Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 2010

Vol. 715 No. 1

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 6 to 20, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 21 to 34, inclusive, answered orally.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 27.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 29.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

37 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence, further to the recent decision to approve 50 promotions at senior level within the Defence Forces, the number of such appointments that have been made to date; when the outstanding posts will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30168/10]

Resulting from the Government decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Forces were suspended. However, in order to maintain the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces, a limited number of exceptions to the application of the measures to the Permanent Defence Force were sought in a submission to the Minister for Finance, in June 2009.

As was announced on the 24 November 2009, the Minister for Finance approved an allocation of 50 promotions, for the Permanent Defence Force. These promotions were approved to address priority operational and command requirements of the Permanent Defence Force.

The Department and the Military Authorities reviewed existing vacancies in all ranks across the organisation as a whole, so as to prioritise those to be filled from the approved promotions.

Following on from this review, a total of 13 Officer promotions and 30 enlisted promotions have been completed to date. A further 4 enlisted promotions will be completed as soon as the administrative procedures relating to them have been completed. The residual 3 approved promotions will be used to fill priority posts as they arise.

Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 26.

Ordnance Disposal

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

39 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Defence the number of call-outs of the explosive ordnance disposal team in regard to suspect devices or the removal of old ordnance to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30152/10]

The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with an Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required. Requests for aid to the civil power are normally made by a member of an Garda Síochána not below the rank of Inspector.

Requests made by an Garda Síochána for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance are responded to by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team in the relevant Brigade. The details requested to the end of June 2010 are as follows:

Number

Old ordnance

31

Hoaxes

31

Finds of bomb-making equipment

12

False alarms

6

Improvised explosive devices

11

Substances of concern

3

Other

2

Total

96

Examples of old ordnance include old shells or grenades unearthed during building works.

Defence Forces Policy

Liz McManus

Question:

40 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence when he intends to publish a new White Paper on the Defence Forces, in view of the fact that the previous White Paper ran from 2000 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30165/10]

The Renewed Programme for Government sets out the commitment for the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence, for the period 2011 to 2020. Preliminary work has commenced and I intend bringing a memorandum to Government in the near future. This will outline the proposed approach in advance of formally launching the process.

The new White Paper will build upon the first white paper on Defence, published in 2000, which provided the policy framework for the modernisation, reform and transformation of the Defence Organisation, during the past decade.

The new White Paper will set out Defence policy for the period to 2020 having regard to the Defence and Security environment and the roles assigned to the Defence Forces. It will chart a course for the continued development of the Defence Organisation and will be instrumental in guiding successive strategy statements.

The preparation of the new White Paper will include broad consultation with relevant stakeholders, including other Government Departments and Offices and a public consultative process.

The current White Paper on Defence will continue to provide the policy framework pending the adoption of the new White Paper.

Irish Red Cross

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

41 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether change to the governance structures of the Red Cross is now required and whether legislative change to the Red Cross Act 1938 is required to achieve this; if he will confirm that such legislation will be brought before Dáil Éireann in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30035/10]

Jack Wall

Question:

49 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will proceed to implement the recommendations of the review group of the Irish Red Cross; if he will make any amendments to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30148/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

61 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Defence if he has received definite legal advice as to whether legislation is required to implement the recommendations of the Irish Red Cross review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30149/10]

Jack Wall

Question:

75 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he has decided to appoint an interim chairman to the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30147/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 49, 61 and 75 together.

The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous body, established by the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 pursuant to the Red Cross Act, 1938. The Society is a charitable organisation with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. Membership of the Central Council is by way of appointment by the Government or by election in accordance with the rules of the Society.

The formal report of the Working Group established by the Irish Red Cross Society to examine the issue of governance was received in the Department of Defence in January of this year. The Department of Defence held preliminary discussions with the Society on the recommendations contained in the Report during February 2010. On the 18th May I met with the Vice Chairman and the Secretary General of the Society and assured them of my support in helping them achieve the aims set out in the Report. In order to implement the recommendations made there will be a requirement for significant amendments to the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939. Representatives of the Society and Officials from the Department of Defence met on 9th June to discuss the specific changes required to the 1939 Order.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, which engages on an ongoing basis with the various components of the International Red Cross Movement and with the Irish Red Cross Society, in relation to its overseas work, and the Department of the Taoiseach have been invited to participate in these discussions. Thereafter, any statutory changes necessary will be brought before Government. I understand that presently no issue has arisen which might necessitate an amendment to the Red Cross Act 1938.

In accordance with Article 9 of the Irish Red Cross Order, 1939 the Chairman of the Society must be a member of the Central Council. In nominating persons to Central Council, the Government considers that it is highly desirable that the Society should have on its governing body, professional people with a wide variety of knowledge and expertise, gained through work experience in both the public and private sector and/or volunteer experience with the Society.

The Government, in recommending to the President a person to act as Chairman, will carefully consider and nominate a person who it deems will make a positive contribution to the affairs of the Society. Such a role assumes even greater importance now given the imminent changes to the Society's organisation.

Departmental Expenditure

James Reilly

Question:

42 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Defence the changes in the travel and subsistence costs (details supplied) that necessitate the 15% increase provided for in the A2 subhead of the 2010 Estimates for defence and Army pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29961/10]

The amount provided for Departmental travel and subsistence costs in the 2009 Defence Estimate was €396,000 while actual expenditure was €286,000. This saving was achieved through prudent management in line with the requirement to reduce public expenditure wherever possible, and to a lower than anticipated requirement for non-EU foreign travel. In addition, home subsistence and motor travel rates were reduced in March 2009.

The corresponding amount provided in the 2010 Estimate is €330,000 representing a reduction of 17% on the 2009 provision and an increase of 15% on the 2009 outturn. The allocation for 2010 includes provision for foreign travel costs associated with contract negotiations, Ministerial support duties and UN commitments.

Foreign Conflicts

Chris Andrews

Question:

43 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Defence his plans to cancel the contract awarded to a company (details supplied) in view of the atrocity committed by the Israeli Government on 31 May 2010 in which more than ten civilians lost their lives. [29791/10]

The Department of Defence initiated a tender competition in 2009 for the supply of Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment for four out of a total of twenty-seven Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles being supplied by BAE Systems in South Africa. Following a detailed evaluation of tenders, the contract for the award of the equipment, with a value of €2.37m inclusive of VAT, was awarded to Elbit Systems Limited in Israel.

The four Surveillance and Target Acquisition Suites, for delivery this year, are required to enhance the capability of the Defence Forces to carry out overseas Peace Support Operations. They will be used as an information-gathering asset and will provide a means to enhance force protection and the safety of Irish troops whilst on such missions.

The events involving the storming of the Free Gaza movement flotilla and the boarding of the MV Rachel Corrie are matters of great concern to the Irish Government. These issues were taken up at the highest diplomatic level by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The issue of boycotts or sanctions against Israel or the cancelling of contracts with specific Israeli companies is not something that the Irish Government supports at this point in time. The position is that trade policy and market access are largely EU competencies and any restriction or ban on imports from Israel would have to be concerted at EU level. In that regard, there would be no possibility whatever of obtaining agreement at EU level for such a ban.

Departmental Expenditure

Damien English

Question:

44 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the justification for the increase from €36,000 to €100,000 in printing, binding and stationery services provided for in subhead 5 of the Estimates for defence and Army pensions recently published; if this increase is intended to reflect once-off costs or recurring costs in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29947/10]

The amount provided for printing, binding and stationery services in subhead A5 of the 2009 Defence estimate was €70,000 while actual expenditure was €36,000. Expenditure in 2009 was kept to the absolute minimum in line with the requirement to reduce public expenditure wherever possible.

The corresponding amount provided in the 2010 Estimate is €100,000, and includes provision for additional once-off printing and stationery costs that will arise in the context of the Department's decentralisation to Newbridge, County Kildare.

Overseas Missions

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

45 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed about the continued use by the Defence Forces of the anti-malaria drug Lariam despite the decision of the US armed forces to cease prescribing the drug as a result of increasing concerns about its health effects; if he is satisfied that this drug is safe; if there are any plans to review the practice of prescribing it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30166/10]

The drug in question is considered one of the most effective anti-malaria drugs for the type of malaria our troops were exposed to in Chad and Central African Republic. Troops being administered the drug are informed of its effects and its use is closely monitored by the military medical authorities. The Military Authorities have assured me that they are fully aware of the drug's potential neuropsychiatric effects.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Brian O'Shea

Question:

46 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence when recruitment to the Army is due to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30151/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

78 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the optimum strength for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; his plans for future recruitment in each discipline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30172/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 78 together.

Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

A proposal is currently being drawn up for submission to the Department of Finance and following on from that discussions will commence with the Department to agree an Employment Control Framework for the Defence Forces which is sustainable within a figure of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps to enable them meet the roles assigned by Government.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 May 2010 was 9,809 comprising 7,996 Army, 795 Air Corps and 1,018 Naval Service personnel.

Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. To this end I recently approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits to the Naval Service and this recruitment process is currently underway. In addition the military authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army.

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.

Defence Forces Strength

Phil Hogan

Question:

47 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces in overall terms, by Naval Service, Air Corps and Army, and by gender, as of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29969/10]

I am advised by the Military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 May 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,809 comprising 7,996 Army, 795 Air Corps and 1,018 Naval Service. Of this total number, 9,246 were male and 563 were female. Of the 563 female personnel, 460 were serving in the Army, 33 in the Air Corps and 70 in the Naval Service.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.

Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.

The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

Military Ranges

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

48 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence if he will allow an organisation (details supplied) limited access to army rifle ranges for training purposes when the ranges are not otherwise in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30146/10]

The Military Ranges are highly utilised by the Defence Forces and, when available, An Garda Síochána in achieving both training objectives and operational commitments, quite often at short notice. Therefore, affording civilian clubs or associations access, limited or otherwise, to military ranges would not be in the best interest of the Defence Forces or indeed the security of the State.

Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 41.

Decentralisation Programme

Joe Carey

Question:

50 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Defence when it is expected that his Department will move to its new offices in Newbridge, County Kildare; if its current offices in Parkgate, Dublin, will be vacated, the location at which it is intended to accommodate those sections of Defence Forces headquarters that are not relocating to Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29917/10]

The Office of Public Works is responsible for the construction and fitting-out of the Department's new accommodation at Station Road, Newbridge. The building is under construction and is expected to be available for occupation in the autumn. The Office of Public Works is also responsible for the provision of office accommodation for the Defence Forces Headquarters personnel who are not decentralising to Newbridge. Discussions are ongoing between this Department, the Defence Forces and the OPW on the issue of suitable accommodation.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 28.

Commemorative Events

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

52 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence when the all-party consultative group on the centenary of the 1916 Rising last met; when he expects the next meeting to be held; the progress made by the group to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30167/10]

The All Party Oireachtas Consultation Group on the Centenary of the 1916 Rising met on Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009, for discussions and site visits to Glasnevin Cemetery and the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks to view projects relating to the 2016 commemoration of the 1916 Rising. In the discussion, the Group were informed of recent developments and events including:- Arbour Hill renewal works including restoration and extension of the existing church car park, repair and restoration of all existing cemetery graves, repair of cemetery pathways and the planting of new trees. The future location for the Abbey Theatre and possible redevelopment at the GPO, with reference also to the protection of 16 Moore Street. Recent acquisition for the national collections of items of interest relating to the independence period, amongst which were the 964 items of the Stanley Collection at a cost of €3.5 million. Other items purchased/donated include a letter from P.H. Pearse to General Maxwell and General Maxwell's brief reply and a copy of the Proclamation. Assistance towards themed publications i.e. the Royal Irish Academy's recent publication on Seán Lemass, and the SIPTU sponsored publication on James Connolly. The Military Service Archives Project which envisages that files, being the service records of personnel involved in the struggle for independence, would be released into the public domain on a phased basis in the years leading to the Centenary of the Rising. The Group were informed that an Advisory Board of historians had accepted invitations to assist with this project.

At Glasnevin Cemetery, the Group inspected progress on the significant programme of ongoing restoration works underway for which €6.4m of NDP funding has been provided to date. I am pleased to report that the new Glasnevin museum was officially opened by the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen, T.D., on 8 April, this year. The Group also visited the ongoing restoration work being conducted on Erskine Childers' yacht Asgard. This project is scheduled to be completed this year. The suggested relocation to the GPO complex of the Abbey Theatre is currently being examined by the Office of Public Works. The decision on future use will have regard to all advice and suggestions received.

This year's commemorative event to mark the Easter Rising of 1916 was held at the GPO, Dublin on Sunday, 4th April, 2010. The ceremony included prayers of remembrance, a reading of the Proclamation and the laying of a wreath by the President. Preparations are ongoing for the National Day of Commemoration to be held in Kilmainham on 11th July. A programme of events is being compiled to commemorate a whole series of centenaries across the island in the next 10 to 12 years, as we recall the key events in our history. I am confident that all significant anniversaries occurring within the period of the multi-annual programme now being prepared will be commemorated. The details of the commemorative programme will be discussed with Group members in due course.

I am currently engaged in the preparation for a meeting of the All Party Oireachtas Consultation Group, which I hope to convene soon.

Cyber Security

Brian O'Shea

Question:

53 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that Ireland is properly prepared for any attempted cyber warfare or terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30157/10]

Cyber security, cyber crime and internet security represent challenges that are constantly evolving and require vigilance and appropriate responses. Cyber security is multi facetted. The nature of the threat and the potential impact also varies considerably depending on the approach and objective of those with malicious intent. In the first instance, each State agency, business and individual should take every precaution with regard to their security. Awareness of security, the risks and available safeguards, can be seen as the first line of defence for the security of information systems and networks. I am aware of considerable activity in this regard. My colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has undertaken a number of awareness campaigns aimed at individuals, SMEs, the education sector, the public sector and business.

In addition, Minister Ryan has recently commissioned a report on Ireland's current state of readiness should a cyber attack occur. The report will also contain a review of current international best practice on cyber security and the structures that should be developed to oversee the Government's response to cyber attacks. This report will address the following issues from a national perspective:

Detection of cyber attacks

Reaction to cyber attacks from Government, Government agencies and operators of critical IT infrastructure

Development of structure to oversee planning and response to cyber attacks

Development of structures to keep the public aware of threats and appropriate responses.

I understand that consultation with industry and across Government has taken place and that the Strategy is currently being finalised.

Defence Forces Reserve

David Stanton

Question:

54 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date with the value for money review of the Defence Forces Reserve; when he expects this review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30196/10]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

67 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the value for money review of the Defence Forces Reserve and the value for money review of general service recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30154/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 67 together.

The VFM review of the Reserve Defence Force, which was selected for review as part of the 2009-2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative, commenced in February 2010. A Steering Committee comprising representatives from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Finance has been formed. In accordance with revised guidelines for the conduct of Value for Money Reviews, an independent chair was appointed to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee has met on three occasions since the review commenced and a further meeting is scheduled for this week. A Working Group has also been formed to assist the Steering Committee with the review, comprising both civil and military personnel.

As part of the review process, the Steering Committee have established an appropriate consultative mechanism for all key stakeholders and I understand that the representative associations have recently been invited to make written submissions. It is expected that the findings of the Value For Money review, including the lessons learned from the RDF Review Implementation Plan process, will complement the development of the new White Paper. The target date for the completion of the review is end 2010.

A VFM review of the Training of General Service Recruits was also approved for inclusion as part of the 2009-2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative. This review is scheduled for completion by end 2011 and has not commenced as yet.

Decentralisation Programme

John Perry

Question:

55 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Defence the total expenditure to date on the planning and implementation of decentralisation of his Department; the total additional cost to be incurred in the 2010 fiscal year due to this decentralisation project; the total expenditure to date in the 2010 fiscal year on decentralisation in the Defence sector; the number of civil servants scheduled to move in this fiscal year as part of the decentralisation project; the average cost per staff member being decentralised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29954/10]

The costs associated with the site acquisition, building construction and fit-out are borne on the Vote of the Office of Public Works. The OPW anticipates the overall cost will be €34m approximately. Confirmation of the overall cost will become available on completion of the final accounts by the OPW.

In addition, approximately €1.16m has been provided for in 2010 by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces for items such as mobile file storage, security issues and IT equipment and installation. Expenditure in 2010 on the project currently stands at €0.114m. Further expenditure in 2010 will include IT equipment and installation, exceptional furniture items such as safes and fireproof cabinets, waste management system and file removals.

Based on the most recent information from the OPW, the move is expected to occur in the autumn. It is anticipated that approximately 167 civil servants will decentralise to Newbridge. A number of military staff will also decentralise to the new location. The average cost per staff member decentralising will become available on completion of the final accounts.

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 27.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Sean Sherlock

Question:

57 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence his views on the fact that lower ranks in the Defence Forces are having to supplement their income by applying for family income supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30143/10]

The circumstances surrounding individual applications for Family Income Supplement and the payment of the supplement is a private matter between the applicant and the Department of Social Protection. My Department would not be aware, therefore, if members of the Defence Forces are in receipt of the Supplement.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 33.

Ombudsman Reports

Emmet Stagg

Question:

59 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the 2009 annual report of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. [30153/10]

The Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 provides that the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is independent in the performance of her duties and I do not consider it appropriate for me to report on her behalf. However I welcome the Fourth Annual Report, and the work done by the Ombudsman, Ms. Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, since the establishment of this important Office in 2005. I believe that in the period since the establishment of the office, the Ombudsman has built a reputation for impartiality, professionalism and fairness in the manner in which she has dealt with cases submitted to her.

I welcome the fact that the establishment of an Ombudsman for the Defence Forces has had a positive impact on military human resources management. I also welcome the comment of the Ombudsman in her report that "she was pleased to be able to attribute a significant part of the progress in the work of her Office to the leadership in the Irish Defence Forces" and that "it has been enlightening to witness such leadership in action over the critical phase of the "start-up" years of the Office of the ODF."

Defence Forces Inquiries

Martin Ferris

Question:

60 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on allegations regarding the involvement of Irish Army officers in arms sales in the Seychelles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29790/10]

Martin Ferris

Question:

73 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence his views on newspaper reports (details supplied) alleging that Irish Army officers engaged in arms sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29895/10]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

74 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the inquiry into the allegations that Irish Army officers were involved in purchasing arms on the black market in South Africa for a group operating in the Seychelles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30142/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 73 and 74 together.

The military authorities have advised that the position regarding members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) engaging in off-duty employment is that membership of the PDF is a full time professional occupation, which from time to time may involve long, arduous, and unsocial hours of duty at the member's home station or elsewhere within or outside of the State. Since members of the PDF must be available for duty at all times, off-duty time is dictated by operational requirements, and may be irregular, changed, or cancelled at short notice. Their service to the State as a member of the PDF takes precedence over such employment and no employment should be undertaken which would prevent a member of the PDF being available for duty at all times. The Defence Forces do not exercise any authority in relation to the nature of any employment entered into by former members.

The Defence Forces prides itself on the integrity and professionalism of its personnel and indeed the Defence Forces reputation both at home and overseas is acknowledged by all to be exemplary in the manner in which business is conducted. The good name and reputation of our Defence Forces must be upheld and not be damaged by the actions of a small number of individuals. Any allegations of impropriety or wrong doing by members of the Defence Forces are treated with the utmost seriousness by the military authorities. Where appropriate the military authorities will commence investigations into any such alleged wrong doing.

I am advised by the Military authorities that an investigation into the matters referred to has commenced and is currently ongoing. In order to afford due process and fair procedures to any persons who may be the subject of this investigation, and to ensure that the outcome of the investigation or any follow up action that may arise as a result of it, are not prejudiced in any way, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further until this investigation has concluded.

Ireland established diplomatic relations with the Seychelles in 1999 through our respective missions to the UN in New York. The Seychelles, along with all countries in the region, are currently responding to the threat posed by the piracy emanating from the coast of Somalia. We should, however, be extremely careful not to participate in or add to any sensationalist commentary about the national security situation in that country.

With regard to the issue of piracy, the European Union launched Operation ATALANTA in December 2008 to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The UN Security Council welcomed the launch of the operation to combat piracy off the coast of Somali and to protect vulnerable ships bound for Somalia. From the outset, Ireland has fully supported the objectives of Operation ATALANTA. Following approval by the Government at its meeting on 9 June 2009, two (2) Naval Service officers deployed to the Operational Headquarters of Operation ATALANTA at Northwood in the UK on 12 June 2009. The officers are filling appointments in force generation and civilian-military cells. Five other officers are deployed in Uganda engaged in capacity building of Somali justice and security personnel. Deployment to this operation is fully in accordance with Ireland's commitment to UN-mandated peace support operations.

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 41.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 33.

Army Barracks

Denis Naughten

Question:

63 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the planned developments at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29793/10]

A new Gymnasium was completed in Custume Barracks, Athlone in 2009 at a cost of €1.7m approx. In addition it is expected that contracts will be placed within the coming weeks for new garaging facilities and an upgrade of service facilities at the Barracks. A number of other smaller projects are also underway including upgrading of storage facilities and military police facilities at the barracks.

These works are part of the Departments ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Reserve

David Stanton

Question:

64 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a national breakdown of the effective strength of the Defence Forces Reserve per unit and per rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30195/10]

A national breakdown of the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force per rank is provided in the following table. A breakdown per unit is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

I am aware that effective numbers in the Reserve have declined over recent years. The total strength of the Reserve includes personnel who are categorised as effective and non-effective. As provided for in Defence Forces Regulation R5, personnel are removed from the effective strength of their Units and are placed on the non-effective list primarily for failure to meet minimum training requirements. These personnel remain liable for call out on permanent service or service in Aid to the Civil Power. Since 2004, with the role of the RDF Review Implementation Plan, the military authorities have increased their efforts to ensure that only those members who meet the requirements remain on the effective list. This accounts for part of the fall in numbers over recent years.

Limited recruitment into the RDF 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. There is now a requirement to examine the progress that has been made and to chart the future direction of the Reserve. Work has commenced on a Value for Money Review of the Reserve and the findings of this Review, together with the lessons learned from the Implementation Plan to date, will inform the future plans for the Reserve.

RDF EFFECTIVE STRENGTH AS AT 31 MAY 2010

Non Integrated

LT COL

Comdt

Capt

LT

2/LT

Total

SGT. MAJ.

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

Total NCOs

PTES

Grant Total

2 E Bde

1

32

56

53

25

167

4

5

28

26

158

225

446

760

1,373

1 S Bde

1

31

57

86

18

193

3

6

35

31

216

269

560

946

1,699

4 W Bde

1

31

65

59

17

173

6

4

25

25

214

360

634

1,113

1,920

RDF TA

0

4

8

6

0

18

1

0

1

1

7

0

10

0

28

RDF Effective

3

98

186

204

60

551

14

15

89

83

595

854

1,650

2,819

5,020

NSR Effective

0

4

9

5

2

20

0

3

10

0

10

30

53

108

181

TOTAL

5,201

Departmental Appointments

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

65 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the appointment of the new Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces approved on 9 June 2010. [30163/10]

I was delighted the Government accepted my recommendation last month to nominate Major General Sean McCann for appointment by the President as Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. I look forward to working closely with Lieutenant General McCann in the future and I wish him every success in his endeavours. Lieutenant General McCann succeeds Lieutenant General Dermot Earley, who sadly passed away on 23 June last. Lieutenant General Earley made a truly remarkable contribution to public life, not alone through his hard work and commitment over many years of service in the Defence Forces, but also through his long history as a major GAA star and his contribution to his community and to Irish life generally. The leadership, professionalism and dedication shown by Lieutenant General Earley over the years has brought great honour on the Defence Forces and on this nation as a whole. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

Lieutenant General McCann takes over the reins at this sad time for the Defence Forces. He enlisted in the Defence Forces as a cadet in 1970 and initially served in various Cavalry units before instructing in the Military College. More recently he was Director of Operations at DFHQ in 2007 and subsequently held the appointment of General Officer Commanding the DF Training Centre. He has been the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations since 2009 and has extensive overseas experience, serving, inter alia, in Lebanon, Kuwait and Sarajevo. I am confident that Lieutenant General McCann can and will make a major contribution in leading the Defence Forces at this challenging time.

Departmental Expenditure

John Deasy

Question:

66 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the list of corporate memberships provided for in the Miscellaneous category of Subhead A3 of the Defence and Army Pensions Estimates recently published by him; the justification for such expenditure in the context of the fiscal problems facing the State; whether he has ordered a review into the existence of such corporate memberships to ensure value for money for the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29939/10]

The only corporate membership held by the Department is to the Institute of International & European Affairs (IIEA). The IIEA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with charitable status. Its extensive research programme aims to provide its members with high level analysis and forecasts of the challenges on the global and EU policy agendas which impact on Ireland. The annual subscription for corporate membership is €6,000.

Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 54.

Defence Forces Training

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

68 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the activity of the Army Equitation School in 2009 and to date in 2010. [30159/10]

The mission of Army Equitation School, as assigned to it on its establishment in 1926, is to promote the Irish horse sector abroad through participation in international competition. In 2009 and to date in 2010, the Equitation School has continued to discharge this task, competing in national and international events in showjumping and three day eventing.

During 2009, Riding Officers riding Irish bred sport horses won 9 international competitions. An Army Equitation School Riding Officer was a member of two Super League Nations Cup Teams; the first at Aachen (Germany), where the team was placed fifth and the second at Falsterbo (Sweden) where he was on the winning team. These results secured Ireland's place in the premier Nations Cup league for 2010. Other highlights of the 2009 season include, winning the Puissance competition in the RDS Dublin Horse Show and securing the achievement of leading Irish rider at the show. The Army Equitation School achieved great success in the Young Horse competitions in 2009. Three young horses were selected to represent Ireland in the World Breeding Championships in Lanaken (Belgium). One horse won the silver medal in the Six Year Old World Final.

On the International Three-day eventing circuit one Riding Officer was selected for the National Three Day Eventing Team competing at the European Championships. International success was achieved at Burnham Market (England), Tyrella (Northern Ireland), Saumur (France), Luhmullen (Germany), Hartpury (England) & Pau (France).

In 2010, Army Equitation School horses and riders have been campaigning on the national and international show jumping circuit, with the aim of being selected for the Irish teams participating at the Meydan Super League Nations Cup series which will be held at venues across Europe, culminating in the Dublin Horse Show in August.

To date, an Army Equitation School Riding Officer has participated successfully on the Irish Nations Cup Team in Rotterdam in June, winning one International Class and placed in another International Class. He will be participating at Falsterbo in Sweden on the 9 July, as a member of the Irish Nations Cup Team. The same Officer has also achieved third place in the famous Hickstead Derby at the end of June. The School is also competing on the National Grand Prix show jumping circuit throughout the year.

Building on its previous success in Three Day Eventing, the School is competing on the national, UK and international circuit with the aim of being selected for the Irish team competing at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky at the end of September. In addition to its competition activity, the Army Equitation School continues to support the Irish horse industry. The School is represented on several committees of the national governing body, Horse Sport Ireland. In February and March of this year the School, in conjunction with Teagasc, hosted information seminars for breeders of sport horses.

To provide support to young rider development, the School will accommodate three training bursaries to young riders competing in the disciplines of show jumping and eventing. The School played host to the National Junior and Young Rider Showjumping selection trials. The School also accommodates applications for work experience from Transition Year students and requests from interested groups and individuals to visit the premises. The Army Equitation School Horse Purchase Board will continue to source high quality horses for purchase and lease for competition at home and abroad.

Departmental Expenditure

Sean Sherlock

Question:

69 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the impact of the pension levy and pay cuts on the pay of members of the Defence Forces as against deduction made from the non public sector works pay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30145/10]

The pension-related deduction (commonly known as the pension levy) was provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The reductions in public service pay effective from 1 January 2010 were provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009. Each of these Acts applies exclusively to public servants (with some exceptions in each case) and the scope of the application of the Acts does not extend outside the public service. The Acts apply to members of the Permanent Defence Force on the same basis as to other public servants generally.

The Government appreciates that the two measures in question have a significant impact on the take–home pay of public servants. These measures were, however, essential elements of the Government's strategy to consolidate the public finances and to address the overall economic situation.

Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 34.

Defence Forces Equipment

Denis Naughten

Question:

71 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence, in view of the severe winter weather conditions in 2009-2010, his plans to review the resources and equipment available to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29792/10]

In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, the Defence Forces in their role as aid to the civil power (an Garda Síochána) and aid to the civil authorities (i.e. local authorities, HSE, etc.) can be called upon to provide support to locally based services. During the period of severe weather conditions earlier this year all assets, resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces throughout the country were made available to assist the civil authorities where and when called upon.

During that period the Defence Forces met all requests for assistance, received from the civil authorities, from within their existing capacity and resources. The provision of Defence Forces capabilities is dependent on the exigencies of the service and within available resources at the time. However, where additional forces are required in an emergency in any one particular area, the Defence Forces has the adaptability to marshal capability to meet the need. I am satisfied that the resources and equipment available to the Defence Forces are sufficient to allow them provided assistance to local authorities as and when requested.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

72 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has regarding the procurement of a replacement vessel for Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30156/10]

In the context of settling the Estimates for my Department for 2010, the Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure. As a result of that decision, the sum of €3.8m representing the insured value of Asgard II was transferred to the Department of Finance as Extra Exchequer Receipts and any plans to procure a replacement vessel have been shelved.

Question Nos. 73 and 74 answered with question No. 60.
Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 41.

Overseas Missions

Willie Penrose

Question:

76 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he remains committed to involving Reserve Defence Force personnel overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30161/10]

In March 2009, the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment to the Public Service. This moratorium prevented the planned recruitment of members of the Reserve to the PDF for the purpose of overseas service, as intended. Reductions in the Defence payroll budget at that time also limited the scope for payment of additional personnel. Accordingly, arrangements to send members of the Reserve overseas, which were well developed in line with the RDF Review Implementation Plan, were suspended.

To date, the operational requirements for overseas service have been met from within the Permanent Defence Force, without recourse to Reserve capabilities. As outlined in the budget in December 2009, Defence Forces commitments to overseas peace support operations are being scaled back in 2010. As a consequence, the number of PDF personnel serving overseas has reduced. Accordingly, the plan to deploy members of the Reserve Defence Force on overseas peace support operations has been postponed for the foreseeable future.

The Reserve Defence Force was selected for review as part of the 2009-2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and this review has commenced. The findings of the Value For Money review, including the lessons learned from the RDF Review Implementation Plan process, will inform future plans for the reserve.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

77 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the return of the vehicles and equipment used by the army in the Chad mission; the cost involved; and if same will be reimbursed. [30034/10]

Following the decision to withdraw the Irish Contingent from the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic of Chad (MINURCAT), the priority for the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces was to achieve an orderly withdrawal of personnel and equipment from the country. The Irish contingent deployed with MINURCAT was withdrawn in May 2010 and I am advised that the recovery of equipment and assets, which is a huge logistical task, is well underway at this stage.

The recovery operation has been contracted to a company in Chad, SDV TCHAD based in N'djamena. The company is providing a door-to-door service for the recovery of all the Defence Forces assets from Chad to Ireland. This included the transfer of assets and equipment from Goz Beida to N'djamena, the transfer of assets by road/rail from N'djamena to Douala in Cameroon, the air transport of certain assets from N'djamena to Douala, the storage / loading of the equipment in Douala and finally, the shipment of all the equipment to the Defence Forces Training Centre, in the Curragh Camp. At this stage, all the equipment is in Douala in preparation for loading on to a ship. The loading of the ship is scheduled for next week and it is expected that the ship will arrive in Ireland prior to the end of the month.

The cost of the recovery operation will be over €6m. When the operation is complete, negotiations will be undertaken with the UN regarding reimbursement in respect of aspects of the cost of the withdrawal. It is expected that the UN will reimburse a significant element of the recovery costs. However, it is not possible at this stage to establish the exact figure in this regard.

Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 46.

Defence Forces Strength

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

79 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will give a breakdown by ranks of all those who have retired from the Defence Forces during 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30158/10]

A breakdown by rank of personnel who have left the Permanent Defence Force in 2009 and up to 31 May 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, is provided in the following tabular statement. Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. While these are challenging times, my priority is to ensure that the Defence Forces are organised, equipped and staffed in a manner which will ensure that they can continue to deliver the services required of them by Government. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

Personnel who have left the Permanent Defence Force 1 January 2009-31 May 2010

Year

LT Gen

Maj Gen

Brig Gen

COL

LT COL

Comdt

Capt

LT

2/LT

Total Offrs

SGT MAJ

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

Total NCO

PTE

App-rentice

Re-cruit

Cadet

Total

2009

0

2

3

14

18

33

10

0

2

82

9

12

22

25

94

62

224

199

3

7

2

513

2010

0

0

0

1

2

3

3

0

0

9

1

1

6

5

13

23

49

59

0

0

0

117

Census of Population

Joe Costello

Question:

80 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Taoiseach when the next census will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30601/10]

The next census will take place on Sunday, 10 April 2011.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

81 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30285/10]

The table below details payments made by my Department in respect of carbon emissions from 14 June 2007 to 31 December 2009. In the case of offsets for travel on the Government jet, these relate to all Ministers and Officials, and not solely to the Department of the Taoiseach. Payments have issued to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) who have been charged with administering the scheme on Ireland's behalf. The value of the total offsetting costs in each year is used by Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) to purchase Gold Standard Voluntary Emissions Reductions (GS VERs). In purchasing GS VERs, REEEP focuses on Ireland's priority Overseas Development Aid countries in Africa.

Details of payments made in respect of Carbon Emissions

Payment Date

Amount

Details

Apr-09

44,774

Official travel by the Taoiseach, Ministers and Civil Servants on the Government Jet for the period of 14th June 2007 to 31st December 2008

Apr-09

4,356

Official travel by the Taoiseach and Civil Servants at Department of the Taoiseach with commercial airlines for the period of 14th June 2007 – 31st December 2008

Mar-10

19,909

Official travel by the Taoiseach, Ministers and Civil Servants on the Government Jet for the period of 01st January 2009 – 31st December 2009

Mar-10

2,293

Official travel by the Taoiseach and Civil Servants at Department of the Taoiseach with commercial airlines for the period of 01st January 2009 – 31st December 2009

Joan Burton

Question:

82 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30300/10]

My Department has no decentralised offices.

Joan Burton

Question:

83 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30315/10]

The following table details spend by my Department on public advertisements, in national and local print media, radio and television, from 2009 to end of June in 2010.

Details of payments made in respect of Advertising Costs from Jan 2009 to date

Date

Details

Amount

Aug-09

Advertising for National Day of Commemoration

3,706

Aug-09*

½ page advertisement for the Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Awards in the Public Sector Times

1,701

Sep-09*

½ page advertisement for the Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Awards in the Public Sector Times

1,701

May-10

Advertising of Information Notice in Conradh na Gaeilge brochure

200

*Expenditure recouped from the Change Management Fund, Department of Finance.

Unemployment Levels

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

84 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Taoiseach if he will confirm the most recent unemployment figures at the Tallaght social welfare office, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30658/10]

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. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office. The most recent Live Register figures available are for June 2010. The table below contains the numbers signing on in Tallaght local office on the last Friday of June 2010. 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.

