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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 2010

Vol. 717 No. 3

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 24, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 25 to 92, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 93 to 102, inclusive, answered orally.

Road Network

Terence Flanagan

Question:

103 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport his view on the report by the local government efficiency review group to extend tolling to non-motorway roads; if he will provide further details of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35132/10]

I am aware that the Local Government Efficiency Review Group recommended the introduction of new tolling schemes on national roads, both new and existing, based on an equitable distribution of tolling points across the national network, with a proportion of revenue being used to invest in local and regional roads. The Infrastructure Investment Priorities document 2010-2016 also refers to the possible introduction of further tolling on national roads and recommends that any additional income generated through tolling should be retained by the NRA to help fund ongoing road investment.

In light of these recommendations the National Roads Authority (NRA) has been asked to examine options for a new tolling strategy. Possible options will be evaluated having regard to factors such as proper traffic management, road investment needs to support economic competitiveness, safety issues and implementation of Government policy in areas like Smarter Travel. Future policy on tolling strategy will be considered once the NRA review is completed.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

104 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Dublin city development plan 2011 to 2017 includes provision for an overpass over the Royal Canal and railway line at Reilly’s Bridge, Cabra, Dublin 7; if he has agreed to finance such a development; the cost of the project; the timescale for delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35067/10]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. The carrying out of works on these roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

On 22nd February, I announced the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations. A total of €411.409 million is being provided to local authorities this year for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads. In July this year, local authorities were invited to submit applications for funding in 2011 under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme. It is open to Dublin City Council to prioritise this project and to include it among its applications when they are submitted in due course.

All applications received for funding under the scheme will be considered, having regard to compliance with eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local authorities and the funds available for the scheme in 2011. The 2011 regional and local road grant allocations will be announced early next year. To date no funding has been sought from my Department for this project either in 2010 or in previous years. Alternatively, Dublin City Council may fund this project from its own resources.

EU Directives

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

105 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the status of EU Commission proposals for implementation of the working time directive in relation to self-employed drivers of trucks; the effect this directive will have on the viability of small haulage firms here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35071/10]

The European Commission has advised Member States that as a follow-on from a negative vote by the European Parliament concerning proposed amendments to the Directive 2002/15/EC, which would have excluded genuine self-employed drivers from the scope of the rules on the working time, the Commission has decided to withdraw its proposals in that regard. This means, in effect, that the Directive is now applicable to self-employed drivers. My Department will initiate a review of the legislative changes that will be required to the European Communities (Organisation of Working Time of Persons Performing Road Transport Activities) Regulations 2005 (SI 2 of 2005) to bring self-employed drivers within the scope of the rules on working time. Consultation with the industry will be required and self-employed drivers will be afforded the opportunity, during the consultation phase, to give their views on the impact of the Directive for the viability of their businesses.

Taxi Regulations

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

106 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide for an increase in staff, particularly enforcement staff, in the office of the taxi regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35048/10]

In 2007 the Commission for Taxi Regulation recruited a dedicated enforcement team for the industry. An Garda Síochána are also authorised officers under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The Commission team of 9 officers work closely with other enforcement agencies, including the Gardaí, Revenue Commissioners and Department of Social Protection to ensure effective compliance in the industry. The resourcing of the Commission for Taxi Regulation is a matter for the Commission having regard to the Government's decision on the moratorium on recruitment and promotion and the Employment Control Framework (ECF). The National Transport Authority (NTA) will have responsibility for the resourcing of the enforcement team following the incorporation of the CTR into the NTA.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

107 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider authorising the taxi regulator or National Transport Authority to provide financial incentives towards the purchase of new wheelchair accessible taxis; if he will authorise the regulator to buy back surplus taxi plates at cost price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35045/10]

The Commission for Taxi Regulation (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. The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 does not provide the CTR with the power to purchase back taxi licences. I do not propose amending legislation to enable the CTR to have such powers in the future. I understand that all new taxi licences issued by the Commission from 8th June 2010 are non-transferable licences.

Ulick Burke

Question:

108 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that it is legal to drive a taxi here without an Irish driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35101/10]

An Garda Síochána are the licensing authority for the grant of a small public service vehicle (PSV) driver licence. One of the requirements for the grant of a PSV driver licence is a full Irish driving licence or an equivalent licence from an EU or EEA Member State or another recognised State for which there is provision for mutual recognition of driving licences.

Cycle Facilities

Simon Coveney

Question:

109 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding available in 2010 and 2011 for the cycle ways project; if he has plans to build on the success of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35111/10]

My Department has allocated funding to a number of projects relating to cycle routes, some of which are development projects relating for example to scoping studies, and others which are for the provision of cycle routes. The total amount allocated by my Department to these projects is about €22.5 million of which €13.5 million relates to 2010 and €3.3 million to 2011. In some cases, other agencies are supplementing these allocations through co-funding arrangements.

The projects include in particular the National Road Authority's National Cycle Network Scoping Study and the scoping of a cycle route from Dublin to Galway; the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill which is being funded with Fáilte Ireland; and a number of cycle routes in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Leitrim and Limerick. The development of a culture of cycling is one of the objectives of both the Smarter Travel Plan and the National Cycle Policy Framework, with a target of having 10% of all commuting trips by bike by 2020. Cycle networks and routes are a key way of making cycling a normal way to get about, and I am committed to making further progress in this area.

Rural Transport

Damien English

Question:

110 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to publish the value for money review on rural transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35123/10]

I understand that the Value for Money Review of the Rural Transport Programme will be completed later this year. In line with the Department of Finance's Value for Money and Policy Review Guidance Manual, the Review will be submitted to Government and will be published thereafter.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 102.

Rail Network

John Deasy

Question:

112 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the status of phase III of the western rail corridor (details supplied) ; if funding has been allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35118/10]

The first phase of the Western Rail Corridor was opened on 29th March 2010. The Department has received an application for funding from Iarnród Éireann for the detailed design and tender preparation stage for Phase 2. This will involve a detailed estimate of costs for the construction of Phase 2. The exact timeframe for when the project will move to construction will be influenced by the outcome of this stage. Progress on Phase 3 is scheduled to commence after the opening of Phase 2 on the basis of the detailed analysis which will be required at that time.

Airport Development Projects

Joe Carey

Question:

113 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the reason his Department failed to accept the recommendations of a 2003 Government appointed independent panel that favoured an independently designed, built and owned terminal at Dublin airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35105/10]

The Aviation Action Plan, adopted by the Government in May 2005 mandated the building of the second terminal at Dublin airport by the Dublin Airport Authority. The Government decision was based on a detailed consideration of how best to provide additional terminal capacity at Dublin airport, given the significant growth in passenger numbers there at the time. The decision took into account the recommendations of the panel referred to by the Deputy.

Road Network

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

114 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the amount of the €411 million allocated to the 2010 regional and local roads programme that has been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35089/10]

On 22nd February, I announced the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations. A total of €411.409 million is being provided to local authorities this year for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads. In deciding on allocations for 2010 the first priority was to ensure the protection of the existing road network and particularly the Exchequer investment of €6 billion which we have made through the provision of regional and local road grants since 1997. A total of €230.5 million has been spent to date on regional and local roads in 2010.

Search and Rescue Service

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

115 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the reason he failed to meet with a former head of the Air Corps to discuss a cheaper alternative to the recently signed €500 million national search and rescue contract; if he will provide details of the contract signed with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35120/10]

The possibility of the Air Corps providing a Maritime Search and Rescue service was considered by both the Department of Transport and the Department of Defence. The Department of Defence consulted with the Air Corps at that time. However the potential for the Air Corps to re-enter this area of operations was not considered feasible. The contract for this service was publicly advertised. It was open to any individual group or company to submit a tender. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that any cheaper alternative would have emerged from any proposed meeting with this or any other individual.

The Air Corps was withdrawn from maritime search and rescue in 2004 following operational difficulties in the provision of a consistent and satisfactory level of service. This included very significant difficulties experienced in retaining the necessary highly skilled and experienced Search and Rescue personnel. Current Air Corps helicopter assets are not configured for maritime search and rescue, and I understand that the Air Corps do not have pilots or winch men with the required training and experience to support such operations. Indeed it should be noted that the smaller Air Corps EC135 or AW139 helicopters do not provide the maritime search and rescue capacity and capability of the Sikorsky S92A's that will be provided on the new contract. The new contract with CHC will run for 10 years and will represent a stepped improvement in the safety, range, speed, and capability of Ireland's Search and Rescue service, using modern medium-load helicopters. CHC Ireland is also the current service provider.

Port Development

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

116 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he has discussed with the Dublin Port authority the development of Dublin Port in view of the refusal by An Bórd Pleanála of the port authority’s recent proposals for a 21 hectare site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35057/10]

An Bórd Pleanála announced its decision in June 2010. Since then I have received an interim report for the first six months of this year from Dublin Port Company, which includes an update regarding the planning decision. Clearly the decision has implications for the port's future development plans, and the company is reviewing the decision in that light. I am due to have an annual meeting with the company before the end of this year, at which the matter can be discussed further.

In relation to port capacity in the Greater Dublin Area, the Dublin Port Study carried out by my Department under the NDP and published in August 2009 provides the most recent analysis of future traffic and capacity projections. The study highlighted the need to develop significant additional port capacity by 2025 — 2030. I recently announced a review of national ports policy, which is currently underway. This provides an opportunity to consider recent planning decisions regarding port infrastructure at a national level, including the recent decision in relation to Dublin Port.

Taxi Regulations

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

117 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an appeals process with an independent adjudicator for the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35049/10]

Section 35 of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, which has not been commenced to date, provides for an appeal procedure in respect of refusal to grant, suspend or revoke a small public service vehicle (SPSV) drivers licence or vehicle licence. An Garda Síochána is the licensing authority for SPSV drivers licences and the Commission for Taxi Regulation (CTR) is the licensing authority for vehicle licences. Once the functions on driver licensing are transferred from the Garda Commissioner to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, I envisage that Section 35 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 will be commenced. Accordingly persons who are refused a licence will be able to appeal to the District Court. Appeals may also be made where licences are suspended or revoked. I have no plans to introduce additional legislation in this regard.

The exercise by the Commission of its statutory powers is also amenable to the remedy of judicial review. I understand that the CTR is giving special attention to informing existing licence holders and new applicants of licensing requirements in order to acquaint applicants with the conditions that have to be satisfied to obtain a licence. It is hoped that this effort will minimise dissatisfaction by applicants and reduce recourse to appeals in the future.

I should add that the Commission for Taxi Regulations engages in an onerous consultation process prior to any decision making for the industry. The process includes public consultation, meetings with stakeholders and advice received from the Advisory Council which includes representatives from the industry, consumers, tourism, business, people with disabilities, the Competition Authority, the Road Safety Authority, local authorities and the Gardaí. This ensures appropriate dialogue prior to the implementation of new regulatory changes.

Rural Transport

Emmet Stagg

Question:

118 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport his view’s on the development of a rural transport policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35069/10]

The development of rural transport is a key objective in both the Government's sustainable travel and transport plan ‘Smarter Travel — A Sustainable Transport Future' and separately in my Department's sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. Reflecting the Government's continued commitment in this area, €11 million is being provided for the Rural Transport Programme in 2010.

It is important to ensure that existing resources in this area are utilised in the future as cost-effectively as possible. In that context a number of initiatives have been undertaken to explore the potential for improved synergies between existing transport providers, including the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and Skills, Bus Éireann, Pobal and the Irish Wheelchair Association. The initiatives are currently being assessed and, together with a recently completed exercise to map all transport services in County Louth and a cross-border pilot rural community transport project under the auspices of the British/Irish Council, will feed into the further development of rural transport policy.

Airport Development Projects

Sean Sherlock

Question:

119 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when he expects Terminal Two to open at Dublin Airport; the cost of the project; the airline carriers which will use it; when it is expected to operate profitably; if he is satisfied that its construction cost should be a charge on airport users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35066/10]

I am informed by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) that it is planned to open Terminal Two (T2) next month. I understand that the cost of the terminal project is €609m. This covers the cost of the terminal building itself, the new Pier E boarding gate facility, additional aircraft parking stands, a new energy centre and a major upgrade of the airport's campus road network. I should say that the DAA capital investment programme, including the construction of T 2, is funded entirely without Exchequer support, and the question of its profitability is a matter that lies within the commercial mandate of the company.

I understand that all existing long-haul carriers at Dublin airport will operate from T2 including Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, U.S. Airways, Continental Airlines and Etihad Airways. In fact Aer Lingus will operate all its short-haul and long-haul services from T2 and will be the new facility's anchor tenant. In relation to charges for airport users, that is a matter for the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) which regulates airport charges at Dublin Airport.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 102.

Road Traffic Accidents

Pat Breen

Question:

121 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport when he will legislate for mandatory blood testing for alcohol at the scene of accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35097/10]

Sections 9 and 15 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 provides for the mandatory testing of drivers in certain circumstances. Part 2 of this Act, which includes sections 9 and 15, consolidated many of the previous intoxicated driving provisions, including new provisions on lower blood alcohol limits. As the intoxicated driving provisions are inter-related, I intend to commence all those sections together when the new Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) instruments have been procured and are in place next year. However, I now intend to move to introduce mandatory testing of drivers in certain circumstances, including at collision sites at the earliest feasible date. I am therefore, moving to amend the existing legislation in order to introduce mandatory testing. I intend to publish the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2010 very shortly.

Park and Ride Facilities

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

122 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the number of park and ride facilities that are in place here; his policy on park and ride; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35061/10]

Since 1st December 2009, traffic management measures and park & ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), are matters which come under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). Outside the GDA my Department is funding bus priority and park & ride measures in the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford under Transport 21. There is currently one park & ride facility, funded under Transport 21, outside the GDA — at Black Ash in Cork City. In the current year funding of €900,000 is being provided for the development of a second park & ride facility in Cork City on the Carrigrohane Road and for the design & planning of a park & ride facility at Doughiska in Galway City. It is matter for the local authorities in each city to prioritise projects and apply for funding each year.

My Department has developed a national sustainable travel and transport policy for Ireland, — "Smarter Travel A Sustainable Transport Future" — published in February 2009. This policy document represents a new transport policy for Ireland for the period 2009-2020 and amongst other things, it sets out the necessary steps to ensure that people choose more sustainable transport modes. One of the actions contained in the policy in relation to public transport, is to provide park and ride facilities at the edge of major and intermediate urban centres and at important public transport nodes, with efficient transport connections to the urban centre.

Public Transport

Róisín Shortall

Question:

123 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of money paid in each of the past ten years in State subsidies for public transport with a breakdown for each category of bus, rail, sea and air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35068/10]

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

Bus and Rail Transport

Year

Iarnród Éireann

Dublin Bus

Bus Éireann

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

2000

133,236

41,189

15,757

190,183

2001

146,020

52,377

23,808

222,205

2002

155,483

56,063

21,766

233,312

2003

168,257

53,867

22,856

244,980

2004

171,421

61,810

23,998

257,229

2005

179,991

64,900

25,199

270,090

2006

188,716

69,845

26,459

285,020

2007

189,910

80,078

36,595

306,583

2008

181,152

85,629

41,846

308,627

2009

170,624

83,199

49,365

303,188

*2010

124,317

58,737

34,876

217,930

*To date.

Air Transport

Exchequer support for Regional Airports Essential Air Services (PSO)

Year

€m

2000

4.2

2001

16.2

2002

18.5

2003

19.9

2004

21.3

2005

18.2

2006

15.5

2007

15.5

2008

15.3

2009

14.7

Total

159.3

Sea Transport

In relation to sea transport there is no funding provided for international ferry passenger transport. The Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs provides funding for domestic ferry services to island communities.

Road Network

Emmet Stagg

Question:

124 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for a motorway linking Dublin to Derry via Aughnacloy; the proposed cost of the project here; the cost to the Exchequer in each case; the time scale for delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35070/10]

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, 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.

Air Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent if any to which he has studied the costs for airlines using various airports with particular reference to handling, landing or other charges; if any studies have been done to identify the airports throughout Europe currently having the lowest charges; the extent to which this has affected the number of airlines using such airports; the extent if any to which the various airports throughout this country can be encouraged to compete with the most cost effective and efficient in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35140/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent if any to which the costs at various Irish airports are competitive with those applicable throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35447/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 232 together.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) regulates airport charges levied at Dublin Airport. Airport charges at Cork and Shannon Airports are set by the relevant airport authority while charges at the six regional airports, which are owned and operated independently, are a matter for each airport concerned. In relation to comparative charges at other airports in Europe, I understand that a number of benchmarking studies have been conducted or referenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) concerning operating costs at Dublin Airport. The most recent report, conducted by Indecon-Jacobs during the 2009 regulatory determination process, which is available on the CAR website at www.aviation.reg.ie, demonstrated that the operating costs per passenger at Dublin Airport were the second lowest of the sample of comparator airports in Europe in 2008.

Other reports have consistently demonstrated that charges at Dublin Airport are amongst the lowest of comparable airports in Europe. For example, in 2008, Airports Council International, the representative body for Airports worldwide, identified Dublin as having the lowest airport charges among the top 20 airports in Europe and preliminary results for the 2009 survey show a similar position. In addition, the annual Airport Charges Monitor, published by RDC Aviation (an air transport consultancy), which measures the top 50 airports in Europe, consistently shows that Dublin Airport is well below average with respect to airport charges. In the 2009 survey, Dublin ranked 39th in terms of the level of airport charges for common short-haul aircraft operations.

I understand from the DAA that charges at Cork and Shannon also compare favourably with European benchmarks. In addition, the three State airports also offer a range of attractive incentive schemes to airlines which provide up to 100% discounts on airport charges for a defined period on qualifying routes. With regard to competition between airports, it is the responsibility of the State Airport Authorities and the regional airports to market their aviation services. I have no function in that matter.

