Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Oct 2010

Vol. 717 No. 2

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 and 7 resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 8 to 15, inclusive, answered orally.

Health Services

Joan Burton

Question:

16 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for orthodontic treatment for children in each of the Health Service Executive regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34670/10]

Waiting times for orthodontic assessment and treatment vary across the country and within the HSE regions. In the Dublin Mid Leinster region, average waiting times for assessment range from 3 months to 12 months. The corresponding range for the Dublin North East region is from 2.5 months to 10 months. In the South the range is from 4 months to 12 months. In the West the range is from 6 months to 36 months. In the Dublin Mid Leinster region average waiting times for treatment range from 6 months to 36 months. The corresponding range for the Dublin North East region is from 12 months to 48 months. In the South the range is from 24 months to 42 months. In the West the range is from 10 months to 36 months. A more detailed breakdown of these figures is available and I will make it available to the Deputy.

Access to treatment is determined by clinical need. Waiting times for patients with greatest needs are generally shorter than the average. It should be noted that the nature of orthodontic care means that immediate treatment is not always desirable as it is often necessary to wait for further growth to take place before treatment commences.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 15.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Billy Timmins

Question:

18 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received under the fair deal scheme to date in 2010; the number of applications that have been processed to date in 2010; the average time it takes to process an application; the total number of applications refused support through the fair deal. [34769/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

87 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated under the fair deal scheme per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34669/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 87 together.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced on the 27th October 2009. The HSE received over 15,500 applications for the scheme between its commencement and the 10th September. Of these, almost 11,300 have been approved and applications continue to be processed on a daily basis. Approximately 150 applications have been refused on the basis that the applicant was deemed not to require long-term residential care or that the applicant's contribution to care exceeded the cost of care.

The average length of time to process an application varies depending on whether the application is for State support only, or for State support and the Nursing Home Loan. It also depends on the complexity of the case. The HSE has indicated that a significant volume of applications are submitted without the necessary supporting documentation. This can create delays which are outside of the HSE's control. However, once fully complete and in order, applications are processed within 1-2 weeks. Following approval for an application, the HSE immediately arranges for payment of financial support on the applicant's behalf to their chosen nursing home.

Deputy Upton has asked about the level of funding allocated per county. Under the scheme, funding is not allocated per County. The scheme supports individuals in need of long-term nursing home care, not the facilities providing the care. This means that funding follows the patients and ensures that facilities are not being funded for empty beds. A dedicated subhead has been established for the purposes of the scheme (subhead B12 in Vote 40 refers). This is managed centrally within the HSE and funding is allocated to qualifying individuals on a 'first come, first served' basis. It should also be noted that, in qualifying for support under the scheme, a person undergoes the same standardised care needs and means assessment regardless of where they live.

The means assessment calculates each person's contribution towards their care based on ability to pay. A person's contribution to care is worked out based on 80% of their assessable income and 5% of the value of their assets per annum. The State then meets the full balance of the cost of care. The first €36,000 of a person's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not included at all in the assessment, while a person's principal residence is only included for the first three years of their time in care. An additional €97 million was provided for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in Budget 2010. The additional funding brings the total budget for long-term residential care in 2010 to €979 million. This is effectively the budget for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme albeit that transitional arrangements must also be facilitated from within the subhead, i.e. people in contract beds or people who choose to remain on subvention.

Assisted Human Reproduction

Emmet Stagg

Question:

19 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients currently receiving IVF treatment through the Health Service Executive; the average cost involved per patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34698/10]

IVF treatment is not provided or funded by the public health system. Patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the Health Service Executive. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers'. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drug Payment Scheme. I am conscious of the financial burden that IVF treatment can place on the couples concerned and I have asked my officials to consider policy options in this regard as part of the process of developing an appropriate regulatory framework for this area.

Health Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

20 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department is carrying out an evaluation of the effects on dental health of cutbacks to the dental treatment services scheme and the dental treatment benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34708/10]

My Department and the HSE are monitoring the effects of changes to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. Responsibility for the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme, which provides dental services to insured people, rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances. In consequence, the HSE introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. Under the new measures the range of treatments available are being prioritised for adult medical card holders. The HSE will ensure that high risk groups and patients with greatest needs are prioritised. The HSE will continue to engage with dental professionals to ensure clarity and consistency in implementing these changes.

Health Service Funding

Pat Breen

Question:

21 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the deficit in the Health Service Executive west; the action being taken to address this deficit; if she will give a commitment that cost savings measures in Health Service Executive west will not affect front-line patient services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34719/10]

Joe Carey

Question:

32 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the scale of the budget deficit in health in the four Health Service Executive areas; if she will provide a breakdown of the deficit per hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34725/10]

Richard Bruton

Question:

58 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the scale of the budget deficit in health in the four Health Service Executive areas; the action being taken to address the deficit; if this action will include bed or theatre closures; the location of these closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34721/10]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

82 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the financial state of hospitals nationwide; the number that will overspend their allocated budgets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34693/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 32, 58 and 82 together.

The Revised Estimates for 2010 allocated €14.6 billion for the HSE. In setting the Estimates, the Government took difficult but necessary decisions to secure the economy and stabilise the national finances. In its National Service Plan, the HSE committed to achieving greater efficiencies while maintaining services at 2009 levels. At the end of August the HSE is reporting a deficit of €108m in the hospital sector along with a €28m deficit in community services. The results for the individual regions at the end of August are being provided in tabular form to the House. These are interim figures which are still subject to validation. The HSE is also forecasting lower than expected expenditure in areas such as demand led schemes, H1N1 vaccination costs and some national programmes.

The actions being taken by the HSE in all regions are focused on

protecting front-line services and in particular emergency services;

maintaining the quality and safety of services; and

delivering to service plan targets.

The principal measures being employed involve:

reducing pay and non-pay costs;

controlling absenteeism;

redeployment of corporate / support staff to frontline roles;

implementing measures to ensure that hospital care is delivered as efficiently as possible;

improved bed utilisation and discharge planning; and

procurement initiatives.

The HSE is driving efficiency in the acute hospital system by increasing the proportion of surgery undertaken on a day basis, increasing the admission of inpatients on their day of surgery and reducing length of hospital stay consistent with patients' clinical needs. Overall, activity in the acute hospitals is ahead of the Service Plan targets and measures have to be taken to bring elective activity back to target levels where this is necessary to address the projected deficit. Steps are also being taken to expedite the collection of private patient income and targets have been set for hospitals in this regard. The receipt of this income will contribute to tackling the projected deficit.

Specifically in the HSE Western Region, the latest indications are that it has reduced its projected end year deficit from €130 million at the end of March to €49.5m at the end of August. In order to address the remaining excess, the HSE West needs to achieve further reductions of €10 — €12 million a month for the rest of the year. The HSE West and the trade unions have been in discussions in the Labour Relations Commission in relation to a framework document to address the budget deficit, whilst protecting jobs and services. This engagement is continuing at present.

Notwithstanding the difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect patient services, to respond to priority demographic and other needs and to support ongoing reform of the public health services within the resources available for health. To achieve this, staff at all levels will have to work together to deliver services in a more flexible way. Without that co-operation and flexibility, services to patients cannot be protected. It is not just for HSE management to protect services: there is a responsibility on everyone involved to deliver services within budget in new ways that will better serve patient needs in accordance with international practice.

HSE NET EXPENDITURE

Aug-10 Variance

€000s

South Region

Hospitals

16,309

Community

4,860

RDO

Total

21,169

Dublin / Mid Leinster Region

Hospitals

20,551

Community

12,239

RDO

Total

32,790

Dublin North East Region

Hospitals

25,053

Community

15,018

RDO

Total

40,071

West Region

Hospitals

46,385

Community

-4,391

RDO

Total

41,994

Total

136,024

Medicinal Products

Tom Sheahan

Question:

22 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding her plans to introduce reference pricing; the amount that will be saved from the introduction of reference pricing; if she believes that some categories of medicines are not suitable for substitution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34783/10]

The Government has decided to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution of medicines. This will promote price competition and deliver ongoing savings for both the State and for patients. In June, I launched a report which sets out a proposed model for the operation of generic substitution and reference pricing. I expect to see significant progress on the implementation of this initiative, including the legislative and administrative changes required to give it effect in 2011. There are some medicines that are unsuitable for substitution. Decisions about the interchangeability of medicines will be evidence-based and take into account best practice elsewhere.

Reference pricing will deliver direct savings by limiting reimbursement to a common reference price for groups of interchangeable medicines. Indirect savings will also occur as a result of increased price competition. The level of savings will depend upon a range of factors. These include the number and type of products included in reference groups, the relative and absolute prices of products within reference groups and the market response for each reference group. I anticipate that reference pricing will initially be targeted at high volume products that have the potential to achieve significant savings. I would also highlight the strategic importance of this initiative as a significant number of drugs are due to come off patent in the coming years.

This is one of a range of measures to increase value for money in this area of expenditure. I am pleased to note that the prices of over 500 generic medicines were reduced with effect from 1 October. Achieving greater value for money in this area of expenditure will ensure that patients can continue to access innovative and affordable medicines.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Damien English

Question:

23 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of children and adults waiting to have a hearing aid fitted; the average waiting times to have a hearing aid fitted; the cost of hearing aids provided through the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34738/10]

There are 1,305 adults and 69 children waiting for hearing aids following assessment. The average waiting time for adults is currently 3 to 4 months and the average waiting time for children is approximately 6 weeks. The total cost of hearing aids provided through HSE services to medical card holders in 2009 was just over €1.4m for adults and €0.3m for children. This does not include the cost of repairs, remakes, earmoulds or accessories which amounted to almost €0.2m.

In June 2009, the HSE commissioned a National Review of Audiology Services. A key focus of this review is better integration of the various services provided by the HSE and external agencies involved in the provision of audiology services. The Review has examined the services currently being provided to children and adults nationwide to inform a national plan for the service. The Review Group expects to complete its report by year end.

Departmental Reports

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

24 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she endorses the report of the expert working group on the financing of health services; if she intends to implement its proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34699/10]

The Report of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing in the Health Sector was submitted to the Minister for Finance and I on 9 July 2010. The Expert Group was asked to analyse the current resource allocation arrangements for health and personal social services and recommend changes which would support the core objectives of the health reform programme. It was also asked to take a view on the most appropriate financing mechanism for this purpose in Ireland.

The Report of the Expert Group includes 34 recommendations on a wide range of issues, including:

Developing an operational population health resource allocation model

Introducing a prospective based funding model for all relevant areas of the health and social care system; and

Addressing the burden of chronic disease management through an integrated care model and a new graduated form of eligibility.

The Group supported many of the recent health reform initiatives, including Fair Deal, the development of clinical care pathways, the policy of delivering integrated care outside hospitals as far as possible, the work being done on a unique health identifier and the development of more individualised funding options for persons with a disability. I am giving detailed consideration to all the recommendations contained in the Report. I intend to bring the Report to Government for its consideration shortly. I further intend to put in place an implementation process based upon the decisions of Government.

Capital Spending Programmes

Simon Coveney

Question:

25 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount by which the capital budget for her Department has been reduced under the revised capital programme 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34730/10]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

42 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the capital budget for health has been reduced by under the revised capital programme 2010 to 2016; the planned projects that will be delivered within the next six years; the planned projects that will now not be delivered within the next six years; if she will publish a full list of capital projects and the revised timeframes for delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34732/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 42 together.

The Public Capital Programme 2010-2016 as announced by Government in July provides a total of €2,891 million over the period 2010 -2016 for the Health group of Votes. This represents an increase of approximately €35m, on the previously notified capital envelope for the period to 2013. It also confirms that the annual capital funding allocation of €400m for health will continue to 2016. The Health Service Executive's capital plan currently covers the five year period 2010-2014. The Executive has published on its website details of the projects which it intends to deliver within this plan. The Executive, in conjunction with my Department, is also progressing the provision of infrastructure through reinvestment of the sale proceeds of asset disposals and leasing arrangements and is also exploring alternative means of financing investment. I understand that the Executive will submit before year end its updated capital investment programme for the next rolling five year period - to 2015.

With regard to my Department's Vote, capital funding will continue to be provided for health research through the Health Research Board. This funding will include support for the joint delivery with the Wellcome Trust and others of clinical research facilities at St James's Hospital and Galway University Hospital. Capital funding will also be provided to support the requirements of directly funded agencies under the aegis of my Department.

In relation to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, there has been considerable investment in childcare places in recent years primarily through the capital grant aiding of construction and refurbishment of childcare facilities. This investment has greatly improved the availability and quality of childcare options. Capital funding will continue to be provided to meet existing capital commitments including those under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.

Medical Cards

Michael Mulcahy

Question:

26 Deputy Michael Mulcahy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons that medical card applications in the south Dublin area are taking approximately 20 weeks to be processed when submitted manually while on-line applications are taking two weeks; her views on whether this is an excessive period of time; her further views on whether this discriminates against persons who are not computer literate and those who do not have access to the Internet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33854/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE), with my full support, decided to centralise the processing of all medical cards and GP visit card applications and renewals to its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. In January 2009, the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. In September 2009, the processing of all applications from two Local Health Offices in Dublin transferred to the PCRS.

In June 2010, the HSE introduced a new website, www.medicalcard.ie, which enables people anywhere in the country to apply for a medical card through a simple and efficient online application process. Online assessments are immediate and for applicants who supply all evidence/documentation and are eligible on income grounds, medical card delivery is guaranteed within 15 days of receipt of the completed application pack. The HSE has also made provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately. The PCRS is receiving approximately 3,000 applications each week via this new channel, with more than 50% of these being made outside normal office hours.

Significant progress has been made in this national project in providing an improved service to the public at less cost to the State. Up to 17th September 2010 the centralised office at the PCRS has processed over 204,657 medical card applications and reviews and issued 165,407 medical cards. The next phase of the project will move the processing of all new applications to the Central Office following a consultative process with staff representatives in line with the recent agreement on pay and reform in the public service. As the centralisation process continues, more initiatives will be introduced and the current initiatives will continue to be enhanced as the HSE receives feedback and continues to engage closely with advocacy groups, staff, public representatives and primary care contractors.

When the centralisation process is finalised, staff in Local Health Offices will continue to have access to the national system and will be available to help clients with enquiries about their application or review and will also be able to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme. In relation to concerns raised by the Deputy regarding the south Dublin area, I understand that a backlog of medical card applications has accrued in some Local Health Offices and I have asked the HSE to address this issue as a matter of urgency.

Health Services

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

27 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider introducing a national foot screening programme as part of the treatment of diabetic foot disease; the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34777/10]

James Reilly

Question:

160 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a national foot screening programme as part of the treatment of diabetic foot disease; the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35147/10]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

169 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will initiate a national foot screening programme to aid in the prevention of diabetic foot disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34519/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 160 and 169 together.

The National Diabetes Programme, under the governance of the Health Service Executive's Quality and Clinical Care Directorate, was established earlier this year. It has identified three areas of high priority for implementation on a national basis. A national diabetes foot care programme is one of these. It is hoped that this programme will encompass not just foot screening but care of patients with at-risk feet. It will provide for the prevention and management of foot ulcers, thereby reducing the number of hospital in-patients beds occupied by patients with foot problems. It will also help reduce the level of amputations. The programme will establish referral pathways with rapid access to specialised care within a multi-disciplinary foot-care service.

The initiative is currently in an advanced planning stage and several meetings have been held between the various stakeholders, including clinical specialists, podiatrists, diabetes specialist nurses and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. The programme recognises that foot problems among diabetics are a major cause of reduced quality of life. The cost of implementation of the proposed programme will be met from within current resources.

Joe Costello

Question:

28 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the current waiting lists for those seeking methadone treatment; the number of clinics now providing this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34673/10]

As of 31 July 2010 there were a total of 464 people on methadone waiting lists, none of whom were under 18 years of age, and a total of 64 HSE clinics providing methadone treatment nationwide. The total number of people on methadone at the end of July was 9,204. 5,344 people were receiving treatment in HSE clinics, 3,307 people were receiving community based treatment through General Practitioners and a further 553 people were being treated in prisons.

The HSE has prioritised the provision of additional methadone clinics in targeted areas to reduce waiting lists and waiting times. In 2009 and 2010 the HSE provided 2 additional methadone services in Cork City. This reduced the waiting list from 83 people in September 2009 to 14 people at the end of July 2010 and brought waiting times to within a month. Additional services are currently being developed around the country, for example in Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tralee, Limerick City, Drogheda and Dundalk. Premises for these clinics have been identified and services will be in place before the end of this year. The HSE also plans to provide 2 additional methadone clinics in the Midlands region.

Infectious Diseases

David Stanton

Question:

29 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy in relation to TB prevention; the measures in place in her Department to ensure that incidents of TB are detected and kept under control; the current situation regarding BCG vaccinations in Cork, in particular the success of the neo-natal BCG programme in CUMH and the community BCG vaccination programme; the numbers still awaiting BCG vaccinations in Cork city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34787/10]

I am very concerned about the recent outbreak of TB in Cork. A HSE Outbreak Control team was established to manage the situation. Cases of active and latent TB found have been referred for appropriate treatment and follow up care. All involved with the school have been reassured that (i) the children with active TB infection are on treatment and are not currently infectious (ii) children or staff with latent TB infection are not infectious and (iii) other children, or staff, are not at risk from contact with either the cases of active or latent TB.

In order to assess the position fully, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department immediately asked the HSE to provide information about the routine administration of BCG in all regions of the country, to identify areas where BCG vaccination is not being administered and outline what arrangements are being made to deliver these services, including a timescale for implementation. The HSE has also been asked to plan for the undertaking of an on-going audit of the delivery of BCG/TB services in the country. The service issue raised in the question by the Deputy about the numbers still awaiting BCG vaccinations in Cork city and county has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Service Funding

James Bannon

Question:

30 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the total amount of money owed by private health insurers to Health Service Executive west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34716/10]

Jack Wall

Question:

66 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money owed that has not been collected by the Health Service Executive west; the amount that has not been collected from health insurers; the action being taken to ensure that such money is collected; the action being taken to ensure that bills to insurance companies are sent in a timely fashion; if there are significant sums owed in other sections of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34704/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 66 together.

Charges are levied for private patients availing of private and semi-private accommodation in public hospitals. In most, but not all, cases these charges are paid by private health insurance companies on behalf of their members. At the end of 2009 some €41 million in such charges was due to the HSE West, and a further €2.5 million owed to St. John's Hospital in Limerick, which is a voluntary hospital. Charges due include those billed to patients or their insurance companies where payment was not received by year end and bills which had not issued by year end. A total of some €92.5 million income was collected by the Western Region hospitals during the course of 2009, of which €4.5m related to St. John's hospital. The average debtor period in HSE hospitals for such charges is 5.7 months. (This refers to the time from discharge to receipt of payment).

I consider that this collection period is unsatisfactory and in 2010 I set the HSE an enhanced income collection target for the year of €75 million. This target was to be achieved through improvements in the collection process and reduction in debtor days. The target for improved collection set for this year and the associated initiatives underway to achieve this include the voluntary hospitals. The industrial relations action by the health services staff in the early part of the year hindered action to achieve this target but a dedicated national project to accelerate income collection across all hospitals is now underway again. The HSE has set hospital level targets for income collection and appropriate budgetary sanctions are applied should the targets not be achieved. The HSE has put in place arrangements to speed up the payment of claims, including the electronic submission of claims and the submission of claims on a more frequent basis. The HSE and private health insurers have also agreed arrangements in a number of hospitals for sign off of claims by another consultant where delays are experienced in getting sign off of claims by the treating consultant.

In addition, in order to comprehensively address issues of charging and collection in relation to this area the Department of Health and Children has undertaken a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges Associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals. The issue of private patient income collection is addressed as part of this Review. The Review will outline an example of best practice in relation to income collection and make a number of recommendations aimed at improving collection rates and debtors days. The review is currently being finalised and it is anticipated that the Review will be brought to Government shortly.

Health Service Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

31 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to her decision to hire an additional 270 social workers, the number that have been recruited to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34758/10]

The Government's Implementation Plan for the findings of the Ryan Report on the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse committed to the recruitment of an additional 270 social workers before the end of 2011 to enable the HSE to fulfil its statutory obligations that every child in care should have a care plan and an allocated social worker. The Government provided an amount of €15m in 2010 to advance the actions in the Ryan Report Implementation Plan, including the recruitment of an additional 200 social work posts in 2010. The recruitment of an additional 200 social workers was provided for in the HSE Service Plan 2010. The filling of social work vacancies and the recruitment of additional social workers was exempted from the current public sector recruitment moratorium.

The latest available information from the HSE's Employment Census, in respect of August 2010, shows an increase of 50 social work posts to date in 2010. I would point out that there is a time lag between individuals taking up duty and their inclusion in the HSE Employment Census. The HSE has assured me that the targeted increase in social work employment for 2010 will be met. In this regard the HSE has advised that contracts have issued in respect of 172 posts under the Ryan Report Implementation Plan, while a further 29 posts have been accepted by candidates whose clearances are being processed.

Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 21.

Medical Cards

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

33 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current situation regarding the centralisation of the processing of medical card applications; the level of service that will remain in local health offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34668/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE), with my full support, decided to centralise the processing of all medical cards and GP visit card applications and renewals to its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. In January 2009, the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. In September 2009, the processing of all applications from two Local Health Offices in Dublin transferred to the PCRS.

In June 2010, the HSE introduced a new website, www.medicalcard.ie, which enables people anywhere in the country to apply for a medical card through a simple and efficient online application process. Online assessments are immediate and for applicants who supply all evidence/documentation and are eligible on income grounds, medical card delivery is guaranteed within 15 days of receipt of the completed application pack. The HSE has also made provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately. The PCRS is receiving approximately 3,000 applications each week via this new channel, with more than 50% of these being made outside normal office hours. Significant progress has been made in this national project in providing an improved service to the public at less cost to the State. Up to 17th September 2010 the centralised office at the PCRS has processed over 204,657 medical card applications and reviews and issued 165,407 medical cards.

The next phase of the project will move the processing of all new applications to the Central Office following a consultative process with staff representatives in line with the recent agreement on pay and reform in the public service. As the centralisation process continues, more initiatives will be introduced and the current initiatives will continue to be enhanced as the HSE receives feedback and continues to engage closely with advocacy groups, staff, public representatives and primary care contractors. When the centralisation process is finalised, staff in Local Health Offices will continue to have access to the national system and will be available to help clients with enquiries about their application or review and will also be able to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme.

Health Insurance

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

34 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the timing for the capitalisation and sale of VHI; if expert advice has been obtained; the steps to be taken in the lead up to the disposal of the company; if she will give an outline of the problems to be dealt with prior to same; and if she will further give an estimate as to the expected sale price. [34706/10]

The timing for the capitalisation and sale of the VHI will depend on a number of factors, which will be decided by Government in light of the advices of the experts on the appropriate sequencing and structure of the disposal of the company. My Department is currently finalising a request for tenders for the provision of financial, legal and all other advices relating to the rebalancing of the private health insurance market, capitalisation by the State, authorisation by the Financial Regulator and ultimate sale of the VHI.

The actual amount of capital which will be required will be determined between the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children in light of these advices. The level of capital required will be affected by a number of issues, including the amount of reinsurance and/or subordinated debt which the VHI may secure. It is not possible to specify precisely at this time what the figure for capitalisation will be or to estimate what the expected sale price of the VHI will be.

Medical Cards

Mary Upton

Question:

35 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the current waiting times for those persons applying for medical cards or general practitioner only cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34701/10]

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

Cancer Screening Programme

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

36 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a progress report on the roll-out of the breast check screening programme; the number that have been screened per region to date in 2010 nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34689/10]

The Deputy's questions relate to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff

Joe Costello

Question:

37 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy on the replacement of speech therapists in the context of the moratorium on recruitment; if her attention has been drawn to the gaps in the service resulting from the availability of such a service both in the community and in hospitals in some parts of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34672/10]

There has been a growing demand for, and investment in, speech therapy services over the last number of years. A particular priority for my Department and the Department of Education and Skills in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates. The Government has invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future. As a result, the numbers employed in speech and language therapy has grown significantly, from 282 whole time equivalents employed in December 1997 rising to 838 whole time equivalents in July 2010, which represents an increase of 197%.

With regard to the continued recruitment of speech therapists, my Department has written to the Health Service Executive setting out the overall approved employment control ceiling for 2010. As part of this approval, written confirmation has been provided to the HSE that the general moratorium on recruitment, promotion and the payment of acting up allowances does not apply to specific designated grades. Delegated sanction has been given to the HSE for the creation and filling of frontline posts, including speech and language therapy posts. The approval indicated that vacancies in existing posts in these grades may continue to be filled. New posts may also be created in these grades, up to a specified limit, provided that the HSE is satisfied in each case that there is no scope to redeploy an equivalent post from the hospital sector to the primary and community care sector. This moratorium exemption provides for an increase in the number of speech and language therapy posts, in line with Government policy, in order to meet the requirements of integrated care delivery and primary care needs particularly in respect of children at risk, the elderly and those with disabilities.

Health Service Funding

John Perry

Question:

38 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money owed by private health insurers to the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34774/10]

Charges are levied for private patients availing of private and semi-private accommodation in public hospitals. In most, but not all, cases these charges are paid by private health insurance companies on behalf of their members. At the end of 2009 some €92.5 million in such charges was due to the HSE. Charges due include those billed to patients or their insurance companies where payment was not received by year end and bills which had not issued by year end. A total of some €195 million in charges were incurred during the course of 2009. The average debtor period in HSE hospitals for such charges is 5.7 months. (This refers to the time from discharge to receipt of payment).

I consider that this collection period is unsatisfactory and in 2010 I set the HSE an enhanced income collection target for the year of €75 million. This target was to be achieved through improvements in the collection process and reduction in debtor days. The industrial relations action by the health services staff in the early part of the year hindered action to achieve this target but a dedicated national project to accelerate income collection across all hospitals is now underway again. The HSE has set hospital level targets for income collection and appropriate budgetary sanctions are applied should the targets not be achieved. The HSE has put in place arrangements to speed up the payment of claims, including the electronic submission of claims and the submission of claims on a more frequent basis. The HSE and private health insurers have also agreed arrangements in a number of hospitals for sign off of claims by another consultant where delays are experienced in getting sign off of claims by the treating consultant.

In addition, in order to comprehensively address issues of charging and collection in relation to this area the Department of Health and Children has undertaken a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges Associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals. The issue of private patient income collection is fully addressed as part of this Review. The Review will outline an example of best practice in relation to income collection and make a number of recommendations aimed at improving collection rates and debtors days. The review is currently being finalised and it is anticipated that the Review will be brought to Government shortly.

Finally, the Deputy's question referred to payments to the HSE but payments in respect of the same charges are also received by voluntary hospitals. At the end of 2009 some €82.6 million was owed to these hospitals. The debtor period is somewhat lower at 5.2 months but is also considered to require significant reduction. The target for improved collection set for this year and the associated initiatives underway to achieve this include the voluntary hospitals.

Health Service Staff

Enda Kenny

Question:

39 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the sanctions, if any, underway in relation to consultants known to have breached the private practice terms of their contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34750/10]

The 2008 consultants' contract includes new measures to strengthen the management, monitoring and control of public-private activity in hospitals with a view to ensuring that the level of consultant private practice within public hospitals does not exceed the permitted ratio. My Department has asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy on the detailed operational matters that he has raised.

Departmental Agencies

Charles Flanagan

Question:

40 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the relationship between her Department and the Health Information and Quality Authority; if she will outline the established protocols, if any, that are in place to ensure that recommendations made in HIQA reports are implemented without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34633/10]

The Health Information and Quality Authority is an independent agency under the aegis of my Department and is funded from my Department's vote. Part 6 of the Health Act 2007 sets out the statutory basis for the corporate relationship between me as Minister for Health and Children and the Authority. The Act makes provision for my consideration of the Authority's three- year Corporate Plan, with its Corporate Plan 2010-2012 having been approved by me in July of this year, and its annual Business Plan. The Authority has recently completed the revision of its Code of Governance in line with guidance published by the Department Finance in 2009 and submitted it to me for my approval. I meet regularly with the Authority's Chairman and CEO. My relationship with the Authority reflects the fact that it was established with a high degree of independence in carrying out its executive functions.

The manner of implementation for the Authority's recommendations is specific to the provider and sector in question. As a matter of course, the Authority sets out timelines and specific requirements in individual reports, remains in ongoing contact with the relevant provider and stakeholders and monitors progress against agreed action plans. Details of inspections undertaken and recommendations made are published and available from the Authority's website (www.hiqa.ie).

Health Service Staff

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

41 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the action that will be taken to ensure an adequate number of junior hospital doctors are maintained in hospitals here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34678/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of consultant posts currently vacant or waiting to be filled throughout the private and public hospital sectors; if the filling of any such posts is affected by the recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35150/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of doctor posts currently vacant or waiting to be filled throughout the private and public hospital sectors; if the filling of any such posts is affected by the recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35152/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 242 and 244 together.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public.

In relation to the consultant grade, Government policy is to move to a consultant-provided, rather than a consultant-led service, where consultants work on a team basis. Consultant Contract 2008 includes provisions covering an extended working day, consultants working in teams rather than as individuals and an increase in the length of the working week from 33 to 37 hours. In addition the moratorium on recruitment allows for the recruitment of additional consultants with the Employment Control Framework providing for the creation of new hospital consultant posts by the suppression of two non consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) posts. The HSE has advised that there are 459 approved consultant posts vacant. However, the majority of these posts are currently filled in a locum or temporary capacity.

In relation to NCHDs, the HSE has advised that at present approximately 260 of 4,638 posts are substantively vacant. Many of these posts are also being filled by locums or other short-term contractual arrangements. The moratorium on public sector recruitment is not a factor in these NCHD vacancies. Other countries are also experiencing difficulties in recruiting NCHDs.

My Department is working with HSE and relevant stakeholders to ensure that an adequate number of NCHDs is maintained in the public health service. In addition the HSE are currently developing a range of strategies and initiatives for the forthcoming NCHD rotations in January and July 2011 with a view to maximising recruitment. Measures in train include restructuring training rotations to ensure they are appropriately aligned with service requirements; development of a centralised recruitment process for service posts; introducing a single contact point for HSE agencies to obtain locum / temporary medical staff and also measures to progress the appointment of additional Consultants. My Department does not have figures for the number of hospital consultant and NCHD posts currently vacant in the private hospital sector.

Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 25.

Health Service Funding

Liz McManus

Question:

43 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the current funding being made available to the rape crisis centres nationally and the percentage increases and decreases per centre from 2009 to 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34682/10]

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

Health Service Staff

John Perry

Question:

44 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the national referral centre for paediatric immunology has no full-time consultant immunologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34767/10]

The HSE has advised my Department that it has provided funding to support two consultant immunology posts structured as follows:

(a) Consultant Paediatric Immunologist with a special interest in Paediatric Allergy. The post will be deployed with 24 hours assigned to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, 10 hours assigned to AMNCH and 3 assigned to St James's Hospital.

(b) Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Primary Immune Deficiency. The post will be deployed with 24 hours assigned to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, 10 hours assigned to the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street and 3 assigned to St James's Hospital.

The establishment of the two consultant posts, based mainly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, will support the integrated management of such disorders and thus provide for improved outcomes. For example approximately 25-45% of Irish children suffer from asthma. Allergy focussed care of asthma decreases hospital emergency department attendances by 55%. The Health Service Executive is currently working with the relevant hospitals and at national level to recruit the required specialists within the context of its overall ceiling and the consultant guidelines laid down.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Emmet Stagg

Question:

45 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made to reduce the waiting lists for those patients waiting to access dermatology services; the number currently waiting; the time period involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34697/10]

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

Health Service Staff

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

46 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community welfare officers currently employed in each Health Service Executive region; if there are any plans to make further staff and resources available to CWO in view of the increasing demands being placed upon them due to increased unemployment levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34691/10]

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

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

47 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of chiropodists currently employed by the Health Service Executive per region; the current waiting times for elderly persons wishing to avail of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34681/10]

With regard to the number of chiropodists currently employed in the HSE per region, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services

Shane McEntee

Question:

48 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she accepts that the Health Service Executive dental policy which advises not to fill cavities in children’s teeth puts children’s health at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34753/10]

The HSE has not issued a national directive to dentists working in the Public Dental Service that they are not to fill cavities in children's teeth. The Deputy may be referring to a clinical policy in Sligo/Leitrim for the past 15 years not to fill milk teeth unless there was clear evidence of an associated health benefit. In response to media reports in August, the Principal Dental Surgeon for the area said that this policy is evidence-based. He stated "The policy in Sligo/Leitrim focuses on dealing with the causes of the decay and working towards reducing the risk of tooth decay in baby teeth. It also prioritises treatment of permanent teeth. Any baby teeth which are causing pain or which may consequently cause problems for adult teeth are of course treated as required".

The HSE has recently appointed a new Oral Health Lead to ensure that the delivery of oral health services is in line with national policies and best practice. In one area, Sligo/Leitrim, a clinical decision was taken many years ago to prioritise adult teeth in children and not to fill deciduous teeth unless there was clear evidence of an associated health benefit. Children in pain or sepsis, or those at high risk or with special needs are treated as required. Children are generally seen for the first time in the Sligo/Leitrim area at approximately 7 years of age. There is no evidence that this local policy has adversely affected the oral health or general health of children in this area.

Mental Health Services

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

49 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the 99 child and adolescent mental health teams that have been committed to that have been delivered to date; of the child and adolescent mental health teams which are operational, the number that have a full complement of staff as recommended in A Vision for Change; the number of staff currently working in child and adolescent mental health teams and the disciplines involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34703/10]

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

Hospitals Building Programme

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

50 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the proposed site for the national paediatric children’s hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34736/10]

A joint HSE/Department of Health and Children Task Force was established in February 2006 following the presentation of the report Children's Health First-International best practice in tertiary paediatric services: implications for the strategic organisation of tertiary paediatric services in Ireland to advise on the optimum location of the proposed new paediatric hospital. The Task Group also included representation from the Office of Public Works.

This Task Group considered submissions from a number of hospitals in the greater Dublin area, from private hospitals, property developers and site owners and engaged in extensive consultations with the three existing paediatric hospitals, the maternity hospitals and external experts. The Task Group's recommendation, when selecting from the 6 adult hospital sites, was based on several factors laid out in their report relating to the current location of clinical services around the city. They also took into account potential planning difficulties with the sites and the readiness of the sites for new development. Through the establishment of a clinical network, with the Mater as its centre, this site was considered to be in a good geographical position to facilitate access to the key specialties, shared between adults and children. I am committed to proceeding with this important project and am not persuaded that a different location is warranted.

Health Services

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

51 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has given instructions to the Health Service Executive to encourage and develop the home help service as much as possible, so as to assist in keeping the elderly and the infirm in their own homes and to reduce the costs of institutional care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34705/10]

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 long established Policy is implemented by the HSE, and is realised through a range of community services such as Home-Help, Home Care Packages, Meals-on-Wheels, and Day/Respite care. Such supports have the added objective of reducing inappropriate admissions by older people to acute hospital or long-term residential care. The importance attached to these services is highlighted by the fact that, between 2006 and 2010, over €200 million additional funding was provided to the HSE to develop such supports for older people.

The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of the Home-Help service, in line with its HSE National Service Plan 2010. This commits the Executive to provide 11.98 million Home-Help hours nationally this year to over 54,000 people. The target for 2010 for Home-Help hours is unchanged over the 2009 figure. In addition to the mainstream Home-Help provision, the current Service Plan is designed to deliver Home Care Packages to around 9,600 people at any one time or to some 13,000 clients over the course of the year. Arising from an independent Evaluation of Home Care Packages, published by the Department in December last, the HSE subsequently established a Task Group to progress this year various improvements in home care provision generally. These include:- introduce standardised access and operational guidelines for the delivery of Home Care Packages; adopt a voluntary code of Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services for Older People ; and progress a new Procurement Framework for home care services.

In addition, the HSE is also developing Procedural Guidelines for the Home Help service which will standardise access to and allocation of Home Help hours to assist the Executive in managing the scheme in an equitable way across the country. The various Guidelines now being prepared are intended to allow the HSE adopt a more standardised approach nationally to the future provision of home care services and underscores this Governments continuing commitment to these services.

Special Educational Needs

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

52 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if there has been a change in the procedure whereby health professionals provide reports which form the basis for the allocation of educational supports for children with special needs in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34674/10]

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

Hospital Services

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

53 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the basis of the Health Service Executive decision to cease surgery at Navan Hospital, County Meath; the clinical reasons behind this decision; if she will provide details of a Health Service Executive review into this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34762/10]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

68 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reinstate essential emergency services at a hospital (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34712/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 68 together.

In their role as patient advocates for high quality safe surgical care and practice, the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland supported the decision of the Director of Quality and Clinical Care of the HSE to cease emergency acute surgical services at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, with effect from September 1st this year.

Earlier this year, the HSE North East identified two general surgery cases with poor clinical outcomes. It later identified four laparoscopic surgery cases where outcomes were also poor. The HSE has asked the RCSI to nominate two senior clinicians to review the two general surgery cases. The precise format of this review will be finalised shortly and the review will be concluded as soon as possible. The HSE has appointed a review team of three senior surgeons, with appropriate experience and standing, to undertake a review of the four laparoscopic cases. This review is expected to take approximately two months.

Four reviews have been conducted into the Department of Surgery in Navan since 2005. The HSE has accepted all of the recommendations of these reviews and is committed to their ongoing implementation. All decisions regarding the location of services will be taken with patient safety as the priority. Minor elective surgery and endoscopy will remain in Navan. The Hospital also continues to be the regional centre for elective orthopaedic surgery.

Health Service Staff

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

54 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of physiotherapists currently employed or contracted by the Health Service Executive in each HSE region; her plans to increase this number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34690/10]

My Department has written to the Health Service Executive setting out the overall approved employment control ceiling for 2010. As part of this approval, written confirmation has been provided to the HSE that the general moratorium on recruitment, promotion and the payment of acting up allowances does not apply to specific designated grades. Delegated sanction has been given to the HSE for the creation and filling of frontline posts, including physiotherapy posts. The approval indicated that vacancies in existing posts in these grades may continue to be filled. Newposts may also be created in these grades, up to a specified limit, provided that the HSE is satisfied in each case that there is no scope to redeploy an equivalent post from the hospital sector to the primary and community care sector. This moratorium exemption provides for an increase in the number of physiotherapy posts, in line with Government policy, in order to meet the requirements of integrated care delivery and primary care needs particularly in respect of children at risk, the elderly and those with disabilities.