Persons on the Live Register in Tallaght Local Office by sex and age, June 2010

Male

Female

Both sexes

Under 25 years

1,666

945

2,611

25 years and over

5,754

2,297

8,051

All ages

7,420

3,242

10,662

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

85 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30777/10]

Of the 167 civil servants currently serving in my Department, 20 have applied through the Central Applications Facility (CAF) to relocate under the Decentralisation Programme. The breakdown by grade is:

Number

Assistant Principal

5

Higher Executive Officer

4

Administrative Officer

2

Executive Officer

4

Clerical Officer

5

32 former members of staff have already been assigned to decentralised posts.

The Department of Finance is responsible in Government for all applications under the Decentralisation Programme including the Dublin arrangements for transfers, relocations and exchanges. Since 2007 to date, 5 applications to transfer to my Department were received outside of the Decentralisation Programme. No similar applications were made to the Bodies under the aegis of my Department during the period in question.

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

86 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Taoiseach the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the Estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31682/10]

The annual training budget has been reduced in recent years in line with cost savings throughout my Department. The training budget in the 2010 Estimates was €433,000. Whilst the initial budget allocation made in the Estimates has not been reduced, the Training Unit will, as always, return savings if the allocation is not spent or is not likely to be spent in the year. Total expenditure to end June 2010, from the training budget amounts to €34,573.

Redundancy Payments

Willie O'Dea

Question:

87 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding a claim for payment from the insolvency fund in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [30267/10]

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

I understand that an RP50 was submitted in this case but unfortunately the required documentation to process the claim was not provided. It is my Department's practice not to enter incomplete claims on the system as these claims cannot be processed until the necessary documentation is lodged. Forms are returned to allow missing details and/or supporting documentation to be submitted. The documentation required in support of lump sum claims, is set out on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie. Submission of correctly completed Redundancy claim forms (RP50's) with all of the required documentation greatly facilitates the processing of claims.

The documentation required in support of lump sum claims comprises evidence of the employer's inability to pay the redundancy entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting a statement from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the inadequacy of assets to make the redundancy payments and, the latest set of financial accounts for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments.

If this information is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share that the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees. If the necessary supporting documentation required from the employer is not provided to my Department, the employee is advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy. Once such a determination is available, the Department is then in a position to make the payment to the employee concerned. Should the outstanding documentation be provided by the employer during the period while the case is pending a hearing before the EAT, this would allow the claim to be processed by my Department in the usual way.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

88 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30278/10]

The Irish Government Offsetting Scheme was established to introduce carbon offsetting for official air travel undertaken by Ministers and officials. The scheme is co-ordinated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and applies to official air travel undertaken since 14 June 2007. Under the scheme, an annual payment, based on carbon dioxide emissions associated with official air travel, is made by Departments to a fund which is administered on Ireland's behalf by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). REEEP is a non-profit, specialist organisation located in Vienna, which promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency. The first contribution made by my Department under the Government Offsetting Scheme was made in August 2009 and covered travel undertaken on commercial flights in the period 14 June 2007 to 31 December 2008. The payment amounted to €8,811.73.

A second payment, covering air travel on commercial flights in the period 1 January to 31 December 2009, was made by my Department in June of this year and amounted to €3,942.60. These payments covered air travel undertaken at Ministerial level and official level. It is not feasible to separate out the contribution of Ministers from officials in calculating payments due under the scheme. Carbon offsetting calculations in respect of travel undertaken by Ministers and officials using the Government jet are determined by the Department of Defence and I am advised that the offsetting costs of these flights are paid by the Department of the Taoiseach. Details of the final beneficiaries of the offsetting fund are a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as the coordinating Department for the Government Offsetting Scheme.

Joan Burton

Question:

89 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in her Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if she will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30293/10]

My Department has decentralised offices located in Kilkenny and Carlow. The Patents Office is located in Kilkenny, while part of the Companies Registration Office and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) are located in Carlow. NERA also has regional offices in Dublin, Sligo, Shannon and Cork. At present, 57 staff work in Kilkenny, while 129 staff are based in Carlow and the regional offices of NERA outside of Dublin.

My Department's accounting system does not capture details of travel costs to individual destinations or events. Therefore, it is not feasible to provide details of costs associated with attendance at meetings or events specifically in Dublin or Brussels. Details of travel to specific destinations could only be obtained by retrieving and reviewing all original travel claims submitted in respect of all staff of the offices in question over the last three years. This would be a costly exercise in its own right in terms of the absorption of resources and would be difficult to justify.

However, I can provide the Deputy with the total cost of travel and subsistence related to all EU business for staff of the Patents Office, the Companies Registration Office in Carlow and NERA. These costs may include travel to destinations other than Brussels in connection with EU business. The total costs for 2008, 2009 and 2010 to date are provided on the table below.

Year

Patents Office, Kilkenny

CRO, Carlow

NERA Carlow and Regional Offices outside Dublin

2008

16,472.87

442.50

2,666.27

2009

10,822.23

0

1,482.57

2010 (to date)

11,322.10

0

859.62

Joan Burton

Question:

90 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30308/10]

The total spend of my Department and the Offices of my Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 was in the region of €189,000. Statutory requirements accounted for approximately 80% of this overall spend. The spend, to date in 2010, for my Department and the Offices of my Department, on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television is in the region of €59,000. Again, statutory requirements, accounted for approximately 90% of the spend, so far this year.

Departmental Agencies

Brian O'Shea

Question:

91 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of visits organised by the Industrial Development Authority for foreign direct investors to each area here in June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30335/10]

I have been informed by IDA Ireland, that during the month of June 2010, there have been a total of 28 site visits by potential investors, to a variety of locations throughout the country. Details of the locations of those visits are set out in the tabular statement below.

Location

Louth

Cavan

Galway

Offaly

Westmeath

Cork

Dublin

Number of visits

1

1

4

1

4

1

16

Employment Support Services

Jack Wall

Question:

92 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if any review is planned of the Border, midland and western region from a geographical perspective to investigate possible areas (details supplied) that have lost industries or suffered from lay-offs recently with the view of providing stimulus packages or grant assistance for such areas to counteract such employment losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30433/10]

The composition of regions is not a matter for my Department. However, the position in relation to State aid is that aid for investment in companies in the various regions of Ireland must be in accordance with the Regional Aid Map 2007-13 approved by the European Commission. This Map was drawn up in accordance with the Commission's Regional Aid Guidelines. Under these Guidelines, Ireland was entitled to designate regions representing up to 50% of the population for regional aid. Ireland fully utilised this quota when drawing up the Map and there is no scope to designate further population areas. The Mid-East Region, which includes Kildare, was not designated as it was relatively more developed than other areas in the State. While the Mid-East region is not entitled to regional aid, undertakings in the region continue to qualify for other forms of State aid, including aid for small and medium-sized enterprises, aid for Research and Development and Training aid which are available in all areas.

Sustaining employment is a priority in the face of increasing unemployment. During 2009, Enterprise Ireland pursued a Sustaining Enterprise agenda that prioritised helping client companies through the economic crisis. Schemes such as the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund and Employment Subsidy Scheme were introduced to assist companies address the difficulties arising from the challenging trading conditions as a result of the recent recession. In addition, the agency is offering a range of New Funding Supports in 2010 including the Job Expansion Scheme, Lean Initiative Programmes, New Market Research Programmes and Key Manager Grants. In 2009 there were 173 Enterprise Ireland aided companies in Kildare and they employed approximately 5000 people.

The role of Kildare County Enterprise Board is to provide a source of support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The Board can support individuals, firms and community groups provided that the proposed project has the capacity to achieve commercial viability. The Board delivers a series of support programmes to underpin and to fulfil this role and can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The 2010 capital allocation for Kildare is €372,108, which is being used to promote enterprise development across the County including the areas of Castledermot, Athy, Monasterevin, Kildare, and Rathangan. At the end of 2009, there were 897.5 jobs existing in Kildare County Enterprise Board supported companies.

In March 2010, IDA Ireland published ‘Horizon 2020', its strategic document for attracting Foreign Direct Investment into Ireland in the coming decade. One of the high level goals set out in that strategy is that by 2014, 50% of all investments will be located outside Dublin and Cork. IDA's focused strategy for County Kildare has been to promote the county as part of an integrated East Region with access to a population base of 1.5 million people. County Kildare has in recent years attracted some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Wyeth Medica (now Pfizer), Braun, Hewlett Packard and Oral B. At present there are 26 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kildare employing approximately 9,131 people.

Job Creation

Jack Wall

Question:

93 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of employment opportunities created by Enterprise Ireland in Kildare South for each of the past five years; the level of funding or grant assistance involved for each year and each project; the proposals or plans that Enterprise Ireland has for the area for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30447/10]

The Enterprise Ireland employment figures are compiled annually in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey, the most up to date of which details employment figures until 2009. As the information is compiled on an annualised basis, the figures in respect of 2010 will not be available until 2011. Data is collected and collated at county level by the agency therefore it is not possible to provide information specifically for Kildare South. Details of the number of full time job gains in Enterprise Ireland assisted firms in County Kildare for each of the years between 2005 and 2009 is set out in the following tabular statement. Total grant assistance to Enterprise Ireland client companies in Kildare in the period in question amounted to amounted to €21,425,883, made up as follows, a total of €857,743 in 2005; €2.3m in 2006; almost €1.9m in 2007; €3.9m in 2008 and over €12m in 2009.

Companies in Kildare have also been supported both through the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund (ESF) and the Employment Subsidy Scheme, administered by Enterprise Ireland. These schemes were aimed at helping viable but vulnerable companies to survive the global downturn. To end of June 2010, there have been 9 projects valued at €7.6m approved in County Kildare under the ESF and since the launch of the Employment Subsidy Scheme in August 2009, approximately €2.8m has been approved for 36 companies located in County Kildare to date, with the result that these companies have committed to maintain 1,618 full time and 514 part time jobs to 30 November 2010. In 2010 Enterprise Ireland will focus on sustaining companies that will as the year progresses lead to these companies preparing for growth. Enterprise Ireland will place a strong focus on four key areas to achieve this i.e. maintaining and winning new sales, driving lean manufacturing, and competitiveness, promoting innovation, commercialisation and R&D and developing new start-up companies and fostering entrepreneurship.

Full time job gains in Enterprise Ireland assisted firms in County Kildare

County Kildare

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Full Time Job Gains

314

461

560

350

351

Source: 2009 Forfas Employment Figures.

Departmental Agencies

Jack Wall

Question:

94 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of itineraries organised by the Industrial Development Authority that visited Kildare South (details supplied) in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30449/10]

I am informed by IDA Ireland that the Agency tracks site visits on a county-by-county basis only. In the 5 year period from end June 2006 to end June 2010, there have been a total of 5 site visits to County Kildare. Details of the number of visits made in each of the years in question is set out in the tabular statement.

Table showing the number of site visits made by potential investors to County Kildare in the period end June 2006 to end June 2010.

Year

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Number of visits

0

1

1

1

2

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

95 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the measures he is taking to ensure that all public bodies under his remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right of recourse to the Ombudsman. [30461/10]

My Department has a Complaints Procedure in place since 2003, to deal with any complaints from members of the public about the level and standard of services my Department delivers, as outlined in our Customer Charter. My Department ensures that any complaint received from a member of the public is fully investigated and promptly responded to, and also ensures, where possible, that the cause giving rise to the complaint is rectified. In all cases, a designated Customer Complaints Officer is assigned to deal with the complaint in question. In addition, at all relevant stages of the complaints process, all complainants are advised of their statutory right to appeal the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman. My Department's published Complaints Procedure also has a dedicated section referring specifically to the Role of the Ombudsman, and provides complainants with all relevant details in relation to that Office. Similar procedures are also in place in relation to the Offices, under the aegis of my Department, that come under the remit of the Ombudsman legislation. I am not in a position to outline the position in relation to the State Agencies that come under the aegis of my Department, as this would be a day-to-day administrative matter for the Agencies concerned.

Work Permits

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

96 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to ensure a successful green card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) whose salary will be in excess of €60,000 and who will introduce the product specifics and unique expertise for what is hoped will quickly become a multi-outlet business with considerable employment prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30464/10]

My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits (Green Cards Permits, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant Permits and Intra-company Transfer Permits). All applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006. I wish to advise the Deputy that this application was refused on 23 June 2010 on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits for highly skilled, highly paid positions or, in respect of non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or, where there is an officially recognized scarcity of workers of a particular type or qualification. Furthermore, the Green Card Scheme is designed for high-level, strategic skill shortage occupations and the position on offer does not appear to fall within the Scheme. An appeal in respect of this decision was received in the Employment Permits Section on 5 July 2010. All appeals are dealt with in date of receipt order and the Appeals Officer is currently dealing with appeals received in the week beginning 22 March 2010. Therefore, a decision is not due on this appeal for another 10-12 weeks.

Industrial Development

Jack Wall

Question:

97 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has had meetings with the Industrial Development Authority in relation to lands within the agency’s remit with the view of ensuring that such lands are available for development; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a previous engagement between a local authority and the IDA (details supplied) was unsuccessful in obtaining an agreement as to the sale of the lands to ensure indigenous economic development in areas where such is urgently needed; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that it was due to the fact that the IDA wanted present day prices for lands unused since purchased in 1973 that no deal could be agreed to; and if he will seek to have this matter addressed. [30465/10]

The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas, and it is not a matter in which the Minister of the day has any involvement. I am informed by IDA that the IDA Board agreed to the sale of the Castledermot lands to Kildare County Council as far back as 2003, but the transaction was never finalised due to a failure in negotiations. IDA has been in constant contact with the council about these lands and the Council have again confirmed to IDA that they have no interest in acquiring these lands.

The IDA lands remain available to support economic development projects from any of the enterprise development agencies and the County Development Boards. Furthermore, any potential economic development project outside the remit of the above agencies would be considered by the IDA Board on a case by case basis. IDA is available at all times to discuss any such proposals. With regard to the question of land prices, all IDA land is valued by a panel of independent valuers, who are appointed consequent to a public tendering process. These valuers take cognisance of the prevailing circumstances in the property market at the time of any proposed sale. As IDA land is purchased with public monies, the Agency is bound to obtain a return on its investment.

Employment Statistics

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

98 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of persons employed in the aeronautics sector; the number that were employed in the aeronautics sector each year from 2005 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30511/10]

Data on the aeronautics sector is captured in the Forfás Annual Employment survey as part of the overall metals & engineering sector. Therefore there is no overall breakdown for the aeronautics sector for the industrial development agencies under the aegis of my Department.

As regards the indigenous aeronautics sector, there are 11 aerospace companies that are Enterprise Ireland clients, which can be considered as aeronautical companies. Employment in this group amounted to 185 by the end of 2009, 170 at end 2008, 130 at end 2007, 110 at end 2006 and 67 at end 2005. IDA Ireland has a small number of client companies operating in the aerospace sector. The number of people in permanent employment in those companies was 1242 in 2009, 2056 in 2008, 2158 in 2007, 2013 in 2006 and 1833 in 2005. I understand from Shannon Development that the employment in the aerospace sector supported by the agency was 1747 in 2009, 1743 in 2008, 1621 in 2007, 1633 in 2006 and 1727 in 2005.

Departmental Staff

Enda Kenny

Question:

99 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of staff that have transferred from the labour services unit and those dealing with FÁS to the Department of Education and Skills since responsibility has been transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30644/10]

The number of staff that transferred to the Department of Education and Skills from Labour Force Development Division, including those staff dealing with FÁS was 24.8 full time equivalents. A further 6 staff transferred from the European Social Fund Financial Control Unit to the Department of Education and Skills in line with the Taoiseach's recent restructuring announcement.

Job Creation

Tom Hayes

Question:

100 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans for south Tipperary in terms of job creation measures; the key industries he has focused on for south Tipperary; if a unique policy has been drafted to encourage trade and innovation to the area; the role the Tipperary Institute can play in attracting jobs; the number of Industrial Development Authority jobs that have been created in south Tipperary each year since 2005 and to date in 2010; the meetings that he has had with the IDA to attract jobs to south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30648/10]

The industrial development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, and the Tipperary South County Enterprise Board, which function under the aegis of my Department, are responsible for investment and enterprise development in South Tipperary and, through their activities to achieve job creation. Following announcements of significant job losses in South Tipperary, the County Manager, in 2008, convened a task force to respond to any downsizing and closures in the county. It has met a number of times over the past two years and convenes as necessary to respond to jobs crises in the region. Enterprise Ireland has been an active member on this task force, along with FÁS, IDA Ireland, the South Tipperary County Enterprise Board, Tipperary Institute and Tipperary County Council.

Enterprise Ireland continues to foster job creation in Tipperary South through the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in setting up new High Potential Start-Up companies and the retention and creation of new jobs in existing client companies. The agency is enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland, at a national and regional level, through support of research in companies and third level institutions.

Enterprise Ireland supports the Enterprise Platform Programme, a one-year incubation programme designed to provide hands-on support and management development for entrepreneurs wanting to set up their own business, by funding eligible participants to attend. The programme includes expertise from Waterford Institute of Technology, Tipperary Institute and external consultants. Enterprise Ireland works with interested parties from South Tipperary and refers them to this programme. The South-East EPP Programme for 2009-2010 started in September 2009 and recruitment for the 2010-2011 programme is currently underway. Enterprise Ireland has also engaged with Tipperary Institute in Clonmel to discuss how they can encourage entrepreneurship.

The role of Tipperary South County Enterprise Board is to provide support for the micro-enterprise sector in the start-up and expansion phases at a local level throughout South Tipperary. The core activities of the Board include the provision of financial interventions to support business development, the provision of business advice and mentoring, the delivery of programmes aimed at improving the skills of owner managers so as to assist business survival rates and facilitate future growth, creating local enterprise awareness and developing an enterprise culture.

The forms of available financial assistance, subject to certain eligibility criteria, include the priming grant, the business expansion/development grant and the feasibility/innovation grant. The latter is available to micro-enterprises to assist with the cost of necessary pre-start up studies carried out for the purposes of assessing market interest in or demand for a proposed new product or service, the appropriateness of the associated funding plans, the general viability and sustainability of the venture and assistance with innovation.

The number of jobs created in IDA supported companies in South Tipperary in 2009 was 252, in 2008 was 262, in 2007 was 604, in 2006 was 233 and in 2005 was 56. The figures for 2010 will not be available until the end of this year. Since becoming Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, I have had meetings with both the Chairman and the CEO of IDA Ireland to discuss all aspects of foreign direct investment. In marketing South Tipperary for new foreign direct investment, IDA Ireland is focused on attracting overseas companies in the services and knowledge based industries, including advanced manufacturing. The future development of the Ballingarrane Estate in Clonmel incorporating an IDA Business Park and Tipperary Institute will be a key asset in the quest for further overseas investment in the County. In addition, IDA continues to invest in existing companies in the region, through research and development investment and other schemes, to maintain and grow jobs in those companies. The key industry sector for South Tipperary is life sciences, which accounts for almost 90% of employment.

IDA Ireland continues to work closely with third level educational institutions in the region so that the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county are being developed. Tipperary Institute and Waterford Institute of Technology are key resources that will be critical to attracting and maintaining overseas companies in the county. The recently announced integration of Tipperary Institute and Limerick Institute of Technology will create a significantly enlarged third level institution that will enhance higher education opportunities throughout Tipperary and surrounding counties.

Industrial Development

Mary Upton

Question:

101 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will provide an overview of the video game industry here; if he will provide a list of the companies located here working in this industry; the total employment in the sector; the estimated net benefit to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30654/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

102 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on whether the video game industry could benefit from direct oversight by a semi-State agency in order to assist growth in this market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30655/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

103 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the supports for video game companies here; the way in which these compare to our international rivals, particularly Canada, France and the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30656/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 103, inclusive, together.

The industrial development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, and the City and County Enterprise Boards, which are under the aegis of my Department, are the bodies responsible for investment and enterprise development across a broad range of sectors, including the video game and related industries. The majority of Enterprise Ireland clients in the indigenous games sector are established less than 10 years and the potential for growth is strong. Additionally, a growing number of start-up companies are also focused around the Internet.

Statistics for the video game sub-sector are incorporated within Enterprise Ireland in the broader digital sector encompassing communication, health, media, entertainment, education, and financial companies. The digital sector consists of approximately 350 Enterprise Ireland client companies. Approximately 60 companies have a high profile and have closed significant deals with large telecom operators and media/entertainment companies. An opportunity exists to deliver supports to management teams on business opportunities and exploit the key areas of high potential growth for the next 3-5 years.

Irish companies in the games sector include KORE, Zamano, Selatra, Trust5, Silly Goose, Tribal City, Dark Water, Steve Trout & Smith, Red Wind, Marino Software, Ideal Binary, Mercury Girl, Eclipic Labs, Blue Aura, Magnosphere and Breakout Games. Multinational firms purchased a number of other Irish companies. An emerging trend is the massively multiplayer online role-playing games, casual games and funware games and Enterprise Ireland is working closely with start-up companies in these areas. The business models for the majority of social gaming is Freemium, which means initially free to use with revenue coming from virtual gifts to enhance game play and with a fee for the higher levels or more intense play. Advertising is also an additional revenue stream.

Enterprise Ireland has funded or co-funded the majority of incubator and hub space in Ireland for early stage business. Incubator space for start-ups in the Gaming/Entertainment is focused in Dublin and provided by the Digital Depot and Media Cube. Both centres provide spaces for over 50 digital related companies.

Enterprise Ireland is the agency tasked with supporting indigenous companies across a variety of sectors and in relation to the Digital Sector, the agency provides funding support to third level institutions, start-up and established companies. Specific support to individual companies includes research and development grants for technology development, support for management development and key hires, support for implementing lean processes, for market assessment and for attending specific trade shows and support for working with Business Accelerators in key markets. At the start up stage, Enterprise Ireland can invest by way of equity in the companies and over the last number of years a vibrant venture capital market has been developed to invest in early stage start-ups. Overall, the agency's comprehensive suite of supports compares favourably with competitor countries.

In relation to foreign owned companies, Ireland is well positioned to become a leading player as an international centre for games companies. The marriage of computing communications, content and consumer electronics is creating many opportunities, but is also blurring the boundaries between market sectors and is proving to be a powerful force for innovation and change. Of the overseas companies located in Ireland, many work across multiple platforms. A number of companies are publishers setting up localisation and support centres for their European games sales such as, companies like Microsoft and Activision/Blizzard. Indeed, in the case of GALA Networks, they have set up their European publishing Headquarters. There is also a strong presence from casual games companies such as PopCap, BigFish, and Crowdstar. Joining this list is GameStop, which recently acquired the Irish company Jolt. Other companies include Intel / Havok and Electronic Arts.

IDA Ireland offers a wide range of supports both financial and non-financial to companies in the games industry seeking to establish in Ireland. The agency monitors competitor countries such as the UK, Canada and France and their product offerings and the Agency is confident that Ireland is an attractive location for overseas games companies to service and grow their European and international operations. There are approximately 20 overseas and indigenous companies employing 1,500 people in the video games industry sector representing growth of more than 400% since 2002 and the potential for future growth continues to be strong.

Job Creation

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

104 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps that he is taking to create employment initiatives in the Tallaght area of Dublin in view of the concerns of this Deputy and others; if he will confirm the contacts being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30676/10]

The industrial development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, and the South Dublin County Enterprise Board under the aegis of my Department, are responsible for investment and enterprise development in the Tallaght area and the activities carried out to achieve these objectives result in job creation. Since 2008, Enterprise Ireland has made payments of over €24 million to client companies in the Tallaght and South Dublin region. The agency actively engages with client companies and has a number of supports and initiatives in place to assist them. In addition, the agency is offering a range of new funding supports in 2010 such as the Job Expansion Scheme, the Lean Initiative Programmes, New Market Research Programmes, Key Manager Grants as well as the continuation of the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund.

The role of South Dublin County Enterprise Board is to provide a source of support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The Board can support individuals, firms and community groups provided that the proposed project has the capacity to achieve commercial viability. The Board delivers a series of support programmes to fulfil this role, and provides both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter.

Tallaght and South County Dublin are well equipped to compete with other areas for potential Foreign Direct Investment, with superb infrastructure facilities at City West and Grange Castle and a Third Level Institute of Technology at Tallaght. Both of these business parks are easily accessible to the population of Tallaght. In 2009, Pfizer merged with the Wyeth Corporation. The former Wyeth Biotech Campus at Grange Castle, Clondalkin is now Pfizer's largest investment in Ireland — a €1.8 billion biopharmaceutical campus located in South County Dublin. Over 1,220 full time employees work at Grange Castle, which is part of the Pfizer Specialty and Biotech manufacturing network. The agency works closely with the Pfizer Company to encourage additional development and expansion.

Last September, Microsoft opened its new "mega" data centre, a 303,000 sq-foot facility in the City West Business Campus. The investment in the facility is part of Microsoft's long-term commitment to the region. This site will be the infrastructural hub for online services and cloud computing across Microsoft. In May of this year, SAP commenced recruitment of 75 additional jobs at its City West facility bringing the employment figure to over 1,000 at the campus. The industrial development agencies and the County Enterprise Board will continue to promote the Tallaght area for investment and enterprise development and there is a concerted effort by IDA to promote South County Dublin to potential overseas investors. These activities will drive job creation in the Tallaght area.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis or funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30770/10]

The following outlines my Department's practice with regard to internal staff transfers and requests from staff for relocation or exchange.

(i) My Department has a long-standing policy of affording staff the opportunity to experience different types of work in order to further their career development. The objective of the staff mobility policy operating within the Department is to help staff develop their full potential in a systematic way while also meeting the business needs of the Department. Internal staff transfer requests are facilitated in line with this policy.

(ii) Staff at Clerical Officer and Staff Officer grades may apply to transfer to another Department in an established provincial location through the Central Transfer List, which is operated by the Personnel Section in my Department. Staff can make application to the Personnel Section outlining their location preferences and are facilitated as much as possible. However, this is dependant on the business needs of the Department at any given time. Seven staff transferred out of the Department via the Central Transfer List in the past three years.

(iii) A staff member at any grade up to Principal Officer who wishes to transfer to another Government Department must identify an officer of the same grade in the other Department who is willing to exchange positions. Such exchanges can only take place with the agreement of the Personnel Officers in both Departments. Two such transfers occurred in the past three years.

(iv) Staff may apply to decentralise to their chosen location through the Central Applications Facility, which is administered by the Public Appointments Service. The following table outlines the number of staff who were approved for transfer to a decentralised location:

2007

2008

2009

2010 to date

76

16

16

13

In relation to (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, my Department has not rejected any applications for transfer from staff in the past three years to date. The question as it relates to other bodies or agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for the bodies and agencies concerned and I have no function in the matter.

Phil Hogan

Question:

106 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the Estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31676/10]

The allocation for training civil servants in my Department's Estimates for 2010 is €611,000. This allocation is intended to cover all training and development activities including training delivered in-house; attendance of staff at relevant external training courses, seminars and conferences; and refunds of fees made to staff who participate, in their own time, in approved Third Level courses of study. At the end of June, €50,587 had been expended.

The training and development needs of the Department are determined through the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) which seeks to ensure that the business needs of the Department are met through ensuring that staff have the appropriate skills to best deliver on those needs. A lower than expected spend thus far in 2010 is primarily due to the reduction in staff numbers and the difficulty that many business units of the Department have in releasing staff for training courses at a time of depleted resources.

As is normally the case, spending requirements in all areas of my Department's Administrative Budget are carefully controlled and monitored throughout the year. However it is too early at this stage to determine what, if any, level of savings might arise on the Department's training budget for the year as a whole. In the area of training in particular it is not unusual that spending increases in the latter half of the year due, for example, to the refund of fees at the end of the academic year.

Architectural Heritage

Arthur Morgan

Question:

107 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to plans in relation to the development of Doe Castle and its grounds in County Donegal as a tourist attraction; the details of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30353/10]

Doe Castle, Co Donegal has been in State ownership since 1932. Programmes of works have been carried out on the castle from the 1960s culminating with an extensive programme of conservation works between 1996 and 2002. The grounds of Doe Castle are opened daily (7 days) by the Caretaker between 09.30a.m and 6.00p.m. During the months of June, July, August and September the door to the tower house is open allowing access to the ground floor. The grounds of Doe Castle are accessible year round and car parking is available.

Public Sector Staff

Phil Hogan

Question:

108 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that public servants are encouraged to advance their careers through commitment to a programme of continuing professional development in view of the changes and reforms that the Croke Park agreement will involve for the public sector; his views on whether such a continuing professional development scheme will be beneficial in view of the need to develop specialist skills within the public sector and in view of the widespread development of CPD across a range of employments in the State aimed at enhancing performance, service delivery and effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30432/10]

Phil Hogan

Question:

126 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the measures and initiatives he will be taking in view of the agreement to implement the Croke Park agreement to ensure that public servants are equipped with the skills and perspectives through training and upskilling to adapt to the requirements of the public service reform programme; if he is allocating a specific budget to achieve this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30430/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 126 together.

The Government is committed to the ongoing training, upskilling and development of the staff of the Public Service to ensure that the changes envisaged not only by the Croke Park Agreement but also the Transforming Public Service agenda are implemented. This commitment is part of its long term policy of supporting the development of all staff, across the Public Service with a view to enhancing the overall level of core workplace skills and in turn the performance of organisations. Specific training and development needs are generally advised in the first instance within a performance management context, such as the Performance Management & Development System in the Civil Service and Local Authorities. Training and development needs that are identified can be addressed in a number of ways such as on-the-job training, coaching, targeted training courses using internal and external providers and self managed learning.

Training and development needs will vary across the Public Service depending on the particular needs of different sectors. Specific budgets are provided depending on the sector. For example, within the Civil Service 4% of salaries is devoted to learning and development. Existing training programmes are currently being refined and developed. I am particularly keen to advance continuing training and upskilling within the Civil Service. I recently announced the establishment of the Senior Public Service which is to be commenced in the Civil Service before extending to the wider Public Service. I can confirm to the Deputy that the Senior Service will involve a developmental as well as mobility element. Achieving improved performance of individuals across the Public Service through appropriate relevant training and development has always been, and will continue to be, an integral element of ensuring the effectiveness and ongoing improvement of the delivery of services to the taxpayer.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

109 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many street markets operating around the country are illegally selling tobacco and other products; the steps he will take to ensure that illegal traders at street market level are adequately penalised for breaking the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30619/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that procedures are in place to confront the problem of illegal selling of tobacco products in street markets. There is close co-operation with An Garda Síochána and multi-agency operations are mounted where appropriate to detect the distribution and sale of illicit tobacco products. In December 2007, the Revenue Commissioners commenced an operation codenamed "Operation Downstream" which specifically targets the sale of illegal tobacco products at "inland" locations. As part of this operation, Revenue enforcement officers regularly conduct checks at street markets. The number of detections of illegal cigarettes made at inland locations under Operation Downstream is as follows:

Year

Number of seizures

Number of cigarettes seized

2007 (December only)

12

1.0m

2008

128

6.4m

2009

284

9.7m

2010 (to date)

116

3.7m

In 2009, 165 convictions were obtained for smuggling and selling untaxed cigarettes, of which 146 related to cigarette smuggling and 19 related to the sale of untaxed cigarettes. With regard to legislation, the penalties for tobacco offences were significantly increased in the Finance Act 2010. The penalties on summary conviction for evasion of duties remain at €5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, while the penalties for conviction on indictment were increased from €12,695 to €126,950 or up to three times the duty paid value of the goods, whichever is the greater, and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Departmental Reports

Finian McGrath

Question:

110 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [30268/10]

The Deputy's corespondent seems to be asking how many of the recommendations in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes have been acted upon and how many of these recommendations were originated by the Special Group. The answer is that all of the recommendations originate from the exercise conducted by the Special Group although many would, in the normal course of affairs, have been surfaced before. Of the 289 recommendations made by the Special Group, to date 42 are being implemented in full and 103 in part. The Report of the Special Group remains under consideration in respect of all its recommendations.

Tax Collection

Dan Neville

Question:

111 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if an application for an income levy repayment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be expedited. [30271/10]

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a refund of the Income Levy in the amount of €599.69 issued for payment to the bank account of the applicant on 3 June 2010.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

112 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30280/10]

The amount paid by my Department in respect of carbon offsets for commercial flights undertaken for official travel by both the Minister for Finance and Minister of State at the Department of Finance for the period 14 June 2007 to 31 December 2009 are set out in the table.

Period

Ministerial Travel total spend on carbon offsets

Minister of States Travel total spend on carbon offsets

14 June 2007 to 31 December 2008

83

163.00

2009

Nil

30.00

Carbon Offsets for 2007 and 2008 flights were paid in 2009, and carbon offsets for 2009 flights were paid in 2010. Flights taken in 2010 will not be offset until the first quarter of 2011. Payments for carbon offsets, in respect flights taken by the Minister of State, were also made by the Office of Public Works. For official flights taken in 2009 the offsetting costs in respect of the Minister of State came to €36.23. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they do not have an individual breakdown of air miles travelled by the Minister of State for the period 14 June 2007 to 31 December 2008 and therefore do not have an individual offset cost for the Minister of State's travel during this period.

The offsetting costs of all travel by Government Ministers and civil servants on the Government Jet are paid by the Department of the Taoiseach. Monies for carbon offsets are paid into an offsetting fund which is administered by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). Investments by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership on Ireland's behalf will focus on the purchase of Gold Standard carbon credits generated by small-scale activities/projects in Ireland's Priority Oversees Development Aid countries in Africa.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

113 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30295/10]

The costs of flights for staff headquartered in my Department's decentralised office in Tullamore in connection with events or meetings in Brussels, and which were charged to the Vote in the years in question, were as follows:

Year

2008

2009

2010 (to date)

1,855.51

355.72

105.66

Other travel and subsistence costs in respect of travel to events or meetings in Dublin and Brussels, which were paid to 88 staff headquartered in Tullamore in the years in question, were as follows:

Year

2008

2009

2010 (to date)

96,264.38

57,844.66

20,784.97

The costs of flights to Brussels would arise regardless of the location of the staff. Similarly, subsistence and accommodation costs for staff, which arise while they are in Brussels, are not dependent on the headquarters of the staff in Ireland.

Joan Burton

Question:

114 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30310/10]

The below table sets out the total spend by my Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010.

Year

Amount

2009

56,734.90

2010 (to date)

10,114.00

Banking Sector Regulation

Denis Naughten

Question:

115 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance in view of annual results of Anglo Irish Bank, which stated that the Irish Central Bank had a master loan repurchase agreement with the bank worth €11.5 billion if he will outline lending assets which this loan was secured upon; if they are development land or investment properties; when the facility was approved by the Central Bank; if the collateral extended on the loan differs to the collateral accepted by the European Central Bank; if the facility was approved by him and when; the current exposure for the Irish Central Bank from the MLRA: his plans, if any, to write off part or all of the principal; the measures which have been put in place to ensure repayment in full; the way the facility has been accounted for in the financial accounts of the Central Bank; if consideration has been given to the treatment of the loan should Anglo Irish Bank be split; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30318/10]

As the Deputy is aware arrangements in relation to exceptional liquidity assistance (ELA) are generally between the Central Bank and financial institutions concerned. However, the Central Bank has informed me that similar to other central banks, the Central Bank of Ireland can supply ELA to institutions when that is judged necessary. This facility is not part of regular monetary policy operations. The Bank does not comment on operations undertaken with individual institutions. ELA is only extended where it is collateralised. Because of the nature of this Special Liquidity Facility i.e. it is not part of regular Eurosystem monetary policy operations; it is recorded under the "Other Assets" category in the Balance Sheet of the Central Bank.