Penalty Points System

Denis Naughten

Question:

126 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the abuse of the penalty points system by those not holding an Irish or UK driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34959/10]

Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 provides for the amendment of existing provisions for the endorsement of penalty points and disqualifications on licence records, including endorsements relating to non-national driving licence holders. The 2010 Act also gives the Gardaí powers to seize a licence where the driver has been disqualified, including where a driver has accumulated 12 penalty points. Where such a person continues to drive following the seizure of their licence, a member of the Garda Síochána may arrest without warrant.

Taxi Regulations

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

127 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the reason those involved in the taxi industry are not required to produce annual tax clearance certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35050/10]

Section 37 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 provides that a licence shall not be granted unless the applicant produces a tax clearance certificate. I understand from the Commission for Taxi Regulation that all small public service vehicle licence holders are required to provide the Commission with an annual tax clearance certificate on renewal of their licence.

Transport 21

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the completion of the plans outlined in Transport 21; the areas or routes affected in a positive or negative way in the interim; the extent of the change of emphasis or intended funding for any routes in respect of which as yet public announcements have not been made; if he could revise the estimates for capital expenditure in respect of any part of the programme in the current year or in the foreseeable future; if he is satisfied that the level of funding required will remain available in view of other competing demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35139/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the programme he announced at the launch of Transport 21 has been completed or is on target for completion on time and within cost at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35454/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the total projected cost of Transport 21 as now envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35455/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 237 and 238 together.

Substantial progress has been made on Transport 21 since 2006:

The five major inter-urban motorways and the M50 upgrade will all have been completed by the end of this year.

The Cork-Midleton line and the first phases of both the Western Rail Corridor and the Navan line have been completed.

The Kildare railway line has been upgraded and a number of new Dublin suburban stations have opened.

The Luas Docklands extension opened last December, City West is well advanced and Cherrywood will be opening later this month.

The Irish Rail fleet has been renewed and over 500 buses have been purchased.

The Transport 21 investment framework runs until 2015. Due to the changed economic circumstances, it is now unlikely that all of the projects originally identified in Transport 21 will be completed by 2015. Therefore transport investment priorities have been reviewed. The Department of Finance published its review of infrastructure investment priorities for the years 2010-2016 in July 2010. In this review, €12.2 billion has been specifically provided for the Department of Transport's capital programme up to 2016, reduced from the original allocation of €15.9 billion for the years 2010-2015. However, improved value for money now available in procurement of infrastructure will go some way to bridge the shortfall.

The position is that no projects have been cancelled and Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework for capital spending on transport infrastructure into the future. Planning and design will continue on all projects in Transport 21 to get them as near to "shovel ready" as possible so as to be in a position to move to construction at the earliest possible date once financial circumstances permit. In the meantime, priority projects for investment as identified in the review include—

Metro North and Dart Underground projects;

Completion of the Major Inter Urban-Routes (MIUs);

A number of remaining national roads projects of key strategic importance, such as elements of the Atlantic Route Corridor and the N11;

Investment in the rail safety and traffic management programmes;

In addition to these projects, essential maintenance and a continued high level of investment in the regional roads network will be required;

It is also recognized that increased investment is needed in walking and cycling infrastructure given the potentially large number of trips that can be accommodated on these environmentally sustainable modes.

Road Safety

Joan Burton

Question:

129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his timescale for implementing the new proposals from the Road Safety Authority regarding young persons which he launched last month; the legislative proposals that will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35043/10]

In September the Road Safety Authority (RSA) launched its proposals for the introduction of a graduated driver licensing (GDL) scheme. The Government is committed to the development of such a scheme under the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012. The RSA is now proceeding with the preparation of roll-out of the various proposals. Many of the proposals in the scheme will require primary legislation, and it is my intention to publish a Road Traffic Bill to provide the necessary powers in 2011.

Public Transport

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

130 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the implementation of the integrated ticketing scheme since awarding the contract to operate the scheme to a company (details supplied) in April; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35088/10]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

135 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the integrated ticketing project for Dublin to date; when he expects integrated ticketing to be operational across all public transport service providers; the reason it has taken so long to develop the system; the cost to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35064/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 135 together.

I have commenced section 58 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and therefore with effect from the 30th September 2010 I have assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) the functions to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing scheme in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Furthermore, in accordance with section 63(1) of the DTA Act 2008, I have also extended the functions of NTA in relation to integrated ticketing schemes to all other areas of the State.

For the information of the Deputies I will outline the position on the integrated ticketing system (ITS) for the GDA as at 30th September. The integrated ticketing system is being introduced in the GDA on a phased basis, based on smartcard technology. A progressive approach is being adopted to permit the ITS Project Team and transport operators undertake the necessary testing with the integration of the technologies involved and to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system. The system must be thoroughly tested to ensure that the scheme provided to customers is stable, safe and reliable. Intensive pilot testing of an integrated smartcard for the Dublin Bus/Luas Annual Pass by staff is currently underway, to be followed in October 2010 with a live customer pilot. This will be followed by similar testing for ePurse (pay-as-you-go) users of Dublin Bus and Luas services.

As testing proves the system capability, the lead-in to the full launch of ITS e-Purse on Dublin Bus and Luas, will commence. A public launch of the ITS brand and associated marketing campaign will be implemented as part of this launch. This is expected to take place in April 2011. When this system goes live, it will facilitate cashless travel on services of participating operators, Dublin Bus and Luas initially. The integrated smart card will subsequently be rolled out to cover services provided by private bus operators, Irish Rail (DART and commuter rail) and Bus Éireann (Eastern region) following completion of the necessary development, testing and commissioning of their systems. Testing and roll-out for these service providers will commence later in 2011.

The overall capital budget for the integrated ticketing project is €55.4 million, with €31.54 million drawn down to date. In view of the assignments of the functions for integrated ticketing to the NTA, it will, from now on, be a matter which comes within the remit of the NTA who will of course keep my Department informed of progress.

Road Network

Brian O'Shea

Question:

131 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his views on the future work of the National Roads Authority in view of the fact that the national roads programme is largely completed; the road projects he plans over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35056/10]

Under section 17 of the Roads Act 1993 as amended, it is the general duty of the National Roads Authority to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads and for that purpose it has overall responsibility for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads. Under the same Act the NRA has an ongoing responsibility to manage and protect the infrastructure that has already been developed.

The "Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016" document which was issued in July 2010 indicates that the focus of road investment over the period to 2016 will be on a targeted number of projects of significant economic benefit, including progression of the Atlantic Corridor as well as maintenance of the existing road network to a sufficient standard to ensure that the original capital investment does not depreciate prematurely over the coming years. As provided for under the Renewed Programme for Government and as part of the process of planning the NRA's future work programme, the Authority is undertaking a strategic review of national roads for the period 2010 to 2025.

Port Traffic

Mary Upton

Question:

132 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport the quantity of exports which were transported through each of the main ports for each of the past ten years; the quantity of imports for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35073/10]

The Central Statistics Office publishes a comprehensive annual report entitled "Statistics of Port Traffic". This report includes details of all goods exported and imported through the ports. The reports for the years 1998 to 2009 are available on www.cso.ie. The Irish Maritime Development Office also publishes shipping traffic statistics, including details of export and import volumes, both on an annual and quarterly basis and these are available on its website www.imdo.ie.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 102.

Cycle Facilities

Jack Wall

Question:

134 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding allocated to Dublin City Council by his Department for the provision of cycle routes; the level of funding allocated for new bridges across the Liffey and Tolka to facilitate the S2S cycle route; if a value for money audit has been carried out in relation to this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35075/10]

My Department has agreed to provide funding of €8.3m to Dublin City Council's Premium Canal Cycle Route, which includes the River Tolka crossing, to link the Route to the S2S cycle route. The Route will cross the Liffey using the existing Samuel Beckett Bridge. International studies on cycling investment suggest that benefits significantly outweigh costs. For example, a 2007 examination of the London Cycle Network by SQW suggested that the ratio is almost 4 to 1 over a thirty year timespan.

Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 130.

Air Services

Mary Upton

Question:

136 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the proposals of an airline (details supplied) for doubling its present volume of passenger traffic at Cork and Shannon airports within five years; if his further attention has been drawn to the airline’s proposals for increasing its present volume of traffic at Dublin Airport by more than 50% within five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35074/10]

I have no function in relation to the proposals of any airline regarding the introduction of services at the State Airports. I understand that Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports are actively engaged, on an ongoing basis, in encouraging airlines to establish new and enhanced services at the airports.

Proposed Legislation

Brian O'Shea

Question:

137 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his plans for legislative proposals for regulating clamping companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/10]

Clamping activities carried out by local authorities and by private companies hired by them are regulated under the Road Traffic (Immobilisation of Vehicles) Regulations of 1998, which give effect to Section 101(B) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as inserted by section 9 of the Dublin Transport Authority (Dissolution) Act 1987. I have no plans to amend this legislation. The question of how many local authorities employ clamping companies and other information pertaining to those companies are matters for the local authorities, and my Department holds no data in relation to such matters.

Road Safety

Liz McManus

Question:

138 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a programme of testing for drug driving; the reasons for the delay in introducing such a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35054/10]

Enforcement of the law on drug driving is a matter for An Garda Síochána. When a member of the Gardaí suspects that a motorist is driving under the influence of any intoxicant, the Garda may arrest the suspect under Section 49 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended by the 2004 Road Traffic Act). In line with the commitment in the current Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012, Section 11 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, when commenced, will provide for the preliminary impairment testing of drivers by members of the Garda Síochána. This provision will assist the Gardaí in forming an opinion as to whether a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. Action 78 of the Strategy also provides for reviewing the legislation and enforcement options associated with drug driving.

However, in relation to roadside drug testing, there is no feasible basis as yet in Ireland or in Europe for the introduction of a preliminary roadside test for drugs, as testing devices are still in the prototype stages. The Medical Bureau of Road Safety is keeping abreast of developments and will advise me when a suitable roadside-testing device becomes available and should be introduced in this country. A programme of testing for drug driving will be developed when the relevant technology is in place.

Unemployment Levels

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

139 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Taoiseach the latest unemployment figures at the Tallaght social welfare office in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35235/10]

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social Protection. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office. The most recent Live Register figures available are for September 2010. The table below contains the numbers signing on in Tallaght local office on the last Friday of September 2010. It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance.

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

Male

Female

Both sexes

Under 25 years

1,672

981

2,653

25 years and over

5,655

2,243

7,898

All ages

7,327

3,224

10,551

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

140 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35253/10]

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency under the remit of my Department. I understand that no pensions, other that pensions being paid by the Paymaster General's Office, are being paid to any staff member who retired from the Office. Some staff who left the office when their contracts ended, as distinct from retiring from the office, may be in receipt of pensions from other sources, including private pension providers. However, my Department does not have access to information on the amount of pensions payable in such cases.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

141 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Taoiseach the amount of funding spent in 2009 and to date in 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35317/10]

In 2009 eight staff members attended in-house Irish language classes which were organised by my Department. In 2010 six staff members attended these classes. As all of these classes were provided by Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí, there was no cost to my Department. In 2009 two staff members attended Gaeltacht courses organised by Gaeleagras, and a scholarship of €125 each was paid by my Department. The provision of Irish language classes for staff arises from our commitment to providing a high quality of service to our customers, and to fulfilling the requirements of the Official Languages Act. We are fully committed to improving the service we provide in Irish and to developing, on an ongoing basis, a positive culture that encourages the use of Irish both within the Department and with our customers. Provision of these classes for staff helps us to meet these goals.

FÁS Training Programmes

Jack Wall

Question:

142 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of employees on FÁS training courses in County Kildare for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35304/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table attached. The figures indicate those trainees in employment with an address in Co Kildare who received either apprenticeship training through FÁS or participated on the Competency Development Programme.

Year

Number of trainees

2008

1,535

2009

1,052

2010 (year to date)

522

Schools Building Projects

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

143 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [35175/10]

The school referred to by the Deputy was authorised earlier this year to tender for the appointment of a design team. The Board of Management of the school are currently assessing tenders from candidate firms for the appointment of the design team and will revert to my Department with the preferred candidates when that assessment is complete.

Redundancy Payments

Michael Ring

Question:

144 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment. [35188/10]

I can confirm that an application for redundancy has been received by my Department from the Special Needs Assistant referred to by the Deputy. Applications for redundancy are being received on an ongoing basis and are processed in date order of receipt. The application in question will be dealt with as soon as possible.

Employment Action Plan

Róisín Shortall

Question:

145 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide the last monthly progress report and the last complete set of cumulative national employment action plan figures as previously published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. [35193/10]

I have forwarded the most recent Monthly Progress Report (July 2010) on the Employment Action Plan to the Deputy.

School Transport

Róisín Shortall

Question:

146 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to current arrangements for school transport in respect of children with special needs; if she will intervene in the case of a five year old child (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [35212/10]

Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, a pupil with special needs will be eligible for transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/ special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria. The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for children with a diagnosed disability and/or special educational need. Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department has been requested to liaise directly with the family concerned and to examine the transport arrangements for the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied.

Schools Refurbishment

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

147 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a technical team will be sent to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding the provision of an extension to the school to replace existing prefabs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35214/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for an extension, including the replacement of prefabs. 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. The issue of a technical assessment would normally arise at that point. 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.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

148 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of her Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35245/10]

My Department administers the payment of pension benefits to beneficiaries of Teachers Primary, Secondary, Community and Comprehensive Superannuation schemes and certain other education personnel in primary and voluntary secondary schools, e.g. special needs assistants. The attached table outlines the information sought by the Deputy in relation to these pension schemes. Information in relation to pay or pensions in the public bodies under the remit of my Department is not readily available as the information is not collated centrally.

Table 1A: Pensioners paid via the Department of Education and Skills Pension Payroll1

Highest Gross Annual Pension Rate in payment at1 October 2010

Number of pensioners in receipt of this rate

€61,037.01

1

Table 1B: Pensioners paid via the Department of Education and Skills Pension Payroll1

Category-threshold by gross annual Rate

Number of pensions in category

Up to €15,000

2,600

€15,000.01 – €35,000.00

11,150

€35,000.01 – €55,000.00

8,200

€55,000.01 – €75,000.00

60

€75,000.01 – €95,000.00

€95,000.01 – €115,000.00

€115,000.01 – €135,000.00

€135,000.01 – €155,000.00

€155,000.01 and above

1This covers teachers who have retired from Primary, Secondary, Community & Comprehensive Schools; retired special needs assistants from these schools; certain retired clerical staff from primary and voluntary secondary schools and certain retired Caretakers from primary schools. It also covers those in receipt of pension as the spouses and children of deceased scheme members.

Higher Education Grants

John McGuinness

Question:

149 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if approval for a grant based on an application to Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [35271/10]

The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority — either the local authority or Vocational Education Committee, as appropriate. My Department contacted County Kilkenny VEC, the grant awarding authority in this case. It is understood that supporting documentation has been requested from the applicant and that this is outstanding. Once this documentation has been received by the VEC, the grant application can be processed and the student will then be notified in writing of the grant awarding authority's decision.

John McGuinness

Question:

150 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a response to correspondence sent to her Department on the 29/03/10 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if her case will be reviewed. [35280/10]

A reply has issued from my Department to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy on 25 June 2010. An appeal form has issued to the candidate to allow her to make an appeal to my Department.

Institutes of Technology

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

151 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements in place for members of governing authorities of institutes of technology to claim expenses; the range and scales of allowances available for travel and subsistence expenses, as authorised by the Higher Education Authority; what the average claim for a member of a governing authority was in 2009; what the upper limit on expenses claimed is; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35289/10]

Institutes of Technology are statutory bodies established under the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006. Under the terms of these Acts, the governance and day-to-day activities of the institutes are matters for which the Governing Bodies and the management of the institutes are responsible, including arrangements for dealing with the payment of travel and subsistence expenses. Accordingly, neither my Department nor the Higher Education Authority collects details of travel and subsistence payments made to members of Governing Bodies. I am informed that the Institutes of Technology apply the provisions of the Civil Service/Department of Finance circulars for the purposes of travel and subsistence payments to members of the Governing Bodies.

Higher Education Grants

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

152 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a maintenance grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if the person can appeal this decision made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35295/10]

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.

Schools Building Projects

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

153 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the progress with the proposal for a new school building (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35297/10]

The school referred to by the Deputy was authorised earlier this year to tender for the appointment of a design team. Representatives from the Board of Management of this school attended a briefing given by my Department to explain the tendering process and the steps involved. The first stage of this process has been completed and pre-qualified lists of consultants have issued to the Board of Management. The next step will be for the Board of Management to issue invitations to tender to the pre-qualified lists of consultants for the selection and appointment of a design team.

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

154 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the progress with the proposal for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35298/10]

The school referred to by the Deputy was authorised earlier this year to tender for the appointment of a design team. The Board of Management of the school are currently assessing tenders from candidate firms for the appointment of the design team and will revert to my Department with the preferred candidates when that assessment is complete.

Schools Refurbishment

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

155 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the progress with the proposal for additional classrooms, ancillary rooms and refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35300/10]

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for large scale 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 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 phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

156 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding spent in 2009 and to date in 2010 by her Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35309/10]

My Department spent €3,135 in 2009 and €15,350 in 2010 on Irish language training. Seventy seven officials participated in Irish language courses in 2009 and seventy four have pursued courses to date in 2010. The majority of the participants pursued courses with Gaeleagras while 2 officials undertook a Diploma in Irish at the National University, Maynooth and another undertook the Higher Diploma in Editing and Proof Reading in the same college. Of the seventy four participants who pursued courses this year forty one members of my Department's Inspectorate attended a 3 day immersion course with Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta which is a part of University College Galway to enhance their language skills in order that they can conduct their duties through Irish with schools in Gaeltacht areas and schools that conduct the school curriculum through the Irish language.