With regard to the number of physiotherapists currently employed in each HSE region, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services

Róisín Shortall

Question:

55 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children to ensure that the budgets for community care are protected in order that elderly and disabled persons currently receiving home help or home care will not be adversely affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34695/10]

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 delivered through a range of community services such as Home-Help, Home Care Packages, Meals-on-Wheels, and Day/Respite care. Such supports have the added objectives of reducing inappropriate admissions by older people to acute hospital or long-term residential care.

The importance attached to these services is highlighted by the fact that over€200m additional funding has been provided in recent years for these services. The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of Home Care services, in line with its National Service Plan 2010. This commits the Executive to provide 11.98 million Home-Help hours nationally this year to over 54,000 people. The target for 2010 for Home-Help hours is unchanged over the 2009 figure. In addition to the mainstream Home-Help provision, the current Plan is designed to deliver Home Care Packages to around 9,600 people at any one time, or to some 13,000 clients over the course of the year, and to cater for the provision of around 21,300 Day/Respite Care places.

In the period 2006 to 2008, over €425m was provided to the HSE under the National Disability Strategy Multi Annual Investment Programme for the provision of additional specialist health and personal social services for people with a disability. In 2009, the HSE provided 3.2 million hours of personal assistant / home care services to people with a disability. In Budget 2010 additional funding of €19.5m was provided to the Executive to respond to demographic growth in demand for emergency residential placements, additional day places, and personal assistant/home support hours. The current HSE Service Plan commits the Executive to providing the same level of service as in 2009, in other words, 3.2 million hours, and an additional 140,000 hours of personal assistant / home care services for people with a disability.

Deliberations by the Government on the expenditure allocations for next year are likely to continue up until Budget time, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage, pending the outcome of those deliberations. The very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure. Notwithstanding this difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect the services referred to by the Deputy, to respond to priority demographic and other needs, and to support ongoing reform of the public heath services within the resources available for health.

Hospitals Building Programme

Leo Varadkar

Question:

56 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been made on the location of the new central mental hospital; when this decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34771/10]

No decision has as yet been made in relation to the location of the new Central Mental Hospital (CMH); however an alternative site has been identified and preliminary discussions have taken place between the HSE and the planning authorities. The development of the new CMH remains a priority for the Government and the HSE has been asked to submit a business case for the project and to explore alternative funding options to deliver the new hospital.

Health Service Staff

Martin Ferris

Question:

57 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive posts currently unfilled, by region, as a result of the recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34711/10]

The Government has made clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years. This requires that the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the health service will continue to apply until the numbers have fallen to the level set out in the Employment Control Framework for the health sector.

The Framework for 2010-2012 gives effect to the Government decision on employment policy in the public sector and provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2012. This includes a target reduction in numbers in 2010 to achieve the overall reduction of 6,000 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 (or 1,520 per annum). While there is provision in the HSE's Employment Control Framework for some exemptions and exceptions these are limited because of the need to achieve the required payroll savings. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 21.

Hospital Services

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

59 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the way she proposes to address the extra demand on maternity services; if resources will be provided to relocate maternity hospitals in Dublin and in Limerick to acute hospital campuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34675/10]

The latest information from the HSE for July 2010 indicates that the total number of births nationally is marginally lower than the same period last year (-1%) and is showing a 1.8% decrease against expected levels for 2010. The HSE is putting arrangements in place to progress the recommendations of the HSE/KPMG review of Maternity Services in the Greater Dublin Area including service redesign, workforce needs, clinical governance, teaching, training and physical infrastructure requirements.

Each of the three Dublin maternity hospitals has begun to develop site specific proposals in relation to their proposed location. This process involves working closely with each of their proposed adult hospital sites and in the case of the Rotunda also with the National Paediatric Hospital project. Local project steering groups have been established between the maternity hospitals and their proposed adult sites. The HSE has met with the three Dublin maternity hospitals as a group and emphasised the need for close collaboration across the maternity and acute partner hospitals in preparing the business cases for relocating the existing maternity services. The three draft business cases, prepared by the maternity hospitals are being reviewed by the HSE to identify potential savings that can be yielded from this approach.

In relation to Limerick, the HSE has indicated that its the long-term objective is to re-locate maternity and orthopaedic services to the Dooradoyle site. Discussions are at an early stage with regards to securing capital for this project.

Health Service Funding

Paul Connaughton

Question:

60 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the health budget will be reduced by in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34727/10]

The level of funding available for the health budget is being considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2011 which is currently underway. Deliberations by the Government on the expenditure allocations for next year are likely to continue up until Budget time and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of those deliberations. The very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure.

Vaccination Programme

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

61 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give a progress report on the provision of the HPV cervical cancer vaccine per Health Service Executive region; the numbers of young women already vaccinated; her view on providers of the vaccine offering the service to older girls for a fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34700/10]

The second phase of the HPV vaccination programme began as scheduled in secondary schools on 16th of September. Data regarding vaccine uptake will be issued by the HSE directly to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available. There are two vaccines licensed in Ireland to prevent HPV infection. Cervarix was licensed in September 2006 and Gardasil was licensed in September 2007. Both, are therefore available for use under the direction of a medical practitioner.

Health Services

Róisín Shortall

Question:

62 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in the provision of an after office hours social worker service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34694/10]

The Government and the HSE remain committed to the development of a comprehensive needs-based service for children at risk. In this context, the HSE established the Emergency Place of Safety Service in June 2009. This service makes provision for Gardaí to access an appropriate place of safety for children found to be at risk out of hours under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991. The provision of this service, which conforms with relevant regulations and standards, aims to ensure that children presenting as 'at risk' outside of normal working hours are provided with an appropriate emergency place of safety thereby reducing or eliminating social admissions of children in an acute hospital setting.

The Emergency Place of Safety service provides a standardised response across the country for children who can be appropriately placed in a family setting. This service applies outside the Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow areas where such services are already provided. The on-going operation of the service is under review by a joint HSE/Garda Committee. I am informed by the HSE that since the Emergency Place of Safety Service was established there have been 309 phone calls from an Garda Síochána with 172 children and young people having been provided with placements through the service as of 15th September, 2010.

In addition, and instead of developing a stand alone social work out of hours service, it has been agreed to develop alternative proposals based on a more integrated approach which builds on the HSE's existing out of hours services including GPs, acute hospital services and mental health services. This should provide a more effective and integrated service by using existing resources and strengthening the links between services such as mental health and social work to appropriately address incidents occurring outside usual working hours. The aim is to ensure that persons seeking personal social services outside normal working hours can be provided with appropriate advice, information, support and, in emergency situations, access to specialist staff, such as staff working in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention. The Government's Implementation Plan for the recommendations of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse also committed to the piloting of two out of hours projects. The sites of these two pilot sites are now being finalised and discussions are ongoing to commence the pilots as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

63 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in her Department; if that number has decreased; if the moratorium has been applied in the case of any Department staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34680/10]

There were 470.91 whole time equivalents employed in my Department at the end of August 2010. Serving numbers are collated at the end of each month and the September 2010 figures are not yet available. The end August figure represents a reduction of 121 (20%) over the number employed at the end of December 2007. Staffing levels will need to be reduced by a further 20 whole time equivalents in order to meet the agreed Employment Control Framework target of 450 by the end of 2012.

Generally speaking vacancies generated as a result of people leaving the Department have been managed through re-organisation and re-allocation of work among remaining staff. My Department has applied for 3 exemptions to the moratorium which were considered critical to the operation of the Department. All three applications were approved by the Minister for Finance. These posts were:

Director General position at the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs,

Youth Work Assessor at the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, and

Chief Executive Officer for the Adoption Authority.

Long-Term Illness Scheme

Brian O'Shea

Question:

64 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the illnesses covered by the long-term illness scheme; if she will, in particular, include irritable bowel disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34684/10]

There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

Departmental Staff

Joan Burton

Question:

65 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in the transfer of community welfare officers from her Department to the Department of Social Protection; the number of such staff who will continue to serve under her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34671/10]

The Health Service Executive, the Department of Social Protection and my Department are in discussions with the relevant unions to implement the Government decision to transfer the Community Welfare Service (CWS) from the Health Service Executive to the Department of Social Protection (DSP). Despite intensive engagements having commenced late last year, there was little progress made due to the ongoing industrial action across the public service at that time.

The staff concerned are employees of the HSE, not of my Department. I have been advised that further facilitated talks, under the auspices of Labour Relations Commission, are now under way. Both sides met as recently as Friday last, 1st October, and a series of intensive meetings is scheduled to take place over the course of this month. Management intend that the transfer will take effect from 1st January 2011. It is also intended, in the light of the increased demands on the CWS, that the full complement of staff involved in delivering the Service, will now transfer to the DSP. The precise number is to be established shortly, but it will be in excess of 1,000 WTEs. I understand that an updated census of the full staff complement should be completed by the HSE this week.

Ultimately, this transfer is one which will see the Community Welfare Service being properly located in the Department of Social Protection, and will result in a better service for the public who avail of it. In implementing the transfer, the DSP is committed to protecting and enhancing SWA service delivery. It will mean that CWOs will work alongside local DSP Office staff, Job Facilitators, Social Welfare Inspectors, Placement Officers, etc., to deliver an improved, unified service to the public who avail of it.

Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 30.

Hospitals Building Programme

Paul Kehoe

Question:

67 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the co-location policy; if she is concerned that the VHI will not cover its customers in co-located private hospitals. [34749/10]

The Renewed Programme for Government re-affirms the Government's commitment to the hospital co-location programme. Preferred bidders have been selected for six co-located projects. The co-location programme is a complex public procurement process. It is a matter for each successful bidder to arrange its finance under the terms of the relevant Project Agreement. The co-location initiative, like other major projects, has to deal with the changed funding environment. The HSE is continuing to work with the successful bidders to provide whatever assistance it can to help them advance the projects.

I have no role to play in the day to day running and commercial decisions relating to private health insurers. Private health insurance providers are free to choose their own service providers in order to service the health needs of their own insured population. As the regulator of the private health insurance market, it would not be appropriate for me to interfere with commercial arrangements between insurers and their chosen providers.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 53.

Health Services

Martin Ferris

Question:

69 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reverse the cutbacks to the dental treatment services scheme and the dental treatment benefit scheme in view of the hardship caused to patients and the adverse consequences for dental health and for the dental profession, including the closure of practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34710/10]

Willie Penrose

Question:

72 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will restore preventive dental care to medical card patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34686/10]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

241 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding dental charges for medical card holders; the entitlements to dental services for medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35090/10]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 69, 72 and 241 together.

The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. There are no plans to reverse these changes. Under the new measures the range of treatments available are being prioritised. Other than emergency care, the remaining care provision is subject to prior approval by a clinician in the HSE, who will prioritise for:

High risk and exceptional patients,

Those requiring emergency care, and

Patients who are considered to have greater clinical urgency and/or necessity in receiving care.

The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective and will continue to engage with dental professionals to ensure clarity and consistency in implementing these changes. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service for high risk groups will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS. There are no charges for treatment provided under the DTSS, except for the prescription charge of 50c per item supplied by a community pharmacist on the prescription of a dentist. This charge was introduced on 1st October 2010 and is subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family.

Hospital Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

70 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of which nursing or other posts need to be filled at each public hospital here in order to ensure the availability of the full complement of services required; her plans to expedite the procedures to facilitate the early filling of such posts in each case with particular reference to situations when the hospital authorities have indicated an urgency in order to maintain a high quality and availability of service while in compliance with recruitment guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34581/10]

The Government has made clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years. This requires that the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the health service will continue to apply until the numbers have fallen to the level set out in the Employment Control Framework for the health sector. The Framework for 2010-2012 gives effect to the Government decision on employment policy in the public sector and provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2012. This includes a target reduction in numbers in 2010 to achieve the overall reduction of 6,000 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 (or 1,520 per annum). While there is provision in the HSE's Employment Control Framework for some exemptions and exceptions these are limited because of the need to achieve the required payroll savings.

Medical Cards

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

71 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the latest figures for those in receipt of medical cards and general practitioner only cards; the number of cards issued to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34679/10]

Details of the number of medical card and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided by the HSE to my Department reflect the position on 1st September 2010 and show 1,578,613 medical card holders and 110,297 GP visit card holders on that date. On 1st January 2010, the number of medical card holders was 1,478,560 and the number of GP visit card holders was 98,325, giving a net increase of 100,053 medical card holders and 11,972 GP visit card holders from 1st January to 1st September 2010.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 69.

Hospital Staff

Frank Feighan

Question:

73 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the spend on agency staff in hospitals for each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and the estimated total spend during 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34741/10]

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

Hospital Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

74 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds currently out of use for whatever reason or purpose at each public hospital here; the relevant number of wards closed in respect of such hospitals; the extent of waiting lists for each procedure at each of these hospitals; the extent of the use of trolleys in lieu of beds at the same hospitals; the extent of waiting or overcrowding at accident and emergency in such hospitals; the extent to which she intends to address these issues in the short to medium term; the extent to which the situation compares with the private hospital sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34580/10]

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

Sean Sherlock

Question:

75 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children when private hospitals will be subject to regulation by the Health Information and Quality Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34692/10]

The Government approved the development of legislation to underpin recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance for a mandatory licensing system for public and private health service providers, including licensing for private hospitals. The Health Information and Quality Authority will be the licensing authority. The grant of licences will be linked to compliance with standards set by HIQA and HIQA recently initiated a public consultation on draft National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare. My Department is currently preparing the necessary legislative proposals and, subject to Government approval, I intend to carry out a public consultation process on draft heads of a Bill early next year. I propose to bring the legislation into operation from 2012, beginning with hospital services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

76 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in developing specific fully staffed cystic fibrosis units in designated hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34687/10]

The HSE proposes that services for people with Cystic Fibrosis would be delivered by specialist cystic fibrosis centres either offering full care or supervision of structured shared care centres with satellite CF centres at the following sites:

Dublin North: Beaumont (adult) linked with Children's University Hospital, Temple Street (children).

Dublin South: St Vincent's University Hospital (adult) linked with a more closely integrated children's service at Our Lady's Childrens Hospital, Crumlin/National Children's Hospital, Tallaght (pending the establishment of the New Children's Hospital) Cork:

Cork University Hospital (adults and children)

Limerick: Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick (adults and children)

Galway: Galway Regional Hospital (adults and children).

€6.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive in 2006 and 2007 to develop services for patients with cystic fibrosis. This was to include the recruitment of additional staff across a range of disciplines. 52.55 WTE persons are in post at present and a further 4.25 WTE posts are at an advanced stage of recruitment.

Prescription Charges

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

77 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the manner in which prescription charges in excess of €10 per month will be reclaimed by medical card holders; if she has an estimated cost for administration of the charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34709/10]

Since 1st October 2010, medical card holders are required to pay a 50c charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists. The charges are subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family. Should a person or family pay more than €10, the HSE will issue refunds automatically on a quarterly basis based on the information received from the dispensing pharmacy. However, if a person considers that they have not received the refund due to them there is a refund claim form available through the HSE and an online version of the form is available on www.medicalcard.ie or www.hse.ie. I do not expect that the introduction of prescription charges will have any significant ongoing resource implications for the HSE in terms of costs or staffing.

Mental Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

78 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that has been raised from the sale of psychiatric institutions and lands in 2010; if it is intended to subvent this amount to fulfil promises to provide mental health services in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34702/10]

The first part of the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply as it refers to a service matter. The Deputy may wish to note that Budget 2010 provided for a multi-annual programme of capital investment in high priority mental health projects, which will be funded from the proceeds of the disposal of psychiatric assets. The mental health capital programme will provide a range of facilities across the entire spectrum of mental healthcare facilities including acute psychiatric units, child and adolescent units, day hospitals, community nursing units and high support hostels. In 2010, the HSE will proceed to dispose of surplus assets and reinvest an initial sum of €50m in the mental health capital programme. Provision for continued funding of the programme will be made in the 2011 Estimates and subsequent years, in the light of the previous year's programme of asset sales.

Constitutional Amendments

Charles Flanagan

Question:

79 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the level of consultation, if any, that she has engaged in with other Departments since the publication of draft wording for a proposed constitutional amendment on children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34632/10]

I presented a copy of the third and final report of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children to Cabinet in early March. The Cabinet decided that, in view of the complex nature of the issues involved, all Ministers and Government Departments as well as the Attorney General should consider the report and examine the implications of the proposed wording for their individual areas of responsibility.

A range of unintended policy and resource implications were identified, including concerns that the concept of continuity of care might lead to children being left in inappropriate care situations. There were also concerns about implications for immigration policy as someone due to be deported could claim it is in their child's interests that they remain in the country and about the way in which the voice of the child provisions could lead to unwieldy and inappropriate arrangements; for example, where a child is being suspended from school it could result in legal representation being on both sides.

In view of these difficulties, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs presented to Government the policy objectives for the Referendum and was granted Government approval to develop revised wording for an amendment, in co-operation with the office of the Attorney General. New wording, which takes into account the proposals put forward by the Committee, is being drafted by the Attorney General's Office with policy support provided by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. It is hoped that a recommendation will be brought by the Minister to Cabinet soon. The matter is receiving full attention. Meetings have taken place between myself, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the Tánaiste, the Attorney General, and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with a view to moving a proposal forward.

Hospital Acquired Infections

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

80 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in designing and implementing modern hygiene practices in hospitals in order to reduce and eradicate MRSA and other infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34688/10]

Maintaining hospital hygiene practice is an essential component of the drive to reduce hospital associated infections. Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs here continues to be a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE). A National Infection Control Action Plan, launched in 2007, aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infection by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. The number of MRSA bloodstream infections for the past four years fell from 592 cases in 2006, 536 cases in 2007, 435 cases in 2008 to 355 cases in 2009. This shows a decrease in such infections of over 40% between 2006 and 2009.

Data on alcohol hand rub consumption which is an important part of the hygiene effort shows a 30% increase since 2007. The Guidelines for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Ireland aims to promote the sensible prescribing of antibiotics. Data on antibiotic consumption collected by the HPSC shows a welcome decrease in antibiotic consumption in 2008 for the first time since 2000. This decrease has continued in 2009.

The Health Information and Quality Authority published its National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections in May 2009. It is intended that inspection of public acute hospitals using these Standards will commence during this year; the Standards will also be applied to primary care settings as appropriate. In addition to the above mentioned developments, the HSE published new Environmental Building Guidelines in December 2008 to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments. I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of Health Care Associated Infections, including MRSA and to treat them promptly when they occur.

Residential Care Services

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

81 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding step-down beds being made available in the major urban centres in order that patients in acute hospitals who are ready to be discharged to such beds can be transferred and thereby relieve pressure on acute beds and the emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34677/10]

I understand that the Deputy is referring to all step-down beds, including those designated for short-term and long-term residential care. The HSE provides significant short-term care, including over 750 designated respite care beds benefiting an estimated 19,000 people. It also provides in excess of 1,000 dedicated rehabilitative, convalescence and assessment beds within its own facilities. At present, the HSE is working to reconfigure services within its own facilities to ensure that the best possible use is made of public resources with regard to the provision of both long-term and short-term residential care services. In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides a respite care grant which may be used to purchase short-term care in private nursing homes.

With regard to long-term care, the introduction of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in October 2009 means that long-term nursing home care is accessible for all who need it. Previously, private nursing home care was unaffordable for many people and, in some cases, people had to sell or re-mortgage their homes in order to fund their care placement. Under the new scheme, each person makes a contribution towards their care based on ability to pay and the State meets the full balance of the cost of care. Therefore, the introduction of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme has had the effect of ensuring that all nursing home beds, public and private, are affordable and accessible for those who need them; it has effectively increased affordable capacity.

It is notable that, of those ready for discharge from the acute sector, over 75% require long-term nursing home care. The positive impact of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme on discharges from the acute sector is evident. A comparison of data from August 2009 with data from August 2010 indicates that overall delayed discharges have reduced by 33%, or approximately 300 cases, nationally. Within the Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals, the numbers discharged to long-term residential care each week have more than trebled over the same period.

Finally, the Government has also increased public nursing home capacity. Over the past four years, 385 additional beds and 292 replacement beds have opened nationally. Of these, 263 additional and 168 replacement beds were in Dublin and 37 additional beds were in Cork. Further additional and replacement beds are scheduled to open in the major urban centres before the end of this year.

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 21.

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the high level of general practitioner fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34707/10]

Consultation fees charged to private patients by general practitioners are a matter of private contract between the doctor and the patient. While I have no role in relation to such fees, I would expect general practitioners to have regard to the overall economic situation in setting their fees. My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has also called on providers of professional services in the private sector to adjust their fees in line with the reductions in fees of those providing such services in the public sector. I should add that general practitioners who hold General Medical Services contracts with the Health Service Executive must not seek or accept money from medical card or GP visit card holders in respect of routine treatment.

Health Service Staff

Liz McManus

Question:

84 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of microbiologists in place per Health Service Executive region in view of the high level of hospital infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34683/10]

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

Hospital Services

David Stanton

Question:

85 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and location of positron emission tomography scanners; the number of same which are operational at present; the number of PET scans conducted and the locations at which they were carried out in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of PET scans which were referred from the Health Service Executive south to hospitals in Dublin in 2008 and 2009 and to date in 2010; the total cost of same to the HSE south for each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34786/10]

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

Departmental Reports

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

86 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the case that she agreed with the Minister for Health (details supplied), Social Services and Public Safety in the Six Counties not to take forward or to publish the North — South feasibility report on cooperation in health; if so, the meeting or meetings at which she agreed not to take forward or publish this report; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Minister in the Assembly on 14 September 2010, presented this as a joint decision between him and the Minister; if the Minister will now publish the report and press for its implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34582/10]

In 2007, both Health Departments agreed to undertake a Feasibility Study on the potential for future cooperation. A Project Board representative of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (NI), the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, and Cooperation And Working Together (CAWT) was established to oversee the Study. The Study examined the potential for joint co-operation in health across an extensive range of health and social care services and makes a number of recommendations for future cooperation. The Study was conducted jointly and it was agreed would constitute a report to the two Ministers. Any action arising, including a decision to formally publish the Report, requires the agreement of both parties.

The Study was completed in 2009 and was presented to Ministers in April that year. While I have indicated my approval for the Study's recommendations, in a discussion with the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland in June this year, he informed me that he was not satisfied to endorse the Study. However, it would be wrong to assume that the non-publication of this Study implies that there is no cooperation on health matters. Cross Border working on health has existed for many years and both Departments continue to collaborate on a wide range of health and social care issues. Currently, some of these issues include Radiotherapy Services, Paediatric Congenital Cardiac Services, Emergency Planning, Child Protection, Health Promotion, Cancer Research and Suicide Prevention. Both Health Ministers meet regularly under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council and continually review the existing arrangements for cooperation and explore other areas for collaboration where mutual benefit for both populations is demonstrated.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 18.

Hospital Services

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

88 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds that have now been removed from the overall bed numbers per Health Service Executive region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34676/10]

As the detailed information sought by the Deputy on the number of acute hospital beds available in each region is a service matter, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Unemployment Levels

Michael McGrath

Question:

89 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach his views on the most accurate measure of unemployment in the State with reference to the live register and the Central Statistics Office quarterly national household survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35011/10]

The official source of unemployment estimates for the state is the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS). Estimates from the QNHS are based on internationally recognised standards for the measurement of the labour market status of individuals. These standards were developed by the International Labour Office (ILO) and allow comparison of key indicators in relation to the labour market for different countries. They also ensure that the measurement of unemployment is done on a consistent basis over time and thus an accurate trend is presented. Within the ILO framework a person is regarded as unemployed if they have not undertaken any paid work in the reference period and are actively seeking employment. This manner of measurement is designed specifically to identify that the person is unemployed according to a clear definition.

On the other hand the Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment as it legitimately includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. As the Live Register is based on an administrative system it is also subject to changes in the rules surrounding the system, for example if the rules for entitlement to benefits change over time this will cause a break in series and create difficulties in interpreting the longer term trend. Therefore the estimate of unemployment from the QNHS must be taken as the accurate measure of unemployment for the state. This issue has previously been the subject of detailed discussion in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in 1998.

However, while the overall level differs significantly between the two sources there has over time been a broad correlation in the trends between the two measures. Therefore each month the CSO publishes a standardised unemployment rate (SUR) which utilises the trend in the number of persons on the live register to update the total number of unemployed persons as measured by the most recent QNHS and thus generate the SUR. This is done to provide an early indication of the unemployment rate given that the live register numbers are available significantly earlier than QNHS estimates for any given period. However, the estimated SUR produced in this manner is subject to revision once official QNHS estimates are available.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

90 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34939/10]

The Department of the Taoiseach has no Directives awaiting transposition.

Departmental Staff

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

91 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the role of the better regulation unit in his Department; the number of staff working in the unit in each of the years 2004 to 2010 inclusive; the unit’s spending in each of those years; the progress made on the implementation of the 2004 regulating better government White Paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35022/10]

In 2004, the Government published the White Paper, ’Regulating Better’. The White Paper provides the basis for work on the Better Regulation agenda. Some of the key areas outlined in the White Paper relate to specific sectoral issues for which responsible Ministers report directly to the House. The Better Regulation Unit in my Department is tasked with the overall promotion of the Better Regulation agenda across Departments and there has been considerable progress in the areas for which it is responsible in recent years.

Following a Government Decision in June 2005, Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) must be applied to all proposals for primary legislation, significant Statutory Instruments, draft EU Directives and significant EU Regulations. RIA is a tool which is used to assess the likely effects of a proposed new regulation or regulatory change in a structured and transparent way. An independent Review of the Operation of RIA was commissioned by the Better Regulation Unit and was published in June 2008. It acknowledged that good progress had been made in embedding the process since its original introduction but also highlighted some areas where change was needed.

Arising from the Review's recommendations, Revised RIA Guidelines were published by the Better Regulation Unit last year which take account, in particular, of the need for improved quantitative analysis and for the increased use of RIA to evaluate draft EU legislative proposals. Following consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, specific information was also included in the revised Guidelines on the measurement of compliance and administrative costs on business.

The Better Regulation Unit organises and directly delivers a training course on RIA for officials who will be preparing legislation. Some 320 officials have undertaken the 2 day RIA training course to date with a further course scheduled for later this month. The course content was re-configured in 2009 to take account of the findings of the independent Review and is available not only to Departmental officials but also to individuals working in independent regulators. The course also takes account of the Guidelines on Consultation which were published by the Better Regulation Unit in 2005. The Better Regulation Unit also delivers shorter RIA modules and offer an on-line RIA training tool to ensure the maximum possible number of officials are reached.

The Better Regulation Unit has, together with the Office of the Attorney General, steered and focused work in the area of modernisation of the Statute Book. This work is designed to increase the transparency and accessibility of the Statute Book for the citizen. The Statute Law Revision Project has helped to clear away thousands of redundant and obsolete Acts so that we can see what needs to be repealed and re-enacted in modern, consolidated form. Almost 3,500 obsolete, pre-1922, Acts have already been repealed by the Statute Law Revision Acts of 2005 and 2007.

The Statute Law Revision Act 2009 was signed by the President in December of last year. This Act deals specifically with Local and Personal Acts up to and including the year 1850 and Private Acts up to and including the year 1750. Private Acts are those which are concerned with the affairs of a single individual or body, and Local and Personal Acts are concerned with matters affecting a very limited section of the community such as a single local authority or company. The Act provides for the express repeal of more than 1,350 such Acts. This is in addition to the almost 3,500 Public and General Acts which were already repealed by the Statute Law Revision Acts of 2005 and 2007.

A further element of the Better Regulation Strategy to simplify legislation is the programme of Statute Law Restatement. This is being undertaken by the Law Reform Commission and provides, in the case of selected Acts, a single, up-to-date text, including all amendments. The Acts to be restated as part of the programme were selected following an extensive consultation process and reflect Government priorities. This process of Restatement will also facilitate future consolidation and modernisation of legislation. Significant improvements have also been made to the Online Statute Book in recent years. In addition, a dedicated electronic system for drafting Statutory Instruments has been developed by the Better Regulation Unit and is now managed by the Publications Office. This system ensures that regulations are made available for online publication as soon as they are signed. Furthermore, the Better Regulation Unit produced the first comprehensive listing of all Regulatory Bodies in Ireland in 2007.

The Better Regulation Unit commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in partnership with Compecon to carry out an independent Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment. This was published together with a Government Statement on Economic Regulation in October 2009. This Statement provides a framework for the future development of economic regulation in Ireland and covers issues such as governance and accountability; the appropriateness of regulatory structures and mandates; cost effectiveness and engagement with stakeholders. It commits relevant Ministers to reviewing the roles and mandates of regulators at least every five years and they will also have to approve planned expenditure by regulators, including any industry levies, following consultation with stakeholders. The Senior Officials Group on Economic Regulation, supported by the Better Regulation Unit, is tasked with the implementation of the actions set out in the Government Statement.

In line with the commitment in the Government Statement to initiate an Annual Regulatory Forum, I, together with the Tánaiste and other relevant Ministers met with key regulators, the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency at the end of February to discuss the implementation of the Government Statement and the contribution that improved competition and regulation across sectors can make to economic recovery and renewal. Arising from these discussions, it was decided that a Regulatory Liaison Group involving senior Departmental officials and key regulators would meet regularly to progress key issues and that the Better Regulation Unit would act as secretariat to the Group. In this context, relevant Departments are currently working with regulators to "stress-test" regulatory frameworks to ensure that they are sufficiently robust to be able to respond to major shocks and changes in their sectors and in the wider economy. It is expected that Government will receive a report on these exercises before the end of the year.

The OECD are currently conducting a review of Ireland's regulatory systems and processes. The Review is being conducted as part of a set of similar reviews covering the original 15 EU Member States which is being funded by the EU Commission and covers issues such as Regulatory Impact Analysis as well as Administrative Burden Reduction and approaches to enforcement which are overseen by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. The Better Regulation Unit is co-ordinating Irish Government input into the Review and it is expected that the report will be completed later this year.

The Better Regulation Unit also represents Ireland at the EU High Level Group of Regulatory Experts, at Directors of Better Regulation meetings and at the OECD Regulatory Policy Committee. The number of staff working in the Better Regulation Unit in each of the years 2004 to 2010 and the Unit's spending in each of those years is set out in the following table:

Year

Number of staff*

Better Regulation Unit Spending**

2004

½ Principal Officer (PO) 1 Assistant Principal (AP) 2 Administrative Officers (AO) 1 Clerical Officer (CO)

105,539

2005

½ PO, 1 AP, 1 AO, 1 CO

197,749

2006

½ PO, 2 APs, 2 AOs, 1 CO

267,164

2007

½ PO, 2 APs, 2 AOs, 1 CO

154,365

2008

½ PO, 1 AP, 1 AO, 1 CO

521,970

2009

½ PO, 1 AP, 1 AO, 1 CO

42,809

2010

½ PO, 1 AP, 1 AO, 1 CO

***21,685

*These figures represent staff numbers at the start of each year.

**These figures exclude staff costs and include costs of commissioning and publishing independent reviews and reports, RIA training, as well as economic consultancy for RIA and travel and subsistence in support of EU and OECD meetings.

***This figure represents the amount spent by the Better Regulation Unit between January and August 2010.

FÁS Training Programmes

Phil Hogan

Question:

92 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take with FÁS in respect of funding for apprenticeship jockeys that was reduced substantially which has put the racing academy in some financial difficulty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34452/10]

Following a meeting on 28 September between FÁS, Horse Racing Ireland, Racing Academy and Centre of Education and Kildare VEC, the training referred to by the Deputy is scheduled to commence on 6 October. A longer term review of the training programme will be carried out by all stake holders with a view to its completion by the end of 2010.

EU Funding

Terence Flanagan

Question:

93 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will deal with the following matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34951/10]

The application made by the Department seeking co-financing under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in support of redundant workers formerly employed at the S R Technics aircraft maintenance facility at Dublin Airport details, as required, the relevant supporting measures in the areas of occupational guidance, training, apprenticeship, educational opportunities and enterprise supports. A copy of the application will be supplied to the Deputy.

Schools Building Projects

Sean Sherlock

Question:

94 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school building (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34442/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale 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 the 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 the Department's website. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Special Educational Needs

Charles Flanagan

Question:

95 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps in place to help discover cases of dyslexia in primary schools; if a national test will be undertaken in order to assess the extent of the condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34460/10]

As the Deputy is aware, a key focus and priority of my Department is to provide for resources in schools to support pupils with special educational needs, including those with dyslexia. For mainstream primary schools, this is done through the General Allocation Model. This model was introduced in September 2005 and ensures that mainstream primary schools have the additional teaching resources already in place to enable them cater for children with high-incidence special educational needs, including dyslexia.

It is a matter for the individual school to use its professional judgement to identify pupils that will receive this support and to use the resources available to the school to intervene at the appropriate level with such pupils. My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05, to schools to provide guidelines and advice on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.

My Department issued Circular 0138/2006 to all schools in 2006 setting out the requirement for mandatory standardised testing in English, Reading and Mathematics. From the beginning of 2007, testing has been implemented on an annual basis for all pupils at two stages of the primary cycle, supported by an annual grant to schools of the order of €1.8m annually for the cost of test materials, manuals, test scoring services or test related software. There is widespread acceptance of the value of standardised testing as one of a range of modes of assessment that help teachers to make more informed decisions in relation to teaching and learning. The results of standardised tests can be used to inform parents of pupils' progress and to assist in the identification of pupils that may require support.

In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, my Department, through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), encourages a staged assessment process, a continuum of assessment to identify pupils with special educational needs, including dyslexia. Under this process each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and learning support, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention. The staged model recognises that pupils present with a wide range of issues and difficulties and allows for their amelioration and intervention at the level most appropriate to the particular need.

The Deputy may also be aware that my Department supports teachers with additional training needs in the area of dyslexia. The Special Education Support Service (SESS) manages, co-ordinates and develops a range of supports in response to identified teacher training needs. The SESS provides fees' subsidies for the online training course, "Dyslexia: Identification and Early Interventions". Fees' subsidies are also provided for teachers to enable them to avail of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland courses.

Finally, my Department has developed an information resource pack on dyslexia in CD-Rom, DVD and video format, in association with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. This product has been made available to all primary and post-primary schools. The DVD and video provides support for parents of pupils with dyslexia while the CD-Rom assists teachers who are teaching children with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom.

Schools Building Projects

Sean Sherlock

Question:

96 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on an application for funding under the capital works programme by a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34471/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale 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 the 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 the Department's website. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In 2009, funding was approved for the school to construct an additional mainstream classroom due to increasing enrolments and to meet their immediate needs.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

97 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on an application for funding for the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34472/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for a new school building. The application was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 1.1 rating.

In 2007, a developer proposed transferring a site to my Department. My officials carried out a technical examination of the site and subsequently wrote to the developer requesting contract documents. On foot of a request to the developer as to the status of the original offer, my Department was advised that the site is secured with a lending institution and as such is unlikely to be transferred to my Department as originally proposed. With this in mind my Department has engaged in the process of acquiring an alternative site and to this end has applied for planning permission as part of the exchange of contracts. When the acquisition of a suitable site is concluded, the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

98 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on an application for funding under the capital works programme by a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34473/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale 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 the 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 the Department's website. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

99 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on an application for funding for a new school building (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34474/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale 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 the 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 the Department's website. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Schools Refurbishment

Michael McGrath

Question:

100 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the availability of funding for works to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [34488/10]

The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated a devolved grant in June 2009 to replace two prefab classrooms and a resource room. The grant was increased in November 2009 to allow for the provision of two additional mainstream classrooms. The school management authorities were advised that they could utilise this grant to purchase prefab accommodation or to build a permanent structure. I understand that the school authorities have decided to provide a permanent structure. The school authorities have informed my Department that construction is due to commence in November of this year.

Site Acquisitions

Michael McGrath

Question:

101 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the acquisition of a site to facilitate the construction of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [34489/10]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been requested to identify a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy. On foot of a recommendation from the OPW, my officials will consider how best to progress the acquisition of a suitable site. Once a suitable site is acquired, the proposed building project for the school will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

School Accommodation

Sean Sherlock

Question:

102 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the demographic pressures that exist in Midleton, County Cork regarding the provision of primary school education and, if so, if a plan has been drawn up by the Department to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34490/10]

The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social Protection and with reference to recent schools' enrolment data. School accommodation requirements in the Midleton/Carrigtwohill area have been considered as part of this detailed study of the identified areas, which indicates that in the range of 38 additional primary classrooms may be required across that area to cater for increased enrolments up to the school year 2014/15.

My Department is considering options to meet the deficit identified. As part of this approach, as the Deputy will be aware, my Department is engaged in the process of acquiring a site subject to planning for a proposed educational campus of two 16 classroom schools. 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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Schools Refurbishment

Phil Hogan

Question:

103 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide additional funding for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary to complete an essential fire safety and central heating upgrade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34501/10]

The school in question has been allocated a grant for Fire Safety and Central Heating Upgrade under the Emergency Works Grant. The Department is satisfied that the grant provided is sufficient to address the urgent requirements at the school. It is open to the School Authority to apply under the next round of Summer Works Grants for funding to undertake further works to the school.

Dan Neville

Question:

104 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the availability of funding to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick as per their application for devolved grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34508/10]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers recently wrote to my Department seeking a devolved grant to provide additional accommodation at the school as an alternative to their application for major capital funding. The application is currently being considered by officials in my Department in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme and the competing demands on my Department's capital budget and a decision on the matter will be conveyed to the school authority in due course.