The Report and Accounts of Anglo Irish Bank for the financial period ending 31 December 2009 referred to a short term liquidity facility arranged through the Central Bank of Ireland in 2009 that amounted to €11.5bn at 31 December 2009. The Notes to the accounts (Note 37) state that the necessary collateral is derived from the Bank's customer lending assets. Further, Note 27 of the accounts, under the heading of ‘Loans assigned as collateral', outlines that loans with a carrying value of €12.49bn have been assigned as collateral under a Master Loan Repurchase Agreement with the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland. The Bank does not report on the split between development and investment loans. However, Note 27 of the relevant accounts does provide further disclosure in relation to the composition if the Bank's loan book.

The European Central Bank could accept similar collateral, but not the same collateral, once the loans were suitably structured in an eligible security. Further, there are no plans to write off any part of the principle involved and the amount outstanding under this facility is likely to be reduced by the receipt by NAMA bonds following the transfer of assets to NAMA and by other funding flows in the course of this year. In addition, I do expect that the bank's longer term funding requirements will be addressed in the context of the EU Commission decision on the revised business plan submitted at the end of May and which is due in July or August.

National Asset Management Agency

Joan Burton

Question:

116 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to publish the revised National Asset Management Agency business plan. [30320/10]

The NAMA business plan is a matter for the Board of NAMA. It was published by NAMA yesterday, 06 July 2010, on the NAMA website. I laid copies of the report before both Houses of the Oireachtas and arranged for copies to be sent to each Deputy and Senator.

Joan Burton

Question:

117 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance when he plans to lay before the Oireachtas and to publish the first National Assets Management Agency quarterly report. [30321/10]

The first quarterly report was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and published yesterday, 06 July 2010.

Departmental Properties

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

118 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 30 June 2010 the landlords to whom the State pays ground rent for the properties; and the annual rent in each case. [30325/10]

Having regard to the properties listed in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 30th June 2010 on Ground Rent payable, the attached report schedules the Landlords to whom the State pays Ground Rent for the properties concerned and the associated annual rent in each case. A property will appear more than once in the report where multiple Ground Rents apply.

County

Property Name

Rent PA

Landlord Details

CARLOW

Carlow Agriculture Office

6.98

Carlow Town Council, Town Hall, Carlow, Co. Carlow

CAVAN

Swanlinbar Garda Station + Customs Post

25.39

Bridget McGoldrick, Carramore, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan

CLARE

Lissycasey Garda Station

5.71

Patricia Lynch, Lisseycasey, Ennis, Co. Clare

CORK

Cobh Custom House

4.39

Col W P H Rushbrooke (Deceased), c/o Ronan Daly Jermyn & Co Sol, 12 South Mall, Cork

CORK

Cork Custom House

468.83

Mrs. B J Knights, 19 King Alfred Place, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7F, England

CORK

Cork Custom House

574.32

Ms. Bevan, West Wrattins, West Wrattins Hall, Cambridge, England

CORK

Cork Customs and Excise Parnell Place

66.03

Mrs. Gillian Leonard, 3 Dornden Park, Booterstown, Co. Dublin

CORK

Crosshaven Garda Station & Houses Complex

19.05

Dovey International, Charlemont Buildings, Rochestown, Cork

CORK

Fermoy Garda Station

22.63

Fermoy Estates, c/o Anthony Carroll & Co Solicitors, Carlton House, Fermoy, Co. Cork

CORK

Glengarriff/Garinish

101.58

Executors of Garde Estate, c/o M J McCarthy & Son, 15 South Mall, Cork

CORK

MacCurtain Street Garda Station

28.53

Thomas Crosbie & Co Ltd., Patrick Street, Cork

CORK

Youghal Former Military Barracks

7.07

Thomas Farrell Estate, c/o M J McCarthy & Son, 15 South Mall, Cork

CORK

Youghal Former Military Barracks

39.07

Daniel J Hamilton, c/o Barry M O’Meara & Son Solicitors, 18 South Mall, Cork

DONEGAL

Bundoran Garda Station

25.39

Trustees of the Will of Simon Sheil, c/o Donal Gallagher Solicitors, Donegal Town

DONEGAL

Kilmacrennan Garda Station

5.08

Earl of Leitrim, Mulroy, Carrigart, Co. Donegal

DUBLIN

Abbotstown Farm

2.34

Fitxwilliam Land Securities Ltd., 57 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Botanic Gardens

24.90

Birdfield Securities Ltd., 24 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Botanic Gardens

78.91

Birdfield Securities Ltd., 24 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Botanic Gardens

146.02

North Presentation Convent, Gerald Griffin Street, Cork

DUBLIN

Burgh Quay 13-14

177.76

Irish Press PLC, 7 Clanwilliam Terrace, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Burlington Road 10

1.21

Earl of Pembroke, c/o Pembroke Estates Management Ltd., 17 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

County

Property Name

Rent PA

Landlord Details

DUBLIN

Cathal Brugha Barracks

25.39

The Secretary, Kilruddery Farms, Kilruddery, Bray, Co. Wicklow

DUBLIN

Cathal Brugha Barracks

275.73

The Secretary, Kilruddery Farms, Kilruddery, Bray, Co. Wicklow

DUBLIN

Cathal Brugha Barracks

419.36

Sweetman Estate, Ambarron Farm, Sandhurst, Berks, England

DUBLIN

Dublin Castle

7.33

Dublin Corporation Rentals, Block 3, Floor 3, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8

DUBLIN

Dublin Castle

21.33

Representatives of R T Harris Estate, c/o Robert A Mullan & Son Solicitors, 9 Trevor Hill, Newry, Co. Down

DUBLIN

Dublin Castle

28.38

R T Harris Trust, Executor of Estate, R T Harris (Deceased)

DUBLIN

Dundrum Central Mental Hospital

59.58

Gwendoline Guilford, 21 Kilcolman Court, Glenageary, Co. Dublin

DUBLIN

Fitzwilliam Place 31

19.68

Earl of Pembroke, c/o Pembroke Estates Management Ltd., 17 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Four Courts

220.27

The Hon Society of Kings Inns, Henrietta Street, Dublin 1

DUBLIN

Government Buildings

3.52

Duke of Leinster, c/o Huggard & Brennan Solicitors, 2 Rowe Street, Wexford

DUBLIN

Government Buildings

4.49

Duke of Leinster, c/o Huggard & Brennan Solicitors, 2 Rowe Street, Wexford

DUBLIN

Kildare Street 23-28

7.29

D M Murphy & A Freyne, c/o Corrigan & Corrigan Solicitors, 3 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Kildare Street 23-28

7.62

D M Murphy & A Freyne, c/o Corrigan & Corrigan Solicitors, 3 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Kildare Street 23-28

18.20

D M Murphy & A Freyne, c/o Corrigan & Corrigan Solicitors, 3 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Kildare Street 23-28

47.04

Very Rev Paul F Fitzgerald, c/o Reddy Charlton & McKnight Solicitors, 12 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Kildare Street 4-5

13.42

Duke of Leinster, c/o Huggard & Brennan Solicitors, 2 Rowe Street, Wexford

County

Property Name

Rent PA

Landlord Details

DUBLIN

Kildare Street 4-5

14.44

Duke of Leinster, c/o Huggard & Brennan Solicitors, 2 Rowe Street, Wexford

DUBLIN

Merrion Row 7-9

63.49

Simon Broadhead, 39 Sydney Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

DUBLIN

Merrion Row 7-9

87.03

First Management, 16 Wellington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

DUBLIN

Merrion Square 16

69.84

Pembroke Estates Management Ltd., 17 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Merrion Square 5

69.84

Earl of Pembroke, c/o Pembroke Estates Management Ltd., 17 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Merrion Square 6A

31.74

The Trustees George Simpson Hospital, Wyckham, Ballinteer Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14

DUBLIN

Merrion Street Upper 14-16

116.42

Bank of Ireland Group Property, Finance and Operations, Nassau House, 33-35 Nassau Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

O’Connell Street Upper 11-13

63.69

Fitzwilliam Land Securities Ltd., 57 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

O’Connell Street Upper 11-13

230.20

Executors of Coyne Estate, c/o Jean Burrows, Laharde, Whitegate, Co. Cork

DUBLIN

O’Connell Street Upper 14-15

176.98

M.D Pennefather, c/o Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Innisfail, Queensland, Australia

DUBLIN

O’Connell Street Upper 44

76.18

Earnest Preston, Silverwood, Dromin, Dunleer, Co. Louth

DUBLIN

St. Stephen’s Green 50-51

161.42

J H J Thacker & Others, c/o Arthur F Bennett & Co. Solicitors, 22 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

St. Stephen’s Green 50-51

258.14

Mrs. W C Kennedy & Mrs. H D Wood, c/o Casey Estate, Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors, 30 Herbert Street

DUBLIN

St. Stephen’s Green 78-81

0.55

Governors of King Charles II, c/o The Bursar, The Kings Hospital, Palmerstown

DUBLIN

St. Stephen’s Green 78-81

165.07

The Bursar, The Kings Hospital, Palmerstown, Dublin 20

DUBLIN

St. Stephen’s Green 78-81

257.76

Mrs. Julia Hely-Hutchinson, c/o Reeves Solicitors, 28-30 Burlington Road, Dublin 4

DUBLIN

Terenure Garda Station

36.62

Stanley Siev Solicitor, George’s Chambers, 31 Aungier Street, Dublin 2

DUBLIN

Thomas Lane 1-2

72.38

Tadgh Gleeson, Brookhill, Fethard, Co. Tipperary

County

Property Name

Rent PA

Landlord Details

GALWAY

Furbo

1.27

Udaras na Gaeltachta, Na Forbacha, Co. Galway

KERRY

Killarney National Park

66.66

R W Boyle, 42 Eland Road, London SW11 5J7, England

KERRY

Killarney National Park

105.40

Lake Hotel Ltd., Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry

KERRY

Tralee Godfrey Place

76.18

Thomas J O’Brien & Robert J O’Brien, Ballyvelly, Tralee, Co. Kerry

KERRY

Tralee High Street

3.31

Executors of Finnerty Estate, c/o Hudson & Browne Solicitors, 2 Princes Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry

LAOIS

Portlaoise Site

128.00

IDA Ireland, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2

LIMERICK

Limerick Custom House

26.96

James Dundon, 2 Silchester Park, Glenageary, Co. Dublin

LIMERICK

Limerick Custom House

62.51

Representatives of Admiral Whyte, c/o Security Estate Management Ltd., 85 O’Connell Street, Limerick

LIMERICK

Limerick Henry/Cecil/Glentworth

64.12

Sisters of Mercy, Loreto House, Convent Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

LIMERICK

Limerick Henry/Cecil/Glentworth

64.52

Desmond J Devane, c/o O’Donnell Dundon & Co Solicitors, 101-102 O’Connell Street, Limerick

LIMERICK

Limerick Henry/Cecil/Glentworth

68.77

Mrs. M McCarthy, Rosheen, Orwell Park, Rathgar, Dublin 6

LIMERICK

Limerick Mallow Street

33.48

Ulster Bank, 95 O’Connell Street, Limerick RSPCA

LIMERICK

Limerick O’Curry Street

31.74

Shannon Foynes Port Co., Harbour Office, Foynes, Co. Limerick

LOUTH

Drogheda Government Offices

29.29

Trustees of Leighs Charity, c/o McKeever Taylor & Son Solicitors, 34-35 Laurence Street, Drogheda

OFFALY

Birr Garda Station

76.18

Captain T B Hackett, Kilmoney Cottage, Carrigaline, Co. Cork

WATERFORD

Waterford Catherine Street 13

12.70

Richard Bayly, Bayly Estates, c/o O’Doherty Warren & Associates Solicitors, Melrose Charlotte Row, Gorey, Co. Wexford

WATERFORD

Waterford Catherine Street 3

13.97

Bayly Estates, c/o O’Doherty Warren & Associates Solicitors, Melrose Charlotte Row, Gorey, Co. Wexford

WEXFORD

New Ross Former Garda Station

25.39

Governor & Co of Bank of Ireland & Robert G Tottenham, Mount Callan, Co. Clare

WEXFORD

Wexford Anne Street

181.23

T G Robert Hughes, Ballycross, Co. Wexford

Departmental Agencies

Damien English

Question:

119 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the role of the Chief Boundary Surveyor; the legislation prescribing his functions; his current level of remuneration; his output in the year 2009; the necessity for both his role and that of Ordnance Survey Ireland; his future plans for that office; and if the Chief Boundary Surveyor has completed the duties bestowed upon him by the Navan Town Boundary Alteration (Supplementary) Order 2009, SI 137 of 2009. [30333/10]

The Chief Boundary Surveyor is a statutory officer appointed by the Minister for Finance pursuant to Section 1 of the, Boundary Survey (Ireland) Act, 1854. The office is combined with, though subsidiary to, that of Commissioner of Valuation. The level of remuneration paid to the occupier of the combined offices is equivalent to that of Assistant Secretary in the Civil Service. The Commissioner of Valuation /Chief Boundary Surveyor also performs the function of Chief Executive Officer of the Valuation Office.

The role of the Chief Boundary Surveyor is to fix maritime and internal boundaries for public purposes in accordance with the provisions of the Boundary Survey (Ireland) Acts, 1854, 1857 and 1859. In the case of maritime boundaries, he revises the land boundaries of counties and their constituent denominations, such as baronies, parishes and townlands, following the reclamation of land from the sea and in the case of internal boundaries, he revises land boundaries requiring to be surveyed and determined arising from changes to town, borough and city borough boundaries under Local Government legislation. During 2009, The Chief Boundary Surveyor was required to deal with two boundary changes relating to the towns of Balbriggan and Navan. On 1st May, 2009, he determined the new boundaries of Balbriggan Town in accordance with the terms of the Balbriggan Town Boundary Alteration (Supplementary) Order, 2009 and on 4th June, 2009, he determined the new boundaries of Navan Town in accordance with the provisions of the Navan Town Boundary Alteration (Supplementary) Order, 2009.

In his statutory role, under the Boundary Survey Acts, the Chief Boundary Surveyor receives the necessary technical support of Ordnance Survey Ireland in the performance of his duties in determining statutory boundaries and in the delineation of such boundaries on maps. As the State mapping agency, the primary function of Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI), under its founding legislation — Ordnance Survey Ireland Act, 2001 — is to create and maintain the definitive national mapping and related geographic records of the State. It has also developed a commercial business which makes a significant contribution to the national geographic information industry. Its role does not include the defining of legal land and maritime boundaries, that being the statutory prerogative of the Chief Boundary Surveyor.

The Chief Boundary Surveyor fulfilled his obligations as required under section 13 of the Navan Town Boundary Alteration (Supplementary) Order, 2009 on 4th June, 2009 by preparing, signing and sealing four copies of the map attached to the Order, showing the relevant areas and the altered boundary of Navan Town. The copies of the official map were then deposited with the offices of the Town Council of Navan, the offices of the County Council of Meath and the office of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Local Authority Funding

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

120 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of the total income tax take that is spent on local authority services. [30407/10]

Income tax receipts were 13,177 million euro in 2008 and 11,835 million euro in 2009. The forecast for 2010 is income tax receipts of 11,530 million euro.

I understand from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that the Local Government sector was responsible for a total current expenditure of some 5.1 billion euro in 2008. Local authorities receive current funding from General Purpose Grants from the Local Government Fund (20% of funding in 2008), income from rates on commercial premises (27%), local charges (28%) and specific Government grants (23%).

The Local Government Fund is financed by the full proceeds of motor tax and an Exchequer contribution. The Exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund in 2008 was 548.7 million euro, in 2009 was 443 million euro and there is an allocation of 226.4 million euro in 2010.

As the proceeds of income tax are not ringfenced for particular expenditure, it is not possible to calculate the percentage of the total income tax take that is spent on local authority services, either through the Exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund or the provision of specific Government grants.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

121 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of the general tax take that is spent on local authority services. [30408/10]

Total tax receipts were 40,777 million euro in 2008 and 33,043 million euro in 2009. The forecast for 2010 is total tax receipts of 31,050 million euro.

I understand from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that the Local Government sector was responsible for a total current expenditure of some 5.1 billion euro in 2008. Local authorities receive current funding from General Purpose Grants from the Local Government Fund (20% of funding in 2008), income from rates on commercial premises (27%), local charges (28%) and specific Government grants (23%).

The Local Government Fund is financed by the full proceeds of motor tax and an Exchequer contribution. The Exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund in 2008 was 548.7 million euro, in 2009 was 443 million euro and there is an allocation of 226.4 million euro in 2010.

It is possible to calculate that approximately 5.4% of the general tax take was provided to local authorities in 2008 towards the costs of their day-to-day services, through the provision of specific Government grants and funding through the Local Government Fund.

Tax Code

Phil Hogan

Question:

122 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 29 June, if he will provide the breakdown of taxation on cigarettes including the percentage of ad valorem tax and percentage of specific excise duty on cigarettes; if he will consider introducing measures similar to Sweden (details supplied) where the Minister for Finance has proposed reform of the taxation structure on cigarettes in order to prevent cheap cigarettes entering the market as well as increasing their overall revenue from cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30423/10]

In accordance with the relevant EU Directive the overall excise duty on cigarettes is made up of a specific (fixed) element and an ad valorem element. Based on the information already available to my Department, and that supplied by the Deputy, Sweden have put forward proposals to move its excise duty on cigarettes from being one based mainly on the ad valorem element to one based mainly on the specific element.

As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 29 June 2010, Ireland already applies a high specific duty element and a low ad valorem element in setting its excise duty for cigarettes relative to other Member States. It is intended to continue that approach in setting our excise duty for cigarettes. It has also to be recognised that Ireland has the highest prices and excise duty levels for cigarettes in the EU. For example the level of excise duty on cigarettes in Ireland (€5.22 for a packet of 20) is around double that in Sweden. It should also be noted that the increase in excise duty on cigarettes since Budget 2007 (December 2006) far exceeds increases in inflation over that period.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Phil Hogan

Question:

123 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his views of whether the illicit cigarette trade here over the past year is out of control; if he will confirm reports that the illicit cigarette trade is now larger than the cocaine trade; if he will consider an inter Departmental review of the tobacco regulatory framework in view of the growing illicit cigarette trade; if he will consider conducting a review of the impact the point of sale display ban is having on the illicit cigarette trade since its introduction one year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30426/10]

Phil Hogan

Question:

124 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of cigarette seizures; the number of cigarettes seized; the total revenue value of the cigarettes to date since the introduction of the point of sale display ban one year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30427/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that they are concerned at the level of cigarette smuggling and the illicit trade in cigarettes. It has to be acknowledged that tobacco taxes in Ireland are currently the highest in the EU and despite the comparative small size of the Irish market, significant profits can be made by fraudsters who engage in this type of illicit activity.

It is difficult to speculate as to the extent of the illicit tobacco problem. However, official figures show that between 2008 and 2009, the quantity of cigarettes on which duty was paid fell by only 6.7% (from 4.9 billion cigarettes to 4.6 billion cigarettes). At the same time, due to rate increases, the total excise duty on tobacco products increased by €45 million.

Regarding the cocaine trade in Ireland, Revenue can confirm that seizures at importation by its Customs Service have been in decline since 2008 and this is in line with current national and international trends. The current recession and non-availability of cash and capital is believed to be a factor in this decline.

I am aware that Revenue ensures that all aspects of its ability to deal with the threat of the illicit trade in tobacco products are subjected to continuous review. My Department, in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners, regularly review the legislative framework. For example, the penalties for tobacco offences were significantly increased in the Finance Act 2010 when the penalty for conviction on indictment increased from €12,695 to €126,950 or up to three times the duty paid value of the goods, whichever is the greater, and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Data relating to cigarette seizures over the past twelve months is as follows:

CIGARETTE SEIZURES

Period

Number of Seizures

Quantity Seized (pcs)

Estimated Retail Value

Total Duties (Excise & VAT)

01/07/2009 to 30/06/2010

9,398

284,548,432

119,866,027

95,394,862

It should be noted that these figures are distorted by a single seizure of 120 million cigarettes in October 2009 which was the largest ever in the E.U.

There is no evidence to show that the point of sale display ban has had any effect on the market for illegal cigarettes. Prior to the display ban, counterfeit and contraband cigarettes were rarely on open display at retail outlets. In fact, a thorough search of suspect premises was usually required in order to find illegal cigarettes. Revenue have engaged with representatives of the retail outlets and invited them to supply relevant information or intelligence that would assist with this investigation.

Semi-State Bodies

Phil Hogan

Question:

125 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the justification for a public authority, Iarnród Éireann, to charge prospective tenderers up to €930 per annum through a private company (details supplied) in order to register for receipt of relevant documentation for public tenders; the benefit that the tenderers receive for such a charge; his view on whether such a charge is inconsistent with the stated objective of opening public tenders to the small and medium enterprise sector; if he will ensure that such practices are discontinued immediately in view of the hardship they impose on the SME sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30429/10]

Iarnród Éireann is a commercial state body within the ambit of my colleague the Minister for Transport, with whom I will take up this matter. I am concerned to facilitate SMEs tendering for public sector contracts and this must be balanced against the costs of running the tendering competition. I will contact the Deputy in due course.

Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 108.

Departmental Staff

Phil Hogan

Question:

127 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for relevant Departments, the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30431/10]

An allocation of €335,000 has been made in respect of my Department for the purpose of staff training and there has been no reduction in this allocation. The total amount spent from this allocation up to the end of June 2010 is €86,500 or 26% of the overall budget. Greater expenditure is normally profiled from the training budget arising from the operation of the refund of fees scheme which fall due for payment in the later half of the year.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the funding made available to train Revenue staff in 2010 is €1,927,500. There has been no reduction in this allocation. The expenditure on training to the end of June amounts to €663,131. Expenditure to the mid point of the year is 34% of the budget. This is in accordance with the expenditure profile, which envisages the majority of expenditure payments occurring in the later half of the year when the balance of some larger bills, such as University of Limerick and refund of fee's fall due for payment.

In the case of the Office of Public Works, I am informed that the allocation of funding for non-industrial staff, under Subhead A3 and A5 of their Vote for Training and Development for 2010 is €603,000 and this has not been reduced since the Revised Estimates for Public Services was published on 18 February, 2010. Of this, the total spend to date for Training and Development in 2010 is €209,557. In addition, training for State industrial employees is funded from the various operational programmes of the Vote as and when required. Expenditure to date in 2010 for such training amounted to €121,656.

Decentralisation Programme

Sean Fleming

Question:

128 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if staff employed by the Pensions Board in Dublin are eligible to apply for a transfer to a Government Department in any other county outside Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30477/10]

Eligibility to apply for transfer from one Government Department to another is regulated in accordance with arrangements agreed centrally with the Civil Service unions. These arrangements apply to the transfer of civil servants within the Civil Service.

The staff of the Pensions Board are public servants and are therefore not eligible to apply for transfer to a Civil Service post under the above arrangements. However, the Decentralisation Programme allows public servants to express an interest in transferring to locations identified under the Programme.

Departmental Appointments

Dan Neville

Question:

129 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [30502/10]

I understand that a competition was held by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to establish a Clerical Officer panel in Limerick & Tipperary which was advertised in July/August 2008 in anticipation of creating a panel from which future vacancies could be filled. The competition required candidates to undergo tests at the first stage of the selection process. These tests were held during late August. As subsequent selection stages, including interview, have not been held, no panel has been established from this campaign. Given the current recruitment moratorium it is difficult to forecast whether or not any vacancies might be filled from this competition. The PAS treats each application on a confidential basis. I understand that the person in question has been in touch with that Office recently and the position has been outlined to her.

Flood Relief

Denis Naughten

Question:

130 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps that the Office of Public Works will take to address the flooding on the River Suck in Winter 2009-2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30608/10]

Denis Naughten

Question:

131 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps that the Office of Public Works intends to take to address the flooding on the River Shannon in Winter 2009/2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme under the direction of the Office of Public Works, will develop a comprehensive plan for the management of flood risk for the River Shannon including tributaries such as the River Suck. OPW, at present, is in the process of procuring consultants to undertake the CFRAM studies.  In the interim, the OPW has allocated funding under the Minor Works scheme for flood relief works to Local Authorities at a number of locations in the County, including areas affected by the Shannon and Suck. A number of other funding applications submitted by the Council are currently under consideration. It would be open to the Council to submit further applications during the year. If further applications are received, they will be assessed having regard to the eligibility criteria of the scheme and the overall availability of funding for flood mitigation measures.

Tom Hayes

Question:

132 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if the flood relief scheme for Clonmel, County Tipperary will be expedited to prevent future flooding problems; if this situation will be alleviated; when the funding for the next phase of the scheme will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30646/10]

The first phase of the Clonmel Flood Relief scheme (Clonmel West) is now substantially complete. The second phase comprising of the Clonmel North and East schemes has just been confirmed by the Minister for Finance, and the Office of Public Works is in the process of finalising the procurement of a Civil Engineering Contractor for this second phase. Provision has been made in OPW's budget for the funding of these works and it is envisaged that a contractor will be on site this year. Works on the second phase are expected to be carried out over a two year period.

Library Projects

Tom Hayes

Question:

133 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance when funding will be allocated to formally take the Bolton Library into the ownership of the Office of Public Works; when work will commence on the building to ensure it is suitable for use by tourists; his plans for the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30647/10]

It is hoped that later this year, when legal formalities have been completed, the Bolton Library will come into the care of the Office of Public Works and then refurbishment works could commence on the building. The Bolton Library will be part of the Rock of Cashel complex for management purposes and provide a visitor outreach for the town of Cashel.

Tax Code

Mary Upton

Question:

134 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on amending section 481 tax relief to extend to the video game industry; the estimated cost of such an action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30651/10]

The cost of extending to the video game industry a tax relief similar to the scheme for film relief operating under Section 481 would depend on the level of uptake by investors and the amounts invested. I am not therefore in a position to provide such an estimate. I have no plans to extend Section 481 to the video game industry.

Court Accommodation

Brian O'Shea

Question:

135 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of an extension courthouse in Waterford City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30668/10]

The provision of Court accommodation is , in the first instance, a matter for the Courts Service. The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Courts service, expect to be in a position shortly to carry out site investigation works. Following this, arrangements will be made to appoint a number of Consultants whose services are necessary in order to progress the project to planning permission stage and to enable production of detailed drawings, specifications and a Bill of Quantities with a view to tenders for construction being invited. It is envisaged that commencement of construction will be in 2011, subject to approval of the Courts Service and availability of financial resources.

Decentralisation Programme

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30772/10]

The following is the information requested in relation to my Department and information supplied by the Offices under the aegis of my Department. This information does not include applications for transfers to decentralised locations through the Central Applications facility (CAF) for which the Public Appointments Service have central responsibility.

Finance

The information does not relate to applications for temporary secondment (e.g. EU Commission) or reassignments within the Department itself. In 2009 a levy was placed on most Departments to provide staff to the Department of Social Protection. Within the total a levy of 15 was applied to my Department. 65 people applied and 15 have since transferred.

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Revenue maintains internal Transfer lists for its locations in relation to its own staff and Central Transfer Lists for Clerical Officers and Staff Officers for non-decentralised locations. The following table shows the number of applications received by the Revenue Commissioners from its own staff for transfer to a different geographic location within Revenue.

2008

2009

2010 to date

Overall Total

80

49

34

163

Applications for transfer are considered when suitable fillable vacancies occur in chosen geographic locations, taking account of a person's date of application, and the business needs of the organization, and relevant trade union agreements. Applications are not rejected, they remain on the list and are considered as opportunities arise.

The following table shows the number of transfers which have taken place in the relevant period. In the time allowed it was not possible to include in the table transfers into Revenue for example, by redeployment or under the decentralisation programme. Revenue will contact the Deputy directly to see what further information can be provided.

2008

2009

2010 to date

Overall total

48

38

32

118

The following table shows the number of head-for-head exchanges between staff in Revenue and other Departments for the relevant period.

2008

2009

2010 to date

Overall total

7

3

3

13

Office of Public Works

In the last 3½ years, a total of 50 staff moved out of the Office of Public Works to other Departments — 7 in 2007, 11 in 2008, 20 in 2009 and 12 to date in 2010. The majority of those transferred on a voluntary basis as a reciprocal transfer for staff transferring into this Office from the Central Applications Facility for decentralisation or by agreement with another Department. Among the 50, were 2 staff who were re-deployed, 5 who were assigned to other Departments following career breaks, and 1 staff member who was seconded.

Any requests received for transfer to another Department/Office, where there is no decentralisation factor involved, would be forwarded as a matter of course to those Departments/Offices. These would not necessarily have an appropriate vacancy, and therefore no transfer may take place.

Where transfer offers are received from other Departments/Offices, they are circulated to all relevant grades, and expressions of interest are forwarded to that Department/Office for consideration. There was one member of staff on a transfer list for another Department, whose application was rejected as the applicant did not meet all of the criteria for transfer.

This Office is currently in receipt of a small number of applications for transfer to a Dublin location from a decentralised location. These applications will be processed in accordance with a mobility policy to be settled by the Department of Finance.

Public Appointments Service

The number of applications received from staff for a transfer from 2007 to date are set out below, as is the number of actual transfers. No transfers were rejected by PAS. All requests were forwarded on to the relevant Departments/Offices (that staff wish to transfer to), but these Departments/Offices would not necessarily have an appropriate vacancy. Therefore, staff who transferred out in a particular year may have requested that transfer in a previous year.

Year

Applications received

Transfers (other than decentralisation)

2007

1

3

2008

2

1

2009

6

4

2010 to date

2

2

Commission for Public Service Appointments

In 2009 three staff members applied for a transfer out of this Office. Each of the applications were officially approved on the condition that replacements had to be in place before they could go ahead. This Office is currently in discussions with the Department of Finance and the Office of the Ombudsman with a view to this Office merging with the Office of the Ombudsman. This merger will obviously have an effect on the transfer applications.

State Laboratory

The State Laboratory has received one application for transfer. This application has been approved. Transfer is subject to the identification of a suitable vacancy.

Valuation Office

Year

Direct Requests

2008

0

2009

2

2010

2

Office of the Appeals Commissioner

No applications.

In the time available it has not been possible to compile information in relation to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. I will arrange for the relevant material to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

137 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the total spend by her Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by her and her Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30282/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.

The Irish Government Offsetting Scheme commenced with effect from 14 June 2007 and the offsetting payment for 2007 reflects this. Emissions calculated in respect of all travel by Ministers and Ministers of State on the Government Jet are determined by the Department of Defence and the offsetting payments are paid by the Department of the Taoiseach. The value of the total offsetting costs in each year is used by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) to purchase Gold Standard Verified Emissions Reductions (GS VERs). In purchasing GS VERs, REEEP focuses on Ireland's priority Overseas Development Aid for countries in Africa.

Carbon Offsets

Year

Payment

Ministers of State

2007

96.00

Minister

2008

3.00

Ministers of State

2008

301.00

Minister

2009

8.00

Ministers of State

2009

33.00

The offsetting calculations for 2010 will be completed in January 2011.

Joan Burton

Question:

138 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in her Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if she will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30297/10]

As my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme, no travel and subsistence costs were incurred in respect of travel from a decentralised office of the Department to Dublin or Brussels in 2008, 2009 or to date in 2010.

Joan Burton

Question:

139 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the total spend of her Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30312/10]

The total spend in my Department on public advertisements in national and local print media for 2009 was €207,420.71 and to date in 2010 is €77,487.24 . No costs were incurred in respect of radio and television advertising in 2009 or 2010 by my Department.

Health Services

Tom Hayes

Question:

140 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Alzheimer’s unit at Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel, County Tipperary, is back to full staffing and complement; the number of patients treated there on a weekly basis; her policy on reducing nursing staff for units similar to those to administer the swine flu vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30317/10]

Tom Hayes

Question:

141 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if the services which were scheduled to begin in Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel since South Tipperary General Hospital’s re-configuration in 2007 began have been completed; the amount spent on these community services; when they commenced operation; the number of staff employed on a full and part time basis; the number of patients treated in this new capacity in the hospital in Cashel; and if she will outline all currently available and planned services and when these will be rolled out. [30323/10]

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

The Employment Control Framework for the health sector provides for a net reduction in employment of 6,000 in wholetime equivalent (WTE) terms from March 2009 to the end 2012 and consequential pay roll savings. Based on numbers reductions already achieved in 2009, the net target reduction to end 2012 is 4,560 WTE. Therefore, the net target reduction in numbers in 2010, and in each of the following two years, is 1,520 wholetime equivalents.

The Government decision has been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible in the health services, particularly in respect of children at risk, older people, persons with a disability, mental health services, and cancer services. The Framework, accordingly, provides for a number of grades and posts that are exempt from the moratorium on recruitment and promotion.

In addition, the HSE also has some degree of flexibility under the Framework to sanction the filling of certain other posts (both within its own organisation and in voluntary service providers funded it by it) on an exceptional basis provided it achieves the overall target reductions in both staffing levels and pay costs. The requirement is that a post or posts of equivalent value must be suppressed in order to meet the cost of the post being filled.

Against the background of reduced budgets and staffing levels in the health sector, a reorganisation and restructuring of work is required not only to maintain the level, quality and safety of services but also to expand the range and accessibility of community services in order to avoid the necessity for hospital attendances. The new Public Service Agreement, which was ratified recently by the Public Services Committee of ICTU, clears the way for the implementation of a major transformation programme for the health sector to commence on a collaborative basis involving unions and employers. The programme is designed to achieve significant cost efficiencies while protecting the quality and effectiveness of services to the public. The position in regard to the management of employment levels in specific areas and delivery of services is a service matter, and the Deputy's question has accordingly been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Accommodation

Tom Hayes

Question:

142 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the beds recently closed in Kilcreene Hospital, County Kilkenny will be re-opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30324/10]

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

Youth Services

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

143 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30348/10]

The youth café funding scheme is being administered by POBAL on behalf of my office. Applications for the scheme are now closed and a short-list of applicants has been prepared for further detailed consideration by POBAL. The short-listing of applications was carried out by local city and county development boards, in accordance with the terms of the scheme. The boards made their decisions based on the official criteria and appraisal of application guidelines. A copy of these guidelines was supplied to all applicants. In arriving at their final decisions in relation to the short-listing of applications, the boards also based their decisions on local knowledge and expertise.

At the preselection stage, applicants can approach their local city or county development board to find out whether they have been short listed for the next stage of the scheme. At the appraisal stage, final decisions on allocations of funding will be made based on those applications who most successfully meet the terms and criteria for the scheme. The scheme is a competitive one with each CDB asked to nominate the best projects in their respective area. As a result, only some of the short listed applications can be allocated funding at this final stage.

Departmental Expenditure

James Reilly

Question:

144 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the total health budget for each of the years 1997 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30377/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below. The table shows the Revised Estimates Volume provisional outturns in respect of the Department of Health and Children for the years 1997-2009. Vote 40 in respect of the Health Service Executive was established in 2005. Vote 41 in respect of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs was established in 2006. The table shows the combined provisional outturns for Votes 39, 40 and 41 in respect of the years 2005-2009 as appropriate.

