Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Apr 2011

Vol. 729 No. 5

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 6, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 7 to 29, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 30 to 36, inclusive, answered orally.

General Practitioner Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

37 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health and Children the timetable for the delivery of a new general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7546/11]

The current General Medical Services (GMS) GP Capitation Contract was introduced in 1989 and is based on a diagnosis and treatment model. The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a new GMS GP contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. I would envisage that the new contract will also focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary Primary Care Teams.

I have already asked the Department, in consultation with the HSE, to finalise proposals for a new contract. I have also asked the Department to explore how best to address the competition law issues that will need to be taken into account in introducing a new contract.

Health Services

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

38 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the impact the changes in funding will make to hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7558/11]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

44 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will commence the promised delivery of free primary health care for all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7538/11]

John Browne

Question:

49 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health and Children when the promised White Paper on universal health insurance will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7522/11]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

55 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that general practitioners in the Dutch health system see 70 patients a day and that GPs receive nine euro per visit under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7526/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

59 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to turn public hospitals into not for profit independent trusts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7520/11]

Niall Collins

Question:

72 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has met with representatives from the Irish medical organisations with a view to rolling out universal health insurance; and if so, if he has discussed the amount general practitioners would receive per patient visit. [7528/11]

Dara Calleary

Question:

370 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to change the funding models for hospitals as per his press comments of 24 March 2011 and the way this change will affect district and community hospitals around the country. [7350/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 44, 49, 55, 59, 72 and 370 together.

The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim of this reform process is to deliver a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income. There are three key elements in the reform process.

The first involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. This commitment will be achieved on a phased basis to allow for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other primary care professionals.

The second area to be addressed involves the reform of the acute hospital sector and this will be achieved in parallel to the development of the primary care sector. We have committed to tackling the issue of waiting times and waiting lists by introducing new initiatives such as the Special Delivery Unit. We will also introduce a "Money Follows the Patient" funding system for hospitals. This is a more efficient financing mechanism than the current block grant funding allocations. We will also introduce a purchaser/provider split in the hospital sector by establishing hospitals as independent not for profit trusts.

Once the key building blocks, such as a strengthened primary care system and "Money Follows the Patient" funding, have been put in place, the health sector will be ready for the final part of the reform process. This involves introducing a new universal health insurance system. This system will give patients a choice of insurer and will guarantee that every citizen has equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services, including both primary and hospital care.

The Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform. The detailed implementation arrangements will be subject to careful examination and I intend to consult widely throughout this process. The Government has set clear goals for the health service, namely:

a universal health care system with access based upon need,

more care delivered locally through strengthened primary care, and

greater transparency and incentives regarding performance.

I believe these goals can command widespread support within our health service based upon their connection to the values and professionalism of those who work in the health service. I will be communicating on an ongoing basis as the detailed arrangements for examination and implementation of key reforms are progressed. This will include the publication of a White Paper on the Financing of Universal Health Insurance, as set out in the Programme for Government. The process of policy development and implementation will include issues raised by Deputies, such as the financing of GP services and district and community nursing hospitals. Finally, I refer to Deputy Kelleher’s question on the Dutch system. Firstly, I understand that GPs in the Netherlands are paid on the basis of both an annual capitation fee and a fee per consultation in respect of each patient. Secondly, it should be noted that the design of health reforms will fully consider international best practice and this will include the achievements and learning associated with the Dutch reforms. However, any reforms implemented here will be designed to fit the Irish system and to obtain the best outcomes for Irish patients.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Denis Naughten

Question:

39 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7391/11]

The future of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is among the issues to be considered in the context of the implementation of the Government's commitment to the introduction of a system of Universal Health Insurance. Currently, the NTPF is responsible for arranging care for those patients who have been waiting longest for hospital treatment and for the negotiation, on behalf of the HSE, of nursing home prices under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. I recognise that the Fund has developed considerable expertise in negotiating and purchasing acute and long-term care. I wish to consider the best way in which to apply this expertise in the interests of improving public access to clinical services.

Health Care Co-operation

Gerry Adams

Question:

40 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish the North-South study on health care co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7534/11]

In 2007 the Department of Health and Children, and the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland), agreed to undertake a Feasibility Study on the potential for future cross border cooperation. A Project Board comprising representatives of the two Departments, the Health Service Executive, and Cooperation And Working Together (CAWT) was established to oversee the Study. The Study, completed in 2009, examined the potential for joint cooperation in health across an extensive range of health and social care services and made a number of recommendations for future cooperation.

The Study was conducted jointly and it was agreed that it would constitute a report to the two Ministers. Any action arising from the report, including a decision to formally publish the report, requires the agreement of both Ministers.

The Study was presented to the Ministers of the two health Departments in 2009 and while the former Minister for Health and Children, Ms. Mary Harney, T.D., indicated her approval for the Study's recommendations, Minister McGimpsey was not persuaded that the report should be progressed at that time.

It would be wrong to construe the non-publication of the Study as an indication of lack of cooperation on health matters. Cross Border working on health has existed for many years and both Departments and the relevant health authorities continue to collaborate on a wide range of health and social care issues including, for example, radiotherapy services, paediatric congenital cardiac services, child protection, and suicide prevention.

Health Ministers meet under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council and continually review the existing arrangements for cooperation and explore other areas for collaboration where mutual benefit for both populations is demonstrated.

Hospital Staff

Brian Stanley

Question:

41 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health and Children the timetable for the delivery of a new consultants’ contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7556/11]

New Contractual arrangements for medical consultants were agreed with their representative organisations, the IHCA and the IMO, in 2008 following more than four years of protracted and detailed negotiations. Currently 2,121 consultants hold the 2008 Contract while approximately 200 consultants continue to work under the 1997 Contract. The 2008 contract provides for consultants to work as part of a team over an extended working day of 8 am to 8 pm, an increase in the length of the working week and also structured weekend work. It also includes new private practice provisions ranging from a total prohibition on such practice to an upper limit of 20% for newly appointed consultants.

The successful implementation of Consultant Contract 2008 continues to be a priority for my Department and the Health Service Executive. The Executive has been focussing, in particular, on provisions aimed at maximising consultant availability to public patients.

Changes to the conditions of employment of any health professional working in the public health service will be considered in the context of reform of the health services as set out in the Programme for Government and changes to the model for delivery of services. The consultant contract will also be considered having regard to the broader industrial relations framework, including the Public Services Agreement, and the changed economic circumstances that the Government has to address.

Smoking Prevalence

Liam Twomey

Question:

42 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he will take to reduce the incidence of smoking which has risen to the level of the pre-smoking ban in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7530/11]

Since the late 1970s, my Department, and successive Ministers, have pursued a long term agenda with regard to tobacco control which has been successful to a significant degree. The introduction of the ban on smoking in the workplace in 2004 and the prohibitions on display and advertising at point of sale, the restrictions on self-service vending machines and the introduction of a retail register in 2009 have consolidated Ireland's position as a world leader in terms of tobacco control legislation.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of tobacco policy. In this regard a workshop took place in June 2010 involving all the key stakeholders involved in smoking policy. Subsequently, my Department established a small group comprising of the Department and the Health Service Executive to develop proposals on what further measures might be taken to reduce initiation and prevalence of smoking in Ireland. I look forward to receiving the Group's Report later this year.

Health Service Staff

John Browne

Question:

43 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme for Health Service Executive staff; when he will do so; the number of positions that will be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7525/11]

The Government is committed to bringing about a significant reduction in the number of staff across the public service over the period to 2015, to realise efficiencies in the delivery of public services and contribute to the overall correction of the national finances, while protecting front-line services as far as possible.

The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform is currently considering the range of measures that will be necessary to bring about the necessary numbers reductions. Policy measures across various areas of Government activity should contribute to this overall objective, and the Government will be carrying out a comprehensive review of expenditure this year to examine all areas where savings and numbers reductions might be identified.

Part of the overall policy on public service numbers may involve voluntary staff exit mechanisms, and the options in this regard will be considered by the Government in this overall context. I have said on a number of occasions that I believe there should be a voluntary exit scheme for the health sector. However any such scheme needs to be carefully targeted and people need to be given more time to consider their options. I believe that the experience of the recent exit package in the health sector will be very helpful for Government in considering these issues.

Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 38.

Hospital Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

45 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if additional resources and support will be provided to Crumlin children’s hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7540/11]

The Health Service Executive continues to work with paediatric hospitals to support service delivery to our sick children. The HSE has established a paediatric hospital network across the three Dublin paediatric hospitals at Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght. This network is supported by the appointment of a Clinical Director working across the three hospitals and focuses on maximum co-operation between the three sites. A number of conjoint working groups have been established aimed at maximising service delivery across the three hospitals and ensuring the best and speediest possible care for patients. A single Department of Surgery is now in place which will facilitate single waiting lists into the future. Robust cross site structures are in place to ensure optimum service delivery from the most appropriate resource.

A number of additional resources have been put in place at Crumlin Hospital and a number of others are in the planning stage.

Key initiatives include:

Enhanced Cardiac Programme with an additional 5 days surgery in place per month, in place since early 2010.

Four additional Paediatric Intensive Care beds to be commissioned in the second half of the year. This has meant a specific investment of €2.35 million with an additional 18.5 staff.

Two Consultant Intensivist posts identified and currently in the process of recruitment.

Two Consultant Immunologist posts identified and currently in the process of recruitment.

One Consultant Neurophysiologist post identified and currently part of the Consultant Application Process.

One Consultant Dermatologist post identified and currently part of the Consultant Application process.

One Consultant Rheumatologist post identified and currently part of the Consultant Application process.

Two Medical Scientist posts identified and in place to support the New Born Screening Service.

The Health Service Executive continues to work with the paediatric hospitals to support the optimum appropriate service delivery across the three sites.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Micheál Martin

Question:

46 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health and Children the person to whom he has assigned responsibility for co-ordinating policy on older persons. [5808/11]

I am pleased to confirm that I have now been assigned responsibility for older people's issues. My priorities will be to complete and implement the National Positive Ageing Strategy and to drive the Government's agenda to enable people as they grow older to maintain and improve their physical, social and mental well-being and to live in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that policy for older people in Ireland is a priority for this Government. While policy in relation to health services is a matter for the Minister for Health, positive, active, healthy ageing must not be considered to be solely a health issue. Given the wide range of issues which directly impact on the lives of older people and on the process of ageing, it is a matter for every Minister to address issues relevant to older people and respond accordingly.

As the deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government commits us to complete and implement the National Positive Ageing Strategy. Work on preparing and developing the Strategy, which will establish the strategic framework for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland, is continuing in my Department. It is envisaged that the Strategy will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by Government Departments clearly setting out their objectives relating to older people, as well as the development of ongoing mechanisms designed to monitor progress and identify challenges facing older people in the future. The development of the Strategy is being assisted by a Cross-Departmental Group (CDG), comprised of officials from 11 Government Departments, the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Síochána, and is chaired by the Director of the Office for Older People.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 36.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

48 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children his priorities in his first 100 days in office. [7519/11]

The areas that I have identified as requiring priority attention are as follows:

establishment of a Special Delivery Unit based on the successful Northern Ireland model to assist in reducing waiting times for admissions from Emergency Departments, elective admissions and out-patient appointments;

publication of a detailed plan to ensure that our hospitals can cope with the increased demand for Emergency Department services next winter;

changing the membership of the Board of the HSE;

introduce a cervical cancer vaccination catch up programme for all girls in secondary school to begin in September 2011; and

initiate discussions with stakeholders on the Government's reform programme.

Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 38.

Hospital Services

Seán Crowe

Question:

50 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional supports and resources he will put in place for Tallaght hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7551/11]

Tallaght Hospital is a key part of acute hospital services in the Dublin area. It has a budget of some €176.4m and 2,489 staff (whole time equivalents).

At present a phased capital equipment replacement programme is being put in place at the hospital.

The hospital is working with the Coombe Maternity Hospital on plans to relocate the Coombe Hospital in line with the recommendations of the KPMG Report on Maternity Services in Dublin.

A new Urgent and Ambulatory Care Centre is planned for Tallaght Hospital as part of the development of the new National Children's Hospital.

The hospital, in conjunction with the HSE, is exploring the possibility of developing a centre for integrated chronic disease management.

Other service developments currently being pursued at Tallaght Hospital include the opening of a new laboratory, at a cost of €2m, and participation in the roll-out of the HSE's Clinical Care Programmes including the Acute Medicine Programme. The new laboratory will allow the hospital to meet the relevant accreditation standards.

Following on from the recommendations of the Tallaght Hospital Review, the hospital has now received funding for radiology equipment and is in the process of procuring it.

Additional posts have been provided for the Emergency Department and to support the implementation of the Acute Medical Programme which will greatly improve the care of patients in the hospital.

The provision of additional dermatology, neurology and rheumatology posts are at the final approval stage with the HSE. The hospital is also awaiting approval from the HSE for 3 additional Radiologist posts which will significantly improve waiting times for patients. This was also recommended by the Tallaght Hospital Review.

Child Protection

Martin Ferris

Question:

51 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to amend disciplinary procedures for social workers who fail in their duty to protect children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7555/11]

The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for twelve health and social care professions including Social Workers. The structure of the system of statutory registration will comprise a registration board for each of the professions to be registered, a Health and Social Care Professionals Council (HSCPC) with overall responsibility for the regulatory system and a committee structure to deal with disciplinary matters under the fitness to practise framework. The Act is being commenced on a phased basis.

The first Registration Board to be established under the HSCPC, the Social Workers Registration Board, was appointed in August 2010 and has been working with the Council to put in place the administrative arrangements for the opening of the Register. It is envisaged that the Social Workers Register will be open to registrants by early summer this year. Part 4 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 refers to issues of registration, including the establishment and maintenance of registers and the granting of registration by a registration board. Section 38(1)(c) of the 2005 Act provides that the registration board of a designated profession shall grant registration to any person who satisfies the board that he or she is a fit and proper person to engage in the practice of the profession.

Part 6 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 refers to issues concerning complaints and disciplinary sanction in relation to registrants. A complaint may be made to the Council concerning a registrant on a number of issues including, professional misconduct, poor professional performance, or impairment of the registrant's ability to practice the designated profession concerned because of a physical or mental ailment, an emotional disturbance or an addiction to alcohol or drugs. It is planned to commence this provision in respect of Social Workers as soon as is practicable.

Organ Donation

Brian Stanley

Question:

52 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans in relation to organ donation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7557/11]

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation in order to improve the availability of organs for patients in need. My Department has consulted widely on this issue and is preparing legislative proposals on the donation and use of human organs for transplantation. These proposals will be included in a Human Tissue Bill which will also take into account the recommendations of the Madden Report on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures. My Department is working to finalise the proposals for me as soon as possible.

In addition to consent systems, there is evidence from other countries that good co-ordination at hospital level and counselling arrangements for relatives are significant factors in achieving high organ donation rates. I am therefore also considering what practices and organisational changes could further improve donation rates in this country. I welcome the establishment of a National Office for Organ Donation and Transplantation by the HSE. The Clinical Lead in that Office will endeavour to enhance organ donation in Ireland and underpin the quality of outcomes for patients following organ donation in line with the standards set in Directive 2010/53/EU on quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation.

General Practitioner Services

Dessie Ellis

Question:

53 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he will put in place to increase the number of general practitioners, particularly in view of the shortage of GPs in many areas, including large working class areas in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7549/11]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

61 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to increase the number of general practitioners here in advance of implementing universal health insurance. [7527/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 61 together.

There are some 2,600 General Practitioners (GPs) in active practice (full and part time) in the State with another 300 doctors working as locums. The HSE has contracts with some 2,200 GPs for the provision of services to medical card and GP visit card patients under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.

The Programme for Government provides that during the term of this Government, GP training places will be increased, GPs will be encouraged to defer retirement and GPs will be recruited from abroad. In addition, the EU/IMF programme provides for the elimination of restrictions on the number of GPs qualifying and the removal of restrictions on GPs wishing to treat public patients.

With effect from 1st July 2010, the number of GP training places increased from 120 to 157 per annum. The GP training programme is of four years duration — two years spent in hospital posts and two years in an approved general practice. There are currently 407 trainees participating on the programme. One of the enabling steps which resulted in the increase to 157 training places was the setting up of an additional GP training programme in Dublin's North Inner City, an area identified by both the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and the HSE as requiring additional GPs.

The HSE is in discussion with the ICGP to identify a fast track mechanism of up-skilling doctors who are not eligible for GMS contracts because they are not fully qualified.

In relation to removing restrictions on GPs wishing to treat public patients, I have already asked the Department, in consultation with the HSE, to finalise proposals for the implementation of this commitment. In relation to GP retirement, it is worth noting that GPs who hold a contract or contracts under the GMS Scheme and/or the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme and/or the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme may from 1st October 2009 continue to hold their contract(s) until their 70th birthday. Similar arrangements also apply to new contract holders. To-date, 24 GPs who were due to retire in 2009/2010 and 11 who were due to retire in 2011 have benefited from this extension.

All vacant GMS posts are advertised on the HSE website. It is expected that the removal of restrictions on access to GMS contracts will provide an incentive for GPs from abroad to come to practice here. The continued expansion of Primary Care Teams and Primary Care Centres will also assist in attracting GPs.

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 36.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 38.

Health Service Staff

Liam Twomey

Question:

56 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason staffing levels for allied health care professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists in County Wexford are significantly below surrounding counties; if he will confirm that the elimination of such inequalities of health care provision was in the mission statement of the Health Service Executive when it was established in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7529/11]

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

Health Services

Sandra McLellan

Question:

57 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will reverse the cutbacks to dental treatment services imposed by the previous Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7541/11]

I am considering the measures introduced by the HSE to contain expenditure on the Dental Treatment Services Scheme at the level of €63m.

Hospitals Building Programme

Dara Calleary

Question:

58 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children the financial implications for the taxpayer following his decision to axe co-location. [7524/11]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

68 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children the total cost to the State of the now abandoned scheme for the co-location of private for profit hospitals on public hospital sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7537/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 68 together.

It is the Government's intention, as set out in the Programme for Government, that the existing private hospital co-location policy will come to an end.

The HSE has informed my Department that the extensions granted in respect of the project agreements for the four most advanced co-location projects expired at the end of March. This was a matter for the HSE as the Minister for Health is not a contracting party in accordance with the provisions of these agreements. The HSE has also contacted the private parties involved with the other co-location projects, which were at earlier stages of the procurement and contractual processes, to inform them that it will not be proceeding with those projects.

A core principle underlying the co-location initiative was that the private sector should bear all normal business risks. The HSE has indicated that the private partners paid a non-refundable deposit of €350,000 in respect of each of the four projects where project agreements were signed. The intention of this requirement was to allow the HSE to defray the legal and other costs involved. My Department has requested the HSE to provide the information sought by the Deputies in relation to the net cost of the co-location competition held by the Executive and I will be in further communication with them as soon as possible.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 38.

Medical Inquiries

Dara Calleary

Question:

60 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will commission an independent inquiry into Dr. Michael Shine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7523/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

417 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will establish an inquiry into the manner in which the testimony of victims of the former consultant surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Michael Shine, were dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 417 together.

In 2010, the Drogheda Review was established by the then Minister for Health and Children to advise on whether a further investigation into the case of a former Consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda would be of benefit and to advise on whether any additional information or insights were likely to be achieved from a further full investigation. The former surgeon worked in Drogheda from 1964 until 1995. The issues arising from the case have been the subject of an independent review commissioned by the then North Eastern Health Board and chaired by Dr. Miriam Hederman O'Brien, which reported in 1995.

A former High Court Judge, Mr. T.C. Smyth, was appointed chair of the Drogheda Review.

Having examined the matter, Judge Smyth recommended that a further investigation should not be held at this time. He also recommended that, in order to avoid prejudicing any civil or criminal cases, the report should not be published.

The then Attorney General concurred with this advice but agreed that a short summary of the report could be prepared and published. Accordingly the Department, in consultation with the Attorney General and Judge Smyth, prepared a summary which was sent for information to two patient support groups in January 2011.

In light of Judge Smyth's recommendation, I do not intend to institute an inquiry into this case. However, I will discuss matters relating to the case further with the Attorney General.

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 53.

Health Service Properties

Seamus Kirk

Question:

62 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children the current position of Health Service Executive lands at a location (details supplied) in County Louth and his plans to utilise these lands. [7390/11]

Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Health Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

63 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will commission the framing of a national strategy for chronic pain management here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7539/11]

I appreciate the significant difficulties experienced by people living with chronic pain, and the impact that their condition can have on their personal and working lives. My Department is at present in discussion with the HSE about the best way in which to meet the care and service needs of persons suffering from chronic pain.

General Practitioner Services

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

64 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans for the accelerated delivery of promised primary care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7548/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

73 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health and Children the persons who will oversee the new network of primary care centres promised, and if the Health Service Executive was being phased out. [7521/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 73 together.

The HSE has responsibility for the development of Primary Care Centres in line with the Primary Care Strategy and it is the intention that the majority of these will be provided by the private sector through leasing agreements.

In this context the Executive has developed a generic design model for Primary Care Centres, with accommodation for up to three Primary Care Teams per centre. It is the HSE's intention to deliver up to 200 Primary Care Centres using this leasing strategy. The HSE states that, to date, 16 Primary Care Centres are open and a further 12 are under construction or in fit-out.

In addition, the HSE has signed letters of intent in a further 23 locations. The letter of intent indicates that a preferred bidder has been identified. The HSE has indicated that these figures may vary as negotiations for any location may break down due to issues which include cost, planning permissions, developers' access to finance, GP participation, etc.

The HSE expects that approximately 115 Primary Care Centres will be operational by 2013, supporting some 160 Primary Care Teams.

Primary Care Centres in disadvantaged urban and small rural towns / isolated areas will continue to be funded from the Exchequer. Prior to the development of the leasing strategy, a pilot programme provided primary care centres at seven locations. A further nine Exchequer funded centres have been completed to date.

Any decisions regarding the future of the Health Service Executive are a matter for the Government and will be considered in accordance with commitments set out in the Programme for Government.

Hospitals Building Programme

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

65 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health and Children his timetable for the development of a regional hospital for the north east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7536/11]

I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner. In particular I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller, local hospitals. In order to fully consider the issues involved, I am being briefed by my Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the organisation of acute services in each region and on the important clinical programmes being developed by the HSE. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs.

The question of developing a single regional hospital in the north east is of relevance in this regard. However, having regard to the capital resources that are likely to be available over the coming years, the focus at present must be to continue developing integrated, well functioning services in the Cavan / Monaghan and Louth / Meath Hospital Groups.

Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 36.

Hospital Accommodation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

67 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that there are no further closures of public hospital beds in 2011; if he will bring forward a plan to reopen this year the wards and beds currently closed due to cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7532/11]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

75 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the closure of 900 beds; the plans to cut more beds; the hospitals specifically that are at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

351 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and locations of public hospital beds currently closed due to cutbacks; the number closed since February 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8026/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 75 and 351 together.

There are approximately 11,600 in-patient beds and 1,800 day beds in the public hospital system. The number of beds available at any one time fluctuates, depending on planned activity levels, maintenance and refurbishment requirements and staff leave arrangements. Beds may also be closed from time to time in order to control expenditure, given the need for every hospital to operate within its allotted budget. I am advised that based on the existing methodology, approximately 960 acute beds are closed at present but this cannot be regarded as a precise figure because hospitals have been using different criteria to measure bed closures. The HSE is at present reviewing the existing methodology for measuring bed closures in acute hospitals in order to ensure that a consistent approach is applied across the public hospital system.

It is important in any case to emphasise that hospital beds represent a service input and are not in themselves a measure of how the system is performing. In recent years there has been a much-increased emphasis on improved efficiency in acute hospitals. In particular, the focus has been on reducing inpatient care activity levels through the provision of more appropriate service responses, delivering a shift to care on a day case basis where appropriate, and on performance improvements such as surgery on the day of admission and reducing inappropriate lengths of stay. Specific targets under these heading are included in the HSE's 2011 National Service Plan.

In this context the HSE's Directorate of Clinical Strategy and Programmes is leading a coordinated programme of work to improve service quality, cost-effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that care is provided in the setting most appropriate to individuals' needs, with due regard to patient safety considerations. I have met with the clinicians leading this multidisciplinary process and strongly support their work, which I believe will enable services to be delivered in a manner that is appropriate and sustainable into the future.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 58.

Hospital Services

Catherine Murphy

Question:

69 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he will take to strengthen neurological care services in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7346/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

387 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the action plan for neurological care as recently issued by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. [7485/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 387 together.

In 2010 the Director of the Office of Clinical Strategy and Programmes in the HSE met the Irish Consultant Neurologists' Association (Neurology Faculty) to discuss how best to move neurological services forward in Ireland. Following discussions it was agreed to appoint a number of Neurologists to lead three key national programmes, giving neurological care a major focus in the HSE.

The first programme deals with neurology out patient departments and aims to provide standardised care for neurology patients and to increase access so that patients will not wait more than 30 days for an appointment. The programme will establish referral guidelines and encourage the increased use of neurolink.

The second programme deals with epilepsy services and aims to introduce of rapid access clinics to assist with admission avoidance and reduce the number of attendances to emergency departments. This will include the introduction of twenty four hour, seven day a week telephone access to expert opinion for all healthcare professionals. The HSE's service plan has made provision for the recruitment of twenty epilepsy specialist nurses to provide satellite/outreach services to patients.

The third programme deals with stroke services and aims to establish robust clinical governance systems for stroke care, including local stroke teams and regional stroke networks. This is due to include access to safe and effective stroke thrombolysis in all hospitals admitting acute stroke on a twenty four hour, seven day a week basis. The HSE's service plan also provides for the establishment of nine new acute stroke units in hospital admitting significant numbers of stroke patient.

The setting up of these programmes shows the importance that the HSE gives to neurological care and its commitment to improving access to neurological services.

Furthermore, the HSE has emphasised to my Department that all national programmes, including those concentrating on neurology, will have a focus on patient advocacy. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs.

I am being briefed by my Department and the HSE on these important clinical programmes and on the organisation of acute services in each region.

I welcome the action plan for neurological care by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, which emphasises the importance of neurological care and raises many issues that these Neurology programmes will address, including a comprehensive plan for improving neurological care including acute services and increasing staffing.

The action plan includes reference to access to neurological rehabilitation services. My Department is in the process of finalising a National Policy and Strategy for the delivery of Neuro-Rehabiltation Services in Ireland 2011 — 2015.

The Health Service Executive's National Service Plan for 2011 also includes a commitment to

target people waiting for a neurology out-patient appointment,

appoint a national clinical lead for neuro-rehabilitation,

establish an implementation structure and develop an implementation plan for neuro-rehabilitation.

Hospital Staff

David Stanton

Question:

70 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a breakdown per each Health Service Executive south area of the number and location of public orthopaedic consultants; the numbers on waiting lists and being treated by each consultant and any vacant public orthopaedic consultant posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7518/11]

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

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 36.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 38.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 64.

Proposed Legislation

Sandra McLellan

Question:

74 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health and Children the date on which he will introduce legislation for the provision of soft information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7542/11]

The National Vetting Bureau Bill will provide a statutory basis for the vetting of all applicants for employment and employees working with children. The Bill will provide for vetting to identify information relating to the endangerment, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or risk thereof, to children.

The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Law Reform is preparing the Heads of the Bill and general scheme for submission to Government at the earliest possible date.

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 67.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 36.

Child Protection

Martin Ferris

Question:

77 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers who will be employed by his proposed child welfare and protection agency; and the total number of staff that will be employed by this body. [7554/11]

The Government is committed to fundamental reform of the delivery of child protection services and in this context a new agency with dedicated responsibility for this service is to be established.

Preliminary work has commenced on a range of matters relating to the establishment of the new agency including consideration of the various functions to be discharged, the legal framework necessary to underpin the establishment of the agency and the associated governance and staffing arrangements. Minister Fitzgerald will make a further announcement in this regard at an early date.

Human Rights Issues

Micheál Martin

Question:

78 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health and Children when the expert group to address the recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights subsequent to the ruling of the Irish Supreme Court on the X case will be established. [6849/11]

The Department is in the process of carrying out the preliminary work to facilitate the establishment of an Expert Group; however, the details of this Group have not been finalised.

Hospital Waiting Lists

David Stanton

Question:

79 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a breakdown per each Health Service Executive south area of the number of persons on a public waiting list for an initial appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant; and the number of persons who have seen a consultant and are on a public waiting list for surgery. [7517/11]

The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

Homeless Persons

Seán Crowe

Question:

80 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to address youth homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7552/11]

The Youth Homelessness Strategy was published in 2001 and its stated goal is to reduce and if possible eliminate youth homelessness. It focuses on preventative measures, keeping or re-integrating a child within their own community. It makes clear that children who are homeless need more than a bed for the night and outlines why some children and youths are vulnerable to becoming homeless, including those leaving state care or detention.