FÁS Training Programmes

Arthur Morgan

Question:

105 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of courses provided in the FÁS centre at a location (details supplied) in County Donegal; the courses provided within the centre and those that are outsourced; the number of participants availing of the courses; and to provide the same information for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. [34527/10]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

108 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons availing of training in the FÁS centre (details supplied) in County Donegal for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and for this information to be broken down into those courses provided within the centre and those that are outsourced. [34563/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 108 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the enclosed tables. Table 1 sets out the type of courses offered from 2007 to date — both at the training centre in Gweedore and on a contracted basis through the training centre. FÁS statistics on the total number of trainees are collated on the basis of those participants who completed their course. Table 2 sets out the total number of participants who have completed training courses at or through Gweedore in 2007, 2008, 2009 and in 2010 as at the end of September. Table 3 sets out the total number of courses delivered at or through Gweedore in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 as at the end of September.

Table 1

Contracted Courses

Training Measure

Course

Return to Work

Pre-Employment Preparation

Bridging/Foundation

ECDL (Full-Time)

ECDL (Part-Time)

Specific Skills Training

Traditional Stonebuilding

Computer Applications

Kerbing and Paving

Landscape Construction

Manual and Computerised Accounts

Computerised Payroll

Traineeships

Childcare

Beauty Therapy

Healthcare

Childcare Phase 1 and 2

Childcare Phase 3

Healthcare Phase 1 and 2

Beauty Therapy Phase 2

In-Centre Courses

Specific Skills Training

Construction Skills

Computer Applications

Manual and Computerised Payroll

Apprenticeship

Electrical

Plumbing

Carpentry & Joinery

Evening Training

Interior Design

Computerised Accounts

Introduction to Computers

Basic Plumbing

Arc Welding

Mig Welding

Occupational First Aid

Roofing Cutting and Calculating

Introduction to Stonescaping

Safepass

Table 2

Year

No of Trainee Completions

Contracted

In-Centre

2007

67

87

2008

51

113

2009

183

223

2010 (as at end of September 2010)

225

137

Table 3

Year

Total number of courses delivered

Contracted

In-Centre

2007

5

6

2008

4

8

2009

12

23

2010 (as at end of September)

14

12

Schools Building Projects

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

106 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding her Department’s dealings with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; will she note the concern of the school community regarding outstanding issues relating to the Building Programme; the action she will take to ensure that all these matters are now concluded to the satisfaction of the school community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34549/10]

My Department is aware of the difficulties that have arisen between the school in question, the building contractor and the Consultant Architect that has resulted in delaying the satisfactory conclusion of this project. The bulk of the funding due for payment under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor for this project has issued to the school on foot of appropriate certification that certain works have been completed. This is a normal requirement before funding can be provided in relation to school projects.

The dismissal of the Consultant Architect by the school has created difficulties in relation to final certification of the satisfactory completion of the project and, consequently, payment of the balance of funding due. Officials from my Department have visited the school and my Department will be in contact with the school management authorities again shortly to invite them to a meeting to discuss the ongoing difficulties.

Schools Refurbishment

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

107 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the funding required for roof works at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34554/10]

An application for funding under Emergency Works was submitted by the school in question. However, following an assessment of the application and in light of the nature of the works involved it is not possible to provide funding at this time. It is open to the school authority to submit an application for these works under the next round of the Summer Works Scheme.

Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 105.

Tom Hayes

Question:

109 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [34566/10]

The school in question has been allocated grant aid for Fire Safety and Central Heating Upgrade under the Emergency Works Grant. The Department is satisfied that this grant is sufficient to address the urgent requirements at the school. It is open to the School Authority to apply under the next round of Summer Works Grants for grant aid towards works to the school.

Higher Education Grants

James Bannon

Question:

110 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the eligibility for a third level grant for new entrants in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34583/10]

It is understood that the Deputy is referring to the change in the residency requirement in student grant schemes for the 2010/11 academic year, which was increased from one year to three out of the past five years for the student. This amendment is in line with provisions already outlined in the Student Support Bill. The main purpose of the change is to ensure that persons applying for grants will have more established links with and integration in the State. However, it is envisaged that this change will, in many instances, provide greater flexibility for students who may be returning from abroad.

The residency requirement must be met by the student him/herself in all cases and is no longer linked to the residency of the parent/legal guardian for certain categories of students. However, a candidate may qualify for a grant, having met the residency requirement during the course of their studies. It is a matter for individual grant awarding authorities, in the first instance, to determine eligibility for student grants based on all of the terms and conditions, including the residency clause, of the governing schemes. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the specific grounds for the appeal.

Site Acquisitions

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

111 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if contracts have been signed for the purchase of a site for the construction of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the special conditions, if any, that apply; if funding is available and the basis of same; the timescale that applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34593/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that County Cork Vocational Education Committee signed contracts earlier this year for the purchase of a site to provide for an educational campus facility to cater for, among other things, the re-location of the Gaelscoil referred to by the Deputy. My Department was not a party to the contract negotiations or to any special conditions agreed. The progression of the building element of this proposal will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

School Transport

Michael Ring

Question:

112 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of her inquiries in regard to the school transport situation for pupils (details supplied) in County Mayo. [34606/10]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest national school. Bus Éireann operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department. This is a major logistical operation which involves the planning of over 6,000 bus routes annually to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service while, at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and effective manner.

The designation of specific school bus pick-up and drop off points is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. Parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure that children are brought to, and are collected safely from, these designated pick up and drop off points along the route of the journey.

Schools Building Projects

James Bannon

Question:

113 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed new national school (details supplied) for Stonepark, County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34795/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1 rating. There are four band ratings under the prioritisation 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.

Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the 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 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 Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project at the school in question at this time.

Meanwhile, in order to meet the school's immediate accommodation needs, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school was approved capital funding in March 2010 on a devolved basis to provide an additional mainstream classroom and three resource rooms. It was open to the school to utilise the funding towards a permanent structure or to purchase prefabs. I understand that the school has since purchased prefabs and that works are currently in progress to place the accommodation on site.

Higher Education Grants

James Bannon

Question:

114 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused a third level grant or waiver of registration fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34796/10]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the specific grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

James Bannon

Question:

115 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a third level grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34800/10]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

Special Educational Needs

Jack Wall

Question:

116 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a special needs assistant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34801/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Third Level Courses

Mary Upton

Question:

117 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide free university places for the long-term unemployed to allow them to retrain and re-enter the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34815/10]

All full-time approved higher education undergraduate programmes covered by the free fees scheme are open to unemployed people. All such people undertaking these programmes may be eligible to participate in the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) Scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection or be eligible for support under this Department'sStudent Grant Scheme. Further information is available on the Student Finance website:www.studentfinance.ie.

In addition, since early 2009, a number of specific initiatives to facilitate unemployed people to access flexible higher education programmes have been undertaken. Almost 1,800 unemployed people were supported to embark on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from September 2009 in areas that support the goals of the "Smart Economy" and over 1,000 unemployed people participated in a range of newly developed accelerated Level 6 Certificate programmes and part-time transition programmes.

The Labour Market Activation Fund (LMAF), which I launched in March of this year, is designed to assist in the creation of innovative training and education provision by private, not-for-profit and public sector providers. It is targeted at specific priority groups among the unemployed, namely the low skilled and those formerly employed in declining sectors — construction, retail and manufacturing sectors — with particular emphasis on the under 35s and the long-term unemployed. More than 2,000 places have been made available in 12 higher education institutions under the 2010 LMAF. The further development of labour market activation initiatives in the higher education sector is under consideration in the context of 2011 budget proposals

Schools Building Projects

Finian McGrath

Question:

118 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will support a matter (details supplied). [34838/10]

As part of the expansion of the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007, a grant was allocated to the school in question to enable the management authority provide 3 additional mainstream classrooms. As this is a devolved scheme it is a matter for the school authority to manage the project. I understand that some difficulties arose between the school authority, the design team and the contractor during the construction period. Officials in my Department met with the school authority in June 2010 and requested information on the project. The school management authority has recently provided some information to my Department and this is currently being reviewed.

School Transport

Paul Kehoe

Question:

119 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was not granted a bus ticket and if assistance will be offered to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34843/10]

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre. The scheme is not designed to facilitate children who attend a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.

The pupil mentioned by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme outlined above. He should liaise with the local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability and cost of a ticket to avail of the mainline bus service referred to.

Schools Refurbishment

John McGuinness

Question:

120 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if additional funding will be provided for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary to complete a fire safety and central heating upgrade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34850/10]

The school in question has been allocated grant aid for Fire Safety and Central Heating Upgrade under the Emergency Works Grant. The Department is satisfied that this grant is sufficient to address the urgent requirements at the school. It is open to the School Authority to apply under the next round of the Summer Works Scheme to undertake further work to the school.

Computerisation Programme

Joe McHugh

Question:

121 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown of broadband connectivity of schools in County Donegal; the number of schools that have access to high speed broadband; the number of schools that have access to satellite connections; if she will categorise primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34875/10]

There is a total of 206 schools in Co. Donegal connected through the schools broadband programme. The broadband connections are broken down as follows:

Post Primary

ADSL: 16;

Satellite: 1.

In addition 8 post-primary schools are taking part in the 100Mbit/s pilot project:

Primary

ADSL 129;

Wireless: 1;

Satellite: 51.

Official Engagements

Joe McHugh

Question:

122 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will report on her Department’s engagement with a Minister (details supplied) from Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34876/10]

Subsequent to the introduction of the Department's Post Primary Transport Scheme in 1967, pupils from adjacent counties in Northern Ireland who travelled across the Border to locations in County Donegal were provided with school transport on a concessionary basis, provided they were otherwise eligible in terms of age and completion of primary education. These pupils make their own way to a pick-up point within this jurisdiction and pay the relevant charge.

The provision of concessionary transport under the general terms of the post primary scheme continues to be made available to the students referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. Officials of both Departments have explored the number of children travelling between both jurisdictions to attend school and the extent to which school transport provision supports this. The exploration of the issues surrounding cross border school transport provision is continuing between officials from both Departments.

Higher Education Grants

James Bannon

Question:

123 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be awarded their third level grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34896/10]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

James Bannon

Question:

124 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been deemed ineligible for a third level grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34897/10]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

Special Educational Needs

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

125 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if all students affected by dyslexia in second level schools are entitled to a laptop; the criteria necessary for qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34911/10]

My Department provides for a scheme of grants towards the purchase of equipment for the use of students in second-level schools who have been diagnosed as having serious physical and/or communicative disabilities which make ordinary communication through speech and/or writing impossible for them. The purpose of the grant-aid is to provide such students with equipment of direct educational benefit to them. Examples of such equipment include computers, word processors, tape recorders, software, etc.

The scheme is driven by applications from schools on behalf of individual students, as and when specific needs present. Following the establishment of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), all applications for assistive technology are submitted by school management to the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with assigned responsibility for the school. The SENO examines applications and makes a recommendation to my Department.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

126 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in her Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34931/10]

There are no EU Directives which require to be transposed into primary or secondary legislation by my Department.

Vocational Education Committees

John Deasy

Question:

127 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in deciding on an application for incremental credits in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34978/10]

The person to whom this question relates works with County Waterford VEC. I understand that the VEC has indicated to her that she would not be entitled to the incremental credit sought. I have received correspondence in relation to this person's case and will arrange for a reply to be issued to her as soon as possible.

John Deasy

Question:

128 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in deciding on an application for incremental credits in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34979/10]

The person to whom the question relates was previously refused incremental credit on the basis that the scheme does not extend to the setting in which she is working. She subsequently sought to have this decision reconsidered by my Department. I have requested my officials to respond to this as soon as possible.

Site Acquisitions

Michael McGrath

Question:

129 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to develop an education campus (details supplied) in County Cork; and the timeframe for its overall development and details of the process. [35008/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the lands in question were acquired by the County Cork Vocational Education Committee with funding from my Department. The site will provide for an educational campus facility to cater for future demand at Post-Primary in the area referred to by the Deputy and to facilitate the proposed re-location of two existing schools, a Gaelscoil and a Special School. The progression of the building element of this proposal will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Adult Education

Willie Penrose

Question:

130 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposal concerning senior Traveller training centres, and the Government’s intention regarding the continuation of these centres, which are extremely important in the overall educational context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35086/10]

In relation to funding and resources for Traveller education overall, the 2006 Report and Recommendation for a Traveller Education Strategy recommended that Senior Traveller Training Centre (STTC) provision be reviewed. My Department then conducted a Value for Money Review of the Youthreach and STTC programmes. The Review was published in 2008 and recommended the phasing out of segregated STTC provision over the medium to long term and the mainstreaming of Traveller specific provision. As part of Budget 2009, STTC provision was reduced by 100 places to 984 places from September 2009 and as part of Budget 2010 was reduced by a further 300 places to 684 places, with effect from September 2010. My Department has advised VECs with regard to the implementation of this reduction.

I would like to highlight that all further education programmes have always been and continue to be open to Travellers. These include part-time programmes funded under the Adult Literacy and Community Education scheme and the Back to Education Initiative as well as full-time programmes such as Youthreach, Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme and the Post-Leaving Certificate programme. My Department is continuing to discuss issues around the integration of adult Travellers into further education provision with the Irish Vocational Education Association.

Tax Code

Leo Varadkar

Question:

131 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if an individual PAYE taxpayer who takes on an employee as a nanny, carer or au pair is responsible for making PAYE and PRSI payments for the employee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34534/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in the case of domestic employments — which may include nannies, carers and au pairs — where the payments made to the employee are less than €40 per week, then, provided the employer has only one such employee, he or she need not register as an employer and there is no obligation on the employer to deduct PAYE, PRSI/health contributions or Income Levy from any payments. However, where the payments exceed this amount, then the employer has an obligation to register for PAYE purposes with the Revenue Commissioners and, where appropriate, deduct tax, PRSI/health contributions and Income Levy from any payments made to the employee and remit such deductions to the Collector General.

Banking Sector Regulation

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

132 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the situation in Iceland where a cross-party committee was set up to assess the role of certain Ministers in the country’s economic collapse; if he would favour a similar process here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35025/10]

The Government has already established a comprehensive framework of investigation into the issues that arose in the Irish banking sector, as set out by me in the Oireachtas on 19 January 2010. As the first stage of this process, two preliminary reports, prepared by international experts Mr. Klaus Regling and Mr. Max Watson and by the Governor of the Central Bank, and published in June 2010, provided a comprehensive and authoritative examination of the crisis in the banking sector in Ireland. These reports were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 9 June and were comprehensively debated at the time. The Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service had two separate and lengthy engagements with the authors and subsequently with me to provide a comprehensive airing of the issues raised in the reports and to discuss the next steps. Arising from this, the terms of reference for a statutory commission of investigation were approved by the Oireachtas on 8 July 2010.

The Commission was formally established on 21 September 2010 by Government Order and I appointed Mr. Peter Nyberg as sole member of the Commission on 22 September 2010. The Commission will have six months to complete its report. The report of the Commission of Investigation will, when completed, be laid before the Oireachtas for further consideration as appropriate.

Separately, the Oireachtas agreed on 8 July 2010, to ask the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service to consider key policy lessons in relation to macroeconomic management arising from the report by Messrs Regling and Watson, "A preliminary report on the sources of Ireland's banking crisis," and to report on its findings by 4 November 2010. The Government is satisfied that this framework is fully transparent and comprehensive. It is intended that the report of the Commission of Investigation when completed will be laid before the Oireachtas for further consideration and action by an appropriate Oireachtas Committee.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

133 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the redress, if any, available to small and medium enterprises, sole traders, farm enterprises and new start-ups who have been turned down for credit over €250,000 from banks participating in the National Asset Management Agency scheme. [34468/10]

S.I. No. 127 of 2010 which established the Credit Review Office fixed the upper limit for reviews at €250,000. When the S.I. was being prepared, it was considered desirable to set a limit to the amount of a credit facility which could be reviewed so that banks were not faced with unlimited exposure to review. The fact that borrowers seeking larger facilities will usually have a better relationship with their bankers and are less likely to face unreasonable refusals was also taken into account. The Mazars review found that the average value of formal applications fell from approximately €90,000 in June 2008 to approximately €60,000 in February 2009 and the threshold of €250,000 was chosen to cover the vast majority of applications.

It should be added that the limit is for the particular refusal of credit and is not an aggregate amount. For example, a business may seek a review of a refusal of a term loan of €80,000 even if it already has outstanding credit of €200,000. The Credit Review Office is keeping track of the queries it receives about refusals over the threshold and only a handful have been received to date. I understand that the Office has been in contact with the banks and that Bank of Ireland is willing to undertake internal reviews of credit refusals over the limit and AIB is currently considering the issue.

Tax Yield

Pat Breen

Question:

134 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected from the air travel tax to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34482/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that up to the end of September 2010 the yield from the air travel tax received in 2010 is €78.4 million.

Schools Building Projects

Róisín Shortall

Question:

135 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the agreement to accommodate a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the reason for the delay in formally allocating these premises and when the transfer will take place. [34496/10]

The premises in question, formerly a detention centre, was vacated earlier this year by the Department of Justice and Law Reform. A number of bodies, including St. Paul's School, Finglas, have since expressed an interest in the premises. The Department of Education has just completed a technical assessment of part of the premises, in light of the requirements of St. Paul's. As this assessment is positive, the Commissioners will now proceed to finalise terms for a lease with the Department of Education.

Tax Code

Pat Breen

Question:

136 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance if further legislation to give effect to the taxation changes is required following the passage of the Civil Partnership Bill 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34517/10]

Same-sex couples who are registered for civil partnership will be treated the same as married couples under tax law. It is envisaged that the necessary changes to the Tax Acts will take place in the next Finance Bill.

Road Network

Leo Varadkar

Question:

137 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding works planned for the main road in the Phoenix Park which were promised to the finance committee during the Estimates meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34551/10]

A Design Team has been appointed to progress and oversee this Project, which relates to the repair/reinstatement of the Chesterfield Avenue, the main road through the Phoenix Park, Dublin. The Design Team is advancing with the preparation of the necessary documentation to allow for the required formal tender process to be undertaken. A number of surveys critical to the finalisation of the tender specifications are currently underway along Chesterfield Avenue and the findings from these surveys are awaited and will be available shortly. The required tender process will then be undertaken without delay. While the final scope of works will determine the actual duration of the construction phase of this project, it is considered feasible at this point that works could be completed within the first half of 2011.

Job Creation

Róisín Shortall

Question:

138 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of jobs so far created and the number projected to be created by the capital investment plan with a breakdown by year. [34657/10]

Based on data provided by the implementing Departments and Agencies, a profile of estimated employment to be created or sustained through the public capital programme is provided on page 107 of the Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016 report. This suggests that the public capital programme will create or sustain between 55,000 and 75,000 jobs per annum over the period of the plan. Of course, these figures should be treated as indicative only given the difficulty in estimating the overall employment impact of such capital investment plans.

Medical Cards

Mary Upton

Question:

139 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons over 70 years who no longer qualify under the revised terms for medical cards and who voluntarily return their medical cards are liable to pay the income levy on their occupational pensions; if he will provide the number of persons in this category who returned their medical cards; the number of those in this category who might have been expected to return their cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34816/10]

Section 531B(2)(b) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that a person who has eligibility to a full medical card will have an exemption from the Income Levy for that year of assessment. Revenue have published Frequently Asked Questions to provide further clarification in this regard by stating that where a person had eligibility to a full medical card at any time during the year of assessment that the Income Levy would not be charged for that year of assessment.

In circumstances where an individual has voluntarily returned their medical card on the basis that they no longer meet the eligibility criteria, that person will retain the Income Levy exemption for the year of assessment when the card is surrendered. However, the Levy will apply to their aggregate income for the subsequent year of assessment, with reference to the exemption limit of €20,000 which applies for a single person over 65 years of age, or €40,000 which applies where either spouse is over 65 years.

The Department of Health and Children has advised that 12,101 medical cards were returned in 2009 by persons aged 70 years and over, who declared their income as being in excess of the medical card income guidelines. In addition, approximately 5,000 over 70s medical cards were removed from the medical card register in 2009 as part of the Health Service Executive's data quality exercise. The original total estimate of over 70s medical cards which would be returned was 20,000.

Pension Provisions

Mary Upton

Question:

140 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who do not have a yearly pension income of at least €12,700 are only allowed on maturity of their pension fund, to withdraw 25% of the full amount of the fund in a tax free lump sum and if they do not want to invest the balance of the fund in an annuity, that they are obliged to place the next €63,500 of their pension in either an annuity or an approved minimum retirement fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34817/10]

The Deputy is referring to elements of the flexible options on retirement introduced in the 1999 Finance Act which allow certain categories of individual considerable flexibility and freedom in relation to the drawing down of benefits from their pension plans. Previously, such individuals would have been required to purchase an annuity with the pension fund moneys remaining after the draw-down of the appropriate tax-free lump sum. The option to have all or part of an individual's accumulated pension fund placed in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) on retirement, after drawing down the appropriate tax-free lump sum, is open to a qualified person (generally a proprietary director, self-employed individual and certain employees or directors in non-pensionable employment) who has a guaranteed income actually in payment for life of at least €12,700 per annum.

Where the guaranteed income requirement is not met, then an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) must be chosen into which the first €63,500 of the remaining pension fund (after taking the tax free lump sum), or the whole of the remaining fund if less than this amount, must be invested. Alternatively, an annuity can be purchased with the first €63,500 of the pension fund and the balance placed in an ARF. The capital in an AMRF is not available to an individual until he or she reaches 75 years though any income generated by the fund can be drawn down subject to tax. In essence the AMRF becomes an ARF when the person reaches 75 years of age. The purpose of an AMRF is to ensure a capital or income "safety net" for the relevant individuals throughout the period of their retirement.

As outlined in the National Pensions Framework published earlier this year, the Government has decided to extend these flexible options on retirement to members of Defined Contribution occupational pension schemes in respect of the main benefits from such schemes (they can already avail of the flexible options in relation to any additional voluntary contributions they have made). The implementation of this aspect of the Framework (committed to from 2011) is being examined, as are other aspects of the current arrangements. For example, the guaranteed income limit (€12,700) has not been changed since the introduction of the flexible options in 1999. In addition, the Government is aware that individuals who invested their funds in an AMRF because they did not satisfy the specified income requirements at retirement, may later satisfy those requirements. Notwithstanding this, such individuals are effectively locked into the AMRF until they reach 75. The Government has decided to allow those individuals who meet the specified income conditions after retirement to have their AMRFs treated as ARFs to which they will have access.

Cycle to Work Scheme

Mary Upton

Question:

141 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cycle to work scheme does not allow for participants to purchase a child helmet or child seat and that this severely restricts the ability of parents to transport their child to school or child-care on their way to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34819/10]

The cycle to work scheme is a tax incentive aimed at encouraging employees to cycle to work. It provides for an exemption from a benefit-in-kind charge in circumstances where an employer provides a director or employee with a bicycle and/or associated bicycle safety equipment where they will be used mainly for qualifying journeys, being journeys between home and place of work or between two different places of work. In this regard, safety equipment for a child, like a helmet or separate seat, is not considered as being necessary for the director or employee's qualifying journeys and therefore does not qualify as safety equipment under the scheme.

Departmental Staff

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

142 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if the new circular 13/2010 regarding parental leave will be extended to public servants and, if so, when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34834/10]

The arrangements for parental leave for civil servants come within my area of responsibility. Arrangements in other parts of the public service are the responsibility of the appropriate Minister. The Parental Leave Act 1998 and the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2006 set out the statutory entitlements to Parental Leave. All employers have to provide access to up to fourteen weeks' unpaid leave for employees with children under eight years of age. The fourteen weeks can be spread over eight years by agreement, but the employer can insist that they are taken in blocks of at least six weeks.

Within the civil service the arrangements for parental leave are set out in the Department of Finance Circular 20/2008: Parental Leave in the Civil Service, which is available on my Departments website. From 1 September 2010, an amendment to Circular 20/2008 has come into effect and is referred to in the recently published Circular 13/2010, also available on the website. The amendment relates to an increase in the maximum age of the child in respect of whom employees may take parental leave from eight to thirteen years. In the case of an adopted child, where the child is eleven years or more but less than age thirteen, the parental leave must be taken within two years of the adoption order. In the case of a child with a disability, the age limit of sixteen years will still apply.

The total amount of parental leave has not increased, it is simply that the cut off point, the time by which the leave must be taken, has been extended. The change extends access to parental leave and complements the package of measures to reduce the civil service pay bill. All other terms included in the previous circular, 20/2008 will continue to apply.

Tax Yield

Terence Flanagan

Question:

143 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue over the past two years that has been lost in taxes as persons from here shop in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34844/10]

The Revenue Commissioners and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) prepared a report, at my request, on the Implications of Cross Border Shopping for the Irish Exchequer. The report was published on my Department's website on 20 March 2009. The report estimated the value of cross-border shopping in 2008 to be in the range of €350m to €550m; representing an increase in the order of around two-thirds compared to 2007, with the resulting VAT and excise duty revenue loss to the Irish exchequer estimated to be between €58m and €90m (the higher estimate represents under 0.5% of the total VAT and excise revenue in 2008).

In addition to the VAT and excise loss, there was a possible corporation tax revenue loss that was tentatively estimated to be in the range of €15m to €24m. However, it should be noted that the estimates for corporation tax revenue are provisional and should only be considered as indicative of the potential loss. In regard to 2009, the estimated value of cross-border shopping was put in the range of €450m to €700m, with a potential VAT and excise revenue loss of between €72m and €112m, and a possible corporation tax revenue loss in the range of €20m to €31m.

The report noted that the main causes of price differentials between goods in Northern Ireland and the Republic were operating costs, profit margin (mark-up), taxes and a significant depreciation of Sterling against the Euro. While changes then made in the standard VAT rates widened some price differentials, their impact however remained small compared to the size of the change in the exchange rate. The report also noted that there was rather limited availability of quantifiable data on cross-border shopping. Consequently, with a view to improving the data available, Revenue and the CSO subsequently worked on questions for inclusion in the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) to facilitate a more detailed assessment of cross-border shopping.

In that regard, the CSO published on 4 December 2009 the results of a survey of cross-border shopping as part of their Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) Q2 2009. The results showed that 16% of households in the Republic made a shopping trip to Northern Ireland in the twelve months to Q2 2009, with 41% in the border area and 21% in Dublin so doing. The report estimated the total expenditure between Q2 2008 and Q2 2009 on cross-border shopping trips at €435 million. This is generally in line with the estimations published in the March 2009 Report on the Implications of Cross Border Shopping. The QNHS also showed that the majority of trips involved purchases of groceries (80 per cent), with alcohol (44 per cent) and clothing and durables (42 per cent) being popular as well.

Based on the data contained in the CSO's QNHS survey on cross-border shopping, Revenue have estimated that the VAT and Excise loss in 2008 due to cross-border shopping, taking into account seasonal adjustments for the Christmas period, would be in the region of €90 million. The 2010 CSO Quarterly National Household Survey module on cross-border shopping was conducted and completed in Q2 but there are no results available yet. On receipt of the results, Revenue will estimate the tax losses for 2009 and into 2010 arising from cross-border shopping.

I would, however, add that the Irish standard VAT rate was reduced in the last Budget from 21.5% to 21% with effect from 1 January 2010. The UK standard VAT rate has reverted to 17.5% from 15% with effect from 1 January 2010. This means the standard VAT rate differential between Ireland and the UK has been reduced from 6.5 percentage points to 3.5 percentage points. In addition the excise duty rates on alcohol products were reduced by around 20% with effect from 10 December 2009. These measures combined provide less incentive for people to shop outside the State.

National Heritage Areas

Sean Fleming

Question:

144 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 6 July 2010, if he will supply the information requested. [34857/10]

OPW records indicate that the expenditure incurred and receipts realised since 1987 on the Great Heath of Maryborough are as outlined below:

Expenditure by OPW 1987 to date

Legal Advice on State’s Title to Health

€0.00

Midland Circuit Record E45/94

73,124.79

High Court Record 6238P/2002

38,726.36

High Court Record 6702P/2002

114,031.25

Agricultural Consultant Fees

36,536.14

Surveyors Fees

0.00

Litter Collection

1,303.52

Furze Cutting

6,500.00

Erection of Signs

1,158.47

Other expert and consultant fees

17,149.21

Receipts by OPW 1987 to date

Rent

3,066.00

Motorway and Road Construction

125,009.00

Other — Sale of Land

2,027.00

Other — Eircom

0.00

Tax Collection

Jack Wall

Question:

145 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a tax rebate for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34884/10]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no details in relation to a refund claim for 2010 for the person concerned. The person concerned can forward their claim to Julie Miller, Kildare Revenue District, Athy Business Campus, Castlecomer Road, Athy, Co. Kildare.

Tax Yield

Terence Flanagan

Question:

146 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown on the amount that has been collected in stamp duty on homes from first time buyers and second-hand home purchasers over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34885/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the available information with regard to the yield over the past five years from Stamp Duty on residential properties broken down between first-time buyers and other buyers, is set out in the following table:

Year

Stamp Duty Yield — where First-Time Buyer Relief applied

Stamp Duty Yield — Other Buyers

€ million

€ million

2005

43.6

878.7

2006

66.2

1,234.6

2007

23.3

989.5

2008

Nil

453.3

2009

Nil

158.9

Stamp Duty data on residential property transactions is not captured in such a manner that would enable a breakdown to be provided between second-hand and new residential properties. However, as the majority of new houses purchased are exempt from Stamp Duty — only new properties in excess of 125 square metres for owner-occupiers or new properties purchased as investments are liable to Stamp Duty — it could be reasonably assumed that the bulk of Stamp Duty paid in respect of residential property is from second-hand properties.

First-time buyers are identifiable where they qualified for the first-time buyer relief and paid Stamp Duty at a lower rate than other buyers. As Stamp Duty rates for property transactions exceeding €635,000 on or after 2 December 2004 were the same for all residential purchasers, it is not possible to distinguish first time buyer transactions in excess of these values. First time buyers were exempted from Stamp Duty in relation to instruments executed on or after 31 March 2007. This is why there is a ‘nil' response for 2008 and 2009 — in these years, Stamp Duty was not collected in respect of first time buyers because they were exempt. The figures for yield provided in the table are based on the yield arising from transaction documents stamped at any time during the years in question. The total yield accounted for in this way does not coincide entirely with figures normally compiled and reported on a cash receipts basis brought to account in the year.

Tax Code

Jack Wall

Question:

147 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if an old age pensioner, who is in receipt of a housing adaptation grant from a local authority for a stairlift, is entitled to claim back VAT even if they are not registered for VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34903/10]

Legislation does not provide for an exemption from VAT for pensioners in respect of house improvement projects. However, the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 15) Order 1981 does provide for the refund of VAT on qualifying goods that are purchased for the exclusive use of disabled persons suffering a specified degree of disablement. The age of the applicant is not relevant but to qualify for a refund the applicant must have a specified degree of disablement as defined in the Refund Order. "Qualifying goods" are goods, which are aids or appliances, including parts and accessories, specially constructed or adapted for use by a disabled person. The provisions of the Order extend to works carried out on homes to adapt them to make them more accessible for disabled persons. To qualify for a refund under the order an application has to meet both criteria. In order to ascertain whether a VAT refund applies in the case in question, the person might contact the Revenue Central Repayments Office, TEK II Building, Armagh Road, Monaghan on 047 632100.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

148 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34934/10]

There are fourteen Directives awaiting transposition into domestic law by my Department at the current time, none of which are past their transposition deadlines. The following table sets out the position. With regard to the two Directives with a transposition deadline of 31 October 2010, Directive 2009/83/EC will not require transposition measures by Ireland and Directive 2009/111/EC will be transposed by the 31 October deadline.

Directive Reference Number

Title of Directive

Transposition deadline

2009/83/EC

Commission Directive 2009/83/EC of 27 July 2009 amending certain Annexes to Directive 2006/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards technical provisions concerning risk management

31 October 2010

2009/111/EC

Directive 2009/111/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 amending Directives 2006/48/EC, 2006/49/EC and 2007/64/EC as regards banks affiliated to central institutions, certain own funds items, large exposures, supervisory arrangements, and crisis management

31 October 2010

2009/44/EC

Directive 2009/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 amending Directive 98/26/EC on settlement finality in payment and securities settlement systems and Directive 2002/47/EC on financial collateral arrangements as regards linked systems and credit claims

31 December 2010

2008/8/EC

Council Directive 2008/8/EC of 12 February 2008 amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards the place of supply of services

Various deadlines from 1 January 2011 to 1 January 2015

2009/69/EC

Council Directive 2009/69/EC of 25 June 2009 amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax as regards tax evasion linked to imports

1 January 2011

2009/162/EU

Council Directive 2009/162/EU of 22 December 2009 amending various provisions of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax

1 January 2011

2010/12/EU

Council Directive 2010/12/EU of 16 February 2010 amending Directives 92/79/EEC, 92/80/EEC and 95/59/EC on the structure and rates of excise duty applied on manufactured tobacco and Directive 2008/118/EC

1 January 2011

2009/110/EC

Directive 2009/110/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 on the taking up, pursuit and prudential supervision of the business of electronic money institutions amending Directives 2005/60/EC and 2006/48/EC and repealing Directive 2000/46/EC

30 April 2011

2010/43/EU

Commission Directive 2010/43/EU of 1 July 2010 implementing Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards organisational requirements, conflicts of interest, conduct of business, risk management and content of the agreement between a depositary and a management company

30 June 2011

2010/44/EU

Commission Directive 2010/44/EU of 1 July 2010 implementing Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards certain provisions concerning fund mergers, master-feeder structures and notification procedure

30 June 201131 December 2013

2009/65/EC

Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS)

30 June 2011

2010/24/EU

Council Directive 2010/24/EU of 16 March 2010 concerning mutual assistance for the recovery of claims relating to taxes, duties and other measures

31 December 2011

2009/138/EC

Directive 2009/138/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the taking-up and pursuit of the business of Insurance and Reinsurance(Solvency II)

31 October 2012

2010/45/EU

Council Directive 2010/45/EU of 13 July 2010 amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax as regards the rules on invoicing.

31 December 2012

Tax Code

Joe McHugh

Question:

149 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the increase in vehicle registration tax on a vehicle (details supplied) between November 2009 to August 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34985/10]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that vehicle registration tax (VRT) is charged on a used car at the rate of a percentage, according to the CO2 emissions, of the price, inclusive of all taxes and duties, which, in the opinion of the Revenue Commissioners, the car might reasonably be expected to fetch on a first arm’s length retail sale in this State at the time of registration. Revenue forms its valuation opinions by reference to sources including trade guides, advertisements, and experienced persons in the motor trade. These opinions are subject to regular review by reference to current market data and the on-line VRT calculator is reconfigured, if necessary, to reflect that fresh research.

The car in question is a Mercedes-Benz, model E55AMG automatic, which has a 5439cc petrol engine, and emissions of 290g/km. The model is listed on the calculator under the reference number 40189991. Revenue revised its opinions of the value of this model in June, 2010, by reference to current market research and reconfigured the calculator by selecting a slower depreciation pattern compared with that selected in September, 2009. The position therefore is that the calculator reflects Revenue's current opinion of the values of the model. It is open to a person who has paid the VRT, and who disagrees with Revenue’s valuation, to appeal the decision to Revenue who will take due account of the valuation and condition evidence provided by the appellant. It is also open to an appellant, who is dissatisfied with Revenue’s determination of the appeal, to apply to have the case heard by the Appeal Commissioners.

Departmental Staff

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

150 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Finance his plans to re-introduce the incentivised career break scheme in the public sector in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34991/10]

As you are aware the Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme was introduced as a once-off measure that was included in the Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009. Following implementation on 30 April the measure was extended to staff in different areas of the public service, including the local government sector and the HSE. The closing date for participation in this scheme has expired and there is no current proposal to extend this scheme.

Fiscal Policy

Joe McHugh

Question:

151 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 439 of 29 September 2010, if he will state if discussions are ongoing between his Department, the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Public Service and the British Treasury in the specific context of budget 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35014/10]

My officials are in regular contact with counterparts in the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel and HM Treasury with regard to a range of matters. Budget 2011 is, of course, a matter for the Irish Government. The Irish Government is committed to restoring sustainability to the public finances and achieving a General Government Deficit below 3% of GDP by the end of 2014. Work is now under way on a four year budgetary plan that will set out the annual measures required to meet this target. The four year plan will be published in the first half of November taking account of the latest economic and fiscal data. Budget 2011 will be presented to the Dáil on Tuesday, 7 December.

Official Engagements

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

152 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the number of times he has met with the Taoiseach regarding Government business during the Dáil recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35016/10]

During the Dáil recess (8 July-29 September 2010) I met with an Taoiseach eleven times.

Banking Sector Regulation

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

153 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the promised 10% increased lending capacity that has been made available to small and medium sized business by Bank of Ireland and AIB as required under the conditions of the bank recapitalisation scheme; if both banks have furnished the Financial Regulator with regular quarterly reports outlining the implementation of the increased lending capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35024/10]

As part of the 2009 recapitalisation, both AIB and Bank of Ireland committed to providing an additional 10% capacity for lending to SMEs in 2009. In the supplementary documentation related to the transfer to NAMA published on 30 March this year, AIB were shown to have sanctioned lending of €2.5 billion in 2009 and BOI had a total of €2.5 billion actually drawn down. Both banks report to the Financial Regulator and to my Department on a quarterly basis on progress on SME lending. More recently, as part of the transfer of loans to NAMA, both banks undertook to make available not less than €3 billion each in both 2010 and 2011 for lending to SMEs. They were required to produce lending plans on how they would achieve this. Summary versions of these plans were published with the first quarterly report from Mr John Trethowan, the credit reviewer. These plans were reviewed by John Trethowan and the Department and were found to be credible.

Both Mr. Trethowan and the Department receive monthly progress reports from the two banks which allow us to monitor their lending to viable businesses in all sectors of the economy and in every area of the country. Both banks insist that there are no constraints on lending bar demand from viable businesses. To back this up, Mr. Trethowan has reported to the Department that both AIB and Bank of Ireland remain open for business and borrowers should use the Credit Review Office if they find this is not so.