Gross Provisional Outturn (Capital and Current)

Year

€m

1997

3,636.742

1998

4,124.555

1999

4,831.140

2000

5,656.038

2001

7,077.260

2002

8,353.211

2003

9,302.314

2004

10,559.066

2005*

11,872.218

2006**

13,056,729

2007**

14,996,034

2008**

15,542,036

2009**

15,992,850

Source: provisional outturn published in the Revised Estimates Volumes 1998-2010

*Figure is the total of Votes 39 Department of Health and Children and Vote 40 HSE combined.

**Figure is the total of Votes 39 Department of Health and Children, Vote 40 HSE and Vote 41 OMCYA combined.

James Reilly

Question:

145 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the total hospital budget for each of the years 1997 to 2010 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30378/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below.

The table shows the provision for hospital services as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume for the years 1997-2010. The amounts shown for 1997 to 2002 have been adjusted from Irish Pounds to Euro for ease of comparison.

The Deputy should note that the figures for 1997 to 2004 relate to the General Hospital Programme, which may include sub-acute facilities. Following the establishment of Vote 40 in respect of the Health Service Executive in 2005, the programme breakdown in the REV was reclassified, and the amounts shown relate to expenditure by the National Hospitals Office and would be all acute facilities.

Year

Provision per REV

€000

1997

1,781,354

1998

1,984,003

1999

2,188,985

2000

2,543,365

2001

3,243,562

2002

3,808,235

2003

4,126,653

2004

4,518,811

2005

4,390,665

2006

4,693,719

2007

4,823,273

2008

5,120,074

2009

5,239,928

2010

5,275,000

As the reclassification within the appendix to the REV may make comparisons difficult, if there is a specific hospital giving rise to the Deputy's enquiries I will be happy to ask the HSE to provide the information.

Hospital Accommodation

James Reilly

Question:

146 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of hospital beds, both public and private for each of the years 1997 to end 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30379/10]

The national average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals for each of the years 1997-2007 broken down by public, private and non designated is set out in the tabular statement below. Acute bed numbers in public hospitals are counted as an average of beds available over each year, given that the number of beds available in each hospital can vary over any year for operational reasons. 2007 is the latest year in respect of which validated data has been compiled by the HSE. The data includes both inpatient beds and day places. My Department has requested the HSE to provide validated data on national average number of acute hospital beds available in 2008 and 2009 to the Deputy as soon as these become available.

Finally while the number of acute beds in private hospitals at any time is not collected or verified by my Department or by the HSE, I understand that in 2009 there were approximately 2,300 inpatient beds and 450 day beds in private hospitals which are members of the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation.

Publicly Funded Acute Hospitals

Average number of beds available for use 1997-2007

Year

Public

Private

Non Designated

Total

1997

8,442

2,414

871

11,727

1998

8,387

2,383

913

11,683

1999

8,456

2,386

889

11,731

2000

8,614

2,391

901

11,906

2001

8,823

2,412

909

12,144

2002

9,138

2,444

916

12,498

2003

9,211

2,471

1,032

12,714

2004

9,622

2,418

975

13,015

2005

9,884

2,509

951

13,344

2006

10,186

2,471

869

13,526

2007

10,279

2,471

918

13,668

Hospital Services

James Reilly

Question:

147 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost per patient attending hospital for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30380/10]

James Reilly

Question:

148 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost per inpatient procedure for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30381/10]

James Reilly

Question:

149 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost per day case procedure for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30382/10]

James Reilly

Question:

151 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of outpatient attendances for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30384/10]

James Reilly

Question:

152 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of inpatient admissions for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30385/10]

James Reilly

Question:

153 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of day case treatments for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30386/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 to 149, inclusive, and 151 to 153, inclusive, together.

The data requested appear in tabular form below. Cost-per-case data in respect of 2009 is not yet available.

The national average cost per case indicated for inpatients and day cases respectively is the casemix-adjusted base price when account has been taken of the resource usage of hospitals' workload and associated costs. This price takes into account all of the resources used in an episode of care including nursing costs, theatre, imaging and pharmacy. A total of 39 acute hospitals participate in the casemix programme and the activity in these hospitals accounts for 92% of admissions to acute hospitals as measured by the National Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) system. The activity and cost data in any given year informs the allocations to hospitals two years later.

Casemix Adjusted Base Prices 2003-2008

Year of Activity

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Inpatient Cost per Case

3,644

4,034

4,403

4,677

5,030

5,219

Day case Cost per Case

540

561

588

663

680

731

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Outpatient Attendances

2,255,998

2,363,821

2,453,000

2,796,331

3,087,448

3,271,665*

3,241,545*

In-Patient Discharges

548,269

561,637

564,844

582,800

598,776

597,522

585,927*

Day Case Discharges

389,637

425,978

443,654

662,092

718,851

771,073

652,297*

*These data have been provided by the HSE and are liable to change as they are subject to further validation.

Accident and Emergency Services

James Reilly

Question:

150 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of accident and emergency attendances for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30383/10]

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

Questions Nos. 151 to 153, inclusive, answered with Question No. 147.

General Medical Services Scheme

James Reilly

Question:

154 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the general medical service budget allocation for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30387/10]

The Primary Care Reimbursement Service's (PCRS) Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments annual reports give the overall payments under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme as follows:

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

€0.937 billion

€1.069 billion

€1.234 billion

€1.331 billion

€1.476 billion

€1.605 billion

The final figure for 2009 is not yet available.

Medical Cards

James Reilly

Question:

155 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and percentage of persons under 70 years who were medical cardholders for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30388/10]

Details of the numbers of medical card and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE), categorised by age and gender. Details in relation to years 2003 to 2009 are included in the following table:

Year

Total No. of Medical Card Holders

No. of Medical Card Holders Under 70 Years of Age

% of Medical Card Holders Under 70 Years of Age

31/12/2003

1,158,143

Age breakdown not available

31/12/2004

1,148,914

Age breakdown not available

31/12/2005

1,155,727

828,289

71.67%

31/12/2006

1,221,695

885,492

72.48%

31/12/2007

1,276,178

930,686

72.93%

31/12/2008

1,352,120

1,000,267

73.98%

31/12/2009

1,478,560

1,140,891

77.16%

James Reilly

Question:

156 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and percentage of over 70 years medical card holders for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30389/10]

Details of the numbers of medical card and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE), categorised by age and gender. Details in relation to years 2003 to 2009 are included in the following table:

Year

Total No. of Medical Card Holders

No. of Medical Card Holders Aged 70 Years and Over

% of Medical Card Holders Aged 70 Years and Over

31/12/2003

1,158,143

Age breakdown not available

31/12/2004

1,148,914

Age breakdown not available

31/12/2005

1,155,727

327,438

28.33%

31/12/2006

1,221,695

336,203

27.52%

31/12/2007

1,276,178

345,492

27.07%

31/12/2008

1,352,120

351,853

26.02%

31/12/2009

1,478,560

337,669

22.84%

James Reilly

Question:

157 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioner visit card holders per annum since its introduction; the total cost of same in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30390/10]

Details of the number of GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and reflect the position after new cards have been added and other cards, as appropriate, have been removed from the HSE's database. GP visit card holder figures in relation to years 2005 to 2009 are contained in the following table:

Year

Total No. of GP Visit Card Holders

31/12/2005

5,080

31/12/2006

51,760

31/12/2007

75,789

31/12/2008

85,546

31/12/2009

98,325

*GP visit cards introduced in November 2005.

The cost in 2009 is estimated to be in the region of €34 million.

James Reilly

Question:

158 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average number of prescriptions issued for medical card holders for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30391/10]

James Reilly

Question:

159 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost of prescriptions issued to medical card holders for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30392/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.

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

James Reilly

Question:

160 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost of a medical card for each of the years 2003 to 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30393/10]

There are two main cost factors associated with medical cards, firstly the capitation and other payments made to General Practitioners (GPs) and, secondly, the cost of drugs supplied to patients.

GPs who hold contracts under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme with the Health Service Executive (HSE) are remunerated principally on the basis of fees and payments set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to General Practitioners) Regulations 2009. Prior to that, these fees and payments had been agreed as part of the GMS GP contract and amended as appropriate in line with normal wage agreements. Included among these fees are more than 50 different capitation fees. The fees vary depending on the age and gender of the patient and the distance he or she lives from the GP's surgery. For example, fees currently range from €76.98 for a male patient under 5 years living 3 miles or less from the GP's surgery to €218.37 for a female aged 65-70 years living more than 10 miles from the surgery. In addition, there are special capitation rates of €280.31 for persons over 70 residing at home and €896.07 for persons over 70 residing in private nursing homes. There are also a range of additional payments; for example, in respect of out-of-hours consultations, temporary residents, special items of services (e.g. suturing), panel size, practice support allowances and locum expenses.

As regards the supply of drugs and medicines, medical card holders receive these free of charge. Drugs costs vary significantly depending on the patient's medical condition.

Given the number of medical card holders and the variety of payment arrangements and the variation in drug costs over the period 2003 to 2009, a single average annual cost figure in respect of the medical card is not a sufficiently refined measure for policy options and decisions. However, I would draw the Deputy's attention to page 24 of the Primary Care Reimbursement Service's (PCRS) Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments 2007 and 2008 (available on line at:

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/services/Primary/Primary_Care_Reimbursement_ Service_Payments_2007.pdf and http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/PCRS/PCRS_Publications/ FSA2008.pdf). These show the number of eligible persons under the GMS Scheme for the period 2003 to 2008, the total payments to doctors and the overall cost of medicines for those years and the Doctors' and Pharmacy payments per person for those years.

Health Service Staff

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

161 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there are no principal dental surgeons operating on behalf of the Health Service Executive based in the Carlow-Kilkenny area to service the needs of public patients who require various dental treatments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30397/10]

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

Departmental Bodies

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

162 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures that she is taking to ensure that all public bodies under her remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right of recourse to the Ombudsman; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30421/10]

My Department has advised public bodies under its remit that they are required to comply with all statutory requirements including the Ombudsman Act 1980, where applicable, and to Government approved guidelines including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. The Code highlights the requirement of state bodies to maintain a formalised, well-publicised, accessible, transparent and simple-to-use system of appeal/review for customers who are dissatisfied with decisions in relation to services.

Tobacco Control

Phil Hogan

Question:

163 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children in view of the increasing number of cigarette seizures and reports of wide availability of counterfeit cigarettes if she will consider conducting a review of the tobacco regulatory framework; if she will consider conducting a review of the impact the point of sale display ban is having on the illicit and counterfeit cigarette trade since its introduction one year ago; if she will consider conducting a review of the dangers associated with counterfeit cigarettes and investigating some of the ingredients which can be found in the cigarettes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30424/10]

I have no plans to conduct a review of our tobacco control framework. I am not aware of evidence that the ban on point of sale advertising introduced in July last has had an impact on smuggling of tobacco products. This ban was one of a number of measures introduced to protect children and adults from the dangers of tobacco consumption. The Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for dealing with the issue of illicit trade of tobacco products.

Phil Hogan

Question:

164 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 on 23 June, if she will provide the observations her Department submitted concerning the draft guidelines for the implementation of Articles 9 and 10 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which are to be presented to the 4th Conference of the Parties in November; if her Department were involved in drafting the text for the preamble for Articles 9 and 10 of the FCTC; the other countries involved in drafting the preamble if any; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30425/10]

I confirm that my Department supports the elaboration of the draft guidelines for implementation of Article 9 & 10 and are in principle in favour of their adoption at the 4th Conference of the Parties in November. Preliminary comments that were agreed by Member States have been forwarded by the EU to the WHO. As the official negotiations on the draft guidelines have not yet been opened, it is not appropriate to elaborate further on the matter.

Medical Cards

Olwyn Enright

Question:

165 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30438/10]

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

Drugs Payment Scheme

Terence Flanagan

Question:

166 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. [30440/10]

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, a person is required to pay not more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of prescribed medicines supplied to him/her and his/her dependants.

Health Services

Olwyn Enright

Question:

167 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when a hearing test will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30443/10]

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Olwyn Enright

Question:

168 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy services will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30444/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

169 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when occupational therapy services will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30445/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Terence Flanagan

Question:

170 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. [30446/10]

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

Medical Cards

Olwyn Enright

Question:

171 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30450/10]

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

Preschool Services

Damien English

Question:

172 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a child (details supplied) who is enrolled for a place in a primary school to start in September 2011 is not eligible for the ECCE scheme this September 2010; if this child will be eligible for the ECCE scheme in January 2011 if she is not eligible for September 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30466/10]

Damien English

Question:

173 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children her estimation on the number of children nationally that through no fault of their own end up not being eligible for the ECCE scheme for this year due to their dates of birth; the plan to make the ECCE scheme accessible to all children to avail of the scheme this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30467/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.

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. Children qualify for a free pre-school year place when they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This means that children born between 2 February 2007 and 30 June 2008 will qualify in September 2011. From the information provided by the Deputy, the child in question is not eligible for the scheme in September this year but will be eligible in September 2011.

In setting the minimum and maximum age limits, account was taken of a number of factors, including the fact that the majority of children commence primary school between the ages of 4 years 6 months and 5 years 6 months. Notwithstanding this, the ECCE scheme provides for an eligibility range of almost 17 months. The upper age limit does not apply where children are developmentally delayed and would benefit from participating in the pre-school year at a later age.

Children who fall outside of the qualifying age range for the scheme in 2010 and are not already above the upper age limit for the scheme, will qualify for it in 2011 and beyond. While it is not mandatory for parents to enrol qualifying children in the ECCE scheme, more than 80% of these children availed of the scheme in January 2010 and a higher uptake is expected in September 2010. The cohort of children who would be expected to avail of the ECCE scheme in 2010, and commence primary school in 2011, is estimated to number approximately 64,000.

The objective of the ECCE scheme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to all children in the key developmental year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year will be expected to provide appropriate age related activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. Targeting the pre-school year at a particular age cohort is clearly fundamental to the scheme and it is necessary, therefore, to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will participate in the scheme each year.

As in the case of any scheme introduced, cases will arise where individuals would rather that certain conditions did not apply. However, it is necessary that the scheme is delivered within a structure which supports the best delivery of pre-school education and it is considered therefore that the age range provided for is appropriate. Arrangements are already in place for the pre-school year which is due to commence in September 2010 and these do not provide for any amendment or reduction in the lower age for eligibility.

I wish to add that funding is also provided by this Office to support the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which enables community-based childcare services to provide childcare at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income families. The local City or County Childcare Committee will advise of the community childcare facilities in its area which are participating in the CCSS.

General Medical Services Scheme

Sean Fleming

Question:

174 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide information regarding certain antimalarial tablets (details supplied) which are reimbursable under the general medical scheme and community drug scheme in 2009 and 2010 to date giving details of the total number of prescriptions involving these tablets; the number of different individuals who received these tablets; the number of people who have prescriptions for these tablets that exceeded two months, three months, four months or longer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30476/10]

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

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

175 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will issue as a matter of urgency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [30481/10]

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

Ambulance Service

Michael Creed

Question:

176 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children her current proposals for rationalisation of the ambulance service in the Health Service Executive south area; the rationale for the proposed change; the implications for patient safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30505/10]

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

Health Services

Michael Creed

Question:

177 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the protocols involved regarding the establishment of primary care teams; the steps taken by the Health Service Executive to involve general practitioners operating in a locality in which a new primary care team is envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30507/10]

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Bernard Allen

Question:

178 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the situation of a person (details supplied). [30599/10]

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

Departmental Reports

Denis Naughten

Question:

179 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of recommendations in the Obesity Task Force report which have been implemented; the plans she has to implement the outstanding recommendations and the timetable involved; the plans she has to establish multidisciplinary teams to manage obesity in each Health Service Executive region; the possible locations of same; the projected timeline of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30606/10]

An Inter-sectoral Group on Obesity, comprising relevant Government Departments and key stakeholders was established early in 2009 to oversee and monitor implementation of the Taskforce recommendations. The Inter-sectoral Group published a report in April 2009, detailing progress on each of the recommendations.

The examination by the Group has shown that significant progress had been made in the case of 30 of the recommendations (32%), partial implementation had occurred on 29 (31%), action was progressing on 26 (28%), while no progress is reported on 8 (9%) of the recommendations.

The Report indicated that while significant progress has been made across all sectors, there is a continuing need for concerted action in order to halt the rise in obesity. The Group also gave some consideration to key priority areas for action in the medium term.

The overriding concern of the Group was of the need for concerted Government action, driven at the highest level, to ensure a consistent approach to the implementation of the National Task Force on Obesity's recommendations.

Among the areas highlighted were measures to increase physical activity among children; continued awareness programmes on the dangers of excessive consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt; increased control on advertising and marketing of food and drinks aimed at children; improved training for health professionals in obesity prevention and diagnosing and counselling those at risk of obesity.

Since the April 2009 report, a significant development has been the publication in June 2009 of the first National Guidelines on Physical Activity and accompanying "Get Ireland Active" website. Based on best international practice, the guidelines specify the recommended levels of daily physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.

The work of the Inter-sectoral Group on Obesity is currently being examined in the context of a wider review of the policy in relation to life-style illnesses to which obesity is a major contributory factor.

A multidisciplinary team to manage obesity has been established and is operational in St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown. A multidisciplinary team has been established in Galway University Hospital, where a consultant will take up the post in September this year. Progress has been made on the establishment of a multidisciplinary team in Cork and funding has been allocated. The National Weight Management Group was established in April this year. Among the group's priorities is progressing the development of a National Paediatric Unit for Obesity.

Hospital Procedures

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

180 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will have a procedure carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30621/10]

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

Departmental Expenditure

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

181 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount that was spent in 2009 on vaccines for swine flu; the amount thus far in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30628/10]

The cost of Pandemic (H1N1) vaccine paid for in 2009 is €12.8m and €23.3m for 2010.

Departmental Reports

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

182 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the report, Safe Neurosurgery in Ireland, which was compiled by Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, and sent to the Health Service Executive has been published; if not, if and when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30632/10]

I understand that the 2006 Safe Neurosurgery in Ireland report which was commissioned by Beaumont Hospital informed the Health Service Executive's (HSE) allocation of additional revenue and capital funding to Beaumont Hospital to further develop neurosurgical services. On foot of the report the HSE has now confirmed that €1.87m Revenue and €4.8million Capital Funding was allocated to the hospital.

My Department has requested the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on the specific issues raised in relation to the issue of the report's publication.

Hospital Services

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

183 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the preparatory work that has been carried out to ensure that the proposed new children’s hospital is suitable for children with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30634/10]

The new children's hospital and ambulatory and urgent care centre is being planned and designed to conform with all disability regulations for buildings. A Family Forum, consisting of parents and guardians of children accessing existing children's hospitals, has been established to work with the design team on the detailed hospital design. Representatives from families of children with physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities are members of this Forum.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [30636/10]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

185 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [30637/10]

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

Medical Cards

Joe Costello

Question:

186 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if she will expedite the processing of the card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30642/10]

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

Health Service Allowances

Tom Hayes

Question:

187 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the agreement she has with the Health Service Executive regarding the national tender for home care packages; when these packages will be available uniformly across the country; her views on persons who need a specialised home care package but cannot avail of same in view of the fact that they are not available across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30645/10]

The guiding principle of Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. This is realised through a range of community-based supports such as Home-Help, Meals-on-Wheels, Day/Respite services, and Home Care Packages (HCPs). The Government has continued to prioritise improving services for older people by providing an additional €10m in the last Budget to expand Home Care Packages nationally. This brings the total investment for this Initiative to €130 million per annum. It is estimated that the additional funding will assist up to 1,000 extra recipients, compared to the 2009 position. In total, therefore, the HSE National Service Plan 2010 commits to provide Home Care Packages to around 9,600 people at any one time, or to some 13,000 clients over the course of the year. Packages consist of enhanced supports over and above existing mainstream community services, with the objective of maintaining older people to live at home and in their communities. They are primarily targeted towards those at risk of inappropriate admission to long-term residential care or acute hospitals, or those requiring discharge home from acute hospital. Arising from an independent Evaluation of Home Care Packages, undertaken by PA Consulting Group and published on our website in December last, the Department accepts the need for a more standardised approach to the provision of home care generally, whether by public or private providers. This year the HSE therefore intends to:

finalise standardised access and operational guidelines for delivery of Home Care Packages;

adopt a voluntary code of Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services for Older People;

progress a Procurement Framework for home care services; and

introduce Procedural Guidelines for the Home Help service to standardise access to and allocation of Home Help hours.

The Deputy will appreciate that the provision of Home Care Packages, which are made available on a non-statutory basis, are subject to resource limitations, and that demand can therefore often exceed supply. The Evaluation indicated the distribution of HCPs around the country by Local Health Office area. The HSE has been asked, as part of the process to develop a more standardised approach nationally, to review the provision of HCPs, to best meet the objectives set for this particular Initiative.

The process in relation to the Procurement Framework for Home Care services is well advanced and is a matter for the HSE to progress. However, I understand that the tender for this will be published shortly.

The Department will continue to liaise closely with the HSE in relation to progressing the various initiatives now under way.

Health Services

Mary Upton

Question:

188 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that private chiropody clinics in the Dublin area are charging patients with chiropody cards fees of €15 and more for attending these clinics in view of the fact that the Health Service Executive has reduced the amount it pays the clinics for treating patients with the card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30653/10]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McGrath

Question:

189 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the position regarding an outpatient appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [30657/10]

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

Health Services

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

190 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm plans for an out of hours general practitioner service to be developed in the accident and emergency department of the Tallaght Hospital, Dublin in view of the interest of the local community in respect of this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30659/10]

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

Long-Term Illness Scheme

Denis Naughten

Question:

191 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 287 of 26 January 2010 if she will provide an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30664/10]

The position has not changed and there are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme, which was introduced on a statutory basis in 1971. However, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and the Health Service Executive have had discussions on exploring the possibilities of expanding services provided to haemochromatosis patients.

Hospital Referrals

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

192 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 in which a general practitioner referral for orthopaedic surgery to St. James’s Hospital was not given to the consultant for a full two years; and if she will confirm if there are other such cases of referrals undelivered to the appropriate consultant in St. James’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30670/10]

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

Hospital Services

Arthur Morgan

Question:

193 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a procedure will be carried out on a child (details supplied) at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this operation was cancelled twice in the past 16 months; the steps she will take to have this necessary operation undertaken as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30677/10]

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

Michael McGrath

Question:

194 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date and the future plans to provide dedicated facilities, including a day unit and patient beds, at Cork University Hospital for adult cystic fibrosis patients. [30683/10]

Since 2006, €6.78m funding has been provided for additional specialist staff, including consultant, nursing and allied health professionals, across the hospital system, as part of a national initiative to improve services for cystic fibrosis patients. In addition, I have approved a grant of €200,000 to the cystic fibrosis charity, Build4Life, from my Department's 2010 allocation of National Lottery funding. This grant will go towards the establishment of a new day care facility for cystic fibrosis adult care, at Cork University Hospital, for the Cork and Kerry region.

The Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply in relation to the current position concerning the specific service issues raised.

Question No. 195 withdrawn.

Child Care Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

196 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 1 July 2010, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the question concerned direct provision centres at which asylum seeking children are resident with their families, and not children’s residential centres or accommodation for separated children seeking asylum; and if she will answer the question in respect of the lack of Health Service Executive or Health Information Quality Authority inspection of direct provision centres. [30702/10]

I should firstly say that my response to Dáil Question No. 108, dated 1st July 2010 was based on a misinterpretation of the question.

The question refers to the system of direct provision for asylum seekers which is operated under the aegis of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice and Law Reform. The operation of these centres is a matter for the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform. I am informed that, currently, there are 48 such centres contracted to RIA around the country. 6,352 persons are currently being accommodated in that system, approximately 1,900 of whom are under the age of 18.

As with the standard provisions for the protection and welfare of children in family settings, Public Health Nurses, Community Welfare Officers, General Practitioners and school principals engage with residents and with RIA on issues of concern, the aforementioned interagency meetings being the main forum for this. RIA operates information clinics on-site at all accommodation centres where residents can discuss any issues which they may have directly with RIA staff on a one-to-one basis. RIA takes any complaints about its centres seriously, including any complaints about centre staff, once these complaints are brought to its attention with sufficient details to allow an investigation.

I am further informed that RIA is a multi agency organisation and has staff seconded to it from various Government bodies. Although a vacancy in this respect currently exists, one such secondment is from the HSE and the official concerned has responsibility for the Child and Family Services Unit within RIA. That unit ensures that the state meets its obligations under various legislative provisions relating to children and the family (including the Children Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) in respect of asylum seeking families in the Direct Provision system.

It should also be pointed out that RIA produced its own Child Protection Guidelines for Direct Provision Centres in 2005. This was done in conjunction with the HSE and was based on the HSE's Children First Guidelines. Those Guidelines provide for the referral of child protection and welfare cases to the HSE as they arise. In addition to the secondment referred to above, RIA and the HSE maintain a close working relationship by way of regular bilateral meetings, interagency meetings and so on.

Since October 2008, a programme for the vetting by the Garda Síochána of the employees of all RIA contractors is being implemented.

I am informed that in all asylum seeker direct provision centres contractors are obliged, on foot of a Memorandum of Agreement with the RIA, to ensure that their premises comply with and operate in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements of local authorities in relation to planning, building, bye-laws, bedroom capacity, food, food hygiene, water supply, sewage disposal, fire precautions, minimum pay, legally binding industrial or sectoral agreements and health and general safety.

All centres are subject to unannounced visits by RIA staff, including senior management, to ensure that standards are being maintained. The maintenance of standards is also facilitated by ‘clinics' carried out in centres. This involves staff from RIA holding meetings with residents in centres on a one-to-one basis. These afford residents an opportunity to comment on accommodation and operating standards as well as facilitating discussion on other issues.

In relation to the issue of complaints, I am informed that all asylum seekers who avail of RIA accommodation are provided with a copy of the current House Rules and Procedures document (House Rules) on arrival at their accommodation which includes details of the complaints procedure which residents can avail of. The complaints procedure itself has an informal mechanism for local resolution of complaints and disputes and a formal mechanism which can apply where a local resolution cannot be achieved and where the matter is referred to the RIA for consideration. Residents at any of RIA's accommodation centres can raise concerns with centre staff or directly with RIA in accordance with the procedures set out in the House Rules.

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

197 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30716/10]

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

With reference to the case referred to by the Deputy, the issue of post-release supervision is a matter for Probation Service which is under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, while housing is a matter for the Local Authority in question and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Dan Neville

Question:

198 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [30747/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has put in place interim arrangements (to end 2012) to support the use of Eculizumab/Soliris for a number of patients for whom it may in time be shown to provide a clinical benefit.

This arrangement will be managed under the clinical supervision of the Department of Haematology at St James's Hospital, Dublin. Any patient who may be a candidate for this treatment should be referred to St James's Hospital for assessment.

The Deputy's enquiry regarding a named patient has been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in her Department and or other bodies or agencies under her aegis funded by her Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30774/10]

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of applications received for transfer, relocation or exchange etc. is not currently collated in the format requested. The Department of Health and Children is not a decentralising Department under the Government's current Decentralisation Programme. The Public Appointments Service maintains details of all officers who have applied through the Central Applications Facility to move to Departments decentralising under the Programme. Successful applications from staff in this Department for transfer through decentralisation are facilitated subject to the normal arrangements for decentralisation regarding bilateral transfers. Applications from staff for voluntary transfer, voluntary redeployment etc. are also facilitated where possible subject to the overall business needs of the Department being met.

The following table provides details of staff from my Department who have transferred to other Government Departments/Offices in the time frame stated. The figures below represent the number of staff who have permanently relocated at their existing grade or equivalent to other Departments/Offices as a result of decentralisation, voluntary transfer, voluntary redeployment, transfer of functions or relocation of staff returning from career break. The table does not include staff who may have relocated on a temporary basis while remaining employees of this Department through secondment arrangements, Administrative Officer exchange schemes etc. or staff who transferred as a result of promotion.

Grade

2007

2008

2009

to 30th June 2010

Service Officer

0

3

0

0

Clerical Officer

10

34

3

1

Staff Officer

1

6

1

0

Executive Officer

2

12

12

2

Administrative Officer

1

2

1

0

Higher Executive Officer

9

9

4

1

Assistant Principal Officer

5

3

1

1

Principal Officer

0

1

0

0

Others

11

1

0

1

TOTAL

39

71

22

6

In relation to the Health Service Executive, as this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. The agencies funded by my Department will also provide the required information directly to the Deputy.

Health Services

Denis Naughten

Question:

200 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the proportion of the population with a body mass index of greater than 35; if she will provide a breakdown of that number into categories, not medically significant, medically significant and high risk cases in need of urgent surgical treatment; the estimated cost to the State per annum of those patients in terms of GP visits, treatment for co-morbidities, absenteeism from work and drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30781/10]

The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not available. However the self-reported data in SLÁN 2007 (Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland) indicates that 40% of males and 56% of females are a healthy weight; 43% of males and 28% of females are overweight; and 16% of males and 13% of females are obese.

A healthy weight is defined as having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of between 18.5 and 24.9; overweight is between 25.0 and 29.9 and obese is 30.0+.

Denis Naughten

Question:

201 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the State of the treatments of obese patients at Loughlinstown Hospital, Dublin; the average cost per patient; the number of surgical procedures performed on such patients to date in 2010 and in 2009; the number of patients awaiting surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30782/10]

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

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

202 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in her Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for her Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31679/10]

The allocation for staff training in my Department for 2010 was, and remains, €1.171 million. To date €107,730.59 of the allocation has been spent.

Joan Burton

Question:

203 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30286/10]

The Department spent €6,438 on carbon offsets for official travel in 2007 and 2008 under the Irish Government Offsetting Scheme, including travel by the Minister and Minister of State. The Department spent €3,556 on carbon offsets for official travel in 2009 including travel by the Minister and Minister of State. Expenditure for 2010 travel will fall due in 2011.

The money was paid to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), based in Vienna, Austria.

Joan Burton

Question:

204 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30301/10]

The information sought is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Joan Burton

Question:

205 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30316/10]

My Department spent €128,030 in 2009 and €63,917 to-date in 2010 on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

206 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the projects and the amount of money involved that are being financed by his Department in 2010 in the Waterford constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30330/10]

Waterford Airport With regard to Waterford Regional Airport, €10,734 has been paid out in respect of the ATC Navigational Aids and Landing Aids Localiser Project, under the Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme. Later this year, I intend to give further consideration to the overall capital funding of projects at the regional airports in future years.

Heavy Rail

As part of Transport 21, my Department provided funding to Iarnród Eireann for the purchase of 234 Intercity railcars for use on the rail network, including the Dublin-Waterford route. Decisions in relation to the allocation of rolling-stock to individual routes is a matter entirely for Iarnród Eireann.

Roads

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, such as those in the Waterford Constituency, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Regional & Local Roads

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. A total of €10,336,926 has been allocated to Waterford County Council under the Regional and Local Roads Investment Programme in 2010. A breakdown of this allocation under the various grant categories and projects was made available to Deputies in February of this year.

Bus Priority and Park & Ride

My Department has approved €1.27m in funding for 2010 as outlined in a table:

Waterford City Council

Dunmore Road — Phase 1

650,000

R680 Green Route Phase 1: Section 1 from Colbeck Street to Exchange Street

600,000

Public Transport Feasibility Study

20,000

Total Allocation — Waterford City Council

1,270,000

National Car Tests

James McDaid

Question:

207 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Transport the number of NCT tests charged for since January 2010 that should have been carried out free of charge as per their terms under customer charter item 4 which states that if you do not get an appointment within three to four weeks, the test will be carried out for free. [30395/10]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30778/10]

All applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange to or from my Department are made via the Central Applications Facility (CAF), which is maintained by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

The information requested pertaining to the agencies is a matter for each agency itself.

Departmental Staff

Phil Hogan

Question:

209 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31683/10]

The Department's training unit receives a budget allocation within the overall administrative budget to enable it to discharge its responsibilities to staff. The budget allocation to the Training Unit for 2010 is €351,000 of which €93,000 has been spent by the end of June 2010.

Proposed Legislation

Denis Naughten

Question:

210 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform her plans to repeal and replace the Lunacy Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30605/10]

The Mental Capacity Bill which is in the course of being drafted for publication will reform the law in relation to wards of court and will provide for the repeal and replacement of the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

211 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30283/10]

I can inform the Deputy that the total spend by my Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by myself, my predecessors and by the Ministers of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 are set out in tabular form below:-

Year

Total Carbon Offset Expenditure

2007

92

2008

297

2009

65

To date in 2010

4

The Irish Government Offsetting Scheme commenced with effect from 14 June 2007 and the offsetting payment for 2007 reflects this. Emissions calculated in respect of all travel by Ministers and Ministers of State on the Government Jet are determined by the Department of the Taoiseach. The value of the total offsetting costs in each year is invested by Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) in the purchase of Gold Standard Voluntary Emissions Reductions (GS VERs). In purchasing GS VERs, REEEP has been asked to focus on Ireland's priority Overseas Development Aid countries in Africa.

Joan Burton

Question:

212 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30298/10]

My Department's records of expenditure on travel and subsistence are not maintained in a way which would facilitate the extraction of the particular details sought by the Deputy. This could only be achieved by the deployment of staff to sift through a large volume of records and this would not be justified on a cost effective use of staff resources.

Joan Burton

Question:

213 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30313/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that in general, my Department does not have a requirement to engage in advertising. Expenditure of approximately €177,000 was incurred in 2009 in placing public information notices — principally relating to public safety notices warning of the dangers of fireworks. I regard this expenditure as wholly appropriate and completely necessary.

Courts Service

Arthur Morgan

Question:

214 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an alleged back dating of a High Court Order by an employee of the Courts Service in a case involving a person (details supplied); if an investigation or inquiry has been carried out in this case to establish the facts; if the outcome of any investigation or inquiry has been or will be carried out in this case to establish the facts; if the outcome of any investigation or inquiry will be communicated to the person involved; the way the matter can be dealt with to allow this person to proceed with an appeal to the Supreme Court as they wish to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30350/10]

I refer the Deputy to the answer to Question 354 on Tuesday 29 June to which I have nothing to add.

Residency Permits

Arthur Morgan

Question:

215 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a decision will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30351/10]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 6 October 2000. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), he was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 24 January 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him.

The person concerned submitted an application for permission to remain in the State based on his Marriage to an Irish National. His application was refused and he was advised, by letter dated 15 July 2003, that the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) applied to his case.

The person concerned applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish citizen child, born before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by the then Minister on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. The application of the person concerned was refused on the basis that he did not satisfy the Scheme's continuous residency requirements. He was notified of this decision by letter dated 26 July 2005.

On 12 September 2007 the person concerned made an application for re-admission to the asylum process under Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). This application was refused and he was notified of this refusal decision by letter dated 28 September 2007. This communication also advised him of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection and this application will be considered first. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Family Law Provisions

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

216 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if supports are available to encourage the establishment of mediation and dispute resolution centres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30367/10]

The position in relation to supports for the mediation process is as outlined in my response to Question No.33 of 30 June 2010.

Prison Building Programme

Joe Costello

Question:

217 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when the new prison at Thornton Hall, County Dublin, is expected to be completed and opened to receive prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30436/10]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question no. 28663/10 of the 30th June, 2010 in which I set out in some detail the plans to develop the Thornton prison campus on a phased basis.