Schools Refurbishment

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

157 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she is in a position to release the remaining funds which were allocated for refurbishment work at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35331/10]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

165 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills to order emergency action in respect of concerns of the school community (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35438/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 165 together.

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 authority 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.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

158 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding refurbishment and extension for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35333/10]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment of their existing school. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project for the school in question, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

In May 2010, the school was approved funding for 5 additional classrooms to meet its immediate needs. Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out an analysis on identified priority locations which will require significant additional accommodation up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Following this analysis, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within these areas. Athenry will be included in this process. Progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Departmental Correspondence

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

159 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35337/10]

Officials in my Department have been in contact with the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth affairs (OMCYA) in relation to person referred to by the Deputy and I understand that the matter has been resolved.

Schools Building Projects

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

160 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if media reports were correct in indicating funding for an extension to a school (details supplied) in Dublin; if she would clarify the current position; when construction is likely to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35349/10]

The building project at the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. My Department issued authorisation in July for the design team to proceed to seek planning permission, fire certificate and disability assess certificate. The school has been requested to contact my Department for further instruction regarding completion of stage 2(b) on receipt of the above statutory approvals. The newspaper article referred to by the Deputy is incorrect in referring to this project as one those projects announced in February of this year as part of the 2010 school building programme.

The further progression of this project through to construction stage will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2011 and subsequent years. However, pending receipt of the necessary statutory approvals and in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give a more indicative timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction at this time.

Special Educational Needs

Michael Noonan

Question:

161 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a special needs assistant will be provided to a pupil (details supplied) at a school in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35352/10]

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. The NCSE has introduced an appeals process whereby schools and parents, where appropriate, may seek to appeal the decision of a SENO in relation to the allocation of resources. Information regarding the appeals process is available on the NCSE's website at www.ncse.ie. It is open to a school to appeal a SENO's decision under this appeals process.

Site Acquisitions

Tom Hayes

Question:

162 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the discussions that have taken place between her Department and an organisation (details supplied) regarding the purchase of a site for a school in south Tipperary; what has been agreed in terms of a contract for this site; the progress that has been made in these contract discussions; the expected date for an agreed contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35406/10]

In 2004, agreement was reached to amalgamate the two primary schools referred to by the Deputy. The application for capital funding to facilitate this amalgamation was assessed and assigned a band rating of 1.4. A technical inspection was carried out on the existing school buildings to determine which would be suitable to facilitate the amalgamated school. The report produced following this inspection concluded that the most suitable building to facilitate the amalgamation would be the girls' school. It also found that an additional portion of land would be required from the Sisters of Mercy to facilitate the development. The Sisters of Mercy have indicated that they would, in principle, be disposed to selling land to the Department to facilitate the proposed works. The progression of this building project and the acquisition of the additional land required to facilitate the amalgamation, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Tom Hayes

Question:

163 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the discussions that have taken place between her Department and the county council regarding the purchase of a site for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; what has been agreed in terms of a contract for this site; the progress that has been made in these contract discussions; the expected date for an agreed contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35407/10]

As the Deputy will be aware my Department has reached agreement, in principle, subject to contract with the County Council. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further on the matter at this time. Once this acquisition is concluded, the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Higher Education Grants

Tom Hayes

Question:

164 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills to liaise with South Tipperary Vocational Education Committee in relation to a person’s application for higher education from County Tipperary (details supplied) in view of information provided which indicates refusal of a higher education grant based on an issue between the Department and the VEC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35420/10]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an awarding authority rejects an appeal, the student may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. The Deputy will appreciate that, given my Department's role in the appeals procedure, direct liaison with the grant awarding authority on the details of an individual case at this point in the process would not be appropriate.

Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 157.

Site Acquisitions

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

166 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total amount expended by the Department of Education and Skills on the purchase of school sites in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35464/10]

I wish to advise the Deputy that €56.7 million was expended on site acquisitions in 2009 as part of the school building programme.

Cycle to Work Scheme

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

167 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have availed of the cycle to work scheme to date in 2010; if there are any future plans for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35177/10]

The cycle to work scheme came into operation on 1 January 2009.

With a view to keeping the scheme simple and reducing administration on the part of employers, there is no notification procedure for employers involved. Accordingly, the Revenue Commissioners do not have statistics on the uptake of the scheme. The scheme operates on a self-administration basis, and relief is automatically available provided the employer is satisfied that the conditions of their particular scheme meet the requirements of the legislation.

The purchase of bicycles and associated safety equipment by employers for employees or directors is subject to the normal Revenue audit procedure with the normal obligations on employers to maintain records (e.g. delivery dockets, invoices, payments details, etc.). The employer is also obliged to keep all salary sacrifice agreements entered into between the employer and employees/directors, together with all signed statements from employees/directors regarding use of the bicycles and safety equipment. I note that the Commission on Taxation in its report did not recommend any changes to the scheme. However, as with all tax incentive schemes, it is subject to regular review as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.

Prison Building Programme

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

168 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the purchase price paid for a site (details supplied) adjacent to Mountjoy Prison on the North Circular Road which was acquired in 2007 with a view to maximising the redevelopment potential of the Mountjoy site; the current estimated value of the site; the plans for the site in view of the delay in the construction of the Thornton Hall prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35199/10]

The purchase price for the site in question was €23,500,000 plus VAT of €3,172,500. A Government Decision in July 2010 approved development of the Thornton Hall Project in three phases, phase one of which has commenced. In that context, the site acquired adjacent to Mountjoy Prison will, as was the original purpose of its acquisition, maximise the future development potential of the Mountjoy Prison site. In the meantime, the premises have been made available for use by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) to provide ancillary facilities connected to the Dóchas women's centre, also on the North Circular Road adjacent to the premises in question.

Asset Transfers

Chris Andrews

Question:

169 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that all transfers of assets by a person (details supplied) to members of their family in the past six years before they were declared bankrupt will be investigated and set aside where any transfer was made with a view to avoiding obligations owed to creditors. [35240/10]

As the Deputy will appreciate, this matter relates to a specific individual as such I am obliged to respect all clients' confidential relationships with their respective banks. The Deputy will be aware that the financial affairs of the individual referred to are currently subject to court proceedings and as such it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on the matter. The Official Assignee has powers under the relevant legislation to investigate any transactions prior to the declaration of insolvency. It is therefore a matter for the Official Assignee and the Courts to consider any relevant matters related to the Deputy's question in this case.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

170 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; and the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35248/10]

The Office of the Paymaster General, which is part of my Department, pays pensions to retired Civil Servants as well as Ministerial, Judicial and other former office holders. The highest paid public sector pensioners in each of the public bodies under the remit of my Department and whose pensions are not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General are as follows: €88,000 (IPA), €205,043 (Central Bank) and €99,757 (ESRI).

The position regarding the NTMA is that since its inception the remuneration packages of all National Treasury Management Agency staff, including staff assigned to associated bodies, have been negotiated on an individual contract basis and are confidential. In line with the recommendation in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies that State Bodies publish the salary of the Chief Executive Officer in their Annual Report, it is the Chief Executive's intention to publish details of his remuneration in future NTMA Annual Reports.

With regard to the bodies under the remit of my Department, in respect of which pensions are not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General, the following table outlines levels of gross pension and the number of payees payable at each level, in €20,000 intervals.

Level of gross annual pension payable

Number of payees

Above €155,000

4

Between €135,000 and €154,999

6

Above €115,000 but less than €134,999

1

Above €95,000 but less than €114,999

2

Above €75,000 but less than €94,999

8

Above €55,000 but less than €74,999

10

Above €35,000 but less than €54,999

15

Above €15,000 but less than €34,999

24

Nil up to €14,999

31

Tax Clearance Certificates

Jack Wall

Question:

171 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can be issued with a P21 for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35301/10]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE Balancing Statement P21 for the year 2009 issued to the person concerned on 15 January 2010. A copy of this balancing statement will issue to the person concerned shortly.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

172 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons who participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35312/10]

The amount of funding and the number of public servants that received Irish language training courses by my Department is as shown on the table below:

Year

2009

2010

Funding

136,428

89,493

Number Trained

832

573

Flood Relief

Billy Timmins

Question:

173 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35341/10]

In February of this year, Wicklow County Council submitted a funding application under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Studies Scheme for a study to address a flooding problem on the River Slaney at Baltinglass. In March, the Council sought a meeting with the OPW to discuss the proposal.

The OPW advised the Council that the flooding problem in the town would be best dealt with through the Slaney Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study. The OPW stated, however, that the Office would be willing to consider funding a localised flood study if it is required in advance of the carrying out of the Slaney CFRAM Study, for example in connection with preparation of a Local Area Plan. If an application for funding is submitted by the Council for works or for a study for Baltinglass that is required in advance of the Slaney CFRAM, it will be considered having regard to the eligibility of the Scheme and the overall availability of funding for flood risk management.

Bond Values

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

174 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the number and value of bonds, both senior and subordinated, that matured and were redeemed at full face value in the period between September 2008 and September 2010; the number and the negotiated price paid for bonds, of any variety, which were redeemed prior to maturity in the period between September 2008 and September 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35350/10]

Monitoring of funding is principally a matter for the Central Bank. While funding arrangements would not normally be disclosed other than by the covered institutions in public announcements, I have requested the Central Bank to brief the Opposition and give it whatever information it can on bond redemptions by the covered institutions.

Price Inflation

James Reilly

Question:

175 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the annual increases in the most popular retail price category of 20 filter-tipped cigarettes since 2006, including the pre-budget retail price, the budget tax increase, the post-budget price, the trade increase, the tax element, and the tax element of the trade increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35430/10]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the annual increases in the retail price category of the most popular price category of 20 filter tipped cigarettes since 2006, together with the requested breakdown, are shown in the table below. All figures are shown in cents.

Tobacco 20 cigarettes

Budget changes and trade increases: Effect on retail prices (expressed in cents)

MPPC*

Budget Increase/ (Decrease)

Trade Increase

Excise Content

VAT Content

Total Tax

Trade Content

1 December 05

635.00

383.11

110.21

493.32

141.68

2006

Trade Increase

20.00

3.66

3.47

7.14

12.86

Overall Price and Tax Content

655.00

386.78

113.68

500.45

154.55

Budget Increase (6 December 2006)

50.00

41.32

8.68

50.00

Overall Price and Tax Content

705.00

428.09

122.36

550.44

154.56

2007

Trade Increase

10.00

1.78

1.74

3.51

6.49

Overall Price and Tax Content

715.00

429.87

124.09

553.96

161.04

Budget Increase (5 December 2007)

30.00

24.79

5.21

30.00

Overall Price and Tax Content

745.00

454.64

129.30

583.94

161.06

2008

Trade Increase

10.00

1.79

1.74

3.53

6.47

Overall Price and Tax Content

755.00

456.44

131.03

587.47

167.53

Budget Increase (14 October 2008)

50.00

41.32

8.68

50.00

Overall Price and Tax Content

805.00

497.75

139.71

637.46

167.54

VAT Increase (1 December 2008)

2.70

0.00

2.70

2.70

Overall Price and Tax Content

807.70

498.25

142.93

641.17

166.53

Trade Increase

2.30

0.42

0.41

0.83

1.47

Overall Price and Tax Content

810.00

498.67

143.33

642.00

168.00

2009

Budget Increase (7 April 2009)

25.00

20.58

4.42

25.00

Overall Price and Tax Content

835.00

519.23

147.76

666.98

168.02

Trade Increase

10.00

1.83

1.77

3.59

6.41

Overall Price and Tax Content

845.00

521.05

149.53

670.58

174.42

2010

VAT Reduction (1 January 2010)

(3.48)

0.00

(3.48)

(3.48)

Overall Price and Tax Content

841.52

520.42

146.05

666.47

175.06

Trade Increase

13.48

2.46

2.34

4.80

8.68

Overall Price and Tax Content

855.00

522.88

148.39

671.27

183.73

Notes:

*MPPC is the Most Popular Price Category.

VAT Rate increased to 21.5% on 1 December 2008.

VAT Rate reduced to 21% on 1 January 2010.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

176 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35345/10]

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

Medical Cards

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

177 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a refund to the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) who holds an over 70 years medical card. [35183/10]

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

Infectious Diseases

Simon Coveney

Question:

178 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the incident rate for TB in Cork city and county in tabular form; the national average incident rate for each month for TB cases for 2009 and to date in 2010 in view of the fact that weekly reports are published on such statistics. [35184/10]

Simon Coveney

Question:

179 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of active and latent TB that have been detected in Cork city and county in 2009 and to date in 2010. [35185/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.

As this is a service matter, the Deputy's questions have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Vaccination Programme

Simon Coveney

Question:

180 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department in conjunction with the Health Service Executive is considering a systematic catch-up programme for the BCG vaccination in Cork city and county for children between the ages of two years and 18 years due to the fact that a vaccination program for infants has only been in place since 2008 and therefore many children may be unprotected from the effects of TB. [35186/10]

A catch up programme for BCG vaccination is currently in place in Cork City and County for those aged up to 15 years. In order to assess the position fully, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department has 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 an on-going audit of the delivery of BCG/TB services in the country.

Simon Coveney

Question:

181 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons on waiting lists in each city and county for TB vaccination in tabular form. [35187/10]

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

Health Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

182 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it makes both medical and economic sense to invest in the prevention of diabetic foot disease and if she will make funding of €1.56 million available to set up a national foot screening programme involving hospital and community diabetes podiatry services. [35190/10]

The diabetic foot screening programme has been prioritised under the Health Service Executive's National Diabetes Programme. This initiative is currently at 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. 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. The programme will also establish referral pathways with rapid access to specialised care within a multi-disciplinary foot-care service. The cost of implementation of the proposed programme will be met from within current resources.

Health Service Investigations

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

183 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding vaccine trials carried out on young children. [35196/10]

Following media and public interest over the period 1991-1997, the then Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Children, Dr. Jim Kiely, was asked by then Minister Cowen to investigate a number of vaccine trials which had been undertaken both on children in institutional settings and children in home settings in Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s. Dr. Kiely's report, "Report on three Clinical Trials involving babies and children in institutional settings 1960/61, 1970 and 1973", was laid before both Houses on 9 November 2000. The total no. of children involved was 211.

It was decided that the matter should be investigated further and it was therefore referred to the Commission to Investigate Child Abuse. A Statutory Instrument entitled "Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act, 2000 (Additional Functions) Order, 2001" included within the remit of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse the scope to investigate the vaccine trials. An extra Commissioner was appointed to the Commission, documentation was collected and a number of public hearings were held. However, in June 2004 the Order was deemed ultra vires the Act (i.e. invalid) by the High Court. Justice Ó Caoimh adjudged that the essential issue of the matter was not one suggestive of abuse as defined in the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000.

Following consideration of the issues raised in the Court proceedings, it was decided not to investigate the matter any further. The Minister's decision was made based on the fact that the difficulties which were encountered would undoubtedly arise again if this matter were to be investigated by another forum. These difficulties include the availability of persons with a necessary knowledge of events and the scarcity of documentary records of the trials.

Health Service Staff

Mattie McGrath

Question:

184 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of health care workers who will be affected by the proposed reconfiguration of health services in the south east; the costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35197/10]

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

Health Services

Enda Kenny

Question:

185 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of recent cutbacks in the Health Service Executive western region; the extent of these cutbacks in terms of financial saving and service provision in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35236/10]

Enda Kenny

Question:

186 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of recent cutbacks in the Health Service Executive western region upon Mayo General Hospital; the extent of these cutbacks in terms of financial savings and service provision at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35237/10]

Enda Kenny

Question:

187 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of recent cutbacks in the Health Service Executive western region upon Sacred Heart Hospital; the extent of these cutbacks in terms of financial savings and service provision at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35238/10]

Enda Kenny

Question:

188 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of recent cutbacks in the Health Service Executive western region upon all its facilities in County Mayo; the extent of those cutbacks in terms of financial savings and service provision throughout the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35239/10]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 185 to 188, inclusive, together.

In its National Service Plan, the HSE committed to maintaining front-line services in line with 2009 levels. The HSE West's overall budget is €2.1 billion. Notwithstanding this overall level of resource, there have been financial problems in the HSE West due to a range of factors, including a shortfall in income collection and hospital activity exceeding Service Plan targets. The focus on financial performance which is underway is showing demonstrable evidence of progress. From a projected deficit of €130m at the end of March, this had been brought down to €49.5m by the end of August. Continued efforts are needed to eliminate the deficit through a net €10-12m a month expenditure reduction for the rest of the year.

Expenditure control is focused on controlling elective activity to bring it back to the target levels; 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 front line roles; implementing measures to ensure that hospital care is delivered as efficiently as possible; improved bed utilisation and discharge planning; and procurement initiatives.

The HR measures proposed involve the reduction of staff hours to the equivalent of 200 WTE posts. This is to be achieved mainly through an overall reduction of 7,000 staff hours per week through the elimination of overtime and significant scaling back on the use of agency staff. There are and will remain some 27,000 staff employed in the health services in HSE West. Staff absenteeism is a particular concern and is approximately 5% for the region as a whole. Sustained efforts are being made to work with staff to reduce absenteeism levels, which have a direct impact on the staffing costs of front line services.

The HSE is driving efficiency in the acute hospital system by increasing the proportion of surgery undertaken on a day basis, admission of inpatients of their day of surgery and reducing length of hospital stay consistent with patients' clinical needs. Measures are being taken to control elective activity to bring it back to the target levels, as overall activity in the acute hospitals in HSE West has been ahead of the targets in the National Service Plan. In the region as a whole, up to July, inpatient activity was 5.7 % ahead of target.