Fiscal Policy

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

154 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the EU Economics Commissioner regarding achieving specific budget and reform measures during the next four years; if he has taken the Commissioner’s advice and plans to adopt new measures to make sure debt remains on a sustainable path over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35027/10]

Both my officials and I are in regular contact with our European colleagues. During last week's Eurogroup meeting, I updated my colleagues on banking and about budgetary developments and challenges, including the decision of Government to publish, in the first half of November, a four year budgetary plan which will set out the measures necessary to continue along the path of restoring sustainability to the public finances and reducing the General Government Deficit to below 3% of GDP by the end of 2014. The focus of all in Government is firmly fixed on improving the fiscal and economic position.

The four year budgetary plan has been welcomed by my European colleagues, as evidenced by the statement issued by the Eurogroup, after last weeks meeting, which stated that "Ireland’s track record in terms of fiscal adjustment has so far been strong and the consolidation measures taken have been effective. That is why we have confidence in the commitment of Ireland to deliver a revised multi-annual adjustment programme that will bring its deficit under the 3% target by 2014 and its public finances on a sustainable path.”

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

155 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that migrant women facing domestic violence have been denied social assistance for failure to meet the habitual residence condition; if she will direct community welfare officers to disregard the HRC in such cases so that these women and their children are not left destitute or forced to remain with their abuser; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34448/10]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

156 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [34504/10]

As the event referred to by the Deputy occurred outside the jurisdiction of the State, my Department has no function in any investigation into the matter. At my request, an official from my Department has raised the matter with the Medical Council. The council has been requested to reply directly to the family.

Hospital Waiting Lists

James Reilly

Question:

157 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that over 46,000 patients are on hospital waiting lists here; that this figure will increase significantly as a result of planned bed and theatre closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35144/10]

The National Treatment Purchase Fund is responsible for the collation and reporting of national waiting list data and patients are placed on the national list only after they have been waiting three months. This is because many persons actually receive their treatment within three months and, in some cases, with little or no waiting. It is not appropriate to classify these patients as "awaiting treatment" in the same way as those who have been waiting for several months. The most recent figures relate to September 2010 and indicate that the number of patients waiting for over three months was 19,865. It is not correct, therefore, to conclude that there are over 46,000 patients on waiting lists.

It is more relevant to measure waiting times rather than the numbers of patients involved and enormous progress has been made in recent years in reducing average waiting times. The median waiting time for medical and surgical patients is now 2.6 months. This is a very significant reduction from an average of between two and five years when the NTPF was established in 2002. There remain a relatively small number of patients who have been waiting for longer than 12 months for treatment and I have emphasised to both the HSE and the NTPF the need for them to continue to work together to ensure that these patients are afforded treatment without further delay.

I do not accept that measures necessary to ensure that public hospitals operate within their budgets for the year will result in significant increases in waiting lists. The HSE's National Service Plan 2010 commits to a range of measures to ensure that services are delivered more efficiently, including carrying out an increased proportion of surgery on a day basis, increasing rates of day-of-surgery admission and working to reduce average length of stay, as a result of which the level of activity in the system is projected to be broadly on a par with that achieved in 2009.

Medical Aids and Appliances

James Reilly

Question:

158 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adults waiting to have a hearing aid fitted; the average waiting time to have a hearing aid fitted; the cost of hearing aids provided through the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35145/10]

There are 1,305 adults and 69 children waiting for hearing aids following assessment. The average waiting time for adults is currently 3 to 4 months and the average waiting time for children is approximately 6 weeks. The total cost of hearing aids provided through HSE services to medical card holders in 2009 was just over €1.4m for adults and €0.3m for children. This does not include the cost of repairs, remakes, earmoulds or accessories which amounted to almost €0.2m.

In June 2009, the HSE commissioned a National Review of Audiology Services. A key focus of this review is better integration of the various services provided by the HSE and external agencies involved in the provision of audiology services. The Review has examined the services currently being provided to children and adults nationwide to inform a national plan for the service. The Review Group expects to complete its report by year end.

Health Service Funding

James Reilly

Question:

159 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money owed by private health insurers to the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35146/10]

Charges are levied for private patients availing of private and semi-private accommodation in public hospitals. In most, but not all, cases these charges are paid by private health insurance companies on behalf of their members. At the end of 2009 some €92.5 million in such charges was due to the HSE. Charges due include those billed to patients or their insurance companies where payment was not received by year end and bills which had not issued by year end. A total of some €195 million in charges were incurred during the course of 2009. The average debtor period in HSE hospitals for such charges is 5.7 months. (This refers to the time from discharge to receipt of payment).

I consider that this collection period is unsatisfactory and in 2010 I set the HSE an enhanced income collection target for the year of €75 million. This target was to be achieved through improvements in the collection process and reduction in debtor days. The industrial relations action by the health services staff in the early part of the year hindered action to achieve this target but a dedicated national project to accelerate income collection across all hospitals is now under way again. The HSE has set hospital level targets for income collection and appropriate budgetary sanctions are applied should the targets not be achieved. The HSE has put in place arrangements to speed up the payment of claims, including the electronic submission of claims and the submission of claims on a more frequent basis. The HSE and private health insurers have also agreed arrangements in a number of hospitals for sign off of claims by another consultant where delays are experienced in getting sign off of claims by the treating consultant.

In addition, in order to comprehensively address issues of charging and collection in relation to this area the Department of Health and Children has undertaken a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges Associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals. The issue of private patient income collection is fully addressed as part of this Review. The Review will outline an example of best practice in relation to income collection and make a number of recommendations aimed at improving collection rates and debtors days. The review is currently being finalised and it is anticipated that the Review will be brought to Government shortly.

Finally, the Deputy's question referred to payments to the HSE but payments in respect of the same charges are also received by voluntary hospitals. At the end of 2009 some €82.6 million was owed to these hospitals. The debtor period is somewhat lower at 5.2 months but is also considered to require significant reduction. The target for improved collection set for this year and the associated initiatives underway to achieve this include the voluntary hospitals.

Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 27.

Health Services

Pat Breen

Question:

161 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34441/10]

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

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

162 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34445/10]

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

Health Service Staff

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

163 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant orthopaedic surgeons contracted within the public health service; her views on whether the numbers are adequate to meet our population’s requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34447/10]

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

164 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason community welfare officers are permitted to deny supplementary welfare allowance for failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition without offering the applicant a ticket back to the country of previous residence in circumstances where the applicant is unable to avail of any other source of income; the way persons in this situation are expected to avoid destitution and homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34485/10]

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

Child Care Services

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full-time and part-time child care places made available to participants attending back to education initiative, FÁS, VTOS and Youthreach training courses during the 2009-10 academic year on a county basis; the number of full-time and part-time child care places made available to participants attending back to education initiative, FÁS, VTOS and Youthreach training courses in the 2010-11 academic year under the new child care education and training support scheme on a county by county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34505/10]

The new Childcare Education and Training Scheme (CETS) was introduced in September of this year and is being implemented by my Office, on behalf of FÁS and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) under the Department of Education and Science. The CETS scheme replaces the previous childcare support schemes implemented by FÁS and the VECs under which qualifying students and trainees were given a weekly Childcare Allowance of up to €63.50 per child as a contribution to their childcare costs. Under the new CETS scheme, qualifying students and trainees can avail of childcare places free of charge.

The eligibility criteria are unchanged and continue to be determined by FÁS and the VECs. The number of childcare places available under the new scheme is also unchanged and, at almost 3,000 full-time equivalent places, is based on the number of Childcare Allowances paid by FÁS and the VECs in respect of qualified parents in the 2009/10 academic year.

Information in regard to the number and location of childcare places claimed in the 2009/2010 academic year was compiled by FÁS and the Department of Education and Skills earlier this year and provided to my Office in order to put the new arrangements in place and allocate CETS places to services which were accepted into the scheme. Some adjustments to the initial allocations have since been made to take account of the actual demand in each area as students and trainees with childcare requirements commence courses. However, the total figures for each county remain largely similar in 2010-2011 to the numbers which applied in 2009/2010.

The breakdown of full-time and part-time places awarded in each county is shown in the following table. In addition to the places shown, a number of childcare places for FÁS trainees were held in reserve and are being allocated to particular locations to meet any increases in demand which arise. The number of places held in reserve and not yet allocated currently stands at 213 full-time equivalent childcare places.

In addition, as an interim measure in 2010/2011, the Department of Education and Skills is continuing to pay Childcare Allowance of up to €63.50 per week, to students who were in receipt of this payment in 2009/2010 and wish to continue under this arrangement in 2010/2011 to retain the service of a Childminder rather than avail of a free childcare place under the new scheme. Approximately 200 full-time equivalent childcare places are being funded under this measure.

County

PT

FT

Carlow

7

60

Cavan

15

19

Clare

79

111

Cork

53

175

Donegal

57

185

Dublin

205

389

Galway

74

137

Kerry

23

82

Kildare

68

115

Kilkenny

9

36

Laois

13

38

Leitrim

12

9

Limerick

61

94

Longford

25

39

Louth

42

100

Mayo

20

52

Meath

35

55

Monaghan

22

16

Offaly

16

42

Roscommon

10

36

Sligo

16

45

Tipperary

43

49

Waterford

32

110

Westmeath

40

74

Wexford

51

61

Wicklow

36

53

1,064

2,182

Health Services

Sean Sherlock

Question:

166 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the efforts that are being made to ensure that babies are receiving crucial developmental screening before the age of ten months in view of the recent reports of significant delays in scheduling appointments in parts of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34510/10]

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

Medical Cards

Michael McGrath

Question:

167 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [34512/10]

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

Residential Care Services

Pat Breen

Question:

168 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans, if any, to staff a unit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34515/10]

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

Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 27.

Health Services

Pat Breen

Question:

170 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34520/10]

Pat Breen

Question:

209 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34871/10]

Pat Breen

Question:

210 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34872/10]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 170, 209 and 210 together.

As these questions are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. However, I would like to advise the Deputy that the scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the hospital in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the hospital.

Medical Cards

Michael McGrath

Question:

171 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [34528/10]

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

Hospital Services

Sean Sherlock

Question:

172 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider implementing a more favourable patient pricing structure to allow for the continuing viability of Cobh Community Hospital in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34543/10]

Cobh Community Hospital provides a range of services, including long-term nursing home care. In October 2009, a new system of financial support for long-term nursing home care, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, was introduced. The scheme is now the single method of financial support for such care. The scheme involves a fundamental change in the way in which long-term nursing home care is funded and, consequently, the way in which nursing homes and community hospitals, including Cobh Community Hospital, are funded. In the past, many of these facilities were allocated a lump sum annually. In contrast, the new scheme supports the individuals in need of long-term nursing home care, not the facilities providing the care. This means that funding follows the patients and ensures that facilities are not being funded for empty beds.

The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires all nursing homes, including facilities such as Cobh Community Hospital which previously received funding under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, to negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to participate in the scheme. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.

The NTPF has statutory responsibility for the negotiation of prices and is independent in the performance of its function. In carrying out this function, the NTPF has particular responsibility to ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. These legal structures mean that it is not possible for the Minister for Health and Children to intervene in the agreement reached between the NTPF and any given facility, including Cobh Community Hospital.

Finally, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme only applies to long-term nursing home care. Nursing homes and community hospitals can continue to have separate agreements with the HSE for the provision of other services, e.g. day care, respite and convalescence.

Departmental Expenditure

Leo Varadkar

Question:

173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding given to an organisation (details supplied) in 2008 and 2009; the amount that will be given in 2010; if there will be any cuts and how will it impact on services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34550/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current level of funding available to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this is likely to be increased given increased demand by the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35153/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 245 together.

The Minister for Health and Children, Ms Mary Harney T.D. and I met with the Jack and Jill Foundation on 1 June last. The Health Service Executive was also represented at the meeting. We discussed a range of issues including the recently published report commissioned by the Foundation from the Centre for Health Policy and Management at the School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin "There's no Place like Home". The outcome of the meeting was positive with Minister Harney granting funds for an extra Jack and Jill Liaison Nurse from National Lottery funding. I have also agreed to meet with a delegation from the Jack and Jill Foundation again in the near future. As the Jack and Jill Foundation is funded by the Health Service Executive I have asked the Executive to supply the details requested regarding funding directly to the Deputy.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [34556/10]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

175 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34560/10]

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

Health Services

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

176 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, as a matter of urgency, she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 has the additional supports sanctioned so that they can avail of a placement offered in a hospital. [34561/10]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Michael Ring

Question:

177 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the home help cuts in County Mayo. [34574/10]

Michael Ring

Question:

178 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount by which the home help service in Mayo has been reduced since the beginning of 2010; the number of hours that were saved by these cutbacks and the amount of money saved by the cutbacks in the home help service in County Mayo since 1 January 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34575/10]

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

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

179 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the total absence of podiatry services in County Kerry and if she will outline the Health Service Executive plans to improve diabetes and podiatry services for County Kerry. [34576/10]

Finian McGrath

Question:

194 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [34653/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 194 together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

180 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lack of orthodontic services for County Kerry; the average waiting time for Kerry patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34577/10]

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

Accident and Emergency Services

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

181 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when work will commence on the new accident and emergency unit at Kerry General Hospital. [34578/10]

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

Hospital Services

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

182 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the community nursing home unit will open at Kerry General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34579/10]

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

Medical Cards

James Bannon

Question:

183 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34584/10]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

184 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if asylum seekers who leave the direct provision system will have their medical cards revoked, even if they have existing medical conditions; if so, the reason for this in view of the fact that their incomes will still be below the medical card threshold as they are excluded from employment and the social welfare system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34594/10]

Asylum seekers are given medical cards for the period during which their application for refugee status is being considered. If refugee status is subsequently granted, then the person is regarded as ordinarily resident and comes under the usual rules for entitlement to health services. The specific issue raised by the Deputy has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Mental Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

185 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if any attempt has been made to quantify the cost that has been incurred for providing mental health services to asylum seekers who have spent several years in the direct provision system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34595/10]

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

Asylum Support Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

186 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her view and the view of the Health Service Executive regarding the establishment of separate accommodation for single women in the asylum system, to protect the safety of vulnerable women and their children. [34599/10]

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

Medical Cards

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

187 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will award a medical card to a person (details supplied) in view of his changed circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34609/10]

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

Health Services

Billy Timmins

Question:

188 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34614/10]

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

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

189 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for speech and language therapy on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34624/10]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

190 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for delays in scheduling orthopaedic surgery for patients attending the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght; if she will bring to the attention of the Health Service Executive the level of human suffering and debilitation that arises from lengthy delays in carrying out surgery caused by such delays; if she will further draw the attention of the HSE to the economic cost arising from these delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34625/10]

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

Residential Care Services

Emmet Stagg

Question:

191 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of long-term stay beds and respite care beds in use at a care unit (details supplied) in County Kildare; the reason there is not full occupancy and if she will ensure that the beds currently not in use are brought into service. [34631/10]

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

Health Services

Terence Flanagan

Question:

192 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will deal with the following matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34645/10]

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

Hospital Services

Dan Neville

Question:

193 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a matter regarding a hospital (details supplied). [34649/10]

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

Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 179.

Services for People with Disabilities

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

195 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, at present, the school age disability speech and language therapy service in Dublin West is not operational; when this service will commence in view of the need to address this situation due to the number of children who urgently require these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34666/10]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Misuse of Drugs

Jack Wall

Question:

196 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations carried out on the headshop product referred to as “whack”; and if it will form part of a future ban. [28766/10]

In light of the health risks associated with so-called "legal high" products which were on sale in head shops, the Government made an Order on 11 May 2010 declaring approximately 200 individual substances to be controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, with immediate effect. It is now a criminal offence for a person to import, export, produce, supply or possess these legal high substances. This legislation has had a significant impact on head shops, removing the vast majority of their products from the market, and as a consequence a large number of head shops have closed.

The Government has always acknowledged that attempts would be made to circumvent the legislation. Since these substances were brought under control, other substances contained in products such as "Whack" have been coming onto the market that are currently not subject to controls under the Misuse of Drugs Act. My Department is working closely with the Department of Justice and Law Reform, the gardaí, the Customs Service, the Forensic Science Laboratory, the Irish Medicines Board, and others to monitor closely the emergence of new psychoactive substances. I will be seeking Government approval later this year to bring a further range of substances under control.

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

197 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners that have undertaken training under the methadone protocol levels 1 and 2 in County Kildare. [28763/10]

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

Jack Wall

Question:

198 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners that have undertaken training under the methadone protocol level 1 and 2. [28762/10]

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

Fluoridation of Water

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

199 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out a study on the total fluoride intake of the population here as contained in the renewed programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30738/10]

The Government is committed to a bio-monitoring programme to measure fluoride levels, which will provide robust baseline data on the level of fluoride in the general population. The HSE is in the process of establishing a high level Steering Group, which will oversee the implementation of the project. A pilot human bio-monitoring study will commence early in 2011. The information gained from the pilot project will assist the Steering Group to focus on the key deliverables for the main baseline monitoring programme later in 2011. The trends for results, the baseline data and level of fluoride in the general population are expected to emerge in early 2012.

Medical Cards

James Bannon

Question:

200 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card had been withdrawn in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34794/10]

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

Preschool Services

Mary Upton

Question:

201 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider the conditions of the free preschool year, where many parents are unable to avail of the scheme because of the age requirement; if her attention has been drawn to the discriminatory nature of the scheme, whereby some children attending a preschool year are entitled to breakfasts or lunches, while others within the same playgroup are not entitled; the difficulties that this presents at a practical level for the management of the playschool; the potential discriminatory nature of the scheme if applied as above; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34820/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

202 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children availing of the free preschool year scheme; the number of children who had signed up but later dropped out of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34821/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

203 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of queries received by her in relation to the eligibility of a child to avail of the free preschool year arising from their age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34822/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

204 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that a number of children will not be able to avail of the free preschool year because of their age, while at the same time the same children will be accepted into junior infants in a national school; her proposals to remove the discriminatory age requirements from the application of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34823/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 204, inclusive, 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 the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months in September of the relevant year. This means that children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 are eligible for the free pre-school year which commenced in September 2010. 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. Services participating in the pre-school year are expected to provide appropriate age related activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. It is necessary, therefore, to target the pre-school year at a particular age cohort and to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children participate in the scheme. The ECCE scheme provides for an eligibility range of almost 17 months and there are no plans to review this position.

In setting the minimum and maximum age limits, account was taken of a number of factors, including the variation in school admission policies and the fact that the majority of children commence primary school between the ages of 4 years 6 months and 5 years 6 months. In addition, provision is made for children to qualify at a later age if this is necessary to meet a particularly high age requirement in local primary schools or if children have special needs which make enrolment at a later age more appropriate. There is no provision for exceptions to the lower age limit for eligibility.

The scheme is open to both daycare and playschool services and additional hours availed of by parents can be charged for. The Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations require services to provide meals and snacks to children, the quantity and nature of which vary depending on the length of time the children are attending. Daycare services, where parents will be subject to charges for additional hours over and above the free pre-school provision, may include the cost of meals and snacks in their daycare fees or provide parents with the option to supply their own meals and snacks. Parents availing of the pre-school year in a sessional playschool service, where additional hours over and above the free pre-school provision will not normally be availed of, may supply their own meals and snacks or may choose to pay the service for meals and snacks provided, as an optional additional extra.

I am not in a position to advise the Deputy as to the number of queries received by my Office in regard to the qualifying age range for the scheme. Since the announcement of the scheme in April 2009 my Office has dealt with over 250,000 queries on a wide range of issues relating to the scheme. Over 4,000 pre-school services anxious to join the scheme, and thousands of parents anxious to avail of it for their children, have been in contact with my Office. It was necessary to give priority to dealing with these queries rather than recording the specific issue raised. Data is collected by my Office in relation to the number of qualifying children attending each service as services are funded on this basis. This is collected from service returns made at the start of each pre-school year. The date for receipt of returns for this year was 24 September and the data is still being processed. However, it appears at this point that some 63,000 children are participating in this academic year, representing 94% of children in the year before starting school, an extraordinarily high level of participation after such a short period of time.

Care of the Elderly

James Reilly

Question:

205 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the costs to the Health Service Executive each year as a result of falls in the home by older persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34835/10]

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

James Reilly

Question:

206 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the Health Service Executive spends on care for the elderly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34836/10]

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

Medical Cards

Emmet Stagg

Question:

207 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will change the medical card eligibility rules to allow the public service pension levy to be deducted in assessing eligible income. [34858/10]

The assessment of eligibility to a medical card is a statutory function of the Health Service Executive (HSE). In assessing eligibility, the HSE must have regard to the overall financial situation of the applicant and his/her spouse and dependants. The HSE has guidelines to assist its staff in assessing the financial situation of applicants. Under the current guidelines, the Pension Levy payable by public servants is not deductible from gross income for assessment purposes. It should be noted that contributions to private pension schemes are similarly not deductible. My Department is considering this matter in consultation with the HSE.

Pre-school Services

Sean Fleming

Question:

208 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children availing of the early child care year in County Laois; the number of providers of this service in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34861/10]

I have responsibility for implementing the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which was introduced in January this year. The number of pre-school services in County Laois, currently participating in the ECCE scheme, is seventy-six. All services participating in the scheme are required to return information to my Office at the start of each pre-school year in relation to the number of qualifying children attending, as services are funded on this basis. In this academic year, the returns were required by 24 September. While the information is still being processed, I understand at this point that some 1,360 children in County Laois are participating in the scheme.

Questions Nos. 209 and 210 answered with Question No. 170.

Hospital Services

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

211 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the trained professionals or multi-disciplinary teams that are in place on a 24-hour basis within accident and emergency departments to treat those presenting with suicidal tendencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34874/10]

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

Hospital Staff

James Bannon

Question:

212 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make provision for a nationally recognised transfer scheme for nursing staff within the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34886/10]

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

Health Services

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

213 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in having a person (details supplied) in County Cork called at the earliest date possible to a specific facility in north Cork. [34917/10]

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

Hospital Services

Sean Sherlock

Question:

214 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the basis upon which a decision has been taken to limit access to the Orthopaedic Hospital in Cork and refer patients with prosthetics on a limited basis to St. Finbarr’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34918/10]

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

Health Services

Dan Neville

Question:

215 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34919/10]

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

Hospital Services

Sean Sherlock

Question:

216 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34923/10]

The management of hospital services generally, including out-patient waiting lists, is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Services

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

217 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, who has been on a waiting list for two years, will obtain an appointment for assessment for speech and language therapy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34925/10]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Sean Sherlock

Question:

218 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the limitations now in place with regard to dental procedures for medical card holders; the circumstances in which additional procedures will be sanctioned and covered under the medical card scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34926/10]

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

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

219 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in her Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34936/10]

As shown in the table below, four EU directives are awaiting transposition by my Department. None of these directives are overdue at present.

Directive Number and Title

Due Date

Commission Directive 2009/163/EU of 22 December 2009 amending Directive 94/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs with regard to neotame

12/10/10

Commission Directive 2010/37/EU OF 17 June 2010 amending Directive 2008/60/EC laying down specific purity criteria on sweeteners

31/03/11

Commission Directive 2010/59/EU of 26 August 2010 amending Directive 2009/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients

15/09/11

Directive 2010/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on standards of quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation

27/08/12

Health Service Staff

Damien English

Question:

220 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers currently in the Health Service Executive north-east region; the way in which this figure compares with the average for each other HSE region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34945/10]

With regard to the number of social workers currently employed in the HSE, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Damien English

Question:

221 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she or her Department has to increase the number of social workers in the Health Service Executive north-east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34946/10]

My Department has written to the Health Service Executive setting out the overall approved employment control ceiling for 2010. As part of this approval, written confirmation has been provided to the HSE that the general moratorium on recruitment, promotion and the payment of acting up allowances does not apply to specific designated grades. Delegated sanction has been given to the HSE for the creation and filling of frontline posts, including social worker posts. The approval indicated that vacancies in existing posts in these grades may continue to be filled. New posts may also be created in these grades, up to a specified limit, provided that the HSE is satisfied in each case that there is no scope to redeploy an equivalent post from the hospital sector to the primary and community care sector. This moratorium exemption provides for an increase in the number of social worker posts, in line with Government policy, in order to meet the requirements of integrated care delivery and primary care needs particularly in respect of children at risk, the elderly and those with disabilities.

With regard to the recruitment of social workers in the HSE North East region, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Child Abuse

Damien English

Question:

222 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of child neglect that have been reported to the Health Service Executive in 2009 and to date in 2010; if she will provide a breakdown for each HSE region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34947/10]

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

Children in Care

Damien English

Question:

223 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who are currently in the care of the Health Service Executive in the north-east region. [34948/10]

Damien English

Question:

225 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have been taken into care in 2009 and to date in 2010 by court order in the north-east region; and if she will provide a breakdown as to the location at which these children were placed. [34950/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 225 together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Damien English

Question:

224 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the policy of the Health Service Executive with regard to children in care. [34949/10]

The Child Care Act, 1991, provides the statutory basis for child welfare and protection. Under the Act, the Health Service Executive (Est. 2005) has responsibility for the delivery of services. The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, was established in December 2005 to improve the lives of children under the National Children's Strategy and bring greater coherence to policy-making for children including in the areas of early childhood care and education, youth justice, child welfare and protection, children and young people's participation, research on children and young people, youth work and cross-cutting initiatives for children. Children now have a stronger voice on issues that affect them, through the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, who, uniquely for a Junior Minister, attends all Cabinet meetings.

"The Agenda for Children's Services" is the national policy for all children's health and social services, which takes a more preventive approach to child welfare, involving support to families and individual children, aimed at avoiding the need for further more serious interventions later on. The principle of having health and social services provided on the basis of the child being supported within the family, within the local community is at the core of the national policy. The purpose of the policy document is to set out the strategic direction and key goals of public policy in relation to children's health and social services. "The Agenda for Children's Services" builds on existing policies and places them in a framework for delivering children's services.

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I chair regular meeting between officials of the HSE and the OMCYA. These meetings are focused on a range of issues relating to child welfare and protection services, such as reform of social work, resource issues, management information and general delivery of statutory services. In addition to these regular meetings with HSE senior management, I also host meetings with HSE social work staff in an open forum arrangement.

Successive Ministers have taken a series of initiatives, since the publication of Children First in 1999, to improve the quality of children's lives in this country and to protect children at risk. The legislative and policy framework has been significantly strengthened through the passage of major pieces of legislation, such as the Children Act 2001, the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2007, and the continuing passage of new legislation through the Oireachtas including the Adoption Bill 2009, and the Child Care (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Key policy initiatives include, the Agenda for Children's Services, the Government's Implementation Plan following the Ryan Report, the Irish Youth Justice Service Strategy, the Youth Homelessness Strategy, and the Report of the Working Group on Foster Care.

Major developments have also taken place at service level including: the establishment and expansion of the Social Services Inspectorate under HIQA; the development of national standards for children in the care of the State; the continued development of special care units for vulnerable children; expansion of the Garda vetting services; the establishment of the Children's Services Committees; the creation of key new management positions in the HSE at senior management level with responsibility for child and family social services; the development of standardised service delivery and business processes within the HSE; development of a Knowledge Management Strategy for child welfare and protection services; development of a sustainable and cost effective solution for the provision of out of hours services for Gardaí who remove children under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991; policy on under 12's in residential care; confirmation of statutory basis for the provision of aftercare services and increased provision of these services for young people leaving care; and oversight of HSE implementation of HIQA recommendations regarding residential care and foster care.

The Government is committed to building on the existing legislative and policy framework and to taking any additional actions deemed necessary to ensure greater protection for children at risk.

Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 223.

Health Services

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

226 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a specific item to be provided to an elderly person (details supplied) in County Cork. [34952/10]

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

Sean Sherlock

Question:

227 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place a long-term national vision strategy to plan for and co-ordinate the expected dramatic increase in demand for sight loss services in the years ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34955/10]

From a disability perspective, the focus of any health or personal social service supports is to facilitate full participation in the social and economic life of the community. The extent and description of the supports required must be consistent with the person's individual assessed need. The focus of health service provision for people with a disability is not a medical diagnosis. The Disability Act 2005 provides for, among other things, an individual assessment of need, a person centred service statement and the provision of individualised supports. This policy moves away from the provision of segregated, health-based, group services for people with a disability. As such, when policies/strategies/action plans are in development in relation to persons with a disability, generally those with visual impairment or blindness are included.

Mental Health Services

Dan Neville

Question:

228 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [34956/10]

"A Vision for Change" has been Government policy since it was launched in January 2006 and the Renewed Programme for Government re-affirms the Government's commitment to that policy.

In 2009, the Board of the Health Service Executive (HSE) approved an Implementation Plan for "A Vision for Change" for the period 2009-2013. The development of Community Mental Health Centres in Primary Care Centres will enhance the working relationship between community based mental health teams and primary care teams. In addition, the HSE has worked closely with the Irish College of General Practitioners to advance a number of initiatives focussing on the vital role played by primary care in the provision of mental healthcare in Ireland. These include the appointment of a Project Officer, the development of a Resource Pack and Distance Learning Course for GPs and the development with Dublin City University of a "Team based approaches to mental health in primary care" training course, for primary care team professionals.

In relation to mental health care facilities for children and adolescents, the number of in-patient psychiatric beds for children and adolescents has increased from 12 in 2007 to 30 at the end of 2009. In addition two purpose built 20 bed units in Cork and Galway are scheduled to open in 2010 which will increase the overall number of beds to 52. Work has also commenced recently on Linn Dara, a Child and Adolescent Day Hospital in Cherry Orchard, Dublin which is due for completion in September 2011. Also of relevance is the Mental Health Commission addendum to the code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 which provides that: no child under 17 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2010; and no child under 18 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2011. Regarding amendments to the Mental Health Act 2001, it is anticipated that a general scheme of a Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2010 will be submitted to Government within the next few weeks. The Bill will provide, inter alia, that where an involuntary patient has mental capacity, their consent is required for the administration of ECT.

Medical Cards

Róisín Shortall

Question:

229 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the protocol in place when a medical card is issued but a decision is subsequently taken that the holder is not eligible and when the card is not actually withdrawn; the action, if any, taken against individuals who use medical cards when they are no longer eligible as in such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34968/10]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to situations such as where the Health Service Executive (HSE) receives information that a person may no longer be eligible for a medical card but is unable to make contact with that person. In such circumstances, the HSE notifies the medical card holder's general practitioner so that, in the event that the person returns for service, he/she can be made aware of the position and asked to contact the HSE to address the issue.

All primary care contractors and medical card holders can check the status of any medical card at www.medicalcard.ie. The HSE receives over 5 million such checks annually from GPs alone. If a person uses a service and is not entitled to a medical card, he/she may be liable for the cost of the service provided.

Health Services

Sean Sherlock

Question:

230 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a medical assessment in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34969/10]

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

Preschool Services

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

231 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be made available to provide grants for preschool personnel who are adding to their existing qualifications in early childhood care and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34981/10]

I have responsibility for implementing the free Preschool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which was introduced in January this year making a year of free pre-school provision available to all children when they fall within the qualifying age range.

Under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations, staff working in preschool services are not subject to any requirement in relation to educational qualifications. While almost all preschool services in the State are now participating in the ECCE scheme, in most cases, only some of the children attending will be doing so under the ECCE scheme. In respect of children in a service who are availing of the free preschool year, the ECCE scheme requires that staff members acting as preschool year leader hold a childcare qualification equivalent to FETAC Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ). As a transitional arrangement, during January 2010 to August 2012, a childcare qualification that includes four of the eight core modules that make up the full FETAC Level 5 qualification, will be accepted. Staff working with children under the ECCE scheme, as preschool assistants, are not required to hold an educational qualification. Funding is not available to my Office to provide grants to persons working in preschool services to improve their qualifications.

Care of the Elderly

James Reilly

Question:

232 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a breakdown on the amount the Health Service Executive spends on care for the elderly in the categories of home care, home care packages, home help and so on; nursing home care, public and private nursing homes; long-term care for patients in acute hospitals; any other relevant category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34993/10]

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

Hospital Services

Michael McGrath

Question:

233 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a dedicated stroke unit for the Health Service Executive south. [35006/10]

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

Health Services

Michael McGrath

Question:

234 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [35007/10]

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

Assisted Human Reproduction

Michael McGrath

Question:

235 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to introduce legislation in the area of assisted human reproduction. [35010/10]

My Department is currently developing policy proposals to regulate the area of Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) with the intention of finalising them by the end of this year or early next year; these proposals will form the basis of legislation in the area of AHR.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Pat Breen

Question:

236 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35012/10]

I understand that this patient was admitted to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children on Friday 1st October.

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

237 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for assessment at child services, Naas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35018/10]

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

Medical Cards

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

238 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons medical card holders are experiencing continued difficulties accessing dental services since April 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35023/10]

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

Medicinal Products

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

239 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she is taking to ensure pharmacies are passing on the benefits of savings on the price of commonly used drugs to non-medical card customers; if she has had any communication with the Irish Pharmacy Union on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35033/10]

I have introduced a number of measures in the past year to reduce the costs of drugs and medicines for both the State and consumers. These measures have included a reduction in the wholesale and retail mark-ups under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 and new price agreements with IPHA (Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association) and APMI (Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland) which have reduced the price of hundreds of the most commonly prescribed off-patent medicines by 40%. Cumulatively these measures are expected to deliver savings to the State of over €200m in 2010.

I was most concerned to learn that some pharmacists were not passing on the benefits of these price and margin reductions to those patients whose expenditure on drug purchases are not met by the Health Service Executive e.g. persons whose monthly expenditure is below the €120 per month threshold under the Drugs Payment Scheme. I have raised this matter with the Irish Pharmacy Union. It is disappointing that some pharmacists are withholding the benefit of the lower prices from some of their customers. The public deserve better in these difficult economic times.

The Code of Conduct for Pharmacists issued by the pharmacy regulator (The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland) requires pharmacists, amongst other things, to provide honest, relevant, accurate, current and appropriate information to patients regarding the nature, cost, value and benefit of medicines, health-related products and services provided by them. Every pharmacist has an obligation to comply in full with the statutory Code of Conduct. Patients have every right to ask a pharmacist the reasons for the price they are being charged and if dissatisfied can, if they so choose, transfer their custom to an alternative pharmacy.

Cancer Screening Programme

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

240 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will guarantee the continuation of the cervical cancer screening programme; the measures she intends to take to improve public awareness of the programme considering just 285,000 out of the 1.1 million eligible women availed of a smear test in the first year of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35034/10]

The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 241 answered with Question No. 69.
Question No. 242 answered with Question No. 41.

Hospital Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of nursing posts currently vacant or waiting to be filled throughout the private and public hospital sectors; if the filling of any such posts is affected by the recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35151/10]

As information on the number of nursing posts currently vacant or awaiting to be filled in the public health service is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. Neither my Department or the HSE maintain records on the number of vacancies in the private health sector. The Government has made it clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers, including the number of nurses and midwives, over the coming years.

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.

Although nurses are not exempt from the moratorium, the Employment Control Framework allows for the creation of 100 Psychiatric Nurse posts, where they are required, to support the implementation of a Vision for Change. In addition, the Framework provides for the creation of up to 70 Public Health Nurse posts to facilitate the recruitment of student public health nurses. It also provides for the creation of up to 30 posts to facilitate the appointment of successful students from the Nurse Sponsorship Scheme.

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 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.

Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 41.
Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 173.

Hospital Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

246 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if all of the facilities, including theatres, funded by her Department at Tallaght hospital are fully operational; those that are not; the reasons such facilities provided at considerable expense have not been activated or commissioned; her plans to address these issues at an early date having regard to the wider catchment area and large population catered for by the Tallaght hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35154/10]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

247 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if all of the facilities including theatres funded by her Department at Naas General Hospital are fully operational; those that are not; the reasons such facilities provided at considerable expense have not been activated or commissioned; her plans to address these issues at an early date having particular regard to the wide catchment area and large population catered for by the Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35155/10]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has considered in full the serious implications for the public arising from the scaling down of services at a number of general hospitals throughout the country; if any comparisons have been made with other jurisdictions where a similar action was taken and which resulted in a dramatic deterioration in the quality and level of hospital services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35156/10]

I do not accept that necessary measures by the HSE to ensure that acute hospital services are delivered to budget and in line with the commitments in the 2010 National Service Plan will be detrimental to the quality and level of hospital services. Maintaining patient safety and service levels is critical in all management decision-making in relation to cost containment. Expenditure control is focused on protecting front-line services and in particular emergency services, maintaining the quality and safety of services, delivering to service plan targets and protecting jobs.

The principal measures being employed include reducing pay and non-pay costs, controlling recruitment and absenteeism (which has a direct impact on the staffing costs of frontline services), redeployment of corporate and support staff to frontline roles, implementing measures to ensure that hospital care is delivered as efficiently as possible, improved bed utilisation and discharge planning, improving collection of income due from private patients and procurement initiatives.

Increasingly, the focus of the health service is on the quality of service outputs and the patient outcomes being achieved with the resources available. This is the approach being taken in health systems throughout the world. The National Service Plan 2010 commits the HSE to a range of measures to ensure that services are delivered more efficiently. These include carrying out an increased proportion of surgery on a day basis, increasing rates of day-of-surgery admission and working to reduce average length of stay. As a result, the level of activity in the acute hospital system is projected to be broadly on a par with that achieved in 2009.

Care of the Elderly

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent, if any, to which she and or her Department has examined the importance and value for money provided by the home help services throughout the country; the degree to which, if any, she has considered expanding the service in lieu of the more costly institutional care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35157/10]

The policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. This is implemented via a range of community services such as Home Help, Home Care Packages (HCPs), Meals-on-Wheels, and Day/Respite care. Without these supports, many older people would spend longer in Acute Hospitals, or would be admitted to residential care earlier than might be necessary. It is generally accepted that Home Care costs are significantly lower than Acute Hospital or Long-Term Residential Care options.

The importance the Government attaches to Home Care is reflected in the fact that, between 2006 and 2010, in excess of €200 million additional funding was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to expand these community-based services nationwide. This includes an extra €10 million provided in the last Budget for Home Care Packages, notwithstanding the serious financial pressures facing the country. This year the HSE will spend in the region of €210m on mainstream Home Help services and €130m on enhanced HCP provision.