The causes for young children becoming homeless are varied and accordingly, it is a complicated issue for which there is no one solution. In 2004 a study, commissioned by the Office for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, found that the early to mid-teenage years was the period of greatest risk of homelessness; the process of becoming homeless could be traced to early childhood and disruption of various kinds, such as household instability, family conflict, family illness; almost all resided in poor neighbourhoods and a large number grew up in households where their parent(s) or caregiver(s) struggled to provide them with adequate care or attention; most had endured multiple forms of childhood adversity, including hardship, neglect, inadequate or inconsistent care of abuse; Parental illness or death was common, as was family conflict and parental alcohol or drug abuse. Frequent moves to and from different locations and living situation featured in several accounts as did physical and less frequently, sexual abuse during childhood and for the majority schooling was severely disrupted, and many found it difficult to maintain academic standards and the expectations of the schools they attended, resulting in specific literacy and / or numeracy problems. Furthermore, a key international research finding is that young people leaving care are vulnerable to becoming homeless.

Collecting accurate information on youth homelessness has proven very difficult as, by its very nature, the young people may not be engaged with a service, there may be multiple referrals for a single child, and children who are not homeless, but may be in care or in need of a short term placement, may also use the day and social work services from time to time.

The Office for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the strategy and priority has been given to a review of the Youth Homelessness Strategy in 2011. Over recent months, a number of meetings have been held with the HSE to review the implementation of the youth homelessness strategy nationwide, to improve the quality of information and to improve the aftercare service. As part of this review, the Office for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs will also be engaging with relevant key personnel in both the public and voluntary sector with a view to making recommendations as to how youth homelessness can best be tackled into the future.

The HSE has recently established a Youth Homelessness Group and an audit of existing services, including the use of Section 5 of the Child Care Act, 1995, is currently underway. From January of this year, the HSE is collecting details on the numbers of individual young people using the youth homeless services and not, as previously, the number of referrals. Reporting requirements have been enhanced by the inclusion of a number of new ‘Performance Activity and Performance Indicators' (P.I.s) under the Children and Family heading which will provide useful information on children accessing youth homeless centres, the Out of Hours services or the Emergency Place of Safety services. It is important not to confuse the short term use of homelessness services and fostercare services for the provision of "emergency placements" with the issue of youth homelessness.

The provision of an appropriate aftercare service has been highlighted as a key element to achieving positive outcomes for young people leaving care. Aftercare services assist young people leaving care to achieve a successful transition from the care environment to independent adult life in the community. The HSE has now finalised its National Aftercare Policy and implementation of the Policy has now commenced with the establishment of the Implementation Group underway. The Group represents HSE staff and managers, representatives of the voluntary sector and a young persons representative.

Health Services

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

81 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implications of the closure of the Cork Medical Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7544/11]

I met with representatives of the Cork Medical Centre on 10 March 2011 and explained that I could not intervene in what are commercial decisions for the VHI, but that I would discuss the issue with the VHI.

At a meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the VHI on 11 March 2011, I expressed my disappointment with the decision taken by the VHI in relation to the Cork Medical Centre, which would lead to the closure of this modern facility and a consequent loss of jobs.

VHI has stated that it considers there is sufficient private hospital capacity in the Cork area at the present time to service the healthcare needs of its customers.

While it is not appropriate for me to intervene in the decisions of the VHI as to which health service providers it makes arrangements with on behalf of its customers, I am anxious to deal with the perceived dominance of the VHI in the private health insurance market. In that regard, I have instructed my officials to proceed with the appointment of financial and legal advisers to examine options for the rebalancing of the market, with a view to addressing this position.

Census of Population

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

82 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach if the Central Statistics Office was aware of the very serious allegations that were being made about a company's (details supplied) involvement in interrogating detainees in Abu Ghraib before it was awarded the contract; if so, did it raise the matter with the company; if there was any correspondence in relation to the matter; and if they discussed the matter with the Government at the time. [7315/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

83 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach the supports and services a company (details supplied) is providing in relation to Census 2011; and whether it is software support or services or hardware support or services. [7316/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

84 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach the access a company (details supplied) will have to the software or hardware systems where the data is stored and-or analysed. [7317/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

85 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach the checks or security procedures the Central Statistics Office has in place to ensure that the data collected is secure and that it cannot be abused by outside contractors. [7318/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 to 85, inclusive, together.

The census is a major undertaking for the CSO and contractors have been employed to assist with specialised parts of the work. For 2011 the contract for the design and print of the census forms, and the provision and onsite support of the hardware and software required for the scanning, capture and coding of the census forms was awarded to a UK company CACI (UK) Ltd. CACI (UK) Ltd. were first awarded a similar type contract for the 2002 and 2006 censuses and more recently won the contract for Census 2011. Of the proposals assessed by CSO, CACI (UK) Ltd provided best value for money for the Irish taxpayer. EU rules do not allow bidders to be excluded because they are foreign companies.

The printing of the census forms was sub-contracted by CACI (UK) Ltd. to a Dublin based printer.

The CSO is aware of abuse allegations against the American parent company of CACI (UK) Ltd, namely CACI International. CACI (UK) Ltd. states that the allegation against CACI International was not substantiated by any evidence or proof at the time it was made, and subsequent investigations by both CACI International and the US government could not confirm it. CACI International have stated publicly that they take this allegation extremely seriously, that they do not condone, tolerate or endorse any illegal behaviour by its employees in any circumstances or at any time and they have held in the past, and always will hold, themselves to the highest ethical standards.

As a public body the Central Statistics Office is clearly fundamentally committed to ethical and proper conduct in all matters and would never consider having any dealings with a company convicted of human rights abuse. EU procurement rules allows bidders to be excluded if they have been convicted of certain criminal or other offences but none of these exclusions apply to CACI (UK) Ltd. or indeed to its US parent.

Regarding the protection of census data, confidentiality is the cornerstone of all work conducted by the CSO. All information collected in the census is treated as strictly confidential by the CSO and will be used only for statistical purposes. This confidentiality is guaranteed by law. CACI (UK) Ltd's American parent company is not involved in any way in the preparation or delivery of systems for the Irish Census. All Census 2011 forms will be processed in CSO's census office located in Swords where all information is stored on a dedicated closed CSO network which is wholly owned by the CSO. At no time will any of the detailed census information be copied or otherwise removed from this network. All staff who are employed to work on the processing of the 2011 census data are signed-up as Officers of Statistics under the Statistics Act 1993 which legally prohibits them from divulging confidential statistical data of any sort. The penalty for breach of this provision of the Act is set at €25,000

The CSO is the only organisation that will have access to identifiable census information relating to individuals or households.

The CSO is justifiably proud of its unblemished record in protecting the confidentiality of data. It is one their top priorities to maintain this record.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

86 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7188/11]

Neither my Department, nor the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which is the only body under its aegis, employed any former public servants on short-term contracts in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.

Ministerial Appointments

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

87 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Taoiseach the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio surrounding these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 and February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 and February 2011. [7427/11]

I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide the information requested in the time available. I will write to the Deputy with the information requested as soon as it is available.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

88 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Taoiseach the number of Council of the European Union’s meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/11]

There were six meetings of the European Council in the year preceding 9 March 2011, as follows:

25/26 March 2010

17 June 2010

16 September 2010

28/29 October 2010

16/17 December 2010

4 February 2011.

All were attended by the former Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen. There is no provision for officials to deputise.

Census of Population

Finian McGrath

Question:

89 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach the reason the phrase “current civil status” is not included in the current census particularly in relation to the Civil Partnership Act. [7596/11]

As part of its preparation for Census 2011 the Central Statistics Office convened a broadly representative census advisory group to advise it on the questions to be included on the census form. A public consultation took place in 2008 and following this the advisory group decided on the questions to be tested in a census pilot survey which was carried out in April 2009. The survey covered over 10,000 households in 32 enumeration areas throughout the State.

In anticipation of same sex civil partnership being a legal marital status in 2011, a new variant of the marital status question (version B) was included in half of the questionnaires administered in the pilot survey. The purpose of this question was to test the impact on the accuracy and levels of response when a reference to same-sex civil partnership was included. In the remaining 50 percent of households the Census 2006 version of the question (version A) was asked.

The results of the pilot test showed that the level of non-response to the marital status question was 4.6 per cent in the case of version B compared with 2 per cent for version A. Furthermore, the percentage of single people was lower using version B than version A (37% compared with 40%). It is worth noting that version B — the same version used in the UK census — did not have the word ‘single' in any of the categories.

In deciding on which version of the marital status question to put forward for Government agreement two factors favoured the retention of the existing (2006) version. Firstly, at the time when the census forms were being finalised there was uncertainty about the timescale for the introduction of legislation covering same sex civil partnerships. Secondly, the results of the pilot indicated that the revised version of the question was not fully understood. For both these reasons the advisory group recommended that the 2006 question on marital status be retained for Census 2011 and the Government agreed with this recommendation.

Natural Honey Imports

David Stanton

Question:

90 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach the amount and value of honey imported in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7773/11]

The information requested by Deputy Stanton is presented in the table below.

The table shows the total amount and value of natural honey imports for the years January-December 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Imports of Natural Honey 2008-2010

Year

€000

Tonnes

Jan-Dec 2008

4,887

1,605

Jan-Dec 2009

6,000

1,611

Jan-Dec 2010

6,287

1,612

Traders with imports from other EU member states exceeding €191,000 annually and/or exports to other EU member states exceeding €635,000 annually must submit Intrastat returns.

State Visits

Micheál Martin

Question:

91 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with cross-Border bodies regarding the promotion of Ireland abroad in view of the upcoming visits by the Queen of England and the US President Barack Obama. [7501/11]

These historic visits provide us with a significant opportunity to focus on economic, trade, investment and tourism opportunities with Britain and the US, our two most important economic partners. There will also be a high level of international media interest which will provide the opportunity to put out a positive and forward looking message that Ireland is open for business. The Government, in consultation with State agencies, will maximise the opportunities that the visits and media attention provide to promote Ireland's economic recovery, including the all- island economy and the North South dimension. As the programmes, events and messaging around these visits are finalised, the Government will ensure that the North South dimension is included. In this regard, I would mention, in particular, Tourism Ireland. Since its incorporation, Tourism Ireland has been very effective in carrying out its remit, with notable successes in both the United States and in Britain. It is exceptionally well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by both visits. The Department has been in contact with Tourism Ireland and plans to maximise the tourism promotion potential arising from both visits is at an advanced stage.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

92 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7184/11]

The vast majority of temporary staff employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs are engaged as Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs), some 50-80 of whom are recruited annually to help alleviate seasonal demand pressures in the Passport Office; and interns. Information regarding the previous public service employment history of such employees, if any, is not readily available. A total of 14 officials known to have been retired public servants were employed during 2010. The total cost of their remuneration was €154,689.93. Of that, €132,924 related to the remuneration for four officials deployed to the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo.

There are four bodies operating under the aegis of my Department. Three of these are administered directly by my Department and do not have independent budgets. The fourth, the Board of the Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (known as the Fulbright Commission) is jointly financed by the Irish and US Governments and enjoys autonomy of management and administration, in accordance with the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

93 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012. [7199/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

94 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7214/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.

All external signage for offices occupied by my Department complies with the requirements of the Official Languages Act. The internal signage for the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and the Irish Aid Information and Volunteering Centre in Dublin also comply with the requirements of the Official Languages Act. One sign for the Department's Consular Office is currently in English only, this will require replacement at a moderate cost.

There are four bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs. These are: the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission); the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group; and the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee.

The Fulbright Commission, financed jointly by the Irish and US Governments, enjoys autonomy of management and administration in accordance with the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991 and questions regarding its compliance with the Official Languages Act are a matter for the Fulbright Commission itself. With regard to the remaining bodies, these are advisory committees none of which has its own office accommodation. Therefore no costs will arise for my Department to ensure their compliance with the requirements of the Official Languages Act.

Disaster Relief

Joe McHugh

Question:

95 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that he is making to provide support to Japan since the occurrence of the recent tsunami; if he will consider a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7398/11]

One month on from the largest emergency in its post war history, Japan continues to respond to the effects of the devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck its north east coast on 11 March. At least 28,000 people have now been confirmed dead or missing, with approximately 170,000 people continuing to live in evacuation centres.

Japan has a long history of coping with natural disasters and has one of the best-developed systems of civil protection anywhere in the world. Procedures for dealing with emergencies are well-rehearsed and the country maintains stockpiles of supplies for deployment in case of a crisis. Nevertheless, once the scale of the crisis became apparent, and needs had been properly assessed, the country officially appealed for assistance from the European Union.

Ireland responded immediately to this appeal through the Government's decision to allocate €1 million to the Japanese Red Cross, which has been central to the emergency response operation. Ireland also offered Japan the use of emergency shelter, water and sanitation equipment from stockpiles in Dubai and Malaysia.

While at present many thousands of people remain in evacuation centres, the Government of Japan has developed plans to provide them with accommodation and has requested the housing industry to construct 30,000 temporary homes. Construction work has already begun in some prefectures. The Japanese authorities have also begun to identify vacant public housing across the country that can be used to accommodate those who have lost their homes. Temporary accommodation for up to 43% of the affected population has been identified in parts of the country which were not directly affected by the crisis.

Ireland remains ready to continue our support to the Japanese people in the coming days and weeks and in light of the needs identified by the Japanese authorities on the ground.

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

96 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7423/11]

The information about special advisers sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below. A total of 11 appointments were made, of which one was female.

Number and Gender

Remuneration (Gross) for duration of appointment

1 Male

€280,528.25

1 Male

€31,555.00

1 Female

€202,486.75

1 Male

€351,279.38

1 Male

€253,599.13

1 Male

€348,711.57

1 Male

€339,641.50

1 Male

€228,655.53

1 Male

€207,612.68 + £67,685.54

1 Male

£114,084.23

1 Male

£9,849.13

There are currently four bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs to which the Minister makes appointments and the information requested by the Deputy on appointments to these bodies during the period in question is provided below. These are the Development Education Advisory Committee, the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group, the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee and the Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission). Six other bodies, which are no longer in existence, had appointments made to them during the period in question. These were the Hunger Task Force, the Advisory Board for Irish Aid (ABIA), the Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO), the Irish Refugee Agency, the National Committee for Development Education (NCDE) and the Cultural Relations Committee (CRC). It has not been possible, in the time available, to include information in relation to the Irish Refugee Agency, the NCDE or the CRC, which ceased to exist in 2001.

Body

Year

Male

Female

Total

The Board of the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange — (The Fulbright Commission)

1996

2

2

4

1998

2

2

4

2000

3

1

4

2002

3

1

4

2004/05

2

2

4

2006/07

2

2

4

2008/09

2

2

4

2010

1

2

3

Development Education Advisory Committee

2003

7

6

13

2005

11

5

16

2007

7

6

13

2010

4

6

10

Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group

2010

4

2

6

Emigrant Services Advisory Committee — note: two Officers of the Embassy in London also serve on the Committee.

2003/04

5

6

11

2008

7

4

11

2009

7

3

10

2011

8

3

11

Previous Bodies

The Hunger Task Force

2007

10

6

16

The Advisory Board for Irish Aid (ABIA)

2002

9

3

12

2005

3

4

7

The Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO) — note: the information across relates to the Board members as at the 31 December each year, rather than the year appointments were made.

1997/98

5

6

11

1999

5

6

11

2000

8

3

11

2001

6

5

11

2002

7

3

10

2003

7

4

11

Total

137

95

232

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

97 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case, if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7446/11]

EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs attend meetings of the General Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council, which usually take place on the same day. They also attend twice-yearly informal meetings of Foreign Ministers, the so-called "Gymnich" meetings. In the year before 9 March 2011 there were eleven meetings of the General Affairs Council. Of these, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs for the period in question up to 11 January 2011, attended three. The then Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, retained the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs from 11 January to 9 March 2011. Mr Dick Roche, who served as Minister of State for European Affairs for the duration of the period in question, headed the Irish delegation at five meetings. Ireland was represented at three meetings by the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union.

There were twelve meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in the period (including one extraordinary meeting at the same time as the 16 September European Council). Of these, Minister Martin attended three while the Minister of State headed the delegation at six. Ireland was represented at two meetings by the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union.

There were also two Gymnich meetings, both of which were attended by the Minister.

The dates of these meetings and representation by Ireland at them were as follows:

General Affairs Councils

22 March 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

26 April 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

10 May 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

14 June 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

26 July 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

13 September 2010 Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU

25 October 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

22 November 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

14 December 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

31 January 2011 Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU

21 February 2011 Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU

Foreign Affairs Councils

22 March 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

26 April 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

10 May 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

14 June 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

26 July 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

9 September 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

16 September 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

25 October 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

22 November 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

13 December 2010 Minister of State for European Affairs

31 January 2011 Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU

21 February 2011 Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU

Gymnich meetings

5/6 March 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

10/11 September 2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs

The regular meetings of the Council of Ministers are important in themselves for the transaction of EU business that takes place there. They provide the opportunity to input the Irish point of view and, more generally, to make a constructive contribution. They are also occasions when bilateral contacts with individual partners and with the EU institutions can be pursued. Accordingly, my colleagues and I intend to use such opportunities as part of an effort to enhance Ireland's standing in the Union.

State Visits

Brendan Griffin

Question:

98 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will extend an invitation to Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, to visit Killarney, County Kerry during her forthcoming visit to Ireland, to mark the 150th anniversary of the visit of Queen Victoria to Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7454/11]

A State Visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth II will take place from 17-20 May 2011. The programme will include a ceremonial welcome by President McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin; a ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance; a courtesy call on the Taoiseach at Government Buildings; and a State dinner in Dublin Castle, at which both the Queen and the President will deliver speeches.

The programme will also include events at Trinity College Dublin, at the National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, at the Guinness Storehouse and at Croke Park. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will also visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare as well as Cashel and Cork.

We continue to work closely with the British side on developing this programme which we believe reflects the strength and vibrancy of our bilateral relationship. We are very conscious of the many historical resonances associated with other locations, such as Killarney, and we would hope to be in a position to consider them for inclusion in programmes for any visits from high level dignitaries which may arise in the future.

Passport Applications

Terence Flanagan

Question:

99 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a passport in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7571/11]

Under the Passport Act, 2008 the Minister for Foreign Affairs must be satisfied that before issuing a passport that each person who is a guardian of the child consents to the issue of a passport to the child. In most cases, the guardians of a child are the married parents. However, a single mother or, on occasion, other family members may be the appointed a guardian or sole guardian of child. The circumstances of each case may differ. As no application for the person in question has been received by the Passport Service, it is not possible to comment on this application or to judge the adequacy of the unsighted custody order. As court orders can vary depending on individual circumstances it would be necessary to see the terms of this specific court order before being in a position to determine whether it would suffice alone. Given the variables in this complex area of the passport application process, the guardian(s) of the child should submit a fully completed and witnessed application directly to Joseph Nugent, Director of Passport Services, at the Passport Office, Molesworth Street (tel 01-6733558) where this matter will receive immediate and sensitive attention. It should be noted that the application should be supported by the following documents:

1original copy of the applicant's long-form birth certificate;

2previous passport:

3the mother's death certificate;

4parents' marriage certificate if applicable;

5the interim custody order or any other court order.

Anti-Racism Measures

Thomas Pringle

Question:

100 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 5 April 2011, if he will talk to the Scottish First Minister regarding the problem of racism, rather than sectarianism, against the Irish community in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7591/11]

I am aware that, notwithstanding significant efforts by the relevant authorities, instances of sectarian behaviour continue to occur in Scotland. Such incidents are frequently inspired and occasioned by sporting rivalries. I acknowledge the distress and offence that such incidents cause to the community. However, given the long and complex history of two-way migrations between Ireland and Scotland, I would hesitate to categorise this problem as racial, rather than sectarian.

The Scottish Government has made it very clear that it is committed to ensuring that sectarianism has no place in any aspect of Scottish society. I fully support the efforts of the Scottish Government, Police and Football Association to tackle sectarian behaviour, from whatever quarter. First Minister Alex Salmond, recently announced that £527,000 is to be committed to anti-sectarian and anti-racist bodies in Scotland, and a crackdown on sectarian abuse on websites has been implemented in recent weeks.

I welcome the establishment of the Joint Action Group which has been specifically tasked by the Scottish Government with addressing such issues as alcohol misuse, sectarianism, racism, domestic abuse and violence. I understand that the Joint Action Group is to report back to Ministers with concrete proposals to tackle these issues before the start of the new football season and I have asked our Consulate General in Edinburgh to keep me appraised of developments in this regard.

Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government, including on incidents of anti-Irish abuse. I can assure the Deputy that the Consulate General will continue to closely follow this situation very closely.

Passport Applications

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

101 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when new passport application forms will be issued to take account of the additional requirements for adult first-time applicants and those replacing a lost or stolen passport; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these requirements were introduced in January and the forms have not been updated, and the inconvenience this causes to applicants whose applications are returned to them. [7603/11]

Additional requirements were introduced for first time applicants aged 18 or over and for those replacing a lost or stolen passport with effect from 17 January 2011. The aim of the new requirements was to strengthen procedures to best protect against identity theft and fraudulent passport applications. Given the importance of strengthening procedures, it was decided that the new requirements should be introduced without delay. The new requirements were publicised on the Passport Office website www.passport.ie and on the Passport Office telephone information line. Information regarding the new requirements was also issued to An Garda Síochána and to An Post, who operate the Passport Express Service used by over 60% of passport applicants. Public notices were published in national newspapers to inform the public of the new requirements. In terms of printing new application forms and information notes, there would be a significant cost involved in destroying existing forms and printing new forms. Given that those affected by the new requirements represent a relatively low percentage of overall applicants, it was considered disproportionate to recall and destroy all existing stock at that time. Revised information notes and application forms, which include information on the new requirements introduced in January and other passport changes since that time, are currently being developed. The new forms will be available from June 2011.

Foreign Conflicts

Finian McGrath

Question:

102 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of developing a peace process in Colombia at UN and EU levels. [7620/11]

Colombia has witnessed the longest period of upheaval of any country in Latin America — over 50 years in all. The Colombian people have endured relentless suffering, reflected in the fact that approximately 10% of the population has been internally displaced over the past number of years, a number second only to that of Sudan. The degree of lawlessness that arises from the absence of peace presents a major challenge to any government. The effects of terrorism and narco-trafficking have blighted the lives of many innocent people. The indictment of a large number of senators for association with the FARC, ELN and AUC illustrates the extent of the problems facing the Colombian Government. However, compared with the situation ten years ago, Colombia today has become a safer place to live. Colombians' belief in the prospects for a peaceful future and the impressive recent social and economic development reflected in the strong inward investment flows reinforce the impression that the country is slowly emerging from a grim past. In order to succeed, a peace process in Colombia must tackle the various social and economic elements underlying the conflict. Our approach, and that of the European Union and UN, is to assist and influence the Colombian Government in a manner that results in economic and social development while progressively improving human rights standards.

The Government of Colombia has repeatedly stated its determination to bring an end to violence within the framework of the Justice and Peace Law, passed in 2005, which provides an overall legal framework for the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of illegal armed groups into Colombian society. The Irish Government has given both moral and financial support to the implementation of the Justice and Peace Law.

The Government will continue to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country. We are fully supportive of efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Colombia, and will continue to support the Government of Colombia in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict.

Departmental Projects

Michael McGrath

Question:

103 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Uptake project administered by him. [7680/11]

The Certificate of Irish Heritage is in the process of being established by my Department in direct response to a strong demand for such a scheme from those members of our Diaspora who are not entitled to Irish citizenship. I believe that the scheme will provide a practical demonstration of the inclusive approach adopted by successive Governments to our Diaspora. The Certificate of Irish Heritage will give official recognition to the many people worldwide who are conscious of their Irish heritage and feel a strong affinity for Ireland. It will not, however, confer any citizenship or other legal rights or entitlements to the successful applicants. Those applying for Certificates of Irish Heritage will be required to submit comprehensive details of their Irish ancestral connections and relevant documents and certificates to show their connection with Ireland.

It is expected that contract negotiations with the company selected to operate the service on behalf of my Department will be completed shortly and an announcement will be made thereafter.

While there may be scope, in due course, for some Government Departments and State Agencies to develop products and services aimed at Certificate holders, our primary focus at present is to establish the Certificate scheme itself.

The Certificate is just one of a number of initiatives being undertaken by the Government to build further practical links between Ireland and the global Irish.

Passport Applications

Joe McHugh

Question:

104 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports that have been issued to residents of Counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan since 2006 by county, and to annualise the figures; the number of passports issued in Counties Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Kerry and Limerick in the same period, and to provide the information in the same format. [7681/11]

The Passport Service is not in a position to maintain statistical information in relation to place of residency for passport applicants. I regret, therefore, that it is not possible to provide the detail sought by the Deputy.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

105 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards or review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7747/11]

I have recently appointed the members of the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (ESAC), for a term to run until 31 December 2012. The primary role of theEmigrant Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) is to advise the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the allocation of grants to Irish community organisations in Britain under the Emigrant Support Programme. The Committee consists of thirteen members including two officers from our Embassy in London, who act as Chair and Secretary to the Committee. The additional eleven members of the committee serve in a voluntary capacity.

After consultation with our Embassy in London and the Irish Abroad Unit in the Department, I made the following appointments to the Committee:

Mr. Michael Forde — Chairman of the Irish Diaspora Foundation (appointed 1999).

Mr. Séamus McGarry — Member of the Ireland Fund of Great Britain; Board of Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith (appointed 2004).

Mr. Jim O’Hara — Vice Chair, Irish Youth Foundation UK, Chair of Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith (appointed 1996).

Cllr. Sally Mulready — Councillor in the London Borough of Hackney; Irish Elderly Advice Network (appointed 2008).

Tony Cusack — Manager of Irish Centre in Leicester (appointed 2008).

Breege McDaid — Chief Executive, Irish Community Care Merseyside (appointed 2008).

Tony Corcoran — Tyneside Irish Festival and Secretary of the Tyneside Irish Centre (appointed 2008).

Des Hurley — Chief Executive, Irish Arts Foundation (appointed 2008).

Bridie Nugent — Board Member of the Irish Welfare and Information Centre in Birmingham (appointed 2009).

John Gormley — Former President of the GAA in Britain (appointed 2011).

Joe Brown — Chair of the Irish Travellers Movement (appointed 2011).

Tax Code

Peter Mathews

Question:

106 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance his plans to revisit suggestions that the excise duty on wine will be increased because many jobs have already been lost in the off-license industry as a result of earlier closing times, cross-Border shopping and the economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7231/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, taxes are considered in the context of the Budget process. It is the usual practice for the Minister for Finance not to speculate in advance of a Budget on what it will contain; and I do not propose to deviate from that practice.

Pension Provisions

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

107 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 has had their appeal for benchmarking pay refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7468/11]

The then Minister for Finance made a determination in this case which issued on 13 November 2009. That determination contained a full consideration of the appeal and gave the reasons for the determination. The individual sought a pension increase in line with the Benchmarking awards paid to comparator grades in An Garda Síochána. However, his pension is paid under the terms of the funded Dublin Port and Docks Board Superannuation Scheme 1960 (as amended) which has no provision for such a linkage. The Determination also advised that the matter may be pursued under Pensions Ombudsman's Regulations 2003.

Tax Code

Robert Dowds

Question:

108 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance his plans to assist struggling road hauliers who are having difficulties due to the price of diesel. [7480/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

109 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance how increasing cost of fuel for road hauliers has, by extension, increased the Exchequer fuel tax take since the beginning of 2010. [7481/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.

Ireland, as with other countries, has experienced an increase in the cost of petrol and auto-diesel. The increase in fuel prices is an international phenomenon. Fuel prices are driven by a number of factors including the price of oil on international markets, exchange rates, production costs and refining costs. The rise in oil prices over recent periods reflected additional factors such as geopolitical uncertainty in Northern Africa and the Middle East with potential supply disruptions.

The excise rates (including the carbon charge) in Ireland on motor fuels are 57.6 cent on a litre of petrol and 46.6 cent on a litre of auto-diesel. Ireland's excise rates are the ninth and fourth highest in the EU27 for petrol and auto-diesel respectively. The introduction of the carbon tax in Budget 2010 led to a slight increase in MOT yields in 2010 versus 2009. Budget 2011 raised excise on auto-diesel by 2 cent (VAT inclusive) and must be seen in the context of difficult Budgetary decisions at that time which has impacted on all businesses and households. However, our rates remain lower than many of our main trading partners and significantly lower than our nearest neighbour the UK.

The Exchequer yield from excise, as excise is set at a nominal amount, does not increase as the price of fuels increase. On the other hand, the yield from VAT per litre of fuel, as VAT is set as a percentage of the price, increases as the price of fuels increase.

It is on this latter basis that there are often demands to reduce taxes on fuel. However, I would point-out that the Exchequer gain may be limited because:

1. the increase in petrol and diesel prices reduces the quantity of such fuels being purchased,

2. spending in the economy is likely to be re-allocated to petrol and other oil products, and away from other VAT liable spending, and

3. the overall level of economic activity is reduced by higher oil prices.

It should also be noted that businesses are of course entitled to reclaim VAT incurred on their business inputs, including VAT incurred on fuel. For example, VAT incurred on auto-diesel and marked gas oil (MGO or green diesel) used in the course of business is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system. VAT on petrol cannot be deducted/reclaimed.