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. As regards the effect of these measures on particular services in Mayo, I have referred the matter to HSE for direct reply.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

189 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of her Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35250/10]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. My Department is also writing to the relevant non-commercial state sponsored bodies to ask that they provide a response in relation to their organisation. This material will then be compiled by my Department and forwarded to the Deputy, as soon as it is available.

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

190 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to improve speech therapy services in County Carlow and to increase the number of sessions for each client; if improved services and increased visits will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35260/10]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

191 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an MRI scan will be arranged as soon as possible for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the delay can be explained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35261/10]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

192 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children annual funding for an organisation (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be increased in view of the increased demand for the extensive services it provides from its recently purchased headquarters in Kilkenny. [35270/10]

My Department does not directly fund the organisation in question. With regard to annual funding from the Health Service Executive, as this is a service matter, the question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Mental Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

193 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress regarding a commitment given by the Minister on 24 July 2010 to investigate a complaint made by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the report is completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35272/10]

Following previous parliamentary questions from the Deputy, both the Mental Health Commission and the HSE were asked to investigate this issue. It is understood from the HSE that the complaint was initially addressed by the hospital authorities and subsequently by a Review Panel established to further investigate the matter. The Review Panel concluded that the incident had been appropriately dealt with by the hospital authorities. The matter was then referred to the HSE Review Office in Tullamore who upheld the findings of the original Review Panel, stating that proper procedures were followed in the investigation of the complaint.

The Mental Health Commission has confirmed that the Inspector of Mental Health Services has been in correspondence with the Executive Clinical Director for Carlow/Kilkenny/ South Tipperary in relation to the matters raised, and that the Inspector is satisfied that investigations conducted by the HSE have been carried out satisfactorily. The general issues raised in this case, will however, be taken into account in the context of future inspections of the approved centre in question.

Child Care Services

Mary Upton

Question:

194 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the concerns of a person [details supplied] in respect of the assessment procedures in place for foster parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35285/10]

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

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

195 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by her Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35314/10]

In 2009 the amount expended was €250 and 7 staff members attended Irish language training. In 2010 expenditure to date is €125 and 3 staff members have attended Irish language training so far this year. This represents the costs of residential courses for 3 staff members. There was no cost to the Department for Gaeleagras courses attended by the other 7 members of staff.

Health Services

Charles Flanagan

Question:

196 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, since the Health Service Executive locum agency framework was launched in February 2010, she will provide the amount the HSE has spent separately on locum NCHDs and consultants with the successful tendered framework agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35327/10]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

197 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children, since the Health Service Executive locum agency framework was launched in February 2010, the amount the HSE has spent separately on non-consultant hospital doctors and consultants for placement of three months and less with agencies that are not party to the framework agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35328/10]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

198 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views that the locum framework agencies have failed to satisfy the demand for locum consultants leaving hospitals, without adequate consultant cover because of restrictions implemented by the Health Service Executive during the tender process on the locum consultant pay rate; the measures the HSE intends to take to alleviate this situation; when this change will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35329/10]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

199 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that was spent by the Health Service Executive for locum doctor placement in 2009. [35330/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 199, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters and executive functions, including issues relating to a tendering process adopted, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply. I have also had enquiries made of the HSE concerning the matters. The HSE has advised that there is a shortage in the supply of Consultants. It engaged in a tendering process that led to a Framework Agreement with service providers for the provision of medical locums by agency recruitment and this came into operation in February 2010. Having regard to the reductions in consultant salary scales due to overall pay cuts across the public service, the HSE ran a subsequent tender competition in April 2010, where requests for revised rates from the successful service providers on the framework were sought. This competition, however, was unsuccessful.

Child Care Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

200 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the assessment requirements and practice in relation to relative and non-relative foster parents; the steps she intends to take in this area and a timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35332/10]

The Health Service Executive is required under the Child Care Act 1991 to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. Where a child requires care or protection that he/she is unlikely to receive unless the child is taken into care, the Health Service Executive must take the child into its care and provide the most appropriate form of alternative care for that child.

Children who are taken into the care of the HSE under the provisions of the Child Care Act 1991 and placed in foster care or relative care in accordance with the Child Care Regulations 1995. In order to become a foster carer or relative carer as set out in the regulations the following must be completed and provided:

A. In respect of foster carers and relatives they must provide the following to the HSE:

1. Written report from medical practitioner/GP;

2. Name and addresses of two referees;

3. Garda clearance from the Garda Vetting Unit in relation to them and those in the home.

B. The HSE must carry out an assessment of suitability of the persons and their homes.

C. A report of the assessment must go before the foster care committee who decide as to the suitability or not to be foster/relative carers.

D. Foster / relative carers must receive advice, guidance and training.

While the obligations above are the same in respect of relatives and non-relative carers the Regulations in respect of relatives differ slightly in that they allow for the circumstances where a child is placed with a relative in the case of an emergency. In this regard the regulations allowed for the fact that a full assessment and the other obligations set out above would not be complete at the stage that a child was placed with a relative on an emergency basis. In these circumstances the regulations stated that it would suffice if the HSE had formed the opinion that the relatives were suitable to care for the child on an emergency basis following an interview and a visit to their home and any other relevant and possible enquiries.

Hospital Services

Seymour Crawford

Question:

201 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when the CAT scan will be in operation in Monaghan hospital; will sufficient personnel be provided to keep it going on a permanent basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35334/10]

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

Health Services

Seymour Crawford

Question:

202 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that sufficient funding is available to provide the home help and home care systems that are necessary especially for single people who are being forced home early from hospitals due to the continuing trolley crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35335/10]

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 implemented by a range of community services such as Home Help, Home Care Packages, Meals-on-Wheels, and Day/Respite care. Since 2006, just over €200 million additional funding has been made available to develop community-based services. 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 the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to deliver the Home-Help service in line with its National Service Plan 2010. This commits the Executive to providing 11.98 million Home-Help hours nationally this year to over 54,000 people. The target for 2010 for Home-Help hours is unchanged from 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.

It is a matter for the Executive, at national and local level, to manage Home Care resources in a balanced manner to best meet the needs of changing demands, individual cases, and Acute Hospital pressures. The position is that, this year, the HSE is spending in the region of €210m on mainstream Home-Help services, and approximately €130m on Home Care Packages. The importance the Government attaches to these services for older people is reflected in the fact that, despite the serious financial pressures pertaining in recent times, we provided an additional €10m in the last Budget to expand Home Care Packages to help relieve system pressure. It is generally accepted that Home Care costs are significantly lower than Acute Hospital or Long-Term Residential Care options.

The Department of Health and Children works closely with the HSE to monitor the provision of Home Care services over the course of each year. In particular, the Department and the Executive are this year progressing a number of initiatives to improve Home Care provision in the future. These relate, for example, to new Guidelines for the planning and delivery of Home Care Packages, and a new Procurement Framework for these services. In the circumstances, I am satisfied that every effort is being made to maximise provision in the area of community based services for older people, in line with overall service priorities and available resources.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

203 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ask the Health Service Executive to confirm if a comprehensive health care plan is in place for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35336/10]

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

Hospitals Building Programme

Mary Upton

Question:

204 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding plans for the proposed children’s hospital at the Mater site; if plans have been submitted to An Bord Pleanála; the discussions that have been held with An Bord Pleanála; if she is satisfied that despite the concerns expressed by a number of paediatric consultants, the proposed site is the most appropriate and in the best interest of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35339/10]

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and the HSE are making good progress in their work to bring this important project to fruition. The Integrated Design Team, appointed in October 2009, completed the concept designs for the new children's hospital and the Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght in February 2010.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government signed the commencement order for Section 78 of the Planning and Development (Amended) Act (2010) on 5 October 2010. The NPH Development Board will now enter pre-consultation discussions with An Bord Pleanála, following which the planning application for the new children's hospital will be submitted. The designs for the new children's hospital have demonstrated that the site at the Mater campus meets the requirements for children, young people and their families. The professional advice available indicates that the Mater site is the appropriate location. I am committed to proceeding with this important project at this location.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

205 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35340/10]

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

Health Service Allowances

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

206 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be awarded back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35347/10]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

James Reilly

Question:

207 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) that has been scheduled for an operation at Beaumont Hospital whose operation has been cancelled on three separate dates due to lack of beds will receive a confirmed theatre slot as it is urgently needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35414/10]

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

Hospital Staff

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

208 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the staffing and capacity in a hospital (details supplied) in County Limerick for the carrying out of CT scans; if there are staff shortages which are deterring the delivery of service in the department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35415/10]

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

Inter-Country Adoptions

Tom Hayes

Question:

209 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the case that a working agreement will be necessary, as opposed to a formal bilateral agreement to recommence adoptions from Vietnam once the Hague Convention is ratified there; the action that has been taken to commence this working agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35416/10]

Joe McHugh

Question:

213 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children in view of the discontinuation of the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Vietnam, if consideration will be given when the declaration to adopt runs out; her views on the predicament of those already on the waiting list with Helping Hand; if she will arrange that if declarations expire as a result of the unanticipated wait that an extension can be automatically granted for a third year without the paper work having to be renewed; if this goes into a fourth year that the adopters will not have to start from the beginning again which is currently the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35423/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 213 together.

The Adoption Act 2010 gives force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Act 2010, once commenced.

The papers for the ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption were deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands on 28th July 2010. In accordance with Article 46.1 of the Convention, the Convention enters into force for Ireland on 1 November 2010. It is my understanding that the Vietnamese National Assembly has recently passed legislation which should allow for a move to ratification of the Hague Convention. In the event that both Ireland and Vietnam ratify the Convention there is every reason to expect that adoptions from Vietnam couldre-commence subject to the provisions of the Convention and the legislation in both Countries being met in this regard.

As both countries will have ratified the Hague Convention there will be no need for a formal bilateral agreement with regard to inter-country adoption. At the time of ratification Ireland and Vietnam will each designate a Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Hague Convention. Administrative arrangements will be a matter for the Adoption Authority, as Ireland's designated Central Authority, to make with the designated Vietnamese Central Authority. Section 41(1) of the Adoption Act, 2010, deals with the expiration of Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability. Under the new legislation, declarations will be valid for 24 months from the date of issuance with the possibility of a further 12 month extension.

Health Services

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

210 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to centralise the testing of laboratory samples within the health services; if so, the discussions that have taken place with stakeholders; the stage the process is at; have tenders been received; when will a decision be made on the delivery of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35417/10]

Approximately 77 million laboratory tests are undertaken annually across 44 public hospitals at an annual cost of approximately €470 million. In 2009 the HSE announced plans to modernise laboratory services and to achieve significant efficiencies in the configuration and operation of these services. My Department has asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy on the detailed operational matters that she has raised.

Health Promotion

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

211 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the efforts her Department is making , in conjunction with the Health Service Executive and other bodies, to ensure greater awareness of Lyme disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35419/10]

Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borelliosis) is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can sometimes be more severe involving other organs. Ramblers, campers and those who work in such areas especially if they come into contact with large animals are at greatest risk of being bitten by ticks and of going on to develop the disease. A number of cases are diagnosed each year, but the true figure is unknown. However, research has determined that there are about 30 human cases per year in Ireland. In 2007, 71 specimens were confirmed positive for Lyme borreliosis, suggesting a crude incidence rate of 1.67 per 100,000 that year. A study at Galway University Hospital suggests that the disease incidence may be higher in the Galway area.

Lyme disease is not a notifiable infectious disease in Ireland. This means that there is no legal requirement on doctors to report cases to their local Director of Public Health, so this makes estimates of incidence difficult. However, the list of notifiable diseases is updated periodically and Lyme disease will be considered for inclusion in the future.

A fact sheet on Lyme disease, developed by the Vectorborne Subcommittee of the Scientific Subcommittee of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), is available on their website (www.hpsc.ie) to provide members of the general public and media with advice on minimising the risk of Lyme disease and provides information on the prevention and treatment of the disease. This has been updated to bring increased awareness of the disease to the attention of those most at risk and is available for download. To increase awareness, I am arranging to have the link to this document added to my Departments website (www.dohc.ie). In addition, an awareness raising article was placed in Epi-Insight, the HPSC disease surveillance report which is targeted at clinicians with a view to increasing awareness of the disease. In June 2010 the HPSC produced a leaflet "Protecting Yourself Against Tick Bites and Lyme Disease” and also an A3 poster on Lyme Disease and Tick Bites, both of which may be downloaded from their website.

Departmental Funding

Arthur Morgan

Question:

212 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding given to an organisation (details supplied) by her Department in each of the past four years; for what specific purpose were these allocations made; the checks carried out or audits conducted to ensure property in respect of end-user spending; the reporting system in place in respect of accountability on delivery of service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35422/10]

The Children and Youth Services Unit of my Office provides funding to Youth Work Ireland for its youth service provision, through a number of funding programmes. Youth Work Ireland acts as the grant administering agency for distribution of the funding from my Office to the projects, administered by that organisation, under the different schemes. Details of the monies allocated in the past four years are outlined hereunder:

Year

Special Projects for Youth (SPY)

No. of SPY Projects funded through YWI

Youth Information Centres (YICs)

No. of YICs funded through YWI

Youth Service Grant Scheme*

2007

5,298,243

49

941,750

12

2,625,755

2008

5,605,293

49

965,294

12

2,721,399

2009

5,297,002

49

912,201

12

2,471,759

2010

5,191,062

49

893,958

12

2,422,324

*Under the Youth Service Grant Scheme funding is made available to 31 national and major regional voluntary organisations. The continued funding of voluntary youth organisations through the scheme is intended to ensure the emergence, promotion, growth and development of youth organisations with distinctive philosophies and programmes aimed at the social education of young people.

All of the organisations and projects funded under the above schemes/programmes are required to complete a detailed annual report on their activities to my Office. Audited accounts must be provided also in respect of each project/service for the previous financial year and these accounts are examined by the Children and Youth Services Development Unit of my Office.

Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 209.

Hospital Services

Pat Breen

Question:

214 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person will be facilitated (details supplied) in County Clare. [35425/10]

As this is a service matter, it has 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.

Jack Wall

Question:

215 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when will a person (details supplied) in County Kildare receive an appointment for an ultrasound at Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35429/10]

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

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

216 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [35431/10]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

217 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [35435/10]

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

Health Service Allowances

Róisín Shortall

Question:

218 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost of each appeal to the Health Service Executive appeals officer in each of the past three years; and, if available, the average processing time. [35441/10]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

219 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of appeals to the Health Service Executive appeals officer in each of the past three years which dealt with a supplementary welfare claim, including claims for rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement. [35442/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.

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

Road Fatalities

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

220 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of fully investigating, to a conclusion, any fatal accidents that occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35208/10]

I understand the Deputy is referring specifically to road fatalities. The investigation of fatal road traffic collisions is a matter for An Garda Síochána and consequently I would not have the details that the Deputy requires. According to the Road Safety Authority the economic cost of a fatality is €2.9 million and for a serious injury the figure is €0.40 million.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

221 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; and the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35254/10]

The value of the pension payment on an annualized basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in bodies under the remit of my Department is €75,356, which is paid to 2 persons. There are no pensioners in any of the bodies under my Department's remit in receipt of an annualized pension in excess of €155,000. The breakdown of annualized pension payments below €155,000 paid directly by Department agencies is as follows:

Number in receipt of a pension below €155k

Range

95-75

75-55

55-35

35 and less

Totals

Agency

€000

Road Safety Authority

1

6

7

National Roads Authority

2

1

11

23

37

Public Transport

Joe Costello

Question:

222 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the level of Government funding that will be allocated to the DART underground project for each year until its completion; the timescale for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35262/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his proposals, if any, for the extension of the DART to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35449/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 234 together.

Since 1st December 2009, this is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Light Rail Project

Joe Costello

Question:

223 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the level of Government funding allocated to metro north for each year until its completion; if and when he proposes to draw down the half billion euro approved by the European Investment Bank for the construction of metro north; the way he proposes to protect the business of the city centre during construction; the timescale for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35263/10]

Since 1st December 2009, this is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Joe Costello

Question:

224 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the level of Government funding which will be allocated to the Luas BXD for each year until its completion; the timescale for the project; if he will link the timescale for construction of the Luas BXD with the timescale for the construction of the DIT Grangegorman development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35264/10]

Since 1st December 2009, this is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Proposed Legislation

Joe Costello

Question:

225 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce legislation to permit the provision of dedicated on-street parking spaces in Dublin city for the use of pool car companies (details supplied) which hire cars to commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35265/10]

Action 19 of the Government's Smarter Travel policy acknowledges that initiatives to establish car clubs have potential to contribute to a sustainable transport future in Ireland. My Department is currently giving consideration to how the role of car clubs in the promotion of more sustainable car use can be given a legislative basis. I have also indicated that I will include a "car club parking only" sign in a forthcoming planned revision to the Road Traffic (Signs) regulations, which would facilitate local authorities in the designation of on-street car parking for the use of car clubs. Car clubs can, of course, currently operate using private land or other local authority or public authority land without any need for road traffic legislation.

Traffic Management

Joe Costello

Question:

226 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will support a car pooling scheme whereby four or more persons in a vehicle can have access to bus lanes at peak hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35266/10]

Bus lanes have been put in place at public expense for the particular purpose of giving priority on our roads to public transport, especially in congested urban areas. The key consideration underpinning policy regarding bus lanes is that they are provided to support and promote bus-based public transport and to protect the carrying capacity of bus lanes so as to optimise journey times for the members of the public who use that mode of transport. The current rules governing use of bus lanes were established through the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997-1998. Large public service vehicles (buses) are permitted to use all bus lanes. In addition, pedal cyclists are permitted to use with-flow bus lanes on road safety grounds, as they are regarded as being vulnerable road users. Taxis, available for hire on-street to the public at large, are regarded as being an element of the public transport service and, accordingly, are permitted to use with-flow bus lanes. Emergency services — Gardaí, fire brigade and ambulances for persons — may also avail of bus lanes when in performance of their duties. These services are, like bus services, for the benefit of the general public. I have no plans to extend access to bus lanes to any other classes of vehicle.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

227 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport the funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35318/10]

Through Gaeleagras and University College Galway where third level training was availed of, eleven members of staff of my Department in 2009 and one to date in 2010 have participated in Irish language training courses. (Gaeleagras is the Irish language training and promotion body for the civil service and is a part of the Civil Service Training and Development Centre of the Department of Finance.) As most costs associated with Gaeleagras training are borne by Gaeleagras itself, the funding spent by my Department has comprised mainly of funding for third level (Diploma) training. Funding spent by my Department on Irish language training in 2009 and so far in 2010 is €2,935.