As I indicated in that reply in is my intention to bring proposals to Government shortly as to how we can provide this modern prison complex at the earliest possible date.

Prison Accommodation

Joe Costello

Question:

218 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the daily average numbers of prisoners in the Irish prison system in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30437/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. Figures are taken from the Annual Reports for the Irish Prison Service. Figures for 2009 are provisional and a final figure will be published in the Annual Report in the near future.

Year

Daily average number of persons in custody

2009

3,881

2008

3,544

2007

3,321

2006

3,191

2005

3,151

2004

3,199

2003

3,176

2002

3,165

2001

3,112

2000

2,919

1999

2,763

Closed Circuit Television Systems

Jack Wall

Question:

219 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans regarding the implementation of a new closed circuit television surveillance provision programme for communities; if any research has being carried out regarding the benefits of the existing schemes in relation to a reduction in the number of anti social behaviour incidents in such areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30442/10]

The Community-based CCTV Scheme is designed to support local communities who wish to install CCTV systems in their area, with the aim of increasing public safety and reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. The day-to-day administration of this Scheme is carried out by Pobal on behalf of my Department. Substantive grants of up to €100,000 have been made available from my Department with the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs providing matching funding for successful applications from RAPID areas. Pre-development grants of up to €5,000 have also been made available to assist local communities to develop substantive proposals in their areas.

Two major rounds of the Scheme were advertised in 2005/2006 and 2007 with a total of 13 and 30 substantive Schemes respectively approved for funding. A further 2 Schemes under the Limerick Regeneration Programme were approved in 2008. In addition, 54 Schemes were awarded pre-development grants over the same period. To date, a total of 26 substantive Schemes has been installed. Installation of the remaining 19 Community CCTV Schemes is ongoing with Schemes at various stages of implementation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while they have not conducted specific research on the impact of CCTV, they are satisfied that these systems provide a valuable source of information to An Garda Síochána in the prevention and detection of criminal activity.

Any further plans for extending CCTV are dependent on a number of factors, including the availability of funding, progression of the Schemes already grant aided and overall policy considerations.

Prison Accommodation

Joe Costello

Question:

220 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he proposes to introduce any measures to reduce the overcrowding in all prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30490/10]

I have acknowledged in this House on many occasions that our prisoner numbers have increased quite significantly in more recent years. Indeed, this situation is particularly apparent over the past 12 months during which time the total number in custody has increased by 436. This represents an 11% increase in the numbers in custody. That said prison overcrowding is not unique to this jurisdiction, rather it is an international issue that has been widely acknowledged, including by the Inspector of Prisons in his 2008 Annual Report.

There is no doubting the fact that the extensive investment in the criminal justice system, from extra Gardaí, targeting of criminal gangs, and the appointment of additional judges and the creation of more court venues etc., has led to a significant growth in the number of offfenders coming into the prison system. Just one statistic is worth citing in this context: approximately 80% of those in prison are now serving sentences of 12 months or more. Clearly this shows that the vast bulk of our prisoner population is made up of offenders who have been convicted of more serious offences. The courts, who are independent in their functions, deal with each case on the facts and the sentence imposed in any case, following a finding of guilt, is entirely a matter for the Judiciary.

The Irish Prison Service has been engaged in an extensive programme of investment in prisons infrastructure which has involved both the modernisation of the existing estate and the provision of extra prison spaces. Since 1997, close to 1,800 new prison spaces have been provided. These include the new prisons in Castlerea, the Midlands, Cloverhill, the Dóchas Centre and new accommodation in Limerick, Portlaoise and Castlerea prisons and at the open centres in Shelton Abbey and Loughan House. This is a significant investment to improve and modernise our prisons.

Current projects will see in excess 200 prison spaces provided in the short term by means of the opening of a new block in Wheatfield. In addition, we hope to proceed in late 2010 with a new accommodation block in the Portlaoise/Midlands prisons complex which will provide 300 prison spaces in the medium term. Also in the short term, work is due to commence on converting an administrative building on the Dóchas site into a new accommodation block. This accommodation will provide approximately 50 spaces later this year. Again I am on record in this House confirming that the development of the new prison campus at Thornton Hall, County Dublin will be built on a phased basis and will replace the outmoded Mountjoy campus. The Thornton campus will be designed to meet the highest international standards. The new prison facility will provide accommodation for 1,400 cells with operational flexibility to accommodate up to 2,200 in a range of security settings.

Citizenship Applications

Willie Penrose

Question:

221 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30493/10]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2007.

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

Olwyn Enright

Question:

222 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position or an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [30501/10]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in September 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.

Garda Investigations

Joe Costello

Question:

223 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the action he is taking to deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30602/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the matter raised by the Deputy following a complaint made on 27 June, 2010. An Garda Síochána is maintaining liaison with the complainant. As the matter is under investigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Asylum Applications

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

224 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will reply to correspondence from this Deputy dated 29 April 2010 and 21 May 2010 regarding the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30620/10]

The person concerned was transferred to the United Kingdom on 25 March 2009 in accordance with the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003. The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, (ORAC), had determined on 3 March, 2009, that the United Kingdom is responsible for examining this person's asylum application, as they had previously made an asylum application in that country. The United Kingdom had accepted responsibility for processing the application on 19 January 2009.

The Dublin II Regulation, (Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003), is intended to prevent the phenomenon of ‘asylum shopping' across Europe and sets out criteria for determining which Regulation State is responsible for examining an asylum application where applications have been lodged in more than one Regulation State or whereby an asylum seeker has been granted a visa to enter another Regulation State and has entered that other State before entering Ireland and making an asylum application here. At the same time, it guarantees applicants that one State will process their application, thereby preventing the creation of ‘refugees in orbit', a situation which had previously pertained in Europe.

Therefore the United Kingdom remains the state responsible for dealing with this person's asylum application.

Deportation Orders

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

225 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the status of an application for subsidiary protection in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30622/10]

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 12 September 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection and this application will be considered first. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Garda Operations

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

226 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will reply to correspondence from this Deputy dated 12 May 2010 regarding an application for Garda clearance from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30623/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers. A response to the application was returned to the registered organisation involved on 31 May 2010. I have indicated this in my recent reply to the Deputy's correspondence.

Residency Permits

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

227 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform that status of an application for permanent residency in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30624/10]

Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension.

An application for Long Term Residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in September 2009. I understand that applications received in June 2009 are currently being dealt with and it is likely, therefore, that the application of the person referred to will be processed in the next few months. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be informed. The person concerned should ensure that her permission to remain in the State is kept up to date while she awaits a determination of her application.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

228 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the options available to a person (details supplied) who obtained residency based on their marriage to an EU national, but they are now separated, and whose recent application for residency renewal was refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30625/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that on 17 May, 2010 EU Treaty Rights Section wrote to the representative of the applicant requesting further documentation in relation to her client's application for residence in the State.

To date EU Treaty Rights Section has not received a reply from the applicant or her representative.

Citizenship Applications

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

229 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a certificate of naturalisation in view of the fact that they secured permission to remain in October 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/10]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May 2010.

On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to him on 3 June, 2010.

It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements.

Visa Applications

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

230 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform in view of the administrative rules governing the visas issued to domestic workers employed in embassies/consular/diplomatic households, the name of this specific type of visa; the terms and conditions of this visa and the criteria for issuing them; if there is a difference between the type of visa issued to household workers recruited in the country that the diplomat represents and the visas issued to household workers recruited here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30627/10]

In my reply to Question No. 154 on 24 June 2010 I explained how the visa system operates in respect of diplomatic and other staff of foreign missions including domestic workers or private servants. Normally, persons in this category, where they are visa-required nationals, would be granted a D-type visa which indicates that the holder could remain for longer than 90 days.

As I explained in that earlier reply, the Immigration Act 2004 does not apply to a person who is entitled to privileges and immunities under the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967. The 1967 Act gave the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 the force of law in the State. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 makes provision to the effect that private servants of members of the mission shall, if they are not nationals of or permanently resident in the receiving State, be exempt from dues and taxes on the emoluments they receive by reason of their employment. In other respects, they may enjoy privileges and immunities only to the extent admitted by the receiving State. Private servants who are nationals of or permanently resident in the receiving State shall enjoy privileges and immunities only to the extent admitted by the receiving State. The Convention requires that in both situations, the receiving State must exercise its jurisdiction over those persons in such a manner as not to interfere unduly with the performance of the functions of the mission.

From an immigration point of view, a private servant/household worker who was already resident in the State on foot of a separate immigration permission may seek to resume their previous immigration status when their assignment with the embassy/diplomat comes to an end. Where the person was recruited from outside the State it would be expected that they would leave the State when their assignment comes to an end.

It is difficult to say precisely what would be the position in a particular case without knowing the circumstances. Therefore, if the Deputy has a particular case in mind he could contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Immigration Policy Division, which can review the circumstances of the case and thereby give a more accurate report on the position.

Dan Neville

Question:

231 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [30638/10]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a letter issued to the person referred to by the Deputy on 9th June 2010.

I am further informed by INIS that on receipt of a response from the person referred to by the Deputy the case will be considered further.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

232 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to correspondence between persons (details supplied) and the Assistant Garda Commissioner for the western region, regarding complaints about defects, inadequacies and incompetence in the conduct of Garda Síochána disciplinary proceedings against a member arising from the Garda investigation; if he has sought information on these complaints; if he is satisfied the disciplinary proceedings were conducted in an appropriate manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30662/10]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the incident referred to occurred in 2004 and was the subject of an investigation by An Garda Síochána. This investigation led to a person being charged with dangerous driving causing death contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended. The person charged was found not guilty of this offence by a jury at Ennis Circuit Court on 16th May, 2006.

Disciplinary matters in An Garda Síochána are the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. I have been informed that this case was the subject of an investigation under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 1989, which resulted in a Sworn Inquiry being held. The inquiry found that three (3) members of An Garda Síochána were negligent in their duty and substantial fines were imposed on all three (3) members. On appeal, the charges were set aside against two (2) members, while the decision of the Sworn Inquiry was upheld in the case of the third member and a financial penalty was imposed.

Departmental Properties

Denis Naughten

Question:

233 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of 25 May 2010, his plans for the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30663/10]

I am glad to advise the Deputy that my Department has concluded its consultations with the Irish Prison Service. It is the intention to incorporate Harristown House into the prison estate. Over the coming months plans will be developed by the Irish Prison Service to make best use of the House to enhance the existing prisoner regime at the Castlerea prison complex.

Visa Applications

Michael Moynihan

Question:

234 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when he expects a decision to be made on a visa application (details supplied). [30673/10]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to was approved on the 2 July 2010.

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders

Michael McGrath

Question:

235 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of behaviour warnings that have been issued in respect of adults and children in Cork city and county under the legislation for anti-social behaviour orders, the Criminal Justice Act 2006. [30679/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled. I will be in contact with the Deputy when it is available.

Prison Staff

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

236 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he intends to replace the large number of prison officers who will be retiring in 2010; if not, the way he intends to ensure the service is adequately staffed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30693/10]

As the Deputy is aware the Irish Prison Service, in common with the Public Service in general, is subject to the Government's moratorium on recruitment and promotion and its staff also have access to the Incentivised Career Break Scheme.

The Director General of the Irish Prison Service is keeping the situation under constant review. In this regard I am glad to tell the Deputy that my colleague, the Minister for Finance, has sanctioned, as an exception to the moratorium, the induction of Recruit Prison Officers from existing recruitment panels to ensure adequate staffing levels in the existing prison estate, and also to facilitate the opening of new prisoner accommodation in Wheatfield prison.

Courts Service

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the source of funding for the Courts Service; if his Department provides any such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30762/10]

I refer the Deputy to my replies to his questions number 314 on 16 February and 289 on 23 February 2010 to which I have nothing to add.

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30763/10]

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 17 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department in a readily accessible format and attempting to retrieve it would involve a disproportionate dedication of staff resources.

Prison Education Service

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

240 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of adult prisoners per prison who have taken the leaving certificate and the junior certificate annually for the past five years and the cost to the Exchequer per annum. [30786/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that I have been advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that it has not been possible to compile all of the information regarding prisoner participation in the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate in the time available. However, the information is being prepared and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

I can however confirm figures for those registered for this year's Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate which are set out in the following table.

Prison

Leaving Certificate

Junior Certificate

Arbour Hill

13

11

Castlerea

5

0

Cloverhill

6

7

Cork

6

1

Dóchas

3

7

Limerick

9

18

Loughan House

0

0

Midlands

32

14

Mountjoy

12

24

Portlaoise

6

6

Shelton Abbey

2

0

St Patrick’s

8

44

Training Unit

3

5

Wheatfield

12

24

TOTAL

117

161

Education is delivered in the prisons in partnership with the Department of Education and Science, which provided an allocation of 220 whole-time teacher equivalents in the academic year 2009/10. The teaching personnel are employees of the Vocational Education Committees in whose areas the prisons are located.

All other costs, such as the provision of classrooms and materials and the provision of prison officers to provide escorts and security, are borne by the Irish Prison Service. It is not possible to isolate the costs that relate solely to the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate.

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

241 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31680/10]

The allocation for Staff Training and Development in my Department for 2010 was €400,000. This figure does not include the operational costs of the Department's Corporate Learning Unit such as staffing costs.

In June 2010 the allocation was reduced to €370,000 following the transfer of my Department's responsibility for Equality and Human Rights, along with the staff engaged in this work, to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. Up to the end of June 2010, €191,000 has been spent, which is in line with expectations.

It should be noted that a number of Agencies under the aegis of my Department separately invest significant resources in staff development. I can assure the Deputy that across my Department there is a deep commitment to promoting a learning culture to develop our internal capacity and enhance our overall business performance.

Passport Applications

Finian McGrath

Question:

242 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [30269/10]

The passport for the person in question was posted on 1 July 2010.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

243 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30281/10]

Since June 2007 my Department has paid a carbon offsetting charge in respect of all air travel undertaken. This scheme also encompasses air travel undertaken by myself and Ministers of State at my Department. The total air miles travelled is calculated, yielding a level of emissions. A reference price per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted is then used to calculate the amount of carbon offsetting charge due. The reference price is determined by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on an annual basis. The amounts paid since 2007 are outlined below in tabular form. The payment for 2010 will not fall due until early 2011.

14 June 2007 to 31 December 2008

76,755

1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009

35,890

Payments of carbon offsetting charges are made to The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership, Vienna, who administer the scheme for the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Joan Burton

Question:

244 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30296/10]

The Government's programme of development assistance is managed by Irish Aid, which is an integral part of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The decentralisation to Limerick of the headquarters of Irish Aid was completed in October 2008.

The total amounts paid in travel and subsistence to officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs who are based in Limerick, for travel from Limerick to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels, are displayed in the accompanying table.

Year

Travel and Subsistence for attendance at events & meetings in Brussels

Travel and Subsistence for attendance at events & meetings in Dublin

Total

2008

37,567

194,116

231,683

2009

35,950

109,996

145,946

2010 to date

17,754

53,833

71,587

As with any decentralised office, some travel by officials to and from Dublin will continue to be required. Travel to EU meetings in Brussels is a regular feature of the work of most Divisions of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Department has taken steps to reduce travel costs by investing in video conference technology, which is used by officials of Irish Aid for many meetings with Dublin-based officials, and for a wide range of meetings with our missions abroad. The Department operates comprehensive travel and subsistence regulations and procedures which are fully in line with Department of Finance travel policy. Travel and subsistence claims by officials are reimbursed in accordance with the standard public sector rates, as specified by the Department of Finance.

Joan Burton

Question:

245 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30311/10]

Public advertising undertaken by my Department typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, and public information notices relating to significant developments in the European Union or in regard to Ireland's Official Development Assistance programme, Irish Aid.

While much of this material is now placed on the Department's website, a certain level of advertising continues to be necessary in order to reach all of our customers, particularly in relation to important changes to passport and consular services.

The table gives the details of such advertising in national and local print media, radio and television under Votes 28 (Foreign Affairs) and 29 (International Cooperation) for 2009 and to date in 2010.

2009

2010

Vote 28 Department of Foreign Affairs

440,233

21,997

Vote 29 International Cooperation

103,465

29,930

The expenditure in 2009 for vote 28 included the sum of €247,615 in relation to EU information and awareness and a further sum of €122,762 spent on advertising in connection with information on the Lisbon Treaty.

Passport Forgery

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

246 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of forged Irish passports which have been brought to the State’s attention over the past ten years; the origin of these reports; if there is any consideration being given to changing the passport design to make them more difficult to forge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30492/10]

There has only been one confirmed case of forged Irish passports brought to the State's attention over the past ten years i.e. those passports used in the Dubai assassination earlier this year. Officers of the Passport Service and An Garda Síochána are currently investigating a second case involving the alleged use of an Irish passport by a person currently before the courts in the United States.

The fake Irish passports used in the Dubai assassination and that alleged to have been used by the person recently arrested in the US were of a type produced before the introduction of the current Automatic Passport System (APS) in 2005. While the pre APS passport fully met the standards of the time, the APS passport involved a fundamental redesign and upgrading of the security of the Irish passport. This included the introduction of a more secure Irish passport personal details page (datapage) made of a polycarbonate substance containing the personal details and the photograph of the holder. The use of this polycarbonate makes it virtually impossible to reproduce without sophisticated production processes or alter without being detected by using standard examination techniques. The personal information is laser engraved to a level under the surface of the polycarbonate, making photo substitution impossible. The polycarbonate page is further protected by a series of additional production security measures which include the image of the applicant perforated through the datapage, optically variable ink and the use micro text.

In 2006 the security features of the APS passport were further enhanced with the development of a new ePassport. The ePassport includes a new additional microchip, personal data and a digital image of the passport holder. This now means the image of the face is presented in three areas — the photo on the personal details page, the laser perforation through the personal details page and on the chip. All three must match and all three are impossible to alter without the alteration being easily detected. Data on the microchip is further protected using encryption technologies.

Passport forgery is a worldwide phenomenon and its solution requires the co-operation of all States. The development of passport security standards is under constant review by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Irish Passport Service works closely with ICAO and other passport agencies worldwide to ensure that these standards make passport forgery more difficult.

Police Certificates

Terence Flanagan

Question:

247 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30598/10]

The issuance of police certificates is not within the remit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs

Overseas Development Aid

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

248 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress he has made towards millennium development goal 5b, specifically with regards to the adolescent birth rate indicator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30639/10]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

249 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the need to address the specific sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents as distinct from the health needs of children as set out in millennium development goal indicator 4.4 at the ten year review of the millennium development goals in New York in September 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30640/10]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

250 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the latest meeting with the United Nations Population Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30641/10]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

254 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights in achieving the millennium development goals will be reflected in Ireland’s official statement at the forthcoming UN summit in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30692/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248, 249, 250 and 254 together.

The achievement of universal access to reproductive health is one of the objectives of the Programme of Action agreed at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994. It is also an objective of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted in 2000. Specifically, the fifth of the eight MDGs is to reduce the maternal mortality rate by 75% and achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015.

The 2010 Report on progress towards the MDGs, which was launched recently by the UN Secretary General, notes that some progress has been achieved in reducing maternal mortality, with significant progress in a number of countries. However, the rate of reduction is still short of the progress needed if the MDG target is to be met. Fewer than half the women giving birth in Sub-Saharan Africa are attended by skilled health personnel. Poor women, especially in rural communities, face particular challenges in accessing antenatal care. The Report also notes that poverty and lack of education continue to contribute to high adolescent birth rates in poor countries. It recognises the link between slow progress on the achievement of universal access to reproductive health care and low levels of empowerment of women and lack of access by girls to secondary education.

The fourth of the MDGs is to reduce the under-five mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015. The UN Report notes that significant progress has been made in this regard. Globally, the number of children dying before their fifth birthday fell from 12.5 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. However, many regions will still not achieve the MDG target. Sub-Saharan Africa, the geographic focus of the Irish Aid programme, accounted for half the deaths of children under five in 2008. Ireland prioritises the most common childhood illnesses including malaria and HIV and AIDS in our health strategies under the aid programme. The UN Report also notes that one in every four children in the developing world is still underweight. Ireland is taking a lead internationally on the fight against world hunger. A core element of our programme is an emphasis on maternal and child nutrition.

Through Irish Aid, the Government is working in close cooperation with a number of key UN agencies to address maternal health issues in developing countries. The implementation of the Cairo Programme of Action forms part of the core mandate of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In recognition of the UNFPA's mandate, the Government has provided significant levels of funding to the agency, amounting to €26.5 million over the past six years.

Ireland is playing an important role in the preparations for the UN Summit to review progress on the MDGs in New York in September. The Government has been actively engaged at the UN and with our EU partners to ensure that, working together, developed and developing countries can maintain their commitments to the world's poorest people in the face of increased global challenges and continuing international economic difficulty. We are working to ensure there is a strong focus on the MDGs and the regions which have made least progress over the past ten years, including hunger and maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ireland has made a specific contribution in recent months to preparations for the review of progress on MDG 5. We organised a high level panel discussion on maternal mortality at the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN in New York in March. Discussions focused on defining a number of key actions for policy makers in advance of the Summit, including calling on Governments to integrate family planning and sexual and reproductive health into primary health care services.

In April, I met with the Executive Director of UNFPA during a visit to New York to prepare for the Review Summit. I highlighted the need to focus on those MDGs and regions making the least progress. On maternal mortality I referred to recent research which suggested that mortality rates were dropping significantly in areas where effective, targeted actions were being taken. The Executive Director agreed this was a direct result of the three key interventions promoted by UNFPA: access to family planning, skilled attendance at birth and provision of emergency obstetric care. We also discussed the impact of population growth on development, UN reform and funding levels.

Ireland was also represented at the annual Executive Board meeting of the UNFPA in Geneva from 21 to 23 June. Ireland's national statement highlighted our priorities for the MDG Summit, introduced the outcome of the event on Maternal Mortality which we organised in March and commended UNFPA for its positive role in efforts to reform the coordination mechanisms of the UN at national level.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

251 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he was represented, and in what capacity, at the 2010 UN Commission on the Status of Women; if there is a report available on his Department’s participation in the delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30675/10]

The 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW54), which took place in New York from 1-12 March 2010, was also the occasion of a fifteen year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted in 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action is an agenda for women's empowerment which aims to ensure equality of access of women to their human rights and to remove all obstacles to women's active participation in public and private life.

The Irish delegation was led my colleague, John Moloney T.D., the then Minister of State for Equality, Disability and Mental Health. The delegation also included officials from the then Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, officials from this Department and representatives of civil society organisations. Minister of State Moloney addressed the High Level Plenary of CSW54 on 5 March 2010, setting out developments in Irish policy on gender equality in the context of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

By way of reporting on Ireland's participation, the Irish delegation played an active role at CSW54. A number of resolutions were adopted at the session, including on eliminating preventable maternal mortality and morbidity, women's economic empowerment, ending female genital mutilation and the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls. Members of the Irish delegation were actively involved in the negotiations on the various resolutions, including through coordinated action with our EU partners.

The delegation also organised a well-attended High Level side event on the theme "Maternal Mortality: Overcoming Barriers and Accelerating Progress to Achieve MDG5". Ireland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Anne Anderson, chaired the panel discussion, which saw contributions from Minister of State Moloney, Mrs Mary Robinson, US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, Melanne Verveer, Minister for Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs of Sierra Leone, Dr Soccoh Alex Kabia and Tanzanian MP, Ms Gertrude Mongella. An outcome document from the side event has been circulated to interested parties to inform Ireland's preparations for the MDG review summit on 20-22 September 2010, with a particular focus on MDG 5 on improving maternal health. Ireland also co-sponsored UNAID's High Level side event to launch the "Agenda for Accelerated Country Action for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV".

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

252 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the way in which Irish aid to Uganda is being used to assist refugees and internally displaced persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30689/10]

Uganda is one of nine priority countries for the Government's overseas development assistance programme. It is one of the poorest in the world, ranking 157th out of 182 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index. The 2010 budget allocation provided for the Uganda country programme administered by Irish Aid is €33.25 million. In addition, the Government channels funding to Uganda through NGOs, missionaries and civil society organisations and through the provision of humanitarian aid.

Uganda is recognised internationally for its generosity in hosting refugees from neighbouring countries. Insecurity in the region has led to large influxes of refugees. It is estimated that there are currently some 130,000 refugees in Uganda. The recent conflict in Northern Uganda has also resulted in a large number of internally displaced people who are resident in camps and transit sites in the country. Ireland, through the Irish Aid Country Strategy Plan 2010-2014, is supporting the Ugandan Government's Peace, Recovery and Development Programme for Northern Uganda. This programme is aimed at rebuilding communities and revitalising the economy in the region after decades of conflict. The emphasis in the programme is initially on the provision of essential basic services and infrastructure, including schools, clinics, roads and water supply. Irish Aid has allocated over €22 million for this programme over the next five years.

The Government has also provided some €1million in humanitarian assistance to Northern Uganda since 2009. This aid is channelled through Irish, international and local NGOs, including Trócaire, Goal, World Vision and Oxfam, and through UN agencies. It is focused on assisting internally displaced people, with a particular emphasis on helping people return to their homes. Irish Aid is also currently supporting the work of two Irish United Nations Volunteers working with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to promote the protection of the human rights of internally displaced persons in Northern Uganda. €75,000 has been allocated to support these two assignments in 2010.

Uganda's refugees are largely from conflicts in Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Rwanda. A programme of assistance to refuges was launched jointly by the UNHCR and the Government of Uganda in 2004. This programme has been extended for the period 2009-2013. Ireland supports the programme through its core support to the UNHCR. In 2010, the Government allocated €6 million to UNHCR. In addition, through an agreement with the UNHCR, 71 Sudanese refugees in Uganda were identified for resettlement in Ireland in 2008.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

253 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the way in which Irish aid to Ethiopia is being used to assist refugees and internally displaced persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30690/10]

Ethiopia is ranked 171st out of 182 countries on the UN Human Development Index. It is one of the poorest countries in the world and a priority country for the Government's development assistance programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. The 2010 budget allocation for the Ethiopia country programme is €26.05 million, with additional funding channelled through NGOs, missionaries and civil society organisations and through the provision of humanitarian aid.

Ethiopia is located in a politically fragile region. In recent years, tensions in the Horn of Africa have led many thousands of people to seek refuge in Ethiopia, arriving principally from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan. It is estimated that there are some 110,000 refugees in the country at present. The Government of Ethiopia and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) work closely in providing protection and services for this particularly vulnerable group of people.

The Government of Ireland supports this work through our core funding for the UNHCR. This gives UNHCR the flexibility to decide how best to use the resources available on the basis of need. Through Irish Aid, the Government is providing €6 million in core funding to UNHCR this year. In addition Irish Aid is supporting the work of four Irish United Nations Volunteers in Ethiopia who are working with refugees. The four volunteers work with UNHCR in Addis Ababa and in the Somali Region of Ethiopia focusing on the provision of community services for refugees. This year, €145,000 has been allocated to support these assignments.

In addition, since 2008 Ireland has provided more than €5.7 million in funding for humanitarian relief projects in Ethiopia being implemented by NGOs partners Concern, Goal, Trócaire and UN agencies. Five members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps were also deployed during 2008 and 2009 to assist UN agencies and Concern in their humanitarian efforts.

Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 248.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30773/10]

It is in the nature of the work of my Department that staff members transfer between Divisions at HQ, and indeed to Missions abroad, on a regular basis.

In addition to this routine rotation, some staff may apply, for personal reasons, for transfers to other Government Departments or public bodies. The table below sets out the number of applications received, since 1 January 2007, from officers of my Department for such transfers, along with the number of those applications that were approved, refused or that are pending.

Year

No. of transfer applications

No. approved

No. refused

No. pending

2007

20

20

0

0

2008

26

26

0

0

2009

11

11

0

0

2010 to date

8

6

1

1

Applications for transfer may be refused where an officer's performance and/or sick leave do not meet required standards.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in 2003, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs decentralised to Limerick. This Division operates externally under the name of Irish Aid. The Headquarters of Irish Aid is situated in my Department's Limerick building. Of the 108 staff assigned to Irish Aid at the time decentralisation was announced, 19 officials were transferred to other areas of my Department as they did not wish to decentralise.

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

256 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31678/10]

The training budget for my Department in 2010 is €575,000. There has been no reduction since the initial allocation in the estimates. The total spent in the first half of 2010 was €198,617, representing 34.5% of the allocation. Patterns of training expenditure in previous years show that more than 60% of the allocation is drawn down in the second half of the year.

Joan Burton

Question:

257 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the total spend by her Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by her and her Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30273/10]

Any carbon offset spend for my Department on my official travel undertaken since my appointment as Minister on 23rd March 2010 does not fall to be paid until 2011. The carbon offset spend relating to travel undertaken by my Minister of State in the period 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 was €12.88 in respect of one trip. This money was paid to a fund administered by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP).

Joan Burton

Question:

258 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in her Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if she will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30288/10]

It will take some time and resources to disaggregate the details of the cost of travel and subsistence from the Departments offices in Killarney to Dublin and Brussels. However I have arranged for this information to be collated and sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Expenses are paid to staff of my Department in accordance with the Department of Finance circulars governing travel and subsistence.

Joan Burton

Question:

259 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the total spend of her Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30303/10]

The total spend on public advertisements in 2009 and 2010 by my Department, including the National Archives, is as set out in the table below.

Nature of Advertising

Cost incurred in 2009

Cost incurred to date in 2010

National Newspapers

7,487

Nil

Local print media

6,280

Nil

Radio and TV

Nil

Nil

Consumer Protection

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

260 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the steps she is taking to ensure that all public bodies under her remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right or recourse to the Ombudsman; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30374/10]

The only bodies under the aegis of my Department that are subject to the remit of the Ombudsman are the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland and both have assured my department that they comply with their obligations in this regard.

My Department has, in the context of the implementation of the public service modernisation programme, requested the agencies under the aegis of the Department to put a Customer Charter in place. These Customer Charters set out the standards of service the customer can expect and as a matter of course detail how dissatisfied customers may make complaints. The precise content of the Customer Charters, is a matter for each agency.

Swimming Pool Projects

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

261 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will confirm that she will respond to any application from Dublin City Council for funding for the refurbishment of the swimming pools at Crumlin, Séan McDermott Street and Coolock; the amount of money that has been allocated for this programme for 2010. [30396/10]

Under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme which closed to applicants on 31 July, 2000, no application was received from Dublin City Council on behalf of Crumlin, Coolock or Sean Mc Dermott Street swimming pools.

Under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, operated by my Department, grant aid is provided to a maximum of €3.8m to Local Authorities, towards the capital cost of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. As already stated, the current round of the programme closed to applicants on 31 July 2000. Under the programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country with a further 12 pools at various stages of development. Cumulative expenditure from 2000 to date amounts to €144.5m and this has leveraged expenditure of some €400m in swimming pools throughout the country. In the administrative area of Dublin City Council, new pools have been opened in Finglas, Ballyfermot, St. Michael`s House (Belcamp Lane Dublin), Ballymun and work is underway on a new pool at Rathmines. The allocation of €7.5m in 2010 will be sufficient to meet commitments arising in 2010 under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.

No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When a new round of the Programme is launched it will be open to all Local Authorities, including Dublin City Council on behalf of Crumlin, Coolock and Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pools, to submit an application under the terms that will apply.

Sport and Recreational Development

Mary Upton

Question:

262 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the location of the 17 sports inclusion disability officers; the reason that 15 local sports partnerships do not have a SIDO: the estimated cost of extending the SIDO network to every local sports partnership; if it is planned to fund this network into 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30650/10]

A network of 32 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) have been set up throughout the country by the ISC to coordinate and promote sport at local level especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people, and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities.

As the Deputy is aware, there are currently seventeen Sports Inclusion Disability Officers (SIDOs), employed within the following LSP locations, to engage with people with a disability and bring them into the community of sport.

Cavan and Monaghan Sports Partnership

Carlow Sports Partnerships

Clare Sports Partnership

Cork Sports Partnership

Donegal Sports Partnership

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership

Kilkenny Sports Partnership

Laois Sports Partnership

Limerick City and County Sports Partnership

Mayo Sports Partnership

Meath Sports Partnership

North and South Tipperary Sports Partnership

Offaly Sports Partnership

Roscommon Sports Partnership

Sligo Sports Partnership

Waterford Sports Partnership

Westmeath Sports Partnership

The ISC's funding of €425,000 in 2010 for these SIDOs is part on an overall package of funding of €6.3 million for the 32 LSP network this year to implement a diverse range of programmes and it is evident that the LSPs are effective in delivering programmes locally to increase participation rates.

The continued funding of the SIDO scheme is a matter for the ISC in the context of the distribution of its budget and the Council's priorities within its ongoing funding of the LSP network.

Audiovisual Industry

Mary Upton

Question:

263 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport her views on amending the governing act of the Irish Film Board to extend the remit of the board to the computer game industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30652/10]

A Strategy Framework Group for the Audiovisual Content Production Industry was established by my Department last year. This Group, by examining the sector, will assist in providing a clear vision for the future of the industry and a response to market changes.

The Group will examine the whole area of the Irish audiovisual industry, including the computer and video games sector. I anticipate receipt of the Report in the early Autumn.

Sports Capital Programme

Denis Naughten

Question:

264 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport when the sports capital grant programme will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30665/10]

Under the Sports Capital Programme funding is allocated to sporting and to voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

265 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in her Department and or other bodies or agencies under her aegis funded by her Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30779/10]

All applications for transfer to and from my Department, which has been in the process of decentralising to Killarney since 2004, have been processed through the Central Applications Facility, which is managed by the Public Appointments Service.

Applications for transfer, relocation or exchange received in the bodies or agencies under the aegis of the Department are a day to day matter for the agencies themselves.

Phil Hogan

Question:

266 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in her Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for her Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31684/10]

A provision of €85,000 was made for training and development of staff in my Department's Estimate for 2010. This figure is exclusive of salaries and overheads associated with the operation of the Training Unit which are charged separately. Expenditure to end June was €18,000 and while there is likely to be an increase in expenditure in the second half of the year the objective is to secure savings on the original provision.

My Department is strongly committed to ensuring that staff training is focused on addressing identified skills shortages to optimise the use of resources, including human resources. Every effort is made to achieve value for money and in this regard my Department is exploring the scope for sharing of training with other Departments and Offices, particularly in Killarney, and for greater use of e-learning.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

267 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30275/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Irish Government Offsetting Scheme was introduced in June 2007 to fulfil commitments given in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 to introduce carbon offsetting for all air travel by Ministers and officials on Government business. The relevant payments are made to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), located in Vienna, which has been charged with administering the scheme on Ireland's behalf.

The table below shows the carbon offset payments that my Department has made in respect of official air travel arising from the exercise of functions by relevant Ministers/Minister of State at my Department for the periods 2007, 2008 and 2009. Payments are made on an annual basis and no payments have been made as yet for 2010.

Year

Offset Payment under Government scheme

2007

107.03

2008

266.57

2009

392.53

2010 (to date)

Nil

Joan Burton

Question:

268 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30290/10]

My Department has decentralised to interim accommodation in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, as part of the 2003 Decentralisation Programme. All travel and subsistence paid to staff in my Department is in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines and all such costs relating to decentralisation are paid from within existing resources.