The Department has worked closely with the HSE in recent times in relation to maximising the use of resources in the Home Care area generally, and this continues to be the case. An independent Evaluation of Home Care Packages, commissioned by the Department of Health and Children and undertaken by PA Consulting Group last year, found that HCPs provide a valuable service to a highly dependant cohort of older people, but that further improvements could be effected. Consequently, the Executive has this year progressed a number of initiatives for roll out in 2011. These focus on standardising access to, and delivery of, Home Care services, in order to best meet the needs of older people, and maximise use of finite resources, in terms of both mainstream and enhanced services. One of the recommendations of the Evaluation was that a Value for Money study of Home Care Packages be carried out. This will be effected by the HSE after the new standardised national operational procedures are in place next year.

Hospital Procedures

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the cost of the various procedures at public and private hospitals varies between those funded directly or funded by private health insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35158/10]

My Department does not have any information in relation to the cost of procedures in private hospitals, as such hospitals are outside the ambit of the Health Act and their costs are generally not available due to commercial considerations. In relation to the cost of procedures in public hospitals, this information is collected by the HSE in the context of the Casemix programme. I have therefore referred this matter to the HSE for direct reply.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of procedures funded by private health insurers throughout the public and private health sectors in each of the past five years to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35159/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent, if any, to which she has monitored the number of surgical or medical procedures carried out throughout the public and private hospital sectors in the past 12 months; the extent to which such procedures have been funded through the general medical services or private health insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35160/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

My Department does not routinely collate records relating to the number of surgical and medical procedures paid for by private health insurers in the public and private health sectors. The insurers are commercial organisations which buy services from a number of providers, some public, others private. As commercial organisations, they are not accountable to me or to my Department in relation to the number of procedures they undertake on behalf of their own insured membership. If the Deputy wishes to ascertain the relevant figures, I would suggest he may wish to contact the private health insurers directly.

Accident and Emergency Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and location of hospitals in the public and private sectors throughout the country currently experiencing delays at accident and emergency; the cause for any such delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35161/10]

The provision of data in relation to activity at publicly funded hospitals is a service matter and has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Activity at private hospitals does not come within my remit.

Health Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she ever again intends to reply directly to a parliamentary question relating to what the Health Service Executive might refer to as the day to day running of the health services, which in fact is the total annual cost divided by 365; if she accepts that the current policy of failure to accept direct responsibility for the funding she and her Department provides has culminated in the disintegration of the level and quality of health services at every level, the complete disenchantment of the public with its quality and standards and the frustration and confusion of those within the HSE who continue to strive to provide services against this backdrop; if she will even now at this stage take the responsibility for running the health services directly back into her Department where openness, transparency and accountability should and can be provided in this House; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35162/10]

The Health Act 2004 provided for the establishment of the Health Service Executive with effect from 1st January 2005 and the Executive was established with its own Vote, Vote 40. The HSE is the single body responsible for meeting Ireland's health and social care needs, providing thousands of services to young and old, in hospitals, health facilities and in communities across the country. These services range from public health nurses treating older people in the community to caring for children with challenging behaviour; from educating people how to live healthier lives, to performing highly-complex surgery; from planning for major emergencies, to controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

The establishment of the HSE represented the beginning of the largest programme of change ever undertaken in the Irish public service. Prior to this our health care services were delivered through a range of different agencies, each of which was independently answerable to the Department of Health and Children. It was a complex structure that made it difficult to provide nationally consistent health services. The decision of the Government to replace all these agencies with the HSE signalled the start of a new era in Irish health care. The arrangements for providing responses on detailed operational issues reflect the responsibilities set out in the Health Act 2004 and those attaching to the fact that the HSE has been given its own Vote by the Oireachtas.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when counselling will be offered to a family (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35167/10]

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

State Airports

Joe Costello

Question:

256 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of U.S. troops that have passed through Shannon Airport in each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34443/10]

I understand that US soldiers transiting through Shannon generally travel on chartered civilian airlines. My Department does not collate information with regard to the number of military troops on board civilian aircraft. However, on the basis of information collected by the Shannon Airport Authority, I understand the number of troops that have passed through Shannon Airport in each of the years in question is of the following order:

Year

Number

2002

73,000

2003

122,000

2004

159,000

2005

341,000

2006

281,000

2007

263,000

2008

256,000

2009

265,000

2010

161,000 (Jan-Aug)

Road Network

Joe Costello

Question:

257 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the construction of a new road between Dublin and Derry; the type of road envisaged; the timescale involved; the work that has been carried out to date; the projected cost of the section in the Republic; the contribution required for the Northern Ireland section from the Irish Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34446/10]

Under the agreement of March 2007 between the Irish and British Governments on a funding package to support the restored Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government made a commitment to provide funding of £400/€580 million in a roads investment package for Northern Ireland which will contribute to the upgrading of the A5 road from Aughnacloy to Derry/Londonderry to dual-carriageway status. Drawdown depends on the achievement of agreed project milestones and clearance by the Cross-Border Roads Steering Group and North-South Ministerial Council. €9 million was provided in 2009 by the Government for the A5. Future project allocations will be agreed as normal in the context of the overall estimates process and in line with the agreed project milestones and payment schedule.

The A5 project is being implemented by the Roads Service of Northern Ireland (RSNI). With regard to the Republic of Ireland element of the project, in this jurisdiction, the Deputy will be aware that as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, including service areas, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Road Safety

Sean Sherlock

Question:

258 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made by his Department to counter the number of road deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34491/10]

The core objective of the 2007-2012 Road Safety Strategy, with its 123 Actions spread across the areas of Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Evaluation, is to reduce road deaths to no greater than 60 fatalities per million population by the end of 2012. This is an average of 21 road deaths per month or 252 deaths per annum. 2009 saw the lowest number of road deaths on record at 240, an average of 20 road deaths per month. The downward trend has continued into 2010 with 156 fatalities to end September, which is 21 less than on the same date last year.

While the core objective has been reached ahead of its target date, we must now concentrate our efforts in ensuring that the figure is not exceeded for each of the remaining years of the Strategy. The advancement of road traffic legislation forms a central part of this Government's strategic response to addressing road safety issues and reducing fatalities on our roads. The primary focus of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which provides for the reduction of the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for drivers and mandatory testing at collision sites, is to advance the road safety agenda through changing driver behaviour, particularly in the area of intoxicated driving.

Coast Guard Service

Joe McHugh

Question:

259 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that officers at other coast guard stations will not be transferred to Dublin coast guard radio to fill the positions that will be vacant arising from impending retirements at Dublin coast guard radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34525/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

260 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 8 July 2010, when the new communications system at Malin, Valentia and Dublin coast guard stations will be installed and operational; if there are plans to transfer any staff from any of these coast guard stations to the Dublin station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34526/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.

In relation to the impending retirements of staff at Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Dublin, every effort will be made to fill vacancies at the earliest possible date. It remains the practice for Coast Guard management to transfer staff between the stations on a temporary basis to address operational requirements, including in relation to the provision of staff, where they consider this necessary.

In relation to the new communications system at the three rescue co-ordination centres, refurbishment works are well advanced in the MRCC in Dublin. The testing of the installed Integrated Communications System (ICS) and the training for the staff are also well advanced. The ICS is expected to be live in Dublin in November next. The dual operation of the new and old equipment will last for about a month, after which the refurbished Dublin centre will go live.

The equipment for Malin and Valentia MRSCs has been delivered. In order to quickly activate the new ICS equipment in Malin, it will be installed in a nearby site on Crockalough late 2010/early 2011 and thereafter linked to the Malin station. When the new building on the Malin site is completed in 2014, subject to funding, the ICS equipment will be re-installed there. It will be necessary to close Malin for a number of weeks in 2011 to facilitate swapping over the equipment and clearing out the Operations Room. In Valentia, the existing buildings will be adapted to accommodate the ICS equipment. The Office of Public Works is currently scoping the scale of the work needed.

Rural Transport Services

Tom Hayes

Question:

261 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport his plans for rural transport in County Tipperary, particularly relating to a particular town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34570/10]

The provision for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2010 is being maintained at €11 million in recognition of the important role it plays in combating social exclusion in rural Ireland. Thirty-six rural community transport groups, including Ring-A-Link which operates in Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary South Riding, are being funded under the Programme. The provision of services under the RTP is a matter for the individual rural transport groups. Local communities know where the transport needs are in their areas and how best to address them. My Department's role is one of facilitator through financial and administrative support, but communities themselves have the lead role in developing the transport services to fulfil these needs.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

262 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the European Commission in each case to such delays. [34940/10]

There are 24 EU directives awaiting transposition into Irish law in my Department of which 3 are overdue. The EU has notified my Department of infringement proceedings on the overdue directives. However, Regulations to transpose all three Directives are at an advanced stage and are expected to be finalised and signed by year end.

Taxi Regulation

Róisín Shortall

Question:

263 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with regard to targets for wheelchair accessible taxis; and if he will indicate if and when the Commission for Taxi Regulation will provide a direct subsidy to assist drivers with the purchase of and running of wheelchair accessible taxis. [34966/10]

Statistical information requested by the Deputy is available from the Commission for Taxi Regulation directly. As part of the Commission for Taxi Regulation's (CTR) continuing reforms for the small public service vehicle industry one of the key objectives for 2010 to 2011 is to improve accessibility of taxis and hackneys. The CTR has introduced a new category of wheelchair accessible hackney and new vehicle standards for both wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys have been introduced for new licence applicants from the 8th June 2010. All existing wheelchair accessible taxis will be required to meet the new standards on renewal of their licence in 2012.

The CTR favours the provision of some financial assistance to wheelchair accessible licence holders to upgrade their vehicles by 2012. I have referred the CTR proposal to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for its consideration and decision as financial assistance will be a matter for the NTA following the incorporation of the CTR into the NTA.

Fishing Vessel Licences

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

264 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to extending the deadline, beyond 1 October 2010 for 15 m to 24 m fishing vessels to meet the requirements for the new certificate of compliance; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are a large number of fishing boats around the coastline still waiting to be surveyed; if his Department is in a position to provide some financial support to assist hard-pressed fishermen with the task of improving their vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34970/10]

The development of safety regulations for fishing vessels dates back to the Fishing Vessel Safety Review group, which reported in 1996. One key recommendation made by that group was for the establishment of a safety regime for fishing vessels covering stability, strength, hull and machinery. Such a scheme was introduced in 1999 for fishing vessels greater than 24 m in length. A further scheme was introduced for fishing vessels less than 15 m in 2004.

Following fishing vessel tragedies in 2007 efforts focused on the development of a scheme for the fishing vessels in the 15 to 24 m length category. My Department developed regulations for such vessels based on international standards and these regulations were subject to extensive public consultations, following which the regulations entered into force in September of that year. A phased approach was adopted in implementing the regulations, with all new fishing vessels to comply by the 1 October 2007, fishing vessels up to ten years old to comply by 1 October 2008 and fishing vessels up to 20 years old to comply by 1 October 2009. This October the remainder of the fleet have to comply.

The majority of owners in the fishing vessel class in question have already made application for inspection to the Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department and the surveyors are continuing to work with these owners to ensure that vessels can progressively be brought up to compliance standards as quickly as possible. I would, therefore, encourage any vessel owner who has yet to apply to do so now and to engage with the MSO on progressing his/her vessel towards compliance. As these are key safety regulations and as there has been extensive consultation with the fishing industry and engagement by the majority of vessel owners in the class it is better not to extend the deadline for compliance. As my Department fulfils the safety regulator role it does not provide financial support to the fishing industry.

Asylum Support Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

265 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when the joint Health Service Executive and Reception and Integration Agency forum was established; and the number and frequency of its meetings. [34596/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

266 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the measures that the Health Service Executive has recommended to the Reception and Integration Agency, in the course of the joint HSE and RIA forum, to avoid the sudden transferral of asylum seekers. [34597/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

267 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a Health Service Executive official with responsibility for child and family health related services within the asylum system will be seconded to the Reception and Integration Agency. [34598/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 to 267, inclusive, together.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) and its predecessor, the Directorate for Asylum Support Services (DASS), have consistently engaged with the HSE through a number of fora since the introduction of the Government policy of direct provision. Discussions take place through inter-agency meetings, health liaison officer meetings, medical screening service meetings, working groups on matters such as healthy infant feeding guidelines, child protection, national parenting programme, psychological and other health service groups. It is important to note that the policy of direct provision involves, at its core, the provision of appropriate services directly to asylum seekers, i.e. are "mainstreamed", by the relevant Government Departments and agencies such as the HSE.

The High Level policy structure for meetings between the HSE (Social Inclusion Directorate) and RIA was set up in 2009 and 6 meetings have taken place with the latest such meeting held on 4 October, 2010. At these High Level policy meetings, all matters of common interest between the HSE and RIA are open for discussion. However, no formal position has been presented by the HSE in respect of RIA's policy on the transfer of residents between its accommodation centres at these meetings although, at the last meeting, a discussion took place in relation to the issue of advance notification to the HSE by RIA of planned closures or openings of centres to facilitate planning by the HSE.

In respect of the secondment to the RIA of an official from the HSE dealing with Child and Family Services, it should firstly be noted that the unit within RIA which deals with such services continues to operate, including in respect of child protection, Garda vetting and other key services. The officer previously seconded to the RIA from the HSE returned to the HSE in May of 2010 and the RIA has since written to and met with the HSE in respect of potential replacement candidates. The RIA is continuing to communicate with the HSE in the matter with a view to securing a replacement as soon as possible.

Child Abduction

Finian McGrath

Question:

268 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [34607/10]

The Central Authority for Child Abduction operates in my Department for the purposes of, among other international instruments, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Convention is designed to ensure the prompt return of children who have been removed from one contracting state to another — usually by a parent in defiance of the wishes of the other parent. It is based on the principle that the custody of a child should be decided by courts in the state in which the child habitually resides. The Convention is in force in over 80 countries world-wide. Both Ireland and the United States of America are contracting parties to the Hague Convention.

Where a child under the age of 16 is wrongfully removed from the State in breach of guardianship or custody rights, the person whose rights have been breached can make an application to our Central Authority for Child Abduction for the return of the child. The Authority can be contacted for assistance at 01 4790200 or by e-mail. Details in relation to the Authority and the Convention are available on my Department's website at

www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/International_child_abduction.

Garda Records

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

269 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, further to the Hutchinson report into the Claudy bombing, if a person (details supplied), ever came into contact with the authorities here either prior to the bombing, subsequent to his transfer into the State or during the intervening period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34620/10]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

270 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, further to the Hutchinson report into the Claudy bombing, to confirm if the authorities here possess a record outlining the origins, education, ordination and pastoral career of a person (details supplied), in view of their status as a prime suspect of terrorist activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34621/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.

While the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be normal practice to disclose information of the kind sought, in the exceptional circumstances of the case, I can tell the Deputy that I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is no indication that the person to whom the Deputy refers ever came into contact with An Garda Síochána prior to the Claudy bombing, subsequent to his transfer into the State or during the intervening period. In relation to the Deputy's second question, the possession of such records would not be a matter of Ministerial responsibility.

Citizenship Applications

Joe Behan

Question:

271 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will provide information regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34914/10]

I am not in a position by way of answer to a Parliamentary Question to indicate whether or not individual naturalisation or recognition of citizenship cases will succeed. The position generally in respect of the matter raised by the Deputy is as follows.

Section 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1956-2004 provides that a person born in the island of Ireland shall not be entitled to be an Irish citizen unless a parent of that person has, during the period of 4 years immediately preceding the person's birth, been resident in the island of Ireland for a period of not less than 3 years or periods the aggregate of which is not less than 3 years. The section does not apply to certain persons including those born to parents one of whom is at the time of the person's birth an Irish citizen, British citizen or a person entitled to reside without restriction. For the purpose of calculating reckonable residence under section 6A certain residence is excluded from consideration including unlawful residence, residence covered by a permission granted under Section 4 of the Immigration Act, 2004 for the purpose of study and residence covered by a provisional permission granted pending determination of an asylum application.

Parents may apply for a passport for a child to the Passport Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs on the basis that the child may have an entitlement to Irish citizenship. The Passport Office makes an assessment of the parent's reckonable residency through an examination of their permission stamps. If the parents do not have sufficient residency and the child does not have an entitlement to citizenship, then it will be open to the parent of the child to make an application for a certificate of naturalisation on their behalf under section 15 of the Act, when the child has 5 years reckonable residency in the State.

Garda Strength

Michael Ring

Question:

272 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of gardaí in the State at present; the number of recruits that will be taken on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34439/10]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána, on the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,615. Applicants who are currently on a panel and have gone through the medical, physical and character vetting procedures, and are available, will be offered positions as Garda Trainees, in strict order of where they were placed on the panel, upon the resumption of recruitment. I recently announced a Garda recruitment campaign to establish a panel of approved candidates who will be available to meet future Garda recruitment needs.

Citizenship Applications

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

273 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 may expect to receive an answer regarding their citizenship application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34444/10]

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 February 2008. All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that 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.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Vetting of Personnel

John O'Mahony

Question:

274 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their Garda vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34451/10]

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 10 September 2010.

Citizenship Applications

Michael Ring

Question:

275 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [34456/10]

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 August 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 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.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Coroners Service

Mary Wallace

Question:

276 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the service provided by the Living Links committee in the County Meath coroner’s service; if such a service could be replicated in developing coroner’s services in the greater Dublin area and throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34462/10]

Coroners are independent office holders with responsibility under the law for the medicolegal investigation into the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths. Living Links is a voluntary group who provide support and outreach to those bereaved by suicide. My Department is aware of the service provided by the Living Links, not just in County Meath, but on a national level. While coroners have been made aware of the organisation, it is not part of a coroner's function in regard to death investigation to refer bereaved people to this or any other support organisation.

Garda Equipment

Pat Breen

Question:

277 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the cost of servicing and repairing all Garda vehicles for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 and to date in 2010; the number of new vehicles purchased for the same periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34481/10]

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Garda Investigations

Finian McGrath

Question:

278 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [34497/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is within the Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management has no record of complaints of speeding by the transport provider referred to at the location. Any offences coming to the attention of An Garda Síochána will be investigated and dealt with appropriately. There is a designated community Garda for the area who is in regular contact with the residents of the area, which is regularly patrolled by mountain bike, foot and mobile patrols, including the Divisional Traffic Unit, which has carried out checkpoints at the location.

Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The deployment of Garda traffic resources is prioritised with the objective of preventing traffic collisions.

Finian McGrath

Question:

279 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will provide an update on a matter (details supplied). [34498/10]

I will communicate further with the Deputy when the up to date information he has sought is to hand.

Departmental Properties

Finian McGrath

Question:

280 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when the new State pathologist and Dublin city coroner’s complex in Marino, Dublin 3, will be completed and the approximate cost of same. [34499/10]

The capital project to which the Deputy refers is a joint venture between my Department and Dublin City Council to provide a new state-of-the-art facility for the Office of the State Pathologist and the Dublin City Coroner's Office at Marino, Dublin 3. The building which will entirely overhaul and modernise the facilities for use in death investigation and forensic pathology is due to be completed by autumn 2011. The projected final total cost of the project will be in the order €13.8m of which construction costs amount to €7.4m. Funding is being provided by my Department and Dublin City Council on a two-thirds to one-third basis, respectively. The site has been provided by Dublin City Council. By proceeding with the project now full advantage is being taken of the current highly competitive trading environment in the construction sector and I can inform the Deputy that the development is costing approximately 40% less than it would have three to four years ago.

Residency Permits

Olwyn Enright

Question:

281 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the criteria for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) who wishes to return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34531/10]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

283 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the criteria for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) who is currently living in Kazakhstan and married to an Irish citizen who wishes to return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34565/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 283 together.

Marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State. A non EEA national who wishes to reside in the State on the basis of their marriage to an Irish national must make an application for permission to remain in the State. Such applications for residency will only be considered from applicants who are resident in the State at the time of application.

The person referred to by the Deputy should make an application for the appropriate visa to enter the State via the visa online application system currently hosted on the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) website. Full information surrounding the correct procedures to be followed in respect of lodging a visa and residency application on the basis of marriage to an Irish national is available at "www.inis.gov.ie" listed under their headings.

I should remind the Deputy that, for future queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases, these may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Jack Wall

Question:

282 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application to renew their stamp 4 status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [34538/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State for a 2 year period in October of 2005 under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of Irish children born in Ireland prior to 1 January 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 scheme. This permission was subsequently renewed in 2007 for 3 years and is currently valid up to 10 October 2010. Officials of my Department are currently examining the case file and will correspond directly with the person concerned in due course concerning her future status in the State.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 281.

Departmental Contracts

John O'Mahony

Question:

284 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the services that are being outsourced by the Land Registry to companies outside the State and list the services and locations of the companies in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34610/10]

I can inform the Deputy that the contracts listed below were awarded after a tendering process which was carried out under EU procurement rules and in accordance with established public sector guidelines.

1. "Complete Integrated Title Registration Information System (ITRIS)". The contract runs from 2004 to 2010. The contract was awarded to a Danish company, BlomInfo AG with subcontractors Data Entry Bureau who are based in Dublin. It is expected that this project will be completed in October 2010.

2. "Digital Mapping Contract No 2 — Data Capture". The contract ran from 2004 to August 2010. It was awarded to LandMark Information Group Ltd. England, who were the lead company in the successful consortium, with subcontractors including RMSI Ltd of Noida, India.

Departmental Correspondence

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

285 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 30 June 2010, if he has received correspondence from a centre (details supplied) in County Cork on the need for an independent complaints mechanism in direct provision centres; if, in view of the issues raised in that letter, he will agree to the establishment of such a mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34807/10]

As set out in the aforementioned PQ reply, I am informed by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) that the rules and procedures for RIA accommodation centres, which includes a complaints mechanism, were recently revised arising from a report from a Working Party, the membership of which included the Refugee Information Service and the Irish Refugee Council. The House Rules document which was agreed by that Working Party clearly sets out a working complaints mechanism for use by residents and staff alike at RIA accommodation centres. This includes streams for informal and formal complaints and allows for local resolution as well as referral to the RIA.

As stated previously, the system of direct provision is sui generis and it remains the case that the complaints resolution procedure set out in the House Rules is considered to be the only one appropriate to the circumstances which obtain in that system. In these circumstances, the structure of the complaints procedure contained within the revised House Rules is broadly in line with the guidelines set out by the Office of the Ombudsman for internal complaints systems.

Departmental Properties

Alan Shatter

Question:

286 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if lands (details supplied) in Dublin 17 have been rented by or for the use of An Garda Síochána; the purpose for which any such land will be used; the identity of the owner of the land; details of any financial arrangements relating to the rental of the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34824/10]

In the time available it has not been possible to obtain information from the Garda authorities in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy further concerning the matter.

Citizenship Applications

Alan Shatter

Question:

287 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of applicants for Irish citizenship whose applications are awaiting decision; the number of applicants whose applications are awaiting decision for in excess of 12 months but less than 18 months; and the numbers whose applications are awaiting decision for in excess of 18 months and not more than two years; and the numbers awaiting decisions for in excess of two years. [34830/10]

There are currently approximately 21,500 applications for naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department that are still awaiting a decision. This is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications received in the last number of years. Approximately 5,000 (23%) of applications are on hand for more than 2 years. Circa 16,500 (77%) are on hand from a current date up to 2 years.

A Certificate of Naturalisation is an exceptional and important document that facilitates a non-national becoming a citizen of Ireland. The making of an application for a certificate of naturalisation is an individual's choice. The granting of Irish Citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour and not an entitlement. Applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Asylum Applications

Alan Shatter

Question:

288 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of foreign nationals who have been refused entry permission to the State in each of the past five years. [34831/10]

I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that the following table shows the number of people who have been refused leave to land pursuant to the provisions of the Immigration Act 2004 at Ports of Entry to the State for 2005 to 2010.

Year

Number

2005

4,893

2006

5,885

2007

6,991

2008

5,394

2009

3,857

2010

1,244 (to 31st May)

Illegal Immigrants

Alan Shatter

Question:

289 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of foreign nationals who have illegally entered the State and who are to be deported who are currently in prison or in a place of detention; the nationalities of the persons concerned and those so held for less than three months, for between three to six months, for between six to 12 months and for in excess of 12 months. [34832/10]

The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be conveyed to him at the earliest possible date.

Public Order Offences

Finian McGrath

Question:

290 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [34840/10]

Uncivil and antisocial behaviour can have a negative effect on a person's quality of life, particularly for older persons. If an older person, or any other person, considers that they have been the victim of criminal behaviour, they should report it to their local Garda station, and their complaint will be fully investigated.

The Garda Commissioner and I recently launched An Garda Síochána's Older People Strategy, which has been developed to ensure the policing needs of older people in Ireland are met to the highest possible standard. The Strategy sets out current initiatives through which An Garda Síochána are working with members of the public. Many of these initiatives can assist older people who consider they are victims of uncivil or antisocial behaviour.

Among the initiatives proposed by the Strategy is the delivery of high visibility targeted patrolling, both mobile and foot, in neighbourhoods where older people reside and congregate. Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Community Gardaí throughout the country are designated for specific areas and are in regular contact with the residents of these areas. Community Gardaí provide a number of initiatives to benefit older people, such as Senior Citizen Information Days. An Garda Síochána encourages older people to maintain contact with their local community Gardaí and discuss any problem they may have with them. An Garda Síochána works closely with Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert Schemes, which are very supportive of older people both as people active in their community and as beneficiaries of their initiatives and would be happy to provide advice to any older people who contact them.

Proposed Legislation

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

291 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when he anticipates the publication of the draft heads of the Bill for the regulation of the gaming sector, which was due to be published in the first quarter of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34842/10]

The Deputy will be aware from previous replies that I initiated a major review of gambling with the objective of providing me, in the first instance, and then the Government, with options for a new policy to inform our gambling architecture. It is a matter of record that Governments of different hues have shied away from attempting any significant reform of our gambling laws since our existing gaming and lotteries legislation was enacted over 50 years ago. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, I am resolved to make our gambling laws relevant to the 21st century. In light of this commitment, I make no apology for taking the time to make sure this is done effectively. Therefore, the question of publishing legislation does not arise at this time. We must first finish settling policy in relation to a new gambling architecture.

Any such new policy aimed at modernising our gambling code must take account of the challenges and threats, but also opportunities, presented by new technologies, particularly the internet. In addition, policy must also be premised on the three important considerations which are the hallmark of most well-regulated gambling codes. These are:

that young people and the vulnerable are protected

that gambling should in all respects be fairly and openly conducted and

that gambling is kept free of crime.

Following the settling of that policy, arrangements will be made in the normal course to address the necessary legislative change. As the first comprehensive review of our gambling law, effectively since the enactment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 draws to a close, it is reasonable to expect that any new legislation that may arise, will be both complex and comprehensive.

Prison Service

Alan Shatter

Question:

292 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if the Irish Prison Service has put the purchase of tractors out to tender; if he will confirm the number of tractors it proposes to purchase; the use to which they will be put; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34901/10]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service are currently conducting a tender competition for the purchase of three tractors. It also plans to purchase a fourth tractor from an existing National Procurement Service contract for the supply of tractors. The tractors are being purchased to replace existing tractors which require constant repair and maintenance due to their age.

The Irish Prison Service intend to use the tractors at its two open centres, Shelton Abbey and Loughan House. There are already significant agricultural, horticultural and other environmental activities in the two open centres, which between them have in the region of 125 acres of land surrounding the accommodation units. Both centres have had substantial increases in prisoner populations in recent years and it is intended to extend the range of outdoor activities and increase the daily employment and vocational training opportunities for the prisoners.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

293 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34937/10]

My Department has responsibility for four EU Directives which are awaiting transposition into law. Three of these are overdue, namely:

Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 01 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status.

On 1 September 2010, the European Commission instigated further infringement proceedings against Ireland for failing to transpose fully this Directive. The matter is under consideration by my Department with a view to lodging a defence on behalf of Ireland in this case.

Council Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communication networks and amending Directive 2002/58/EC.

The European Commission issued infringement proceedings against Ireland on 5th June 2009 for failure to transpose the Directive on time. Legislation to transpose this Directive is currently before the Oireachtas.

Council Directive 2008/51/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons.

The European Commission initiated infringement proceedings on 17th September 2010 in respect of the above mentioned Directive. I understand that the necessary legislation to transpose this Directive will be completed shortly.

The remaining Directive which is to be implemented but is not overdue is: Council Directive 2008/52EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters. The deadline for transposing this Directive is 21st May 2011.

Citizenship Applications

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

294 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the average delay in the processing of applications for citizenship; the reasons for such delays; if these delays can be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34942/10]

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. The average processing time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation is currently 26 months and this has been maintained despite the substantial increases in the volume of applications received in recent years. This has been possible as a result of the allocation of additional resources to the division and the implementation of further refinements to procedures. The procedures employed to assess an applicant for naturalisation are summarised below.

Upon receipt, an initial examination of each application is carried out to determine if the statutory application is completed fully. Incomplete application forms are returned to the applicant for amendment. Valid applications are then examined to determine if the applicant meets the statutory residency criteria set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act. Passports and other documentation are examined in detail and enquiries with the Garda National Immigration Bureau may also be necessary.

Further processing takes place at a later stage and involves assessing an applicant's financial status in respect of their ability to support themselves in the State. Enquiries with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs may be necessary in this regard. Enquiries are also made with the Garda Síochána in order that I can be satisfied that the applicant is of good character. Depending on the complexity of any given case, these processes can take a lengthy time to complete. Once all enquiries are completed, the application is referred to me for a decision.

The Deputy will appreciate that the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour and applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. These procedures have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

295 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if a road traffic offence, a suspected road traffic offence or a non-conviction regarding a road traffic offence, are regarded as sufficient grounds for an applicant for naturalisation being deemed to have come to the adverse attention of the Garda and accordingly are denied naturalisation; if he considers such an approach to be unfair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34984/10]

The granting of Irish Citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour and not an entitlement. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One such condition is that the Minister must be satisfied that the applicant is of good character. It would be inappropriate for me to indicate what might or might not specifically constitute good character in this context as to do so could be interpreted as a fettering of the absolute discretion given to the Minister in the Act. However, I would nevertheless be concerned to ensure that the threshold of what constitutes good character taking all things into account is maintained at an appropriate level and as such is fair to all applicants having regard to their particular circumstances.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

296 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons granted citizenship status, by county of residency, since 2007. [35004/10]

I am informed by the Citizenship Division of my Department that statistics are not compiled in such a manner as to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Commercial Rent Reviews

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

297 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of the report of the working group on transparency in commercial rent reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35028/10]

I have undertaken to progress the recommendations of the Working Group on transparency in commercial rent reviews contained in the report which was published in August. The Working Group recommended the establishment of a public database containing relevant details of letting arrangements and rent reviews in the commercial property market. An appropriate amendment is being developed within the Department for inclusion in the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009 which would see the Property Services Regulatory Authority being given responsibility for the management of the database. The precise operational details pertaining to the database have yet to be finalised.

Also amongst the recommendations is the adoption, by landlords and tenants alike, of the rent review arbitration code which is appended to the report and which is intended to achieve a uniform and transparent procedure for the resolution of disputes in the sector. The Group which I established had representatives from all of the key stakeholders in the commercial property market. They have all signed up to the Report and I am confident that there is a willingness to implement its recommendations.

The Group has also made a number of ancillary recommendations which are largely intended to point parties in the direction of good practice. For example, it is recommended that rent reviews take place as close to the review date as is possible to avoid any unnecessary lag between the market conditions prevailing at that date and those at the time the review actually takes place.

Official Engagements

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

298 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will give details of his recent meeting with the Stormont Minister for Justice and the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice; if he will outline the action he intends to take as a result of this meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35029/10]

I met with Northern Ireland Minister of Justice David Ford MLA and Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice KennyMacAskill MSP on 27 September 2010 at Stephenstown Pond in Co. Louth. The genesis of this meeting lies in discussions in bilateral meetings I had previously held with both Ministers. I met with Mr. MacAskill in April 2010, to build on contact at official level and with a view to discussing areas of common interest and exploring the exchange of policy ideas and best practice. I have met regularly with Mr. Ford since his appointment, both under the aegis of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation on Criminal Justice Matters and informally, to discuss matters of cooperation and common interest in the justice and policing spheres. Most recently, we opened and addressed the Cross Border Organised Crime Seminar currently being held in Belfast.

Given the similar issues faced by our three jurisdictions and the cultural similarities and historical ties between Scotland and Ireland as a whole, I was convinced we could benefit from meeting together, particularly in the context of ensuring closer cooperation in meeting the challenges posed by organised crime in particular. At the meeting we discussed, inter alia, human trafficking, organised crime, forensic science, DNA legislation and police training.

In relation to human trafficking I outlined the measures being taken in this jurisdiction, including the enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 and the provisions contained in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill. We discussed the possibility of including human trafficking as a discrete area of co-operation under the Intergovernmental Agreement, and committed to building on current links with the Scottish Government in this area. Minister Ford and I discussed plans to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between our Forensic Science Laboratory and Forensic Science Northern Ireland to provide for mutual support in the event of sudden loss or damage to facilities. In the context of the introduction of our own DNA Bill, Cabinet Secretary MacAskill outlined the Scottish regime with regard to the retention of DNA samples, which was recently praised by the European Court of Human Rights.

On police training, we already have excellent cooperation with the PSNI, including under the provisions of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Police Cooperation. Since my meeting with Mr MacAskill earlier this year, invitations have been extended to senior Scottish police officers to participate on the Executive Leadership training course at Templemore, and I expect at least one Scottish participant on the course in the coming months.

Regarding initiatives to reduce offending, I briefed the meeting on the White Paper on Crime process which is currently being undertaken. Cabinet Secretary MacAskill and Minister Ford shared details of recent developments in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There was also a discussion relating to the threat posed by paramilitary groups. Overall, it was very useful to meet with Mr. Ford and Mr. MacAskill together and it is a relationship that I intend to pursue for the benefit of all the people of Ireland and Scotland.

Commemorative Events

Frank Feighan

Question:

299 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives being planned by the Government to mark the UN International Year of Co-operatives 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34475/10]

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2012 the International Year of Cooperatives. The aim is to highlight the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development and to draw attention to their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social inclusion. It is hoped that this UN initiative will help enhance public awareness of cooperatives and their contribution to socio-economic development, and encourage the formation and growth of cooperatives internationally. Governments are being encouraged to establish effective legal, regulatory and policy frameworks to support the development of the cooperative movement. The Government supports this UN initiative. We welcome the fact that the Resolution on the subject was adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly last December.

The UN Resolution was proposed following the publication in July 2009 of a report by the UN Secretary General on the socio-economic impact of the cooperative movement. The report underscored the importance of cooperatives to socio-economic development and noted the role that agricultural and financial cooperatives play in contributing to a more resilient and inclusive financial system, and to long-term solutions for food security. It also noted that the designation of an International Year of Cooperatives could provide an opportunity to highlight the role of cooperatives in wider global development issues.

The International Year will be launched officially in New York in November 2011, and a wide range of activities and events is planned across the world. I understand that regional cooperative assemblies are to be held in 2012, and expect that Irish cooperatives will engage fully with the European assembly.

The cooperative sector in Ireland plays an important role nationally, and has developed important international links. It covers a number of sectors, including agriculture, finance, enterprise and social development. Responsibility for the sector at Government level is shared across a number of Government Departments. The Government welcomes the opportunity provided by the designation of the International Year to focus on the contribution of the cooperative sector to economic growth and social development, and to the reduction of poverty and hunger in the developing world.

Northern Ireland Issues

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

300 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to the Hutchinson report into the Claudy bombing, if he will confirm if the Irish Government or the authorities here ever received any direct or indirect representations or proposals from the then British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or the Cardinal Primate of All Ireland to transfer a person (details supplied) into the jurisdiction of the State; if so, the terms of the proposal; the response given by the Irish Government to any proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34618/10]

No record of the authorities of the State having received any such representations or proposals has been located in my Department.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

301 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to the Hutchinson report into the Claudy bombing, to confirm if the authorities here have received any notification from the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or the Cardinal Primate of All Ireland that a person (details supplied) was transferred to Donegal; if so to indicate when and how this was done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34619/10]

No record of the authorities of the State having received any such notification has been located in my Department.

Human Rights Issues

Finian McGrath

Question:

302 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise a matter at U.N. and E.U. levels. [34664/10]

I drew attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran in my address to the UN General Assembly on 27 September. In my remarks, I called upon Iran to respect and fulfil the international obligations it has undertaken in the field of human rights. I referred to some profoundly disturbing recent instances of human rights abuses, including the appalling sentencing of Ms SakinehMohammadi Ashtiani to death by stoning for adultery. The case of Ms. Ashtiani had been raised previously with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland by officials in my Department, who conveyed in the strongest terms that Ireland is completely opposed to the use of stoning, a practice which has no place in the twenty-first century.

I have also made clear our concerns about the treatment of human rights in Iran in contacts with members of the Iranian Government, most recently at a meeting which I had with Foreign Minister Mottaki in Dublin on 9 June. I have written to Foreign Minister Mottaki on a number of occasions to express my concerns about, and to raise specific aspects of, the human rights situation in Iran.

Ireland has also been active in raising issues relating to human rights in Iran within the specific UN bodies which deal with human rights. Along with our EU partners, we have traditionally supported the annual Resolution on the human rights situation in Iran which is adopted by the General Assembly. In our national intervention at the current UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva on 17 September, we raised concerns relating to the death penalty in Iran. Stoning is a particularly cruel method of execution which amounts to torture. Such sentences are in clear violation of Iran's international obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights. I urge the Iranian authorities to introduce a moratorium on executions pending the abolition of the death penalty in accordance with UN General Assembly resolutions 62/149 and 63/168.

The EU has also been pressing at the highest levels for Iran to abolish the practice of stoning and to meet its international human rights obligations. High Representative Ashton has issued a number of statements which criticised the treatment of human rights in Iran and which included a call upon the Iranian Government to revoke the death sentence in the case of Mrs. Ashtiani. A detailed démarche was delivered on behalf of the EU in Tehran on 29 August in relation to the Ashtiani case and other human rights issues. In response, the Iranian authorities have indicated that the stoning sentence would not be applied and that Ms Ashtiani would not be executed for adultery. However, no clear commitment has so far been given that there are no circumstances in which the death sentence will be applied to Ms. Ashtiani. I call on Iran to provide such a commitment. Ireland will continue to raise our concerns on the human rights situation in Iran, both bilaterally and at multilateral organisations.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

303 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34935/10]

The Department of Foreign Affairs has no EU Directives awaiting transposition. While my Department has an overall coordinating role in EU matters, responsibility for transposing EU measures into law rests with those Departments with responsibility for the policy areas covered by individual EU measures. My colleague, Mr. Dick Roche T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs, chairs an Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on European Affairs, which keeps the transposition of EU measures under constant review.