Air Services

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

228 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the process in the granting of exemption from articles 6 and 7 the Air Navigations (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; if a separate exemption must be sought and granted for every flight by an exempted aircraft; the number of aircraft exempt from articles 6 and 7 of the order as of 1 January 2010; the number permitted to take dangerous goods through or over Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35342/10]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

229 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if the final destinations of flights carrying arms through Ireland are known to his Department; the procedures that are in place to ensure that they are not destined for embargoed destinations, or destined for end-users likely to commit war crimes or human rights violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35343/10]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

230 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the reason for which 22 applications for permits to carry munitions through Ireland in 2007, as well as 28 in 2008 and 30 in 2009 were not granted; the criteria used to decide if a permit will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together.

The carriage of weapons and munitions of war on civilian aircraft is prohibited under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989, unless an exemption from this prohibition is granted by the Minister for Transport. A separate exemption must be sought for every flight. The origin and destination of each flight is specified by the carrier on the application form. In respect of each application, the Department of Transport seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to foreign policy and the Department of Justice and Law Reform in relation to security. The views of the Irish Aviation Authority are also sought in relation to aviation safety aspects if the weapons/munitions are classified as "dangerous goods" by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Each application is also sent to Department of Defence for their information. Where any of these bodies objects to a particular application the Minister does not grant an exemption. The number of aircraft exempted from Articles 6 and 7 of the Order since 1 January 2010 was 1008. For security reasons it is not the practice to comment on any reasons given for refusal of applications unless the cargo is of a nature that its carriage is specifically prohibited under international law.

Rail Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that health and safety standards are fully observed throughout the commuter rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35444/10]

The Railway Safety Commission (RSC) is responsible for fostering and encouraging railway safety and enforcing safety standards on the railway. Its Railway Safety Statistical Report 2009, which is available on the RSC's website, provides background statistics to a number of key performance indicators. The report indicates that Iarnród Éireann's continuing investment in assets and safety management systems is delivering significant safety benefits. The Report also confirms that Ireland generally performs well as regards rail safety performance within the EU.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 125.

Public Transport

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the public transport bus fleet requires upgrading in terms of new vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35448/10]

Decisions regarding the upgrading of the bus fleet is a matter for the relevant companies and I have no function in the matter. In relation to the Public Service Obligation (PSO) fleet, applications for funding for any upgrading would come under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 222.

Air Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he or his Department have measured the throughput of passengers at the various airports throughout the country over the past five years; the trends emerging; the need for any policy changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35452/10]

Passenger numbers at the three State Airports and the six Regional Airports for the last five years are set out in the tables below:

State Airports

Passengers Statistics

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

’000

’000

’000

’000

’000

Dublin

20,504

23,467

23,287

21,196

18,450

Shannon

2,795

3,170

3,621

3,639

3,302

Cork

2,769

3,259

3,180

3,011

2,730

Regional Airports

Passengers Statistics

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

Donegal

50,750

64,532

60,388

56,656

47,776

Galway

194,158

266,897

309,302

248,972

252,897

Kerry

356,247

423,291

389,434

392,400

382,678

Knock

607,228

629,000

556,357

621,171

530,084

Sligo

26,706

42,493

44,533

34,310

39,593

Waterford

111,837

143,465

118,771

82,826

74,357

As is evident from these figures the airline sector is being badly affected by the current global economic downturn. Ireland's aviation policy, as set out in my Department's current Statement of Strategy, is to promote regular, safe cost effective and competitive air services linking the country with key business and tourism markets. In a global market, which is fully liberalised within the EU, the scope for measures to provide direct support to airports and carriers is very limited. My view is that the focus in these difficult times should be on managing the business as best as possible during the downturn and to be well positioned to take advantage of the upturn when economic circumstances improve.

Transport 21

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which traffic volumes projected in the drawing up of Transport 21 are remaining as envisaged; the extent if any to which modifications to the plan will occur as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35453/10]

The National Roads Authority is reviewing investment needs for the national roads network into the future. This review is being carried out on foot of a commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government agreed in October last year. Its scope includes all matters in respect of the national roads programme and it will consider prioritisation of schemes, future demand and capacities of different road types.

Questions Nos. 237 and 238 answered with Question No. 128.

EU Directives

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

239 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 891 of 29 September 2010, to outline in detail the implications for the common travel area in the event of Ireland opting into Directive 2009/52/EC. [35178/10]

Directive 2009/52/EC provides for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third country nationals. The Directive is targeted at the illegal employment of third country nationals in order to counteract illegal immigration. It provides minimum standards on sanctions and measures, including disqualification from public benefits, and, in serious cases, criminal penalties against employers of illegally staying third country nationals. Neither Ireland nor the UK has opted into this measure to date.

As the Deputy will be aware, there are some aspects of the Directive that create difficulties in terms of enforceability of contracts, as referred to in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 891 of 29 September 2010. As regards the impact on the Common Travel Area, it is generally desirable that the immigration regime in Ireland is not significantly out of alignment with that of the UK. This is due in particular to the ease of movement between the two jurisdictions. A decision to unilaterally opt-into an EU proposal that the UK has not opted into would tie Ireland to a common legislative framework with other European Member States but not with the UK. As such, this would reduce the flexibility of Government to adjust its immigration system when necessary in response to trends in the UK in the area of illegal migration. There is also a potential displacement risk where illegal workers find Ireland to be a more attractive location than the UK. The question of opting into the Directive will however be kept under review.

Child Abduction

Finian McGrath

Question:

240 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [35203/10]

I refer the Deputy to my written reply to Question No. 268 of 5 October 2010. The position remains unchanged.

Residency Permits

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

241 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of applications for long-term residency pending as of 7 September 2009; and the number currently pending. [35215/10]

Long Term Residency is an administrative scheme that was introduced in May 2004 and is focused on persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/working visa conditions. Such persons may apply to the Long Term Residency Unit of my Department for a five year residency extension. The Long Term Residency Unit processed a total of 6,070 applications between September 2009 and August 2010. There are currently 3,539 cases on hand at the 31st August 2010. Statistics for the month of September 2010 are not currently available.

Road Safety

Alan Shatter

Question:

242 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the current position regarding the putting in place of cameras to monitor the speed of traffic at key locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35234/10]

The Garda Commissioner and I signed the contract for an outsourced safety camera network with the preferred service provider in November, 2009 following a tender and evaluation process. In accordance with the provisions of the contract, following the necessary preparatory work, roll-out of the national safety camera network is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks and will reach full capacity in early 2011.

An Garda Síochána will determine the scheduling of the speed monitoring and survey sessions, with a Garda Superintendent overseeing the day-to-day running of the project. The selected supplier will have responsibility for ensuring monitoring and survey sessions are conducted in accordance with the schedules and providing survey and monitoring data to An Garda Síochána. The selected supplier will provide the necessary vehicles, monitoring and survey equipment and operating personnel. An Garda Síochána will issue fixed charge notices to speeding drivers who are detected and pursue any court prosecutions undertaken. The service provider will be paid according to the level of service provided. The number of speeding drivers detected by the service provider will have no effect on the level of payment made. The purpose of the contract is to reduce speed, and so increase road safety, not to generate revenue either for the State or the service provider.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

243 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35251/10]

My Department is responsible for the payment of pensions awarded to retired members of An Garda Síochána, retired solicitors of the Legal Aid Board and retired staff of the Children's Detention Schools operated by the Irish Youth Justice Service. The current value of the highest annual pension paid from my Department is €116,250.00 and 87% of all annual pensions are less than €35,000. The following table sets out the numbers in receipt of pensions from my Department in value bands of €20,000.

Value of Annual Pension

Number of Recipients

€115,000 to €135,000

4

€95,000 to €114,999

1

€75,000 to €94,999

3

€55,000 to €74,999

126

€35,000 to €54,999

1,043

€15,000 to €34,999

6,194

Less than €15,000

1,367

Citizenship Applications

John McGuinness

Question:

244 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if an application for naturalisation will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary and if he will expedite the matter. [35269/10]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in September 2007. Officials in that section inform me that a letter requesting further documentation was sent to the applicant on 2 September 2008 and further letters on the 14 October 2008 and the 17 December, 2008. No response was received from the person concerned and processing of this application was ceased. A new application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2010.

All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

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.

Visa Applications

Brendan Howlin

Question:

245 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding a visa application (details supplied) submitted on 18 August 2010; when a decision will be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35281/10]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to was approved on the 4 October 2010. I am informed by officials in the Visa Division of my Department that there is no record of a current visa application in respect of the son referred to. 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.

Brian Hayes

Question:

246 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform in view of recent announcements regarding making Ireland more attractive to foreign students, why is it that, according to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website, those wishing to study here, if they have ever been refused a visa for any country, must submit the original letter of refusal issued by the authorities of that state while all other applications need only submit details of the refusal, and do not have to submit the original letter; is it reasonable to expect a person to keep a letter of refusal for up to ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35293/10]

Brian Hayes

Question:

247 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the procedures and process whereby visa refusal reasons such as need to study in this State not demonstrated or warranted are created and formulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35294/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.

Each application for a visa for the purpose of study is considered on its individual merits based on documentation and evidence provided by the applicant. It is always the case that the onus rests with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why a visa should be granted. In order to assist visa applicants, a list of requirements, including details of the documents to be submitted, is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.ie). However, as is indicated clearly on the website, these requirements are intended to act as a guideline only and do not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in determining individual applications. Bearing this in mind, guidelines may also be tailored to different forms of visa application. I am satisfied that these guidelines, and the carrying out of functions by the Visa Section of INIS, are in line with international standards and best practice.

At the discretion of the Visa Officer, applications for visas for reasons of study may be refused, on the basis that the need to undertake the course in this State is neither demonstrated or warranted, in a variety of circumstances including:

an applicant has not outlined and/or satisfied the visa officer as regards the reasons for undertaking the particular course of study identified in the visa application. An example of this is where there is no clear link in the applicant's employment or education history to a particular course — be it a change of career, work related or progressing/advancing to the next stage of study e.g. diploma, degree or masters level.

an applicant has already obtained a higher level of qualification in a particular area than that available from the course of study for which he or she has applied.

the course in question is readily available in the home country of the applicant and there is no reason for the applicant to travel to Ireland for the purpose.

an applicant from a country where English is commonly spoken seeks to study English in Ireland rather than in their home country.

On the issue of submission of original documents, rather than copies or the supply of details, this facilitates the efficient consideration of an application as authentication is easier. It is, therefore, in the interests of applicants to retain for submission original documents where relevant.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

248 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35315/10]

Irish Language Training for the staff in the Department is mainly provided by Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí attached to CMOD, Department of Finance. Gaeleagras invites Departments to nominate staff for participation in courses. The funding for these courses is provided centrally through the Department of Finance with this Department providing a contribution towards scholarship expenses. For 2009 and 2010, 11 staff received scholarship payments totalling €1,375.

In addition my Department provided three in-house, 8 to 10 week, courses during 2009 and to date in 2010. These courses were attended by 38 members of staff and provided by Gaeleagras at no cost. A further 11 staff participated in an on-line course provided through Gaelchultúr at a cost of €2,200. One staff member completed a Higher Diploma in Irish under the refund of fees scheme at a cost of €2,050 and 3 other staff participated in various short courses at a cost of €1,140.

Programmes for Government

Joan Burton

Question:

249 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform in view of the relevant commitment given in the revised programme for Government, when he will bring forward proposals for an extra judicial debt settlement mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34039/10]

The Renewed Programme for Government of October 2009 indicates that debt enforcement will be reformed in light of the deliberations of the Law Reform Commission. As indicated in my response to the Deputy's Question No. 1198 of 29 September 2010, I intend to give early attention to the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission when it finalises its report on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement in the near future.

Visa Applications

Deirdre Clune

Question:

250 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the steps he will take to address the delays experienced by persons applying for holiday visas from outside the Schengen area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29182/10]

I am informed by Visa Officials in my Department that there are no delays currently in the processing of "holiday" visas. Visa applications are processed as speedily as possible having regard to the numbers on hand and the resources available to process them. Although the INIS website states that visa applications are processed in six to eight weeks, in fact most applications are processed much faster than that. In our dedicated overseas offices, all types of visit visa applications, including holiday-type visas, are processed typically in two to three weeks. Currently "holiday" visas referred to Dublin are generally being turned around within four to five weeks of receipt in Dublin. The aforementioned timeframe is often less for non-complicated applications.

As regards the Schengen area, the Schengen Convention is an agreement among some European Member States which allows for the abolition of systematic border controls between the participating countries. Ireland has not, however, applied to participate in the Schengen arrangements to the extent that they deal with the abolition of border checks. This decision has been taken to maintain the common travel area with the United Kingdom which remains an important priority for the Irish Government.

Crime Prevention

Jack Wall

Question:

251 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of neighbourhood schemes here; and the number in County Kildare. [28771/10]

Jack Wall

Question:

252 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes here; the number in County Kildare; and if there are plans to change this scheme. [28770/10]

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

Neighbourhood Watch is a crime prevention programme which aims to enlist the active cooperation of the community in a neighbourhood by observing and reporting to An Garda Síochána suspicious activities and by so doing reducing the level of criminal behaviour. Since its establishment, the Garda authorities have sought to encourage the active participation of the public in Neighbourhood Watch by encouraging and supporting communities to establish and maintain such initiatives and deploying crime prevention officers and liaison Gardaí to assist schemes. Neighbourhood Watch is supported by and operates under the Neighbourhood Watch Strategy 2007-2011, which has helped to strengthen its management and operation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that currently there are 2,340 Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in operation in Ireland, 148 of which are located in County Kildare. The Community Alert programme is a community-based initiative in rural communities, set up in 1985 by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda authorities. My Department has provided financial support for the programme for some time. The programme is dedicated in particular to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people in rural communities, especially the elderly, by: crime prevention, neighbourliness and self-reliance, general community safety and well-being, accident prevention, promotion of personal safety, and awareness of social inclusion. The relationship between An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre is formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.

The programme was given added impetus with the publication of a joint Muintir na Tíre/Garda strategy for the period 2007 to 2011. The strategy was developed following a fundamental review of the programme by representatives of Muintir na Tíre, An Garda Síochána and the Community Alert development officers, which took account of the social and demographic changes that have taken place since 1985. I am informed that there are currently 1,351 Community Alert schemes in operation throughout the country, 51 of which are located in County Kildare.

Community Service Orders

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

253 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has any plans to increase the use of community service within the criminal justice system. [35457/10]

I published a Value for Money and Policy Review of the operation of the Community Service Scheme last October. This independent review found that the Scheme was not being used to the extent that it had been in the past. Furthermore, it found that the Community Service Supervisors then employed, operating at full capacity, could provide supervision services to three times as many offenders as were then on Community Service Orders.

Based on this, and other recommendations contained in the review, the Probation Service of my Department is leading the drive to substantially increase the number of persons that could potentially be placed on Community Service. The Probation Service has restructured the delivery of Community Service nationally under the governance of a dedicated Community Service Unit and has piloted a new model of delivery of Community Service in the Dublin area between January and September 2010. The new centralised model incorporates new practices and modes of operation, new management systems, overall governance and work place utilisation. Arising from this focus I am glad to tell the Deputy that during the period of the pilot there has been an increase of 33% of throughput within the Dublin area. The intention is that this new model of Community Service will be rolled out nationwide thus allowing for the potential for increased use of Community Service within the Criminal Justice system as a disposal option by the Judiciary.

At the Deputy knows the most common non-custodial sanction used by the Courts, who are independent in the exercise of their functions, is the imposition of a fine. Specifically the recently enacted Fines Act, 2010 makes provision for the use of non-custodial options for the non-payment of fines such as Community Service in less serious cases.

I should also add that the most recently published Discussion Document of the White Paper on Crime series, 'Criminal Sanctions', included an examination of the use of non-custodial sanctions generally. Submissions on this Document were invited and in August 2010 my Department published reports of both the submissions received and a consultation seminar held in Dublin Castle on the 28 May 2010. The opinions received will all feed into the development of my future policy in this field. I expect that the present drive to encourage greater use of the Community Service will see more persons given such Orders as a disposal by the Courts exercising their functions independent of the Executive.

Data Protection

Peter Kelly

Question:

254 Deputy Peter Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the actions he will take to advance Ireland’s position in seeking to block a European Commission initiative that would allow the free transfer of personal data on EU citizens to Israel. [35458/10]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

255 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the rationale for his position to block Israeli access to potentially sensitive data on European citizens; and the next steps in the process. [35459/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.

Article 25 of EU Directive 95/46/EC (the "Data Protection Directive") prohibits the transfer of personal data from EU member states to a non-EU state unless the country in question provides an adequate level of protection of personal data in its national legislation. Article 25(6) provides that the European Commission may, subject to procedures set out in the Directive, reach a conclusion that a particular non-EU state ensures an adequate level of data protection in their domestic law. Where the Commission has satisfied itself that an adequate level of protection exists in such a country, a formal Decision to that effect must be adopted. However, before the Commission can adopt such a Decision, the member states must, on the basis of qualified majority vote, approve it.