There are no plans for temporary taxation adjustments for specific sectors or businesses in general, as to do so, could lead to significant costs to the Exchequer. The issue of rising fuel prices was briefly discussed by EU Finance Ministers at the ECOFIN meeting on 15 March and they reconfirmed the approach taken in 2005 and again in 2008, when oil prices were very high, which endorsed a coordinated approach towards not making distortionary fiscal adjustments.

Liquor Licences

Michael McGrath

Question:

110 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the regulations and licensing requirements concerning the establishment of a certain facility (details supplied). [7721/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a licence from them is required for the activity in question, and that a person applying for such a licence must provide a Tax Clearance Certificate. In addition, the premises where the activity is to be carried on must be approved as a tax warehouse by the Revenue Commissioners in accordance with section 109 of the Finance Act 2001.

EU-IMF Fund

Micheál Martin

Question:

111 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the visit by EU and International Monetary Fund officials assessing the implementation of the EU/IMF programme for assistance agreed in November 2010. [7496/11]

Micheál Martin

Question:

112 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of his engagement with International Monetary Fund and EU officials over the past week. [7497/11]

Micheál Martin

Question:

113 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with EU and International Monetary Fund officials regarding the introduction of a jobs budget, including the reversal of the new minimum wage; and the outcome of these discussions. [7498/11]

Micheál Martin

Question:

114 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to move forward the last Government’s negotiations on an interest rate reduction following the publication of the stress test results. [7499/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 114, inclusive, together.

Part of the conditions of the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland is that there should be quarterly reviews of the programme to assess progress against the agreed targets. The first review was scheduled for February but was deferred because of the election and has now been combined with the second review which is currently underway and will finish this Friday, 15th April 2011.

The Review comprises a series of meetings to evaluate all the elements of the programme including fiscal developments, the macroeconomic outlook, progress on commitments in the restructuring of the financial sector and structural reform. These meetings, which are ongoing, range from technical discussions at official level to policy discussions at senior official and political level.

The outcome of these discussions will be a revised set of targets – which will take into account recent developments. Additional detail will be specified in respect of some conditions, while further conditions will be added, for example in relation to the structural benchmarks contained in the Memorandum for Economic and Financial Policies, and the policy conditions in the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality.

Regarding the Government's planned Jobs Fund and matters relating to the minimum wage, these are all up for ongoing consideration at Government and the decisions will be announced in due course.

Since this Government came to office, it has been seeking to achieve reductions in the interest rates on EU loans to Ireland as part of its overall approach on the EU-IMF programme. The decision on this will be made by Eurogroup and ECOFIN Ministers, and it is being addressed through that forum. However, the Government is availing of every opportunity to present our case on the interest rate – including the current Mission.

Finally, I would like to point out that our discussions with the external partners – the EU and IMF — are ongoing and when completed the Government will comment further.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

115 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7183/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Retired public servants are engaged by my Department from time to time for specific tasks or assignments. Such engagements are normally remunerated on a fee basis (provision exists for fees to be abated, where appropriate, by reference to pension payments). In my Department, 9 retired public servants were employed on short-term contracts in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 at a cost of €90,152.
C&AGs: The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General conducted 2 interview processes in 2010. The Public Appointments Service employed two retired public servants to act in the process and the Office paid their fees. Neither of these two individuals had retired from the Office itself. Total fees were €1,428.
Office of Public Works (OPW): 6 retired civil servants were engaged on short-term contracts under the abatement principle by the Office of Public Works at a total cost of €104,208 during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.
Public Appointments Service: Employed no retired public servants on a contract basis in 2010. The PAS used 61 former public servants on a variety of interview boards in 2010 (on a board by board basis rather than a contract basis). Although these were former public servants, we cannot confirm that they retired (some may have resigned or their contract of service was completed).
The total cost for the above 61 people on interview boards in 2010 was €317,587.42.
Revenue Commissioners: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that two retired (non-Revenue) public servants, received a total sum of €424 for Irish proficiency interviews during the period in question.
Valuation Office: The total number of public servants employed in the Valuation Office in 2010 was 2 (two) and the cost was €24,885.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

116 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text by 2012. [7198/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

117 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7213/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.

In response to the Deputy's question it is not possible to give an estimated costing in relation to my Department and all bodies under the aegis of my Department in ensuring that the requirements under the terms of the Official Languages Act to have the correct Irish wording on all existing signs by 2012 and replace English only signs by March 2013.

The cost for this work will be dependant on the number of signs requiring amendment or replacement and the charges imposed by the prospective suppliers engaged to carry out the work.

My Department will endeavour to ensure that the required deadlines as set out in the Official Languages Act are met both by the Department and bodies under the remit of the Department.

Tax Code

Gerald Nash

Question:

118 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Finance his views on the announcement in the recent UK budget that the British Government is considering applying a new 12.5% corporation tax rate to Northern Ireland; his further views that a new rate would affect the ability of the Border counties to attract higher levels of foreign direct investment; if he has plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7245/11]

The British Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget Statement on 23 March 2011 that Her Majesty's Treasury would publish a paper on how to help the private sector grow in Northern Ireland. He indicated that the paper would consider the case for Northern Ireland having a lower rate of corporation tax than the rest of the United Kingdom and would also look at mechanisms for devolving power to vary the corporation tax rate to Northern Ireland. A consultation paper, entitled "Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy", was published on 24 March 2011. It sets out the various options that could be taken to support the rebalancing of the Northern Ireland Economy, including the issues involved in devolving power on corporation tax issues to the Northern Ireland Executive.

The paper does not make any recommendations but simply attempts to canvass views and submissions on the costs and benefits that a separate corporate tax rate would involve for Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

While the paper acknowledges the significant role that a reduced corporation tax rate could have in encouraging private sector investment and growth, it also acknowledges the risks that it would pose for the Northern Ireland Executive, including having to comply with the conditions of institutional, procedural and fiscal autonomy, under EU state aid rules.

As the Deputy will be aware, taxation is a matter of national competence and the issues raised in the consultation paper are first and foremost a matter for the UK Authorities.

Construction Contracts

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

119 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will accept the provisions of the Construction Contracts Bill or make similar regulations; if he will consider the points raised by an organisation in correspondence (details supplied) and other representative groups and organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7297/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn and passed Committee and remaining stages in the Seanad on 8 March 2011. It is now before the Dáil. The two main points raised in the correspondence supplied relate to the exemption contracts under €200,000 from the provisions of the Bill and the provision in the Bill that an adjudicator's decision is non-binding where the dispute is referred to arbitration.

In relation to the exemption of contracts below €200,000 from the Construction Contracts Bill 2010, I understand that the Senator pointed out in the Seanad that this threshold was proposed to reduce the administrative burden on contractors involved in smaller contracts.

I understand that the provision making the decision of an adjudicator non-binding where the dispute is referred to arbitration was included in the Senator's Bill to ensure that the State had the right to appeal a decision to protect the taxpayer.

These two concerns remain valid, nonetheless, I am now examining the Bill and will then decide how best to proceed.

It is important that a solution to the problem of non-payment must not place an unnecessary regulatory or cost burden on the parties to the dispute, other parties involved in the project, or the State.

Tax Code

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

120 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Finance the number of employees that paid the pension levy in the past year that have been made unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7302/11]

Questions relating to the numbers of public service employees who had their employment terminated would be a matter for individual Departments. In the case of the Department of Finance, no employees had their employment terminated compulsorily.

Flood Alleviation Measures

Catherine Murphy

Question:

121 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of a local authority certification process following the implementation of flood alleviation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7309/11]

The Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works have met with the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) during 2010 concerning the provision of insurance to householders and businesses in areas considered prone to flooding. Liaison with the IIF is ongoing and includes consideration of works carried out to date and the present national review of flood risk being undertaken as part of the Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme.

To this end, OPW will continue its liaison with the Irish Insurance Federation in 2011 and will endeavour to assist in any practical way with keeping the IIF fully informed as to its various programmes of flood alleviation.

It is the position of the Department of Finance that the flood defence works undertaken by the OPW should always be considered and reflected in the provision and cost of flood insurance and the IIF has noted this point for consideration.

Finance Policy

Catherine Murphy

Question:

122 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if a risk assessment has been carried out since September 2008 in relation to a sovereign default; if so, what are the contingency arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7310/11]

In relation to the issue of sovereign default, let me be clear: Ireland has never contemplated the possibility of defaulting on its sovereign debt and this position has been restated on several occasions. The Government, without any question, will fully honour all its legal obligations to its creditors and has no intention whatsoever of allowing a default.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

123 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if a risk assessment has been carried out in relation to the collapse of the euro; if so, what are the contingency arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7311/11]

The question of a collapse of the euro does not arise. A comprehensive package of measures has been developed and adopted at European level to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area.

The global economic and financial crisis that first emerged in 2008 has had wide ranging repercussions both internally and externally for Europe and the euro area. While the scale and scope of the euro area's challenges remain considerable it is important to note the actions already taken.

At a national level, Ireland's membership of the European Union and the Eurozone in particular has played a vital role in our response to the current crisis. The European Central Bank has provided considerable support to the Irish banks since the wholesale markets effectively closed to Irish banks. This support has been and remains crucial.

At a broader European level, the European Council of 24/25 March adopted a comprehensive package of measures to respond to the crisis, to preserve financial stability and to lay the ground for smart, sustainable, socially inclusive and job-creating growth. This package will strengthen the economic governance of the European Union and ensure the lasting stability of the euro area as a whole.

The adopted package includes a reform of the Stability and Growth Pact aimed at enhancing the surveillance of fiscal policies and applying enforcement measures more consistently and at an earlier stage, new provisions on national fiscal frameworks and a new surveillance of macroeconomic imbalances. The new Euro Plus Pact agreed by the Heads of State or Government of the euro area joined by Bulgaria, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania will further strengthen the economic pillar of EMU and achieve a new quality of economic policy coordination. The Council also decided on the setting up of the European Stability Mechanism to further ensure the financial stability of the euro area.

Again, as part of our programme for Government, we will bring forward domestic rules to strengthen our Budgetary framework. This development will have the advantage of improving confidence in our framework while at the same time ensuring that Governments in future run more sustainable budgets.

Coistí Gairmoideachais

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

124 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Airgeadais, i bhfianaise an fhreagra ar cheist phairliminte Uibh. 106 cén t-ionchur a bhíonn ag Ranna Stáit agus eagraíochtaí eile leis an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí i dtaobh sonrú cáilíochtaí do phoist faoina gcúram, le déanamh cinnte de go mbeidh na daoine a cheapfar cáilithe go sásúil do na poist atá ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7326/11]

Tá earcaíocht don Státseirbís Phoiblí agus do réimsíáirithe eile den tseirbhís phoiblí leathan faoi réir an Achta um Bhainistíocht na Seirbhíse Poiblí (Earcaíocht agus Ceapacháin) 2004. Faoin Acht bunaíodh an Coimisiún um Cheapacháin Seirbhíse Poiblí (CCSP) agus an tSeirbhís um Cheapacháin Phoiblí (SCP). Leagann an CCSP amach na caighdeáin a bhaineann le hearcaíocht daoine le haghaidh post sa Státseirbhís agus i gcomhlachtaí áirithe eile sa tseirbhís phoiblí. Feidhmíonn an SCP mar an gcomhlacht lárnaithe earcaíochta, measúnaithe agus roghnaithe don Státseirbhís agus soláthraíonn sí a chomhionann de sheirbhís, nuair a iarrtar uirthi, do na húdaráis áitiúla agus do Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, do An Garda Síochána, don Údarás um Fhaisnéis agus Cáilíocht Sláinte, HIQA agus do chomhlachtaí áirithe eile sa tseirbhís phoiblí. Foráiltear faoi Alt 58(1)(a) den Acht go bhfuil an tAire Airgeadais freagrach as gach gnó a bhaineann le hearcaíocht sa státseirbhís. Cuimsítear anseo gnóthaí a bhaineann le critéir incháilitheachta, líon foirne, grádú, pá agus toscaí oibre eile go léir i leith státseirbíseach. I gcomhthéacs na hearcaíochta de, tá an fhreagracht ar an Aire Airgeadais freisin maidir le húsáid nó cumas Gaeilge sa státseirbhís.

Foráiltear faoi Alt 58(1)(b) i gcomhthéacs earcaíochta don tseirbhís phoiblí leathan, go bhfuil Airí difriúla freagrach as na gnóthaí seo, ar a bhfuil úsáid nó cumas Gaeilge, laistigh dá n-earnálacha freagrachta.

Baineann Allt 5(d) den Acht le ceapacháin do phoist amhail Príomh-Oifigigh Feidhmiúcháin Coistí Gairmoideachais. Maidir le ceapacháin den sórt seo, is í feidhm an SCP na gnáthaimh go léir is gá a chomhlíonadh chun earcú, measúnú agus roghnú daoine le haghaidh ceapacháin a chur i gcrích. Tá ceapacháin mar Phríomh-Oifigigh Feidhmiúcháin do Choistí Gairmoideachais faoi réir an Acht Gairmoideachais 1930. Luaitear san Acht go bhfuil cáilíochtaí faoi réir formheasta ag an Aire Oideachais. Ní foláir nó go mbeidh cumas i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon ar iarrthóirí le haghaidh na bpost seo, mar a leagtar amach sna cáilíochtaí atá formheasta ag an Aire.

Construction Contracts

Michael McGrath

Question:

125 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposed exemption of contracts below a certain monetary threshold from the Construction Contracts Bill 2010; the reason behind this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7334/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

126 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position, in the context of the Construction Contracts Bill 2010, regarding the proposal that an adjudicator’s decision is not binding where the dispute is referred to arbitration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7335/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn and passed Committee and remaining stages in the Seanad on 8 March 2011. It is now before the Dáil.

In relation to the exemption of contracts below €200,000 from the Construction Contracts Bill 2010, I understand that the Senator pointed out in the Seanad that this threshold was proposed to reduce the administrative burden on contractors involved in smaller contracts.

I understand that the provision making the decision of an adjudicator non-binding where the dispute is referred to arbitration was included in the Senator's Bill to ensure that the State had the right to appeal a decision to protect the taxpayer.

These two concerns remain valid, nonetheless, I am now examining the Bill and will then decide how best to proceed.

It is important that a solution to the problem of non-payment must not place an unnecessary regulatory or cost burden on the parties to the dispute, other parties involved in the project, or the State.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Billy Kelleher

Question:

127 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself with the level of briefing and cooperation he received from his Department prior to the election on 25 February 2011; if he was given a complete overview of the country’s finances; if his attention has been drawn to all aspects of the EU-International Monetary Fund agreement regarding bank restructuring; if he has satisfied himself that he was fully informed of the budgetary position by the officials before his appointment as Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7397/11]

The Deputy will be aware of the arrangements put in place by the previous Government to facilitate the confidential briefings which were provided to the Opposition parties in the autumn of 2010. The Department of Finance also provided costings, on a confidential basis, to parties that requested them for the purposes of the election, a facility which was also provided for previous elections. In the period between the general election on 25 February 2011 and the appointment of the Government, Department of Finance officials and officials of other Departments and agencies, provided detailed briefings to the parties which were negotiating a programme for Government, at their request, on the matters mentioned by the Deputy. I also received briefings from officials from other Departments. I have no reason to believe that these briefings were other than full and frank.

State Banking Sector

Billy Kelleher

Question:

128 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance his plans to publish legislation to establish a strategic State investment bank, as outlined in the programme for Government; if he raised this issue in discussions with the International Monetary Fund delegation recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7400/11]

The programme for Government contains a clear commitment to creating a Strategic Investment Bank that will become a provider of finance to large capital projects, a conduit for venture capital and a lender to SMEs. As I indicated in a reply to PQ No. 26 on 23 March, the Government will only be in a position to decide on the timing and the structure for setting up the Strategic Investment Bank when the necessary detailed assessment and planning work has been done. Therefore it would be premature to discuss this with the IMF at this stage. For the same reasons the Government Legislation Programme for the summer session which was published on 5 April does not contain legislation in relation to the Strategic Investment Bank.

Tax Refunds

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

129 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding correspondence (details supplied); if the VAT refund sought via the unregistered VAT repayment section will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7412/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to respond to the Deputy about this case for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality and data protection. In that context, Revenue point out that when Deputies make representations or ask Parliamentary Questions on behalf of individual taxpayers there must be, and generally there is, enough evidence to reasonably support Revenue in a presumption of consent on the part of the taxpayer about whose affairs the representations or question is being raised. In this instance however, the Commissioners are aware that the representations are on behalf of a third party not directly connected to the claim in question.

I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Deputy has already been advised to this effect.

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

130 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his Office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7422/11]

During the period 1997 to 2004 the then Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, did not employ any special advisors. During the period 2004 to 2007 the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen employed the following special advisors:

Name

Salary rate

Gerry Steadman

€101,675

Colin Hunt ( September 2006 to June 2007)

Mr. Hunt concurrently performed the special adviser role to Mr Brian Cowen TD and the then Minister for Transport, Mr Martin Cullen TD. However, he was engaged under a single contract of employment with the Minister for Transport and was paid by that Department

During the period 7 May 2008 to 9 March 2011, the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan employed two Special Advisors, details as follows:

Name

Salary rate

Alan Ahearne

€131,308 per annum

Cathy Herbert

€84,066 — €103,982

In the period 1997 to February 2011 my Department has made approximately 565 appointments and reappointments, excluding ex-officio appointments, to various State Boards under the aegis of my Department. Since 2002 approximately 25 percent of the appointments and reappointments made were female.

National Asset Management Agency

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

131 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if he has any proposals to make the National Asset Management Agency more transparent, in view of recent public criticism. [7433/11]

The Programme for Government states that this Government will insist on the highest standards of transparency in NAMA's operations. I have already met with the NAMA Board and explained that I expect the agency to comply with this commitment to the maximum extent possible. The board has also been made aware that this is an issue that I will be following closely. The NAMA legislation also provides for various reporting mechanisms that are designed to enhance the transparency and accountability of the Agency, including the publication of quarterly reports. I recently have received the report for the 4th quarter of 2010 and I expect to lay this report before both houses of the Oireachtas shortly.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

132 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case, if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7445/11]

The euro group and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) usually meets monthly, although they can meet more frequently, if required. Finance Ministers of the seventeen Eurozone Member States meet in the Eurogroup on the eve of Ecofin meetings to discuss economic, monetary and other issues that relate to the euro area. There were in addition a number of meetings of a Ministerial level taskforce which was established to consider the Van Rompuy Taskforce on Economic Governance. Eurozone and Ecofin Ministers also participated in some teleconferences during 2010.

The table at Annex 1 sets out the details of all Eurogroup, Taskforce and Ecofin meetings for the twelve months prior to 9th March 2011.

Annex 1

Eurogroup/Ecofin Representation

March 2010-8th March 2011

Eurogroup

Taskforce

Ecofin

15/03/2010-16/03/2010

Minister

Minister

11/04/2010

Minister participated in teleconference

16-18/04/2010

Ambassador to Spain Due to the sudden closure of Irish airspace which prevented travel from Dublin

Informal Ecofin Ambassador to Spain

02/05/2010

Senior DOF Official

09/05/2010

ExtraordinaryEcofin Minister

17/05/2010-18/05/2010

Minister of State

Permanent Representative to the EU

21/05/2010

Minister

07/06/2010-08/06/2010

Minister

Permanent Representative to the EU

12/07/2010-13/07/2010

Minister of State

Minister of State

Minister of State

06/09/2010-07/09/2010

Minister

Minister

Permanent Representative to the EU

30/09/2010-01/10/2010

Minister of State

Informal EcofinMinister of State

18/10/2010-19/10/2010

Senior D/Finance Official

Permanent Representative to the EU

16/11/2010-17/11/2010

Minister

Minister

21/11/2010

Minister participated in Teleconference

Minister participated in Teleconference

28/11/2010

Minister

ExtraordinaryEcofin Minister

06/12/2010-07/12/2010

Senior D/Finance Official

Permanent Representative to the EU

17/01/2011-18/01/2011

Minister

Permanent Representative to the EU

14/02/2011-15/02/2011

Minister

Minister

NOTE: A number of Ecofin meetings that the Minister could not attend took place on the same day as Government meetings in Dublin, which the Minister for Finance had to attend.

Tax Code

Michael Creed

Question:

133 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding liability for the universal social charge in respect of persons on medical cards; if a concession exists for medical card holders, if he will clarify the situation regarding those who hold a medical card by virtue of household income and those who hold a medical card arising from a specific medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7566/11]

The Universal Social Charge was introduced with effect from 1 January 2011. There is an exempt annual threshold of €4,004 (€77 per week). However, where this threshold is exceeded, the entire amount is chargeable. The standard rates of charge are:

— 2% on the first €10,036,

— 4% on the next €5,980, and

— 7% on the balance.

The maximum rate of charge for individuals in possession of a full medical card or a Health Amendment Act card is 4% irrespective of the level of their income. However, where an individual has a full medical card or a Health Amendment Act card, and has self-employment income in excess of €100,000 for a tax year, the maximum rate rises to 7% on the amount of the excess over €100,000.

The criteria used in awarding full medical cards or Health Amendment Act cards are a matter for the Minister for Health and Children.

Departmental Properties

Finian McGrath

Question:

134 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the case of an organisation (details supplied) regarding a vacant site. [7595/11]

The Commissioners of Public Works are currently reviewing the situation regarding the site in question.

Sale of Bank Assets

Michael McGrath

Question:

135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance, in the context of the planned sale or run-off of more than €70 billion of non-core assets in AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS and Irish Permanent, if he will confirm the expected overall loss or discount on the sale of these non-core assets which have been factored into the recapitalisation figure of €24 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7602/11]

On 31 March the Central Bank published full details of the capital requirements for AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS and Irish Life and Permanent. In their Financials Measures Programme document they provided a detailed breakdown of the calculations that underpinned their €24bn capital requirement which they identified for these banks. In arriving at this €24bn figure, the Central Bank indicated that a loss of €13.2bn had been allowed for the cost of deleveraging loans. This cost represents the impairment loss associated with loans that are scheduled to be sold over the 2011-13 period, net of provisions taken,and for clarity included a loss for so called NAMA 2 exposures, or those land and development loans in AIB and Bank of Ireland with a value less than €20m that were to transfer to NAMA. I should point out that this €13.2bn cost is not the exact capital impact associated with these disposals and as such is not directly comparable with the €24bn capital number identified for the banking system. There are certain accounting adjustments for risk weighted asset relief etc. that must be implemented before the strictly equivalent capital figure can be determined.

Departmental Schemes

Ray Butler

Question:

136 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to sign the commencement order for the employment and investment incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7646/11]

The Business Expansion Scheme (BES) is being replaced by the new Employment and Investment Incentive (EII). Under the new incentive, the lifetime limit that can be raised by companies will be increased from €2 million to €10 million, and the amount that can be raised in any twelve month period will be increased from €1.5 to €2.5 million. The certification requirements will also be simplified. Full details of the new incentive were set out in Section 33 of Finance Act 2011. The new incentive is subject to the approval of the European Commission. Pending the receipt of this approval, the existing BES will continue to operate.

It is not possible to stipulate when the approval of the European Commission will be forthcoming and therefore I am not in a position to indicate when the Commencement Order bringing the EII into operation will be signed.

Public Private Partnerships

Timmy Dooley

Question:

137 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance if any concerns have been raised with him regarding the inability of contractors to raise suitable funding for public private partnership projects resulting from concerns about Ireland’s sovereign debt. [7651/11]

There are some difficulties in the PPP funding market at present, resulting in a reduction in the number of banks participating in the market. Reflecting this, the Government has taken a number of steps to improve the market for PPPs and projects should be able to secure funding on a value for money basis.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Question:

138 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter involving the Revenue (details supplied). [7679/11]

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that this matter has been resolved. An amended notice of assessment issued on 23rd March 2011. A repayment of the resulting refund issued on 28th March 2011.

If there are any further queries on this matter they should be directed to Cork South West District, Telephone No. 021-6027058.

Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

Question:

139 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of unguaranteed senior and subordinated debt in each of the banks in which the State has a stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7737/11]

On 1 April 2011, the Central Bank published the total senior and subordinated debt issuances by those banks covered by the Guarantee as at March 2011. This information is available on the Central Bank's website at www.centralbank.ie. The Central Bank published the individual figures on a once-off basis and were disclosed with the consent of the financial institutions and does not form part of any Central Bank statistical series. While the Central Bank does not usually publish this information, the Central Bank has advised me that as at 1 April 2011, the total unguaranteed senior debt in the covered institutions is €36,001m of which €19,944m is unguaranteed secured debt and €16,057m is unguaranteed unsecured. The total subordinated debt amount is €6,223m.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

140 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards, review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7746/11]

I have made no appointments as outlined in the Deputy's question since my apppointment as Minister for Finance.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

141 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7180/11]

A total of 59 retired public servants were employed on short-term contracts by my Department in 2010 at a cost of some €499,000 in total.

My Department uses the services of retired public servants for a range of duties including, for example, the facilitation of various appeals processes such as those provided for under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 and those that relate to teaching staff allocations to primary and postprimary schools.

With regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, any expenditure incurred with regard to the employment of consultants, etc. on short term contracts is an administrative matter for each agency. This information is not collated centrally by my Department. However if the Deputy has a particular agency in mind I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to the Deputy.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

142 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012. [7195/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

143 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7210/11]

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

Under Section 9(1) of the Official Languages Act, 2003, Government Departments must comply with the Regulations made by the then Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to ensure that signs are provided in Irish only, or in English and Irish, in accordance with specific criteria set out in the Regulations.

The Regulations come into effect over a period of time. In this regard, all new signs placed on any of my Department's sites since 1 March 2009 are in compliance with the Regulations.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, an inventory of all signs will be undertaken to determine new signage required in respect of (a) signs placed on any Department site before 1 March 2009 which would fulfil the requirements of these Regulations except where there is an error in the Irish text, (b) signs placed on any Department site before 1 March 2009 which are in English only (c) signs placed on any Department site that comply with the Regulations except the text in Irish is less prominent, visible or legible than the text in English or the letters in the text in Irish are smaller in size than the letters in the text in English.

The deadline for compliance for signs at (a) above is 1 March 2012, at (b) above 1 March 2013 and (c) above is 1 January 2026. My Department is not in a position to anticipate the costs to implement the legislation until the inventory has been completed.

With regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the expenditure incurred in respect of signage is an administrative matter for each agency. Agencies have been notified of their statutory duty and a further reminder will issue nearer the date for compliance.

Special Educational Needs

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

144 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the request from an organisation (details supplied) for funding for a new academy to address the educational and developmental needs of children with autism within the framework of an applied behaviour analysis (ABA) environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7223/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that a proposal for an academy for children with autism has been received by officials in my Department who will revert to the organisation in question shortly. However it is important to emphasise that the proposal will be considered in the context of my Department's policy in this regard.

My Department's policy is focused on ensuring that all children including those with autism can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers who may draw from a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of interventions so their broader needs can be met.

My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.

Reflective of the important role of continuing professional development my Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including Treatment and Education of Autistic Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through the Special Education Support Service.

The Deputy will be familiar with the ABA pilot scheme which was funded by my Department for the past decade. All of the centres which participated in this scheme have been granted recognition as special schools for children with autism. These schools will operate in line with my Department's policy. I am pleased to update the Deputy that following their recognition the new schools are currently progressing well in the transitional phase. Eight schools have opened and the remaining five are scheduled to open shortly. It is my intention to continue to support this transitional process.

The pilot scheme was established in the absence of a network of school-based special classes for children with autism which is now available. The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of this network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 430 classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, including many in special schools.

Schools Refurbishment

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

145 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7228/11]

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for the works as outlined under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme.

Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories of eligible works were prioritised and it was not possible to include the school referred to by the Deputy in the list of 453 successful schools that was announced on 30 March 2011. A letter to this effect has issued to the school.

Schools Building Projects

Brian Stanley

Question:

146 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make available funding for the construction of a new school building (details supplied) in County Dublin; the date on which this funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7252/11]

The school to which the Deputy refers was included in the January announcement of schools to progress to secure planning permission with a view to preparing tender documents for 2011 or 2012. The project is at an advanced stage of the architectural planning process and will be lodged for planning permission once this stage is complete.

Officials from my Department will be in touch with the school authorities shortly to arrange a meeting prior to lodging for planning permission. Progression of the project to construction will be contingent on receiving the necessary statutory approvals.

Departmental Correspondence

Michael Creed

Question:

147 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received correspondence (details supplied); his views on its contents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7258/11]

I am aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy wherein the Presentation Brothers set out their concerns regarding the commitment in the Programme for Government to negotiate the transfer of school infrastructure currently owned by the 18 religious orders cited in the Ryan Report, at no extra cost to the State.

I intend discussing this commitment in the Programme for Government with my Cabinet colleagues in the near future. This discussion will take account of my Department's engagement with the Congregations in relation to the potential use of the various property offers made to date and their acceptability to the State and the Congregations' potential to augment their offers, so as to realise a 50:50 sharing of the costs of the response to residential institutional abuse. Following this discussion there will be further engagement with the congregations involved.

