kazakhstan	64	4	Uzbekistan	2	3
Kenya	10	5	U.A.E.	0	0
Korea Nth	0	0	Vietnam	16	23
Kuwait	19	1	Yemen	0	1
Kyrgzstan	0	0	Yugoslavia	15	2
Laos	0	0	Zambia	17	2
Lebanon	1	2	Zimbabwe	7	7
Liberia	2	0	Uncategorised *	344	44
				4,849	4,405

Agency	CEO/Equivalent	Salary
Arts Council	Director	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
Chester Beatty Library	Director	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
Crawford Art Gallery*	Director	Civil Service Assistant Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
Fáilte Ireland	CEO	€177,990
Irish Film Board	CEO	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
Irish Museum of Modern Art	Director	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
Irish Sports Council	CEO	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
National Concert Hall	Director	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
National Gallery of Ireland	Director	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
National Library of Ireland	Director	Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale
National Museum of Ireland	Director	Civil Service Principal OfficerGrade 1 Scale
National Sports Campus Development Authority	CEO	€140,632