Earlier this year, the Commission prepared a draft Decision confirming the adequacy of Israeli data protection legislation in so far as it applies to automated processing of personal data. The proposal was discussed at a meeting of member state representatives on 20 May and was later circulated for approval by written procedure with a deadline of 6 July. I asked my Department to block the written procedure prior to this deadline and the proposal was subsequently discussed at a further meeting on 2 September.

The Government's concerns in relation to the Commission's proposal originated in the fraudulent use of Irish passports by suspects in a high-profile assassination in Dubai in January last. Our first concern has been that Israeli data protection law applies only to the processing of personal data in automated databases. It appears that the manual transcription of passport details, or photocopying such details from a passport, at a point of entry into Israel would not be covered by Israel's data protection law. Furthermore, we are concerned that Israel's data protection authority, which appears to be based within rather than at arm's length from the Justice Ministry, may not enjoy a sufficient level of independence to enforce data protection safeguards to the standards required by the Data Protection Directive.

At the meeting on 2 September, the European Commission said that it needed time to consider the issues we had raised and it did not seek member state approval for the draft Decision. Any future action on our part will of course depend on whether the Commission proceeds with the draft Decision at a future meeting and, if so, the extent to which our concerns have been taken into account.

Sentencing Policy

Peter Kelly

Question:

256 Deputy Peter Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has plans to allow the courts to only use prison as a last resort for crimes incurring minor sentences. [35460/10]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act 1983 provides that a court may make a Community Service Order as an alternative to a sentence of imprisonment in respect of a person over the age of 16 years who has been convicted of a criminal offence and who consents to the Order being made. The Community Service Order requires an offender to perform unpaid work for between 40 and 240 hours, usually to be completed within 12 months.

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 allows the court to suspend any portion of a sentence or the full sentence, on condition that the offender complies with Probation supervision and any other specific conditions which are intended to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. The courts frequently seek pre-sentence assessment reports from the Probation Service to inform them of the suitability of the defendant for such an order and the conditions that might usefully be attached to supervision rather than imprisonment.

I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to the most recently published Discussion Document of the White Paper on Crime series entitled Criminal Sanctions, which included an examination of the use of non-custodial sanctions generally. Submissions on this document were invited and in August 2010 my Department published reports of both the submissions received and of a consultation seminar held in Dublin Castle on 28th May 2010. The opinions received will feed into the development of future policy in this area.

In addition, as the Deputy will be aware, the Fines Act 2010 was signed into law on 31 May last which, inter alia, provides for alternatives to imprisonment in the event of non-payment of a fine. In such circumstances, a recovery order can be activated and a receiver will be entitled to recover the fine or to seize and sell property from the person and recover the fine from the proceeds. A community service order is also an option. Imprisonment in the event of default will be a last resort.

Misuse of Drugs

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

257 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the effects of his recent anti-headshops laws. [35461/10]

The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 is part of the Government's multi-pronged approach to targeting the activities of headshops and the sale of unregulated psychoactive substances. The Act works in tandem with the ongoing controlling as appropriate of identified harmful substances by the Department of Health and Children through the Misuse of Drugs legislation and also links in with the HSE's current National Drugs Awareness campaign which is highlighting the dangers of the use of psychoactive substances.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Act, which came into effect on 23 August, 2010, has had an immediate positive effect in vastly reducing the number of "headshop" outlets open for business throughout the country, and that as of 3 September 2010, only 19 such outlets remained open for business. None of these outlets, to date, have been found or are suspected to be involved in the sale or supply of harmful psychoactive products. Finally, I am assured by the Garda authorities that the situation will continue to be closely monitored by senior Garda management.

Garda Equipment

David Stanton

Question:

258 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 10 November 2009, the further progress made regarding the roll out of decibel counters to all Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35462/10]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following a procurement process conducted in accordance with EU Directives, national procurement procedures and relevant legislation, a Preferred Supplier has been selected for the provision of sound level meters on behalf of An Garda Síochána. The unsuccessful bidders have also been informed and the required period before the contract can be finalised is due to expire on 18th October, 2010. The Garda authorities have also indicated that they will proceed with the roll out of sound level meters for operational use as quickly as possible.

Garda Deployment

David Stanton

Question:

259 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his views on the amount of Garda time and resources lost in travelling to and attending court hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/10]

The Deputy will appreciate that a considerable amount of Garda time will always have to be devoted to court duties. In that context, however, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, that specific measures have been put in place to minimise the extent to which Garda members are required to attend in court. This is an area that is kept under on-going review. I would also draw the attention of the Deputy to the fact that legislative measures have been adopted to save Garda time by permitting certain evidence to be presented to a court by way of certificate. The operation of the relevant statutory provisions is of course subject to the requirements of justice and judicial supervision.

Foreign Direct Investment.

Joe McHugh

Question:

260 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will lobby the US Secretary of State and her Northern Ireland envoy (details supplied) to promote the Border region as a location for new FDI at the Northern Ireland enterprise conference that she will host in Washington on 19 October; if he will acknowledge the importance of same in the context of the Bilateral 2006 Comprehensive Study on the All-Island economy that notes companies should be encouraged to redesign logistical strategies and treat Ireland as one commercial zone rather than two separate entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35201/10]

The 2006 Comprehensive Study on the All-Island economy identified the need to build on our competitive strengths, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and R&D. The recently published Innovation Task Force report was also clear on the benefits to be gained — not least to border regions — from jointly branding and promoting our "Innovation Island". An important initiative in this context is the US-Ireland R&D Partnership, an outcome of the US-Ireland Business Summit in Washington D.C. which was launched in July 2006. Its aim is to promote collaborative innovative research projects which create value above and beyond individual efforts. The Partnership represents a new model for international research cooperation and, to date, a total of seven awards have been made amounting to a total of $19m from a combination of sources in the US, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

I will travel to Washington to attend the Northern Ireland Economic Conference on October 19th which is being hosted by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While there, I will take the opportunity to stress the potential of all-Ireland, cross border economic cooperation and the investment opportunities in the border region. To coincide with the Economic Conference, I will co-host an event with the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, to promote the work of the US-IrelandR&D Partnership. I anticipate that a number of key announcements will be made at that Washington event, including the expansion of the Partnership's relationship with the National Science Foundation in the US.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

261 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35249/10]

Three individuals are currently in receipt of public service pensions direct from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The pensions relate to employment in the former Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO) which was integrated into the Department a number of years ago. The annual amount in each case is less than €20,000. There are no public bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

262 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35313/10]

Details of expenditure by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Irish language training in 2009 and 2010 are set out in the following table, which also shows the number of officers that participated in the training.

Year

Expenditure

Number of officers

2009

430

3

2010

1,505

4

My Department is currently finalising arrangements for the provision of Irish language classes for its staff at headquarters and abroad. These classes, at various competency levels, will be particularly aimed at staff who interact with members of the public on a regular basis.

Social Welfare Appeals

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

263 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who has been refused supplementary welfare assistance. [35174/10]

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

270 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who has been refused rent subsidy. [35218/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 270 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused basic supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement as she did not meet the habitual residence condition. The HSE further advised that the person concerned appealed the decision to the HSE Appeals Office but that no decision has been made on her appeal to date. The HSE Appeals Office will contact the person concerned directly when a decision has been made on her appeal.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

264 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to his press statement of 6 July 2010, if he will make a statement detailing any changes he intends to make to the mortgage interest supplement scheme and the expected timeframe for same. [35180/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

265 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to his press statement of 6 July 2010 the steps he will take to protect those who have been recipients of mortgage interest supplement for over two years while also in receipt of invalidity pension and whose mortgage is not in arrears in the context of any revisions to be made to the mortgage interest supplement scheme. [35181/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

266 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his press statement of 6 July 2010 which detailed his departmental review group’s proposal for a two year time limit on receipt of mortgage interest supplement has caused much concern among the public and if he will make a further statement indicating the way those who are struggling to pay their mortgages and who would be in even greater difficulty in the absence of the supplement will be protected into the future. [35182/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 to 266, inclusive, together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department. My Department's review of the administrative, policy and legal aspects of mortgage interest supplement was published in July 2010. The report was published in conjunction with the interim report of the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group. My Department is currently developing an implementation plan that will set out a framework for the future of the mortgage interest supplement scheme. This plan will be completed when the recommendations of the final report of the Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Review Group are available. This report is expected to be completed shortly.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

267 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1322 of 29 September 2010, if a self-employed person will be included in the auto-enrolment scheme and if so the total level of contributions they will be required to pay. [35192/10]

The introduction of a new auto-enrolment scheme is a key element of the National Pensions Framework. Employees aged 22 or over, who earn above a certain income threshold will be automatically enrolled into this new scheme, unless they are already in a more favourable occupational pension scheme. Self-employed people will not be enrolled into the scheme.

For those employees who are included in the scheme, contributions will only be paid on earnings above a certain minimum level and below a certain maximum. The level of these thresholds will be decided closer to the implementation date and they will be set in such a way as to ensure that the scheme focuses on those on low and middle incomes. Within these thresholds, the employee will pay 4% of their salary and the employer will be required to pay a contribution of 2%. The State will also provide a contribution within these thresholds which will be equivalent to 33% tax relief. Where a self-employed person employs people who are enrolled into the new scheme he or she will be required to pay the employer contribution of 2% within the upper and lower earnings thresholds, in respect of each such employee.

An implementation group was established in May to develop the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to put the reforms into operation. The implementation phase is expected to take three to five years. It is intended that the auto-enrolment scheme will be introduced in 2014 but only if it would be prudent given the economic conditions prevailing at that time.

Unemployment Levels

Tom Hayes

Question:

268 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons unemployed in south Tipperary as a percentage of the working population from 2006 to date in 2010; the number of persons unemployed here as a percentage of the working population from 2006 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35200/10]

Unemployment figures are released by the Central Statistics Office in their publication "Quarterly National Household Survey". This data is published on a regional and a national level only. I have included a table which shows the unemployment rate both in the South East region, which includes Tipperary south, and on a national level from 2006 to 2010. I have also included a table showing the live register in Tipperary south from 2006 to 2010. Further information on both the Quarterly National Household Survey and the Live Register can be obtained at www.cso.ie

Table: Number of Persons Unemployed as a percentage of Working Population at the end of December.

Year

South East

National

%

%

2006

4.5

4.0

2007

5.0

4.5

2008

8.8

7.6

2009

14.7

12.4

2010 (June)

18.1

13.6

Table: Number of Persons on the Live Register in Tipperary South at the end of December.

Year

Persons on the Live Register Tipperary South

2006

3,006

2007

3,288

2008

5,878

2009

8,514

2010 (September)

9,270

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

269 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the average and longest waiting times for decisions on disability allowance; his view on the fact that many applicants are waiting an unacceptably long time and the steps he will take to speed up the process. [35204/10]

The average number of weeks taken to decide a disability allowance claim last month (September 2010) was 10.69 weeks. People awaiting a decision on a claim for disability allowance who have urgent income support needs can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) from their local Community Welfare Officer in the Health Service Executive. To be eligible for disability allowance, a claimant must satisfy a medical assessment, a means test and be habitually resident in the state.

The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main criteria listed above. Certain claims have to be referred to Social Welfare Inspectors for means investigation and this can add to the overall processing times. In addition, factors outside the department's control can have an impact, for example, the supply of relevant information by the customer, employers or other third parties. This Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. Operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed in all areas of the department, including disability allowance section, to ensure that claims are processed and decided in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme.

Question No. 270 answered with Question No. 263.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

271 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35252/10]

Details of the annualised pensions paid by the public bodies under the remit of the Department are shown in the following tabular statement.

Highest Annualised Pension

Amount

Number in Receipt of this Level of Pension

€000

Pensions Board

53

1

Citizens Information Board (CIB)

52

1

Office of the Pensions Ombudsman

0

0

Annualised Pensions Summary

Pensions Board

CIB

Pensions Ombudsman

in excess of €155,000

0

0

0

€135,000 – €155,000

0

0

0

€115,000 – €135,000

0

0

0

€95,000 – €115,000

0

0

0

€75,000 – €95,000

0

0

0

€55,000 – €75,000

0

0

0

€35,000 – €55,000

3

1

0

€15,000 – €35,000

0

3

0

Below €15,000

1

18

0

Social Welfare Benefits

Willie O'Dea

Question:

272 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being encountered in urban areas as a result of the way the rent scheme is being administered; if he is further aware that the Health Service Executive has decided to grant rent allowances to tenants in cases where landlords are not fulfilling their legal obligations by registering with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; if he is aware that the HSE persistently refuses to give persons who are living in the vicinity of a house subject to rent allowance access to the landlord even in cases where anti-social behaviour is occurring as a result of the activities of the family who has been granted rent allowance; if he will consider publishing a full list of the landlords who are in receipt of rent allowance payments. [35267/10]

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). The Department is working closely with the PRTB to ensure that all tenancies where rent supplement is in payment are registered with the PRTB. To that end, the Department provides details of new rent supplement payments to the PRTB to enable them identify tenancies that are not registered and to take any follow-up action necessary.

Landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the PRTB within one month from the start date of the tenancy or at a later date on payment of an increased fee. For this reason, it is not practicable for the Department to insist that a tenancy be registered with the PRTB before payment of rent supplement can be made. There are also instances where a rent supplement tenancy need not be registered with the PRTB, for example, in the case of renting a room in a house or where a premises is owner occupied. Rent supplement tenancies which are liable for registration with the PRTB, should be so registered. In that regard, the close working arrangements which the Department has with the PRTB should ensure that over time, all tenancies that come within the area of rent supplement comply with the statutory system of tenancy regulation and safeguards.

With regard to anti-social behaviour, tenancy arrangements involve a contract between the landlord and tenant and tenant behaviour in private rented accommodation is a matter for the landlord in the first instance. There are a number of avenues open to landlords in such cases, including the mediation service for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board and/or recourse to the Garda Síochána and/or the Courts in relation to enforcement of the law in relation to anti-social behaviour. If necessary, the landlord may seek termination of the tenancy which, if effected, would result in the termination of rent supplement.

Under the relevant rent supplement legislative provisions, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. While there is no direct relationship with the landlord, the landlord/letting agent is required to confirm the rent charged and the landlord/letting agent details are on the application form. The data is collected for the purposes of calculating the rate of rent supplement payable to the tenant and may be shared with other Departments or Agencies in line with existing legislative provisions. For data protection reasons neither my Department nor the HSE are permitted to publish a record of landlords who have rent supplement recipients as tenants. Similarly, landlord details for a particular tenancy cannot be provided to members of the public on request. I am satisfied that existing measures in relation to the rent supplement scheme are adequate and I have no plans to make any changes in this regard.

Social Welfare Appeals

Dinny McGinley

Question:

273 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing appeal on an application for domiciliary care allowance will be held in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35275/10]

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.

Mary Upton

Question:

274 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection if a user friendly system can be set up for persons calling the social welfare appeals office (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35282/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that as part of one of a number of new initiatives brought in recently to improve the service offered to its customers, a new Phonebank system was installed in the Office from 23 August 2010. Staff training has been provided and the new service is being monitored. Any improvements required will be implemented as feasible.

Departmental Schemes

Enda Kenny

Question:

275 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an overview of the number of refused applications for all schemes administered by his Department from County Mayo; if he may provide a breakdown of approvals and refusals by scheme; if he will specifically provide the number of refusals in respect of the habitual residency clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35287/10]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department. I can, however, provide the Deputy with data in relation to approvals and refusals for all claims made by customers in the Social Welfare Local and Branch Offices in county Mayo. I have attached a table which breaks down the approvals and refusals by scheme type. I am unable to provide a detailed breakdown of reasons for refusals. The information is outlined in the following tables.

Approvals & Refusals by Scheme type for period 1 January 2010 to 30 September 2010

Scheme

Awards

Refusals

Jobseekers Benefit

4,491

233

Jobseekers Allowance

4,102

429

Systematic Short Time Workers

500

5

Pre-Retirement Allowance

2

0

Farm Assist

253

29

Back to Work Scheme

158

0

Back to Education

219

0

One Family Payment

122

12

Jobseekers Credit Only Claim

437

5

Total

10,284

713

Approvals & Refusals by Scheme type for period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009

Scheme

Awards

Refusals

Jobseekers Benefit

7,232

240

Jobseekers Allowance

5,519

343

Systematic Short Time Workers

1,200

18

Pre-Retirement Allowance

2

0

Farm Assist

311

20

Back to Work Scheme

99

2

Back to Education

309

0

One Family Payment

187

28

Jobseekers Credit Only Claim

568

12

Total

15,427

663

Note: The data above relates to claims made in the following offices: Achill, Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Claremorris, Swinford, Westport.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

276 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35316/10]

The provision of a quality customer service in Irish has been a priority of my Department for many years. A range of supports have been made available to staff to facilitate the provision of services through Irish to the Department's customers, including training in spoken and written Irish. The overall objective of these training supports is to equip front line staff with the necessary skills and confidence to deliver a quality customer service through Irish by phone, letter and in person. The following outlines the expenditure on training and number of participants in the period 2009 to 2010:

Irish Language Training

Expenditure

Attendees

2009

9,932

49

2010

6,777

36

Total

16,709

85

I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to fulfil its obligations under the Official Languages Act.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Ring

Question:

277 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person receiving the one parent family allowance returning to full-time education and receiving the third level maintenance grant can retain their rent allowance payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35321/10]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). A number of groups are specifically excluded in legislation from receiving assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme including rent supplement. These include people in full-time education. Where a person is in full-time education and wishes to retain entitlement to receive rent supplement that person must be in receipt of the back to education allowance. People participating in approved courses under the back to education allowance scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and may retain entitlement to secondary benefits, such as rent supplement, which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their education course. People returning to full-time education should contact their local Community Welfare Officer to clarify their continuing entitlement to entitlements under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

278 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of rent supplement recipients in receipt of a payment that has been reduced because means have been assessed against them. [35323/10]

Statistics are not available on the number of rent supplement recipients that are in receipt of a reduced rate rent supplement payment because means have been assessed against them.