Social Welfare Benefits

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

304 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of Irish citizens who have been refused supplementary welfare allowance over the past 12 months for failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition. [34483/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

305 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to Irish citizens who have been refused supplementary welfare allowance over the past 12 months for failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition, the number of these that were offered a ticket back to the country they previously resided in; and the number of such offers that were taken up and the number refused. [34484/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

315 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of Irish citizens refused supplementary welfare allowance based on failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition who appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office over the past three years; the number of these appeals that were successful and the number rejected. [34487/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304, 305 and 315 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). It is not possible to supply statistics on the number of claimants who were refused SWA on habitual residence grounds over the last twelve months as these statistics are not maintained by the various HSE areas. Details from the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on the number of appeals on SWA scheme relating to habitual residence conditions are given in the table attached. SWAO do not maintain statistics on the nationality of appellants in any appeal cases.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance Appeals decided on the Habitual Residence Condition Section

Allowed

PartiallyAllowed

Disallowed

Total

2007

5

1

22

28

2008

9

0

29

38

2009

33

7

118

158

2010 (to 30/9/2010)

41

8

159

208

Responsibility for assisting persons who wish to return to their home country is a matter for the Department of Justice and Law Reform.

Departmental Bodies

Sean Sherlock

Question:

306 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if additional human resources are to be allocated to the money advice and budgeting service to cope with unprecedented demands on the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34544/10]

Responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) transferred to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) in July 2009. There are 51 MABS companies providing money advice to clients operating from 65 locations around the country, as well as the National Traveller MABS which operates on a national basis. In addition, MABS National Development Limited (NDL) is funded by the CIB to provide a national support and development service to local MABS companies. Its functions include technical support for staff and the provision of focused training programmes designed to equip money advice staff and local management boards to meet the demands on the services.

In view of the continuing demand for MABS support, last year an additional 19 money advisers were appointed to MABS companies throughout the country. They have been fully trained in the application of money advice work and the relevant codes and legislation relating to mortgage debt. The Citizens Information Board continues to keep supports provided to money advisors and the provision of resources, including human resources, to MABS companies under ongoing review. I am satisfied that the Money Advice and Budgeting Service are providing a high quality service to assist people locally and that the CIB is adequately resourced to support these services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

307 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is satisfied that employees of the money advice and budgeting service have received sufficient training to negotiate with banks and other financial institutions on behalf of those who are experiencing mortgage difficulties and in personal debt arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34545/10]

The MABS money advisers focus on providing assistance, advice and intense support to people with financial difficulties. The money adviser works out a budget and negotiates on behalf of the client with all creditors, including financial institutions and sub-prime lenders, to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of their debts. Where required by the client, the money adviser can assist with setting up a special account with a local Credit Union into which an agreed amount of money is lodged regularly and from which each month the money adviser makes the repayments to the creditors on behalf of the client.

The provision of advice and support by MABS in relation to all consumer debt types, including mortgage arrears, require a deep knowledge and understanding of money management, consumer debt and financial services as well as knowledge and understanding of social protection supports and services. Focused training programmes designed to equip money advice staff and local management boards to meet the demands on the services are provided by a dedicated training unit in MABS NDL, the national support company. The core training programme for money advisers includes consumer legislation, technical aspects of income maximization and dealing with different types of debts. In addition training on mediation skills and ability to communicate effectively with creditors is also provided.

The Citizens Information Board, who has responsibility for MABS, continues to monitor the training needs of MABS employees to ensure a high quality service is provided. I am satisfied that MABS provides a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances. I am confident that the money advisors are trained and equipped to deliver this important service to the members of the public who require it.

Social Welfare Benefits

Joe Costello

Question:

308 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will explain the decision to refuse rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if he will reinstate the supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34558/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has been refused rent supplement as he is not legally resident in the State. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the HSE he can appeal the decision to the HSE Appeals Office.

James Bannon

Question:

309 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in awarding a person (details supplied) their back to school allowance. [34588/10]

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has advised that it has no record of an application from the person concerned. If she wishes to apply, she should contact her local community welfare office.

James Bannon

Question:

310 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34797/10]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 21 July 2010. His claim was assessed by a medical assessor and his file was then sent to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) to carry out a means investigation. The means assessment was completed and the file was returned for decision. The deciding officer required clarification with regard to the person's means and the file was returned to the SWI for further investigation. I understand the SWI made arrangements to meet the person in question on Monday, 4 October 2010 to clarify the outstanding issues. A decision on the person's entitlement to disability allowance will be given on receipt of the SWI's report and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Civil Registration Service

John McGuinness

Question:

311 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in issuing a death certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) and if he will expedite the matter. [34865/10]

The administration of the Civil Registration Service is statutorily a matter for the Registrar General. I have had enquiries made with the Registrar General and he has informed me that the position is as follows.

When a person dies, it is the duty of a relative of the deceased to act as qualified informant. This means that the relative must give to a registrar of births, deaths and marriages the information necessary to register the death, including a medical certificate of the cause of death, which is obtainable from the medical practitioner who attended the deceased, and sign the register of deaths. In certain circumstances, a death is referred to the coroner. There is a legal responsibility on doctors, registrars, undertakers, Gardaí, hospitals and nursing homes to inform the coroner where a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, or from a cause unknown, unclear or unnatural, or where the deceased was not seen or treated by a registered medical practitioner within one month prior to death.

In such cases, the coroner may request a post-mortem examination. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to natural causes, the coroner may issue a certificate to the registrar, who can then proceed to register the death and issue a death certificate. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to unnatural causes, the coroner may cause an inquest to be held. In such cases, the registrar must await the outcome of the inquest and the issue by the coroner of a coroner's certificate before the death can be registered. The Civil Registration Service has not yet received either a medical certificate or a coroner's certificate in this case.

Social Welfare Benefits

James Bannon

Question:

312 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34440/10]

The person concerned submitted an application for Jobseeker's Allowance on 10 May 2010. The file was forwarded to a Social Welfare Inspector for a means test. The Inspector requested certain documents be lodged in support of the application. To date this information has not been supplied. In order that this application may proceed the necessary documentation should be submitted as soon as possible to Longford Social Welfare Local Office.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Ring

Question:

313 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of an illness benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [34455/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, payment of benefit was disallowed following an examination by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that the person was capable of work. She has appealed this decision and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that connection an examination by another Medical assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Question:

314 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [34459/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. 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.

Question No. 315 answered with Question No. 304.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jack Wall

Question:

316 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedures that apply in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is in receipt of rent allowance who wishes to change their address; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34533/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person's rent supplement is currently being handled by the Central Rents Unit. They would require the following information to assess her Rent Supplement at a new address:

1. A new SWA3 form to ascertain the rent arrangement on her new property.

2. Proof of ownership from the new landlord. For example; solicitor's letter, statement re mortgage on property, receipt from Non Principal Private Residence (NPPR), evidence of registration with Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), evidence of buildings insurance policy held by landlord or the deeds of the property will all be accepted.

3. A new lease.

4. 6 months bank statements.

The HSE has further advised that the person concerned should contact the HSE at 1800 201 698 to inform them when she is planning to move.

Jack Wall

Question:

317 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons participating on a vocational training opportunities scheme are entitled to rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34537/10]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. People participating on a vocational training opportunities scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and may retain any secondary benefits, such as rent supplement, which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their scheme. Entitlement is subject to a means test. People availing of the vocational training opportunities scheme should contact their local community welfare officer to clarify their continuing entitlement to rent supplement in their new circumstances.

Social Welfare Appeals

Olwyn Enright

Question:

318 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a mortgage interest supplement appeal made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34571/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused mortgage interest supplement in November 2009 as in the opinion of the Executive the amount of mortgage interest payable exceeded the amount the Executive considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs and in the opinion of the Executive it was not reasonable to award a supplement due to the amount of arrears outstanding on the loan. The HSE further advised that the person concerned appealed the decision of the HSE to the HSE Appeals Office but the decision was upheld. The HSE further advised that the person concerned appealed the decision of the HSE Appeals Office to the Social Welfare Appeals Office but that the decision to refuse mortgage interest supplement was upheld.

Social Welfare Benefits

Róisín Shortall

Question:

319 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the rate of exit from jobseeker’s payments, for example, the number who left a jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker's benefit payment as a percentage of the totals on these payments at a fixed monthly point, perhaps the start or end of each month, in each of the past 12 months. [34572/10]

The numbers of people whose jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit claim closed, together with the percentage of total claims that represented, is set out in the attached tabular statement covering closures during the period from October 2009 to September 2010.

Closures as a percentage of Jobseekers Payments October 2009 – September 2010

Jobseekers Allowance

Jobseekers Benefit

Month/Year

Claim Count

Closed

Closures as %

Claim Count

Closed

Closures as %

October 2009

175,889

19,035

10.82%

143,015

31,930

22.33%

November 2009

187,059

16,839

9.00%

142,426

29,299

20.57%

December 2009

194,507

11,121

5.72%

138,662

20,136

14.52%

January 2010

201,933

14,003

6.93%

142,332

29,898

21.01%

February 2010

208,748

16,180

7.75%

140,624

27,800

19.77%

March 2010

212,363

16,436

7.74%

134,137

28,480

21.23%

April 2010

219,405

16,252

7.41%

128,014

29,554

23.09%

May 2010

228,315

16,248

7.12%

125,132

25,254

20.18%

June 2010

239,038

16,175

6.77%

125,432

23,459

18.70%

July 2010

246,274

16,712

6.79%

126,901

22,932

18.07%

August 2010

252,555

15,699

6.22%

123,454

25,292

20.49%

September 2010

240,488

23,594

9.81%

108,798

31,509

28.96%

Note: The claim count relates to all awarded customers at the end of each calendar month and excludes those customers who were temporarily suspended from receipt of payment.

Question No. 320 withdrawn.

Michael Ring

Question:

321 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if the rate of jobseeker’s benefit can be increased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [34647/10]

To qualify for a jobseeker's payment, a person must have sustained a substantial loss in both earnings and days worked each week. The person concerned applied for jobseeker's benefit on 1 September, 2010. A Deciding Officer, having examined her work pattern, determined that she had not sustained a loss of employment. Consequently, she is not currently entitled to jobseeker's benefit. It is open to the person concerned to appeal the Deciding Officer's decision and a form for this purpose has been issued to her.

James Bannon

Question:

322 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding 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. [34791/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was received in that office on 13 September 2010, via the person's Local Office, along with the relevant Departmental papers and documents by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of the appeal. These papers will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

James Bannon

Question:

323 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34792/10]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 30 June 2010. The person's claim was assessed by a medical assessor from this department who was of the opinion that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and refused her disability allowance claim. The person was advised of this decision by letter on 1 October 2010 and of her right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.

James Bannon

Question:

324 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for an increase in OAP to a contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34799/10]

The qualifying conditions for State pension (transition) require the applicant to

have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 55 years

have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance

satisfy the yearly average condition.

The person concerned applied for State pension (transition) in June 2009. His claim was disallowed on 6th July 2009, on the grounds that he does not satisfy the contribution condition as he only has a total of 233 paid contributions. In the notification of this decision, the person concerned was advised of his right of appeal to the independent Appeals Office. The person concerned is currently in receipt of a means-tested State pension (non-contributory) at the maximum weekly rate.

Social Welfare Code

Róisín Shortall

Question:

325 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of interviews or consultations a person must attend during the course of his or her jobseeker’s claim; when such interviews take place; and the nature and purpose of each of these interviews. [34810/10]

The number of interviews or consultations that a jobseeker will attend over the course of his or her claim will vary from person to person. Customers claiming Jobseeker's Allowance may have to be interviewed by an inspector at the beginning of their claim and at any subsequent review of their means. Once a customer is three months on the Live Register, he or she will be selected for interview by FÁS under the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) and may also be interviewed or elect to consult with the Job Facilitator at any stage during their claim. The Department refers a number of people that have been through the NEAP process to facilitators on a monthly basis.

The jobseeker schemes' conditions include that the customer must be available for work and genuinely seeking work. As part of the normal control process, a future review date is entered on the payment system for all jobseeker customers. Additional review dates are entered as necessary throughout the life of the claim. At each date, the claim is reviewed and, where necessary, the customer is interviewed to ensure that he or she continues to satisfy the conditions of the scheme.

Departmental Offices

Sean Fleming

Question:

326 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the new Department control office for Portlaoise which will be the base for deciding officers; the time frame of how soon the premises will be ready and staff in a position to take up positions in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34854/10]

The Commissioners of Public Works have identified a number of potentially suitable options for the Department's Control Office in Portlaoise. Negotiations are progressing with a view to securing the most favourable terms and conditions on one of the most suitable options at the earliest opportunity.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Question:

327 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois in view of the length of time this case is ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34856/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. 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.

John McGuinness

Question:

328 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a claim for disability allowance will be approved and payment expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [34862/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 16 August 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 29 September 2010 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. 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.

John McGuinness

Question:

329 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if domiciliary care allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if the matter will be expedited. [34863/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 24 May 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 27 July 2010 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. 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.

Question No. 330 withdrawn.

James Bannon

Question:

331 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34887/10]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 17 February 2009. He was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted that opinion and refused his claim and a letter issued to the person on 18 June 2009 advising him of this decision and of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person then sent in further medical evidence which was reviewed by a medical assessor who considered that there were no grounds to change the original opinion that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance.

The person subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Based on the evidence before him the appeals officer was of the opinion that the person had not suffered an illness, injury or disease which has continued, or may be expected to continue, for a period of at least one year and the appeal was disallowed. He was notified of this decision by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21 April 2010.

The person subsequently sent further medical evidence to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and his file was re-examined by an appeals officer. The Social Welfare Appeals Office wrote to him on 31 August 2010 stating that the appeals officer's original decision remained unchanged. An appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.

The person made a new application for disability allowance on 11 June 2010. His claim was assessed by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted that opinion and refused the claim and a letter issued to the person on 6 September 2010 advising him of this decision and of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.

James Bannon

Question:

332 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been disallowed a carer’s allowance in respect of full-time care provided, despite verification from the attending general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34894/10]

On 31 March 2010 the person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the person being cared for does not require full time care and attention. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. She appealed this decision. However, the appeals officer upheld the decision of the deciding officer and the appeal was disallowed. On the 13/09/10 she was notified of the appeals officer's decision. The decision of an appeals officer is final in the absence of fresh facts or evidence.

James Bannon

Question:

333 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford had been refused a carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34895/10]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, disallowed the carer's allowance appeal of the person concerned. However, following the submission of additional medical evidence the appeal has been forwarded to the Appeals Officer for a review of the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of the appeal has been finalised. 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

James Bannon

Question:

334 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for mortgage relief in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34912/10]

The Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused mortgage interest supplement in April 2009 as in the opinion of the Executive the amount of mortgage interest payable exceeded the amount the Executive considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs and the person concerned was not in a position to meet the repayments under the loan agreement at the time the mortgage agreement commenced. The Executive further advised that the person concerned appealed the decision of the Executive but that the decision was upheld in May 2009. The Executive has further advised that the person concerned has made a new application for mortgage interest supplement but that no decision has been made on his application to date. The Executive will contact the person concerned directly when a decision has been made on his application.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

335 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34938/10]

My Department is at present involved in the transposition of one EU Directive. This Directive is 2003/41/EC and it refers to the activities and supervision of Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision (IORP) and is generally referred to as the IORPs Directive. The Directive sets out a framework for the operation and supervision of occupational pension schemes in all Member States and will facilitate pan-European pension plans. Much of the framework required by the Directive already existed in the Pensions Act 1990.

The approach taken to transposition was to examine the existing provisions of Irish Pensions law and to make changes only where required. Accordingly, the only element of the Directive still to be implemented relates to Article 17, a provision governing the minimum level of assets that must be held by pension schemes which, in themselves, provide a guaranteed level of benefits to their members (i.e. the scheme, rather than the sponsoring employer, undertakes to provide a given level of benefits to the member). Although there are no such schemes in Ireland my Department is in the process of drafting the necessary legislation to transpose this article.

Social Welfare Benefits

Andrew Doyle

Question:

336 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of farmers currently in receipt of farm assist; the number of applications received during 2009 and to date in 2010 for farm assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34973/10]

At week-ending 24 September 2010, there were 10,427 customers in receipt of farm assist. There were 2,829* new farm assist claims registered in 2009 and 2,022* to date in 2010.

*It is not possible to state, with complete accuracy, the number of farm assist applications received as the Department's payment system includes farm assist as a sub-category of a jobseeker's allowance claim. This sub-category may not always be entered on the system on the day that the claim is made, but would be subsequently updated by the deciding officer at the time of decision.

Social Welfare Appeals

Willie O'Dea

Question:

337 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34994/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 25 June 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 10 September 2010 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order. 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.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

338 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [34995/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 10 July 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.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

339 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal against refusal of carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34997/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 03 July 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.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

340 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal against refusal of carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34998/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 15 September 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.

Departmental Expenditure

Richard Bruton

Question:

341 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount paid by his Department in legal fees for each of the years from 2000 to date in 2010; the amount paid in legal fees by each of the agencies and bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35001/10]

The Department incurs expenditure on legal and compensation costs/fees from Vote 38 Department of Social Protection and the Social Insurance Fund. The elements of these payments relating solely to legal fees are not recorded separately. The following table sets out expenditure on legal and compensation costs/fees for the period from 2000 to date in 2010.

Legal and compensation costs / fees

Year

Vote 38 Department of Social Protection

Social Insurance Fund

2000

64,959

25,482

2001

85,368

173,642

2002

113,817

158,533

2003

161,447

22,855

2004

458,611

49,142

2005

122,339

153,512

2006

91,692

149,763

2007

300,814

97,670

2008

204,964

20,797

2009

281,483

96,028

2010-to date

251,816

Nil

Costs relating to prosecutions arising from fraudulent claims made to the Department are borne by the Chief States Solicitors Office.

Details for the bodies under the aegis of my Department are set out in the following table.

Legal and compensation costs / fees

Name of Statutory Body

Total Annual Expenditure on Legal Fees

Office of the Pensions Ombudsman

2000:

Nil

2001:

2002:

2003:

2004:

4,235

2005:

22,436

2006:

7,877

2007:

71,661

2008:

-2,572.27*

2009:

18,427

2010:

23,502 (to date)

The Pensions Board

2000:

71,093

2001:

85,207

2002:

115,223

2003:

151,938

2004:

210,494

2005:

264,400

2006:

281,676

2007:

357,913

2008:

404,794

2009:

256,897

2010

140,000 (to date)

Comhairle(Comhairle combined the functions of the former National Social Services Board with certain functions of the former National Rehabilitation Board)

2000: 2001: 2002: 2003: 2004:

Nil (established in June 2000) 18,468 9,991 30,410 21,256

Citizens Information Board (The Comhairle name was changed to Citizens Information Board in February 2007 under the Citizens Information Act 2007)

2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: 2010:

30,606 15,926 75,043 20,365 15,060 21,047 (to date)

Combat Poverty Agency

2000:

5,768

2001:

11,167

2002:

7,875

2003:

3,074

2004:

15,684

2005:

20,980

2006:

10,080

2007:

3,214

2008:

20,053

2009:

11,748**

2010:

Social Welfare Tribunal

2000:

Nil

2001:

2002:

2003:

2004:

2005:

2006:

2007:

2008:

2009:

2010 (to date):

*High Court cases in 2007: — In one appeal that went to hearing in 2007, the Pensions Ombudsman's determination was upheld in part. The second part was not tested, as the appeal fell on the first issue, and costs of the appeal (€26,969.79) were awarded to the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman. The refund to the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman which was made in February 2008 exceeded the combined legal costs in 2008 resulting in a saving of €2,572.27.

**The Combat Poverty Agency integrated with the Office for Social Inclusion to form a new division within the Department of Social and Family Affairs, on 1 July 2009 in accordance with a Government Decision announced as part of Budget 2009. The functions in relation to social inclusion were transferred to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs with effect from 1 May 2010.

Social Welfare Code

Michael McGrath

Question:

342 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide details of the planned new work and welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35003/10]

Activation and support for those who are unemployed is a key priority for Government. Earlier this year, the Taoiseach announced a number of changes to improve the delivery of employment, training and community services to the public by bringing together related responsibilities in these areas. These changes included the restructuring of Departmental responsibilities with the objective of providing a stream-lined response to the income support and job search needs of people who are unemployed.

In this context, my Department is devising proposals for the development of new initiatives based on the Rural Social Scheme and the Community Services Programme which will offer social employment opportunities. Considerable work is required on these proposals before they come on stream and take their place within the suite of activation measures aimed at supporting unemployed people. I have not set targets as to how many employment opportunities might be created as much depends on the level of resources that will be available to the Department and the capacity of not-for-profit community based organisations to avail of these emerging opportunities. Details of the roll-out of this initiative will be made available as soon as possible.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

343 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection in a situation where a person makes an application under several social welfare schemes the different schemes may use different deciding officers to determine if the one application satisfies the habitual residence condition. [35035/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

344 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in deciding if someone is habitually resident in the State, different matters are considered depending on the scheme in respect of which an applicant is applying. [35036/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos 343 and 344 together.

Since May 2004, all applicants regardless of nationality are required to be habitually resident in the State in order to qualify for the following payments:

Jobseeker's Allowance

State Pension (Non contributory)

Blind Pension

Widow(er)'s Non Contributory Pension

One Parent Family Payment

Guardian's Payment

Carer's Allowance

Disability Allowance

Supplementary Welfare Allowance (other than once off exceptional and urgent needs payments)

Child Benefit and

Domiciliary Care Allowance

The Habitual Residence Condition is an additional condition to be satisfied along with the other conditions of entitlement in all applications for the payments concerned.

To ensure consistency of decision making, deciding officers take regard of any previous habitual residence decision that has been given on a different scheme, for the same applicant. In these instances, where it is established that the circumstances are unchanged, the original habitual residence decision holds good in order to expedite the decision making process of the claim in its entirety. Where it is proposed to make a decision on habitual residence that is different to a previous one in respect of the same person, both deciding officers consult so as to ensure a consistent interpretation of the applicant's habitual residency status.

If a customer applies for a number of schemes simultaneously and the registration details of any new claims are available on the Department's systems, normal consultations take place between the relevant scheme areas before a habitual residence decision is made in order to eliminate a duplication of effort.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has set down a number of factors to be considered when deciding whether someone is "habitually resident". The Court has determined that five factors are relevant in determining whether a person is habitually resident, and these grounds are specified in Section 30 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 as follows:

(a) The length and continuity of residence in the State or in any other particular country;

(b) The length and purpose of any absence from the State;

(c) The nature and pattern of the person's employment;

(d) The person's main centre of interest, and

(e) The future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.

The five factors are applicable in every case requiring a decision on habitual residence irrespective of the payment scheme concerned.

Social Welfare Benefits

Róisín Shortall

Question:

345 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of rent supplement with a breakdown by duration at intervals of three months. [35040/10]

The following is a tabular statement on current recipients of rent supplement by duration.

Number of Recipients of Rent Supplement by Claim Duration 1, 1 October 2010

Months

Recipients

0 to 3

12,223

3 to 6

14,089

6 to 9

13,045

9 to 12

8,942

12 to 24

27,979

24 to 36

8,772

36 to 48

3,608

48 to 60

2,384

60 to 72

1,615

72 plus

3,443

Total

96,100

Claims with duration of precisely 3 months are recorded under the 3-6 months heading, claims with duration of precisely 6 months are recorded under the 6-9 months heading and so on.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

346 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of mortgage interest supplement with a breakdown by duration at intervals of three months. [35041/10]

The following is a tabular statement on current recipients of mortgage interest supplement by duration.

Number of Recipients of Mortgage Interest Supplement by Claim Duration, 1 October 2010

Months

Recipients

0 to 3

1,383

3 to 6

2,301

6 to 9

2,401

9 to 12

1,728

12 to 24

6,617

24 to 36

2,028

36 to 48

530

48 to 60

265

60 to 72

109

72 plus

267

Total

17,629

Claims with duration of precisely 3 months are recorded under the 3-6 months heading, claims with duration of precisely 6 months are recorded under the 6-9 months heading and so on.

Jack Wall

Question:

347 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the mortgage allowance of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35148/10]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the mortgage interest supplement of the person concerned has been reduced as the interest payable on her mortgage has reduced. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the HSE he can appeal the decision to the HSE Appeals Office.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

348 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when disability allowance and social welfare payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35163/10]

The person concerned does not have a current application for disability allowance or any other social welfare payment lodged with the department. The person concerned originally applied for disability allowance on 26 February 2008. His claim was assessed by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted that medical opinion and further decided that the person in question was not habitually resident in the State. As he failed to satisfy the medical and habitual residence conditions, his claim was refused. A letter issued to him on 7 August 2008 advising him of this decision and of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The person applied again for disability allowance on 27 November 2008. While the medical assessor gave the opinion that the medical condition was satisfied on the basis of the medical evidence supplied with that application, it was decided that he was not entitled to disability allowance as he did not satisfy the habitual residence condition. A letter issued to him on 29 January 2009 advising him of this decision and of his right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The person subsequently appealed this decision. The Appeals Officer decided that the person was not habitually resident in the State and the appeal was disallowed on 12 August 2009. An Appeal's Officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

349 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who applied for carer’s allowance in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35164/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared with 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order. 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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

350 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when disability allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35165/10]

An application for disability allowance was received from the person concerned on 15 September 2010. The application has been assessed by a medical assessor and has recently been sent to a social welfare inspector to report on the person's means and other eligibility criteria. Once the report from the social welfare inspector is completed and received a decision will be made and the person will be informed of the outcome.

National Museum

Mary Upton

Question:

351 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will provide funding for a minimum expenditure model of works to open the two closed floors of the Natural History Museum as an interim measure until such time as funding is available to complete the redevelopment of the museum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34814/10]

Mary Upton

Question:

355 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport her views on a minimum expenditure model of works to open the two closed floors of the Natural History Museum as an interim measure until such time as funding is available to complete the redevelopment of the museum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34813/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 355 together.

The original development proposals in respect of the Natural History Museum arose primarily from the need to provide for universal accessibility to the facility, including to the upper floors and balconies. Unfortunately, given the change in the Exchequer circumstances, it has not been possible to proceed in full with these proposals. As the Natural History Museum is listed as a protected structure with Dublin City Council, redevelopment works to the premises are subject to regulation by that authority. The original development proposals included a plan to build a new structure beside the Museum which would include a lift and provide universal access to all levels.

In order to facilitate the reopening of the Natural History Museum within as short a time frame as possible, and having regard to the limited capital resources now available, it was agreed by the National Museum, the OPW and my Department to proceed with a programme of refurbishment works that included the following new features:

Ramp access to front door to facilitate wheelchair users and families with buggies;

Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities;

Improved visitor safety (smoke partitions, restored staircase, installation of a safety net under the glass ceiling);

An education space at ground floor level for activities and hands-on access to animals for visitors;

New seating at several locations within the building;

A reading and children's area at first floor level;

Improved lighting at ground floor level;

Exclusion of ultraviolet light to prevent exhibits fading in sunlight;

Installation of new stairs at rear of building; and

Repainting and treatment of walls, floors and display cases throughout.

The completion of these works allowed for the reopening of the Natural History Museum to the public on Thursday 29th April 2010.

My Department, the National Museum and the OPW remain conscious of the need to provide full public access to the upper balcony levels of the Natural History Museum and continue to explore means of providing this at a reasonable cost. There is a management system in place to facilitate controlled supervised access to the balconies.

Sports Capital Programme

Deirdre Clune

Question:

352 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she is in receipt of an application for national lottery funding for a club (details supplied); if she is in a position to provide such funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34509/10]

The club in question made unsuccessful applications under the Department's Sports Capital Programme in 1999 and 2000 and there is no record of any subsequent application. No decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the Programme.

Grant Payments

Sean Sherlock

Question:

353 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of projects in Cork county that have received assistance from the Department since January 2010; details of these projects and the type of assistance received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34514/10]

I am pleased to report that some 79 project payments were made by my Department since 1 January 2010, the details of which are as set out in tabular form below.

Details of Project

Type of Assistance Received

Capital Cultural Development Programme

Tigh Filí, St. Lukes, Cork City

Grant of €50,000

Cultural Body Operational Grant

Cork Butter Museum

Grant of €30,000

Culture Night

Regional Culture Night in Cork

Grant of €10,000

Current and Capital Funding Support

Crawford Art Gallery Cork

Grant of €956,510

Sports Capital Programme

Aghada GAA Club

Grant of €57,998

Coachford Soccer Club

Grant of €17,500

Donoughmore Hurling & Football Club

Grant of €12,250

St James GAA Club

Grant of €5,000

Old Christians GAA

Grant of €9,366

Irish Wheelchair Association

Grant of €30,379

Sport Ionad Régiúnach Chorcaí Teoranta (Sam Allen Sports Centre)

Grant of €100,000

Glanworth GAA Community Field

Grant of €27,013

Kanturk GAA

Grant of €50,000

North Mon Taekwondo

Grant of €3,500

Beara Sports Hall

Grant of €10,488

St. Joseph’s Foundation

Grant of €60,000

Castlelyons GAA Club

Grant of €21,481

Bandon GAA Club

Grant of €26,621

Milford Lawn Tennis Club

Grant of €1,500

Everton Football Club

Grant of €66,096

Ballydesmond GAA

Grant of €60,000

Youghal GAA Club

Grant of €4,250

Carrigtwohill Community Council

Grant of €142,500

St Oliver Plunkett’s GAA Club

Grant of €25,133

Donoughmore Hurling & Football Club

Grant of €6,750

Cork Institute of Technology

Grant of €450,000

Kiskeam GAA Club

Grant of €40,000

Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services Ltd

Grant of €22,801

Whitechurch & Waterloo Community

Grant of €9,500

Carrigaline United AFC

Grant of €190,000

Cork Institute of Technology

Grant of €205,200

Beara Sports Hall

Grant of €2,000

Everton Football Club

Grant of €66,096

Aghada GAA Club

Grant of €26,060

Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services Ltd

Grant of €16,942

Mallow GAA Club

Grant of €25,000

Skibbereen Sports Centre

Grant of €7,700

Mallow United Soccer Club

Grant of €23,200

Cork Colleges Camogie Council

Grant of €65,586

Los Zarcos

Grant of €2,360

Blarney GAA

Grant of €80,000

Cork Colleges Camogie Council

Grant of €11,123

Dromina GAA

Grant of €25,000

Newcestown GAA Club

Grant of €6,609

Castlelyons GAA Club

Grant of €21,481

Castletown Celtic FC

Grant of €37,410

Kanturk AFC

Grant of €3,247

Castlelyons GAA Club

Grant of €2,038

Everton Football Club

Grant of €1,931

Irish Amateur Rowing Union

Grant of €11,497

St Oliver Plunkett’s GAA Club

Grant of €31,780

Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services Ltd

Grant of €7,757

Clonakilty GAA Club

Grant of €8,500

Inniscarra Community Centre Ltd

Grant of €2,500

Cork Institute of Technology

Grant of €9,800

Cork Institute of Technology

Grant of €60,498

Old Christians RFC

Grant of €20,919

Bandon RFC

Grant of €30,000

Mallow United Soccer Club

Grant of €7,200

Irish Amateur Rowing Union

Grant of €6,880

Ballinacarriga & Lisbeala Dev Co Ltd

Grant of €12,000

Shandon Boat Club

Grant of €31,529

Cork Colleges Camogie Council

Grant of €8,291

Fermoy GAA Club

Grant of €4,955

Páirc Réigiunach na gColáistí

Grant of €10,000

Mallow GAA Club

Grant of €100,000

O’Donovan Rossa GAA

Grant of €80,000

Castletown Celtic FC

Grant of €12,590

Ballymartle GAA Club Riverstick

Grant of €45,000

Glanworth GAA Community Field

Grant of €32,987

Shandon Boat Club

Grant of €1,125

Na Piarsaigh Hurling & FC

Grant of €112,084

Castlelyons GAA Club

Grant of €5,500

Glenlara GAA Club

Grant of €2,912

Ballynoe Community Council

Grant of €5,000

Na Piarsaigh Hurling & FC

Grant of €30,416

Na Piarsaigh Hurling & FC

Grant of €68,539

Doneraile GAA

Grant of €63,976

Carrigtwohill Community Council

Grant of €7,500

Michael McGrath

Question:

354 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the position regarding the payment of a grant amount to a club (details supplied) in County Cork under the sports capital grant programme. [34646/10]

The grantee in question was allocated a number of grants under the Sports Capital Programme between 1996 and 2004. The grant allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include the execution of a Deed of Covenant and Charge. A Deed provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department's legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO), deals with the grantee's solicitor in executing this Deed. The CSSO wrote to the club's solicitors in relation to this matter most recently on 30 August 2010. The latest update from the CSSO is that no response has been received to that letter.

Question No. 355 answered with Question No. 351.

Commemorative Events

Mary Upton

Question:

356 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the money she contributes towards the running of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34818/10]

Under Section 8(1) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003, it is a day to day matter for Fáilte Ireland to encourage, promote and support either inside or outside the State (a) the development of Tourism traffic within and to the state and (b) the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State. I have no role in the provision of funding to the St. Patrick's Festival. I understand that while the amount of funding provided for this event may vary from year to year the allocations made by Fáilte Ireland in recent years is as follows:2008 — €1.3m; 2009 — €1.2m; and 2010 — €1.1m

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

357 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in her Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34941/10]

The Department's ambit does not include matters that are usually the subject of EU Directives. Accordingly, the Department has no such Directives currently awaiting transposition into law.

National Spatial Strategy

Sean Sherlock

Question:

358 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider a change in policy on access to funding for hub-designated towns under the national spatial strategy so there is no impediment to towns such as Mallow in County Cork applying to local development agencies for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34562/10]

The National Spatial Strategy (2002) designated nine towns, including Mallow, as Hubs because of their capacity to develop and act as drivers for growth for their hinterlands. The need for co-ordinated investment in Hub towns was identified in the NSS and reinforced in the NSS Update and Outlook Report which I have now published.

In June 2007, my Department published the NSS Hubs — Development Issues and Challenges Report. The study identified the development issues and challenges for each Hub, and made recommendations to support and advance their future growth and development. My Department is aware that eligibility criteria for certain rural development funding programmes, such as LEADER, may be defined in such a way as to exclude designated Hub towns on the basis that these programmes are geared towards supporting development in rural areas. My Department will continue to make the case with the Departments and agencies which manage those programmes that Hub status designation should not be a barrier to access to funding from the programmes. The reports referred to are available on my Department's website — www.environ.ie.

Local Authority Housing

Terence Flanagan

Question:

359 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of homes repossessed by local authorities in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34461/10]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

360 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of homes repossessed by local authorities in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34464/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.

A total of 103 repossessions have taken place across all local authority areas during the period 2005 to end-June 2010. This includes 40 voluntary repossessions or abandonments. The following table provides a breakdown of repossessions by each local authority for the period 2005-2009 and for January to June 2010.

Repossessions during the period 2005 – 2009

Council Name

Repossessions

Voluntary Repossessions

Carlow County Council

1

Cavan County Council

2

Clare County Council

2

Cork County Council

3

Donegal County Council

0

Fingal County Council

0

South Dublin County Council

2

1

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council

0

Galway County Council

1

1

Kerry County Council

0

Kildare County Council

0

Kilkenny County Council

4

Laois County Council

9

Leitrim County Council

0

Limerick County Council

0

2

Longford County Council

2

2

Louth County Council

1

Mayo County Council

0

Meath County Council

2

Monaghan County Council

4

Offaly County Council

3

Roscommon County Council

0

Sligo County Council

0

North Tipperary County Council

0

1

South Tipperary County Council

3

Waterford County Council

0

Westmeath County Council

0

Wexford County Council

2

Wicklow County Council

0

Dublin City Council

7

Cork City Council

3

Galway City Council

0

Limerick City Council

0

Waterford City Council

6

Clonmel Borough Council

0

Sligo Borough Council

2

Drogheda Borough Council

0

Wexford Borough Council

0

Bray Town Council

0

Athlone Town Council

0

Total

59

7

Repossessions January – June 2010

Council Name

Repossessions

Voluntary Repossessions/ Abandonments

Carlow County Council

Cavan County Council

Clare County Council

1

Cork County Council

11

Donegal County Council

Fingal County Council

South Dublin County Council

1

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council

Galway County Council

Kerry County Council

2

Kildare County Council

3

Kilkenny County Council

1

Laois County Council

1

Leitrim County Council

Limerick County Council

Longford County Council

Louth County Council

Mayo County Council

Meath County Council

Monaghan County Council

2

Offaly County Council

Roscommon County Council

Sligo County Council

North Tipperary County Council

South Tipperary County Council

Waterford County Council

Westmeath County Council

1

Wexford County Council

Wicklow County Council

1

Dublin City Council

2

8

Cork City Council

Galway City Council

Limerick City Council

Waterford City Council

Clonmel Borough Council

Sligo Borough Council

Drogheda Borough Council

Wexford Borough Council

2

Bray Town Council

Athlone Town Council

1

Total

4

33

Major Emergency Management

Sean Sherlock

Question:

361 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the emergency response procedures in place to deal with severe weather conditions this winter should such conditions arise; if sufficient supplies of grit will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34516/10]

The role of my Department during a severe weather event is to ensure that the local authorities are prepared to respond promptly to ameliorate the worst effects in relation to those aspects of an emergency for which they have direct responsibility, and that they act in co-operation with the other Principal Response Agencies — An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive — using the Major Emergency Management Framework as appropriate, and the voluntary agencies and the Defence Forces to limit the effects on individuals whose lives may be put at risk or who may be exposed to serious hardship. When effective emergency plans are in place, the management of the emergency response then falls to the local authorities and the other Response Agencies.