Departmental Reports

John McGuinness

Question:

148 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an inquiry conducted by him into certain matters pertaining to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the findings of the report will be made public; his plans regarding the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7278/11]

The Inquiry Officer has furnished my Department with an Interim Report on the matter referred to by the Deputy. My Department sought legal advice in relation to certain aspects of the Interim Report and these advices have just been received.

I have given careful consideration to the content of the Interim Report and the advices received from the Office of the Attorney General. I am communicating directly this week with the relevant parties in relation to the matter.

School Transport

John McGuinness

Question:

149 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the school bus (details supplied) in County Kilkenny does not provide the same service on the return journey after school resulting in some children being left off the bus and if he will have the matter investigated. [7281/11]

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport schemes on behalf of my Department, has informed my Department that henceforth the designated route will be operated both morning and evening.

Schools Refurbishment

Ray Butler

Question:

150 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the 2011 summer works scheme is going to be restricted to mechanical and electrical projects only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7290/11]

Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories of eligible works were prioritised in the list of 453 successful schools that was announced on 30 March 2011. These works included Gas, Mechanical and Electrical Works.

Ray Butler

Question:

151 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan will qualify for funding under the summer works scheme for the provision of a training facility and enclosed all weather facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7292/11]

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for the works as outlined under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme.

Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories of eligible works were prioritised and it was not possible to include the school referred to by the Deputy in the list of 453 successful schools that was announced on 30 March 2011. A letter to this effect has issued to the school.

Teachers’ Remuneration

Simon Harris

Question:

152 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider the 26 week rule whereby teachers with experience on temporary contracts who subsequently emigrate for work are considered new entrants on their return to Ireland with consequent implications for their pay and pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7298/11]

The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 abolished the maximum age of retirement for new entrants to employment in the public service from 1 April 2004. It also raised the minimum pension age for new entrants to age 65. In general terms, a new entrant to employment in the public service (including employment as a teacher) is a person who enters public service employment for the first time on or after 1 April 2004, (including employment in a temporary or fixed-term capacity, whether full-time, or part-time), OR, a person who becomes re-employed in the public service, (including employment as a teacher) following a break of more than 26 weeks, where that break occurred at anytime on or after 1 April 2004).

The provisions of this legislation are of general application to public servants and there are no proposals to make exceptions for any particular individual or group.

As part of Budget 2011, introduced by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party government, a 10% reduction in the pay of new appointees to the public service applies from 1 January 2011 and all new recruits to the entry grades of the public service will start at the first point of the relevant pay scale without exception. A person in the situation referred to by the Deputy who had service prior to 1 January 2011 is not regarded as a new entrant for this purpose.

Schools Building Projects

Simon Harris

Question:

153 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timetable for the construction of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow and for details regarding the funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7299/11]

Anne Ferris

Question:

181 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on the application from a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if he will ensure that there are no undue delays in the tender process in view of the fact that this school has been seeking funding from the Department for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7677/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 181 together.

The school to which the Deputy refers was authorised to proceed to tender in February. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that the project will proceed to construction in late 2011.

Teaching Qualifications

Clare Daly

Question:

154 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he will deal with the fact that the implementation of Circular 19/2011 requiring schools to take from the panel may result in gaelscoileanna having to recruit staff who may not have the required standard of Irish to teach through that medium, therefore undermining the ethos of the school. [7307/11]

There are no additional qualification requirements required to teach in a Gaelscoil. The introduction of any such requirements would impact on the capacity to redeploy surplus permanent teachers to any primary school.

My Department will be seeking in the coming period to recommence discussions with the relevant education partners, on changes necessary to achieve our objective of absorbing all surplus teachers into vacancies that exist in other schools. The purpose of this measure is to ensure that all teachers with either permanent posts or contracts of indefinite duration are deployed in the most efficient and equitable manner within our education system.

Flexible redeployment arrangements are required in order to ensure all surplus permanent teachers are redeployed into vacancies. The country simply cannot afford to have surplus teachers in a school while permitting recruitment to take place in another school. The Government is committed to ensuring the delivery of frontline services is protected as much as possible in our education system. I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed by the Gaelscoileana movement at this proposed redeployment. Over half of the Gaelscoileanna are under Catholic patronage and the redeployment of surplus teachers from these schools is through the relevant diocesan panels. Under the existing redeployment arrangements a Board of management has the right to interview, once there is more than one teacher on a panel.

My Department had discussions recently with An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to its request for a separate panel for Gaelscoileanna under its patronage. These discussions are on-going and a key issue for my Department is how best to facilitate this request in a manner that avoids the inherent inefficiencies of a separate panel for a relatively small number of schools. Given our budgetary situation we need to have sufficient flexibility in the redeployment arrangements to ensure that surplus teachers in all schools regardless of patronage type can be readily redeployed to vacancies wherever they exist.

The existing arrangements for the redeployment of surplus teachers operate between schools of the same patronage and are not certain to bring about the redeployment of all surplus teachers. To address the current limitations my Department will be seeking in the coming period to recommence discussions with the relevant education partners, including An Foras Pátrúnachta, on changes necessary to achieve our objective of absorbing all surplus teachers into vacancies that exist in other schools. These discussions can also deal with the request for a separate redeployment panel for Gaelscoileanna under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta.

School Patronage

John O'Mahony

Question:

155 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on the change of status of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7321/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

156 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the discussions he has had with the patron regarding the application for a change of status for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7322/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.

I would like to advise the Deputy that in May 2008 the school in question applied for a change of status on foot of which my Department requested a report from the Inspector as part of its examination of the matter. The Inspectorate consulted with the three schools most directly impacted and considered the matter under a number of headings including:

Impact of change of status on neighbouring schools;

Projected enrolments over the next 4-5 year period if change of status is granted and if change of status is not granted;

Capital investment required;

Future educational provision in the area.

All decisions regarding the change of status ultimately lie with the Patron. In the absence of clear and unconditional Patron approval for the proposed change of status coupled with the outcome of the Inspector's Report, it is the Department's view that a change of status would not be in the best interests of future educational provision in the area at that time and in that context, the school's application for change of status was not progressed.

Grangegorman Development

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

157 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the Grangegorman campus development, Dublin; when is it expected to begin construction and when will the GDA be in a position to hire architects and so on for this project. [7325/11]

The Grangegorman Development Agency is currently finalising a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) planning application. It is envisaged that the SDZ will be submitted to Dublin City Council for consideration shortly.

Enabling works to facilitate the delivery of new Mental Health Facilities on the Grangegorman site are on-going and the Agency hope to be in a position to sign the main contract for the construction of these facilities in the coming weeks.

The Agency has already appointed Architects and Engineers for some elements of the design of the development and it is intended that further public tendering and subsequent appointments will be conducted over the coming months including for the appointment technical and legal advisors to assist with the delivery of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) elements of the development.

Redundancy Payments

Michael Ring

Question:

158 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment. [7331/11]

I can confirm that an application for redundancy has been received by my Department from the person 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.

School Curriculum

Joe McHugh

Question:

159 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will issue a response on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7338/11]

The Junkkouture initiative supports aspects of the Art Craft and Design, Home Economics, Civic Social and Political Education, Science, Business and Social and Environmental studies aspects of the curriculum in second level schools. Overall, education for sustainable development and environmental awareness and care are significant themes underpinning many subjects within the curriculum in our schools.

These issues also feature in the Transition Year programme, where each school has the flexibility to design its own programme within a framework set out by my Department. As part of this, schools are encouraged to provide for innovative activities which develop students' key competences in such areas as research, planning and budgeting, design, team work, and evaluation. Many schools provide musicals, fashion shows and participate in competitions as part of this approach. Schools therefore have discretion as to whether they wish to participate in Junkkouture in meeting the learning objectives of the Transition Year Programme, or in supporting other aspects of the curriculum. They may also fund participation in the programme from the capitation grants and other programme resources allocated to schools, should they wish to do so.

My Department must meet a range of competing demands in a difficult budgetary climate. Accordingly I am not in a position to provide funding for this initiative.

Schools Refurbishment

Dara Calleary

Question:

160 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a full list of all schools in County Mayo who applied for funding under the summer works scheme 2011. [7354/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that details of the successful applicants under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme were announced on 30th March, 2011 and published on my Department's website, www.education.ie. Applications were assessed in accordance with the availability of funding on a top down basis in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria.

A list of all applicants from Mayo is set out below for the Deputy's convenience.

There was a total of 105 applications received for the Summer Works Scheme from schools in Mayo. Out of the 105 applications, 13 schools, 11 at primary level and 2 at post primary level, were successful in their applications for funding for works to be carried out. My Department has contacted all schools approved for grant aid with details and instructions on how to proceed and is in the process of issuing letters to those not approved.

Roll No.

Name of School

School Address

Project

02912G

Scoil na gCoillini

Miliuc, Beal Atha na Muice, Co. Mhaigh Eo

Windows

07054L

Culeens N.S.

Knockduff, Beal Atha an Fheadha, Co. Mhaigh Eo

Mechanical

07075T

SN Naomh Feichin

An Crois, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Electrical

09040K

Newtownwhite N.S.

Ballysokerry, Ballina, Co. Mayo

External Environment

11725I

Beheymore N.S.

Beheymore, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Windows

12467R

Craggagh N.S.

Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo

External Environment

12568A

SN Inbhear

Barr na Tra, Beal an Atha, Co. Mhaigh Eo

External Environment

12569C

SN Ros Dumhach

Beal Atha an Fheadha, Co. Mhaigh Eo

External Environment

12815O

Creggduff N.S.

Creggduff, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

13080V

Kilmovee N.S.

Kilmovee, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

13145A

S. N. Naomh Colm Cille

Westport, Co. Mayo

External Environment

13222P

S.N. Gleann a Chaisil

Bun na hAbhna, Beal an Atha, Co. Mhaigh Eo

Structural

13225V

Scoil Naisiúnta Chormaic Naofa

Moygownagh, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Windows

13311O

St Patrick’s N.S.

Kille, Clare Island, Co. Mayo

External Environment

13383Q

SN an Tsraith

Bun na hAbhann, Beal an Atha, Co. Mhaigh Eo

External Environment

13389F

S.N. Trian Lair

Beal Atha na Muiche, Co. Mayo

Roofs

13444K

S.S. Beal Atha na hEin

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Windows

13555T

S.N. an Fhaitche

Fahy, Westport, Co. Mayo

External Environment

13667H

S.N. Muine Chonallain

Beal an Atha, Co. Mayo

Roofs

13684H

Beannchor N.S.

Bangor, Erris, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Access for All

13773G

Scoil Naisiúnta Gort an Eadain

Facefield, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Windows

13797U

Lecanvey N.S.

Lecanvey, Westport, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

13945J

Eskeragh N.S.

Dooleeg, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Access for All

14188A

Barnatra N.S.

Barnatra, Ballina, Co. Mayo

External Environment

14193Q

S.N. Dubh Thuama

Gaoth Saile, Beal an Atha, Co. Mhaigh Eo

External Environment

14195U

An Gleanna Mhóir S.N.

Glenmore, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Roofs

14258S

Cill Mhór Iorrais

Beal an Mhuirthead, Co. Mhaigh Eo

Mechanical

14290O

Scoil Naomh Brid

Main Street, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo

External Environment

14400S

S.N. Cill Mhuire (Richmond N.S.)

Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Structural

14418O

Bofield N.S.

Attymass, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Structural

14808E

Irishtown N.S.

Irishtown, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

14863M

Achill Sound Convent N.S.

Achill Sound, Co. Mayo

External Environment

15032U

S.N. Muire Gan Smal

Ceathru Thaidgh, Beal Atha an Fheadha, Co. Mhaigh Eo

Windows

15257V

Quignamanger N.S.

Creggs Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

15539I

St John’s N.S.

Lugboy, Tulrahan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

15555G

Breaffy N.S.

Breaffy, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Windows

15967G

Crimlin N.S.

Crimlin, Ross, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

16021U

Lisaniska N.S.

Lisaniska, Foxford, Co. Mayo

External Environment

16122D

Knock N.S.

Knock, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

External Environment

16173U

Kinaffe N.S.

Swinford, Co. Mayo

Structural

16269K

Killasser N.S.

Killasser, Swinford, Co. Mayo

Structural

16283E

Pullathomas N.S.

Pullathomas, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Access for All

16618J

St Brendan’s N.S.

Myna, Kilmeena, Westport, Co. Mayo

Access for All

16630W

Ceara N.S.

Bonniconlon, Ballina, Co. Mayo

External Environment

16780S

Culmore N.S.

Swinford, Co. Mayo

Structural

16904K

Lankill N.S.

Lankill, Westport, Co. Mayo

External Environment

16984L

St Joseph’s N.S.

Shrule, Co. Mayo

External Environment

17098O

Ardagh N.S.

Ardagh, Ballymanagh, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Roofs

17176I

S.N. Realt na Mara

Mulranny, Co. Mayo

External Environment

17209U

Cooneal N.S.

Cooneal, Ballina Co. Mayo

Windows

17482P

Holy Angels N.S.

Clogher, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

External Environment

17483R

Carraholly N.S.

Carraholly, Westport, Co. Mayo

External Environment

17562N

S.N. Oilean Eadaigh

Caislean a Bharraigh, Co. Mayo

Roofs

17585C

Belcarra N.S.

Belcarra, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Roofs

17727T

Belmullet Senior N.S.

Pearse Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Access for All

17922R

Cloghan’s Hill N.S.

Cloghan’s Hill, Tuam, Co. Galway

Roofs

17923T

Belmullet Junior N.S.

Pearse Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

External Environment

18003F

St Attracta’s N.S.

Lowpark, Charlestown, Co.Mayo

External Environment

18506I

S. N. Naomh Padraig B

Market Square, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Roofs

18542M

St Patrick’s De La Salle Boys N.S.

Upper Chapel Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Roofs

18561Q

S. N. Naomh Ioseph

Rehins, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Windows

18562S

S.N. an TeaghlaighParke N.S.

An Phairc, Turloch, Caislean an Bharraigh, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

18694M

Convent of Mercy N.S.

The Lawn, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

External Environment

18712L

Knockrooskey N.S.

Knockrooskey, Westport, Co. Mayo

External Environment

18876S

St Joseph’s N.S.

Ballycushion, Cloghan’s Hill, Kilconley, Tuam, Co. Galway

Mechanical

19324H

S.N. Teaghlaigh Naofa

Kileen, Loiusburgh, Co. Mayo

Access for All

19402B

Ballyvary Central N.S.

Ballyvary, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Electrical

19451O

Newport Central N.S.

Newport, Co. Mayo

Windows

19488O

St Feichin’s N.S.

Attymass, Balina, Co. Mayo

External Environment

19710M

Barnacarroll N.S.

Barnacarroll, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Windows

19798G

St Colman’s N.S.

Dernabruck, Cloontia, Ballymote, Co. Sligo

External Environment

19812U

Foxford Central N.S.

Foxford, Co. Mayo

Windows

19903A

Kiltimagh Central N.S.

Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo

Windows

19911W

St Patrick’s Central N.S.

Kilmaine, Co. Mayo

Toilet Upgrade

19951L

Swinford N.S.

Swinford, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

19972T

Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca

Lochán na mBan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Roofs

20089H

St Joseph’s N.S.

Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo

External Environment

20125I

Crossmolina N.S.

Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Access for All

20275E

Scoil Íosa

Convent Hill, Ballina, Co. Mayo

External Environment

64500G

Balla Secondary School

Balla, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Toilet Upgrade

64510J

St Muredach’s College

Sligo Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Gas Works

64520M

St Mary’s Secondary School

Convent of Mercy, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Structural

64570E

Our Lady’s Secondary School

Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Structural

64590K

Naomh Iosaef

Clochar na Trócaire, Caisleán an Bharraigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo

Windows

64600K

St Joseph’s Secondary School

Charlestown, Co. Mayo

Electrical

64610N

Coláiste Cholmáin

Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Windows

64620Q

Mount St. Michael Secondary School

Convent of Mercy, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

External Environment

64630T

Jesus & Mary Secondary School

Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Roofs

64640W

St Joseph’s Secondary School

Foxford, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

64660F

Sancta Maria College

Louisburgh, Co. Mayo

Roofs

64690O

Scoil Muire agus Padraig

Swinford, Co. Mayo

Curricular Requirements

64691Q

Coláiste Muire

Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Maigh Eo

Toilet Upgrade

64700O

Rice College

Castlebar Road, Westport, Co. Mayo

Roofs

64710R

Sacred Heart School

Castlebar Road, Westport, Co. Mayo

Roofs

72020L

Moyne College

Ballina, Co. Mayo

Mechanical

72050U

St Brendan’s College

Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Windows

72070D

McHale College

Achill Sound, Co. Mayo

External Environment

72100J

St Tiernan’s College

Crossmolina, Ballina, Co. Mayo

External Environment

72130S

St Patrick’s College

Lacken Cross, Killala, Ballina, Co. Mayo

External Environment

72140V

Coláiste Chomáin

Rossport, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Curricular Requirements

72160E

Carrowbeg College

Westport, Co. Mayo

Windows

76060U

Davitt College

Springfield, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

External Environment & Windows

91461C

Ballyhaunis Community School

Knock Road, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Curricular Requirements

91462E

Ballinrobe Community School

Convent Road, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo

Windows

91494R

St Louis Community School

Chapel Street, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo

Roofs

School Enrolments

Dara Calleary

Question:

161 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide on a county basis the name of each school that has two or fewer teachers; the number of teachers per school; the number of pupils per school as at 31 March 2011 in tabular form and the number of support staff per school. [7355/11]

The information requested is provided in the National School Annual Census Return. Results from the Census for the current school year (2010/2011) will be available on the 1st of September 2011. The following table, sourced from the 2009/2010 Census, shows a list of schools by county with two mainstream teaching teachers, the number of non-mainstream teachers in the school and the number of pupils enrolled as per the of 30th September 2009. This is the latest date for which data is available. Data on non-teaching staff by school is not readily available in this format.

County Name

Roll No.

Official School Name

Address

Current Open/Closed Status Desc

Mainstream Class Pupils

Special Class Pupils

Total Pupils

Full-time equivalent Mainstream class teachers

Non mainstream class teachers full-time

Non mainstream class teachers part-time

Carlow

17096K

S N NMH FHINGIN

GARRYHILL, MUINEBHEAG, CO. CARLOW

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Carlow

17481N

ST BRENDANS N S

DRUMMOND, ST MULLINS, KILKENNY

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Carlow

18609S

S N FIONTAIN NAOFA

RATHMORE, TULLOW, CO. CARLOW

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Carlow

17462J

SCOIL NAIS MHICHIL

BAILE NUA, BORRIS, CO. CARLOW

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Carlow

17796P

OOU LADY’S NATIONAL SCHOOL

NURNEY, CARLOW, CO. CARLOW

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Carlow

18510W

ST. PATRICK’S NATIONAL SCHOOL

BALLYMURPHY, BORRIS, CO. CARLOW

Open

46

46

2

0

0

Carlow

17669I

S N TREASA NAOMHA

CILL TEAGAIN, CO. CILLE MANNTAIN

Open

52

52

2

0

0

Cavan

11590L

ARVA CHURCH OF IRELAND N S

ARVA, CO. CAVAN

Closed

8

8

1

0

0

Cavan

14320U

CORLEA N S

KINGSCOURT, CO. CAVAN

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Cavan

12713G

CORRATOBER N S

ARVA, CO. CAVAN

Open

22

22

2

0

0

Cavan

11409V

BALLYCONELL CENTRAL N S

BALLYCONNELL, CO. CAVAN

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Cavan

10146K

CORLISS N S

KILLESHANDRA, CO. CAVAN

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Cavan

13271F

FAIRGREEN N S

BELTURBET, CO. CAVAN

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Cavan

19921C

DRUNG NO 2 NS

DRUNG, CO. CAVAN

Open

33

33

2

0

1

Cavan

16767D

CORONEA N S

ARVA, CO. CAVAN

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Cavan

17990L

S N DROM CNAMH

DROM CNAMH, CO. CAVAN

Open

37

37

2

0

3

Cavan

19322D

KILMORE CENTRAL N S

KILMORE, CO. CAVAN

Open

37

37

2

0

1

Cavan

16959M

S N CORRABHA

GLANGEVLIN N S, CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Cavan

15452T

KILDALLON N S

ARDLOUGHER, BELTURBET, CO. CAVAN

Open

50

50

2

0

1

Clare

15968I

BALTARD N S

BALTARD, DOONBEG, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Open

5

5

2

0

2

Clare

08241P

SCROPUL N S

MULLAGH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Open

9

9

2

1

0

Clare

12848G

DOONAHA N S

KILKEE, CO. CLARE

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Clare

13351D

CLONIGULANE N S

KILMIHIL, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Open

13

13

2

0

0

Clare

13379C

S N PADRAIG NFA FANOIR

BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE

Open

14

14

2

0

0

Clare

17898A

S N IOSEP NAOFA

BROADFORD, VIA LIMERICK, CO. CLARE

Open

14

14

2

0

0

Clare

10763L

BOSTON N S

TUBBER, GORT, CO. GALWAY

Open

14

14

2

1

0

Clare

10191P

S N NA CORADH

MULLACH, INIS, CO. CLARE

Open

17

17

2

0

1

Clare

18339P

SN IOSEF NAOFA

AN MHAIGH, LEACHT UI CHONCHUBHAIR, INIS, CO. AN CHLAIR

Open

17

17

2

1

0

Clare

17687K

S N TULACH CRUINN

CILL RUIS, CO. CLARE

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Clare

18540I

CLUAIN DRAIGNEACH

CLUAIN DRAIGHNEACH, LIOS UI CHATASAI, INIS, CO. AN CHLAIR

Open

19

19

2

1

0

Clare

15327Q

CAHERMURPHY N S

KILMIHIL, CO. CLARE

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Clare

10886E

TUBBER N S

TUBBER, CO. CLARE

Open

21

21

2

0

2

Clare

18630J

CARRIGAHOLT MIXED N S

CARRIGAHOLT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Open

22

22

2

2

0

Clare

18950E

S N DROIMAN DUDHAIRE

CAHER, VIA LIMERICK, CO. CLARE

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Clare

16930L

SCOIL AN SRAITH S N

TULACH BRACH, CILL ROIS, CO. AN CHLAIR

Open

25

25

2

1

0

Clare

18740Q

SHANNON AIRPORT NO 2 NS

SHANNON AIRPORT, CO. CLARE

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Clare

13804O

S N NA CRANNAIGHE

CRANNACH, CILL ROIS, CO. CLARE

Open

26

26

2

1

0

Clare

18190H

S N CRONAIN NFA AN CARN

INIS, CO. CLARE

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Clare

18846J

AN DAINGIN

TULLA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Open

27

27

2

0

1

Clare

10568N

S N CUIBHREANN

CILL CHAOI, CO. AN CHLAIR

Open

27

27

2

1

0

Clare

14111L

CROSS N S

KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Clare

12633I

COOLMEEN N S

KILMURRAY MCMAHON, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Open

28

28

2

1

0

Clare

09425H

RINEEN N S

MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Clare

17847G

S N AIBHISTIN NAOFA

CILL SEANAIGH, INIS, CO. AN CHLAIR

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Clare

11990E

BODYKE N S

BODYKE, CO. CLARE

Open

29

29

2

1

0

Clare

18565B

S N MA SHEASTA

MOYASTA, CO. CLARE

Open

31

31

2

1

0

Clare

17246D

S N CLUAIN AN ATHA

EIDHNEACH, INIS, CO. CLARE

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Clare

18327I

S N CNOC DOIRE

COORACLARE, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Clare

18541K

S N CATHAIR AODHA

LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Open

32

32

2

0

1

Clare

19386G

LABASHEEDA CENTRAL N S

LABASHEEDA, CO. CLARE

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Clare

13730L

CLOHANES N S

MULLACH, CO. CLARE

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Clare

15981A

LAKYLE N S

WHITEGATE VIA LIMERICK, CO. CLARE

Open

33

33

2

1

0

Clare

18359V

S N CUAN

CILL BEATHACH, INIS, CO. CLARE

Open

34

34

2

0

1

Clare

13478E

DROIMDIOGACH N S

KILLMURRY MC MAHON, CO. CLARE

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Clare

18768P

FORGLEANN N S

FORGLEANN, LEACHT UI CHONCHUIR, CO. AN CHLAIR

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Clare

11234M

CLOHANBEG N S

CREE, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Clare

17270A

S N COLM CILLE

INIS DIOMAIN, CO. CLARE

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Clare

18168O

S N AN CHRIOCH

AN CHRIOCH, CO. AN CHLAIR

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Clare

17020A

QUILTY NS

QUILTY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Open

42

42

2

1

0

Clare

09390O

ROCKMOUNT MIXED N S

MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Open

43

43

2

1

0

Cork

09385V

RATHDUANE N S

RATHMORE, MALLOW, CO. CORK

Closed

8

8

2

0

0

Cork

14065H

SHERKIN ISLAND N S

BALTIMORE, CO. CORK

Open

9

9

2

0

0

Cork

14303U

S N CLEIRE

OILEAN CHLEIRE, AN SCIOBAIRIN, CO. CHORCAI

Open

11

11

2

0

1

Cork

14993C

S N RAE NA NDOIRI

RAE NA NDOIRI, MAIGH CHROMTHA, CO. CHORCAI

Open

13

13

2

0

0

Cork

17079K

S N CARRAIG AN IME

MACROOM, CO. CORK

Open

13

13

2

0

0

Cork

12685E

RUSHNACAHARA N S

DURRNS, BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

14

14

2

0

0

Cork

17324U

SCOIL NAOMH BREANDAN

CNOC AN CHUILINN, AN RATH MHOR, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

14

14

2

0

0

Cork

09872J

CLOGHOOLA MIXED N S

MILLSTREET, CO. CORK

Open

16

16

2

0

0

Cork

17794L

S N AN PHAIRC

YOUGHAL, CO. CORK

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Cork

16863W

DESERTSERGES N S

ENNISKEAN, CO. CORK

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Cork

17050J

S N NAOMH SHEAMUIS

DURRUS, CO. CORK

Open

19

19

2

0

1

Cork

19525R

MHICHIL NAOFA

BALLINAKILLA, BERE ISLAND, BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Cork

09815U

TULLASLEASE MIXED N S

RATHLUIRC, CO. CORK

Open

20

20

2

1

0

Cork

15140A

BALLINGREE MXD N S

MACROOM, CO. CORK

Open

22

22

2

0

0

Cork

10771K

COBH N S

BELLEVUE, COBH, CO. CORK

Open

22

22

2

1

0

Cork

11931L

S N IOSEPH

DRINAGH, DUNMANWAY, CO. CORK

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Cork

15410D

KILCROHANE N S

DURRUS, BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

24

24

2

0

1

Cork

10499U

KILGARIFFE N S

CLONAKILTY, CO. CORK

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Cork

07101R

INCHICLOUGH N S

BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Cork

10548H

ST BRENDANS NATIONAL SCHOOL

BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Cork

17011W

MOCOMHOG N S

CAPPABOY, KEALKIL, BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

26

26

2

1

0

Cork

18100D

LISGRIFFIN N S

GOLEEN, SKIBBEREEN, CO. CORK

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Cork

16885J

ADRIGOLE N S

ADRIGOLE, BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

27

27

2

1

0

Cork

17715M

S N RATH A BHARRAIGH

CLONAKILTY, CO. CORK

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Cork

08828B

KILCORNEY MIXED N S

RATHCOOLE, MALLOW, CO. CORK

Open

29

29

2

1

0

Cork

05565D

TRAFRASK MIXED N S

BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Cork

18246I

S N BAILE MUINE

BALLINEEN, CO. CORK

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Cork

18388F

SCOIL NAOMH MICHEAL

CHURCH ROAD, BLACKROCK, CORK

Open

32

32

2

0

1

Cork

18475A

S N BAILE UI CHROININ

CLOYNE, MIDDLETON, CO. CORK

Open

33

33

2

0

1

Cork

20182U

ST ENDAS NS

KILNADUR, DUNMANWAY, CO. CORK

Open

33

33

2

1

0

Cork

12259K

S N OIR CHEANN

EYERIES, BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

36

36

2

0

1

Cork

14002G

KNOCKACLARIG MXD N S

BROSNA, TRALEE, CO. KERRY

Open

36

36

2

0

1

Cork

12382J

CURRIGLASS NS

CURRIGLASS, MALLOW, CO. CORK

Open

37

37

2

1

0

Cork

04442F

KYLE N S

YOUGHAL, CO. CORK

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Cork

16955E

S N NA MONA FLICHE

MACROOM, CO. CORK

Open

39

39

2

0

1

Cork

17790D

CURRAGHAGALLA N S

KILWORTH, CO. CORK

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Cork

18461M

S N MUIRE NA DOIRINI

SKIBBEREEN, CO. CORK

Open

40

40

2

0

1

Cork

10523O

FERMOY ADAIR N S

FERMOY, CO. CORK

Open

40

40

2

1

0

Cork

04578H

BALLYVONGANE MIXED N S

AGHINA, CO. CORK

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Cork

05656G

S N AN GHOILIN

SCIOBAIRIN, CO. CORK

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Cork

17763A

ROCKCHAPEL N S

ROCKCHAPEL NS, MALLOW, CO. CORK

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Cork

16945B

LISGRIFFIN N S

BUTTEVANT, CO. CORK

Open

44

44

2

0

1

Cork

16246V

DRUMCLUGH N S

BANTRY, CO. CORK

Open

46

46

2

0

0

Cork

18468D

SCOIL MHUIRE

CAISLEAN UI DHONNABHAIN, DRIMOLEAGUE, CO. CORK

Open

49

49

2

0

0

Cork

05636A

DUNMANWAY MODEL N S

DUNMANWAY, CO. CORK

Open

49

49

2

2

0

Cork

17515E

S N ACHADH BOLG

ACHADH AN CHRIOSTE, CO. CORCAIGH

Open

51

51

2

0

0

Cork

10739O

BALLINCARRIGA MXD N S

BALLINACARRIGA MXD, DUNMANWAY, CORK

Open

52

52

2

0

0

Donegal

05164I

SCOIL NAOMH CHOLMCILLE

OILEAN THORAI, AN BHUN BHIG, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

8

8

1

0

1

Donegal

16142J

S N MIN NA MANRACH

AN CLOCHAN LIATH, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Donegal

16384K

SN ARAINN MHOR II

ARAINN MHOR, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Donegal

16242N

S N DUMHACH BEAG

DUMHACH BEAG, BAILE LAIR, CO. DUN NA NGALL

Open

8

4

12

2

1

0

Donegal

01733B

ARDARA MIXED N S

ARDARA, CO. DONEGAL

Open

16

16

2

0

0

Donegal

13755E

GARTAN N S

GARTAN, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

16

16

2

0

0

Donegal

10062E

CREESLOUGH N S

CREESLOUGH, CO. DONEGAL

Open

17

17

2

0

0

Donegal

17122I

SN EADAN FHIONNFHAOICH

NA GLEANNTA, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

18

18

2

1

1

Donegal

09748I

GLENMAQUIN NO 2 N S

KNOCKBRACK, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Donegal

18874O

KILLYGORDAN N S

MAIN STREET, KILLYGORDON, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Donegal

16458N

INVER N S

INVER, CO. DONEGAL

Open

19

19

2

1

0

Donegal

18319J

S N TRIANTA

TRIANTAGH, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

20

20

2

0

0

County Name

Roll No.