Social Insurance

Michael Ring

Question:

279 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of complaints received in relation to employers not paying PRSI for their employees for the following years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; the action taken on foot of these complaints; the sanctions that have been applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35410/10]

The Department's Inspectorate, appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, is responsible, inter alia, for ensuring that employers and self-employed people comply with the Act in relation to Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. Employer compliance, in this regard, is monitored through employer enquiries and inspections which include detailed examinations of employers' records to ensure that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all employees. Where PRSI undercharges are confirmed, the Inspector sets out the PRSI arrears or underpayment in respect of each employee for each tax year and issues a demand to the employer for payment. Should the employer fail to respond satisfactorily, a statutory demand will issue by registered post and the employer given 14 days to respond. If the employer fails to respond, the case is considered for prosecution.

Employer enquiries on PRSI compliance can be referred either by a customer or by a Department official where irregularities on a customer's record are identified. Where an employee notifies the Department that his or her employer has not been remitting PRSI on their behalf, or where an irregularity in a customer's PRSI record is detected at claim processing stage, the case is referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to enquire into the matter. Details of the number of employer enquiries made by the Department in the years 2005-2009 are set out in the following table 1. The number of cases where PRSI undercharges were confirmed is included. The Department does not hold system records on the source of the complaint.

Table 1 — Employer Enquiries 2005-2009

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

No. cases

1,383

1,105

1,246

1,154

765

PRSI due

174

171

150

133

127

Employer enquiries may lead to an employer inspection. Details of the number of Employer PRSI Inspections/investigations for the years 2005-2009 are set out in the following table 2:

Table 2 — Employer Inspections 2005-2009

Year

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Number of inspections/investigations

710

602

531

474

379

Table 3 — Employer cases finalised in court 2005-2009

Year

Failure to pay PRSI on foot of demand

Failure to produce/maintain wages records

Failure to provide employment details for employees

Total employer cases finalised in court

Court outcome

2005

4

5

2

11

11 fined #

2006

2

3

2

7

6 fined

1 POA*

2007

7

9

16

10 fined

2 POA*

4 struck out

2008

9

6

15

9 fined

2 POA*

3 struck out

1 withdrawn

2009

2

4

1

7

3 fined

1 POA*

1 community service

1 struck out

1 withdrawn

# 1 case fined also received a suspended sentence.

* Probation of Offenders Act.

The Department is committed to ensuring that employers comply with their statutory obligations, thereby ensuring that employees do not suffer a delay in securing any social welfare entitlements and contributions to the Social Insurance Fund are made in an accurate and timely manner.

Social Welfare Code

Michael Ring

Question:

280 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria for claiming jobseeker’s benefit and allowance on a part-time basis; if he will outline the reduced payments made available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35412/10]

To qualify for jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance:

A person must be unemployed for at least three days out of six consecutive days (excluding Sunday), and must be available for and genuinely seeking work;

For jobseeker's benefit, a person must also have a loss of employment and satisfy the social insurance contribution conditions;

For jobseeker's allowance, a person must also satisfy a means test and the habitual residence condition.

If a person becomes fully unemployed, or if their working week is reduced, jobseeker's benefit or allowance is payable provided they satisfy the above conditions.

The weekly rate of jobseeker's benefit is based upon the person's earnings in the governing contribution year (GCY) of the claim. The GCY is two years previous to the year of the claim. The full personal rate of jobseeker's benefit is €196. A reduced personal rate applies if the earnings of the person were less than €300 in the contribution year that governs their claim.

Average weekly earnings

Personal rate

Increase for qualified Adult

Less than €150.00

88.10

84.30

Between €150.00 and €219.99

126.60

84.30

Between €220.00 and €299.99

153.60

84.30

€300.00 or more

196.00

130.10

Jobseeker's benefit is based upon a six day week. One sixth of the weekly rate is payable for each day of unemployment so long as all the conditions as outlined above are satisfied. Employees who are temporarily put on short-time working and who have a repetitive work pattern are dealt with differently. In these cases, the total number of days worked and jobseeker's benefit paid cannot exceed five days in any week. For these customers, the daily rate is one fifth of the weekly rate.

In assessing means for jobseeker's allowance, account is taken of any cash income a person may have, together with the value of capital and property (except a person's family home). The means assessment is based on a weekly family rate which is comprised of a personal rate (currently €196), a full increase in respect of a qualified adult (currently €130.10) and a full increase in respect of a qualified child (currently €29.80) less full means.

The insurable earnings of both the claimant and his or her spouse/partner are assessed in the same manner. An earnings disregard of €20 per day applies to the customer and spouse/partner up to a maximum of 3 days a week. The balance is assessable at 60%. If the means of the family are equal to or in excess of the family rate payable on jobseeker's allowance, the claim is disallowed.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Ring

Question:

281 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of person’s claiming part-time jobseeker’s benefit and allowance in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of the duration of same on a per annum basis; to provide the cost for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35413/10]

The number of persons in payment at w/e 1/10/2010 with a category denoting some form of work is as follows:

Jobseekers Benefit

Jobseekers Allowance

PTJI

Casual / Part-time

45,956

27,750

n/a

Systematic Short Time

11,995

n/a

n/a

Week on / Week off

857

n/a

n/a

Self employed

172

8,883

n/a

Part Time Job Incentive (Aug 2010)

n/a

n/a

158

It is not feasible to provide an accurate breakdown of the duration of each claim as requested by the Deputy. To do so would involve accessing each record individually. Also the categories in the table are not accounted for separately for expenditure purposes as they are merely sub-categories of Jobseekers Allowance or Jobseekers Benefit schemes.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Ring

Question:

282 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal can be opened in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [35426/10]

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a form for the opening of an appeal has been forwarded to the person concerned and requesting him to state the grounds for his appeal. On receipt of his reply the appeal will be opened and processed in the normal manner. 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:

283 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [35436/10]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office on 28 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.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

284 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of social welfare appeals in each of the past three years dealing with a supplementary welfare claim, including claims for rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement; and the number of these that had been appealed to a Health Service Executive appeals officer. [35443/10]

If a person is unhappy with the decision of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on his/her supplementary welfare allowance (including basic SWA, rent supplement, mortgage interest supplement) application, it is open to him/her to appeal the decision to the HSE Appeals Office. Where a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of his/her HSE appeal, he or she may appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office deals with appeals relating to basic SWA and supplements but does not decide on appeals relating to exceptional or urgent needs payments. In the time frame available, I regret that my Department is not in a position to provide the statistics requested. My Department will be in contact with the Deputy over the coming days and provide the statistics requested.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

285 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of her Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35255/10]

There is no pensioner in the bodies under the aegis of my Department is receipt of an annual pension in excess of €155,000. The further information requested by the Deputy relating to public service pensioners not paid by the office of the Paymaster General is set out in tabular form.

Name of Body

Maximum pension and number in receipt

Number of Pensions above €155,000

Number Between €135,001 – €155,000

Number Between €115,001 – €135,000

Number Between €95,001 – €115,000

Number Between €75,001 – €95,000

Number Between €55,001 – €75,000

Number Between €35,001 – €55,000

Number Between €15,001 – €35,000

Number below €15,000

Arts Council

€48,041 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

5

Irish Film Board

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Chester Beatty Library

€16,700 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

4

Crawford Art Gallery

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Fáilte Ireland

€88,997 (1)

0

0

0

0

5

15

49

124

122

Irish Museum of Modern Art

€14,049 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Irish Sports Council

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

National Concert Hall

€9,235 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

10

National Library of Ireland

€43,389 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

7

6

National Museum of Ireland

€36,235 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

7

National Sports Campus Development Authority *

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Tourism Ireland Ltd.

€61,356 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

2

5

2

3

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

286 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by her Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35319/10]

My Department has undertaken a number of measures to meet its obligations under The Official Languages Act 2003 to develop language awareness and skills among its staff to meet the needs of all their customers which include the following:—

making available to all staff of the Department appropriate Irish language training courses,

supporting and implementing the Irish scholarships programme conducted by Gaeleagreas na Seirbhíse Poiblí by releasing participating officers to attend the Gaeltacht courses under the scholarship courses scheme

providing advice to staff on the range of Irish language classes available outside office hours

promoting the refund of fees scheme as a mechanism for encouraging Irish language training.

The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:

Expenditure details

2009

2010

Breakdown

Annual exp.

No. of staff

Annual exp.

No. of staff

Irish Language classes

7,122.02

12

4,000 (estimated)

5

Refunds under the Gaeleagras scheme

0

0

250

2

Grant Payments

Martin Ferris

Question:

287 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when will the hen harrier payment for 2010 will issue (details supplied). [35209/10]

The herd number supplied with the question does not relate to any participant in the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme. On receipt of more information regarding the applicant, my Department will confirm the situation in relation to the payment.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

288 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35247/10]

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

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

289 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35311/10]

My Department has spent €4,560.73 in 2009 and €1,755 to date in 2010 on Irish language training for staff. 63 staff members attended Irish language training funded or facilitated by the Department over this period.

Planning Issues

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

290 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to respond to the National Consumer Agency recommendation to change the law governing the size of supermarkets in order to encourage new entrants and in turn promote competition leading to lower prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35326/10]

My Department is currently reviewing the Retail Planning Guidelines which were originally published in 2001 and updated in 2005. An Issues Paper was published in June 2010 to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to assist in identifying key issues to be considered in the context of preparing and drafting revised guidelines. Almost 200 submissions were received by the closing date of 30 July. The issue of retail floorspace caps was identified in the Issues Paper, along with broader competition issues. All submissions will be carefully considered with a view to draft revised guidelines being published for public consultation by the end of the year. This will afford all interested parties a further opportunity to input into the process before the guidelines are finalised.

Infectious Diseases

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

291 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide information on Lyme disease on the website of his Department and encourage local authorities and other bodies under the auspices of his Department to do so also, using the information provided by Tick Talk Ireland in order to inform people of how to protect themselves from this disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35418/10]

The question of public awareness on disease and infections is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children.

Special Areas of Conservation

Joe McHugh

Question:

292 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in reference to a proposed special protection area, SPA, site, (details supplied) if the Minister or his National Parks and Wildlife Service officials will make a comprehensive statement on the proposed SPA; if this statement will fully set out the entire requirements the designation will impose on local stakeholders including farmers, fishermen, oyster fishermen, foreshore licence holders and aquaculture licence holders; if he will provide comprehensive maps of the proposed SPA; if the Minister or a representative of the National Parks and Wildlife Service will meet with local stakeholders about this matter in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35437/10]

My Department is currently engaged in a programme of classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive. This exercise includes the re-classification of many existing SPA sites including Trawbreaga Bay which was first designated some fifteen years ago. A judgment delivered by the European Court of Justice against Ireland in December 2007 found that Ireland's classification of its SPAs had been inadequate in some respects and this has necessitated the re-classification of many of the older sites.

The proposal to update the designation of Trawbreaga Bay as a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive was advertised on 4 August, 2010. Detailed information on the proposal was included with my Department's letter of 30 July, 2010 which issued to some 148 landowners and users identified as having an interest in the site. This material, including maps of the proposed site, was also made available through public access points in the area including Garda Stations, Teagasc offices, the local library and the offices of Donegal County Council. I have arranged for a copy of the information pack to be sent to the Deputy.

Appeals by affected landowners or users may be made by the 3 November, 2010.The re-designation process will be concluded, following consideration of any appeals submitted, with the making of a new Statutory Instrument for the site.

Electricity Generation

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

293 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of generators and their size currently operating under the ESB support initiative for micro-generators; the number of applications that are being processed; the reasons for assisting 4,000 generators only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35176/10]

There are currently 302 generators operating in the ESB Microgeneration scheme with a total connected capacity of 1709.17kW.

The types of technology in the scheme are as follows:

Wind Turbine installations = 261 in total

PV installations = 39 in total

Hydro Turbines installations = 2 in total

Wind Turbine installations comprise approximately 93.5% of total microgeneration connected capacity.

PV installations comprise approximately 6% of total microgeneration connected capacity.

Hydro Turbine installations comprise approximately 0.5% of total microgeneration connected capacity.

A total of some 307,048kWh were exported by ESB microgeneration customers between 30th September 2009 and 14th September 2010.

The breakdown by technology type is:

A total of 267,760kWh were exported by Wind Turbine installations.

A total of 38,340kWh were exported by PV installations.

A total of 948kWh were exported by Hydro Turbine installations.

The purpose of the 4000 generator limit was to place an initial boundary on ESB Networks commitment, with a view to getting a microgeneration tariff scheme up and running.

ESB Customer Supply currently has 15 microgeneration customer applications in progress. ESB Networks deal with a large number of enquiries on the microgeneration scheme, many of these are general enquiries. It is only at the point where import / export meters are installed and the customer contacts ESB Customer Supply that ESB Customer Supply become involved in the customer's application.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

294 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35242/10]

Payment of pensions by State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each body by reference to the terms of the pension scheme in operation in each instance.

Telecommunications Services

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

295 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied). [35259/10]

The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issuessurrounding 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 online billing trial, I understand that ComReg advised O2 that it has serious reservations about the proposal to arbitrarily switch consumers to this new online 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.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

296 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35306/10]

There was no expenditure on Irish language training by my Department in 2009 or 2010. The number of staff who participated in Irish language training in 2009 was thirteen. These courses were delivered by Gaeleagras or in-house by my Department's Irish Language Officer, there was no cost to the Department. There has been no Irish language training to date in 2010.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton

Question:

297 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an area based payment and single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35191/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2010. The 75% advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue to the person named shortly.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

298 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35241/10]

The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the agencies under my remit is a matter for the agencies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities.

Farm Retirement Scheme

John McGuinness

Question:

299 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all matters relating to the payments and benefits in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be finalised by the Department; if he will clarify the benefits and payments now due to their spouse; if the application for the early retirement scheme submitted on 30 October 2009 has been processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35278/10]

My Department received an application from the person named on 30 October 2009 but unfortunately he died on 12 November 2009 and the issue then arose of the entitlement of his widow to payment of the pension if his application was found to have been valid.

My Department is not at present in a position to grant the continuation of a deceased participant's pension to his or her dependants. Since the first Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming was introduced in 1994, it had been my Department's practice to continue to do so. However, following audits of the Scheme earlier this year by both the European Court of Auditors and the European Commission, the Commission informed my Department that this practice is not compatible with the current EU governing Regulations and must be discontinued.

The Commission has not yet formally communicated its decision to the Department. Once it does so, my officials will be engaging in discussions with the Commission services to clarify the position. In the meantime, my Department has no option but to suspend the processing of new cases such as that of the person named.

Proposed Legislation

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

300 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Animal Health and Welfare Bill will be published; if he is aware of the urgent need to update legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35283/10]

Alan Shatter

Question:

302 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish and circulate the long promised Animal Health and Welfare Bill; to detail the work, if any, done in the drafting of the Bill to date; and if he agrees that current legislation providing for animal welfare is totally adequate. [35405/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 302 together.

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. This consolidation into a single statute will be of considerable convenience to all those who deal with or have an interest in animal health and welfare matters.

Following the public consultation process initiated on the draft Bill, almost 400 submissions/comments were received from organisations and individuals with an interest in animal health and welfare matters. Officials from my Department met with a large number of these organisations and individuals to provide an opportunity for elaboration on the respective submissions. Drafting of the bill is continuing, taking account of the comments received during the consultation process, together with the animal welfare commitments contained in the renewed Programme for Government. The proposed heads of the bill are nearing completion in my Department and I propose to submit them to the Government at an early date.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

301 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35305/10]

In 2009, the amount spent on Irish language training by my Department was €4,815, covering a total of thirty five participating staff. In 2010, the amount spent on Irish language training to date by my Department is €3,570, covering a total of fifteen participating staff.

Question No. 302 answered with Question No. 300.

Grant Payments

Willie Penrose

Question:

303 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to have the disadvantaged areas scheme payments due to a person (details supplied) in County Longford, immediately granted, as same is being held up due to digitisation problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35427/10]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with an advance payment of 75% issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. The application of the person named is now fully processed and the advance payment will issue shortly. The 25% balancing payments under the Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 20 October 2010.

Employment Rights

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

304 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, further to Parliamentary Question No. 891 of 29 September 2010, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that section 7 of the Unfair Dismissals (Amendment) Act 1993 protects workers employed under illegal contracts; in view of this, the reason his Department believes legislation on outstanding wages cannot be applied to workers employed under illegal contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35179/10]

As was indicated in the previous parliamentary response by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, in relation to contracts which might be regarded as illegal by the Irish Courts, the Irish Courts have taken the view that it would be contrary to public policy to enforce such contracts. A contract of employment between a third country worker required to have a work permit and an employer, which is not covered by a valid work permit, is an illegal contract. As regards Section 7 of the Unfair Dismissals (Amendment) Act 1993, I understand that the amendment was specific to breaches of Income Tax and Social Welfare legislation.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

305 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35246/10]

My Department is responsible for the payment of pensions under the Competition Authority (Chairman and Members') Superannuation Scheme, 1996 and the Labour Court (Members) Superannuation Scheme, 1971-2005. Five former members of the Competition Authority are paid an annual pension ranging from €7,384.01 to €88,773.00; 12 former members of the Labour Court (including Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons) are in receipt of an annual pension ranging from €9,010.02 to €68,104.28; 5 spouses of deceased former Members of the Labour Court are also in receipt of an annual pension ranging from €11,463.98 to €37,678.