The issue of road gritting is a matter for the local authorities and the National Roads Authority, which is under the aegis of the Department of Transport.

Local Authority Housing

Sean Sherlock

Question:

362 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be released for a new local authority development (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34541/10]

My Department has fully supported this project over the past number of years, and gave approval to Fermoy Town Council in April 2009 to sign contracts to commence construction. However, in April 2010 the Town Council notified my Department that it would not be proceeding with the contract as the preferred tenderer had gone out of business. At the request of the Town Council, my Department then gave approval to re-tender the project to take advantage of the current value available in the construction market. I understand that this tender process is almost completed and that the tenders received are currently being examined by the Town Council with a view to submitting a recommendation to my Department.

Waste Management

Sean Sherlock

Question:

363 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the privatisation of the waste collection service operated by Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34542/10]

A public consultation on a Draft Statement of Waste Policy based on the recommendations and analysis of the International Review of Waste Management Policy closed on Friday, 1 October 2010. Among the key objectives of the proposed policy are to ensure that the environment is protected and enhanced and the costs of improved waste services are driven down for consumers and businesses, while at the same time improving the quality of those services.

I understand that the decision by Cork County Council to privatise the service, following a competitive tendering process, was reached as result of a number of factors. These included falling customer numbers, rising costs associated with the pre-treatment of waste, and the introduction of a VAT charge of 13.5% on waste management services provided by local authorities. Cork County Council thus decided the direct provision of its waste collection was financially unsustainable.

I welcome, as part of the agreement, that Cork County Council has secured a continuation of the waiver scheme for a further twelve months and that the private operator will be implementing an immediate reduction of 10% in waste charges to all non-waiver customers. I also welcome the fact that Cork County Council will now deploy the relevant staff and resources previously employed in the waste collection service in other key service areas throughout the County. One such example is the decision to open civic amenity sites later this month at Kanturk and Mallow employing some of the proceeds of the sale of the waste collection service to fund the day to day running costs of these facilities.

Planning Issues

James Bannon

Question:

364 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of empty housing units, both habitable and derelict or dilapidated in County Longford, including Longford town; the reason the situation with these units has been allowed to develop; the action he proposes to take to resolve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34585/10]

James Bannon

Question:

365 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of empty housing units, both habitable and derelict or dilapidated in County Westmeath, including the towns of Mullingar and Athlone; the reason the situation with these units has been allowed to develop; the action he proposes to take to resolve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34586/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 364 and 365 together.

As part of its comprehensive response to the issue of unfinished or unoccupied estates, my Department has undertaken, with the co-operation of local authorities and other key stakeholders, a national inventory on a county by county basis to quantify, classify and map the various types of unfinished or unoccupied estates so as to facilitate a better understanding of the scale and extent of the problem. The survey, which was conducted over the months May to September, involved site visits by Departmental housing inspectors to every estate built or granted permission in the last few years.

Together with my colleague, Minister of State Finneran, I will shortly be publishing the results of this survey, along with proposed measures to address difficulties on specific sites in a co-ordinated and pro-active manner. The responses will require a range of interventions across a number of disciplines — there are issues of public safety, the provision of bonds and securities, environmental protection, building control and estate management. When published, the survey results will provide details of the scale and location of vacant or unfinished housing units in newly-constructed estates on a city and county basis.

Turbary Rights

James Bannon

Question:

366 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements that have been made by the Government to compensate those affected by the cessation of turf cutting in 32 raised bogs, as ordered by the Government and announced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in order to address their fuel needs for the forthcoming winter. [34587/10]

Following the end of the 10 year derogation for 32 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) the Government has decided that no further turf-cutting can occur on these sites without Ministerial consent. In May 2010, I announced the introduction of an Interim Compensation Scheme for turbary rights holders who have been cutting turf for their domestic needs for the past five years on these bogs. A gratuity of €1,000 is available to enable them to meet their winter fuel needs. Up to 275 applications were received by my Department by the deadline for application. To date, over 100 applicants have received payment under this scheme. Assessment of the remaining applications is continuing and will be completed shortly.

Proposed Legislation

Tom Hayes

Question:

367 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when proposed amendments to planning regulations will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34634/10]

The Planning and Development Regulations 2010 were signed by Minister Gormley on 30 July 2010 and came into effect from 19 August 2010. The Regulations were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 24 August 2010. The 2010 Regulations updated the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 on foot of the sections 28 and 29 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 which was enacted on 26 July 2010. Sections 28 and 29 of the 2010 Act amend sections 42 and 42A of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2009 which relate to the power to extend the appropriate period of a planning permission.

Further Regulations are being prepared on foot of the enactment of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2010. It is my intention to have the required Regulations laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing

Michael Creed

Question:

368 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the situation regarding the ability of local authorities to sell apartments to tenants; if any consideration is given in this matter to the length of tenure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34638/10]

Preparatory work is underway to bring Part 4 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which provides for tenant purchase of apartments in designated local authority complexes, into operation. I expect to make the necessary statutory instruments early in 2011 to enable the apartments sales scheme to be introduced as quickly as possible thereafter. The new apartments scheme will be based on the incremental purchase model introduced in June 2010 for designated newly-built social housing. The level of discounts under the new scheme will, therefore, be related to household income rather than length of tenure.

Fire Stations

James Bannon

Question:

369 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application made by Longford County Council to his Department to appoint two consultants for the proposed new fire station in County Longford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34798/10]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting fire authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and through setting general policy.

The Department approved in principle an application from Longford County Council to construct a fire station in Lanesboro in July 2008. The Council is also seeking to progress an extension to the fire station in Longford Town. The Department has requested the Council to rank these projects in order of priority and is awaiting a response in this regard.

A new fire station to be funded under the Department's fire service capital programme is currently under construction at Edgeworthstown in County Longford. Further investment in the fire service in Co Longford will be considered under future capital programmes having regard to the existing facilities, the level of activity, the proximity of other fire stations, the fire authority's priorities and the totality of demands of other fire authorities on the limited funds available under the fire services capital programme.

Grant Payments

Phil Hogan

Question:

370 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial assistance that is awarded annually to BirdWatch Ireland; if it is compensated for work it does in respect of landscape designations or reports used in respect of these designations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34847/10]

My Department has provided funding to BirdWatch Ireland to employ a Species Policy Officer since November 2008, as part of a three year project to advise Government Departments, agencies and other stakeholders on measures that need to be considered to address many bird conservation issues highlighted by a December 2007 European Court of Justice judgment . In 2009, approximately €56,800 was provided for this purpose.

Funding has also been provided to BirdWatch to support their core activity through the core and capacity building fund provided annually by my Department to the Irish Environmental Network (IEN). The IEN is an umbrella representative group for a number of environmental Non-governmental Organisations (eNGOs). In 2009 an amount of €11,586 was provided in respect of this funding to Birdwatch Ireland.

My Department also grant-aids certain conservation projects. These range from coordinating the Irish input to an atlas of breeding birds in Ireland and Great Britain, to conservation projects for rare or threatened species, such as projects on the corncrake, barn owl, and two tern species. BirdWatch Ireland organised the work programmes for these projects and brought considerable levels of volunteer assistance to improve the outputs. Work on public awareness was also supported. The total grant aid in 2009 was approximately €279,000.

My Department outsources a certain amount of essential scientific work, including the gathering of data, which is used by my Department to assist in informing the approach to designating conservation areas. BirdWatch Ireland has tendered successfully for a range of contracts. The Irish Wetland Birds Survey, which is operated through such a contract, carried out a large number of counts of birds in wetlands throughout Ireland during the winter months. Much of the counting is done by BirdWatch volunteers. The large volume of data is collected, authenticated, analysed and reported on by scientific staff of BirdWatch Ireland. A contract fee of some €107,000 was paid for this work in 2009.

In 2009, my Department outsourced work, to assist the preparation of conservation objectives for sites designated as Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive, through a tender process. BirdWatch Ireland won the contract and were paid approximately €124,000 for the work in 2009.

Waste Disposal

Sean Fleming

Question:

371 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households here that are availing of a wheelie bin service and the number of houses who are not availing of this service; his views on whether the cost of this service is prohibitive for many persons and resulting in a large number of households not availing of a wheelie bin service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34851/10]

Local authorities have statutory responsibility, under section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996, to collect, or arrange for the collection of, household waste within their functional areas. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges is a matter for the relevant local authority. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. Consequently, the information sought is not held in my Department.

Planning Issues

James Bannon

Question:

372 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation pending regarding unfinished estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34889/10]

Section 59 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, which amends section 180 of the Principal Act, includes a number of provisions related to unfinished estates. The reference to "owners or occupiers" is replaced with a reference to "owners". The effect of this is to provide that the planning authority must respond to a request for the taking-in-charge of an estate received from a majority of the owners of the units in the estate. This amendment implements a recommendation of the Law Reform Commission in relation to Multi-Unit Developments that it should be the owners of the property who have the right to determine whether an estate is taken in charge or not.

In addition, in relation to estates which have not been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority, section 180 currently provides that, where enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the period of 7 years from the expiration of the planning permission, the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the owners or occupiers, initiate the procedures for taking-in-charge of the estate. The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 introduces a new provision to provide that a planning authority may take in charge an unfinished estate, at the request of the owners of the housing units, at any time after the expiration of the planning permission, in situations where enforcement actions have commenced or where the planning authority consider that enforcement action will not result in the satisfactory completion of the estate by the developer. Planning authorities have also been empowered to take in charge part of an estate, or some but not all of the facilities in an estate.

It is intended that section 59 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 will be commenced shortly.

Property Management Companies

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

373 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the situation regarding residents living in estates managed by management companies; if it is possible for such estates to pass a resolution requesting a local authority to take them in charge after a ten-year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34899/10]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1498 of 29 September, 2010, which sets out the position on this matter.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

374 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34933/10]

There are currently two Directives in my Department's area of responsibility, which are outstanding for transposition. These are the Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive which were due to be transposed on the 11 of June 2010 and 15 July 2010, respectively. The delay in transposition is due to the complexity of the issues involved and the need for wide and comprehensive consultation with interested parties. The European Commission initiated infringement proceedings on 17 September 2010 in relation to the late transposition of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. A further nine Directives are due for transposition between December 2010 and the end of 2012. Details of the Directives referred to are set out in the following table. My Department is working to ensure the comprehensive transposition of these Directives.

Directive Number / Subject

Deadline for Transposition

Expected Transposition Date

2008/50/EC On ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe

11/06/2010

At the earliest possible date

2008/56/EC Establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive)

15/07/2010

At the earliest possible date

2008/98/EC On waste and repealing certain Directives

12/12/2010

By the Transposition Date

2008/99/EC On the protection of the environment through criminal law

26/12/2010

By the Transposition Date

2009/30/EC Amending Directive 98/70/EC as regards the specifi-cation of petrol, diesel and gas-oil and introducing a mechanism to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and amending Council Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the specification of fuel used by inland waterway vessels and repealing Directive 93/12/EEC

31/12/2010

By the Transposition Date

2008/114/EC On the identification and designation of European critical infrastructure and the assessment of the need to improve their protection.

12/01/2011

By the Transposition Date

2009/71/EURATOM Establishing a Community Framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations.Only 2 articles require transposition as Ireland has no existing or planned nuclear installations.

22/07/2011

By the Transposition Date

2009/90/EC Laying down, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, technical specifications for chemical analysis and monitoring of water status

21/08/2011

By the Transposition Date

2009/126/EC On Stage II Petrol Vapour Recovery during refuelling of motor vehicles at service stations.

01/01/2012

By the Transposition Date

2002/91/EC Recast Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings by way of recasting Directive 2002/91/EC

09/07/2012

By the Transposition Date

2009/29/EC Amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to improve and extend the greenhouse emission allowance trading scheme of the Community

31/12/2012

By the Transposition Date

Motor Taxation

Terence Flanagan

Question:

375 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deal with the following matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34943/10]

There are no plans to abolish the current system of motor taxation in favour of one that places additional taxation on motor fuel. Any change in policy concerning motor taxation would have significant implications for the revenue base of local authorities, as the proceeds from motor tax are paid directly into the Local Government Fund to support the funding of local authorities. The Fund is used predominantly to meet general purpose requirements of local authorities and to support the maintenance and development of the non-national road network.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Arthur Morgan

Question:

376 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1515 of 29 September 2010, if an application has been received from Donegal County Council for pipe replacement at Magheroarty, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35002/10]

My Department funds works to deal with water quality issues identified by the Environmental Protection Agency on its Remedial Action List (RAL) under the Small Schemes measure of the Rural Water Programme. Donegal County Council has applied for funding under this measure to carry out pipe rehabilitation/replacement work at Magheroarty. This type of work is not normally eligible for RAL works funding and should be carried out under the Council's water conservation programme. In this regard, the reply to Question No. 1515 of 29 September 2010 clarifies the position.

Foreshore Licences

David Stanton

Question:

377 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No 479 of 6 July, if a decision has been reached yet on the eight foreshore applications (details supplied); if not, when he expects a decision to be reached on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35017/10]

My Department will shortly complete its assessment of the impacts of the activities which are the subject of the applications in Cork Harbour. The applicant's formal response to the rental values proposed to him in October 2009 is also required by my Department before the applications can be progressed to a determination.

Telecommunications Services

Leo Varadkar

Question:

378 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding implementing the monitoring of the quality of broadband initiative, encompassing independent in-country monitoring of broadband speed, quality and access; whether he or ComReg intends to issue a tender for the job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34536/10]

The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issuessurrounding the quality of broadband services provided to customers, is the responsibility of the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Surveys undertaken for ComReg during 2010 indicate high levels of satisfaction with residential and broadband speeds. Additionally, less than 2.4% of consumer complaints to ComReg in the year to July 2010 related to broadband speeds. In March 2008, the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland, guided by ComReg and the National Consumer Agency, issued an Advice Note to Broadband Providers which has had a positive impact in aligning speeds advertised with speeds experienced.

More recently, my Department, in collaboration with ComReg, has been considering how best to generate additional statistical analysis of broadband speeds experienced by end users over the competing platforms in Ireland. In the course of developing the various measurement and related requirements to be inserted in a proposed invitation to tender document, a number of issues have arisen and these issues are currently under consideration. I have asked for an update on the matter as soon as possible, with a view to proceeding with the study.

Energy Conservation

Sean Fleming

Question:

379 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the warmer homes scheme; the number of persons who have been contacted in connection with this scheme who are in receipt of fuel allowance; the number availing of this offer; the number who are expected to have works carried out under the warmer homes scheme; the estimated cost of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34860/10]

The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department, provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of community based organisations (CBOs) and a panel of private contractors. The SEAI and the CBOs identify and address vulnerable homes, in partnership with local networks of community support and poverty organisations, which include public health nurses, MABS and St. Vincent De Paul. Since the inception of the WHS in 2000, almost 62,000 low income homes have been upgraded with energy efficiency measures.

The SEAI has worked closely with the Department of Social Protection to identify vulnerable homes, and have conducted a mail shot directed at the 46,000 homes in receipt of Fuel Allowance. The mail shot was dispatched in July 2010, and comprised information on the scheme and the application process. Some 12,500 applications have been received to date, and it is estimated that approximately 15,000 eligible homes will be identified through this process.

The funding allocation to the programme has been significantly increased over the course of 2009 and 2010. This has enabled the programme to scale up both in terms of geographic coverage and depth of works undertaken in individual homes, and the scheme is now available on a nationwide basis. The 2010 Allocation for the WHS for is €29.81 million, and it is expected that 22,500 homes will be improved under the scheme this year.

Electricity Transmission Network

Seymour Crawford

Question:

380 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will meet the County Monaghan anti-pylon group to discuss issues regarding the planning process and the lack of funding for those who wish to have their issues dealt with through the planning process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34869/10]

The planning and construction of electricity transmission infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid as Ireland's statutory State owned transmission system operator and I have no role nor intervene in the day-to-day planning and operational decisions by EirGrid in relation to transmission infrastructure.

The planning process for strategic energy infrastructure is the function of An Bord Pleanála as the independent statutory authority in respect of strategic infrastructure developments. It would not be appropriate for to intervene in matters arising in relation to projects subject to the planning process. Issues relating to the consent process for the North South Interconnector project are proper to An Bord Pleanála. In the circumstances, a meeting with the group in question would not be appropriate.

I am fully aware of the concerns expressed in relation to the Meath Tyrone 400kV electricity interconnector development project which is currently subject to the planning process North and South. During the preplanning consultation phase of this development, I met with representatives of the community who had concerns in relation to aspects of the development. In recognition of the concerns I arranged at that time for my Department to commission an independent report into the comparative merits of overhead lines versus underground cables. I subsequently arranged for the consultants who completed the report to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

I met with representatives of Rush Community Council in respect of the East West Interconnector which has already received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála. I have requested my Department to commission an independent and international Expert Opinion on the issue of electromagnetic fields and HVDC electricity cables in the context of concerns expressed by Rush Community Council. This work has now been commissioned and will be published and conveyed to all relevant stakeholders, when it is completed. The objective in commissioning this opinion, and the previous analysis in relation to underground cables and overhead lines, is to provide further independent information input that assists in addressing local concerns.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

381 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34928/10]

There are eight EU Directives awaiting transposition by my Department. None of these Directives is overdue for transposition. Details of the Directives are shown in the following table:

Title of Directive

Due date for transposition

Directive 2008/6/EC, amending Directive 97/67/EC, on the full accomplishment of the internal market of Community postal services.

31 December 2010

Directive 2009/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC

3 March 2011

Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC

3 March 2011

Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the indication by labelling and standard product informationof the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products

June 2011

Directive 2009/136/EC amending Directive 2002/22/EC on universal service and users’ rights to electronic communications networks and services and Directive 2002/58/EC on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector

31 May 2011

Directive 2009/140/EC amending Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services; Directive 2002/19/EC on access to and interconnection of electronic communications networks and associated facilities and Directive 2002/20/EC on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services.

31 May 2011

Directive 2009/28/EC — Renewable Energy Directive — on the promotion of energy from renewable sources

6 December 2010

Directive 2009/119/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14th September 2009 amending Directive 2006/67/EC

31 December 2012

Telecommunications Services

Billy Timmins

Question:

382 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding broadband for an area (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34954/10]

The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers. ComReg's website www.callcosts.ie provides detailed information on the various private sector telecommunications products and services available on a county by county basis including County Wicklow. The Government does however, intervene in the market in instances of clear market failure, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Details of all the areas to be covered by the NBS, including the current status of the NBS roll out, are available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Prior to the commencement of the NBS a detailed mapping exercise was carried out to help determine those areas that would be included in the scheme and those which, by virtue of being already substantially served by existing broadband suppliers, could not be included. That mapping exercise found that a number of existing broadband suppliers were already active in the area referred to in the Deputy's Question and consequently the locality was excluded from the Scheme in accordance with EU State Aid and competition rules. It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).

The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally launch a Rural Broadband Scheme before the end of this year. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual non served rural premises outside of the National Broadband Scheme areas, including such premises in County Wicklow.

Willie Penrose

Question:

383 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to communicate with Eircom in regard to its proposal to introduce a minimum payment of €20 from its customers and request that it reverse this decision immediately; if he will intervene with a company (details supplied) and request a reversal of its decision to unilaterally transfer without consultation all its customers to electronic billing, which is a clear breach of the contractual arrangement prevailing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35084/10]

The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding bill collection and billing by operators, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with its functions under the Communications Regulation Act 2002.

Eircom has indicated to ComReg that it is in ongoing discussions with An Post on issues arising from the over-the-counter payment service available at post offices which resulted in Eircom introducing a minimum €20 payment for transactions using this service. Eircom has pointed out to ComReg that it continues to offer its customers facilities to pay bills by agreed instalments at levels below the minimum €20 payment imposed on over-the-counter service. The alternative payment options include An Post's Household Budget scheme, retail outlets nationwide which operate the Payzone, Paypoint or Postpoint schemes and payments by electronic means. Eircom has advised ComReg that it will notify these alternatives to its customers.

In the case of O2, the company which has commenced an on-line billing trial, this is also a matter for ComReg. I understand that ComReg advised O2 that it has serious reservations about the proposal to arbitrarily switch consumers to this new on-line billing service and discussions are ongoing. ComReg advises O2 customers that they are entitled to receive a paper bill as standard and that they may do so by simply contacting O2 on 1909 to request this service.

Grant Payments

John O'Mahony

Question:

384 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under the cow suckler scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34449/10]

The person named applied for 12 animals under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment issued to the applicant in respect of one animal on 23 August 2010 and payment for the remaining 11 animals has been processed and will issue shortly.

John O'Mahony

Question:

385 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive their correct payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34450/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. The required digitising of the balance of the land declared has now been completed, as a result of which the further appropriate advance payment due to the applicant will issue shortly. The 25% balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 20 October 2010.

Michael Ring

Question:

386 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REPS 4 payment. [34467/10]

The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 and other area-based schemes provide that payments issue in two instalments. The first instalment of 75% may be paid once all administrative checks on all applications, as well as cross-checks against areas declared on Single Payment Scheme applications, have been completed. This process is underway and while my objective is to make all payments as soon as possible, the checks are likely to take several more weeks to complete. The balancing payment of 25% issues once all on-the-spot inspections for the year have taken place. The programme of inspections is well advanced at this stage.

Legislative Programme

Seán Barrett

Question:

387 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the animal health and welfare Bill will come before the Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34506/10]

Preparation of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare is ongoing in my Department. The new bill will consolidate and update a wide range of existing legislation to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. Its consolidation into a single statute will provide considerably more convenience to all those who deal with or have an interest in animal health and welfare matters. I propose to submit the proposed heads of this bill to the Government at an early date.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Joe McHugh

Question:

388 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite the area aid maps process and deliver overdue area aid payments to farmers as quickly as possible; his views on whether these delays are causing cash-flow difficulties that are preventing farmers from investing in dry stock at this time; if he will acknowledge that this is the appropriate time of year for Irish dry-stock farmers to invest in store cattle and store lambs and that credit is necessary for this; if he will acknowledge that farmers’ cash flow problems are compounded by the banks’ credit recalcitrance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34521/10]

My entire focus is to make the maximum permissible payments to farmers under each of the relevant Direct Payment Schemes, at the earliest possible dates, having due regard to the governing regulations. In this regard, I am confident that almost €1.5 billion will be paid to Irish farmers before 31 December 2010. In relation to the 2010 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I have exercised the option of making a 75% advance payment; these payments began issuing on 22 September and I have scheduled the balancing payments for 20 October. I have taken this option because of the EU requirement to entirely process applications before payment can be made in full. This approach will ensure the maximum number of farmers will get an advance payment, whereas a far fewer number of farmers could be paid in full if an alternative option were taken. The rate of payment under DAS is unchanged from last year and I am confident that all applicants will receive their full entitlement when their maps and applications are fully processed.

With regard to the Single Payment Scheme, I sought EU agreement to make an advance payment and, I am pleased to say that, based on the strong case that I presented, this request was viewed favourably by the EU Commission and was subsequently unanimously approved by the relevant Management Committee. Furthermore, I have decided that payments under the new Grassland Sheep Scheme, worth some €18m to sheep farmers, will commence on the 8th of December. The schedule of payments is as follows:

22 September: 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme;

18 October: 50% advance of the Single Payment;

20 October: 25% balancing DAS payment;

1 December: 50% balancing Single Payment;

8 December: Grassland Sheep Payment.

With regard to the campaign earlier this year to encourage farmers to identify and map ineligible areas of their holdings, I wish again to record my thanks to all farmers who responded so positively. It was anticipated that the vast majority of scheme applicants had been making sufficient allowance for these ineligible areas on their claims; however, as these areas were not recorded on my Department's LPIS mapping database, action was required as the risk of substantial EU disallowances is very real. However, the significant increase in the number of maps requiring re-digitisation has inevitably resulted in more complex processing of applications.

I am also conscious that despite this being a good year for farming from a production and price perspective, the farming community has endured two difficult years in terms of farm income. The approach that I am taking on direct payments this year will result in the maximum release of funds to farmers at the earliest possible opportunity and will underpin their incomes in 2010. This high level of funding should remind the farming community of the importance of CAP money and the need to protect this source of funding in the forthcoming EU negotiations.

Joe McHugh

Question:

389 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of Donegal 2010 area aid payments that are 100% paid; the number that are unpaid; the number that are 75% paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34567/10]

In relation to the 2010 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I have exercised the option of making an advance payment of 75% of DAS beginning on 22 September, with the balancing 25% payment commencing 20 October. I have taken this option because of the EU requirement to entirely process applications before payment can be made in full. However, this approach is ensuring the maximum number of farmers will get an advance payment, whereas a far fewer number of farmers could be paid in full if an alternative option were taken. The rate of payment under DAS is unchanged from last year and I am confident that all applicants will receive their full entitlement when their maps and applications are fully processed. A total of 8,497 Donegal applicants applied under the 2010 Scheme; to date, 5,848 applicants have received their advance payment. Payments continue to issue on an ongoing basis as individual cases are cleared.

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

390 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason full payment has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; when maps for the lands will be digitised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34600/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. As the person named listed four plots on his application, the advance payment issued in respect of the balance of the land declared. Immediately the digitising process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the advance payment due in respect of the land in question will issue to the person named shortly thereafter. The 25% balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 20 October 2010.

Departmental Expenditure

Ulick Burke

Question:

391 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of years that a contractor (details supplied) has been engaged by his Department for the purposes of providing mapping services; the amount of money paid to this contractor for each year of the contract; the facilities and terms of accommodation and equipment provided to this contractor by the Department; if the contractor has been engaged by his Department in each year on foot of the standard competitive tendering process and if the Department is satisfied that there is no conflict of interest between the contractor and any member of staff within the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34608/10]

The entire Direct Payments made by my Department are dependent on the operation by my Department of an up to date Land Parcel Identification System. That system must, as required by EU legislation, in particular the Integrated Administrative and Control System (IACS), be kept fully updated each year reflecting the annual return of maps by farmers applying under the various Direct Payment schemes. In relation to those Direct Payment Schemes, €1.3 billion is paid annually to Irish farmers under the Single Payment Scheme and a further €700 million when account was taken of the other area related Schemes (REPS, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Afforestation Aid Scheme).

The digitising work must be carried out to meet my Department's deadlines and to the high standard required both by my Department and the European Union's IACS. Under IACS, the payments made together with the operation of the Land Parcel Identification System in Ireland are subject to frequent and rigorous audits by the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors. The quality of the digitising work carried out for my Department by the named company has never been called into question during any of those audits. In addition the company named has played a vital role in assisting my Department meet very ambitious payment deadline since the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme including advance payment to the vast majority of farmers in the five years when such advance payment was approved by the EU Commission. The company named has been engaged in the provision of digitising services for the past sixteen years. During that time the amount paid per year was as follows:

Year

1995

£2,841,054

1996

£3,147,949

1997

£1,198,879

1998

£1,359,579

1999

£1,039,933

2000

£1,130,267

2001

€1,052,782

2002

€1,220,072

2003

€1,465,658

2004

€1,569,596

2005

€1,253,353

2006

€1,193,544

2007

€1,643,396

2008

€2,051,473

2009

€2,087,569

2010

€1,440,645

My Department provides such accommodation and other equipment required by the company named to facilitate its staff carrying out their digitising duties to the standard required. In practice, the staff of the digitising company are required to work with the staff of the Single Payment Unit. Consequently the staff of the Digitising company are accommodated in Government Offices, Portlaoise and in Agriculture House, Kildare Street, adjacent to the staff of the Single Payment with whom they continually interact. The maps submitted by applicants are vitally important documents and it is important that they are not mislaid. If the changes illustrated in the maps are accurate it will ensure that the farmer is fully paid. It will also mean that the Land Parcel Identification System database is accurate. Therefore, it is important that the maps are processed within my Department.

The digitising company has been chosen every three years under an open Invitation to Tender Procedure conducted in line with Public Procurement procedures. Tenders have been invited on a three yearly basis with provision for an annual review. I am satisfied that those tender procedures were adjudicated upon in full compliance with Public Procurement Procedures and I am satisfied that there is no conflict of interest between the contractor named and any member of staff within my Department.

Pension Provisions

John McGuinness

Question:

392 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Carlow is entitled to a pension. [34626/10]

Preserved pension benefits for staff with at least 5 years service who leave the civil service before minimum retirement age were introduced for established staff serving on or after 1 June 1973 and for un-established staff serving on or after 1 October 1975. As the person named left my Department in 1970, she is therefore not entitled to a pension. If she subsequently served in another Government Department or in a public body participating in the Public Sector Transfer of Service Network, the service may be transferred to the latter organisation for pension purposes.

Afforestation Programme

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

393 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34637/10]

To put the question, and my reply, in context, the correspondence provided by the Deputy relates to the proposed felling by Coillte of a coniferous forest at Townleyhall, Co. Louth. Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988. While the control of felling is a regulatory matter for my Department, once a felling licence has been granted, the felling operation is a day-to-day operational matter for the company and, as such, is the responsibility of the company.

As part of my Department's consideration of the application for the felling licence for the area in question, consultation was carried out with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Louth Co. Council and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. The application was also referred to my Department's Archaeologist and Forestry Environmental Inspector for consideration. I am satisfied, in relation to regulatory, environmental and silvicultural considerations, that it was in order to issue the felling licence. Indeed, because the site in question is prone to windthrow and wind snap risk, it was determined that the best management option was the removal of the coniferous forest.

While it is now an operational matter for Coillte, the concerns expressed in the correspondence were raised with Coillte. I understand that it is the company's intention to remove the conifer species and retain the hardwoods thus improving the amenity over time and that the works will not impact the existing designated walking trails. I am also advised that the company engaged in public consultation in relation to their proposals for the future management of this forest and that an Environmental Impact Assessment is carried out on harvesting sites and if any wildlife, etc., is noted, then mitigation action is taken. The company suggests that, if the correspondent is aware of the location of nests of any rare birds, he should pass this information onto the company directly. Coillte advise that the long term plan for this area is to extend the area of broadleaves and, as funds become available, to enhance the existing amenities.

Domestic Abattoirs

Michael Creed

Question:

394 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress to date in implementing the findings of the review steering group regarding staffing for the hygiene package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34641/10]

Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants operate under the approval of my Department in accordance with the terms of EU Regulations which are collectively known as the ‘Hygiene Package'. These plants are supervised by veterinary inspectors employed by the Department, assisted in their duties by technical staff and by temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) drawn from private practice on a rota basis. Recommendations arising from a Value for Money (VFM) review relating to the use of the services of TVIs in slaughter plants under the supervision of the Department, along with recommendations arising from other reviews relating to the optimum deployment of the national veterinary public health inspectorate, are being taken into account in revised arrangements for controlling meat plants.

In this context, while it is intended that the use of auxiliaries as recommended by the VFM review will be introduced in certain areas, initially on a pilot basis, a number of issues remain to be addressed. Supplementary training will be required to allow technical staff to carry out post-mortem meat inspection, except in relation to poultry meat (as the Department has already assigned some post mortem inspection duties to technical staff working in poultry processing establishments). In addition, such a reassignment will require consultation with the representatives of the technical staff concerned and the TVIs.

Grant Payments

Olwyn Enright

Question:

395 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a payment has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when this payment will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34644/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75 per cent issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage; the application of the person named was one of those who received the full advance payment. The 25% balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 20 October 2010.

Decentralisation Programme

Sean Fleming

Question:

396 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff that have decentralised to Portlaoise as part of the current decentralisation programme; the number of staff that were already in Portlaoise prior to this programme and the total number of departmental staff now in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34855/10]

The original Government decision on the decentralisation of my Department provided for the decentralisation of some 600 headquarter posts to Portlaoise. Since the decentralisation programme began some 300 posts in my Department have been decentralised bringing the total there to almost 500 posts.

Farm Incomes

Sean Fleming

Question:

397 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide an outline of farm incomes in 2010 compared with 2009; his views on prices for milk, grain, sheep and beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34859/10]

The latest farm income data available, produced by Teagasc in its National Farm Survey for 2009, estimated that average farm income for 2009 was €11,968. Full-time farms, as defined by Teagasc, had an average farm income of €24,214. Comparison with 2010 is not yet possible as this data will not be available until next year. When compared with prices for July 2009, the latest CSO Agricultural Price Indices for July 2010 showed increases of 38% for milk, 17.8% for sheep and 2.9% for cattle. There have been year-on-year decreases in inputs such as feedingstuffs (-8.1%) and fertilisers (-5.2%) documented in the same CSO publication. This should lead to improved income figures for 2010 when the data is published next year. Comparative cereal price data will become available later this month. It is expected that global supply shortages should lead to increased demand and increased prices when the statistics are published.

Veterinary Services

Seymour Crawford

Question:

398 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the situation regarding the factual numbers of district veterinary offices in the country (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34868/10]

Over the past year, my Department has been engaged in a comprehensive reconfiguration of the local office structure, as part of which sixteen enhanced regional offices are being developed. This process is designed to ensure that the Department continues to provide an efficient and effective service to the Department's clients. The Department's office in Ballybay is continuing to provide a full range of services to its local clients and additional work relating to the national Aujeszky's Disease and Eradication Programme and the Suckler Welfare Scheme has also been transferred to the Ballybay office and will continue to be carried out there. It is normal practice in all of the Department's offices, as has been the case in Ballybay, that the majority of farmers' files are maintained in electronic format and paper files regularly archived to save space. As the reconfiguration process continues, the Department will continue to engage with the staff concerned and ensure that they are kept informed of the progress of that process, including any further decisions on the assignment of work to such local offices.

Grant Payments

James Bannon

Question:

399 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a person who is availing of the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Longford or drawing down premia payments, when the person did not establish single payment entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34888/10]

The person named did not draw down any premia payments during the reference period (2000-2002) and therefore did not establish Single Payment Entitlements. A 2010 application to transfer entitlements from the person named was received by my Department; however this application was rejected as there were no entitlements in the account of the person named.

Tom Hayes

Question:

400 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in respect of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34902/10]

The person named is one of three applicants who have declared commonage land on their SPS applications: two applicants each declared a half share, while the third claimed a one-third share. All applicants have submitted varying degrees of proof in support of their claims to my Department in support of their declaration. However, given the inherent conflict, it has been necessary to refer the matter to the Department's Legal Services Division for consideration. Notwithstanding this, the onus rests with the claimants concerned to clarify the position regarding their respective rights to the commonage land concerned.

Joe Carey

Question:

401 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when his Department expects to be in a position to pay the disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34924/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 21 April 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75 per cent issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. The person named declared two land plots on his application, which required digitisation; immediately this process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the payment due will issue to the person named shortly thereafter. The 25% balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 20 October 2010.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

402 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34927/10]

The 20 directives to be transposed into national law for which my Department has responsibility are set out in the following schedule. None are overdue for transposition. I intend to have the directives implemented by the due date in each case.

Title of Directive

Date by which Directive is to be implemented

Commission Directive 2010/6/EU of 9 February 2010 amending Annex I to Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards mercury, free gossypol, nitrites and Mowrah, Bassia, Madhuca

1 November 2010

Commission Directive 2010/58/EU of 23 August 2010 amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC as regards an extension of the use of the active substance iprodione

24 December 2010

Directive 2008/99/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on the protection of the environment through criminal law

26 December 2010

Commission Directive 2009/106/EC of 14 August 2009 amending Council Directive 2001/112/EC relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption

31 December 2010

Commission Directive 2009/145/EC of 26 November 2009 providing for certain derogations, for acceptance of vegetable landraces and varieties which have been traditionally grown in particular localities and regions and are threatened by genetic erosion and of vegetable varieties with no intrinsic value for commercial crop production but developed for growing under particular conditions and for marketing of seed of those landraces and varieties

31 December 2010

Commission Directive 2010/39/EU of 22 June 2010 amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC as regards the specific provisions relating to the active substances clofentezine, diflubenzuron, lenacil, oxadiazon, picloram and pyriproxyfen

31 December 2010

Commission Directive 2010/46/EU of 2 July 2010 amending Directives 2003/90/EC and 2003/91/EC setting out implementing measures for the purposes of Article 7 of Council Directives 2002/53/EC and 2002/55/EC respectively, as regards the characteristics to be covered as a minimum by the examination and the minimum conditions for examining certain varieties of agricultural plant species and vegetable species

31 December 2010

Council Directive 2009/143/EC of 26 November 2009 amending Directive 2000/29/EC as regards the delegation of the tasks of laboratory testing.

1 January 2011

Commission Directive 2010/38/EU of 18 June 2010 amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include sulfuryl fluoride as active substance

28 February 2011

Commission Directive 2010/42/EU of 28 June 2010 amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include FEN 560 (fenugreek seed powder) as active substance

30 April 2011

Commission Directive 2010/50/EU of 10 August 2010 amending Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council to include dazomet as an active substance in Annex I thereto

31 July 2011

Commission Directive 2010/51/EU of 11 August 2010 amending Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council to include N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide as an active substance in Annex I thereto

31 July 2011

Commission Directive 2010/52/EU of 11 August 2010 amending, for the purposes of adaptation of their technical provisions, Council Directive 76/763/EEC relating to passenger seats for wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors and Directive 2009/144/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain components and characteristics of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors

1 March 2011

Commission Directive 2010/62/EU of 8 September 2010 amending, for the purpose of adapting their technical provisions, Council Directives 80/720/EEC and 86/297/EEC and Directives 2003/37/EC, 2009/60/EC and 2009/144/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the type-approval of agricultural or forestry

29 September 2011

Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides

26 November 2011

Commission Directive 2010/60/EU of 30 August 2010 providing for certain derogations for marketing of fodder plant seed mixtures intended for use in the preservation of the natural environment

30 November 2011

Commission Directive 2010/54/EU of 20 August 2010 amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC to renew the inclusion of azimsulfuron as active substance

31 January 2012

Commission Directive 2010/55/EU of 20 August 2010 amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC to renew the inclusion of azoxystrobin as active substance

31 January 2012

Commission Directive 2010/56/EU of 20 August 2010 amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC to renew the inclusion of prohexadione as active substance

31 January 2012

Commission Directive 2010/57/EU of 26 August 2010 amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC to renew the inclusion of imazalil as active substance

31 January 2012

Grant Payments

Tom Sheahan

Question:

403 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry may expect to receive the remainder of their payment. [34963/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. Immediately the digitising process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the advance payment due in respect of the land parcel in question will issue to the person named shortly thereafter. The 25% balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 20 October 2010.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

404 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry may expect the remainder of their payment. [34964/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75% issuing in respect of those parcels cleared for payment at that stage. As the person named listed one plot on his application, the advance payment issued in respect of the balance of the land declared. Immediately the digitising process is complete, provided no errors are identified, the advance payment due in respect of the land parcel in question will issue to the person named shortly thereafter. The 25% balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 20 October 2010.