Official School Name

Address

Current Open/Closed Status Desc

Mainstream Class Pupils

Special Class Pupils

Total Pupils

Full-time equivalent Mainstream class teachers

Non mainstream class teachers full-time

Non mainstream class teachers part-time

Donegal

14704P

MURROE NATIONAL SCHOOL

MURROE, DUNFANAHY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

20

20

2

1

0

Donegal

18250W

S N BAILE MOR

DUNFANAGHY PO, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

20

20

2

1

0

Donegal

16823K

MIN A GHABHANN N S

LETTERMACAWARD, DONEGAL

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Donegal

16850N

ST GARVAN’S N.S.

DRUM HALLA, RATHMAOLAIN, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

21

21

2

0

1

Donegal

16279N

SCOIL CHOLUIM

BALLYHEERIN, FANAD, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

22

22

2

0

0

Donegal

18295V

S N MIN AN AOIRE

AN CHARRAIG, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

22

22

2

0

0

Donegal

10595Q

KILBARRON N S

KILBARRON, BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Donegal

13563S

S N CHILL COINNIGH

CILL CHOINNIGH, GLENTIES, CO. DONEGAL

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Donegal

16837V

S N DUCHORAIDH

DUCHORAIDH, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Donegal

03294L

S N CAISEAL NA GCORR

GORT A CHOIRCE, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

24

24

2

1

0

Donegal

16471F

ST DAVADOGS N S

TAMNEY, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

24

24

2

1

0

Donegal

07143K

MONREAGH N S

MONREAGH, CARRIGANS LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Donegal

18703K

S N BAILE AN BHAILSIG

BAILE AN BHAILSIGH, WELCHTOWN, BALLYBOFEY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

25

25

2

1

0

Donegal

16137Q

DRUMFAD N S

BALLYNASHANAGH P O, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Donegal

16611S

GLENTOGHER CON N S

CARNDONAGH, CO. DONEGAL

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Donegal

17822N

SCOIL BHRIGHDE

MIN A CHLADHAIGH, GORT A CHOIRCE, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Donegal

16763S

S N GLASAIN

CRAOSLOCH, LEITIRCEANAINN, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Donegal

17447N

S N CRANNAIGHE BUIDHE

CRANNOG BUI, ARDARA, CO. DONEGAL

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Donegal

16603T

S N AN CHILLIN

AN CILLIN, INVER, CO. DONEGAL

Open

30

30

2

1

0

Donegal

17469A

SCOIL CUILM CILLE

BALLINDRAIT, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Donegal

18131O

S N MUIRE GAN SMAL

ARD ARATHA, CO. DUN NA NGALL

Open

31

31

2

2

0

Donegal

17552K

SCOIL BHRIGHDE

PORTHALL, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Donegal

18700E

S N BAILE AN CAISLEAN

BAILE AN CHAISLEAIN,ST JOHNSTON LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Donegal

19009W

CRAANFORD N S

CRAANFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

32

32

2

1

0

Donegal

18508M

NAOMH ADHAMHNAIN

LAGHEY PO, DONEGAL, CO. DONEGAL

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Donegal

04809A

SCOIL AN AINGIL CHOIMHEADAI

AN CHEIDIDH, BURTONPORT, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

33

33

2

1

0

Donegal

15532R

CROAGHROSS N S

PORTSALON, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

33

33

2

1

0

Donegal

16854V

BUNCRANA N S

BUNCRANA, CO. DONEGAL

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Donegal

18058H

SCOIL NAOMH SEOSAMH

RATHDOMHNAILL, TREANTACH, CO. DUN NA NGALL

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Donegal

16664Q

BRUCKLESS N S

BRUCKLESS, CO. DONEGAL

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Donegal

15763N

MOVILLE N S

MOVILLE, CO. DONEGAL

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Donegal

15554E

GORTNACART N S

GORTNACART, ARDARA, CO. DONEGAL

Open

37

37

2

0

1

Donegal

18939Q

S N DONAIGH

CARNDONAGH, CO. DONEGAL

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Donegal

15847T

S N LEITIR MHIC AN BHAIRD

LEITHBHEARR, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

38

38

2

1

0

Donegal

18710H

SN NA CROISE NAOFA

DUNFANAGHY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

39

39

2

1

0

Donegal

17241Q

S N DOMHNACH MOR

CASTLEFIN, LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Donegal

17716O

ST RIAGHANS NS

DRIMNACROSH, KILRAINE P.O., CO. DONEGAL

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Donegal

18086M

DUNFANAGHY N S

DUNFANAGHY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Donegal

16869L

S N AN BHREACAIGH

ARD A RATHA, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Donegal

19089A

KILLAGHTEE N S

KILLAGHTEE, DUNKINEELY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Donegal

18731P

ROBERTSON N S

BALLYBOFEY P O., LIFFORD, CO. DONEGAL

Open

42

42

2

0

1

Donegal

07464H

BROWNEKNOWE N S

BROWNKNOWE, RAMELTON, CO. DONEGAL

Open

43

43

2

0

0

Donegal

07626H

S N AN IORBALL RIABAIGH

BAILE UI GHORMAIN, LETHBHEARR, TIR CHONAILL

Open

43

43

2

0

0

Donegal

16903I

S N FOTHAR

PORT NA BLAITHCHE, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO. DUN NA NGALL

Open

45

45

2

0

0

Donegal

15170J

CASHELSHANAGHAN N S

BALLYMALEEL P O, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

46

46

2

0

0

Donegal

19235I

PORTLEAN N S

KILMACRENNAN, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

Open

46

46

2

0

0

Donegal

09009Q

ROCKFIELD N S

ROCKFIELD BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL

Open

48

48

2

0

0

Donegal

15208I

S N NA SRAITHE MOIRE

MIN A LABAIN, LEITIR CEANAINN, CO. DHUN NA NGALL

Open

56

56

2

1

1

Dublin

19480V

ST PATRICKS

ST PATRICKS CLOSE, DUBLIN 8

Open

17

17

2

0

0

Dublin

16983J

S N NAOMH CILLIN

ROBINHOOD RD., BLUEBELL, INCHICORE, DUBLIN 12

Open

20

20

2

0

1

Dublin

14463T

ST COLUMBAS N S MXD

NORTH STRAND, DUBLIN 3

Open

31

31

2

0

1

Dublin

10653E

CHAPELIZOD N S

CHAPELIZOD, DUBLIN 20

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Dublin

19464A

SN NAOMH COLMCILLE

HOMELAWNS, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Dublin

20334R

GAELSCOIL ROS EO,

ST MAURS GAA, RUSH, CO. DUBLIN

Open

41

41

2

0

1

Dublin

15895H

DRUMCONDRA N S

CHURCH AVENUE, DRUMCONDRA, DUBLIN 9

Open

43

43

2

0

0

Galway

15900U

THE GLEBE N.S.

AUGHRIM, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

6

6

1

0

0

Galway

18113M

S N CILL SOLAIN

KILLASOLAN, CALTRA, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

9

9

1

1

0

Galway

16982H

S N ATH EASCRACH CHUAIN

BEAL ATHA NA SLUAGH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

5

8

13

1

1

0

Galway

12339I

S N INIS MEADHOIN

ARAINN, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

12

12

2

0

1

Galway

13951E

S N LEITIR MUCU

CAMAS, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Galway

17998E

SN MUIRE AN TSOLAIS,

SN MUIRE AN TSOLAIS, MOTA GRAINNE OIGE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Galway

18490T

SN M AN CROI GAN SMAL

LEENANE, CO. GALWAY

Open

14

14

2

0

0

Galway

17770U

S N NAOMH COLMAIN,

c/o SCOIL CHOLMAIN, MUIGHROS, CÁRNA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

15

15

2

0

0

Galway

18211M

S N CIARAIN NAOFA

CILL LIATHAN NEWBRIDGE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

15

15

2

0

0

Galway

18222R

SN CEATHRU NA GAOITHE

MILLTOWN, TUAM, CO. GALWAY

Open

17

17

2

0

0

Galway

19357W

SN TIR NA CILLE

AN MAM, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Galway

17289V

S N CAOMHAIN

INIS OIRTHIR, ARAINN, GAILLIMH

Open

20

20

2

0

1

Galway

17242S

S N PAIRC NA SLINNE

MAGH GLAS, BAILE LOCHA RIACH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

20

20

2

1

0

Galway

11290W

S N MUIRE GAN SMAL

CAMAS, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Galway

13927H

INISHBOFIN N S

INISHBOFIN, CO. GALWAY

Open

21

21

2

0

1

Galway

13952G

S N BHRIDE

LEITIR CALADH, LETTERMORE, CO. GALWAY

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Galway

10095T

S N NAOMH TREASA

KILLURE, AHASCRAGH, CO. GALWAY

Open

21

21

2

1

0

Galway

09833W

S N LEITIRGEIS

LEITIRGEIS N S, RINN AN MHAOIL, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

23

23

2

1

0

Galway

17574U

S N NAOMH CIARAIN

CILL CHIARAIN, CONAMARA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

23

23

2

1

0

Galway

14425L

S N DOIRE UI BHRIAIN

BAILE LOCHA RIABHACH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Galway

15228O

S N PADRAIG NAOFA

CORR GHARRA, MOUNTBELLEW, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Galway

13665D

S N AN CILLIN

BALLYSHRULE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Galway

12138V

S N CEATHRU NA LAITHIGH

TUAM, CO. GALWAY

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Galway

16596C

ST FEICHINS N SCHOOL

ABBEY, LOUGHREA, CO. GALWAY

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Galway

17488E

SN AN AILL BHREACH

BAILE CONAOLA, CONNAMARA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Galway

14421D

S N ARD

AIRD THIAR, CARNA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Galway

17793J

S N PADRAIG NAOFA

CLOIDEACH, ATH CINN, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Galway

13699U

S N COLMCILLE

LETTERMORE, CO. GALWAY

Open

29

29

2

1

0

Galway

18441G

SCOIL NAOMH CHUAN

CILL IOMAIR, BEAL ATHA NA SLUAGH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

27

3

30

2

0

0

Galway

11373D

S N MHUIRE

TURLACH BEAG, ROSMUC, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

30

30

2

1

0

Galway

14724V

SCOIL RONAIN

OILEAN TRA BHAN, LEITIR MOR, GAILLIMH

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Galway

19770H

GURTEEN CENTRAL NS

BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Galway

12574S

LURGA N S

GORT, CO. GALWAY

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Galway

17331R

S N AN DROMA

BALLINAKILL, LOUGHREA, CO. GALWAY

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Galway

13821O

S N NA NAOMH UILE

CLEGGAN, CO. GALWAY

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Galway

12106I

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

AN CHLOCH BHREAC, CLONBUR, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

34

34

2

1

0

Galway

14273O

S N PADRAIG NAOFA

LISIN NA HEILTE, BOYOUNAGH, CASTLEREA, CO. GALWAY

Open

34

34

2

1

0

Galway

17547R

S N BREANDAN NAOFA

DOIRE IUBHAIR, GURTEENY WOODFORD, LOUGHREA, CO. GALWAY

Open

34

34

2

1

0

Galway

18686N

S N GORT NA LEIME

DUNMORE, TUAM, CO. GALWAY

Open

34

34

2

1

0

Galway

16293H

S N CILL RICHILL

BAILE LOCHA RIABHACH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

35

35

2

1

0

Galway

18252D

SCOIL MHUIRE

DOIRE GLINNE, CROSS BHOTHAR MHAMA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

36

36

2

0

1

Galway

12095G

S N NAOMH ANTOINE

BAILE CHONRAOI, AN CLOCHAN, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Galway

17463L

S N BRIOCAIN

AN GORT MOR, ROSMUC, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Galway

18111I

S N GORT NA GAOITHE

GORT NA GAOITHE TUAMARD, BEAL ATHA NA SLUA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Galway

16121B

ATTYMON N S

ATTYMON, ATHENRY, CO. GALWAY

Open

37

37

2

1

0

Galway

17071R

S N BAILE A MHOININ

DROICHEAD, BEIL AN ATHA MHOIR, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

37

37

2

1

0

Galway

17154V

S N BREANDAIN NAOFA

MULLAGH GORT UI MHAIDIN, BAILE LOCHA RIABHACH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

37

37

2

2

0

Galway

18043R

S N MUIRE GAN SMAL

TIR NA NEASRACH, BALLYCRISSANE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

38

38

2

0

0

County Name

Roll No.

Official School Name

Address

Current Open/Closed Status Desc

Mainstream Class Pupils

Special Class Pupils

Total Pupils

Full-time equivalent Mainstream class teachers

Non mainstream class teachers full-time

Non mainstream class teachers part-time

Galway

17660N

S N NAOMH TREASA

CAISEAL, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

38

38

2

1

0

Galway

12946G

S N COILM CILLE

ROS-A-MHIL, BAILE NA HABHANN, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

39

39

2

1

0

Galway

17648A

S N BREANDAIN NAOFA

ATH CINN, GAILLIMH

Open

39

39

2

1

0

Galway

18309G

SCOIL BRIDE

BRIERFIELD, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

40

40

2

0

1

Galway

11669B

S N NAOMH BRID

NEAD AN IOLRAIDH, RENVYLE, CO. GALWAY

Open

40

40

2

1

0

Galway

08958O

S N AN EANAIGH CAILINI

BALLYGLUNIN, CO. GALWAY

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Galway

12502Q

S N EANNA

ROUNDSTONE, CO. GALWAY

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Galway

17529P

S N IOMAIR NAOFA

BRACKLOON CILL TULCHA, BEAL ATHA N RIOGH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Galway

19290Q

BALLYCONEELY N S

CLIFDEN, CO. GALWAY

Open

43

43

2

2

0

Galway

18121L

S N MHUIRE

CARNA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

44

44

2

1

0

Galway

17095I

S N NA CEALLTRAIGHE

KINCLARE, CEALLTRACH, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

45

45

2

0

0

Galway

17485V

S N PADRAIG NAOFA

FOTHAINE, ATH EASCRACH, BEAL ATHA NA SLUA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

45

45

2

0

0

Galway

14278B

SCOIL NAOMH PADRAIG

KNOCKROON, HEADFORD, CO. GALWAY

Open

45

45

2

1

0

Galway

17655U

S N CALADH NA MUC

ROS CATHAIL, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

46

46

2

0

1

Galway

08379V

GORTANUMERA N S

BALLYSHRULE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

48

48

2

0

0

Galway

18608Q

S N MUIRE GAN SMAL

CLADACH DUBH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

49

49

2

0

1

Galway

17980I

SCOIL MHUIRE

CLOONMINDA, CASTLEREA, CO. GALWAY

Open

50

50

2

0

0

Galway

17919F

AIBHISTIN NAOFA

CLUAIN TUAISCIRT, BEAL ATHA NA SLUAGH, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

36

18

54

2

2

0

Galway

17197Q

S N AN LEATH BHAILE

TUAIM, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

Open

55

55

2

2

0

Galway

17475S

S N AINE NAOFA

LOCH CUTRA, GORT, CO. GALWAY

Open

56

56

2

2

0

Kerry

18901O

RATHMORREL N S

CAUSEWAY, TRALEE, CO. KERRY

Open

8

8

2

0

0

Kerry

18440E

SCOIL MHUIRE

CLUAIN CHAOIN, KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY

Open

12

12

2

1

0

Kerry

10531N

DROMERIN N S

LISTOWEL, CO. KERRY

Open

15

15

2

0

0

Kerry

17747C

S N NA SRONA

RATHMORE, CO. KERRY

Open

15

15

2

0

0

Kerry

17349N

S N AN LEANA MHOIR

BEAL ATHA LONGPHOIRT, VIA LISTOWEL, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Kerry

05348S

SCOIL EOIN

TAHILLA, SNEEM, CO. KERRY

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Kerry

16281A

SN NAOMH GOBNAIT

BAILE AN FHEIRTÉARAIGH, TRÁ LÍ, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Kerry

08147A

SN AN GHLEANNA

BAILE AN SCEILG, CILL AIRNE, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Kerry

18214S

CIL CONLA N S

CILL CONLA, BALLYBUNION, CO. KERRY

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Kerry

08530W

LAURAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL

KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY

Open

23

23

2

0

1

Kerry

09782I

BALLYMACELLIGOTT 1 N S

TRALEE, CO. KERRY

Open

24

24

2

0

1

Kerry

09837H

THE BLACK VALLEY NATIONAL SCHOOL

BEAUFORT, CO. KERRY

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Kerry

14366V

LOUGHFOUDER N S

KNOCKNAGOSHEL, CO. KERRY

Open

26

26

2

1

0

Kerry

17915U

FREASTOGAIL MHUIRE MXD

KILLAHAN, ABBEYDORNEY, CO. KERRY

Open

20

6

26

2

3

0

Kerry

07990F

SCOIL NAOMH CARTHACH

NA FOITHRE, CILL AIRNE, CO CHIARRAI

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Kerry

09841V

S N BHAILE AN CHROSAIGH

BALLYDUFF, TRALEE, CO. KERRY

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Kerry

18039D

NA MINTEOGA N S

HEADFORD, CO. KERRY

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Kerry

14998M

LYRE A CROMPANE N S

LISTOWEL, CO. KERRY

Open

30

30

2

1

0

Kerry

08687J

S N MUIRE GAN SMAL

NA CORRA, CATHAIR SAIBHIN, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Kerry

09302O

GLENFLESK N S

KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Kerry

16779K

SCOIL CAITLIN NAOFA

CILL MHIC A DOMHNAIGH, CEANNTRA TRA LI, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

32

32

2

0

1

Kerry

17161S

KILTALLAGH N S

KILTALLAGH, CASTLEMAINE, CO. KERRY

Open

32

32

2

0

1

Kerry

01396J

TULLOHA NATIONAL SCHOOL

KENMARE, CO. KERRY

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Kerry

11248A

SN AN GHLEANNA

AN DAINGEAN, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Kerry

18573A

SOIL CHRIOST RI

DRUMNACARRA, CAUSEWAY, CO. KERRY

Open

35

35

2

1

0

Kerry

09304S

RAHEEN NATIONAL SCHOOL

HEADFORD, KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Kerry

15878H

DERRYQUAY MXD N S

TRALEE, CO. KERRY

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Kerry

17699R

S N TUAIRIN CATHAIL

RATHMORE, CO. KERRY

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Kerry

18184M

S N CILL LÚRAIGH

CAUSEWAY, TRALEE, CO. KERRY

Open

41

41

2

1

0

Kerry

06227L

SN MHAOLCHEADAIR

BAILE NA NGALL, TRA LI, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

39

3

42

2

2

0

Kerry

12354E

CLOGHER MXD N S

BALLYMACELLIGOTT, CO. KERRY

Open

43

43

2

0

0

Kerry

10239R

CROCHAN NAOFA N S

CATHAIR DONALL, CILL AIRNE, CO. CHIARRAI

Open

44

44

2

0

0

Kerry

16744O

BOHESHILL MXD

GLENCAR, CO. KERRY

Open

44

44

2

0

0

Kerry

12701W

SCOIL AN FHAILL MOR

CAHERCIVEEN, CO. KERRY

Open

46

46

2

0

1

Kerry

11419B

SCOIL BHREANAINN

PORTMAGEE, CO. KERRY

Open

47

47

2

0

0

Kerry

12875J

DOUGLAS N.S.

KILLORGLIN, CO. KERRY

Open

48

48

2

1

0

Kerry

15978L

CURRAHEEN MXD N S

GLENBEIGH, CO. KERRY

Open

50

50

2

0

0

Kerry

10775S

SCOIL CHORP CHÍOST

KNOCKANURE, MOYVANE, CO. KERRY

Open

51

51

2

1

0

Kerry

16851P

BALLYBUNION B N S

BALLYBUNION, CO. KERRY

Open

51

51

2

2

0

Kildare

18378C

S N NAOMH IOSEPH

BAILE AILBHIR, KILCULLEN, CO. KILDARE

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Kildare

14643V

S N NA CLOICHE MOIRE

BALLYRAGGAN, RATHVILLY, CO. CARLOW

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Kildare

16535F

TIMOLIN N S

TIMOLIN, CO. KILDARE.

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Kildare

12182B

ST. JOHN’S NATIONAL SCHOOL

MONASTEREVAN, CO. KILDARE

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Kilkenny

17374M

S N CHRION CHOILL

GATHABAWN, VIA THURLES, CO. KILKENNY

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Kilkenny

17200C

S N COLMAIN

CONAHY, JENKINSTOWN, CO. KILKENNY

Open

22

22

2

0

0

Kilkenny

17758H

SCOIL MHICHIL NAOFA

CROSSPATRICK, CO. KILKENNY (VIA THURLES)

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Kilkenny

17911M

COLMCILLE MIXED N S

BIGWOOD, MULLINAVAT, CO. WATERFORD

Open

30

30

2

0

1

Kilkenny

01300Q

ST MICHAELS NATIONAL SCHOOL

KILKENNY, CO. KILKENNY

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Kilkenny

07481H

KILMOGANNY MIXED N S

KILMOGANNY N S, KILKENNY

Open

33

33

2

0

1

Kilkenny

17566V

S N BHRIDHE

KELLS, CO. KILKENNY

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Kilkenny

18257N

S N BAILE AN FHASAIGH

BALLYFACEY, GLENMORE, CO. WATERFORD

Open

35

35

2

1

0

Kilkenny

17471K

S N SHEAN BHOTH

NEW ROSS, CO. WEXFORD

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Kilkenny

02749V

BALLYRAGGET BOYS

BALLYRAGGET, CO. KILKENNY

Open

36

36

2

1

0

Kilkenny

17590S

S N MOIN RUADH MIXED

KNOCKTOPHER, CO. KILKENNY

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Kilkenny

16230G

S N LISNAFUNCHIN

CASTLECOMER, CO. KILKENNY

Open

44

44

2

0

0

Laois

18265M

BHRIDE N S

ARD DUACH, CARLOW, CO. CARLOW

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Laois

17441B

SCOIL MHUIRE

WOLFHILL, ATHY, CO. KILDARE

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Laois

10544W

COSBY N S

COSBY, STRADBALLY, CO. LAOIS

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Laois

15446B

TRUMMERA N S

TRUMMERA, MOUNTRATH, CO. LAOIS

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Laois

19369G

ST PAULS N S

ST PAULS RECTORY, MOUNTMELLICK, CO. LAOIS

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Laois

17084D

CILL AN IUBHAIR N S

CILL AN IUBHAIR, MOUNTRATH, CO. LAOIS

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Laois

18014K

SCOIL AN CHROI RO NAOFA

THE SWAN N.S., VIA ATHY, CO. LAOIS

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Laois

12231L

RUSH HALL MIXED N S

PORTLAOISE, CO. LAOIS

Open

28

28

2

0

1

Laois

20224K

GAELSCOIL AN TSLI DALA

BOIRIS MOR OSSARI, CONTAE LAOISE

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Laois

18433H

NAOMH PIUS X N S

BALLACOLLA, PORTLAOISE, CO. LAOIS

Open

35

35

2

1

1

Laois

18547W

FAOLAN NAOFA N S

BAILE UI RUAIN, PORTLAOISE, CO. LAOIS

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Laois

17271C

SCOIL MHUIRE MUIGHEO

CRETTYARD, CARLOW, CO. CARLOW

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Laois

18075H

RATHDOMHNAIGH N S

RATHDOWNEY, CO. LAOIS

Open

50

50

2

0

0

Laois

18294T

BARR NA SRUTHAN N S

BARR NA SRUTHAN, MOUNTMELLICK, CO. LAOIS

Open

51

51

2

0

0

Leitrim

16951T

S N NA CRAOIBHELEITHE

DRUMKEERAN, CO. LEITRIM

Open

13

13

2

0

0

Leitrim

17132L

DRUMNAMORE N S

LAWDERDALE CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

16

16

2

0

0

Leitrim

17558W

S N ROSAN

CARRIGALLEN, CO. LEITRIM

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Leitrim

13908D

BALLAGHAMEEHAN N S

ROSSINVER, SLIGO

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Leitrim

08390J

MASTERSONS N S

MANORHAMILTON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Leitrim

16932P

AUGHAWILLAN NS

GARADICE, CO. LEITRIM

Open

24

24

2

1

0

Leitrim

09353I

NEWTOWNGORE N S 1

CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Leitrim

14898I

DRUMEELA N S

CARRIGALLEN P.O, CO. LEITRIM, VIA CAVAN

Open

28

28

2

0

1

Leitrim

08673V

THE HUNT N S

CASTLE STREET, MOHILL, CO. LEITRIM

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Leitrim

18139H

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

TEARMON SPENCER HARBOUR, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Leitrim

18589P

S N MHIC DIARMADA

COILLTE CLOCHAIR, CO. LEITRIM

Open

32

32

2

1

0

Leitrim

17206O

GLEBE N S

LARGY N S, KINLOUGH, CO. LEITRIM

Open

32

32

2

2

0

Leitrim

18329M

S N NAOMH MHUIRE

LECKANN, CO. LEITRIM

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Leitrim

15116D

ARDVARNEY MXD N S

DROMAHAIR, CO. LEITRIM

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Leitrim

17125O

DIFFEREEN N S

MANORHAMILTON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Leitrim

18492A

S N NAOMH BRIGHID

COILL NA GCROS, CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

57

57

2

2

0

Limerick

17293M

SCOIL IOSEPH NAOFA

BALLYORGAN, KILFINANE, CO. LUIMNI

Closed

7

7

1

0

0

Limerick

17076E

SCOIL MHUIRE

GLEANN RUADH, KILMALLOCK, CO. LIMERICK

Open

20

20

2

1

0

Limerick

11955C

COOLCAPPA N S

ARDAGH, CO. LIMERICK

Open

24

24

2

0

2

Limerick

10929T

RATHKEALE N S 2

RATHKEALE, CO. LIMERICK

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Limerick

07900B

BALLYSTEEN N S

ASKEATON, CO. LIMERICK

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Limerick

08342V

BOHERMORE N S

BALLYSIMON, CO. LIMERICK

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Limerick

17593B

SCOIL NAOMH MHUIRE

CNOC UI COILEAIN, ABBEYFEALE, CO. LIMERICK

Open

31

31

2

1

0

Limerick

16764U

KILMEEDY N S

KILMEEDY, CO. LIMERICK

Open

33

33

2

1

0

Limerick

16896O

SCOIL NAOMH IDE

ATH NA FUINNSEOIGE, BEALACH CO. LUIMNI

Open

34

34

2

1

0

Limerick

11809O

S N CNOCH A DEAGA

BALLYLANDERS, CO. LIMERICK

Open

35

35

2

1

0

County Name

Roll No.