The amount of travel and subsistence paid to decentralised staff in Tubbercurry, who travelled to Dublin and Brussels on official business during the periods referred to, is set out in the table below.

Year

Tubbercurry to Dublin, return

Tubbercurry to Brussels, return

2008

108,169

2,042

2009

63,032

774

2010 (to 30 June)

23,769

1,083

Total

194,970

3,899

Joan Burton

Question:

269 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30305/10]

I am advised that my Department incurred expenditure of the nature referred to by the Deputy of €45,222 in 2009 and €38,603 in 2010 to date.

Key areas where expenditure on advertising was incurred included:

my Department's entry in the State section (green pages) of the 2010 Telephone Directory;

a public invitation for applications for membership of the Ministerial Council on Integration;

notice for applications under the new phase of the ‘Equality for Women' measure of the National Women's Strategy 2007-2016; and

a notice relating to the National Walks Scheme.

Security of the Elderly

Jack Wall

Question:

270 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has carried out a review of the programmes and funding in respect of security schemes for senior citizens; the results of such a review; his plans to increase the funding and increase the number of schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30439/10]

My Department reviewed the operation of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People (CSOP) in 2009. The review recommended a revised grant scheme that would provide clarity on a range of issues and would put the scheme on a modern footing. Recommendations were also made with respect to the need to simplify the administrative arrangements, as well as to strengthen the eligibility criteria and the community-based nature of the grant. Other recommendations concerned the level of grant support and the equipment covered by it, as well as issues related to access, coverage, improved targeting of resources and the quality of information available. I published the review on 4 May 2010 and it is available on my Department's website (www.pobail.ie).

A new Seniors Alert Scheme replaced the CSOP with effect from 24 May 2010. The new scheme will continue to operate by means of community-based grant to local community and voluntary groups. While the eligibility criteria remain broadly the same, new application and assessment procedures have been introduced to improve the management and administration of the scheme and to reduce the administrative burden groups. The range of equipment eligible for support has also been modified.

Funding of €2.1m was provided to community groups under the CSOP in 2009. Overall, some €3.1m has been provided in my Department's Vote for the CSOP/Seniors Alert Scheme in 2010, an increase of 50% on the 2009 provision. While the allocation for the scheme for next year is to be finalised in due course in the context of the Estimates process, I am confident that sufficient funds will be made available to meet likely demand in 2011.

The Deputy should note that my Department continues to process applications received under the CSOP prior to its closure in May. To date in 2010, some €1.3m in grant support has been provided to 324 community groups for the provision of items of safety and security equipment to more than 4,000 older people. Details of the grant support paid to community groups are available on my Department's website (www.pobail.ie).

Consumer Protection

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

271 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures he is taking to ensure that all public bodies under his remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right of recourse to the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30460/10]

My Department is fully committed to providing, maintaining and improving service delivery to its customers and, to this end, has put in place a Customer Charter and Customer Service Action Plan for the period 2008-2010. The Customer Service Action Plan sets out my Department's proposed actions and targets for this period.

One of the goals in the Customer Service Action Plan is to liaise with the bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department to ensure that a high standard of service to our customers is delivered. This includes ensuring that our customers are aware of their right of recourse to the Ombudsman. I am advised that a Quality Customer Service checklist will very shortly be circulated to all of the bodies and agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group as a means of reminding them of their obligations to their customers.

Community Development

Willie Penrose

Question:

272 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns and reservations being expressed by women’s community projects, in relation to the proposed transfer of the management, personnel and other assets of same under the Local Community Development Programme by the integration model to local development companies, which will have a significant impact upon the current funding and management arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30499/10]

As the Deputy is aware, the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme were my Department's two main social inclusion/community development programmes. These came to an end on 31 December last and have been superseded by a new integrated programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

All community development projects (CDPs) and local development companies (LDCs) that are currently in receipt of funding through the LCDP have signed up

to implement the new programme in the context of my Department's integration strategy; and

to meet specified deadline dates (submission of workplan by 26 March 2010 and of integration plan by 30 June 2010).

The position is that, unless a project has received provisional approval from my Department for an alternative LCDP integration model, groups were still required to submit their plans for full integration by 30 June.

My Department has set out a model for integrated service delivery and structures at a local level, which would involve, among other things, the re-constitution of the voluntary CDP boards from the end of 2010. Each board would then form an advisory committee to the Local Development Company and act as the voluntary management committee for the local project. This approach will preserve the community development ethos in areas and will not detract from the key essential services and supports being provided through the CDP.

My Department has set out a national model involving full integration of CDPs with local development companies (LDCs), but has made it clear that other options can be considered and that it is not a question of ‘one size fits all'. The only option not acceptable is one that seeks to preserve the status quo: some models proposed by CDPs and other parties in the period since the launch of the LCDP have had to be rejected on that basis.

It is important to note that, despite what is stated by some commentators, full integration does not mean closure of a CDP or the cessation of CDP activities in any given area. As has been stated previously, any worthwhile community development activity or service delivered under a CDP can continue to be delivered under the proposed new LCDP structure and by the same staff who currently do this work. Of course, CDPs may opt out of the LCDP integration process and decide to go it alone. In such cases, my Department will be supportive in relation to the retention of any assets acquired with programme funding and may also be in a position to provide for some limited funding for a transition period, subject to certain conditions.

A number of CDPs have raised concerns about the treatment of assets (particularly buildings) in a full integration situation, where all assets and net liabilities would usually transfer by agreement. However, I want to emphasise that other arrangements are possible — for example, the ownership of buildings need not transfer to an LDC. This was also made clear in the context of the information event for CDPs and LDCs, held by Pobal on my Department's behalf, on 10 June last.

May I take this opportunity to reassure all concerned that my focus remains firmly on ensuring that scarce resources are targeted at the most vulnerable communities through optimising our efforts and resources at the front-line.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

273 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30767/10]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the number of applications received from staff in my Department and in bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group for transfer, relocation or exchange to other Departments and bodies. As the Deputy will be aware, such applications for transfer, relocation and exchange are made through the Central Transfer list and the Central Applications Facility (CAF), which is administered by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The Deputy will also be aware that the PAS administers arrangements for the redeployment of staff in the Dublin region. Therefore, the data requested by the Deputy in respect of staff from my Department and relevant bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group is held by the PAS. To assist the Deputy, the numbers of staff that transferred out of my Department to other Departments and bodies from 1 July 2007 to 31 April 2010 (the relevant period prior to the recent transfer of additional functions to my Department) are set out in the following table.

Transfer of staff out of Department during period 1/07/2007 to 30/06/2008

Transfer of staff out of Department during period 1/07/2008 to 30/06/2009

Transfer of staff out of Department during period 1/07/2009 to 31/4/10

25

8

6

It is the general policy of my Department to accommodate requests for transfer under any of the arrangements referred to above. However, an agreement has recently been reached between management and unions whereby staff will only be released in cases where a replacement is available. For the sake of completeness, I might add that in relation to internal staff transfers and requests from staff for relocation or exchange internally, my Department has a long-standing policy of affording staff the opportunity to experience different types of work for developmental purposes. Internal staff transfer requests are facilitated in line with this policy and in accordance with my Department's Human Resources Strategy 2008-2010.

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

274 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31673/10]

The allocation for staff training in my Department under the Revised Estimates published in February 2010 was €519,000. The Deputy will be aware that following the restructuring of Departments and agencies announced by the Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann, the newly restructured Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs now incorporates responsibility for social inclusion policy and family policy from the Department of Social Protection and for equality, disability, integration and human rights from the Department of Justice and Law Reform. In light of these developments, the allocation for staff training in my Department has now been revised to €562,000, an increase of 8%. Expenditure on training in 2010 to end-June was €42,678.

Social Welfare Benefits

Olwyn Enright

Question:

275 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30491/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has made an application for rent supplement but that no decision has been made on her application. The Executive has further advised that the person concerned should contact the Community Welfare Officer at her local health centre regarding her application.

Social Insurance

Arthur Morgan

Question:

276 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of PPS numbers that have been issued in each of the past ten years. [30270/10]

The Department assumed sole responsibility for the registration of customers and subsequent allocation of PPS Numbers in June 2000. The number of PPS Numbers issued in each of the years since June 2000 is contained in the following table.

From 19-June 2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

102,756

221,956

215,536

191,565

219,954

271,202

311,850

305,610

247,431

165,895

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

277 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the total spend by Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30284/10]

The total amount paid in respect of carbon offsets for official travel by my Department for 2007, 2008 and 2009 amounted to € 4,811.00. The cost incurred in respect of Minister's travel amounted to € 235.91. This amount has been paid into the Carbon Offset Ireland Account which is administered by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. As the carbon offset rate for the year 2010 will not be set until 2011 we are unable to provide a figure for the year to date.

Joan Burton

Question:

278 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30299/10]

The total cost of travel and subsistence paid to civil servants of various grades in my Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2008, 2009 and 2010 to date is outlined the following table. There were various reasons for travel undertaken from the above decentralised offices to Dublin and Brussels such as attendances at meetings, training courses, seminars and interviews. The Department receives money from the EU as reimbursement (or partial reimbursement) of travel expenses incurred when officials travel to attend meetings in Brussels related to EU business.

2008

2009

2010

Dublin

Brussels

Dublin

Brussels

Dublin

Brussels

Buncrana

0

0

1,239

1,058

1,888

0

Letterkenny

19,716

0

8,937

0

4,489

0

Sligo

112,320

71

81,392

1,129

33,900

0

Carrick-on-Shannon

31,307

2,226

32,254

0

12,262

0

Roscommon

7,776

0

7,620

0

1,521

0

Dundalk

13,747

0

9,167

0

3,430

0

Longford

19,967

0

13,563

0

9,436

0

Waterford

11,504

703

21,068

1,235

5,810

1,684

Total:

216,337

3,000

175,240

3,422

72,736

1,684

There were various reasons for travel undertaken from the above decentralised offices to Dublin and Brussels such as attendances at meetings, training courses, seminars and interviews.

Joan Burton

Question:

279 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30314/10]

The total amount spent on public advertising for 2009 and to date in 2010 is outlined in the table below.

Expenditure on Public Advertisements 2009 and 2010

Print (Local and National)

Radio

Television

Total

2009

138,000

4,000

NIL

138,400

2010 (to date)

75,500

NIL

NIL

75,500

Total

213,500

4,000

NIL

213,900

The expenditure in the print media relates to routine advertising such as staff and branch office vacancies, temporary office closures and/or relocation, changes in social welfare schemes and services, public consultation processes and the ann ual Budget awareness campaign. There was no major television or radio advertising undertaken in 2009 or to date in 2010.

Social Welfare Benefits

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

280 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the decision to deny jobseeker’s benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan. [30344/10]

The jobseeker's benefit claim by the person concerned is being re-examined and he will be contacted by his Local Social Welfare Office.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

281 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to the application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30345/10]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 21st April 2010 from the person concerned. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that her child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued to the person on the 29th June 2010 where she was advised of the decision to refuse DCA. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.

Private Rented Accommodation

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

282 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has examined the effect, if any, which rent supplement has on the property rental market; if he has consulted with any non-governmental bodies or organisations representing tenants and property owners on the effect, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30359/10]

There are currently over 95,500 tenants benefiting from a rent supplement payment — an increase of 60 per cent since the end of 2007. Current data on the total number of private rented sector tenancies is not readily available from any one source. The most recent information available from the Central Statistics Office's published in 2007 indicates that there were 141,000 private rented dwelling units in 2006. The PRTB annual report states that at 31st December 2008 there were 206,000 tenancies registered representing some 354,000 tenants. It is clear that the rent supplement scheme which represents in the region of 50% of the private rented market plays a large role in the private rented sector. Accordingly, it is essential that State support for rents are kept under review, reflect current market conditions and do not distort the market in any way. Rent limits achieve this purpose. The recent changes to maximum rent limits were based on a review by my Department of nationwide rental prices in the private rental sector. The objective of this review was to ensure that value for money is achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation.

The review was based on analysis on data on private rental prices supplied by the Central Statistics Office, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and publicly available data. As part of the process, the Department has received submissions and held discussions with various stakeholders within the private rented sector, including Threshold, Simon Community, St. Vincent De Paul, Focus Ireland, and COPE. Discussions in relation to rent limits were also held with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and key Local Authority representatives in the context of the transfer of rent supplement tenants to local authority provided accommodation.

Social Welfare Code

Róisín Shortall

Question:

283 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if mortgage interest supplement is payable up to the maximum amount for the particular family composition in the circumstances where a persons mortgage exceeds the maximum amount; or if in these circumstances mortgage interest supplement is not payable. [30371/10]

Mortgage interest supplement provides short-term support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. In order to qualify for mortgage interest supplement, a person must satisfy a number of statutory qualifying conditions one of which is that the amount of the mortgage interest payable does not exceed such amount as the Health Service Executive considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs. However, in exceptional circumstances, the Health Service Executive may award a supplement where the amount of mortgage interest payable by a person exceeds such amount as the Health Service Executive considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs. Such a supplement is payable for a maximum of 12 months from the date of the claim.

Departmental Bodies

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

284 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures that he is taking to ensure that all public bodies under her remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right of recourse to the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30422/10]

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 Pensions Board

The Board advises customers that they can take their complaint to the relevant office if it is not resolved satisfactorily by the Board. In all publications and on-line the Board provides contact details and references for the Pensions Ombudsman, the Financial Services Ombudsman, The Office of the Ombudsman, the Financial Regulator and any other support agency where relevant. The Government has endorsed 12 Quality Customer Service (QCS) principles for the public service. It is the Pensions Board objective, as part of its "Strategy 2006-2010" to deliver the highest quality service to all their customers and has therefore included in its Strategy the delivery of a Customer Action Plan based on the 12 QCS principles. The Board's Customer Action Plan is published to provide a specific focus on customer service development. A key initiative of this plan is the publication of a Customer Charter which is a public statement detailing the Board's standards and services. The Customer Charter is displayed in the Board's offices and is available on its website.

The Pensions Ombudsman

Section 140(1) of the Pensions Act 1990 provides that the only course of appeal open to a complainant against a determination of the Pensions Ombudsman (which is a legal decision binding on all parties) is through an appeal through the High Court with 21 days of the date of that determination. Furthermore, any category of complaint or dispute which can be investigated by the Pensions Ombudsman, is exempted from the Ombudsman Act 1980 by virtue of Section 58(1) of the Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002.

The Citizens Information Board

The Citizens Information Board does not come under the remit of the Ombudsman other than under the terms of the Disability Act 2005. The Citizens Information Board's website www.citizensinformationboard.ie outlines the procedure for making such complaints as necessary, and makes reference to the role of the Ombudsman in relation to complaints that fail to be resolved by the Citizens Information Board.

The Social Welfare Tribunal

The Ombudsman has no remit to examine decisions of the Social Welfare Tribunal. A decision of the Tribunal on an application for an adjudication is final and conclusive, but an appeal may be made to the High Court on a question of law.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

285 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue regarding an appeal for carer’s allowance in view of the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Cork is in a position to meet the full time carer conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30452/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 17 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

Sean Fleming

Question:

286 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance scheme received in 2009 and 2010 to date; the numbers where the allowance was granted; the number of cases where it was refused; the number of cases still to be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30475/10]

Since the 1st April 2009 this Department has been accepting new claims for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). This follows the transfer of the scheme from the Health Service Executive on foot of a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme. In the period 1st April 2009 to 31st December 2009 a total of 3,389 DCA applications were received. 2,823 claims were fully processed by the Department in 2009, with 1,031 claims awarded and 1,792 claims deemed not to be eligible for DCA. 836 appeals were registered in 2009 with 60 finalised before 31st December 2009. Of these cases, 47 were revised by the Deciding Officer based on additional information received, 2 withdrawn, 5 disallowed by the appeals officer and 6 allowed on appeal. In the period 1st January 2010 to 31st May 2010 a total of 2,208 applications were received in the Department. 1,133 claims have been awarded and 1,181 have been deemed not to be eligible for DCA. Currently there are 460 DCA applications pending decision in the Department. A further 611 appeals were registered in the period to 31st May 2010. The Deciding Officer revised the decision in 315 cases under appeal, based on additional information supplied and 3 appeals were withdrawn. Appeals Officers have disallowed 151, partially allowed 1 and allowed 69 appeals in 2010. Currently there are 848 DCA appeals pending in the Department.

Sean Fleming

Question:

287 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is satisfied with the domiciliary care allowance scheme application system which places a very heavy burden on the parent or guardian, who are by definition in a difficult situation, as it involves a submission of a detailed statement by them; a detailed statement by the child’s general practitioner and any other relevant evidence from qualified experts who have examined the child compared with a less onerous process for the parent which would involve an individual examination by the Department’s medical assessors of the child to determine their eligibility for domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30480/10]

The transfer of the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) scheme from the Health Service Executive to the Department arises from a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme. Domiciliary Care Allowance is now a statutory scheme provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008. The Department has been accepting new claims since 1st April 2009 and has responsibility for all DCA cases from September 2009. 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.

An Expert Medical Group, established in advance of the transfer of DCA to the Department, considered that the most appropriate way for the Department to conduct assessments for medical eligibility was by desk assessment by its medical assessors rather than by way of individual examinations, as has been the case in the Health Service Executive. The Group considered that the child's general practitioner and the medical personnel involved in the case are best placed to provide comprehensive reports which are then considered by the Medical Assessor. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision he/she may seek to have the decision reviewed or may appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. I am satisfied with the application system that is in place as it aims to ensure that the scheme is administered in a fair and consistent manner across the country.

James Bannon

Question:

288 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position on an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30595/10]

The person concerned submitted an application for Jobseeker's Allowance on 21 May 2010. This payment is subject to a means test and the application has been forwarded to a Social Welfare Investigator who will visit the person concerned this week. On completion of this investigation the case will be returned to a deciding officer for immediate decision.

James Bannon

Question:

289 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an update on an application for carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in respect of a person (details further supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30596/10]

The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 1 June 2010. On 5 July 2010, following completion of a medical assessment, the case was referred to an investigative officer of this department for means assessment and confirmation that all the conditions necessary for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. On completion of the necessary investigations, a decision will be made and she will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals

Róisín Shortall

Question:

290 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals officers as opposed to the general staff number in the social welfare appeals office at year end in each of the last five years and at present; and the average annual number of cases finalised per appeals officer in each of these years. [30617/10]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

291 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of social welfare appeals finalised to date in 2010; and the number currently outstanding. [30629/10]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

292 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the workload capacity on an annual basis, in terms of appeals finalised, of the social welfare appeals office once each of the retired social welfare appeals officers are recruited back into the office (details supplied). [30660/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos 290 to 292, inclusive, together.

The number of Appeals Officers in the Social Welfare Appeals Office, the number of cases finalised by Appeals Officers and the average number per Appeals Officer in the years 2005-2009 and to date in 2010 is given in table 1 attached to this reply.

On the basis of performance to date in 2010 (see table 2 attached to this reply), it is expected that the number of cases finalised in 2010 would be in the region of 24,000.

As outlined in my reply to previous questions, it has been decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis. These Officers are being assigned to cases which can be dealt with on a summary basis and, although it is obviously too early to estimate with accuracy the numbers of cases they will finalise, it is expected to be upwards of 5,000 cases in 2010. This would bring to 29,000 the number of cases expected to be finalised in 2010 as against 18,000 in 2009.

TABLE 1

Year

No. of Appeals Officers at 31st December

No. of appeals finalised by Appeals Officers

Average no. per Appeals Officer

2005

17

8,484

499

2006

18

9,100

505

2007

17

8,738

514

2008

17

9,423

554

2009

19

10,027

527

2010

20

6,043

302

The 2010 number reflects only six months work. It should be noted that the number of Appeals Officers serving reflects the position at end year which may be different from the average number of officers serving during the course of the year. Five experienced Appeals Officers retired during 2009. Because of the quasi-judicial nature and complexity of the work there can be a relatively long lead-in time before Appeals Officers become fully competent to deal with the full range of cases coming to the Office.

TABLE 2

at June 30th

No. of AO Decisions

No. of Revised Decisions

No. Withdrawn

Total

2009

4,946

2,306

1,183

8,435

2010

6,043

3,705

1,582

11,330

Increase

22%

60%

33%

34%

Social Welfare Code

Sean Sherlock

Question:

293 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which he plans to allow persons who receive jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit to complete the certification process by mobile phone. [30685/10]

To qualify for jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance, a jobseeker must fulfil a number of conditions, including being available for and genuinely seeking work. To fulfil these conditions, jobseekers must at regular intervals make a declaration that they are still unemployed, available for and actively seeking work. This is known as the certification process and is currently carried out by attending at the Social Welfare Local Office.

The mobile phone certification project will examine the potential to develop an additional channel for jobseeker's certification via the mobile phone.

Certification is carried out at regular intervals, usually monthly. The currently envisaged process is that selected jobseeker's claimants will register to use the service and, as part of the registration, the Department will record and store their voiceprint. At certification time, the Department will contact the customer on their mobile phone, verify the location of the phone and then verify the customer's identity by comparing the voiceprint from the telephone conversation with the stored voiceprint. If these verifications are successful, certification will then be completed.

This service will potentially allow people who receive jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit to complete the certification process by mobile phone. This would provide an alternative to the requirement for jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit claimants to attend their Social Welfare Local Office to certify. The initiative would provide improved customer service and also reduce the Departmental resources required to administer certification.

The proposed mobile phone certification solution has a number of innovative features, from both a business process and technical perspective. The Department has to evaluate how these might work in practice before committing to full-scale deployment. In particular, deployment will not proceed unless it offers at least the same level of control as existing processes

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Ring

Question:

294 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved the living alone allowance and the fuel allowance. [30696/10]

Living alone allowance and fuel allowance are payable, subject to certain eligibility conditions, to individuals who are living alone, or living with certain excepted persons, and who are in receipt of: a qualifying payment from the Department of Social Protection, the Health Service Executive or the Department of Defence or a qualifying social security payment from another EU country or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral Social Security Agreement.

The person concerned is a beneficiary of an increase for qualified adult on her spouse's State pension (contributory). As she is not in receipt of a qualifying payment in her own right, she is not eligible to receive either living alone allowance or fuel allowance.

A claim for fuel allowance received from the person concerned was disallowed on 21st April 2010. The Department has no record of receiving a claim for living alone allowance.

It is noted that this person's spouse is in receipt of a qualifying payment for fuel allowance. If her spouse wishes, he may submit an application for fuel allowance, and he will be notified of the outcome of a decision on his entitlement in due course.

Pension Provisions

Michael Ring

Question:

295 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the state transition and contributory pension. [30697/10]

A claim for State pension (transition) was submitted by the person concerned on the 8th June 2010, and is currently being processed by this Department. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of a decision on his entitlement in due course.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Ring

Question:

296 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be examined by another medical assessor to finalise their illness benefit appeal. [30700/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30776/10]

Prior to the introduction of the Programme of Decentralisation in May 2004, the names of Clerical Officers and Staff Officers applying for transfers were recorded on departmental transfer lists in accordance with formal protocols agreed between the Civil, Public and Services Union (CPSU) and the Department of Finance. There were no formal protocols for other grades in the civil or public service, however informal transfer lists were maintained.

Following the introduction of the Programme of Decentralisation, the Central Applications Facility (CAF), which is administered by the Public Appointments Service, was established to record transfer applications in respect of all grades, across the civil and public service. When a vacancy falls to be filled by way of transfer, the relevant transfer list is referenced.

Statistics in relation to the various transfer lists are not maintained in such a way as to allow for the provision of the specific details being sought by the Deputy, i.e. number of applications received, approved or rejected in the past three years.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

298 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the manner in which decisions by medical assessors in his Department are recorded. [30783/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

299 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will introduce regulations to permit persons presenting for interview by medical assessors in his Department to be accompanied by another person of their choice. [30784/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

300 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will introduce regulations to provide for the recording of interviews by medical assessors in his Department, with the consent of the interviewees. [30785/10]

I proposed to take Questions Nos. 298 to 300, inclusive, together.

Medical assessors do not make decisions but rather present medical opinions for consideration by deciding officers who are appointed by the Minister to decide on entitlement to schemes. Medical assessments are carried out either on the basis of medical reports without a personal examination (known as a "desk assessment") or on the basis of medical reports with a personal examination (known as an "in-person assessment"). The opinion of the medical assessor is recorded on file and forwarded to the deciding officer. The attendance of other persons at an assessment, other than a doctor or interpreter (if deemed necessary) is at the discretion of the medical assessor. A personal advocate may attend provided the advocate is a suitably qualified member of a recognised advocate association and has obtained permission in advance from the Department. Advocates may attend only for the case history and discussion part of the assessment but not for the physical examination. There are no plans at present to provide for the recording of interviews by medical assessors.

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

301 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social Protection the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31681/10]

The funding that was made available for training civil servants in 2010 in my Department was: €800,000.

This was reduced to €787,000 on 1st May 2010 due to the transfer of the Office of Social Inclusion to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Figures detailing the extent to which this sum has been spent to the end of June 2010 have not been fully submitted yet, and therefore this information will not be available until mid-July.

Joan Burton

Question:

302 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30276/10]

The Government introduced the Irish Government Offsetting Scheme for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from official travel on 24 June 2008. The administrative structures to permit the scheme to become fully operational were put in place in 2009.

The first payment under this scheme was made in April 2009 in respect of the period 14 June 2007 to 31 December 2008 and amounted to €1,538 of which no charges were due in respect of travel for the Minister and the Minister of State. Payment in respect of year ending 31 December 2009 was processed in February 2010 and amounted to €1,061 of which no charges were due in respect of travel for the Minister or the Minister of State. Payment for year ending 31 December 2010 will be calculated and processed in early 2011.

All offsetting charges due in respect of the Ministerial Air Transport Service are paid by the Department of the Taoiseach, in respect of all Government departments. The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership based in Vienna is charged with administering the scheme on Ireland's behalf and decisions on investing the offsetting funds are dealt with by that body.

Joan Burton

Question:

303 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30291/10]

A number of the Department's branches decentralised to Galway in 1989. The total cost in relation to travel and subsistence payments for staff in the Galway office is outlined in the table below:

Travel & Subsistence Costs for Department of Defence Staff based in Decentralised Offices in Galway

Year

Domestic Travel & Subsistence

Foreign Travel & Subsistence

Total Amount

2008

72,508

Nil

72,508

2009

43,014

Nil

43,014

Jan – June 2010

15,827

Nil

15,827

The vast bulk of these costs relate to meetings and events in Dublin. Every effort is made to minimize travel and subsistence expenditure by managing the frequency of meetings and the use of ICT, including video conferencing.

Joan Burton

Question:

304 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30306/10]

The information requested in respect of the Department and the Defence Forces is outlined in the table below:

Year

Total Expenditure

2009

139,797.50

2010 (to 7/7/2010)

26,032.26

I am satisfied that the above expenditure is appropriate and I remain committed to ensuring that my Department achieves value for money in relation to all forms of advertising.

Naval Service Vessels

Michael McGrath

Question:

305 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the procurement of new naval vessels for the Naval Service. [30680/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

319 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all materials and equipment, including sea going vessels used by the Naval Service is upgraded, updated or replaced as necessary; the extent to which this has happened over the past three years and is likely to be provided for in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30761/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 319 together.

A strategy for the replacement of Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) is currently in progress following the commencement of a tender competition in 2007. The competition sought tenders for the purchase of two OPVs with an option for a third. Following tender evaluation, a preferred bidder was selected last year and detailed and extensive contract negotiations are now very close to conclusion. The decision to proceed with the final award of the contract to purchase the OPV’s is subject to these negotiations reaching a satisfactory outcome and Government approval of the 2011 Estimates.

Subject to a satisfactory conclusion of the contract negotiations delivery of the new vessels would be expected to commence on a phased basis from 2014.

This combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair of existing vessels and equipment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.

Defence Forces Training

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

306 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the training of apprentices for the Defence Forces; the number of such apprentices trained on an annual basis in the past 12 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30748/10]

Following the closure of the Army Apprentice School in 1998, and in order to ensure the availability of the requisite levels of technical skills in the Defence Forces, a Trainee Technician Scheme and an Apprentice Scheme were introduced.

Personnel already serving in the Defence Forces enter the Trainee Technician Scheme while civilian personnel who join the Defence Forces to begin their technical training enter the Apprentice Scheme. Training under the Schemes consists of an integrated package of military training and technical training in the appropriate trade, the latter of which is provided in association with FÁS.

The duration of both Schemes is four years and, on successful completion, personnel graduate in line with the National Framework of Qualifications.

Details of the number of individuals who completed training under the Trainee Technician and Apprentice Schemes in each of the years between 2000, the earliest date for which figures are available, and 2009 are provided in the tabular statement.

Trainee Technician and Apprentice Schemes, 2000-2009

Year

Army

Air Corps

Naval Service

Total

2000

28

15

16

59

2001

61

15

24

100

2002

46

37

5

88

2003

53

0

6

59

2004

0

17

1

18

2005

22

0

3

25

2006

51

0

8

59

2007

66

19

3

88

2008

51

7

6

64

2009

36

7

8

51

Total

414

117

80

611

Defence Forces Deployment

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

307 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase coastal, naval and air surveillance in view of the need to combat drug trafficking or other criminal activity which may become more lucrative in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

316 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources are available to the Air Corps and Naval Services to ensure adequate coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30758/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 316 together.

Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking lies primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners, while responsibility for the prevention of crime lies primarily with An Garda Síochána. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work.

The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where the State's jurisdiction applies. The Naval Service intends to further enhance its surveillance capabilities by utilising both Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) which identifies merchant shipping approaching and in Irish waters.

The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue or recovery and drug interdiction operations.

The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol.

Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of our Exclusive Economic Zone using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission.

An Inter-Departmental Maritime Surveillance Co-ordination Group (MarSur CG), chaired by the Department of Transport, has been established under the auspices of the Maritime Co-ordination Group of Assistant Secretaries. The Co-ordination Group will work towards the creation of a common information-sharing environment to enhance safety and security within the Irish maritime domain. The Department of Defence and the Naval Service are represented on this Group along with other Government Departments and Agencies responsible for safety and security in the maritime environment.

Internationally, the establishment in 2007 of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre — Narcotics (MAOC-N) has led to a greater focus on intelligence exchange amongst countries to tackle large drug shipments by sea. MAOC-N was set up by seven European countries and is designed as an international co-ordination force with access to national tasking agencies and requires participation and resources from all active members. An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service have full-time officers based at the Centre in Lisbon. Irish Naval Service personnel travel to the Centre when requested by the Joint Task Force.

I am satisfied that with these initiatives in place, the Naval Service and the Air Corps can continue to effectively support the civil authorities in combating drug trafficking and other criminal activity.

Defence Forces Strength

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

308 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Army Reserve, including Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30750/10]

I am advised by the Military authorities that the strength of the Reserve Defence Force as at 31 May 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, was 6,200, comprising 5,934 Army Reserve and 266 Naval Reserve.

Limited recruitment into the RDF 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.

I am aware that numbers in the Reserve have declined over recent years. This trend in reduced volunteerism is not confined to the Reserve but is indicative of broader societal trends. It should also be noted that a more rigorous approach is now taken to removing the names of non-effective personnel from unit rolls. This accounts for part of the fall in numbers over recent years.

There is now a requirement to examine the progress that has been made and to chart the future direction of the Reserve. Work has commenced on a Value for Money Review of the Reserve and the findings of this Review, together with the lessons learned from the Implementation Plan to date, will inform the future plans for the Reserve.

Defence Forces Training

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

309 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which specific training is provided to assist in a rapid response in the event of a natural disaster of terrorist attack; if he will provide the degree to which co-operation and co-ordination between Army, Naval Service and Air Corps and the appropriate Government Department with overall responsibility is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30751/10]

The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána (as aid to the civil power) or from other agencies of the State (as aid to the civil authority). The role of the Defence Forces in these situations is dependent on the nature of the incident and the assistance requested.

The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises. This includes, inter alia, a variety of off-road vehicles, engineer plant, trained drivers and operators, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, Naval Service ships and divers and personnel with other skills in areas such as logistics and medicine. The Defence Forces alert system is based on a graduated response, which ensures that the required level of readiness and commitment by the Defence Forces can be readily achieved.

As a support agency the Defence Forces deploy capabilities that are integral to their military and contingency roles and training is in relation to these capabilities rather than specific capabilities for natural disasters or possible terrorist attacks.

The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out the structure enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies and the Defence Forces respond within that framework.

The Major Emergency Framework sets out the specific arrangements for coordination and cooperation between the Principal Response Agencies and the Defence Forces. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

310 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotions approved or pending at all ranks in the Defence Forces; the numbers nominated but not yet approved; when approval is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30752/10]

Resulting from the Government Decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Forces were suspended. However, in order to maintain the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces, a limited number of exceptions to the application of the measures to the Permanent Defence Force were sought in a submission to the Minister for Finance, in June 2009.

As was announced on the 24 November 2009, the Minister for Finance approved an allocation of 50 promotions, for the Permanent Defence Force. These promotions were approved to address priority operational and command requirements of the Permanent Defence Force.

Military Management reviewed existing vacancies in all ranks across the organisation as a whole, so as to prioritise those to be filled from the approved promotions.

Following on from this review, a total of 13 Officer promotions and 30 enlisted promotions have been completed to date. A further 4 enlisted promotions will be completed as soon as the administrative procedures relating to them have been completed. The residual 3 approved promotions will be used to fill priority posts as they arise.

Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is firmly focused on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

Officials from the Department together with the Military Authorities are in the process of finalising a review of the structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force, within the reduced numbers for submission to the Department of Finance. This will be completed shortly and discussions will then commence with the Department of Finance to agree an Employment Control Framework for the Defence Forces.

Once the Employment Control Framework has been agreed with the Department of Finance, numbers within each rank will be identified and sanction for promotion will be delegated to the Department of Defence, with ongoing control monitoring by the Department of Finance on a monthly basis, to ensure ongoing compliance with the overall parameters and controls set by Government for each sector. It will be necessary to underpin the re-organisation with the required amendments to Regulations and Admin Instructions. Until the Employment Control Framework has been agreed it is not possibly to quantify the number of promotions pending in the Permanent Defence Force.

Defence Forces Strength

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

311 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers by rank and gender throughout the Defence Forces; the extent to which such numbers have fluctuated in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30753/10]

The number of officers by rank and gender throughout the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 May 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, and for the years 2008 and 2009 is provided in the tabular statements. Overall, the number of officers in the PDF has remained constant in recent years with female officers accounting for approximately 11% of the total number in each of the years.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.

Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.