Departmental Expenditure

Andrew Doyle

Question:

405 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form of the recommendations outlined by the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes which have been accepted and implemented by his Department; the savings that have accrued as a result of such changes to expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34971/10]

The following is the information requested

Recommendation

Annual saving identified

Progress to date (Annual) saving achieved

€m

1

Transfer export promotion function of An Bord Bia and BIM to Enterprise Ireland; transfer BIM’s other functions to DAFF and consider same for An Bord Bia

7.3

Partially implemented; BIM marketing functions transferred to An Bord Bia. COFORD integrated into DAFF.

2

Reduce Teagasc staff numbers and rationalise offices

30.0

On-going staff reductions and office rationalisation under way. Grant-in-Aid reduced from €127.3m in 2009 to €119.9m in 2009 and €114.1m in 2010.

3

Transfer agricultural research funding to new single funding stream for all research

14.0

Not implemented; while R+D funding will be centralised following Government decision announced in the 2010 Budget, the Department’s R+D funding has not been included in the new arrangement. No saving is envisaged as funding is required to meet existing commitments.

4

Terminate Suckler Cow Scheme

44.0

The payment rate was reduced from €80 to €40 per eligible animal in the 2009 Budget in October 2008 resulting in an annual saving of approx €32m.

5

Increase disease levies

5.0

Not implemented

6

Review the operation of the TB and Brucellosis Eradication Scheme

9.0

Not implemented; the recommendation to reduce compensation to 75% was not proceeded with due to loss of EU co-funding (€4.5m) and cost of insurance to farmers.

7

Efficiencies/reform in Inspection procedures, including disease eradication.

2.0

Reduction of €1m in travel and subsistence costs has been achieved in disease eradication as a result of new procedures.

8

Review admin costs in food safety, animal health, plant health, etc. with view to reducing costs by 10%

15.0

See comment item 14

9

Staff reductions food safety, etc..

8.3

See comment item 14

10

Close REPS 4 and no rollover of participants from REPS 2,3 into REPS 4

80.0

Implemented; REPS 4 was closed with effect from 9 July 2009. Savings of about €80m p.a. are achieved based on 13,000 new applicants p.a. The savings are offset by the cost of the new Agri-environment Options Scheme which was introduced in March 2010.

11

Staffing reductions, rural development/agri-environment, etc.

7.5

See comment item 14

12

Reduce annual expenditure on LFAs by 30%

66.0

Expenditure previously reduced by 14% (€35m p.a.) in 2009 Budget in October 2008

13

Rationalise the Departmental local office network

7.0

Being implemented; the rationalisation of the local office network is well advanced following Government decision and announcement in July 2009. Current structure of 48 local offices (DVO, AES, and Forestry offices) will be reduced to 16. Total savings are estimated at €30m p.a. and reduction in staff numbers of 400 on completion of the rationalisation programme.

14

Reduce staff numbers and implement efficiency savings

10.0

Expenditure on Salaries, Wages and Allowances has reduced from €233m in 2008 to €226.2m in 2009 and an allocation of €197m in 2010. In the same period, expenditure on travel and subsistence was reduced from €15.2m to €9.77m to €9.72m.

Share Farming Agreements

Andrew Doyle

Question:

406 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers currently engaged in a share farming agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34972/10]

There are no figures available for the number of farmers currently involved in share farming agreements, as participants are not required to register their involvement. They are likely to be few in number in any event, as this type of arrangement is a relatively new development, launched by Teagasc a little under a year ago. Information on share farming agreements, covering how to go about the process and dealing with issues such as taxation, is available on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie. I would add, from a dairying perspective, that there are currently 494 Milk Production Partnerships in operation around the country.

Grant Payments

Ulick Burke

Question:

407 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review his decision in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway, who has received penalties under the single farm payment scheme with a view to restoring their payment to the original assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34980/10]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2010. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Cross Compliance inspection. During the course of the inspection problems were discovered with regard to ineligible areas of land and breaches of Nitrates. This case is currently being processed and final notification of the outcome of the inspection will issue to the farmer this week. He will also be informed of his right to seek a review and to appeal the outcome of any review to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

Question No. 408 withdrawn.

Harbours and Piers

Joe McHugh

Question:

409 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amounts of funding allocated to harbour development works at Doolin, County Clare in each of the years 2005 to 2010; the date by which these funds must be or have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35013/10]

The pier at Doolin is the property of Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. My Department has not allocated any funding in respect of development works at Doolin for the years 2005 to 2010.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Martin Ferris

Question:

410 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when early retirement scheme payment will be made (details supplied). [35038/10]

The application from the person named is currently being examined in my Department. The applicant will be informed of the decision once this examination is complete.

Afforestation Programme

Tom Hayes

Question:

411 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a felling licence will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35039/10]

The application was referred to the Planning Section of South Tipperary County Council on the 17th September 2010 on the recommendation of the Forest Service Inspector for the area. In accordance with normal processing procedures, if no reply is received within one month of this date, that is 17th October 2010, it will be assumed that the local authority has no objections to the proposed thinning operations and a felling licence will be issued for the site.

Grant Payments

Willie Penrose

Question:

412 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) will be paid the appropriate payments under the cow welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35085/10]

The person named registered 11 animals under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has already issued to the applicant for 7 animals and a further 2 have been approved for payment and will issue in the near future. The remaining two animals have queries associated with them and the person named has been written to in this regard. The person named registered 24 animals under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Several errors have been identified and a letter has issued to the applicant seeking clarification on these errors.

EU Funding

Richard Bruton

Question:

413 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if Ireland is taking up the opportunity to participate in the EU’s European Progress Microfinance facility which offers micro-credits up to €25,000 to small business and new start-ups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34564/10]

The European Progress Microfinance Facility was launched in 2010 and is managed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) on behalf of the European Commission. Under the European Progress Microfinance Facility, €100 million will be made available, spread over four years from 2010 to 2013, to support employment, the development of micro-enterprises and the social economy across all European Union Member States. It aims to increase lending activity to micro-borrowers through a wide range of financial intermediaries such as non-bank micro finance institutions, micro-banks, dedicated microfinance companies or investment funds, local savings banks, smaller co-operative banks, smaller development banks or institutions and selected commercial banks. As such, the EIF will not be providing direct financing to borrowers but will be facilitating lending through a range of financial support mechanisms. These supports will include guarantee instruments and funding of financial intermediaries.

The first support mechanism under the Microfinance Facility, available since July, involves a micro-loan facility under which EIF will provide a guarantee instrument to financial intermediaries providing micro-loans. Availing of this facility will still require the intermediary to bear some element of the loan risk. Applications can be made to the EIF until 31 December 2013. It is the EIF's responsibility to assess applications for guarantees and requests for financing from intermediaries, to present these requests to competent bodies for approval, to negotiate contracts with intermediaries and to monitor operations. Such applications are made directly to the EIF and do not require any national intervention. Additional financial support instruments, including funding of financial intermediaries providing micro-loans are expected to be made available by the EIF shortly.

While I am aware that some potential intermediaries in Ireland have been exploring the practicalities of using the European Progress Microfinance Facility, I am not aware of any formal applications having been made to the EIF. Obviously, I would support relevant intermediaries availing of the Facility once they were satisfied on the commercial viability of this.

Industrial Development

Finian McGrath

Question:

414 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will support a matter (details supplied). [34603/10]

My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The CEBs' unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business and therefore I would advise the person to contact their local CEB, the Dublin City Enterprise Board in the first instance to discuss the needs of his business with the relevant staff of the Board.

To be eligible for CEB grant support an enterprise must be in the commercial sphere, must demonstrate a market for the proposed product/service, must have a capacity for growth and new job creation and must not employ more than 10 people. CEBs can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance, which are available, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, include Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, and Feasibility/Innovation. The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise.

In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow. Dublin City Enterprise Board is located at 5th Floor, O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Phone No: 01 6351144 Fax No: 01 6351811 Email: info@dceb.ie. Website: www.dceb.ie.

County Enterprise Boards

Róisín Shortall

Question:

415 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of persons, on a whole-time equivalent basis, employed in each county and city enterprise board. [34604/10]

The role of the County and City Enterprise Boards is to provide support for micro-enterprises 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 CEBs deliver a range of tailored Programmes and Supports in order to fulfil this role and may provide both financial assistance and non-financial assistance to eligible micro-enterprise projects. The following table illustrates the number of staff employed within each of the 35 CEBs and their appropriate grade.

CEB

Chief Executive Officer

Assistant Chief Executive Officer

Business Advisor

Administration Staff

Total Staff Number (Whole Time Equivalent)

Carlow

1

1

0

2

4

Cavan

1

1

1

1.6

4.6

Clare

1

0

1

1

3

Cork City

1

1

1

1

4

Cork North

0

0

1

1

2

Cork South

1

1

1

1

4

Cork West

1

0.8

1

1

3.8

Donegal

1

1

1

2

5

Dublin City

1

1

1

2

5

Dublin South

1

0

0.8

2

3.8

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

1

1

1

2

5

Fingal

1

1

1

1

4

Galway

1

0

1

1

3

Kerry

1

1

1

1.3

4.3

Kildare

1

1

0

2

4

Kilkenny

1

1

1

1

4

Laois

1

1

0

1

3

Leitrim

1

1

1

1.2

4.2

Limerick City

1

1

1

1

4

Limerick County

1

0.8

1

1

3.8

Longford

1

1

1

1

3

Louth

1

1

0.8

1.4

4.2

Mayo

1

1

0

1

3

Meath

1

0.8

0.8

2

4.6

Monaghan

1

0

1

2

4

Offaly

1

1

1

1

4

Roscommon

0

0

1

1

2

Sligo

1

1

1

1

4

Tipperary North

1

1

1

1

4

Tipperary South

1

1

1

1

4

Waterford City

0

1

0

1

2

Waterford County

1

1

0

1

3

Westmeath

1

1

1

1

4

Wexford

0

1

1

1

4

Wicklow

1

1

1

2

5

Total

31

28.4

28.4

45.5

133.3

Job Creation

Róisín Shortall

Question:

416 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs created to date from the Innovation Fund Ireland; and the number projected to be created with a breakdown by year. [34825/10]

I announced the first call for expressions of interest in Innovation Fund Ireland on 23 September 2010, less than two weeks ago. Enterprise Ireland and the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) will manage the Fund and investors have until November 26 to signal their interest in establishing a presence here. The Innovation Fund is about investing for the medium to long-term in high potential companies that will help to deliver the jobs and growth as we steer Ireland out of the current economic downturn.

The main objectives of the Fund are to:

Increase the number and scale of innovation driven and high-growth businesses in Ireland.

Increase the availability of smart risk capital for early stage and high-growth companies.

Attract top-tier venture capital fund managers to Ireland.

Attract, leverage and develop entrepreneurial talent.

Jobs created through the Fund will depend on the investments made and the decisions of independent venture capital fund managers. The nature of such funds and the independence of decision making by the relevant fund managers means it is not possible to provide projections of jobs created at this point in the process. International economic growth and new innovations in the technology, life sciences and clean technology spheres over the coming years are other factors that will impact on the level and type of jobs created.

A dynamic and progressive venture capital market is a prerequisite for the development of high potential start up companies and the future growth of scaling companies in Ireland. This Fund is further evidence of the Government's longer-term strategy and our continued commitment to generate high quality jobs in Ireland's 'smart' economy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

417 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs created to date from the €360 million invested in research and innovation involving third level institutions; and the number projected to be created with a breakdown by year. [34826/10]

On 16th July 2010 the Government announced the awards under Cycle 5 of the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI). The PRTLI is a multi-annual programme and Cycle 5 will run over a five-year period and into 2016. The awards under PRTLI Cycle 5 amount to €359 million in total, with a provision of €296 million in Exchequer funding and €63 million in funding from private sources. The 36 projects awarded mainly focus on the provision of physical infrastructure and the establishment of structured PhD programmes. Cycle 5 continues the prioritisation of investment in Ireland's development as a knowledge-driven economy which is a crucial component of the economic recovery process and to laying the basis for our future prosperity.

Meetings are ongoing with the higher education institutions concerned to discuss their proposed implementation plans. These implementation plans will incorporate detailed milestones in the development of the projects, including timeframes for construction and commencement of the PhD structured education programmes.

Given the ongoing discussions between the HEA and the higher education institutions it is, therefore, not possible at this point to provide an annualised breakdown of direct jobs created. However construction work under the Cycle 5 investment will provide more than 64,000 square metres of research space in new and refurbished buildings on our higher education campuses and create 2,000 jobs in the sector. The research projects will also create 379 direct jobs and a significant number of research studentships.

Once this infrastructural investment is made, the facilities and research laboratories supported will continue to underpin the production of human capital and work of research teams for decades to come, thus laying the foundations for attraction of FDI to Ireland and supporting indigenous companies with innovative solutions to problems.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

418 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs created to date from the employment subsidy scheme; and the number projected to be created with a breakdown by year. [34827/10]

The Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) was introduced to help employees maintain their jobs while at the same time assisting employers in retaining their productive capacity. In order to qualify for support, enterprises had to commit to retaining a multiple of the number of jobs that they receive subsidies for until the end of November 2010. The purpose of the scheme is to protect existing employment. While no new jobs have been created, as a result of the two calls under the scheme a total of 1,697 companies and 103,977 jobs were approved for support.

Employment Rights

Alan Shatter

Question:

419 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of applications received by the Employment Appeals Tribunal as at 30 September 2010 awaiting allocation of a hearing date; the number of such cases for which a hearing date has been given; the number of such claims received by the tribunal not yet acknowledged to which no hearing date has yet been given and the date of receipt of claims last acknowledged; the steps, if any, being taken to reduce the delays being experienced by applicants in having their claims heard and determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34833/10]

The answers to the Deputy's statistical questions are as follows:

i.

Number of applications received by the Employment Appeals Tribunal as at the 30 September 2010 awaiting allocation of a hearing date;

4,906

ii.

Number of such cases for which a hearing date has been given;

3,148

iii.

Number of such claims received by the Tribunal not yet acknowledged to which no hearing date has yet been given

2,000 approx

iv.

Date of receipt of claims last acknowledged;

8 Sept 2010

The Employment Appeals Tribunal, like the Rights Commissioners Service of the Labour Relations Commission, is one of those public bodies in the front-line of the fallout from the current turbulence in the labour market and economy generally. Claims to the Tribunal have increased from 3,173 in 2007 to 9,458 in 2009. I am informed by the Tribunal that this trend has continued in 2010 with 7,562 new claims lodged between January and the end of September. This level of increase has had an impact on case processing timeframes.

I am informed by the Tribunal that the longest waiting period for a claim at the end of September for a Hearing of the Tribunal ranged between 29 and 74 weeks depending on location. The figures can be somewhat misleading. The Tribunal conducts Hearings in about 36 locations around the country. In some areas, where the number of cases is relatively small, the Tribunal may wait until a sufficient number of cases is on hands to make a visit worthwhile. In such areas, 4 or 5 days of Hearings may reduce the "waiting time" in the area concerned by 30 to 40 weeks. The real concern has to be in those areas where there are very high volumes of cases. I am acutely aware of the pressures on the system and the delays experienced by both claimants and employers. My officials and I are in regular contact with the heads of the employment rights bodies in this regard.

The Tribunal itself has been pro-active in introducing efficiencies. Divisions of the Tribunal are sitting longer, listing more cases per hearing and seeking to manage their affairs to maximise efficiency. These efforts have resulted in a marked increase in output as the chart below shows.

Cases Disposed of

Number

Jan 07 – Sep 07

2,144

Jan 08 – Sep 08

2,915

Jan 09 – Sep 09

3,642

Jan 10 – Sep 10

4,669

Despite this marked increase in throughput, a sizeable backlog has developed due to the continuing high level of claims with a resultant increase in waiting times. Various additional steps are being put in place to deal with this, including a pilot initiative in one region to target the hearing of redundancy claims. That has been in operation for 9 weeks and, to date, has seen waiting periods for redundancy claims decrease from 47.5 weeks to 29 weeks. The possibility of having a similar initiative in Dublin is being actively considered in the light of available resources.

The IT system in the EAT is 20 years old and an examination, earlier in the year, concluded that it needs to be replaced by a system capable of more effectively dealing with the level of claims now being submitted. A Business Process Review is being conducted of all administrative processes within the Tribunal before any new IT system is commissioned. That Review is due to be completed this month, following which I will consider what further action can be taken to improve the level of customer service.

Departmental Agencies

Phil Hogan

Question:

420 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the process for appointing persons to the Employment Appeals Tribunal; who have been appointed to the Employment Appeals Tribunal since the start of 2009; when they were appointed; who appointed them; the remuneration arrangements that exist for appointments to the Employment Appeals Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34922/10]

The Employment Appeals Tribunal was established under the Redundancy Payment Act 1967. The Tribunal consists of:

1. A Chairman who before appointment shall have at least 7 years' experience as a practising barrister or solicitor;

2. Vice-Chairmen who are either barristers or solicitors with at least 5 years practice;

3. Ordinary Members.

Under the Act, all appointments are made by the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Innovation. The Minister's power to make appointments is delegated to the Minister for Labour Affairs. Appointments of the Chairman and Vice-Chairs are at the sole discretion of the Minister. Under the Act, half of the Ordinary Members are ". . . persons nominated for that purpose by an organisation representative of trade unions of workers" and half are ". . . persons nominated for that purpose by a body or bodies representative of employers". Members of the Tribunal are paid for their services on a per diem basis, the rates for which are set by the Minister for Finance. The current rates are, as follows:

Position

Nature of Fee

Current Rate

Chairperson

Sitting

591.10

Conference

140.76

Vice Chairperson

Sitting

381.34

Conference

113.11

Member

Sitting

193.24

Conference

97.57

Members of the Tribunal are also eligible for reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with the rates which are set by the Minister for Finance.

There were no appointments to the Tribunal in 2009. With the exception of the position of Chairman, the membership of the Tribunal fell to be renewed on 30 January 2010. I appointed those named as follows to be Members from that date.

Appointments in 2010

Vice-Chairmen

Sinéad Behan

Graham Hanlon

Roderick Maguire

Kieran Buckley

Eamon Harrington

Seán Mahon

Ann Marie Courell

David Herlihy

Jeananne McGovern

Fíona Crawford

Elva Kearney

Saundra McNally

Dorothy Donovan

Margaret Levey

Mark O’Connell

Catherine Egan

James M. Lucey

Moya Quinlan

Veronica Gates

Dermot MacCarthy

Nicholas Russell

Bernadette Glynn

Orna Madden

Jeremiah Sheedy

Pamela Clancy

Dara Hayes

Jeremiah O’Connor

Charles Corcoran

Patrick Hurley

Peter J. O’Leary

Emile Daly

Mary McAveety

Joe Revington

John F. Fahy

Penelope McGrath

Thomas Ryan

James Flanagan

Eamon Murray

Tony Taaffe

Myles Gilvarry

Niamh O’Carroll Kelly

Clodagh Gleeson

Leachlain S. Ó Catháin

Employees Panel

Frank Barry

John Flannery

Patrick King

Thomas Brady

Tom J. Gill

Sean Mackell

Eveta Brezina

Helen Henry

Máire Mulcahy

Alexander Butler

Thomas A. Hogan

Helen Murphy

J. Finbarr Dorgan

Suzanne Kelly

Séamus O’Donnell

Patsy Doyle

Tony Kelly

Ciaran Ryan

Mary Finnerty

Frank Keoghan

David Thomas

James Dorney

Joe Maher

Owen Nulty

Noel Dowling

Mary Maher

Michael O’Reilly

John Flavin

Dominic McEvoy

Patrick Trehy

Noirin Greene

Michael McGarry

Gerard Whyte

Jim Jordan

Alice Moore

Owen Wills

Hilary Kelleher

Jim Moore

Paddy Woods

Rosabel Kerrigan

Phil Ní Sheaghdha

Employers Panel

Gerard Andrews

James Hennessy

Tom O’Grady

Pat Casey

Ben Kealy

James O’Neill

John G. Flanagan

Finbar Moloney

Patrick Pierce

Moss Flood

Desmond Morrison

Robert D. E. Prole

Angela Gaule

Michael J. Murphy

John Reid

James Goulding

Michael Noone

Declan F. Winston

Eamon C. Handley

William O’Carroll

Joe Browne

Con Lucey

Tadg O’Sullivan

Michael Carr

Gerry McAuliffe

Dermot Peakin

Frank Cunneen

Cyril McHugh

Peter J. Pierson

Thomas L. Gill

Don Moore

William Power

Don Hegarty

Roger F. Murphy

Máire Sweeney

John Horan

Aidan O’Mara

Liam Tobin

J.J. Killian

Neil Ormond

Jean Winters

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

421 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34932/10]

There are currently a total of 13 EU Directives to be transposed by my Department up to 2012. One of these Directives is currently overdue: Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the Internal Market. In relation to Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market, the drafting of the statutory instrument giving effect to this Directive has been completed. The draft Regulations will shortly be submitted to the Government for approval. If approved by the Government they will be signed into law by me. The delay in transposing the Directive was related to the complexity of the subject matter and the extensive consultation process.

Ireland received a Formal Notice from the Commission in January 2010 and a Reasoned Opinion on 24 June 2010 regarding the non-transposition of the Directive. Full details on the current position on all current EU Directives due for transposition are maintained on the Department's website, www.deti.ie. The transposition of EU Directives is an ongoing priority in my Department and is reported to the Management Board on a regular basis.

Business Regulation

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

422 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his Department’s progress with regard to reaching the target of reducing administrative burdens on business by 25% by 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35020/10]

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

423 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made on the implementation of the 2007 report of the business regulation forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35021/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.

International benchmarking statistics reveal that Ireland imposes a relatively low burden of regulation on business. The Forfás Annual Competitiveness Report 2010 states that Ireland's regulatory environment is one of the least restrictive in the OECD in relation to product market regulation, the time taken to comply with tax payments is one of the lowest in the OECD across all categories and Ireland's employment framework is less rigid than the OECD average. The Business Regulation Forum's 2007 recommendation is being implemented. The Government's project to measure and reduce administrative burdens by 25% by 2012 goes beyond that Group's recommendation in that it extends to all areas of regulation that affect business in Ireland.

The work to reduce red tape in Ireland is being progressed on two fronts. The High Level Group on Business Regulation works to fast-track simplifications to specific red tape issues identified by business. The Group has processed thirty specific red tape issues brought to its attention by business and continues to drive progress on a further thirty-eight items. To date total annual business savings of over €20m have been achieved by the Group.

In addition, an Inter-Departmental Group of officials from all Departments, having regulation affecting business, coordinates the measurement and 25% reduction of administrative burdens in a systematic manner, based on the internationally recognised Standard Cost Model. The measurement of administrative burdens using the Standard Cost Model is an exercise that was called for by business, as a baseline for the 25% administrative burden reduction programme. While the various measurement activities continue, all Departments and Agencies are continuously striving to streamline their operations in such a way as to improve the service they provide.

Industrial Development

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

424 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the measures available to help struggling small businesses in the strategy, Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35026/10]

Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, a Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015, is an integrated strategy that is global in scope and covers both existing and new high growth potential markets. It has set a number of ambitious targets to be achieved by 2015 i.e. to create 150,000 new jobs (manufacturing, tourism and traded services) with a similar number of indirect jobs; increase the value of exports by indigenous companies by 33%, increase overseas visitors to 8 million and secure an additional 780 inward investment projects through IDA Ireland.

The overall objective of the strategy and action plan is to marshal and coordinate the resources of the State in a way that best supports Irish firms, of all sizes, who are trying to trade and grow their business overseas. Implementation of the strategy and action plan will result in the sustained, concentrated and coordinated efforts of all of the key Government Departments and agencies, including our embassies and consulates abroad, which will in turn increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our support for Irish companies in overseas markets.

The strategy presents an in-depth analysis of our recent performance across the three sectors and a suite of actions for building on existing strengths and driving trade relations in existing as well as new and emerging economies. These actions are aimed at: strengthening Ireland's international image and brand; strengthening in-country presence and support; developing and internationalising our enterprise base; developing Ireland as a hub for global high-technology enterprises and clusters; aligning visa policy with priorities in the strategy; support for SMEs; continuing to develop international trade agreements; joint actions and partnerships with other countries; effective engagement with the business community.

Specific supports for SMEs in the strategy include the development of toolkits for Irish businesses trying to enter new markets. Many small companies that are trying to gain a foothold in new markets quite simply do not have the resources to identify new markets and become established overseas. In addition, there will be an outreach programme to identify and access the many Irish businesses which do not engage directly with any of the State enterprise agencies, and which could benefit from the initiatives and actions set out in the new strategy. Other direct supports for SME's are provided through my Department's Enterprise Development Agencies and in particular through Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards.

Financial Services Regulation

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

425 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will report on the outcome of eight regional meetings with business groups over bank credit that were held over the summer; the action he is taking as a result of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35030/10]

The Ministers of State at my Department and I between us participated in eight regional meetings with business groups during July and August to hear at first hand from small businesses their experiences in gaining access to bank credit. These meetings took place in Cork, Athlone, Galway, Waterford, Bundoran, Dublin, Dundalk and Shannon. I am grateful to the businesses and their representative bodies for their full and frank engagement in the process. The information gathered at those meetings allowed me to inform Cabinet colleagues of difficulties being experienced by the participants and to raise matters further with the main banks.

I welcome the recent reported improvement in access to bank credit for small companies in June, July and August. I will remain in regular contact with the main banks in relation to their lending to businesses and will, together with my colleague the Minister for Finance, and John Trethowan of the Credit Review Office, continue to ensure that they meet their lending commitments in terms of providing sufficient credit to the business sector. The Credit Review Office is closely monitoring AIB's and Bank of Ireland's lending policies and their commitments to making available not less than €3 billion each for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs in both 2010 and 2011, including funds for working capital for businesses.

Departmental Bodies

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

426 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if the 17 members of the research prioritisation steering group will be awarded remuneration for their work; the level of remuneration in each case; the work the steering group will undertake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35031/10]

We recently announced the establishment of a High Level Steering Group to oversee a project to establish priority areas of focus for Irish Research for the future. The purpose of this exercise is to identify up to twenty priority areas, or approaches to tackling national challenges that we face, and to concentrate future investment in publicly funded STI in those areas. The project will take account of research areas where Ireland has built significant strength to date and particularly areas that have the greatest potential to deliver sustainable economic return through enterprise development, employment creation, or indeed, quality of life.

The Steering Group that we have appointed draws on national and international expertise in the private and public sectors, as well as senior Government officials. The Group will have responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the prioritisation exercise. Forfás, with a resource provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), will provide the secretariat to the Steering Group. I would like to express my gratitude and that of the Government to the members of the Steering Group who accepted our invitation to place the Irish economy and society at the heart of the strategic process by giving of their time and expertise to this project. They will not be remunerated for their work but may recoup travel and subsistence expenses incurred in accordance with public service guidelines.

Insurance Industry

Willie Penrose

Question:

427 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps he will take to regulate the practice whereby customers of a company or a business are being steered to preferred suppliers, who in fact are competitors of the businesses, which the consumer wishes to engage with; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this practice is widespread in the insurance industry, whereby they insure a product or service and then decide on a supplier of that service and set a price which they are willing to pay and if he would consider this an appropriate practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35083/10]

Regulation of the insurance industry is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance, and is an area in which I have no direct role. I understand that the practice to which the Deputy refers relates to arrangements involving insurance companies actively recommending certain approved repairers to their policyholders. The arrangement between the insurance companies and the approved repairers appears to be one where the approved repairers are selected on the basis that they meet various qualitative standards with the approved repairer in return being guaranteed a minimum flow of work. Service Level Agreements are generally entered into by both parties. The Competition Authority, which is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law in the State, has advised my Department that such arrangements do not appear to breach competition law.

Redundancy Payments

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

428 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when redundancy payment, wages and holiday pay will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35166/10]

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

In relation to the claims under the Insolvency Payments Scheme, my Department received applications from the liquidator in respect of arrears of pay, minimum notice and holiday pay for the person concerned in mid-September 2010. The downturn in the economy has resulted in a significant rise in the level of company receiverships and insolvencies. Consequently, an increasing number of claims are being submitted to the Insolvency Payments Section, with 20,411 new claims received in 2009 — an increase of 78% over 2008. Claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt and processed as quickly as possible. We are currently processing applications received in June and my officials are constantly endeavouring to achieve earlier completion and payment dates.

My Department is also in receipt of a statutory redundancy lump sum claim on 2 July, 2010 in respect of the above individual. This claim awaits processing. In respect of lump sum redundancy payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the current processing time for these claims is between 6 and 7 months and claims dating from March are currently being processed. Of course in some instances, where the necessary supporting documentation for lump sum claims is not provided to my Department, or where queries arise, processing of claims can be further delayed until the required documentation is provided and/or outstanding queries are resolved.

My Department continues to make every effort to reduce processing times. Measures already taken in the Department to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:

Almost doubling the number of staff working solely on redundancy payment claims through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;

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

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

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

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

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

Departmental Agencies

Frank Feighan

Question:

429 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs when Pobal was first set up; the reason it was established to administer public funds; to provide a breakdown of the budget for Pobal for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34477/10]

Pobal (formerly Area Development Management Ltd.) was established by the Government in 1992, in agreement with the European Commission, to access EU funding for the purpose of fostering local development, promoting social inclusion, reconciliation and equality and countering disadvantage through local and social economic development. While Pobal was initially tasked to distribute EU funding provided for local/regional development, the size, scale and range of programmes delivered has increased significantly since 1992.

Pobal currently manages the administration of schemes/programmes on behalf of 13 Departments and bodies, with some €317m distributed to community-based organisations in 2009. Almost €17m was provided to Pobal for programme administration last year, a decrease of €3.2m on the corresponding figure for 2008. Pobal is remunerated by the relevant Department or body in respect of the cost of the services it provides. Determination of the level of service provided, the associated tasks and costs incurred by Pobal are matters for the individual Department or body concerned. Details of the resources allocated to Pobal for programme administration in 2010 should be sought directly from the Departments or bodies concerned.

At the beginning of 2010, Pobal managed six programmes on behalf of my Department, including the Local and Community Development Programme, Dormant Accounts Fund, Community Services Programme, RAPID, Rural Social Scheme and the Programme of Grants for Locally-based Community and Voluntary Organisations. The total allocation for the six programmes for 2010 is approximately €144m, which includes a provision of some €6m to meet the cost of administering the programmes. As the Deputy will be aware, the Community Services Programme and Rural Social Scheme recently transferred to the Department of Social Protection.

Pobal also manages a number of programmes that transferred from the Department of Justice and Law Reform into my Department when it was re-configured earlier this year. These are in the areas of integration/refugees, Traveller interagency work, equality for women and disability services. Some €870,000 has been earmarked for Pobal to meet the cost of administering these programmes in 2010. Further information on the range of schemes and programmes administered by Pobal is available on the company's website www.pobal.ie.

Community Development

Frank Feighan

Question:

430 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to provide details on the latest progress regarding the change in structure of the community development programme network, to indicate whether funding allocated to CDPs through the partnership model will be ring-fenced for the community sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34478/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Local Development Social Inclusion and the Community Development Programmes have been superseded by the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). A key difference between the new LCDP and its predecessors is the fact that, when fully implemented, it will be delivered nationally on an integrated basis by a reduced number of companies.

A national model involving full integration of CDPs with Local Development Companies has been set out by my Department. However, it was made clear from the start of the process that other options could be considered. Alternative models were, however, required to meet a range of criteria, including a reduction in the number of structures, promoting the potential for integrated delivery of services to the public, supporting efficiencies and reducing company law compliance requirements for CDPs.

I am pleased that I have been able to approve alternative models put forward by the HSE South, by the Limerick City CDPs/Paul Partnership and by the Women's Sector CDPs. While the deadline for receipt of further proposals has now passed, a small number of other alternative models remain under active consideration by my Department. The groups involved will be advised of the outcome shortly. Ongoing funding for the Programme in 2011 and beyond will be considered in the context of the annual Estimates process. Funding will be routed through the Local Development Companies in support of the 4 goals of the LCDP:

To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services;

To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources;

To increase peoples' work readiness and employment prospects; and

To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision making processes on matters affecting local communities.

Departmental Expenditure

Frank Feighan

Question:

431 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a detailed breakdown in tabular form of the recommendations outlined by the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes which have been accepted and implemented by his Department; the savings that have accrued as a result of such changes to expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34479/10]

As the Deputy is aware, the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes presented a set of options to reduce expenditure and staff numbers across the public sector. These options were considered by the Government within the context of framing the 2010 Budget.

Gross savings of some €57 million, or almost 12%, were achieved in the 2010 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for the Vote of the then Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, relative to the 2009 REV. While the allocations in most expenditure programmes were reduced, the primary concern was to make every effort to ensure that the daily front-line services provided with funding from my Department were protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities.

With regard to the reduction in staff numbers, the Government's moratorium on staff recruitment and promotion and other associated measures, including the incentivised early retirement scheme, have achieved, and continue to achieve, reductions in staff numbers across my Department and relevant agencies.

Finally, as part of the restructuring of Departments and agencies announced in March last by the Taoiseach to ensure greater coherence and produce more efficient delivery, my Department has taken over responsibility for (i) social inclusion policy and family policy from the Department of Social Protection and (ii) equality, disability, integration and human rights from the Department of Justice and Law Reform. As stated by the Taoiseach in this context, it is important, while addressing the priority issues in responding to unemployment and driving economic recovery, that we do not lose sight of the importance of social development, the targeting of the most vulnerable and support for those working to make a difference right across our communities.

In light of the foregoing, and ongoing consideration of options in the context of the forthcoming Budget, it is not considered that the provision of a tabular statement as requested would be useful at this time.

Community Development

Brian O'Shea

Question:

432 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will arrange for officials of his Department to meet with the board of management of a community development programme (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/10]

I understand that a meeting between officials of my Department and the Board of Management of the project referred to by the Deputy has been arranged for later this week, on Thursday 7th October.

Departmental Programmes

Frank Feighan

Question:

433 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide details of the proposed transfer of rural development funds from the Leader programme to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and the Department of Social Protection; the financial or other impact this will have on partnerships and community development programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34904/10]

John Deasy

Question:

435 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the funding available under axis three and axis four of the rural development programme that he plans to transfer to other Departments; the Departments to which the funding will be transferred; the amount of funding to be transferred to each of these Departments in each of the years 2010 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34976/10]

John Deasy

Question:

436 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 427 and 428 of 26 January 2010, the details of the funding now available under each of these categories under axis three and axis four of the rural development programme following the decision to transfer some of the funding to other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34977/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 433, 435 and 436 together.

I wish to inform the Deputies that the information included in the reply to the Questions of 26 January 2010 referred to regarding the funding available under Axes 3 and 4 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-13 (RDP) has not changed. The main objectives of the Programme are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate the diversification of the rural economy, and the individual measures under the Programme, including indicative allocations, are as follows):

Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families — €16.66m;

Support for business creation and development — €48.26m;

Encouragement of tourism activities — €45.4m;

Basic services for the economy and rural population — €49.61m;

Village renewal and development — €54.2m;

Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage — €51.7m;

Training and information on adapted and new skills — €29.45m; and

Implementing co-operation projects — €10.7m.

I am pleased with the progress to date under the RDP, which continues to facilitate access to significant financial resources for rural communities since it started in 2009. This has resulted in the proliferation of innovative and sustainable development projects all over the country, which are providing invaluable support to rural communities in these difficult times, and there is no question of funds being diverted away from the RDP.

The RDP currently has registered project activity of €71 million, with almost €30 million at an advanced stage of development. Expenditure to date amounts to almost €45 million, which includes funding for a diverse range of projects from support for micro-enterprise in rural areas to the building and maintenance of community infrastructure, and the provision of training in a variety of disciplines for rural dwellers. I am confident that the activity funded under the RDP to date is contributing to the creation of the right conditions for the generation of sustainable, long-term job opportunities in rural areas.

My Department and I will be working closely with Minister Batt O'Keeffe and his Department in the coming months to promote increased co-operation between Local Action Groups and County Enterprise Boards in order to ensure that we maximise the impact of all of the funding available and fully support enterprise and job creation in rural areas. I can assure the Deputies that my Department will continue to work with rural communities through their Local Action Groups to explore all possible funding opportunities under the RDP.

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

434 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34929/10]

There is currently one EU directive awaiting transposition into law in my Department. The directive in question is Council Directive 2010/18/EU implementing the revised Framework Agreement on Parental Leave, concluded by BUSINESSEUROPE, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC and repealing Directive 96/34/EC. The directive was published on 18th March 2010. Member States are required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by 8 March 2012. The directive is currently being examined by my officials and I anticipate that it will be transposed by the due date.

Questions Nos. 435 and 436 answered with Question No. 433.

Departmental Programmes

Tom Hayes

Question:

437 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding capital funding for an organisation (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34990/10]

I am advised that there is no record of a formal application for funding under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 from the organisation referred to by the Deputy. If the organisation wishes to apply for funding, it should contact its Local Action Group. Contact details for all Local Action Groups can be found on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie

EU Directives

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

438 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of EU directives awaiting transposition into law in his Department; the reasons for the delays; and the reaction of the EU Commission in each case to such delays. [34930/10]

EU Directive 2009/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the coordination of procedures for the award of certain works contracts, supply contracts and service contracts by contracting authorities or entities in the fields of defence and security, and amending Directive 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC is required to be transposed by 21 August 2011. It will be transposed by way of secondary legislation.

Top