Official School Name

Address

Current Open/Closed Status Desc

Mainstream Class Pupils

Special Class Pupils

Total Pupils

Full-time equivalent Mainstream class teachers

Non mainstream class teachers full-time

Non mainstream class teachers part-time

Limerick

09915B

MARTINSTOWN N S

KILLMALLOCK, CO. LIMERICK

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Limerick

10991B

GARRYDOOLIS N S

PALLASAGREEN, CO. LIMERICK

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Limerick

14005M

KILTEELY N S

KILTEELY, CO. LIMERICK

Open

37

37

2

2

0

Limerick

14067L

FEDAMORE N S

FEDAMORE, KILLMALLOCK, CO. LIMERICK

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Limerick

07117J

S N LOCH GUIR

HOLY CROSS, KILLMALLOCK, CO. LIMERICK

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Limerick

17298W

KILBEHENNY N S

KILBEHENNY, MITCHELSTOWN, CO. CORK

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Limerick

16715H

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST BOYS N S

DOWNEY STREET, PENNYWELL, LIMERICK

Open

34

6

40

2

2

0

Limerick

12368P

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

ABBEYFEALE, CO. LIMERICK

Open

44

44

2

0

0

Limerick

15700M

CLOVERFIELD N S

CLOVERFIELD, DROMCHAOIN, CO. LIMERICK

Open

44

44

2

0

0

Limerick

17814O

GEAROID UI GHRIOBHTHA

LOUGHILL, MOUNTRENCHARD, CO. LIMERICK

Open

44

44

2

1

0

Limerick

13790G

BULGADEN N S

BULGADEN, KILMALLOCK, CO. LIMERICK

Open

45

45

2

0

1

Longford

17724N

BAILE AN CLOCHAIN N S

BALLYCLOGHAN, CARRAIG BHUIDHE, CO. LONGFOIRT

Open

16

16

2

0

1

Longford

13313S

ST. JOHN’S NATIONAL SCHOOL

BALLINALEE ROAD, EDGEWORTHSTOWN, CO. LONGFORD

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Longford

14650S

CLOONTAGH MIXED N S

CLOONTAGH, KILLASHEE, CO. LONGFORD

Open

30

30

2

0

1

Longford

00860D

FORGNEY N S

MOYVORE, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Longford

13752V

NAOMH PADRAIG N S

MUCKERSTAFF, COOLARTY, CO. LONGFORD

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Longford

18258P

NAOMH EARNAIN N S

KILASHEE, LONGFORD, CO. LONGFORD

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Longford

10223C

TASHINNY N S

TASHINNY, COLEHILL, CO. LONGFORD

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Longford

12813K

ST COLUMBAS MXD N S

CLOONAGH, DRING, CO. LONGFORD

Open

46

46

2

0

1

Longford

18733T

S N MHUIRE

CLUAIN DE RATH, CO. LONGPHORT

Open

52

52

2

1

1

Louth

16431Q

S N OILIBEAR BEANNAITHE

STONETOWN LUBHADH, DUNDALK, CO. LOUTH

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Louth

20259G

ST. FRANCIS NATIONAL SCHOOL

C/O PARISH CENTRE, SANDY LANE, BLACKROCK, DUNDALK

Open

43

43

2

0

0

Louth

18001B

S N NAOMH LORCAN

OMEATH, DUNDALK, CO. LOUTH

Open

46

46

2

1

1

Mayo

13174H

ST COLUMBAS N.S.

INISHTURK, CO. GALWAY

Open

6

6

1

0

0

Mayo

14195U

AN GLEANNA MHOIR S N

CROSSMOLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

9

9

2

0

0

Mayo

17922R

CLOGHANS HILL N S

TUAM, CO. GALWAY

Open

11

11

2

0

0

Mayo

15705W

RATHKELL N S

CASTLEHILL, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Mayo

16952V

COOGUE N S

AGHAMORE, BALLYHAUNIS, CO. MAYO

Open

15

15

2

0

0

Mayo

16295L

SN AN CHORRAIN

GOB A CHOIRE, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

16

16

2

1

0

Mayo

13945J

ESKERAGH N S

DOOLEEG, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Mayo

14923E

KEENAGH N S

KEENAGHBEG P O, BEAL ATHA AN FHEADHA, CO. MAYO

Open

18

18

2

0

1

Mayo

13311O

ST PATRICKS NS

CLARE ISLAND, WESTPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

18

18

2

1

0

Mayo

15113U

S N SHEAMAIS

BARNACOGUE, SWINFORD, CO. MAYO

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Mayo

14865Q

KILLOCRANN N S

CASTLE HILL, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

19

19

2

1

0

Mayo

12808R

SHRAHEEN N S

FAO: GABRIEL O LAIMHIN, PRINCIPAL, CNOC MHOR, FOXFORD, CO. MAYO

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Mayo

05120L

LEHINCH N S

HOLLYMOUNT, CO. MAYO

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Mayo

17039V

S N COILL MOR

DRUMMIN, WESTPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

22

22

2

0

0

Mayo

14866S

SN BEAL A BHULAIN

BUN AN CHORRAIGH, CATHAIR NA MART, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

22

22

2

1

0

Mayo

14873P

DOOKINELLA N.S.

KEEL, ACHILL, CO. MAYO

Open

22

22

2

2

0

Mayo

16379R

VALLEY N S

DUGORT, ACHILL, CO. MAYO

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Mayo

18818E

S N NAOMH IOSAF

LEITIR, CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO

Open

23

23

2

1

0

Mayo

11834N

CLOONDAFF N S

NEWPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Mayo

12815O

CREGDUFF N S

BALLINROBE, CO. MAYO

Open

24

24

2

1

1

Mayo

09040K

NEWTOWNWHITE N S

BALLYSOKERRY, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Mayo

09658H

GLENISLAND N S

CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Mayo

12792F

SAINT MICHAELS N S

CHURCH ROAD, ARDNAREE, BALLINA, CO. MAYO.

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Mayo

16173U

KINAFFE N S

SWINFORD, CO. MAYO

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Mayo

18880J

S N GORT SCEICHE

ANNEFIELD, HOLLYMOUNT, CO. MAYO

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Mayo

13383Q

S N AN TSRAITH

BUN NA HABHANN, BEAL AN ATHA, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

25

25

2

1

0

Mayo

12626L

SN COILL A TSIDHEAIN

TUAR MHIC EADAIGH, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Mayo

14188A

BARNATRA N S

BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Mayo

16780S

CULMORE N S

SWINFORD, CO. MAYO

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Mayo

13882L

S N GLEANN NA MUAIDHE N S

BEAL AN ATHA, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

26

26

2

2

0

Mayo

18754E

SN NAOMH SEOSAMH N S

BUN AN CHORRAIGH, CATHAIR NA MART, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

24

2

26

2

3

0

Mayo

13797U

LECANVEY N S

WESTPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Mayo

17874J

GLENCORRIB N S

GLENCORRIB, SHRULE VIA GALWAY, CO. MAYO

Open

27

27

2

0

1

Mayo

18175L

S N BEANNCHAIR

CARROWMORE, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Mayo

17321O

S N AN COILL MHOR

NEWPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

27

27

2

1

0

Mayo

14193Q

S N DUBH THUAMA

GAOTH SAILE, BEAL AN ATHA, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Mayo

15967G

CRIMLIN N S

CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Mayo

17532E

S N DRUIM SLAOD

BAILE CRUAICH, CATHAIR NA MART, CO. MAYO

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Mayo

06852L

GARRACLOON N S

BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Mayo

16052I

S N NAOMH PADRAIG SAILE

GOB A CHOIRE, ACAILL, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Mayo

19798G

ST COLMANS NS

DERNABRUCK, CLOONTIA, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Mayo

17129W

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

RATH NA MBEACH, CROSSMOLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

30

30

2

1

0

Mayo

13773G

S N GORT AN EADAIN

CLAR CHLAINNE MHUIRIS, CO. MHUIGHEO

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Mayo

16170O

CLOGHANS N S

BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Mayo

18876S

BALLYCUSHION NS

BALLYCUSHION, KILCONLY, TUAM, CO. GALWAY

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Mayo

15032U

S N MUIRE GAN SMAL

CEATHRU THAIDGH, BEAL ATHA AN FHEADHA, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

31

31

2

1

0

Mayo

15866A

CARRAKENNEDY N S

WESTPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Mayo

14671D

S N NA CRAOBHAIGHE

CARROWMORE-LACKEN, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Mayo

12816Q

S N CEATHRU AN CHLOCHAR

BALLINROBE, CO. MAYO

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Mayo

16562I

KNOCKANILLO N S

BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Mayo

17482P

CLOGHER NS

CLOGHER PO, CLAREMORRIS, CO. MAYO

Open

35

35

2

1

0

Mayo

17678J

S N FIONDALBHA

CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO

Open

35

35

2

1

0

Mayo

16269K

KILLASSER NS

KILLASSER, SWINFORD, CO. MAYO

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Mayo

19808G

TAVRANE CENTRAL NS

KILKELLY, CO. MAYO

Open

36

36

2

1

0

Mayo

18594I

S N ACHAIDH AN GHLAISIN

BEAL AN MHUIRTHEAD, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Mayo

14497N

S N B CURNANOOL

CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO

Open

34

3

37

2

1

0

Mayo

16832L

MUIRISC NS

MUIRISC, WESTPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

37

37

2

1

0

Mayo

13758K

TEMPLEMARY N S

KILLALA, CO. MAYO

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Mayo

05756K

BURRISCARRA N S

CARNACON, BALLYGLASS, CLAREMORRIS, CO. MAYO

Open

38

38

2

1

0

Mayo

17682A

S N COLM NAOFA

COGGALE, WESTPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

38

38

2

1

0

Mayo

14064F

S N COILL AN BHAILE

WESTPORT, CO. MAYO

Open

39

39

2

0

1

Mayo

16113C

SN TOIN NA GAOITHE

TOIN NA GAOITHE, CATHAIR NA MART, CO. MHAIGH EO

Open

39

39

2

1

0

Mayo

14418O

BOFIELD MIXED N S

ATTYMASS, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

40

40

2

1

0

Mayo

16630W

CEARA N S

BONNICONLON, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Mayo

14863M

ACHILL SOUND CONVENT NS

ACHILL SOUND, CO. MAYO

Open

41

41

2

1

0

Mayo

19394F

ROBEEN CENTRAL N S

HOLLYMOUNT, CO. MAYO

Open

42

42

2

0

2

Mayo

13225V

CORMAIC NFA

GARRANARD P O, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

50

50

2

0

1

Mayo

12467R

CRAGGAGH N S

KILTIMAGH, CO. MAYO

Open

50

50

2

1

0

Meath

17946I

SCOIL NAIS NAOMH AINE

MAIO, TIERWORKER, KELLS, CO. MEATH

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Meath

14348T

CARRICKLECK N S

CARRICKLECK, KINGSCOURT, CO. MEATH

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Meath

18037W

S N MHUIRE

BAILE UI EARAIN, BAILE LOIBIN, CO. NA MI

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Meath

12897T

UGHTYNEILL N S

UGHTYNEILL, MOYNALTY, KELLS, CO. MEATH

Open

34

34

2

1

0

Meath

18429Q

S N MHUIRE

CUL RONAIN, BAILE IOMHAIR, CO. MEATH

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Meath

15483H

ST LOUIS N S

RATHKENNY, NAVAN, CO. MEATH

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Meath

13775K

ST PATRICKS N S

TRIM, CO. MEATH

Open

42

42

2

0

1

Monaghan

17776J

S N COMHGHALL

COININSI, CLONES, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Monaghan

19884W

BALLYBAY CENTRAL NS

BALLYBAY, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Monaghan

19703P

DRUMCORRIN N S

DRUM, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Monaghan

10751E

CLONTIBRET N S

CLONTIBRET, MONAGHAN

Open

28

28

2

0

1

Monaghan

13811L

CORCREAGH N S

CORCREAGH, SHERCOCK, CO. CAVAN

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Monaghan

20055N

GAELSCOIL EOIS

EANACH CILLE, LIOS DARACH, CO. MHUINEACHAIN

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Monaghan

10282S

DRUMACRUTTIN N S

DRUMACRUTTIN, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Monaghan

19036C

SCOIL PHADRAIG

GARRANN, TYHOLLAND, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Monaghan

19737J

CASTLEBLAYNEY CENT N S

CASTLEBLAYNEY, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

36

36

2

1

0

Monaghan

20246U

THE BILLIS NATIONAL SCHOOL

GLASLOUGH, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Monaghan

20067U

ST JOSEPHS N S

KNOCKATALLON, SCOTSTOWN, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Monaghan

16954C

SCOIL MHICHIL

ROCKWALLACE, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

39

39

2

1

0

Monaghan

06028F

ROCKCORRY N S

ROCKCORRY, MONAGHAN

Open

40

40

2

1

1

Monaghan

18234B

SCOIL NAOMH PADRAIG

EO-DHRUIM, CASTLEBLANEY, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

45

45

2

0

0

Monaghan

16968N

S N BLAITHIN IOSA

MACAIRE CLUANA, CARRAIG MHACAIRE ROIS, CO. MONAGHAN

Open

46

46

2

0

0

County Name

Roll No.

Official School Name

Address

Current Open/Closed Status Desc

Mainstream Class Pupils

Special Class Pupils

Total Pupils

Full-time equivalent Mainstream class teachers

Non mainstream class teachers full-time

Non mainstream class teachers part-time

Offaly

17359Q

ST CORMACS N S

KILCORMAC, CO. OFFALY

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Offaly

17753U

S N CHIARAIN NAOFA

BREACH CHOILL, KILCORMAC, BIRR, CO. OFFALY

Open

27

27

2

0

1

Offaly

18537T

S N ROS COM RUA

ROS CUM RUA, ROSCREA, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Offaly

18068K

S N PEADAR AGUS POL

ATH AN URCHAIR, MOATE, CO. OFFALY

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Offaly

15923J

CLONEYHURKE N S

CLONEYHURKE, PORTARLINGTON, CO. OFFALY

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Offaly

15395K

MOUNT BOLUS N S

MOUNT BOLUS, TULLAMORE, CO. OFFALY

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Offaly

20332N

GAELSCOIL ÉADAN OIRE

CLUBSACAIR BHAILE ÉADAIN DOIRE, ÉADAN DOIRE, CO. UÍBH FHÁILÍ

Open

42

42

2

0

1

Roscommon

02327S

MANTUA N S

CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

6

6

1

0

0

Roscommon

11466K

LISMOIL N S

CURRAGBOY, ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Roscommon

18005J

SCOIL MHUIRE GAN SMAL

FIOBHACH DISEART, BEAL ATHA NA SLUAIGHE, CO. ROSCOMAIN

Open

12

12

2

0

0

Roscommon

11201U

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

SCRABBAGH NS, KILMORE, CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

13

13

2

0

0

Roscommon

15980V

CAMCLOON N S

ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

14

14

2

0

0

Roscommon

13262E

CLOVER HILL N S

ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

16

16

2

0

1

Roscommon

06100K

S N CILL RONAIN

BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Roscommon

11242L

CLOONBONNIF N S

CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

18

18

2

0

1

Roscommon

12003V

S N RONAIN

CAISLEAN SAMSAIN, BEAL AN MULLA, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

20

20

2

0

1

Roscommon

16291D

CLOONCAGH N S

STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

21

21

2

0

0

Roscommon

17622F

S N LASAIR NAOFA

ARIGNA, CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. LEITRIM

Open

21

21

2

1

0

Roscommon

17329H

S N PAROISTEACH

BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Roscommon

17709R

S N NAOMH MHUIRE

DRUMBOYLAN, LEITRIM P.O., CARRICK-ON-SHANNNON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Roscommon

18182I

NAOMH ATRACHTA

KINGSLAND, MAINISTIR NA BUILLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

25

25

2

0

1

Roscommon

05220P

S N MICHIL NAOFA

WOODBROOK, CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Roscommon

13978B

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

BEAL ATHA FEARNAN, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Roscommon

13879W

SLATTA N S

S N SLATACH, KILGLASS, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

28

28

2

0

1

Roscommon

17094G

S N RATH CRUACHAN

BEAL ATHA NA GCEARR, CAISLEAN RIABHACH, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Roscommon

17353E

S N CILL TROSTAIN

STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON,

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Roscommon

15308M

ATHLEAGUE N S

ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

29

29

2

0

0

Roscommon

16816N

ATTYRORY N S

BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

Open

29

29

2

0

1

Roscommon

16427C

CLONOWN N S

ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Roscommon

17100V

S N RATH ARADH

ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Roscommon

17492S

S N MHUIRE

KILMURRAY, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Roscommon

13839K

CARRICK N S

CURRAGBOY, ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

31

31

2

1

0

Roscommon

19257S

STRABAGGAN N S

LOCH AILLINNE, CARA DROMA RUISG, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

31

31

2

1

0

Roscommon

11943S

BALLINLOUGH N S

BALLINLOUGH, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Roscommon

14056G

MOUNT TALBOT N S

MOUNT TALBOT, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Roscommon

14925I

S N NAOMH EOIN

BALLINAMEEN, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Roscommon

15425Q

FAIRYMOUNT N S

FAIRYMOUNT NS, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Roscommon

10967E

THREEN N S

CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

35

35

2

0

0

Roscommon

17849K

S N O DUBHLAIN

BALLAGH, KILROOSKEY, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Roscommon

14684M

AUGHRIM N S

HILLSTREET, CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

36

36

2

1

1

Roscommon

15584N

GRANGE N S

BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Roscommon

15664L

GRANLAHAN G N S

BALLINLOUGH, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

37

37

2

1

1

Roscommon

18272J

S N NAOMH EOIN

LECARROW, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

38

38

2

1

0

Roscommon

15045G

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

BEAL ATHA NA MBUILLI, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Roscommon

18027T

CLOONIQUIN N S

AILFIONN, CAISLEAN RIABHACH, CO. ROS COMAIN

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Roscommon

13498K

CLOONFOUR N S

ROOSKEY, VIA CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Roscommon

15255R

DON N S

BALLAGHADERREEN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

50

50

2

0

0

Roscommon

17571O

KILMORE N S

CARRICK ON SHANNON, CO. ROSCOMMON,

Open

52

52

2

0

0

Sligo

18711J

SIN MUIRE GAN SMAL

EANACH MOR, GURTEEN BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO

Closed

5

5

1

0

0

Sligo

13944H

S N NAOMH ATRACHTA

KILMACTIGUE, ACLARE, CO. SLIGO

Open

13

13

2

0

0

Sligo

15496Q

LEAFFONEY N S

KILGLASS, CO. SLIGO

Open

15

15

2

1

0

Sligo

18580U

S N MUIRE GAN SMAL

CILL RUIS IOCHTAR, TEAMPALL BUI, SLIGEACH

Open

17

17

2

1

0

Sligo

13196R

RIVERSTOWN 2 N S

RIVERSTOWN, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Sligo

12767G

S N RONAIN NAOFA

CLOONLOO, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Sligo

12140I

CULLEENS N S

CULLEENS, CO. SLIGO

Open

26

26

2

0

0

Sligo

16927W

S N NAOMH SHEOSAIMH

KILMACTRANY, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Open

29

29

2

0

1

Sligo

15431L

KILLAVILLE N S

BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Sligo

09691F

KILLEENDUFF N S

KILLEENDUFF, EASKEY, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Sligo

18592E

S N NAOMH IOSEF

ARD CHILL, TEMPLEBOY, CO. SLIGO

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Sligo

17725P

S N BHRIDE

CARN, MONEYGOLD, CO. SLIGO

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Sligo

14051T

STOKANE NS

ENNISCRONE, BALLINA, CO. SLIGO

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Sligo

15337T

S N MHUIRE

CAISLEAN GEAL, CLIFFONEY, CO. SLIGO

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Sligo

17599N

S N BAILE AN LUIG

BEAL TRA, SLIGEACH

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Sligo

18366S

S N AODAIN

BALLINTRILLICK, CLIFFONEY, CO. SLIGO

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Sligo

19923G

ST. JOSEPHS NATIONAL SCHOOL

BANADA, TOURLESTRANE, CO. SLIGO

Open

36

36

2

0

0

Sligo

15342M

S N NAOMH MHUIRE

CEIS CHORAINN, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO

Open

41

41

2

1

0

Sligo

17967Q

S N MULLACH RUA

GURTEEN, BALLYMOTE, CO. SLIGO

Open

43

43

2

0

0

Sligo

03924S

OWENBEG N S

OWENBEG P O, BALLINA, CO. SLIGO

Open

50

50

2

1

1

Tipperary

17244W

S N NAOMH RUADHAIN

LORRHA, NENAGH, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

14

14

2

0

0

Tipperary

15299O

GAILE N S

HOLYCROSS, THURLES, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

15

5

20

2

1

0

Tipperary

18512D

SCOIL PHROINSIAS NAOFA

GARRYSHANE, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

21

21

2

1

0

Tipperary

08316U

NEWTOWN N S

NEWTOWN, SOLOHEAD, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

22

22

2

0

0

Tipperary

07245S

CULLEN N S

CULLEN, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Tipperary

17679L

S N BRIGHDE

FANTAN, BORRISOLEIGH, THURLES, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Tipperary

17850S

S N PHADRAIG NAOFA

PAIRC NA COILLE, BORRISOKANE, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

23

23

2

0

0

Tipperary

18559G

S N CILL NA NAOMH

KILLEEN, NENAGH, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Tipperary

15795D

ST MARYS N S

TEMPLEMORE, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Tipperary

10533R

BALLYDREHID N S

CAHIR, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

30

30

2

0

0

Tipperary

02428B

LACKAMORE N S

NEWPORT, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Tipperary

17332T

ST MARYS PAROCHIAL SCHOOL

CLONMEL, CO. TIPPERARY.

Open

31

31

2

0

0

Tipperary

17653Q

CASTLE INY N S

LUACH MAGH, TEMPLEMORE, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Tipperary

19421F

KILROSS NS

KILROSS, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

33

33

2

0

0

Tipperary

14460N

KILLEA N S

TEMPLEMORE, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Tipperary

18087O

S N ODHRAN NAOFA

BAILE NA CLOICHE, SILVERMINES, NENAGH, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

34

34

2

0

0

Tipperary

07358I

S N SCEICHIN A RINCE

AN CHUIRT DOITE, AN CHATHAIR, CO. THIOBRAID ARANN

Open

36

36

2

1

1

Tipperary

17621D

S N AN BHEALAIGH

CLONOULTY, GOOLDS CROSS, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Tipperary

17712G

S N CHIARDA NAOFA

KILKEARY, NENAGH, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Tipperary

18443K

S N IOSEF NAOFA

EAGLAIS, BORRISOKANE, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Tipperary

05144C

NEW INN B N S

CASHEL, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Tipperary

16111V

KILLUSTY N S

FETHARD, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

38

38

2

0

0

Tipperary

17140K

S N BAILE SLUAGH

THURLES, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Tipperary

17783G

S N CHUIRT DOIGHTE

CAHIR, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Tipperary

18285S

S N CILL CHUIMIN

THURLES, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Tipperary

13678M

KILLURNEY N S

BALLYPATRICK, CLONMEL, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Tipperary

07048Q

MOHOBER N S

MOHOBER, MULLINAHONE, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Tipperary

19696V

CASHEL DEANERY

CASHEL, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

41

41

2

0

0

Tipperary

13847J

HOLLYFORD N S

HOLLYFORD, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Tipperary

02237R

DUALLA N S

DUALLA, CASHEL, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

45

45

2

0

0

Tipperary

18326G

S N NAOMH PADRAIG

CILL CHAIS, CLONMEL, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

46

46

2

0

1

Tipperary

18459C

SCOIL MHUIRE

CILL MHEANMAN, MULLINAHONE, THURLES, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

48

48

2

0

1

Tipperary

09967U

UPPER NEWTOWN N S

UPPER NEWTOWN, CARRICK ON SUIR, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

50

50

2

0

0

Tipperary

11470B

SLIEVEARDAGH N S

THE COMMONS, THURLES, CO. TIPPERARY

Open

53

53

2

1

0

Waterford

19726E

STRADBALLY C. OF IRE. NS

STRADBALLY, CO. WATERFORD

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Waterford

01767S

S N NA CROISE NAOFA

STRADBALLY, KILMACTHOMAS, CO. WATERFORD

Open

25

25

2

0

1

Waterford

17643N

S N CILL BHRIAIN

BALLINAMULT, CLONMEL, CO. WATERFORD

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Waterford

18077L

S N CNOC MACHAN

BUN MACHAN, CO. WATERFORD

Open

31

31

2

0

1

Waterford

07441S

BALLYCURRANE N S

CLASHMORE, YOUGHAL, CO. WATERFORD

Open

32

32

2

0

0

Waterford

07737Q

VILLIERSTOWN N S

CAPPOQUIN, CO. WATERFORD

Open

34

34

2

0

1

Waterford

14164J

S N LIOS MOR MOCHUDA

LIOS MOR, CO. WATERFORD

Open

44

44

2

0

0

Waterford

18167M

S N AINE NFA SEAFIELD

BONMAHON, CO. WATERFORD

Open

46

46

2

0

0

Waterford

17570M

S N NA BHFIODH

CILL MHIC THOMAIS, CO. WATERFORD

Open

47

47

2

0

0

County Name

Roll No.

Official School Name

Address

Current Open/Closed Status Desc

Mainstream Class Pupils

Special Class Pupils

Total Pupils

Full-time equivalent Mainstream class teachers

Non mainstream class teachers full-time

Non mainstream class teachers part-time

Westmeath

13571R

DRUMRANEY MIXED N S

DRUMRANEY, ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

17

17

2

1

0

Westmeath

18591C

NAOMH TOMAS N S

RATHOWEN, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

18

18

2

0

0

Westmeath

17606H

NAOMH MICHEAL N S

CASTLETOWN-FINEA, MULLINGAR, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

24

24

2

0

0

Westmeath

17743R

NAOMH MUIRE N S

FIODH AN ATHA, MULLINGAR, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Westmeath

10857U

CASTLEPOLLARD PAROC. NS

CASTLEPOLLARD, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

31

31

2

1

0

Westmeath

17432A

MAGH MORA N S

MOYVORE, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

33

33

2

0

1

Westmeath

17882I

S N AODHA NAOFA

KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

37

37

2

0

1

Westmeath

00941D

S N BHRIDE

EMPER, BALLYNACARGY, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

38

38

2

1

0

Westmeath

17236A

BOHER N S

BOHER, STREAMSTOWN, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

40

40

2

0

0

Westmeath

17290G

DYSART N S

DYSART, MULLINGAR, CO. WESTMEATH

Open

44

44

2

0

0

Wexford

15883A

KILLEGNEY N S

KILLEGNEY, CLONROCHE, ENNISCORTHY, CO. WEXFORD

Open

20

20

2

0

0

Wexford

17267L

SCOIL IOBAR NAOFA

ST IBARS NS, CLOHAMON, ENNISCORTHY, CO. WEXFORD

Open

23

23

2

1

0

Wexford

13999J

KILNAMANAGH N S

KILNAMANAGH, OULART, GOREY, CO. WEXFORD

Open

25

25

2

0

0

Wexford

18714P

ST EDANS N S

FERNS, CO. WEXFORD

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Wexford

10780L

BALLYOUGHTER N S

BALLYOUGHTER, BALLYCANEW, CO. WEXFORD

Open

33

33

2

1

0

Wexford

17519M

S N CAISLEAN DOCHRAILL

BALLYCARNEY, ENNISCORTHY, CO. WEXFORD

Open

35

35

2

1

0

Wexford

17734Q

S N GALLBHAILE

BALLYHOGUE, GALLBHAILE, INIS CORTHAIDH, CO. LOCH GARMAN

Open

36

36

2

1

0

Wexford

09184L

SHIELBEGGAN CONVENT

SHIELBEGGAN, RAMSGRANGE, CO. WEXFORD

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Wexford

20333P

WEXFORD EDUCATE TOGETHER NATIONAL SCHOOL

WHITEMILL, CLONARD, WEXFORD

Open

39

39

2

0

0

Wexford

15940J

TOMBRACK N S

TOMBRACK, FERNS, CO. WEXFORD

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Wexford

15948C

CLOLOGUE N S

CLOLOGUE, FERNS, CO. WEXFORD

Open

42

5

47

2

0

0

County Name

Roll No.

Official School Name

Address

Current Open/Closed Status Desc

Mainstream Class Pupils

Special Class Pupils

Total Pupils

Full-time equivalent Mainstream class teachers

Non mainstream class teachers full-time

Non mainstream class teachers part-time

Wicklow

13224T

BALLINTEMPLE N S

BALLINTEMPLE, AVOCA, CO. WICKLOW

Open

17

1

18

2

1

0

Wicklow

14972R

ALL SAINTS NATIONAL SCHOOL

CARNEW, CO. WICKLOW

Open

19

19

2

0

0

Wicklow

14269A

JONATHAN SWIFT NS

DUNLAVIN, CO. WICKLOW

Open

27

27

2

0

0

Wicklow

15359G

SHILLELAGH NO 1 N S

SHILLELAGH, CO. WICKLOW

Open

28

28

2

0

0

Wicklow

12688K

KILTEGAN N S

KILTEGAN, CO. WICKLOW

Open

37

37

2

0

0

Wicklow

14829M

REDCROSS 1 N S

REDCROSS, CO. WICKLOW

Open

42

42

2

0

0

Special Educational Needs

John Paul Phelan

Question:

162 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a special needs assistant will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7375/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that 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. They must also have regard to the cap on the number of overall SNA posts.