The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

STRENGTH OF MALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 MAY 2010

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFRS

ARMY

1

2

6

34

110

268

236

296

953

AIR CORPS

1

2

12

29

62

37

143

NAVAL SERVICE

1

2

12

35

39

46

135

TOTAL

1

2

8

38

134

332

337

379

1231

STRENGTH OF FEMALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 MAY 2010

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFRS

ARMY

2

19

42

51

114

AIR CORPS

4

2

6

NAVAL SERVICE

2

10

11

23

TOTAL

2

21

56

64

143

STRENGTH OF MALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFRS

ARMY

1

2

6

31

113

271

240

266

930

AIR CORPS

1

1

13

29

62

31

137

NAVAL SERVICE

1

0

13

37

39

51

141

TOTAL

1

2

8

32

139

337

341

348

1208

STRENGTH OF FEMALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFRS

ARMY

2

19

43

47

111

AIR CORPS

4

1

5

NAVAL SERVICE

2

10

11

23

TOTAL

2

21

57

59

139

STRENGTH OF MALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFRS

ARMY

1

3

7

41

130

284

189

305

960

AIR CORPS

1

2

12

32

54

42

143

NAVAL SERVICE

1

2

12

41

32

49

137

TOTAL

1

3

9

45

154

357

275

396

1,240

STRENGTH OF FEMALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFRS

ARMY

1

21

48

41

111

AIR CORPS

2

2

4

NAVAL SERVICE

2

10

11

23

TOTAL

1

23

60

54

138

Defence Forces Property

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

312 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with the various local authorities with a view to making provision for Army overholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30754/10]

I refer the Deputy to Question No 150 of the 2nd June 2010 (Reference No 23757/10) which stated — "The Department has had three meetings with Kildare County Council over the past two years to discuss, amongst other things, the issue of the continued occupation of married quarters by former members of the Defence Forces. Discussions have not taken place with any other local authority, as this is predominantly an issue arising in relation to the Curragh Camp. Kildare County Council has informed the Department that the overholders must be registered on their housing list before any consideration can be given to providing accommodation for them." The position remains unchanged.

Defence Forces Training

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

313 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the chain and sequence of command and operational structures governing the National Emergency Plan; the way such plans are likely to be activated in the future; the sequence of events leading up to such activation; the person or persons with overall responsibility in such matters; the degree to which a communications and advice centre is provided for in such plans having particular regard to the situation likely to arise in the event of either a natural disaster or terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30755/10]

Emergency planning is based on the ‘lead department' principle. This means that each department is responsible for assessing the risks, making appropriate plans and leading the response to those emergencies that impact on its areas of responsibility.

The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, supports coordination in emergency planning across government departments and agencies. It is a forum for the sharing of information and best practice and it meets regularly to discuss emergency planning issues and hear expert advice.

In December 2008, the Government noted the document entitled ‘Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Planning'. This document, for the first time, identified the lead department and the supporting departments and agencies in over 40 emergency scenarios. It was prepared by the Office of Emergency Planning and was agreed by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.

The Department of Justice & Law Reform is designated as the lead department in coordinating the response to national security related incidents (including terrorism).

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is designated as the lead department in coordinating the national level response to severe weather emergencies. During the recent severe weather events, that Department chaired meetings of the National Emergency Response Committee, which included senior representatives from Government Departments, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Met Éireann, the National Roads Authority and other State Agencies that supported the response. The Committee examined all of the issues arising from the severe weather. It provided a forum for sharing of information and helped to bring about a coordinated ‘whole of government' response.

The National Emergency Coordination Centre was activated in support of the National Emergency Response Committee. Staff from the Office of Emergency Planning (civil and military) managed the Centre on an ongoing basis during the period of the emergency.

It should be stressed that the principal operational response to severe weather emergencies takes place at the local level and is coordinated by the local authorities in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Framework for Major Emergency Management.

Defence Forces Strength

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

314 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Naval Service by rank and gender; the degree to which this has fluctuated in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the future plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30756/10]

The strength of the Naval Service by rank and gender as at 31 May 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, and for the previous three years is provided in the tabular statements. While the number of female personnel has remained constant over this period, the overall strength of the Naval Service has decreased by 59 personnel or just under 5.5%.

Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. 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.

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.

Naval Service as at 31 May 2010

Gender

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

PTE

Cadet

Total

Male

1

2

12

35

39

46

4

6

72

16

212

152

338

13

948

Female

2

10

11

9

33

5

70

Total

1

2

12

37

49

57

4

6

72

16

212

161

371

18

1,018

Naval Service as at 31 December 2009

Gender

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

PTE

Cadet

Total

Male

1

13

37

39

51

4

6

74

16

210

156

345

13

965

Female

2

10

11

9

34

6

72

Total

1

13

39

49

62

4

6

74

16

210

165

379

19

1,037

Naval Service as at 31 December 2008

Gender

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

PTE

Cadet

Total

Male

1

2

12

41

32

49

6

7

76

15

216

166

367

10

1,000

Female

2

10

11

9

35

3

70

Total

1

2

12

43

42

60

6

7

76

15

216

175

402

13

1,070

Naval Service as at 31 December 2007

Gender

LT GEN

MAJ GEN

BRIG GEN

COL

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

PTE

Cadet

Total

Male

1

2

12

42

41

43

6

7

75

15

212

165

375

10

1,006

Female

10

8

7

40

6

71

Total

1

2

12

42

51

51

6

7

75

15

212

172

415

16

1,077

Defence Forces Property

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

315 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the projections arising from the closure and disposal of various military barracks throughout the country over the past 12 years has been realised; the total receipts for such sales; the costs if any associated therewith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30757/10]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 2nd June, 2010 which stated that ten military barracks have been closed since 1998. The receipts accruing from the sale of first five barracks were as follows: Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig €44.5m, Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy €973,889, Devoy Barracks, Naas €9.3m, Castleblayney Barracks €761,843, and Clancy Barracks, Islandbridge €25.4m.

The Government decided on 1st July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare would be among the State lands released to Kildare County Council for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. However, this will not now occur and the Department has retained control of this property.

In relation to the Government decision of 14 October 2008 that approved the closure of the barracks at Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford in Donegal the current position is as follows; Rockhill Military post is being prepared for public sale, although an agreement is in place with another Government agency for the purchase of part of the lands. Lifford Military post is under negotiation with another Government agency. An agreement is in place to dispose of part of Connolly Barracks, Longford to a Government agency and some interest has been recorded in the remaining portion of the barracks. An agreement for sale is also in place in relation to Monaghan Barracks.

Minimal costs are incurred in relation to the sale of premises as the preferred method is by public tender.

Question No. 316 answered with Question No. 307.

Air Corps Equipment

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

317 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number and category of aircraft available to the Air Corps; the extent to which training, equipment and technology is comparable to that available to other such forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30759/10]

There are a total of 27 aircraft in operational service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 10 helicopters and 17 fixed wing aircraft. The types of the aircraft are set out in the attached tabular statement, which will be circulated with the Official Report.

As the Deputy is aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place in recent years. The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of the Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters from Agusta Westland, Italy at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m.

On the issue of Air Corps training and technology, I am satisfied that Air Corps training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects.

The Air Corps training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Air Corps by Government and any comparison with other Air Forces is not relevant.

Air Corps 10 helicopters and 17 fixed wing aircraft as follows:

TYPE OF AIR CORPS AIRCRAFT IN OPERATIONAL SERVICE

No.

Usage

Helicopter

EC 135

4

Two used for pilot training and two dedicated to the Garda Air Support Unit and used on Garda operations only.

AW 139’s

6

General purpose military operational and training.

Fixed Wing

Gulfstream IV

1

Dedicated to the Ministerial Air Transport Service.

Learjet 45

1

Dedicated to the Ministerial Air Transport Service. It is also used as an air ambulance.

CASA

2

Maritime patrols, fishery protection and the reporting of inshore pollution. In the course of fishery protection patrols the CASA can be used from time to time in support of the Customs National Drug Team at the request of the latter body.

Cessna

5

Provides support to Army and Garda operations and can undertake Inland Fishery Protection at the behest of Fisheries Boards.

Pilatus PC9

7

These replaced the Marchettis’ and they provide basic flight training for Cadets. Capable of being armed giving a limited defensive capability.

Defender

1

Dedicated to the Garda Air Support Unit and used on Garda operations only.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

318 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps cadets accepted in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30760/10]

A total of five Air Corps Cadets were recruited in 2007. In 2008 and 2009 the Military Authorities advised that in relation to the Air Corps there was no requirement to recruit Air Corps Cadets. This position was a function of the number of serving pilots, the number in training, the number of retirements and other anticipated departures.

Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 May 2010 was 9,809 comprising 7,996 Army, 795 Air Corps and 1,018 Naval Service personnel.

Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. To this end I recently approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits to the Naval Service and this recruitment process is currently underway. In addition the military authorities will shortly advertise for some limited recruitment to the Army.

The question of a cadet class for the Permanent Defence Force in 2010 is being considered in the context of the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces on foot of the Government approval, in the context of Budget 2010, to maintain a complement of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel. I will consider the matter in the context of the results of this review.

It is intended, 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.

Question No. 319 answered with Question No. 305.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

320 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30768/10]

The 2003 Government decision on decentralisation gave rise to the establishment of the Central Applications Facility (CAF). The CAF was launched by the Public Appointments Service to manage applications from staff to apply centrally for decentralised locations of their choice. Since then all assignments into the Department and its agencies are made through the CAF. The locations relevant to the Department and its agencies are Galway, Roscrea and Newbridge.

The decentralisation of a number of branches of the Department to Galway took place in 1989. Since the CAF was established, a small number of staff have transferred in and out of the Galway office through the CAF. The decentralisation of the Civil Defence Board to Roscrea was completed in 2006 and about 25 staff were assigned through the CAF. The decentralisation of the Department's Dublin-based civil servants to Newbridge is proceeding as planned and is expected to take place later this year. The CAF for Newbridge has been oversubscribed with applications from staff wishing to relocate to Newbridge. It remains a live system and continues to attract applications. Over 160 staff have been assigned through the CAF to date to the Department's Dublin offices in advance of the move to Newbridge.

While the exact number of rejections of CAF applicants is not readily available, the numbers involved would be very small.

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

321 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the Estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31674/10]

The Department is committed to the Training and Development of staff with a strong focus on learning and development initiatives that meet the business needs of the Department and represent a good investment of resources. In 2010 the funding allocation for Training & Development of staff is €135k. Expenditure to the 30 June 2010 was €38,702.

Warmer Homes Schemes

Michael McGrath

Question:

322 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if financial support is available to local authority tenants to improve the insulation of their dwellings. [30365/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 45 of 22 April 2010, which outlines the position in regard to the retrofitting of energy efficiency measures in local authority dwellings.

Building Regulations

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

323 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will put in place regulations to ensure that hotel rooms for disabled persons are located on the ground floor of hotels when practicable, thereby enabling persons with a disability to safely exit a building in the event of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30616/10]

Part B (Fire Safety) of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations provides for the means of escape in case of fire in buildings. Part B 1 of the Regulations states: "A building shall be so designed and constructed that there are adequate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building, capable of being safely and effectively used." Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B), which provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part B, includes (in Section 1.4.15) provisions for escape by persons with disabilities.

Part M (Access for People with Disabilities) of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations, as amended, provides for the access and use of hotels and other types of building for people with disabilities. Article M1 of the Regulations requires adequate provision to be made to enable people with disabilities to safely and independently access and use a building.

Specific guidance on how a hotel can comply with its obligations under Part M is set out in TGD-M, with specific provisions included in section 1.18.

Part M of the Building Regulations is currently under review and a new Part M is expected to be published by the end of 2010.

The Regulations are continually updated to ensure that they remain in line with best practice.

Foreshore Licences

Michael McGrath

Question:

324 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a foreshore lease will be put in place between his Department and the Port of Cork for pier in Cork (details supplied). [30671/10]

My Department has no record of a foreshore application having been received for the development in question. My Department will contact the Port of Cork Company to clarify matters.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

325 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Ministers of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30279/10]

The Programme for Government and the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 gave a commitment to introduce a voluntary scheme to offset greenhouse gas emissions from official air travel by Ministers and civil servants. The scheme became operational in 2009 and retrospectively accounted for all official air travel since the Government came into office in June 2007.

A gross figure only is available for offsetting emissions associated with official air travel by myself, the Ministers of State and officials in my Department for the period of the scheme up to the end of 2008. This total was €7,629.78.

In 2009, emissions associated with official air travel by myself and Minister of State Finneran resulted in a payment to the offsetting fund of €54.56 and €25.12, respectively.

No payments have been made so far in respect of 2010.

The value of the total offsetting costs in each year is invested by Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) in the purchase of Gold Standard Voluntary Emissions Reductions (GS VERs). In purchasing GS VERs, REEEP has been asked to focus on Ireland's priority Overseas Development Aid countries in Africa.

Joan Burton

Question:

326 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30294/10]

The total cost of travel and subsistence incurred by staff travelling between the Department's offices in Wexford and Dublin during 2008 and 2009 is set out in the following table. The staff referred to were those based in temporary office accommodation in Wexford pending the opening of the Department's new offices, which took place in March 2010. Expenditure for travel to date in 2010 is not yet available.

Year

Travel & Subsistence Cost

Staff Numbers in Wexford

2008

56,393

44 (as at December 2008)

2009

40,669

125 (as at December 2009)

Details of costs for staff travelling to Dublin from the Department's decentralised offices in Ballina for meetings and events are not readily available, nor are costs for travel and subsistence associated with travel to Brussels from either Wexford or Ballina.

Joan Burton

Question:

327 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30309/10]

The information sought is set out in the following table.

Year

Expenditure on Advertising

2009

€2,782,353

To Date In 2010

€187,372

My Department carries out a number of advertising campaigns relevant to its remit, in order to promote awareness and behaviour change. In addition to such campaigns, my Department routinely advertises in newspapers and on radio for various statutory and public information purposes. Expenditure is spread across the whole media spectrum including Iris Oifigiúil, television, local radio, national and provincial papers, and other local publications.

The figure for 2009 includes expenditure of some €1.3 million relating to the National Climate Change Awareness Campaign.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

328 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projects that are being financed by his Department in 2010 in the Waterford constituency; the amount of money involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30326/10]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

Project

Environment Policy Projects

Local Agenda 21 — Environment Partnership Fund

13,239

Waste Infrastructure and Landfill Remediation Projects

Dungarvan Civic Amenity Site1

3,271

Dungarvan Materials Recovery Facility1

214,608

Dungarvan Composting Facility1

17,339

Tramore Landfill1

31,785

Tramore Wetlands1

237,124

Kilbarry Landfill1

1,305,478

Suir River Wetlands1

1,123,489

Historical Landfills Pilot Project — Portlaw

11,603

National Parks and Wildlife Project

National Biodiversity Data Centre

500,000

Heritage Projects

Funding given to Waterford local authorities to administer conservation grants for protected structures in their areas.

183,000

Ambrose Power Memorial

15,310

Stradbally Parish Church

15,310

St. Carthage’s Catholic Church, Lismore

15,310

Catholic Church of St. Cuan and Broghan

15,310

Production of a guidebook on St Carthage’s (Church of Ireland) Cathedral, Lismore, Co Waterford by the Select Vestry of St Carthage’s Cathedral.

10,000

Waterford Museum of Treasures Exhibition on the Bronze Age in the South-east of Ireland.

19,000

Enhancing the delivery of architectural programmes by the Department of Architecture at Waterford Institute of Technology.

2,500

Housing Projects

Carrickphierish Upper Social Housing

1,589,999

Larchville infill Social Housing

482,057

Mens Hostel Bath St — Capital Assistance Scheme

1,500,000

Remedial Works Schemes: Pre-1970s Houses.

3,500,000

Ardmore Park Regeneration — Stage 3

96,541

Clonard Park Regeneration Stage 4

1,362,000

Larchville Regeneration Stage 1B

942,361

Lisduggan Regeneration Project 2A — 3

1,099,098

Tramore Social Housing

1,179,878

Cul Rua Portlaw Social Housing

1,252,141

Tramore Moonvoy Social Housing

364,000

Ballymacarbry Elders — Capital Assistance Scheme

488,156

Belmont Park Housing Association — Capital Assistance Scheme

500,000

Kilbarry Halting Site, Kilberry Group Housing Scheme Redevelopment and Airport Road Group Housing Schemes

1,500,000

Focus Housing Association, including Focus Settlement Officer

274,653

Tintean Housing Association

92,943

Oasis Housing Association

99,732

Spring Gardens Housing Association

50,400

St Vincent De Paul, including Settlement Officer

304,558

Ceim Eile (Respond)

50,585

Focus Ireland Convent Lodge, Dungarvan

40,000

Fire Services

Waterford City Class B Fire Engine

314,013

Breathing Apparatus Equipment

13,920

Hydraulic Rescue Equipment

75,214

Waterford County 2 Water Tankers

164,462

Waterford County Class B Fire Engine

55,058

Waterford County Class B Fire Engine

301,393

Road Traffic Accident Equipment

58,575

Community Smoke Alarm Scheme

12,500

Water Services

Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW) Project

83,826

Ardmore Water Supply Scheme

3,257,0002

Ballinacourty/Deelish Water Supply Scheme

610,0002

Ballinroad Sewerage Scheme (SLI)

1,140,0002

Cheekpoint Sewerage Scheme

2,307,0002

Clonea Power Sewerage Scheme

400,0002

Dunmore East Water Supply Scheme

206,0002

Lismore Sewerage Scheme

1,140,0002

Ring/Helvick Water Supply Scheme

5,877,0002

Waterford Grouped Towns & Villages Sewerage Scheme

51,544,0002

West Waterford Water Supply Scheme Phase 1

525,0002

Water Conservation Stage 3 Works

8,873,0002

Waterford North West City Water Supply Scheme

8,652,0002

Waterford Sewerage Scheme (Formerly Main Drainage)

37,464,0002

East Waterford Water Supply Scheme

4,500,0002

Waterford City Sewerage Scheme

5,500,0002

Waterford City Sewerage Scheme Phase II

1,100,0002

Water Conservation Stage 3 Works

6,000,0002

1 In the case of both Capital Grants and Landfill Remediation grants, approval for expenditure is not given on an annual basis; it is given at the start of the project and may be drawn down over a number of years. Therefore, the expenditure figure for 2010 indicates that the local authority have approval to draw down this amount; however, it is possible that it may not be incurred in total in 2010.

2 Estimated total cost of scheme. The total value of contracts underway and those proposed for commencement during the period of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 in Waterford is 139.095 million.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Tom Hayes

Question:

329 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount planned for investment in the Ardfinnan regional water supply scheme, County Tipperary, in the life time of the water services investment programme 2010 to 2012; the works that are planned to improve this water supply; the ongoing issues this supply has been experiencing; the funding for this supply scheme that has been applied for and is outstanding; his plans for this supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30327/10]

Tom Hayes

Question:

330 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount planned for investment into the Burncourt and Fethard regional water, County Tipperary, in the life time of the water services investment programme 2010 to 2012; the works that are planned to improve this water supply; the ongoing issues this supply has been experiencing; the funding for this supply scheme that has been applied for and is outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30328/10]

Tom Hayes

Question:

331 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount planned for investment into the Clonmel Regional water supply scheme, County Tipperary, in the life time of the water services investment programme 2010 to 2012; the works that are planned to improve this water supply; the ongoing issues this supply has been experiencing; the funding for this supply scheme that has been applied for and is outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30329/10]

Tom Hayes

Question:

332 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount planned for investment into the Clonmel town and rural water supply scheme, County Tipperary, in the life time of the water services investment programme 2010 to 2012; the works that are planned to improve this water supply; the ongoing issues this supply has been experiencing; the funding for this supply scheme that has been applied for and is outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30331/10]

Tom Hayes

Question:

333 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount planned for investment into the Grangemockler sewerage scheme, County Tipperary, in the life time of the water services investment programme 2010 to 2012; the works that are planned to improve this water supply; the ongoing issues this supply has been experiencing; the funding for this supply scheme that has been applied for and is outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30332/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 to 333, inclusive, together.

Contracts for the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme, the Burncourt and Fethard Regional Water Supply Scheme, the Clonmel Regional Water Supply Scheme, the Clonmel Town and Rural Water Supply Scheme and the Grangemockler Sewerage Scheme are included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 as contracts to start during the lifetime of the programme. Estimated costs in each case are included in the Programme.

The position in relation to each of the schemes is as follows: The Preliminary Report for the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme is currently under examination in my Department and a decision will be conveyed to the Council shortly. It is understood that South Tipperary County Council is progressing with water abstraction orders, site investigation and acquisition with a view to completing the planning of the Burncourt and Fethard Regional Water Supply Scheme. The Clonmel Regional Water Supply Scheme and the Clonmel Town and Rural Water Scheme are being advanced as a combined scheme and the Council has completed advance works on this scheme. The planning of the main scheme during the lifetime of the current programme is a matter for the Council.

My Department is awaiting the submission by the Council of a detailed design brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the Grangemockler Sewerage Scheme.

Planning Issues

Damien English

Question:

334 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the legislation governing the compulsory purchase process here (details supplied) is concise and accessible to ordinary members of the public in view of the large number of Acts of the Oireachtas from which the powers are derived; his plans to consolidate or restate this area of law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30334/10]

Legislation, by its nature, can be complex, and the legislation governing planning and the compulsory purchase process is no exception to this.

Functions in relation to the determination of compulsory purchase orders transferred to An Bord Pleanála with effect from January 2001 under the Planning and Development Act 2000. This included the transfer of all necessary ancillary powers in relation to easements, rights over land, rights of access to land etc.

There are no plans to consolidate or comprehensively review CPO legislation at this stage.

Flood Relief

Michael Ring

Question:

335 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ascertain from the National Parks and Wildlife Service if it has had discussions with the Office of Public Works on flood mitigation works in the Roundfort-Hollymount area of County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30336/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

336 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress that has been made between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Office of Public Works on flood mitigation works in the Roundfort-Hollymount area of County Mayo; if the Office of Public Works design has been accepted yet; the issues still outstanding regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30338/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

337 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the National Parks and Wildlife Service proposes to commence flood mitigation works in the Roundfort-Hollymount area of County Mayo in conjunction with the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30339/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 335 to 337, inclusive, together.

My Department has had further discussions with OPW to assist in the design of work to alleviate flooding in the Roundfort-Hollymount area in county Mayo. This area is part of the Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive, and the works by OPW must therefore be compatible with the requirements of the Directive. The revised work programme will be reviewed by my Department when it is received from OPW so that the mitigation works can commence.

Special Areas of Conservation

Michael Ring

Question:

338 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the restrictions planned for persons who own land in special areas of conservation regarding planning and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30340/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

361 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on if it is fair that a landowner with special areas of conservation designated land who wishes to build a family home now has to get an environmental assessment carried out; if there are any plans to reimburse those costs to the landowner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30419/10]

I proposed to take Questions Nos. 338 and 361 together.

Under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, planning authorities, before granting planning consent, must satisfy themselves that the proposal will not have a significant effect on any Special Protection Area or Special Area of Conservation. If such an effect cannot be ruled out, the authority must carry out an appropriate assessment, which is a more detailed, scientific assessment of the potential impact of the proposal on the site in question, in view of the site's conservation objectives. To help them do this they may require the applicant to submit information about the impact of the development on the site. The cost of providing this information falls to be met by the applicant. There are no plans to provide for a reimbursement of such costs, or other costs associated with planning applications.

Development consent will be withheld if it is found that the proposed development, alone or in combination with other plans or projects, is likely to have an adverse impact on the integrity of the site, and where there are no imperative reasons of overriding public interest that would justify the project proceeding notwithstanding this adverse impact. Many developments within SACs or SPAs, because of their nature or location within or outside the site, or the sensitivity of that site to such developments, will not require an appropriate assessment because the authority can be certain that they will not have a significant effect on the site. Where this certainty is absent, appropriate assessment must be carried out.

Michael Ring

Question:

339 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to compensate persons whose lands have been designated as special areas of conservation in view of the fact that they have no choice in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30341/10]

Compensation arising from restrictions in agricultural practice due to designations is paid from EU and exchequer funding under the Rural Development Programme and disbursed through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food administered REPS and Agri-Environmental Options Scheme. My Department also operates the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme which is a much smaller scheme than the two mentioned above. Compensation may also be payable under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 where the Minister has refused consent for Notifiable Activities, where the works in question have been carried out for the previous five years and where an actual loss is suffered.

Michael Ring

Question:

340 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all land owned by the State has been designated as special areas of conservation where environmentally feasible; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30342/10]

Special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protection areas (SPAs) are the prime wildlife areas in the State considered to be important on a European as well as an Irish level. The designation of SPAs and SACs is undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, respectively. The directives provide that sites must be chosen on objective scientific criteria. Sites that meet these criteria are identified by the Department and proposed for designation. Sites are not chosen on the basis of their ownership, but on the basis of their ecological value for conservation. The State owns land in many areas, and where it meets the criteria for designation, State land has been included within designated sites.

Michael Ring

Question:

341 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of land here that is currently designated as special areas of conservation or natural heritage areas; the plans he has to increase this percentage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30343/10]

Approximately eleven percent of the total onshore area of Ireland is designated as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) or Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). This includes lakes and rivers. The designation of Ireland's suite of SACs is almost complete and the percentage of land subject to this designation will not change significantly. When my Department has completed the designation of the full list of Natura 2000 sites (SACs and Special Protection Areas (SPA)) it will begin a review, on a phased basis, of the proposed NHAs which have not, as yet, been statutorily designated.

Coursing Meetings

John Cregan

Question:

342 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the approximate date that licences will issue to coursing clubs in order that they may be in a position to catch hares prior to coursing meetings. [30358/10]

My Department has received applications under the Wildlife Acts from the Irish Coursing Club on behalf of their affiliated clubs to facilitate the tagging and the capture of hares in relation to the holding of coursing meetings for the coming 2010/2011 season. These applications are under consideration and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing

Niall Collins

Question:

343 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for a project (details supplied). [30362/10]

My Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for older people, the homeless, persons with special needs, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence. In February 2010, I announced the approval of funding for some 75 voluntary and co-operative housing projects at various locations around the country, including the project in question. Limerick County Council has been notified of a CAS allocation of €1.6 million in 2010, which includes funding for this project, and my Department is working with the County Council to finalise project approval details with a view to enabling this project to commence very shortly.

Jack Wall

Question:

344 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in relation to a proposed regeneration programme of a housing estate (details supplied); when the plan will be completed in County Kildare; when the work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30366/10]

The project in question, which is at an early stage of development, is part of my Department's Remedial Works Programme 2009-2011. As part of my Department's examination of the proposal, including ongoing meetings and discussions with Kildare County Council, approval issued recently to a preliminary budget of €6.61 million for the project, subject to specific terms and conditions. Further design, costing and phasing details have been sought from the Council. Upon receipt, these will be considered by my Department with a view to reaching agreement as soon as possible on the further progression of the scheme.

Architectural Heritage

Mary Upton

Question:

345 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an investigation is being carried out by his Department into a decision taken by a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30394/10]

My Department has been in correspondence with Dublin City Council as regards the procedure used to decide not to add the Chapel at St. James's Hospital to its Record of Protected Structures. The Council's response is under consideration by my Department.

Water Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

346 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of general taxation spent on domestic water services. [30401/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

347 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount and percentage of all central funding from his Department to local authorities that is spent on domestic water services. [30402/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

348 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent annually by local authorities on domestic water services. [30403/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

349 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average cost of treated water per litre. [30404/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

350 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of litres of treated water wasted each year as a result of leaks in the public water networks State-wide, broken down by local authority area. [30405/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

351 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual cost to business of commercial water rates; the amount collected by local authorities of same. [30406/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

352 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the key components of the German model of water services provision which he has expressed a preference for in the media including the price charged per litre of water to households and the structure of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30409/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

353 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the price per litre of water charged to households in Britain. [30410/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

354 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the international comparative research being undertaken by his Department on water service models of provision; and if he will make any related reports compiled by his Department available. [30411/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

358 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to promote water conservation by households and businesses respectively; if these plans include measures to assist with insulating water pipes, capturing and circulating grey water, water bungs and retrofitting to toilets and so on; and the finance that will be made available for same. [30415/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

359 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has conducted or assessed research into the levels of domestic use of water; the average annual usage of treated water by households in litres; if he will provide a breakdown of average usage in categories (details supplied),. [30417/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

360 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 314 and 315 of 11 May, if he has brought his proposals on water charges to Government as indicated; the nature of those proposals and specifically if he will now confirm if the imposition of charges will not precede the completion of the intended metering installation works to all households; and the expected costs of installing meters at every household. [30418/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 to 354, inclusive, and 358 to 360, inclusive, together.

The Local Government Annual Financial Statement for 2008, which is the most recently published, showed that local authorities current expenditure on water services amounted to €780.1 million while capital expenditure was €980.9 million, a total expenditure of €1,761 million made up of a combination of Exchequer grants, general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund, and the local authorities' own resources. According to the Local Government Annual Financial Statement for 2008, local authorities levied non-domestic water charges totalling €189.9 million in 2008 while they collected €150.6 million during the year.

The Government's water pricing framework requires local authorities to ensure that the full operational cost, including administrative, maintenance and repair costs, in respect of the provision of water and waste water services to non-domestic users is recovered. Water is normally priced per cubic metre which is equivalent to 1,000 litres of water. The average non-domestic water charge in 2010 is €2.47 per cubic metre.

My Department keeps developments in water services in other countries under on-going review. Ireland's EU and OECD membership involves a degree of information sharing and peer review which facilitates such on-going review of policy developments. An OECD report published this year, Pricing Water Resources and Water and Sanitation Services, noted a 2008 survey of average water service charges for households; the survey reported that the average charge in Germany was €4.44 per cubic metre while in England and Wales, the average charge was €4.66 per cubic metre.

The Local Government Management Services Board report, Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2008, published in June 2009, contains information on the levels of Unaccounted for Water for each of the 34 county and city councils. A copy of the report is available in the Oireachtas library and on the Board's website, www.lgmsb.ie.

The installation of water meters in households connected to public supplies will encourage householders to conserve water and will result in savings in the significant operational costs faced by local authorities in providing water and waste water services. This will complement the significant increases in investment on water conservation measures in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 which I announced earlier in 2010. The primary objectives of the proposed investments are to promote more sustainable water consumption by households, to reduce water loss in the distribution networks to an economic level and to address unacceptably high levels of unaccounted for water in some locations. It is open to any business to invest in water saving measures as a means of reducing its water consumption and thereby reducing costs.

The National Water Study, published by my Department in 2000, estimated that average daily water usage per person was 145 litres per day. It is not possible to estimate water usage based on the categories supplied in the relevant question. Following the decision by the Government in December 2009, my Department is finalising proposals for the installation of water meters in households served by public water supplies. These proposals will give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charging for domestic water in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. I expect to bring these proposals to Government in the coming weeks.

EU Directives

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

355 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the European Commission has commenced any proceedings against Ireland in relation to the Water Framework Directive; the breaches alleged or confirmed against Ireland; and his response and defence to same. [30412/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

356 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the correspondence between Ireland and the European Commission in relation to the Water Framework Directive and water services generally. [30413/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

357 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he anticipates that the European Commission will impose fines on Ireland in relation to the Water Framework Directive. [30414/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 to 357, inclusive, together.

A letter of Formal Notice (Article 226) was issued to Ireland by the European Commission on 23 October 2007, alleging inadequate transposition of the Water Framework Directive by Ireland. A comprehensive response was sent to the Commission on 23 January 2008. No further action has been taken by the Commission on this matter to date.

On 3 June 2010 the Commission issued a letter of formal notice to Ireland, along with 10 other Member States, for failure to meet the Water Framework deadline of 22 December 2009 for publication of River Basin Management Plans and the deadline of 22 March 2010 for reporting of plans. The delay in finalising our plans arose due to the complexity involved in establishing environmental objectives and the need to address issues which arose during the public consultation phase which ran from December 2008 to June 2009 (in accordance with the deadlines set out in the Directive). A response to the Commission's letter is due by 3 August 2010.

River Basin Management Plans have been adopted by all 34 local authorities and the EPA has submitted its report on the plans to me. Comments on the plans have also been received from a number of public authorities and other bodies and all of these submissions have been assessed. In accordance with the deadlines and process provided for under regulations, I gave final approval to the Plans, with amendments yesterday; these amendments are being notified to the co-ordinating local authorities.

The response to the most recent communication from the Commission will confirm that the plans have been adopted and I do not expect the infringement to escalate any further.

Questions Nos. 358 to 360, inclusive, answered with Question No. 346.
Question No. 361 answered with Question No. 338.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Tom Hayes

Question:

362 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of water lost in south Tipperary due to leaks within the system; his plans to reduce this loss of water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30420/10]

The report Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2008 published by the Local Government Management Services Board, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, sets out the most recent figures for unaccounted for water for each county and city council. The levels of water lost range from 16.8% to 58.6%, with water loss of 55.4% in South Tipperary.

Over the past seven years, my Department has provided some €130 million to local authorities for water conservation measures in their areas. The primary objective of water conservation is to reduce water loss in distribution networks to an economic level and to address unacceptably high levels of unaccounted for water. With this investment, local authorities have, to date, largely focused on putting in place water management systems to allow for active leakage control and better planning of mains rehabilitation.

This investment provides the platform for more intensive investment in mains rehabilitation and is a key priority under the new Water Services Investment Programme which I published in April. The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012, a copy of which is also available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for a very substantial scaling up of activity on mains rehabilitation. The new Programme provides for the commencement of water conservation contracts with a value of some €320 million over the next three years, including five contracts for mains rehabilitation and other improvement works worth €12.25 million in South Tipperary. Local authorities are required to give priority to water conservation works as an alternative to new infrastructure provision.

Jack Wall

Question:

363 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the project and funding for the Barrow water abstraction programme; if there are any outstanding issues in relation to this project; the proposed timescale of the project; the total estimated cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30451/10]

The Barrow Abstraction Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 at an estimated cost of almost €56 million. I have today approved the funding to allow Kildare County Council to accept a tender of just over €24.6 million for the Barrow Abstraction Scheme Water Treatment Plant. This plant is to be constructed at Srowland under a Design Build Operate contract.

The Council has submitted the contract documents for the rising main from Ardscull to Athy and a proposal in relation to the Bagnalstown Lock Upgrade. These submissions are currently being examined by my Department and a decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible. Contract documents for the remaining watermain from Ardscull to Old Kilcullen are awaited by my Department.

State Bodies

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

364 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is taking to ensure that all public bodies under his remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right of recourse to the Ombudsman. [30462/10]

My Department's Customer Service Action Plan 2009-2011 and the associated Customer Charter affirm my Department's commitment to the delivery of high quality services to all customers. The Plan puts a strong emphasis on evaluation and feedback from our customers. A robust complaints procedure has been established and is communicated widely for all of our customers including on the Department's website. Likewise, my Department makes it clear to customers that if they are not satisfied with the outcome of my Department's complaints procedures, they are entitled to contact the Office of the Ombudsman and full contact details for Office are also available on the Department's website.

My Department is supported by a range of bodies under its aegis as well as 34 city and county local authorities. Specifically in relation to local authorities, in 2005, Customer Complaints — Guidelines for Local Authorities were produced by the Local Government Customer Service Group, representative of my Department, local authorities, the Office of Local Authority Management and the Institute of Public Administration. The guidelines draw on best practice both internationally and in Ireland and identify the key principles and features of an effective complaints system. This includes that where a complainant is unhappy with the outcome of the local authority's internal complaints process, he/she should be advised of his/her right to refer the case to the Office of the Ombudsman, where appropriate.