Pension payments in relation to the other public bodies under the remit of my Department are a day to day matter for the trustees of the pension schemes in the bodies concerned. I have asked the public bodies concerned to compile the information and I will forward to the Deputy when it is available.

Employment Rights

Dan Neville

Question:

306 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35256/10]

In circumstances where a person is placed on reduced working hours by their employer e.g. a three or a four day week, the redundancy entitlement is calculated on the basis of a full week, provided the employee was put on reduced hours within one year (52 weeks) of being made redundant. If the person is made redundant after the first year of reduced working hours and if it is clear that the employee fully accepted the reduced working hours as being his normal working week, never requesting a return to a full time week, the employee is deemed to have accepted the reduced hours as the normal working week. In this situation the gross pay for redundancy is based on the reduced working hours.

On the other hand, if the employee never accepted the reduced working hours as his "normal" hours and was constantly seeking to be put back on full time working, the employee could then be deemed not to have accepted the reduced hours as normal. In these circumstances, the redundancy entitlement should be calculated at the full-time rate of pay. Where an employee makes a request to be placed on reduced working hours, for his own reasons, and the employer agrees, then the redundancy entitlement is based on the reduced working hours.

Departmental Agencies

Jack Wall

Question:

307 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if any analysis has been done in regard to the available Industrial Development Authority lands in Kildare with the overview of long-term leasing or selling of the lands either to local authorities or the private sector for the provision of incubation units for small and medium based industries; and whether the IDA still seeks to sell these lands at present day prices given that in some instances the lands were purchased in 1973 and have not been used for any productive purposes since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35299/10]

I am informed by IDA that, as far back as 2003, the IDA Board approved the sale of all the Agency's lands in Kildare to Kildare County Council. However, due to a failure in negotiations, this transaction was not finalised at that time. IDA again approached the Council about the matter, but the Council has confirmed that it now has no interest in acquiring the properties.

IDA now proposes to place the properties on the open market on a freehold basis over the coming 12 — 18 month period. In this connection, I should point out that in keeping with the proper handling of State assets and finance IDA is required to ensure that all property transactions, whether with industry or other parties, are on the basis of current market valuation. Meanwhile, the Agency is always available to discuss any proposals regarding availability or suitability of individual buildings/properties with Local Authorities, Enterprise Boards the private sector or Community Groups. I will be happy to consider any IDA request for the necessary Ministerial consent should it propose to sell any of its holdings to non industrial undertakings.

Unemployment Levels

Jack Wall

Question:

308 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if his Department has carried out any assessment or analysis of the unemployment figures for County Kildare for each of the past three years; if any analysis has been completed of the figures in regard to trade, profession or last employment of those on the register; the number of employment opportunities created in Kildare through any of the State agencies in the same period and the number of itineraries that have visited Kildare at the direction or under the guidance of any of the state agencies within the Minister’s remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35302/10]

My Department facilitates the creation of new employment opportunities, through the State development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, together with the County and City Enterprise Boards. These bodies assist and promote enterprise development and employment growth in businesses. The analysis of labour market data is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills and FÁS.

Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, together with Kildare County Enterprise Board, are fully committed to facilitating the creation of employment opportunities in Co. Kildare. The agencies and the CEB work closely with each other and with the development bodies in the area, including the Kildare County Development Board and County Council, as well as other local bodies and stakeholders, in facilitating an integrated approach to enterprise development.

Since the beginning of 2009, IDA has arranged three site visits by potential investors to Co. Kildare, one in 2009 and two to date in 2010. Details of jobs existing in companies supported by Kildare County Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, in the county are set out in the tables accompanying this reply.

Jobs existing in companies in Co. Kildare supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland

End 2007

End 2008

End 2009

Number of Jobs Existing

16,407

15,537

13,803

Jobs existing in companies supported by Kildare CEB

End 2007

End 2008

End 2009

Number of Jobs Existing

1004.5

975

897.5

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

309 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35310/10]

The table below shows expenditure in 2009 and 2010 on Irish Language Training for staff in my Department. It also shows the number of staff who have undertaken such training.

Irish Language Training 2009 & 2010

2009

2010

Cost

€1,185.00

€490.00*

No. of staff

19

13*

* Figures to October 4th 2010.

My Department is committed to building on the existing levels of knowledge and competency in Irish language skills currently available within the Department. In accordance with Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003, my Department has developed an Irish Language Scheme, which is currently with the Department of the Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs for approval. The Scheme sets out a range of services which my Department will deliver in the Irish language to its customers and staff.

Job Creation

Jack Wall

Question:

310 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the areas identified as employment black spots by his Department or the State agencies within his remit; the number of task forces created as a result of such identification of problem areas; the number of employment opportunities created by such task forces and the total investment involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35320/10]

In terms of supporting the creation of new employment opportunities across the country the State development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, together with the County and City Enterprise Boards assist and promote enterprise development and employment growth in businesses. Enterprise Ireland delivers a wide range of supports to Irish companies, targeted at the specific requirements of clients throughout all regions to ensure that they develop to their full potential in terms of innovation and exports, which in turn, stimulates job creation. In addition, the agency has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining viable companies of through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of their client base.

During 2010, the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) have continued to support enterprise development through the provision of both financial and non-financial assistance and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development and to enhance employment creation within the county.

While it is clear that we are operating in a very difficult economic environment, there are still investment opportunities in global markets and IDA will continue to compete vigorously for projects for Ireland. So far this year, there have been 63 IDA announcements with the potential to create in excess of 4,700 jobs. In the past Task Forces have been used as part of a response to a sudden loss of large numbers of industrial jobs, often in one major employer. However, in recent years, other initiatives are increasingly used as an alternative to Task Forces. This typically involves the County Development Board taking on a coordination function and working with representatives from State agencies such as IDA, Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County Enterprise Boards, as well as any relevant stakeholders at local level.

In the exceptional circumstances following the decision by Dell to reduce its workforce in Limerick, the Mid-West Task Force was established in February 2009. In July 2009, the Task Force presented an interim report to the Tánaiste. Since then, the Government has responded to many of the report's recommendations and has kept the Dáil apprised of developments. In June, I arranged for all Deputies to be provided with the latest detailed update of the Government's response to the Task Force. I am expecting a final report from the Task Force later this year.

In response to the job losses announced at the Quinn Group earlier this year, I established an inter-agency team comprising Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, IDA Ireland, the relevant County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social Protection. The primary focus of the Inter Agency response team is to support the employees affected in exploring their options regarding employment, setting up a business, education, and to outline the supports and training available to them. Forfás have also prepared competitiveness agendas for each region of the country and these feed into strategic decision-making of the development agencies.

Consumer Protection

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

311 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the way he intends to respond to the National Consumer Agency’s report on supermarket prices and on the absence of price competition between the existing supermarkets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35325/10]

The latest grocery price comparison survey carried out by the National Consumer Agency, which was published on the 10th August, found that in the case of the multiples the price of selected branded grocery items had dropped in the region of 14% between January 2009 and July 2010. The Central Statistics Office in its most recent bulletin found that overall the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages fell by 3.2% in the twelve months to August 2010. These reductions in prices clearly provide welcome relief for consumers in these difficult economic times.

The Chief Executive of the Agency in announcing the results of the latest survey expressed the view that there was a need for greater competition in the grocery market so as to ensure that consumers can benefit from more choice and more competitive prices. Government policy in the area of prices has long been focussed on the importance of promoting competition and raising consumer awareness. Research carried out on behalf of the National Consumer Agency shows that consumers are becoming more strategic in relation to their shopping decisions and that for a significant number of them price rather than convenience has become the primary determinant.

I have no doubt that initiatives such as the Agency's regular price comparison surveys have helped to raise consumers' awareness in relation to the prices being charged in the marketplace which in turn has led to retailers responding with lower prices as evidenced by the results of the Agency's survey and by the recent returns from the Central Statistics Office. I, therefore, fully support the work undertaken by the Agency through its ongoing price comparison surveys which undoubtedly will help to ensure that consumers can continue to be informed as to the different offerings available in the marketplace. I will keep all other policy options open to me, which can encourage competition and maintain downward pressure on prices, under review.

Commercial Credit

Joe McHugh

Question:

312 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, further to Parliamentary Question No. 298 of 30 September 2010, to indicate a precise date for the roll-out of the envisaged loan guarantee scheme; if the scheme will be introduced by the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35408/10]

As I outlined in my reply to Question Number 1742 on 29 September 2010 and Question Numbers 296 and 298 on 30 September 2010, my officials are working with their colleagues in the Department of Finance, the Credit Review Office, Enterprise Ireland and Forfás to address access to credit issues for viable SMEs including, the option of a loan guarantee scheme.

Substantial progress has been made in identifying the critical elements involved in any further initiatives. However, in developing any further initiatives, it would be important that they would complement, rather than substitute, the main banks' lending commitments and activities under the recapitalisation package and that they would represent value for money from the taxpayer's perspective. The provision of credit to our enterprise sector, especially SMEs, should primarily come from a properly functioning banking sector and any additional initiative on the State's part should not relieve the banks from their obligations in this regard. Only when these issues have been satisfactorily addressed will it be possible to indicate a commencement date for any new initiatives.

Paternity Leave

Michael Ring

Question:

313 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the statutory situation with regard to paternity leave; if the Government has any plans to introduce paternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35411/10]

There is currently no statutory provision for paternity leave. My Department, in consultation with the social partners, is examining the issue of paternity leave as part of a review of maternity, parental and paternity leave as promised in the Social Partnership agreement "Towards 2016". The issue of the introduction of a statutory entitlement to paternity leave was examined before, in 2002, by a working group made up of representatives of the social partners and relevant State bodies, as part of the review of the Parental Leave Act, 1998. The working group could not reach a consensus on the issue.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

314 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35243/10]

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the tables below.

Bodies under the remit of my Department where pensioners are not paid by Office of the Paymaster General (PMG)

Value of highest pension payment in 2009 not paid by PMG

Western Development Commission

9,348*

Údarás na Gaeltachta

79,459

Waterways Ireland

29,084

An Foras Teanga**

51,807

National Disability Authority

52,121

Family Support Agency

18,551

*Estimated annualised figure — relates to a person in respect of whom the first pension payment was made in August 2009.

**The figure provided relates solely to Foras na Gaeilge as no pensions are payable by the Ulster-Scots Agency at present.

Level of Gross Annual Pension Payable

Number of Payees

Above 155,000

0

Between 135,000 and 154,999

0

Between 115,000 and 134,999

0

Between 95,000 and 114,999

0

Between 75,000 and 94,999

3

Between 55,000 and 74,999

16

Between 35,000 and 54,999

33

Between 15,000 and 34,999

55

Below 15,000

83

Community Development

Jack Wall

Question:

315 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the reasons the Minister is seeking to divert funding from the Leader programme to other Departments; if any discussions have taken place with the Leader groups in relation to such a change; the amount of funding that has being drawn down by Leader groups for rural projects to date since the Estimates were agreed; the projects that have drawn down such funding; the employment opportunity areas that the Minister feels have not being covered by such projects that will in his estimation permit 700 employment opportunities to be created; if agreement is reached with the EU Commission on what procedure must the Minister then adopt to divert such funding given that the Dáil passed the Estimates for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35290/10]

The main objectives of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 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.

Details of the expenditure to date under each programme measure and for each Local Action Group (LAG) are set out in Tables 1 and 2 below. I consider that the provision of details in relation to each individual project for each one of the 36 LAGs would not be feasible in the time frame available. If, however, the Deputy requires information in relation to any particular project or area, I will be glad to seek to facilitate such a request.

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 €47 million, which includes funding for a diverse range of projects from support for micro-enterprise in rural areas to the build and maintenance of community infrastructure and the provision of training in a variety of disciplines for rural dwellers. I am confident that all of 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 LAGs 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 Deputy that my Department will continue to work with rural communities through their LAGs to explore all possible funding opportunities under the RDP.

Table 1: Expenditure to date under each RDP programme measure

RDP Measure

Project Expenditure to Date

Diversification into non-agricultural activities

686,377.97

Business creation and development

3,755,876.42

Encouragement of tourism activities

3,267,031.92

Basic services for the economy and rural population

11,365,022.57

Village renewal and development

2,620,648.56

Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage

1,814,746.53

Training and information

1,758,472.84

Skills acquisition, animation and implementation of local development strategies

28,255.07

Implementing co-operation projects

154,397.44

Total

25,450,829.32

Table 2: Expenditure to date under the RDP for each Local Action Group (LAG)

LAG

Programme Expenditure to date

Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd.

1,535,878.61

Ballyhoura Development Ltd.

1,745,075.04

Carlow County Development Partnership Lt

1,255,124.57

Cavan-Monaghan LEADER

828,752.78

Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo

684,218.56

Clare Local Development Company Ltd.

1,681,835.50

Co Kilkenny LEADER Partnership

1,251,918.42

Co Wicklow Community Partnership

1,072,591.24

Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd

2,095,454.64

Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta

672,895.50

Donegal Local Development Company Ltd.

1,394,561.43

Fingal LEADER Partnership Co.

564,014.58

FORUM Connemara Ltd.

717,963.27

Galway Rural Development Company

1,794,759.47

Inishowen Development Partnership

1,004,285.89

IRD Duhallow Ltd.

1,630,933.79

Laois Community and Enterprise Dev

740,663.20

Leitrim Integrated Development Co Ltd

1,131,829.95

Longford Community Resources Ltd

991,224.16

Louth LEADER Partnership

1,151,552.28

Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co.

1,694,305.40

Meath Community Rural and Social Dev.

1,536,154.96

Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta

1,857,990.59

North East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teo

1,331,696.00

North Tipperary LEADER Partnership

1,027,494.09

Offaly Integrated Local Dev Co. Ltd.

1,385,294.42

Roscommon Integrated Development Company

1,587,451.84

South and East Cork Area Dev Ltd.

1,349,320.64

South Kerry Development Ltd.

1,119,151.43

South Tipperary Local Development Co Ltd

1,312,129.57

South West Mayo Development Company Ltd

1,508,374.56

Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd.

1,120,273.00

West Cork Development Partnership Ltd.

1,645,898.94

West Limerick Resources Ltd

1,089,945.25

Westmeath Community Development Ltd

1,124,124.07

Wexford Local Development

1,988,081.28

Total

46,623,218.92

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

316 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35307/10]

In 2009, 22 staff of my Department attended training courses given by Gaeleagras which is part of the Civil Service Training and Development Centre. No expenses were incurred by my Department in this regard. I can confirm, however, that scholarships of €125 were paid by my Department to two staff who attended residential courses run by Gaeleagras. A further €1,900 was spent in respect of 6 staff arising from their attendance at academic courses and other training courses in relation to the Irish language during that year. In 2010, some €3,520 has been spent in respect of 4 staff arising from their attendance at academic courses and other training courses in relation to the Irish language.

Naval Service Vessels

David Stanton

Question:

317 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the availability of each of the naval service vessels in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35194/10]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D.): The information the Deputy has requested is set out in the table below.

Vessel

2007 Patrol Days

2008 Patrol Days

2009 Patrol Days

LE Eithne

188

179

177

LE Niamh

181

197

182

LE Róisín

214

176

165

LE Aisling

200

198

205

LE Aoife

181

198

159

LE Emer

207

178

159

LE Ciara

184

185

202

LE Orla

191

197

170

Total

1,661 days

1,658 days

1,588 days

The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships, which are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies. The current Exclusive Fisheries Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles

The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The Naval Service has a concurrent multi-functional role as the State's primary seagoing agency, and on any given patrol day the Naval Service can carry out a number of taskings on behalf of other State agencies such as the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.

Each year, the Naval Service commits approximately 85-90 of its annual patrol days to foreign deployments. Locations are considered on the basis of the optimum yield that can be derived for Ireland. An Irish naval vessel is considered sovereign Irish territory regardless of its location, and therefore a ship affords rare promotional opportunities for state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, An Bord Bia and the IDA to support Irish industry and services. In the current economic climate, promoting Ireland to business communities abroad has assumed added importance. This year, L.E. Niamh undertook a voyage to South America, visiting Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile. This visit to South America provided a unique opportunity to highlight the fact that Ireland is open for business.

David Stanton

Question:

318 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the sail-training vessel, the Asgard, sank; the amount of money made available to Coiste an Asgard in 2009; the way that this money was expended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35195/10]

The sail training vessel Asgard II sank in the Bay of Biscay on 11 September 2008. Grant-in-Aid in the sum of €800,000 was made available to Coiste an Asgard in the year 2009. Total expenditure for the year amounted to €353,877 of which €280,200 was allocated to salaries for crew and office staff. The balance was expended on other miscellaneous costs. It was intended to construct a replacement vessel; however, that plan was cancelled when the Government decided to discontinue the National Sail Training Scheme in December 2009. As a result of that decision, the sum of €3.8m representing the insured value of Asgard II was transferred to the Department of Finance as Exchequer Extra Receipts. Coiste an Asgard is now in the process of being wound up and all residual matters are being handled by the Department of Defence.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

319 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the value of the pension payment on an annualised basis to the highest paid public sector pensioner in each of the public bodies under the remit of his Department and all public service pensioners not paid by the Office of the Paymaster General; the number in receipt of this level of pension; the total number in receipt of a pension in excess of €155,000 and in each bracket below this at intervals of €20,000. [35244/10]

It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information requested by the Deputy. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Irish Language

Frank Feighan

Question:

320 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Defence the amount of funding spent in 2009 and 2010 by his Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35308/10]

Irish Language Training courses for the Department are directly funded by the Department of Finance (Training Civil Service Training and Development Centre, Gaeleagras). Four staff participated in Irish language training in 2010. In addition, in 2010, two staff were awarded scholarships which consisted of one weeks course in a Gaeltacht area. A payment of €125 is issued to the staff member by the Department following their attendance at a scholarship course.

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