This number is 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. It also represents continual increases in the number of SNAs over recent years. For example, there were 10,543 WTE SNA posts in place at the end of 2010 and 10,342 at end 2009.

It is considered that with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources that there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with Departmental criteria.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.

My Department and I will be glad to consider any suggestions from school management or parent representative organisations as to how the allocation of SNA resources can best be managed within the context of the overall limit on SNA numbers established. In this regard I am committed to making whatever improvements are possible to the resource allocation system.

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

Vocational Education Committees

John Paul Phelan

Question:

163 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to continue the policy of merging vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7379/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

167 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report surrounding the restructuring and intended mergers of the vocational educational committees throughout the country. [7435/11]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

171 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Kerry Education Service will remain a single entity following proposed amalgamations of vocational educational committees throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7457/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 167 and 171 together.

I have recently extended an invitation to the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA), given their concerns about the current proposals for VEC aggregation, to submit alternative proposals for my consideration. The IVEA has indicated that it will respond later this month and I will be considering their proposals in the coming period.

While I am open to proposals on alternative configurations, I am anxious to ensure that swift progress continues to be made in the work of bringing about a reduction in the number of VECs.

Question No. 164 withdrawn.

Traffic Management

Brendan Griffin

Question:

165 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will set aside funding to finance the provision of pedestrian crossings outside schools in the interest of the safety of school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7395/11]

In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures.

The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools and should ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children.

Ministerial Appointments

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

166 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio surrounding these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 and February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State Boards during the period June 1997 and February 2011. [7419/11]

There have been 10 Special Advisers appointed to my Department between June 1997 and February 2011. The gender breakdown of these appointments is 80% male and 20% female. The costs associated with each Special Adviser are set out in the spreadsheet below.

With regard to appointments made to State Boards and the gender ratio of these appointments, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available for the period up to December 2006. From 1st January 2007 up to end February 2011 I can confirm that there were 638 appointments made to State Boards of which 363 were male and 275 female.

Name

Term

Cost1

Peter McDonagh

27/6/97-27/1/00

122,408.05

James Fegan

6/6/02-30/9/04

152,486.73

Simon Fulham

17/12/01-6/6/02

26,585.14

Gerry Murray*

2/9/02-14/11/04

194,435.03

Averil Power

29/9/04-15/5/08

333,590.61

Deirdre McDonnell*

30/5/08-29/4/10

214,047.01

Bernard Mallee

5/8/08-29/4/10

186,500.47

Michael Shovlin

23/3/10-9/3/11

88,423.48

Sean Perry

23/3/10-9/3/11

101,074.14

Dermot Murphy

23/3/10-9/3/11

87,285.98

Note

*Gerry Murray and *Deirdre McDonnell were both serving Principal Officers in the Department.

1Costs include pay, allowances, PRSI, travel and subsistence.

Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 163.

Schools Building Projects

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

168 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a programme of work in relation to the school building programme has been finalised for the respective schools in the programme. [7435/11]

The 2011 school building work programme, which was announced in January, is outlined on my Department's website including details of all the schools involved.

The current status of all projects on the school building programme is published on my Department's web-site and this programme will be regularly updated throughout the year. The attached tabular statements provide details on the current status of each project on the programme.

Projects at Tender Stage

County

Roll

School Name/Address

Brief

Status

1

Carlow

17501Q

Bennykerry NS, Bennykerry

New School

At Tender Stage

2

Cork

13450F

Rushbrook NS, Cobh

New School

At Tender Stage

3

Cork

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

New School

On Site

4

Cork

18279A

St. Mary’s NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

5

Cork

20106E

Scoil Nioclais, Frankfield, Grange

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

6

Dublin

00697S

St. Brigid’s NS, Castleknock

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

7

Dublin

15315J

St. George’s NS, Naul Road, Balbriggan, Dublin 15

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

8

Dublin

17936F

Scoil Eoin Baisde Snr, Clontarf

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

9

Dublin

19006Q

Scoil Eoin Baisde B Sois, Clontarf

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

10

Dublin

19374W

Garran Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

11

Dublin

20161M

Donabate\Portrane Educate Together

New School

On Site

12

Dublin

20201V

Tyrrelstown Educate Together

New School

On Site

13

Dublin

20252P

GS Bhaile Brigín, Castlelands, Balbriggan

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

14

Dublin

20282B

Bracken Educate Together, Castlelands, Balbriggan

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

15

Dublin

20303G

Lucan East Educate Together, Clonburris

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

16

Dublin

60450U

Coláiste Mhuire, CID campus, Cabra, Dublin 7

New School

At Tender Stage

17

Galway

19506N

Cappataggle Central School, Ballinasloe

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

18

Galway City

19858V

Gaelscoil Dara, Galway City

New School

On Site

19

Kerry

17646T

O’Brennan NS, Kielduff, Tralee

New School

At Tender Stage

20

Kerry

20197K

Kenmare NS, Kenmare

New School

On Site

21

Kerry

61440W

St Mary’s CBS, Tralee

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

22

Kildare

06209J

Athy Model NS

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

23

Kildare

16705E

Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Athy

New School

On Site

24

Kildare

20192A

Scoil Áth Í, Athy

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

25

Kildare

20271T

Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge (Phase II)

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

26

Kilkenny

61580P

Loreto Secondary School, Granges Road

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

27

Laois

07442U

Convent of Mercy NS, Borris in Ossory

New School

At Tender Stage

28

Laois

17617M

Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin

New School

At Tender Stage

29

Limerick

19587Q

St. Augustine’s Youth Encounter Project, Limerick City

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

30

Longford

20128O

St. Matthew’s Mixed NS, Ballymahon

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

31

Louth

20294I

Aston Village Educate Together, Drogheda

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

32

Mayo

20142I

Scoil Íosa, Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

33

Meath

17213L

SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanus Mór

New School

At Tender Stage

34

Meath

20215J

St. Paul’s NS, Ratoath

New School

On Site

35

Meath

63870L

Drogheda Grammar School

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

36

Meath

76103M

Colaiste Na hInse, Laytown

New School

At Tender Stage

37

Offaly

18267Q

Croinchoill NS, Birr

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

38

Sligo

65170Q

Summerhill College, Sligo

New School

On Site

39

Tipperary

15696B

Silvermines National School

New School

At Tender Stage

40

Tipperary

65470F

Ursuline Convent, Thurles

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

41

Tipperary

72370P

Borrisokane Community College, Tipperary

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

42

Tipperary

72440K

Nenagh Vocational School, Nenagh

Extension/Refurbishment

At Tender Stage

43

Waterford

20050D

Gaelscoil na Deise, Grace Dieu Road, Waterford City

New School

At Tender Stage

44

Waterford

20160K

Waterford Educate Together NS, Waterford City

New School

At Tender Stage

45

Waterford

64970U

Coláiste na Maighdine, Presentation Secondary School, Waterford City

New School

On Site

46

Westmeath

63290Q

Loreto College, Mullingar

New School

On Site

47

Wexford

76127D

Gorey Community College

New School (temporary accommodation pending delivery of the permanent PPP project)

On Site

48

Wicklow

09760V

Powerscourt NS, Powerscourt, Enniskerry

New School

On Site

Projects on Site

County

Roll

School Name/Address

Brief

Status

1

Carlow

18363M

SN Muire gan Smal, Green Lane

Extension/ refurbishment

On Site

2

Cavan

06998Q

SN Tulach a Mhile, Corlough

New school

On Site

3

Cavan

61060M

St Patrick’s College, Cavan,

New School

On Site

4

Cork

20105C

Star of the Sea Primary School, Passage West

New school

On Site

5

Donegal

17268N

SN An Br M O Cleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon

Extension/refurbishment

On Site

6

Donegal

18219F

SN Chonaill, Machaire Chlochair, Bun Beag

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

7

Donegal

71240U

Stranorlar Vocational School (Finn Valley College)

New school

On Site

8

Donegal

91409A

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Derrybeg, Letterkenny

PE Hall, car park and associated works

On Site

9

Dublin

18324C

Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown

Extension/ Refurbishment

On Site

10

Dublin

19898K

Gaelscoil an Duinnigh, Feltrim, Swords

New School

On Site

11

Dublin

20095C

Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe

New School

On Site

12

Dublin

20139T

Inchicore NS, Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

13

Dublin

20145O

Swords Educate Together NS

New School

On Site

14

Dublin

60010P

Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

15

Dublin

60860Q

Our Lady’s School, Templeogue Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

16

Dublin

70030E

Senior College, Dún Laoghaire, Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, CO. Dublin

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

17

Dublin

76098W

Pobail Scoil Setanta, Phibblestown

New School

On Site

18

Dublin

76104O

Donabate Community College

New School

On Site

19

Dublin

16964F

Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

20

Galway

62970K

Coláiste Iognáid SJ Bothar na Mara, Galway

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

21

Kerry

20196I

Ballybunion NS

New School

On Site

22

Kildare

11976K

Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

23

Kildare

17662R

Scoil Bhride NS, Kill

New School

On Site

24

Kildare

17674B

SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan

New School

On Site

25

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS, Naas

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

26

Kildare

20058T

Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth

New School

On Site

27

Kildare

61710C

Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

28

Kilkenny

15160G

Marymount N.S., The Rower, Inistioge

Extension/ Refurbishment

On Site

29

Laois

14260F

Abbeyleix Sth NS, Abbeyleix

New School

On Site

30

Laois

20071L

Scoil Bhríde, Rathdowney

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

31

Limerick

13026P

Kilfinane National School

New School

On Site

32

Limerick

18991S

JFK Memorial School, Ennis Road, Limerick

New School

On Site

33

Limerick

64201T

Ardscoil Ris, North Circular Rd, Limerick

Extension /Refurbishment

On Site

34

Longford

71690F

Ballymahon Vocational School

Extension/Refurbishment

Completed

35

Louth

18069M

Naomh Seosamh, Mell, Drogheda

New School

On Site

36

Louth

19598V

Muire na nGael NS, Bay Estate, Dundalk

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

37

Louth

20205G

St Mary’s Parish School, Drogheda

New School

On Site

38

Mayo

20046M

Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mart

New School

On Site

39

Meath

19253K

Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown

Extension/refurbishment

On Site

40

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Eoin National School, Navan

New School

On Site

41

Monaghan

18028V

Corr a Chrainn NS, Corr a Chrainn

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

42

Offaly

17523D

SN Cronain Naofa, Dromakeenan

Extension/ Refurbishment

On Site

43

Offaly

17637S

SN Sheosaimh Naofa, Beál Átha na gCarr, Tullamore

New School

On Site

44

Offaly

65610S

Colaiste Choilm, O’Moore Street, Tullamore

New School

On Site

45

Roscommon

65100S

Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown

Extension /Refurbishment

On Site

46

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School, Ballycarnane, Tramore

New School

On Site

47

Waterford

20076V

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lismore

Extension/Refurbishment

On Site

48

Westmeath

18812P

Loch an Ghair NS Mullingar

New School

Completed

49

Wexford

71630K

Vocational College, Enniscorthy

New School

Completed

50

Wicklow

20016D

Gaelscoil Uí Cheadaigh, Bray

Extension/ Refurbishment

On Site

51

Wicklow

61800D

Presentation College, Bray

New School

On Site

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

169 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Council of the European Union’s meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7442/11]

There were three meetings of the Council of the European Union in the year to 9 March 2011. They took place on 11 May 2010, 18 November 2010 and 14 February 2011. As the then Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills was unable to attend them personally, officials attended the meetings of 11 May 2010 and 14 February 2011 on her behalf, and Minister of State Séan Haughey attended that of 18 November 2010.

Higher Education Grants

Brendan Griffin

Question:

170 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered the additional social welfare costs that will ensue due to forthcoming changes to the higher education grant system in view of the fact that many students will be forced to withdraw from participation in education; if he will review the proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7455/11]

I understand that the changes to the student grant schemes introduced under Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party government were designed to manage additional cost pressures arising from a significant increase in the number of students qualifying for grants, a proportionate increase in the number of students qualifying for higher rates of grants and payment of the Student Service Charge on behalf of grant-holders.

While the different budgetary measures will result in changes to the rate of grant payable to individual students, I understand that they will not result in a student losing a grant or becoming ineligible for a grant. Critically, top-up grants remain available for those on particularly low incomes and some €5m will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.

Nonetheless, I understand the concerns of students with regard to the budgetary measures and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.

Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 163.

School Management

Dessie Ellis

Question:

172 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Skills the mechanism used to add persons to membership of school boards of management and the mechanisms available to remove members from boards of management. [7472/11]

In accordance with section 14 of the Education Act 1998 it is the duty of the patron of a recognised school to appoint, where practicable, a board of management.

The composition of a board of management is based on centrally agreed arrangements between the relevant stakeholders and the agreed compositions differ between the various education sectors.

Under section 16 of the Act and subject to the consent of the Minister, the patron may for good and valid reasons, stated in writing to a member of a board of management, remove that member from that office. Where a patron proposes to remove a member of a board of management, he/she must adhere to the procedures under section 16 which require, inter alia, that a period of one month's notice is given to allow for representations to be made to the patron by or on behalf of the board member concerned.

Schools Building Projects

Dessie Ellis

Question:

173 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the building of a school (details supplied) will begin; the date on which this will be completed; if his attention has been drawn to the present unacceptable situation where children are currently attending classes in prefab buildings and his plans to urgently address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7473/11]

I am pleased to be able to confirm to the Deputy that a major project for the school to which he refers was included on the list of projects on the work programme for 2011, which was announced on 24 January 2011, where briefs will be formulated in 2011 and the process of appointing a Design Team will commence. My officials will be in further contact with the school authority in due course relating to the steps to be taken to progress the project.

Swimming Pool Projects

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

174 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the progress made in securing the future of the swimming pool at Tallaght community school sports complex, Dublin 24. [7516/11]

The sports complexes attached to a small number of Community and Comprehensive Schools, including Tallaght Community School, were established in the early 1970s on the basis that they would operate on a self-financing basis. In recent times, the complex at Tallaght Community School has experienced some difficulty in matching its operating costs and its income. Accordingly, the Board of Management, in consultation with the Trustees, has agreed to develop a business plan with a view to balancing the accounts of the sports complex and thereby ensure its continued viability. My Department has been kept informed by the Board of Management on the issues involved, and will support the Board and the Trustees in their efforts.

School Staffing

Michael Creed

Question:

175 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to fill a post on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7565/11]

Vacancies in the remainder of the 2010/11 school year may be filled only on a temporary basis. The process of allocating teaching resources to schools for the 2011/12 school year and the arrangements for filling vacant or new teaching positions takes place in the context of the Programme for National Recovery, the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland and the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.

In relation to the Programme for National Recovery and the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland it is necessary for the Department to exercise additional control and reporting measures this year to ensure that the number of teachers employed in schools is consistent with those programmes. The Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 gives a commitment in relation to job security for public servants including primary teachers, contingent on the operation of redeployment arrangements. Consequently it is necessary for the Department to ensure this year that all permanent and fixed term positions, including the vacancy referred to by the Deputy, are in the first instance made available to those permanent and CID holding teachers that are surplus and are to be redeployed. Detailed information in relation to the commencement of the redeployment process is set out in Circular 0019/2011.

Third Level Institutions

Seamus Healy

Question:

176 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take immediate action to end the abuses of employment law in universities and other third level institutions, under which postdoctoral researchers are deprived of continuity of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7587/11]

Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and the employment conditions of all employees are a matter for those institutions. As employers, universities and other third level institutions are legally obliged to adhere to the provisions of employment legislation in respect of all their employees, including post-doctoral researchers. In the case of employees on fixed term contracts, relevant employment law and, in particular, the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Workers) Act 2003 provides that these employees are not treated less favourably than comparable permanent employees.

I am aware of the range of reports over the last number of years, both national and European, which have called for the development of better career structures and supports for researchers. And while considerable improvements have been made, I also believe more needs to be done in ensuring that the research community feels valued and that the important role researchers play in the development of a knowledge and innovation economy is acknowledged.

The recently published Higher Education Strategy, commonly known as the Hunt Report, recommends the establishment of a clear career path for researchers that develops their talents and rewards them appropriately. My Department, in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, funding agencies and higher education institutions, will advance work on this as part of the wider implementation plan for the strategy. We will also be cognisant of developments at an EU level. As with all processes, I feel it is important that we engage with all stakeholders to ensure we are adopting the right approach and I welcome further engagement with researchers in our third level sector on this issue.

Pension Provisions

Finian McGrath

Question:

177 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of a pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [7619/11]

The details requested are being prepared and will be forwarded shortly by my department, directly to the person concerned.

School Transport

Timmy Dooley

Question:

178 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the changes he proposes to make to the current school transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7650/11]

The changes to the school transport scheme were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from a recommendation in the recently published Value for Money Review of the scheme. From the beginning of the 2011/12 school year a €50 charge, which applies to all eligible primary pupils, is being introduced to ensure that school transport provided for these pupils is fully utilised in a cost efficient manner. The annual charge for post-primary pupils will also be increased by €50 from €300 to €350. Eligible pupils holding medical cards and pupils with special educational needs will be exempted from paying the charge. In addition, the maximum family charge at primary level for eligible pupils will be €110 while the overall combined maximum charge per family is not being increased from the current rate of €650 per annum. Parents will continue to be given the option of spreading the annual payments over two instalments in July and December.

The changes to school transport provision under the Closed School Rule means that the distance criteria will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis. From the 2012/2013 school year, school transport eligibility for all pupils newly entering national schools will be determined by reference to the nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language. Existing eligible primary pupils availing of transport under the Closed School Rule will retain transport eligibility for the duration of their schooling, provided the requisite distance is met. Services under the minimum numbers, either single services or which are part of double tripping arrangements, will be discontinued. A pick up density of 10 eligible pupils in a distinct locality on a particular route will be required to establish or retain services.

From the 2012/13 school year, the use of the catchment boundary system will cease for all new post-primary children. Eligibility for all new children entering post-primary transport will be on the basis of the nearest post-primary centre or school. Existing arrangements will remain in place for existing post primary pupils for the duration of their schooling. Finally, new arrangements will be put in place with Bus Éireann on a phased basis for the operation of the scheme.

Given the major financial constraints facing the country, I cannot reverse the changes to school transport as announced by the previous government in Budget 2011. We all have to understand the legacy of economic mismanagement which the last Government gave to the country.

Schools Building Projects

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

179 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider an extension to a school (details supplied) to cater for the increase in children who each year leave the local primary school and seek access to another school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7674/11]

The most recent projections produced by my Department are forecasting an increase in the projected enrolments at post-primary level in the coming years. It is within this context that the Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of analysing all areas in the country in order to determine the level of additional provision which will be required at both primary and post primary level up to 2017. Overall post-primary requirements in the area to which the Deputy refers will be considered as part of this process and an appropriate long term accommodation solution to the needs of the area will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Higher Education Grants

Michael McGrath

Question:

180 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the administration of the higher education grant scheme under particular circumstances (details supplied). [7675/11]

In recognition of the fact that a student under 23 yeas of age can be estranged from his/her parents, it is possible under the student grant schemes, as an exceptional measure, for such a candidate to be assessed without reference to his/her parents'/guardian's income or address. However, compelling independent evidence of estrangement must be provided to the grant awarding authority to enable this. The type of independent evidence includes a letter from a social worker or other appropriate officer of the Health Service Executive explaining the circumstances of the estrangement. Confirmation that a candidate is living separately from his/her parents/guardians is not sufficient.

A decision on grant eligibility is a matter for a candidate's local grant awarding authority in the first instance. To help avoid delays in processing her grant application, the candidate in question is advised to contact her grant awarding authority to discuss this issue and to make sure that the relevant supporting documentation is submitted with her grant application.

Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 153.

School Staffing

Joe McHugh

Question:

182 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application process for resource hours for vulnerable children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7724/11]

The Department of Education and Skills (DES) is required to ensure that the overall allocation of teaching posts does not exceed the targets set out in the Governments Employment Control Framework. The DES had planned for a certain amount of increased growth in teacher numbers across the school sector in 2011, in line with increased demographic growth. In respect of resource teaching hours for children with special educational needs, allowance was made for growth in 2011 over and above normal demographic increase levels.

In 2010 the total number of Whole time Equivalent (WTE) posts provided for resource hours teaching (including under the General Allocation Model) was approximately 9,600 WTE posts. By comparison approximately 9,950 WTE posts are provided for 2011. There has therefore not been a reduction in the overall number of resource hours/posts being provided for in 2011. The DES has requested the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to provide data on the numbers and rate of application for additional resource teaching hours to date this year so that this information can be considered in the context of the Department's Employment Control Framework obligations. The NCSE has also been asked to pause sanctioning additional resource teaching support hours to allow for collection and consideration of this data by the DES, in conjunction with the NCSE. It should be noted that this is a temporary suspension of the allocation process in order to allow for consideration and analysis of this issue prior to any decisions being made. In the interim, children who are eligible for resource/ learning support teaching will receive this tuition through the existing learning support provision in schools, either though the General Allocation Model or existing Learning Support provision.

Departmental Programmes

Michael McGrath

Question:

183 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the skills development and internship programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7735/11]

The Internship Development Programme aims to provide those who are at least three months unemployed with a 12 month work placement in a host organisation. This will enable the unemployed maintain their links with the labour market while also facilitating their upskilling and reskilling, thereby improving their employability. Whilst on the work placement element of the internship, interns will receive an ‘upskilling bonus' in addition to their social welfare entitlements. State support for an initial 5,000 internship places on the programme has been approved, however, the number of places on the programme is entirely dependant on the level of take up by participating organisations.

A call for Expressions of Interest to organisations that may be interested in providing internship opportunities to the unemployed was issued by FÁS Employment Services. The purpose of this call is to assess the number of internship opportunities and the number of host organisations who wish to participate in the Internship Development Programme. To date over 169 organisations have expressed their interest in participating in the programme. It is expected that the programme will be operational in the near future.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

184 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards or review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7743/11]

As the Deputy is aware a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector is a key education objective of the Programme for a National Government 2011-2016. On the 27th March, 2011 I announced the establishment of the Forum and the appointment of an Advisory Group to convene the process. The Advisory Group is to be chaired by Dr. John Coolahan, Professor Emeritus at NUI Maynooth. The other members of the Advisory Group are Dr. Caroline Hussey, former Registrar and Deputy President, UCD and Fionnuala Kilfeather, former Chief Executive of the National Parents Council — Primary. The Forum will be convened in the coming weeks and will complete its work before the end of this year. The Forum will take a multidimensional approach involving consultations with the key education stakeholders, including parents and other interested parties in order to ensure the widest possible consultation on this important issue.

The following appointments were made to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland on 31 March:

Eamon Devoy, nominated by ICTU (re-appointment)

Tony Donohoe, nominated by IBEC (re-appointment)

Professor Anne Scott, nominated by the universities

Ms. Marie Bourke, nominated by Forfás

Ms. Audry Deane, St. Vincent de Paul, nominated by community and voluntary organisations.

All these are statutory nominations under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999.

The following appointments were made to the Governing Body of the Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology on 7th April:

Cllr. Niamh Bhreathnach (Dún Laoghaire VEC)

Cllr. Stephen Fitzpatrick (Dún Laoghaire VEC)

Mr. Tom Naylor (Dún Laoghaire VEC)

Cllr. Donal Marren (Dún Laoghaire VEC)

Mr. Tim Jackson (Co. Dublin VEC)

Ms. Eleanor Roche (Co. Wicklow VEC)

Mr. Barry Dignam (Academic Staff)

Dr. Dióg O'Connell (Academic Staff)

Mr. Derek Larkin (Non Academic Staff)

Mr. Joseph Geary (Student Representative)

Ms. Marie Farrell (Student Representative)

Mr. Pearse Connolly (ICTU representative)

Ms. Cliodhna Shaffrey (The Arts Council)

Ms. Clodagh Whelan (Enterprise Ireland)

Ms. Siobhán Burke (The Irish Film Board)

Anthony (Finn) McGuirk (Southside Partnership)

Dún Laoghaire VEC submitted nominations for these appointment to the Governing Body under the provisions of Sections 4(1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) of the Regional Technical Colleges (Amendment) Act, 1994.

Schools Refurbishment

Jim Daly

Question:

185 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to a school (details supplied) in County Cork to resolve the health and safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7758/11]

An application for funding under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme was received from the school to which the Deputy refers. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications.

As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories of eligible works were prioritised and it was not possible to include this school in the list of 453 successful schools that was announced on 30 March 2011. A letter to this effect will be issuing to the school shortly. In the meantime, for works that are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school authorities to consider if the works in question qualify for funding under the Department's Emergency Works Scheme. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

School Transport

Jim Daly

Question:

186 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken into consideration the recommendations of the Ombudsman for Children in respect of changes to school transport and, more particularly, the way information in this regard is communicated to interested parties; the way he informs eligible pupils and their parents with regard to how they can apply to establish a new service, if needed, or extend an existing service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/11]

Jim Daly

Question:

187 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recommendations of the Ombudsman for Children in respect of the setting up of a register of interested parties who are seeking a service that does not exist at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

The purpose of the Ombudsman for Children is to promote and safeguard the rights and welfare of children and young people under the age of 18. In specific circumstances as outlined under the relevant Act, the Ombudsman for Children may investigate any action taken (being an action taken in the performance of administrative functions) by or on behalf of a public body. Following an investigation, the Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO) produces a statement which may include a series of recommendations. These recommendations are not binding on the public body. The recommendations referred to by the Deputy were in fact comments made by the OCO following a preliminary investigation of a complaint as a consequence of which, having carefully considered all the information provided, no maladministration on the part of my Department was identified.

I wish to inform the Deputy that information on the school transport schemes generally is available on my Department's website, through contact with the Transport Liaison Officers or the local Bus Éireann offices. Furthermore, to increase public awareness about the school transport scheme, the recently published Value for Money Review of the scheme recommends the establishment of a dedicated school transport website by Bus Éireann with all of the information clearly set out and this is being pursued. As school transport is subject to a process of application, Bus Éireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department organises services for each school year based on the applications received from eligible pupils.

Schools Refurbishment

Jim Daly

Question:

188 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7767/11]

An application for funding under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme was received from the schools referred to by the Deputy. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications.

As outlined in the Circular governing the operation of the scheme, applications for works in the higher categories of eligible works were prioritised and it was not possible to include this school in the list of 453 successful schools that was announced on 30 March 2011. A letter to this effect has issued to the schools. In the meantime, for works that are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school authorities to consider if the works in question qualify for funding under the Department's Emergency Works Scheme. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

Schools Building Projects

Jim Daly

Question:

189 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the serious infrastructural deficiencies, health and safety risks and lack of accommodation at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7768/11]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for major capital funding. The application was assessed and assigned a band rating of 2. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. This project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

In the meantime, for works that are of a very urgent nature, it is open to the school authorities to consider if the works in question qualify for funding under the Department's Emergency Works Scheme. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

School Textbooks

Martin Ferris

Question:

190 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the prices charged for school books and his further views that prices could be reduced in light of the apparent disparity between the prices of these books — in view of the massive prints run relating to them — and similar quality publications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7772/11]

The costs of school books are determined on a commercial basis by the educational publishers who commission them. Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at second-level, mainly in the case of language subjects, decisions on which textbooks to use in first and second-level schools are taken at school level. Syllabus planners are conscious of the need to avoid over-frequent changes to textbooks, primarily in order to minimise increases in the cost burden for parents. However, textbooks have to be changed periodically to enable teachers to keep their students' work educationally stimulating and to ensure that content and methodology are kept up to date. School authorities have been advised that books should be changed only to the extent that is absolutely necessary. In addition, my Department has consistently encouraged schools to put in place book rental schemes as the most effective means of lowering costs for all parents. A number of web-based school book exchange schemes are also in operation.

I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department intends to issue funding to primary schools in April and post-primary schools in June to enable them to provide assistance for school books. Details of the funding were notified to schools by circulars 0023/2011 (primary level) and 0024/2011 (post-primary level), which are available on my Department's website. In these circulars, schools were urged to use this funding to establish book rental schemes, as these are the most effective means of lowering costs for all students.

Funding will be allocated on the following basis:

€11 per pupil in primary schools;

€21 per pupil in primary schools within the Delivering Equality in Schools (DEIS) scheme;

€24 per pupil in post-primary or

€39 per pupil in post-primary schools within the DEIS scheme.