The other partner bodies under the aegis of the Department are for the most part non-commercial, undertaking quasi-judicial/ regulatory, advisory and developmental functions. All of these bodies are committed to the provision of a high quality customer service and have introduced measures such as consultation processes, Customer Charters and Customer Service Action Plans as well as complaints procedures, where appropriate. The majority of these bodies are not currently regarded as reviewable agencies within the scope of the existing Ombudsman legislation. The Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2008 which is before the Houses of the Oireachtas will, when enacted, mean that a number of bodies under my Department's remit will be regarded as reviewable agencies. My Department will work with these bodies to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities with regard to their customers and to the Ombudsman legislation.

Local Government Reform

Michael Creed

Question:

365 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30504/10]

The issue of town government is among a broad suite of local government matters which have been considered by a dedicated Cabinet Committee engaged in finalising the policy decisions for inclusion in the White Paper on Local Government. I intend to publish the White Paper shortly following completion of the Government's deliberations.

EU Directives

Finian McGrath

Question:

366 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will give an update on a matter (details supplied). [30604/10]

In accordance with the Water Framework Directive, Ireland has adopted a catchment-based approach to river basin management planning. The areas referred to in the question fall within the Eastern River Basin District and the local authorities within this catchment are jointly responsible for the making of river basin management plans which aim to protect and improve water quality.

River Basin Management Plans have been adopted by all 34 local authorities and the EPA has submitted its report on the plans to me. Comments on the plans have also been received from a number of public authorities and other bodies and all of these submissions have been assessed. In accordance with the deadlines and process provided for under regulations, I gave final approval to the Plans, with amendments yesterday; these amendments are being notified to the co-ordinating local authorities.

I introduced the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations in 2007 which require local authorities to obtain discharge licenses from the EPA for waste water treatment plants. The EPA are advancing work in this area as quickly as possible. The licences impose emission limits on wastewater discharges, compliance with which is overseen by the EPA.

In addition, the environmental objectives of the River Basin Management Plans have fed into the development of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, which will further address the impact of urban wastewater discharges. Over €530 million is being provided for wastewater treatment and collection in the Greater Dublin Area including key schemes such as the Bray Shanganagh and Portrane/Donabate/Rush/Lusk Sewerage Schemes. The delivery of this programme of works will lead to improvements in water quality in the Dublin Bay area.

Fire Stations

Brian O'Shea

Question:

367 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of the new fire station for Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30669/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No.189 of 20 May, 2010, which indicates the current position in regard to the proposed new city fire station

Harbours and Piers

Michael McGrath

Question:

368 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the planned Cork Harbour main drainage scheme in the Cork County Council area. [30682/10]

I refer to the replies to Question No. 234 of 30 June 2010 and Question No. 438 of 18 May 2010 which outlines the position in relation to this scheme.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Michael Ring

Question:

369 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will issue on a foreshore licence application in County Mayo to facilitate the Killala sewerage scheme. [30699/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 429 of 15 June 2010. The position is unchanged.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

370 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and/or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30771/10]

The information requested is not maintained in my Department in a readily accessible format. Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the official opening of my Department's new offices in Wexford took place on 18 June 2010. There are currently over 180 staff working in this location. Preparation for decentralisation resulted in approximately 1,400 staff movements into and out of the Department as well as significant moves within the Department. Day to day operational matters, including the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in the agencies under the aegis of my Department, are a matter for the agency or body concerned and the Department does not routinely collect such information.

Proposed Legislation

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

371 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the planned legislation transposing the outstanding elements of the strategic environmental assessment directive (2001/42/EC). [30787/10]

The European Commission has issued a reasoned opinion against Ireland alleging that Ireland's transposition of the SEA Directive through the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations, 2004 and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2004, is deficient in certain respects.

While Ireland has always maintained that the Directive's provisions are fully reflected in national legislation, we have indicated a willingness, for the avoidance of doubt, to make certain amendments to the relevant primary legislation and to supporting regulations. A number of these amendments will be effected through the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009, which has been passed by the Dáil and will be enacted before the Summer recess. The amendments to regulations will be advanced by my Department once work on the Bill is finalised.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Liz McManus

Question:

372 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government 2007 for a 3% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23042/10]

The renewed Programme for Government 2009 affirms the commitment to a target of 3% annual average reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment is reflected in the Framework for the Climate Change Bill 2010 which I published in December 2009. The Bill will, on enactment, provide a statutory basis for the core national priority of major and continued reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the context of transition to a low carbon future. Work on drafting the Heads of the Bill is at an advanced stage and, following Government consideration, I intend to announce further details shortly.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

373 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total loss to the Exchequer to date arising from the purchase of the Irish Glass Bottle site for €412 million by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25630/10]

In 2006, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority took a 26% share in Becbay Limited, a joint venture with Bernard McNamara (through his company Donatex) and Derek Quinlan (through the company Mempal), which purchased the Irish Glass Bottle (IGB) site. A €288 million loan to Becbay Limited was provided jointly by Anglo Irish Bank and AIB. It is a non-recourse loan largely secured against the land, with the exception of €111.9 million that is secured by guarantees of the three shareholders in proportion to their respective shareholdings. The Authority also invested equity of €43 million which was used primarily to remediate the site.

In terms of the Authority's liability arising from the deal, at end 2009 this comprised a principal guarantee on its 26% share of the loans, totalling €29.1 million, and €5m interest accrued on its share of the loans for 2009 (interest to end-2008 had been paid by all shareholders). This leaves a current liability of some €34.1 million, although interest continues to accrue at a rate of €5m per annum until such time as the loan is terminated. I understand that the Becbay loans have now transferred to the National Assets Management Agency and that NAMA has requested Becbay Ltd. to submit a detailed business plan in relation to its outstanding debts by end July. Looking at the wider State sector's position arising from the transaction, it should also be noted that the Dublin Port Company received some €138 million in respect of its share of the proceeds from the IGB site sale.

Departmental Staff

Phil Hogan

Question:

374 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the Estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31677/10]

The 2010 Revised Estimates Volume allocated the sum of €857,000 for the provision of training within my Department. This figure has remained unchanged. Expenditure of €150,000 has been incurred up to the end of June 2010.

Energy Conservation

Jack Wall

Question:

375 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a waiting list in relation to the processing of the insulation grant system; if so, the waiting period for same; his plans to shorten such a period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30500/10]

The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), commenced in March 2009 and provides grant assistance to homeowners for retrofit energy efficiency measures such as attic and wall insulation, very high efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. Homeowners can apply online and receive same day grant approval once key eligibility criteria are met. All payments are made by Electronic Funds Transfer and all notifications are by email (for online applicants) with the exception of Declarations of Work, which require the signatures of both homeowner and contractor to draw down approved funds.

There is a parallel postal system for homeowners without access to the online system. The commitment that the SEAI gives is that postal applications will be processed within 21 days. I am advised by the SEAI that in practice the typical turnaround for such applications is only one week. The average turnaround time for all requests for payment is four to five weeks. Since launch last year, the scheme has dealt with over 72,000 applications and processed payments worth €36m relating to the installation of 78,000 measures in over 41,000 homes. The SEAI continuously reviews the operations of all its grant schemes with a view to optimum efficiency and effectiveness and it assures me that any opportunities to shorten the grant payment time are fully exploited.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

376 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30274/10]

The amount paid by my Department on carbon offsets since the commencement of the Irish Government Offsetting Scheme (IGOS) for greenhouse gas emissions from official air travel in June 2007 is set out in the following table.

Travel Dates

14th June 2007 – 31st December 2008

7,610

1st January – 31st December 2009

2,354

Total

9,964

Payments are made annually in arrears to the Irish Government Offsetting Account, and these funds are administered by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) on Ireland's behalf. Investments by REEEP focus on the purchase of Gold Standard carbon credits generated by small-scale projects in Ireland's Priority Overseas Development Aid countries in Africa.

The 2007/2008 funds have been invested by the REEEP in the Malawi Project, which aims to reduce the use of non-renewable biomass through the supply of improved household cooking stoves. These improved stoves significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. They simultaneously provide ancillary benefits to the users and their families in the form of reduced exposure to indoor air pollution, relief from high fuel costs and less time gathering domestic fuel wood. My Department has not yet been advised of the recipient of the 2009 funding by REEEP.

Joan Burton

Question:

377 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30289/10]

I regret to advise the Deputy that it was not possible to compile the information requested in the time allotted. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Joan Burton

Question:

378 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30304/10]

The total amounts spent on public advertisements by my Department in 2009 and to date in 2010 are shown in the table below.

Year

2009

89,358.29

To date 2010

33,499.15

Complaints Procedures

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

379 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure that all public bodies under his remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right of recourse to the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30375/10]

The customer service procedures of the bodies and agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are a day to day operational matter for those bodies and agencies. All of the bodies and agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are kept fully up to date with the relevant guidance in respect of their obligation to have in place a customer charter and customer service action plan, of which the right of recourse to the Ombudsman, where applicable, is a central part.

Alternative Energy Projects

Denis Naughten

Question:

380 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to promote the use of domestic renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30666/10]

In line with my objective to increase deployment of microgeneration technologies by domestic consumers, my Department is working closely with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to build on the experience gained from the field trials undertaken by SEAI and to assess the options for increased market deployment. The Greener Homes Programme which is also administered by SEAI provides grant support to domestic users for wood chip and wood pellet boilers and stoves and also solar and heat pump technologies.

Offshore Exploration

Martin Ferris

Question:

381 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of new exploration licences recently granted or to be granted over the next number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30674/10]

Since the start of this year I have awarded two petroleum exploration authorisations, both to Providence Resources Ltd. The first was for a two year Licensing Option in respect of acreage in the Celtic Sea and the second was for a non-exclusive Petroleum Prospecting Licence. My Department is currently examining the five applications received under the Onshore Petroleum Licensing Competition over the Northwest Carboniferous Basin and the Clare Basin, which closed last month. I will announce the outcome of that competition in due course.

Alternative Energy Projects

Willie Penrose

Question:

382 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will investigate the possibility of having community organisations and/or sports clubs, who have installed wind turbines or intend to install wind turbines reclassified as voluntary customers who will be in a position to supply power to the national grid and therefore qualify for the higher rate of payment in respect thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30714/10]

My Department is working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to develop a comprehensive mircrogenerations framework and the issues highlighted by the Deputy will be considered in that context. The development of a vibrant microgeneration sector is an important component of building societal acceptance of energy infrastructure and ownership of Ireland's renewable energy targets.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

383 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and/or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30766/10]

It was not possible to reply to the Deputy with the information requested in the time permitted. I will write to the Deputy shortly setting out the information requested in respect of my Department.

Phil Hogan

Question:

384 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the Estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31672/10]

The amount of funding provided for staff training and development for 2010, as set out in the 2010 Revised Estimates for Public Service, is €430,000. This has not been reduced subsequently. The amount spent by my Department on staff training and development in the period 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2010 was €93,146. My Department continuously seeks to deliver its staff training and development programmes in a Value for Money way while meeting the overall objective of building capability within the Department.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

385 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total spend by his Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by him and his Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30272/10]

The Irish Government Offsetting Scheme (IGOS) for greenhouse gas emissions from official air travel, is administered by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and payment is made annually to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have made the following payments to REEEP: For the first year of the scheme period 14 June 2007 to 31 December 2008: €17048.00 For the year ended 31 December 2009: €8730.70

Payment for 2010 will be paid in the 1st quarter of 2011.

Joan Burton

Question:

386 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in his Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if he will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30287/10]

The following table sets out expenditure by the Department on travel and subsistence expenses which were paid to staff in the Department's decentralised offices in Castlebar, Cavan, Clonakilty, Portlaoise and Wexford in respect of attendance at meetings and other official business in Dublin and Brussels.

Year

Travel & Subsistence Expenditure

2008

299,951.69

2009

191,277.91

2010 to date

65,066.36

Total

556,295.96

Joan Burton

Question:

387 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total spend of his Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30302/10]

The Government announcement of 8 July 2008 required that all expenditure by Departments on consultancies, advertising and public relations would be significantly reduced for the remainder of that year and by at least 50% in 2009 compared with 2008. In 2008 my Department spent €1.196m on public advertising in national and local print media. The details sought by the Deputy in relation to the total spend on public advertising in national and local print media, radio and television is set out in the following table:

Year

Value

2009

472,994

2010 (Jan – June)

211,604

The question of advertising by agencies within the remit of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies themselves.

Afforestation Programme

Michael Creed

Question:

388 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the requirement of farmers to attain the higher rate of grant for forestry planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30363/10]

An applicant for the farmer rate of forestry premium must be engaged in farming activities within the State and must own, lease or be involved in the joint management of at least 3 hectares of an agricultural holding. In addition, the applicant must supply evidence of farming activity in one of the following forms:- an active REPS number, herd number, registration number under the disease eradication schemes or other Department scheme or documentary evidence that at least 25% of income was derived from farming in the State in the year of completion of the plantation.

Complaints Procedures

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

389 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to ensure that all public bodies under his remit are informing dissatisfied complainants that they have a right of recourse to the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30373/10]

None of the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department fall under the remit of the Ombudsman.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

390 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Cork has submitted further information regarding an alleged over-payment in their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30428/10]

A review of the land declared by the person named under the Single Payment Scheme suggested that ineligible areas had been included, contrary to the governing Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. Following direct contact by an official of my Department with the person named regarding this matter, the person named has agreed to submit maps of the land parcels in question, in order to allow a further review. My officials will continue to liaise closely with the person named regarding this matter.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

391 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a specific payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [30510/10]

In January 2009, the person named applied for grant-aid under the 2009 Bio Energy Scheme, to plant 9.47 hectares of miscanthus. Following an assessment of the application, approval was issued for the planting of 9.40 hectares. Following an inspection of the crop in September 2009 the inspecting officer advised the applicant that payment of the first instalment grant was deferred until 2010 because remedial work was required to ensure satisfactory crop establishment, specifically weed control measures were to be carried out to allow for optimum crop establishment. The applicant was advised that a further inspection would take place in 2010. Arrangements are now being made to have the crop re-inspected and if found to be in order, the appropriate payment will be made shortly thereafter.

Ulick Burke

Question:

392 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the length of time required to farm land in 2010 in order to qualify for the single farm payment and the area-based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30594/10]

The availability of land for the Single Farm Payment and other schemes are clearly set out in the Terms and Conditions governing the 2010 Single Payment Scheme which advise applicants as follows, insofar as land declared under the 2010 Scheme is concerned: ‘You are legally required to declare ALL the land that will form part of your holding on 31 May 2010, excluding any land that you have leased OUT or rented OUT for any period that includes 31 May 2010. The person declaring the land on the Single Payment application will be held responsible for any non-compliance with the statutory management requirements under cross compliance or any failure to maintain the lands declared in good agricultural and environmental condition for the period 1 January to 31 December 2010. Lands declared as agricultural land must be maintained as such until 31 December 2010, unless afforested — under the Afforestation Aid Scheme. Any change in the status of declared agricultural land must be notified to the Department'.

Furthermore, the Terms & Conditions also state:

5. The 31 May rule for land availability

‘The following does not apply to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. To claim the direct payment under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme, all of the hectares of land declared by you to support your claim (owned, rented-in and leased-in) must be subject to an agricultural activity by you for a period that includes 31 May 2010. Land that is declared by an applicant on the basis that it is available to him or her on 31 May only on foot of an agreement with another party will not be eligible for payment. In this context, farmers who apply for the direct payment under the Single Payment Scheme, the Grassland Sheep Scheme, the Burren LIFE — Farming for Conservation in the Burren — Scheme, the Protein Aid Scheme and the Dried Fodder Scheme should be aware of certain legal definitions that must be satisfied under Council Regulation (EC) No. 73/2009.'

Milk Quota

Dan Neville

Question:

393 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 439 of 22 June 2010, if he will re-examine the matter in view of the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Limerick qualified for the allocation of milk quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30603/10]

As outlined in my reply to the Parliamentary Question referred to, the person named applied to the 2010 Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants. However, he did not satisfy the educational qualifications as set out in the detailed rules for the scheme, and therefore his application was ineligible. The 2010 scheme is now concluded.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Michael Creed

Question:

394 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm receipt of an application from a person (details supplied) in County Cork for inclusion under the agri-environment options scheme; if he will confirm that this application has been approved; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30610/10]

An application to join the Agri-Environment Options Scheme has been received in my Department from the person named. When all necessary checks on applications received have been completed the successful applicants will be notified in writing of their commencement date in the scheme.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

395 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the position regarding the early REPS 4 applications which have yet to be paid due to a computer error; if, in view of the commitment given during his recent attendance at the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and Forestry to have these paid within two weeks which has not lapsed, he will make arrangements for immediate manual payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30611/10]

There are currently fifteen of the earliest applicants for REPS 4 scheme applicants who have not yet received payment for 2009. Computer error is not a factor in processing these applications. Two of the fifteen persons involved have withdrawn from the scheme and are, therefore, not entitled to any payment for 2009. My officials are dealing with queries in another seven cases which will have to be resolved before payment has been made. Five other cases are subject to review following on-the-spot inspections. The remaining participant will be paid within ten working days.

Michael Moynihan

Question:

396 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when installation aid will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [30672/10]

Grant–aid under the Installation Aid Scheme was paid by my Department to the person concerned on 19 December 2006.

Michael Creed

Question:

397 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a decision has been made by the REP scheme debt recovery section of his Department on a REP scheme payment to persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30691/10]

The persons named were joint applicants for REPS and started their contract in January 1997. They were paid for three years. As they failed to lodge an application for payment in their fourth year and did not comply with the five-year commitment required under the Scheme, their contract was terminated and my Department set out to recover the payments they had received. Their subsequent application to have the contract terminated without recoupment for force majeure, on ill health grounds, was unsuccessful. A recent request for this decision to be overturned on the basis of a new and different medical opinion is being considered and the persons named will be informed of the outcome shortly.

Michael Ring

Question:

398 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of a suckler cow welfare 2009 scheme appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [30701/10]

The person named had 22 animals for consideration under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme, animals from herds of more than 10 cows must be weaned in at least two separate groups with at least five days between the weaning of each group. According to information originally provided by the person named, all of the animals were weaned on the same day. Therefore, under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme the applicant was not eligible for payment.

The person named subsequently submitted further information to my Department, which following analysis could not be accepted. The applicant was informed of this decision in a letter dated 10th June 2010. The person named has since appealed this decision to the Review Officer and the case is currently under consideration.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in his Department and or other bodies or agencies under his aegis funded by his Department in each of the past three years to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30765/10]

My Department is aware of 20 external transfer applications of which 17 were facilitated and three refused. Details of staff matters in respect of bodies under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is a matter for the Bodies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

400 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid their installation aid grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30780/10]

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 as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure

Phil Hogan

Question:

401 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in his Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the estimates for his Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31671/10]

A sum of €2,066,000 funding was made available for training in my Department in 2010. This sum was further reduced since the initial allocation to €1,989,000. The total expenditure to end of June 2010 was €436,865.

Job Creation

Tom Hayes

Question:

402 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of jobs that have been created nationally and separately in South Tipperary by the work placement programme since its introduction. [30649/10]

The number of placements that have been created nationally and separately in South Tipperary by the Work Placement Programme since its introduction are detailed in the following document.

WPP1 Graduates

WPP2

Total

Posts Being Advertised Nationally

406

604

1,010

Starts to Date Nationally

691

630

1,321

Placements Created Nationally

1,097

1,234

2,331

WPP1 Graduates

WPP2

Total

Posts Being Advertised (South Tipp)

19

15

34

Starts to Date (South Tipp)

11

3

14

Placements Created (South Tipp)

30

18

48

School Accommodation

John McGuinness

Question:

403 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if an application for further classrooms in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Carlow will be considered in the context of the approved extra class rooms now being provided in view of the fact that the proposal offers his Department greater value for money and solves further problems at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30266/10]

My Department has received an application for major capital funding for the provision of a new building for the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and has been assigned a band 2.2 rating under the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects.

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 the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

In the meantime, my Department approved grant aid to the school to purchase or build 2 x 80 square metre mainstream classrooms in order to meet immediate accommodation needs. My Department was advised that the school authority would be seeking tenders for this work and has no record of receiving any further communication from the school authority on this matter. Any further application for additional classrooms will be considered in the context of the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects outlined above and the needs presenting at the school.

Departmental Expenditure

Joan Burton

Question:

404 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total spend by her Department on carbon offsets for official travel undertaken by her and her Minister of State for 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30277/10]

Under the Government's carbon offsetting scheme my Department makes a single payment in respect of all official travel undertaken by the Department, covering both Ministerial travel and travel by Departmental officials. It is therefore not possible to disaggregate the total amounts to determine the amounts paid in respect of Ministerial travel. Payments are made annually for calendar years and the payment for 2010 has not yet been made.

The total amounts paid by my Department in respect of carbon offsetting for all official travel for the period since the start date of the scheme in 2007 to the end of 2009 is as follows:

14 June – 31 December 2007 — €1,640

1 January – 31 December 2008 — €2,854

1 January – 31 December 2009 — €1,902

Joan Burton

Question:

405 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total cost of travel and subsistence to public servants in her Department arising from travel to meetings or events in Dublin and Brussels from offices that have been decentralised for 2010 to date, for 2009, and for 2008; if she will state to whom this money, if any, has been awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30292/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the requested format and would involve a very significant amount of administrative time to compile.

Joan Burton

Question:

406 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total spend of her Department on public advertisements in national and local print media, radio and television for 2009 and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30307/10]

My Department incurs expenditure on public advertisements in connection with a wide range of educational programmes and schemes including, staff appointments in the education sector; invitations to attend local hearings; invitations to forward submissions on education-related schemes/projects; invitations to tender for school building projects. Such advertising is placed in the print media. No expenditure was incurred in respect of radio or television advertising.

In accordance with a Government decision in July 2008 my Department took steps to reduce expenditure on advertising. Expenditure in 2007 was €816,000 and was reduced to €340,000 in 2008. With ongoing efforts to reduce advertising costs to a minimum the total amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2009 and to date in 2010 is as follows:

2009 — €172,322.09;

2010 — € 51,490.20 (to the end of May).

School Staffing

Seán Power

Question:

407 Deputy Seán Power asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be allocated an additional teacher for September 2010 in response to increased enrolment at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30319/10]

The number of mainstream class teachers appropriate to a school for the 2010/11 school year is determined by reference to the school's valid enrolment on 30 September, 2009 in accordance with the staffing schedule (Primary Circular 0021/2010) which is available on my Department's website. The schedule is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

It is open to the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy to apply under developing school arrangements if it is experiencing such an increase in enrolment.

School Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

408 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her response to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30349/10]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport scheme pupils are eligible for free transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school or school of amalgamation. In the case of amalgamations, pupils residing in a closed school area may be deemed eligible to the school of amalgamation only.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, have advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, reside in a closed school area and are not attending their school of amalgamation and therefore, are not eligible for free school transport. Pupils may avail of transport to a school other than the amalgamated school on a concessionary basis. Such an arrangement would be subject to spare seats being available on the service, the agreement of the school of amalgamation being obtained and no additional State costs being incurred by way of re-routing the service.

The parents of the pupils referred to by the Deputy should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office to establish whether their children may avail of concessionary fare-paying transport on the foregoing terms. As the Deputy is aware, School Transport was approved by Government as a topic for inclusion as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews.

This review is looking at the original objectives of the scheme, whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved, and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. In this context, the review is also looking at fundamental issues such as eligibility criteria and the closed school rule, with a view to achieving efficiencies and value for money in the Scheme. The report of the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme is currently being finalised.

Adult Education

Martin Ferris

Question:

409 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused their application for the higher education access route despite the fact that they met all the criteria and submitted the documentation that was required of them. [30360/10]

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions are regulated by the institutions themselves. The Deputy may wish to contact the Irish Universities Association in this instance.

FÁS Training Programmes

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

410 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if FÁS is in dispute with an organisation (details supplied) in respect of payment for training; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this dispute is jeopardising the continued operation of a successful small company; if she will instruct her officials to make the relevant payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30368/10]

The administration of training initiatives is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as provided for under the Labour Services Act, 1987 as amended. Consequently, I am not in a position to comment on what is a contractual issue between the organisations concerned.

School Curriculum

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

411 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 592 of 29 June 2010, the number of schools and the total number of students that participated in the transition year programme on an annual basis for the years 2004 to 2010 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30369/10]

The data requested by the Deputy on the number of Transition year students and schools for the years 2003/04 to 2009/10 are on the attached file. The data are extracted from the returns made by post-primary schools to my Department as at 30th September each year.

Number of Transition year students and schools by year

School year

No. of schools

No. of students

2003/04

498

23,841

2004/05

522

24,841

2005/06

528

25,861

2006/07

524

27,129

2007/08

532

27,793

2008/09

553

28,391

2009/10

555

28,657

Source: Department of Education and Skills, Database Section, Schools' Division Date: July, 2010.

Pension Provisions

Sean Fleming

Question:

412 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a pension payment will be finalised for an individual (details supplied) who worked for 42 years in primary teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30478/10]

The person in question worked intermittently in primary teaching in an unqualified capacity as a substitute and in a temporary capacity over many years. The service prior to September 2001 was not pensionable when given. On foot of recent changes in the superannuation provisions that service may be reckoned now for pension purposes subject to certain thresholds, terms and conditions.

One of the conditions is that the service in question is verified. Generally, verification is required for periods during which the person was employed by schools but was not paid salary directly by my Department. In the first instance verification should be obtained by the person from the school or schools in which the service was given. If there are valid reasons that such verification cannot be obtained, then the written confirmation, of the approximate periods involved, provided by a former colleague or by the teacher who the person was replacing will be acceptable. Where all of the aforementioned methods of verification prove impossible, my Department will accept a sworn affidavit from the person which sets out to the best of his/her recollection the periods of service.

My department has paid a pension, earlier this year, to the person in question in respect of verified service. The person was advised by letter in May 2010 that additional periods of employment in schools (for which salary was not paid directly by my Department), would be considered for pension purposes on receipt of an affidavit. In this case, in assessing what further service can be reckoned for pension purposes, my Department will be prepared to consider the PRSI record in conjunction with an affidavit, if received, confirming that employment was in primary schools.

FÁS Training Programmes

Willie Penrose

Question:

413 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm if a Windows Servers IT Course which was to take place at the FÁS centre at Loughlinstown, County Dublin, is going ahead in September 2010 as planned; if not, the reason those who had applied to participate on same were not informed of its cancellation, particularly in view of the fact that the she is pushing for an IT economy and when the completion of the said IT course will ensure they will have the appropriate qualifications; if she will indicate if the course will proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30498/10]

I do not have a role in the administration of specific FÁS training initiatives. The issue raised by the Deputy is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as provided for under the Labour Services Act, 1987 as amended.

Departmental Expenditure

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

414 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department’s secondary salary section is not paying out the bike grant to secondary school teachers until 2011; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the reason given is that there are too many secondary teachers and that applications will only be processed once per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30618/10]

My Department operates payrolls for the payment of approximately 85,000 serving and retired teaching and non teaching staff on a fortnightly basis. A total of 913 applications for the cycle to work scheme for 2010 were received by the closing date and have been processed for the serving teaching and non teaching staff paid on these payrolls. The applications for the scheme were processed with existing staffing resources.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I do intend to allow greater flexibility for application to the scheme in 2011. A Circular outlining the revised terms of the scheme for 2011 will issue in the near future.

Schools Building Projects

Billy Timmins

Question:

415 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied); if this matter will be expedited in view of the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30635/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is 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 Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Departmental Staff

Enda Kenny

Question:

416 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff that have transferred from his Department to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation that are responsible for the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions which was transferred on 1 May 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30643/10]

Arrangements are being finalised between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and my Department concerning the provision of the staffing resource that has been agreed between both Departments in association with the transfer of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. There is very high level of cooperation between both Departments and the Higher Education Authority in relation to the Programme and assistance and cooperation will continue to be provided by my Department in order to ensure a successful transition.

School Curriculum

Denis Naughten

Question:

417 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will establish a timescale for the introduction of physical education as an examination subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30667/10]

A revised syllabus in Physical Education as a non-examinable subject at junior cycle was implemented, phased over a 3 year period, beginning in 2003, supported by a comprehensive programme of professional development for teachers. No date was agreed for implementation at senior cycle, and issues concerning the inclusion of PE as an examination subject at Leaving Certificate level remain to be addressed.

In the meantime, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has made proposals for a fundamental re-structuring of senior cycle into subjects, short courses and transition units. The proposals included the provision of PE as a subject, and the inclusion of a short course in Sports Studies. It was considered that the inclusion of PE as both a subject and Sports Studies short course could only be examined within the broader context of plans for senior cycle reform generally.

The Council has continued to undertake further analysis and development work with schools on the issue of senior cycle reform. It currently has a specialist committee working on a syllabus for Leaving Certificate Physical Education. When revised proposals are submitted to my Department, the implementation implications will be examined in the context of the overall priorities and resources available to the education sector at that stage.

This Government has worked hard to improve the opportunities for young people to get physical exercise both in school and in their local communities. In a new school building or major refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as part of the design, and new PE equipment such as balancing benches and gym mats are funded as part of any major building programme.

A special PE funding package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools in 2007, providing a grant of €4,000 per school towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment. This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, to enable schools to replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc. So, through an increased focus on exercise in school and in the community, we are working to encourage more children and young people to get active.

Indeed, the second ‘State of the Nation's Children' report launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs found that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking first across the 40 participating countries in being physically active for at least 60 minutes per day for over 4 days per week.

Schools Building Projects

Michael McGrath

Question:

418 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she will approve an extension to the school building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30678/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is 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.

Michael McGrath

Question:

419 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of an extension at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30681/10]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. The stage 2b submission is currently under review by officials in my Department. On completion of this review, my Department will be in contact with the Design Team regarding the further progression of this project.

Michael McGrath

Question:

420 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a planned extension and refurbishment work at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30684/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a large scale extension project. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 1 rating. As the Deputy will be aware, this project was announced to enter Architectural Planning in February 2009. In November 2009, the Department met the school authority regarding progression of the project. The Department is awaiting additional information from the school arising from the meeting. When received, this information can then be considered in the context of proceeding to appoint a design team for the project.

Youthreach Programme

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

421 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the costs associated with increasing the number of Youthreach places by 600; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30703/10]

Youthreach is an integrated programme of education, training and work experience, introduced jointly with FÁS in 1989, for young people between 15 and 20 years of age who have left school early without any qualifications or vocational training. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella funded by my Department. Almost 3,700 of these are operated by VECs in around 100 Youthreach centres and the majority of the remainder are operated by FÁS in around 30 Community Training Centres (CTCs). Participants are paid a training allowance and are eligible for a range of additional allowances (meal, travel, long-term unemployment bonus). They are also eligible for child care support.

The total funding provided by my Department to FÁS and VECs in 2009 under the Youthreach umbrella was of the order of €120 million. This includes the cost of participant allowances, staff costs and other non-pay costs, including the current level of rents. On this basis, an additional 600 places would cost an estimated €12 million. Additional funding may be required above this amount for once-off capital and start up costs.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

422 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the costs associated with increasing the number of places on vocational training opportunities scheme by 1,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30704/10]

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a full time second chance education and training initiative, providing courses between Levels 3-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications to unemployed people over 21 years of age. The scheme is delivered and managed locally by Vocational Educational Committees (VECs). Tuition, stationery and books are provided free of charge. VTOS participants can access the Adult Education Guidance Initiative and child care supports.

There are 5,000 places available nationally every year. The total funding provided by my Department to VECs in 2009 for the VTOS programme was just over €77 million. This includes the cost of participant allowances, staff costs and other non-pay costs, including the current level of rents. On this basis, 1,000 additional VTOS places would cost just over €15.4 million per annum. There may also be additional costs associated with provision of accommodation to cater for additional VTOS places.

Training Programmes

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

423 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the Exchequer of funding the 66,000 training places provided in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30705/10]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

424 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the Exchequer of funding the 130,000 training places provided in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30706/10]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

425 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the cost to the Exchequer of funding the 157,000 training places provided in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30707/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 to 425, inclusive, together.

The following table sets out the total direct programme costs for the provision of training places in 2008, 2009 and 2010 including training and other allowances. The figures provided do not include FÁS overhead or staffing costs.

Year

Total Direct Cost Expenditure

€ millions

2008 (outturn)

678.600

2009 (outturn)

700.900

2010 (budgeted)

723.200

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

426 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown of the name, duration, number of participants and location of the 66,000 training places provided in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30708/10]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

427 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown of the name, duration, number of participants and location of the 130,000 training places provided in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30709/10]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

428 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown of the name, duration, number of participants and location of the 157,000 training places provided in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30710/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 to 428, inclusive, together.

The information requested is being researched. I will reply substantively to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

429 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of young persons under 25 years who participated on the 130,000 training places in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30711/10]

The information requested is being researched. I will reply to the Deputy substantively as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

430 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications from staff for transfer, relocation or exchange received in her Department and or by other bodies or agencies under her aegis and funded by her Department in each of the past three years and to date in 2010; the number of approvals; the number of rejections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30769/10]

I can inform the Deputy that following the announcement of the programme of Decentralisation, in the main, applications for transfer are made by way of the Central Applications Facility (CAF) which is managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). My Department has requested this information from the PAS and will provide it to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

The number of transfers facilitated in respect of my Department's staff are as follows:

Year

Number

2008

107*

2009

15

2010

28

*Primarily due to decentralisation of staff to the Department's office in Athlone.

The number of transfer offers made to staff of my Department and where my Department refused to release the officer are as follows:

Year

Number

2008

Nil

2009

Nil

2010

5**

**Due to the moratorium on staff recruitment and the number of applications under the Incentivised Career Break and Early Retirement Schemes, my Department now considers each request for transfer taking account of the business requirements of the Department.

The information sought by the Deputy in respect of each of the bodies/ agencies under our aegis is not readily available but will be provided to the Deputy in due course.

Schools Building Projects

Alan Shatter

Question:

431 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will grant the permission required to allow the school project team prepare the necessary documentation to apply to the local authority for planning permission in respect of a new permanent school building to the board of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18. [30801/10]

The project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. Information in respect of the current school building programme, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.

Departmental Staff

Phil Hogan

Question:

432 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding that has been made available for training civil servants in 2010 in her Department; the extent to which this sum has been further reduced since the initial allocation in the Estimates for her Department; the extent to which such sums have been spent to the end of June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31675/10]

The training budget meets the cost of training and development for the Department's staff in the administrative, professional, technical and service grades, and aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff to build capability to enable the Department meet current and future challenges. Also, under the terms of the Department of Finance circular 23/07 my Department operates schemes to encourage staff to pursue third level and other courses on their own time in order to obtain qualifications that are relevant to the functions of the Department and the broader Civil Service.

In January 2010 the Training & Development Budget for my Department was agreed at €600,000 and there has been no reduction in this figure. A sum of €120,000 has been spent up to the 30th, June 2010. However, the Deputy should be aware that it is normal for the major part of the budget to be spent in the second half of the year when expenditure on some of the larger training and development programmes falls due. While the budget of €600,000 for 2010 is sufficient in meeting the staff training needs my Department continues to keep under review all training and development spending to obtain the maximum value for money through the use of on-site training facilities, sharing facilities and resources with other Departments, customised training programmes and effective fee negotiation with training providers.

Top
Share