This funding arrangement affords schools the autonomy to utilise funding in the most effective way based on their particular knowledge of their student needs. The previous system required schools to apply each year to my Department for a book grant, which resulted in a significant administrative burden, both for schools and my Department.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

191 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7181/11]

The following retired Public Servants were engaged by my Department on short -term contracts between 01 January 2010 and 31 December 2010.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Audit Committee

A retired Civil Servant was Chairman of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Audit Committee until March 2010 and was paid a fee in 2010 of €450.

A retired Civil Servant is currently Chair of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Audit Committee since May 2010 at a cost in 2010 of €1,350.

Value For Money Steering Committee

A retired Civil Servant was engaged by the Department to chair the Steering Committee that was established to oversee the finalisation of the VFM of the FÁS Competency Development Programme, from October 2009 to May 2010. He was paid an amount of €2,000 in December 2010.

Health and Safety Policy /Chemicals Regulation Policy

A retired former public servant has been engaged on contract by the Department in the Chemicals policy area to attend, as an expert on behalf of the Department, at meetings of the Board of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki, at a cost of €8,068.34 during the relevant period.

Competition and Consumer Policy

A retired public servant was engaged by the Department to facilitate the development of a voluntary Code of Practice for the grocery goods sector, at a cost of €24,805 in 2010.

All of the costs outlined are gross figures and are subject to relevant tax and PRSI. With regard to retired Public servants engaged on short-term contract by bodies under the aegis of my Department in the period mentioned, this is a day-to-day matter for the bodies concerned.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

192 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012. [7196/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

193 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act 2003 to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7211/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.

My Department plans to commence an audit in the near future of all signs currently on display in the Department and in the 8 Offices of the Department, in order to assess what signs will need to be replaced, so as to fully comply with the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 and particularly with Section 6 of S.I No. 391 of 2008 made by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the 2003 Act. The obligations on the Department and the Offices of the Department to comply with the signage requirements of the Official Languages Act outlined by the Deputy will come into operation on 1 March 2012/ 1 March 2013. The Deputy will, therefore, appreciate that at this juncture it is too early to estimate how many signs in the Department and in the Offices of the Department will need to be replaced and what the anticipated costs will be.

I am not in a position to provide information in relation to the Agencies of my Department, as this is a day to day administrative matter for the Agencies concerned.

National Minimum Wage

Dara Calleary

Question:

194 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the overall cost to employers of the planned increase in the minimum wage. [7352/11]

The recent reduction in the national minimum wage came into effect on 1 February last. The number of workers who had been paid at or below the previous minimum wage of €8.65 per hour constituted less than 4% of the total at work, or about 60,000 people. At the time of the minimum wage cut, an employee who was working under a contract of employment that sets wages at or above the national minimum wage was entitled under their contract of employment to continue to be paid the higher rate, unless the terms of the contract were altered by agreement between both the employer and the employee concerned. Accordingly, the number of employees affected by the proposed reversal in the cut to the minimum wage and the associated cost to employers would be expected to be marginal.

While the numbers on the national minimum wage represent a relatively small proportion of the total at work, over four to five times that number are covered by our statutory wage setting mechanisms, Joint Labour Committees and Registered Employment Agreements. These mechanisms operate predominantly in sectors where wage costs are a major component of overall costs. In this context, it is important to note that many employers operating in sectors covered by these arrangements have indicated that it is not so much the national minimum wage rate that is of concern to them, but rather the archaic inflexibilities inherent in the statutory wage setting mechanisms that cause them most difficulty. It is clear that these mechanisms impose an additional set of rigidities on the labour market and prevent the labour market from adjusting quickly during times of economic change and are in need of radical reform.

In this context, the independent review of the JLC/REA system, which I expect to receive shortly, will provide, as part of its Terms of Reference, an assessment of whether and to what extent the function played by Employment Regulation Orders in ensuring protection of minimum wages and conditions overlaps with that of the statutory national minimum wage system. Following consideration of the report by the Government, an action plan will be developed in consultation with the EU/IMF with a view to early implementation of the necessary reforms.

Departmental Reports

Dara Calleary

Question:

195 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the report (details supplied) and if he has presented a funding proposal to Cabinet arising from the report. [7353/11]

The Economic Scoping Report referred to by the Deputy contains a wide range of proposals for the economic development of the Airport and its hinterland. The options identified fall within the remit of a number of other Government Departments, as well as my Department. Given the broad scope of the recommendations in the Report, and the fact that these have not been costed or evaluated, my Department has asked, as a first step, other relevant Departments to examine the Report and to provide observations on the recommendations that fall within their remit.

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

196 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio surrounding these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7420/11]

A total of fifteen special advisers were appointed in my Department between June 1997 and February 2011, three of these being female. In line with Ministerial Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance remuneration for Special Advisers is based on the Principal Officer (standard) scale currently:

€80,051 – €83,337 — €86,604 – €89,898 – €92,672.

Between 1997 and February 2011 Special Advisers' pay in this Department generally ranged from first point of the Principal Officer (PO) payscale to the maximum of that scale. Where there were exceptions to this rule they are reflected in the attached table:

Special Adviser

Gender

From

To

Salary at commencement date

1

Male

15/1/01

29/9/04

£70,000 per annum (p.a.)

1

Male

1/7/97

28/10/03

£45,786 p.a.– maximum of PO Higher payscale

1 Press Adviser

Male

12/1/98

1/12/99

Assistant Principal (AP) Salary plus 10% attraction allowance

1

Male

1/12/99

29/9/04

PO payscale (maximum) £62,112 p.a.

1

Male

29/9/04

6/5/08

€75,042 p.a. – 2nd point of PO Standard payscale + 10% attraction allowance

1

Female

29/9/04

6/5/08

€83,707 p.a. – 5th point of PO Standard payscale

1

Female

29/9/94

3/11/06

€78,075 p.a. – 3rd point of PO Standard payscale

1

Male

11/12/06

19/5/08

€78,066 p.a. – 1st point of PO Standard payscale

1

Male

6/11/07

13/5/08

€80,016 p.a. – 1st point of PO Standard payscale

1

Male

7/5/08

21/4/09

€94,740 p.a. – 4th point of PO Standard payscale

1

Male

28/7/08

21/4/09

€91,170 p.a. – 3rd point of PO Standard payscale

1

Male

7/5/08

21/4/09

€64,565 p.a. – 1st point of AP Standard payscale – adjusted to 1st point of PO Standard Payscale after 2 years

1

Male

13/5/08

21/4/09

€87,628 p.a. – 2nd point of PO Standard payscale

1

Female

23/3/10

20/1/11

€94,496 p.a. – 4th point of PO Standard payscale

1

Male

23/3/10

20/1/11

€83,337 p.a. – 2nd point of PO Standard payscale

APPOINTMENTS TO STATE BOARDS

Health and Safety Authority

The appointments made to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority reflect occasions when the Board needed to be renewed in line with statutory provisions and also reflect replacements due to vacancies arising from time to time.

Agency

Year

Number of Appointments

Male

% Male

Female

% Female

Health and Safety Authority

June to Dec 1997

Nil

1998

12

9

75

3

25

1999

Nil

2000

2

2

100

0

0

2001

12

8

66.6

4

33.3

2002

1

1

100

0

0

2003

Nil

2004

11

7

64

4

36

2005

1

0

0

1

100

2006

Nil

2007

11

6

55

5

45

2008

1

1

100

0

0

2009

Nil

2010

12

9

75

3

25

January-February 2011

Nil

Total

63

43

68

20

32

Labour Relations Commission Board

Year

Total Number of Appointments

Male

% Male

Female

% Female

1997

Nil

1998

1

1

100

0

0

1999

Nil

2000

8

5

71

2

29

2001

Nil

2002

Nil

2003

7

5

71

2

29

2004

1

1

100

0

100

2005

Nil

2006

7

6

86

1

14

2007

1

1

100

0

100

2008

Nil

2009

7

6

86

1

14

2010-2011

Nil

Patents Office

Board

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

Patent Agents Registration Board

1998

4

4

100

0

2001

5

4

80

1

20

2004

5

3

60

2

40

2007

5

3

60

2

40

2010

5

3

60

2

40

Trade Mark Agents Registration Board

1998

4

4

100

0

2001

5

5

100

0

2004

5

4

80

1

20

2007

5

4

80

1

20

2010

5

5

100

0

Members of the Patent and Trade Mark Agents Registration Boards are appointed every three years by the Minister for a period of three years.

Science Foundation Ireland

Science Foundation Ireland was established under the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act of 2003 which provides for a maximum of 12 Board members.

Members are appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation with the approval of the Minister for Finance and in consultation with the Minister for Education and Skills. Section 9 of the 2003 legislation underpinning SFI provides for the retirement of 2 members of the Board each year.

In the period since its establishment in 2003 there have been 34 appointments to the Board of SFI with 22 being male and 12 being female.

Agency

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

Science Foundation Ireland

2003

13

8

61

5

39

2004

2

0

0

2

100

2005

2

2

100

0

0

2006

5

3

60

2

40

2007

4

3

75

1

25

2008

4

3

75

1

25

2009

2

1

50

1

50

2010

2

2

100

0

0

Intertrade Ireland

All appointments to North/South bodies, including InterTradeIreland, are made by the North South Ministerial Council. Nominations are generally made on a 50-50 basis; 50% by the Northern Ireland Executive, and 50% by the (Irish) Government.

Agency

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

InterTradeIreland

1999

6

3

50

3

50

2002

6

3

50

3

50

2005

6

3

50

3

50

2006

6

3

50

3

50

2007

6

5

83

1

17

IDA Ireland

There were 25 appointments to the Board of IDA between June 1997 and February 2011, of which 11 were reappointments.

Agency

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

IDA Ireland

1998

2

2

100

0

0

1999

3

3

100

0

0

2000

3

2

66

1

33

2001

2

2

100

0

0

2002

2

1

50

1

50

2003

2

1

50

1

50

2004

1

1

100

0

0

2005

1

1

100

0

0

2006

1

0

0

1

100

2007

2

1

50

1

50

2008

1

1

100

0

0

2009

1

1

100

0

0

2010

3

2

66

1

33

2011

1

1

100

0

0

Shannon Development

There were 38 appointments to the Board of Shannon Development during the period June 1997 to February 2011, 11 of which were reappointments.

Agency

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

Shannon Development

1997

2

1

50

1

50

1998

3

2

67

1

33

1999

3

3

100

0

0

2000

4

2

50

2

50

2001

0

0

0

2002

3

2

67

1

33

2003

1

1

100

0

0

2004

3

3

100

0

0

2005

3

2

67

1

33

2006

3

1

33

2

67

2007

2

1

50

1

50

2008

2

2

100

0

0

2009

3

3

100

0

0

2010

2

2

100

0

0

Enterprise Ireland

Agency

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

Enterprise Ireland

1997

0

0

0

0

0

1998

9

7

78

2

22

1999

1

1

100

0

0

2000

0

0

0

0

0

2001

3

1

33

2

67

2002

0

0

0

0

0

2003

1

1

100

0

0

2004

2

1

50

1

50

2005

0

0

0

0

0

2006

0

0

0

0

0

2007

2

2

100

0

0

2008

6

4

67

2

33

2009

2

1

50

1

50

2010

2

1

50

1

50

2011

0

0

0

0

0

National Standards Authority of Ireland

Agency

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

National Standards Authority of Ireland

1997

1998

1

0

0

1

100

1999

3

2

67

1

33

2000

3

2

67

1

33

2001

4

2

50

2

50

2002

4

2

50

2

50

2003

7

6

86

1

14

2004

4

3

75

1

25

2005

3

2

67

1

33

2006

3

2

67

1

33

2007

4

3

75

1

25

2008

4

1

25

3

75

2009

3

3

100

0

0

2010

4

3

75

1

25

2011

These figures include reappointments

Tyndall National Institute

The Tyndall National Institute was established in 2004 to provide Ireland with a national capability for research and development in information and communication technologies (ICT) hardware. The ICT research activities are focussed on three interrelated technical areas, identified as critical for Ireland in the future:

— Micro/Nanoelectronics,

— Microsystems,

— Photonics.

Tyndall receives an annual core grant from DETI to cover costs of maintaining facilities, the functions of the Board and salaries of key strategic personnel. The DETI grant for 2011 is €3 million

There were 16 appointments to the Tyndall Board in the period in question. 13 were male and 3 were female.

Agency

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

Tyndall National Institute

2004

10

9

90

1

10

2005

1

0

0

1

100

2006

1

1

100

0

0

2007

1

1

100

0

0

2008

0

0

0

0

0

2009

2

2

100

0

0

2010

1

0

0

1

100

Competition Authority

These numbers include reappointments.

Number of appointments

Male

%

Female

%

1997

0

1998

1

1

100

1999

0

2000

2

2

100

2001

2

2

50

1

50

2002

1

1

100

0

2003

1

1

100

0

2004

0

0

2005

2

2

100

0

2006

4

3

75

1

25

2007

0

0

2008

0

0

2009

0

2010

3 temporary appointments

2

66.6

1

33.3

2011

3 temporary appointments

2

66.6

1

33.3

National Consumer Agency (NCA)

The National Consumer Agency was established in 2007

Number of appointments

Male

%

Female

%

2007

12 plus the CEO.

8

55

5

45

2008

0

2009

0

2010

4

2

50

2

50

2011

0 to end February 2011

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board was established in April 2004. During the period between its establishment and February 2011 there have been 26 appointments made to the Board.

Number of appointments

Male

%

Female

%

2004

11

6

55

5

45

2005

0

2006

2

1

50

1

50

2007

0

2008

0

2009

10

6

60

4

40

2010

2

2

100

0

2011

1 to end February 2011

1

100

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority

The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority was established in January 2006. During the period between its establishment in January 2006 and February 2011 there have been 29 appointments made to the Board.

Number of appointments

Male

%

Female

%

2006

15

11

73

4

27

2007

2

2

100

2009

5

4

80

1

20

2010

4

3

75

1

25

2011

3

3

100

Forfás

A total of 47 appointments were made to the board of Forfas in the period 1 June 1997 to end February 2011 including 9ex officio appointments.

Forfás Board Appointments

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female %

1997

3

3

100

0

1998

3

3

100

0

1999

3

2

67

133

2000

2

2

100

0

2001

3

1

33

267

2002

3

3

100

0

2003

4

4

100

0

2004

4

4

100

0

2005

2

0

0

2,100

2006

4

3

75

125

2007

3

3

100

0

2008

3

3

100

0

2009

2

1

50

150

2010

6

5

83

117

2011

2

2

100

0

47

39

8

Ratio of Male to Female Appointments in period 5:1 approx.

Notes

1. Includes reappointments

2. During this period there were 9 ex officio appointments (only one of which was female). Excluding the ex officio appointments the ratio of male to female appointments is approximately 4.4 : 1

Nitrigin Eireann Teoranta

Year

Number Appointed

Male

%

Female

%

Nitrigin Eireann Teoranta

1997

3

2

67

1

33

1998

3

2

67

1

33

1999

2

2

100

0

0

2000

3

2

67

1

33

2001

0

0

0

2002

6

6

100

0

2003

1

1

100

0

2004

0

0

0

2005

0

0

0

2006

0

0

0

2007

0

0

0

2008

0

0

0

Company dissolved on 1 December 2008

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

197 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of Council of the European Union’s meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7443/11]

My Department has the lead responsibility for the Competitiveness Council and has responsibility for aspects of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (ESPHCA). The following Tables lists the number of Competitiveness Council and EHSPCA meetings and previous Ministerial attendees or otherwise for the year ended 9 March

Competitiveness Councils March 2010-March 2011

Attendance

1-2 March 2010

Ms Mary Coughlan TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

7-9 May 2010

Mr. Batt O’Keeffe TD Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

11-12 October 2010

Mr. Batt O’Keeffe TD Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

10 November 2010 (Extraordinary meeting)

Deputy Permanent Representation

10 December 2010

Deputy Permanent Representation

9-10 March 2011

Deputy Permanent Representation

ESPHCA Councils March 2010 – March 2011

Attendance

08 March 2010

Mr. Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Labour Affairs

21 October 2010

Deputy Permanent Representation

6-7 December 2010

Deputy Permanent Representation

7 March 2011

Deputy Permanent Representation

Science and Technology Groups

Dara Calleary

Question:

198 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on whether Ireland’s international reputation in terms of science and technology is currently at its highest ever level across a wide range of objective measures and if he would, in view of this, explain his comment on 6 March that he believes that the rebuilding of this reputation is needed. [7741/11]

On 6 April I announced a call seeking proposals for the Dublin City of Science programme of events in 2012. Dublin City of Science 2012 is a highly prestigious event that was won in the face of stiff competition. At a time when Ireland's reputation has suffered several years of negative coverage, the success of this type of event, can, I believe, go towards rebuilding our reputation. While we continue to see poorer than average performances in Science and Maths at Leaving Cert level there are many success stories that deserve greater promotion and publicity. In this regard I intend to use the City of Science Event to:

provide a platform to showcase the best of Irish science and research across all disciplines;

boost the international standing of Ireland as a leading centre for scientific and research excellence and to provide a framework to demonstrate the world class research system that we have built over the last decade; and,

promote careers in science, technology engineering and maths among prospective students and their parents. The call that I announced seeks proposals for a year long programme of events to engage the public in these disciplines.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

199 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards, review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7744/11]

I have not appointed anyone to serve as a member of any Board or review group nor have I asked anyone to prepare any reports since my appointment on 9 March last as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.

Redundancy Payments

Timmy Dooley

Question:

200 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection when statutory redundancy will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [7236/11]

On 1 January 2011, the Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. I can confirm that a statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned was received 4 March, 2011. This claim is currently pending processing.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Creed

Question:

201 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when the Health Service Executive will approve a rent allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7406/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it received a rent supplement application from the person concerned in October 2010. The HSE has requested the person concerned to provide it with details of the joint mortgage relating to his former family home and has advised that it will be in a position to make a decision on the application when this information has been provided.

Question No. 202 withdrawn.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

203 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by her Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7187/11]

There were nine retired public servants employed on short term contracts in the Department of Social Protection in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. Eight of these officers were employed on a part time basis as Appeals Officers and the gross cost of their employment to 31st December 2010 was €131,336.78.

A retired officer is acting as Chairperson on an interdepartmental group to consider the legislation required to provide for legal recognition by the State of the acquired gender of transsexual persons, since March 2010. No payment has been made under this short term contract during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. There were no retired public servants employed on short term contracts in the Pensions Board, Citizens Information Board or the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

204 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost to her Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012. [7202/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

205 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the anticipated cost to her Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act 2003 to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7217/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

The Department is currently reviewing the signage arrangements of all its offices in the context of ensuring full compliance with its obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003 (Section 9) Regulations 2008. The Department administers social welfare services from over 200 offices throughout the country. Almost all of these offices already comply with the requirement to have signage in both the Irish and English languages. It is not possible at this stage to give a precise estimate of the costs involved but the anticipated cost of replacing signage in English only will be negligible.

My Department is committed to providing a quality customer service in Irish to those customers who wish to conduct their business in Irish. This service has been provided prior and subsequent to the introduction of the Official Languages Act in 2003 and my Department will continue to fulfill its obligations as required under the Official Languages Act.

The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department.

The Pension Board has confirmed that its external signage is compliant with the Official Languages Act. The cost of sign replacement was €800. The cost of amending the existing Irish text, in the signage of the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman is estimated at €800. The Citizens Information Board (CIB) has indicated that the total estimated cost of amending external signage to ensure compliance with requirements under the Official Languages Act in this regard will be in the order of €2,250. This estimated cost will be in respect of external signage at 14 locations and include the replacement and installation costs. As the Social Welfare Tribunal operates from one of the Department’s Headquarter offices, no costs will be incurred.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

206 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who has been deemed fit for disability allowance has not received their payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7226/11]

The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 13 September 2007. Her claim was disallowed by a deciding officer on two grounds, she was not medically suitable and her weekly means exceeded the statutory limit allowable for disability allowance purposes. She was notified of this decision on 5 December 2007.

The person subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Following a review of her medical condition she was deemed to be medically suitable for disability allowance. However based on the evidence the Appeal's Officer found that the person's weekly means exceeded the statutory limit allowable for disability allowance purposes and the appeal was disallowed. The person was notified of this decision in writing by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

An Appeals Officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.

Pat Breen

Question:

207 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7244/11]

The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 5 January 2011, at the maximum weekly rate of €188.00. His first payment will be in Kilrush Post Office on 27 April 2011. Arrears due, if any, will issue to him shortly after this date.

Question No. 208 withdrawn.

Ray Butler

Question:

209 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review of the benefits paid to persons who are employed by FÁS work placement scheme will be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7295/11]

The work placement programme is a Government supported programme that brings employers and the unemployed together for a work experience placement for a maximum duration of nine months. The programme also provides an opportunity for people to keep their skills up-to-date and to network so that they can hear about jobs that come up as well as gain practical experience in new sectors/areas of employment. While participating on the programme a person in receipt of a jobseekers payment must continue to be genuinely seeking work and must take up an offer of paid employment if one arises. In this way participants may continue to satisfy the social welfare criteria of being available for and genuinely seeking work and retain the jobseekers payments that they are entitled to.

At present if participants on the programme were to be paid a top-up by their employer this, under current legislation, would constitute reckonable earnings from employment and could have implications for participants' social welfare entitlement and taxable status. In line with the Programme for Government the work placement programme, along with other employment programmes, will be reviewed.

Community Employment Schemes

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

210 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will grant a person (details supplied) in County Cork an extension of one year on a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7301/11]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

219 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in D5 has been refused a six month extension of their community employment scheme. [7464/11]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

220 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 has been refused a six month extension of their community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7465/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210, 219 and 220 together.

As Minister for Social Protection I do not have a role in the administration of individual cases in regard to the operation of the Community Employment programme. The administration of individual cases under Community Employment is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act 1987 as amended by Part 3 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Griffin

Question:

211 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if disability allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7303/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an Appeals Officer having considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the disability allowance appeal of the person concerned.

However, following the submission of additional medical evidence, the Appeals Officer reviewed his decision and has allowed the appeal. The person concerned has been notified of the revised decision.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Question:

212 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [7305/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this 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.

Jack Wall

Question:

213 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7344/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on the 29th June 2010. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on the 7th September 2010 advising the customer of the decision. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and she was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 21st February 2011 that the appeal had not been allowed.

The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete.

Social Welfare Payments

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when carer’s allowance will be made payable to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7366/11]

This application has been referred to a social welfare inspector for means assessment and confirmation that the conditions necessary for receipt of the allowance are satisfied. On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and he will be notified directly of the outcome.

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

215 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7401/11]

The HSE has advised that the payment of rent supplement to the person concerned has not been discontinued.

Community Employment Schemes

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

216 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has whole or partial responsibility for community employment schemes, Tús, job initiative schemes and if partial, for which parts. [7413/11]

From 1st January 2011 policy and funding responsibility for FÁS functions in relation to employment and community employment services was transferred to this Department in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010. The FÁS schemes involved include the community employment programme and the job initiative scheme. FÁS remains responsible for the day to day operation of these schemes in accordance with the terms of a Service Agreement/Framework Document which it has concluded with the Department.

This is a transitional arrangement only. The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 provides for the full transfer of employment and community employment services, including staff and other resources, from FÁS to this Department. These provisions of the Act are subject to a Commencement Order. Arrangements are currently being put in place to commence this stage of the transfer and integration process later in the year.

The Department is responsible for the implementation of Tús. This initiative is not delivered by FÁS but is being rolled out through the local development companies nationally and by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas.

Ministerial Appointments

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

217 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of special advisers appointed in her Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to her office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio surrounding these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 and February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 and February 2011. [7426/11]

The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

218 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of Council of the European Union’s meetings that her predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if her predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in her place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7449/11]

During the period in question there were a total of seven meetings of the Council for Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs. It is the practice for the Employment and Social Affairs items to be taken on one day of this two day meeting, and Health and Consumer Affairs to be taken separately on the other. In relation to the former, the subject matter covers topics which span the interests of a number of Irish Government Departments – Social Protection; Enterprise, Trade and Innovation; and Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Representation at the Council is decided on the basis of the items to be discussed, and it is often the case that ministerial attendance from this Department is not considered necessary.

During the period in question the Minister along with a Department official attended one meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, in Luxembourg on 7th June 2010. The formal meeting held in Brussels on 6th and 7th of December 2010 was attended by a Department official.

Questions Nos. 219 and 220 answered with Question No. 210.

Social Welfare Payments

Áine Collins

Question:

221 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection when the difficulties being experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be resolved. [7493/11]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 1 February 2011. Her claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor from this Department who deemed that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The person was refused disability allowance and she was notified of this decision by letter on 8 April 2011.

Redundancy Payments

Robert Troy

Question:

222 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection when redundancy payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [7509/11]

On 1 January 2011, the Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the claim in question was recently authorised and a payment will issue shortly.

Social Insurance

Mattie McGrath

Question:

223 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when the half rate PRSI is coming into force for the retail sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7580/11]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to halve the lower 8.5% rate of PRSI up to end 2013 on jobs paying up to €356 per week.

Decisions on implementation of this commitment are for Government to make in a Budgetary context.

Social Welfare Appeals

Áine Collins

Question:

224 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be called for an oral hearing to progress their appeal against the decision not to grant them disability allowance. [7588/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to this case that was not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of this appeal, they may be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further consideration.

The legislation also provides that an Appeals Officer may decide a case before him/her on the basis of the documentary evidence. This course of action was taken in this case as it was considered that an oral hearing was not warranted.

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.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

225 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection the average length of time which is now being taken to conclude an appeal in respect of domiciliary care allowance; the average length of time being taken where an oral hearing is requested; her views on the timeframes; the steps she will take to expedite the processes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7614/11]

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the average waiting time for a domiciliary care appeal dealt with by way of a summary decision in 2010 was 26.8 weeks, while the average time to process an oral hearing was 49.1 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. These include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the deciding officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's inspectors and medical assessors, that is deemed necessary. As can be seen from the figures, a considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. In order to be fair to all appellants, these appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432.

In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hands, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice

Social Welfare Code

David Stanton

Question:

226 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection if working as a volunteer for a charity or other such agency impacts on entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance and or jobseeker’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7634/11]

Jobseekers who engage in voluntary work within the State may continue to be entitled to a jobseeker's payment under the voluntary work option provided that, in engaging in the voluntary work, they continue to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work.

Examples of voluntary work in which jobseekers may engage include helping the sick, elderly or persons with a disability and assisting youth clubs, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations, or local resident associations. The groups involved may be nationally organised groups or local voluntary or community groups.

The aims of the voluntary work option are twofold, namely to encourage voluntary organisations to involve jobseekers to the greatest extent possible in their existing activities by creating new opportunities for voluntary work and to inform jobseekers of their freedom to involve themselves in voluntary work and to encourage them to do so.

Jobseekers or the voluntary organisation should request an application form (VW1) from their Social Welfare Local Office or they may download a copy from the Department's website. The completed application form should be sent to the local office and a Deciding Officer will determine whether the customer may take up the work in question without affecting entitlement to the jobseeker's payment.

Social Welfare Payments

Áine Collins

Question:

227 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a review of a carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [7648/11]

The person concerned is currently in receipt of carer's allowance on a reduced rate. On the 8 April 2011 her claim was reviewed and she was awarded full rate carer's allowance from the 16 October 2008. A letter will issue to her shortly notifying her of this decision.

Social Welfare Appeals

Áine Collins

Question:

228 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for jobseeker’s benefit will issue in respect of a person (details supplied). [7649/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael McGrath

Question:

229 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a rent supplement appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [7727/11]

In the time frame available, I regret that the Department is not in a position to reply to this question. The Department will be in contact with the Deputy over the coming days and will reply in full to the question raised.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McGrath

Question:

230 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding payment of rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [7729/11]

Rent supplement is subject to a maximum limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned applied for a rent supplement in November 2010 but the rent was in excess of the maximum rent limit for his family size. The HSE has further advised that it awarded payment of a rent supplement, as an exceptional measure for 12 weeks, to allow the person concerned to find alternative accommodation within the prescribed limits.

The HSE has advised that it wrote to the person concerned on 16th November 2010 stating that the rent supplement would cease from 29th January 2011 and that it has received no contact or appeal against this decision from the person concerned since this date.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

231 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of all persons appointed by her to serve as members of boards or review groups or to prepare reports for her since her appointment. [7750/11]

Since my appointment as Minister for Social Protection I have not appointed any person to serve as a member of any board, to any review group or to prepare any report.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jim Daly

Question:

232 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to a family with newly born triplets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7756/11]

Child Benefit is payable to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of age if the child is in full-time education, attending FÁS Youthreach training or has a disability.

In the case of multiple births, a special grant is also paid at the time of birth and again when the children are 4 and 12 years old. Child Benefit is paid at one and a half times the appropriate monthly rate for twins, and at double the appropriate monthly rate for triplets and other multiple births.

Rates of payment differ depending on the place of the children in the family. The table below details the rates appropriate for triplets in respect of each place in the family.

Table 1

Child Benefit

Monthly rate

First child

280

Second child

280

Third child

334

Fourth child and onward

354

By way of example, in the case of triplets who are the first, second and third children in the family, the monthly rates of payment and grants payable are as detailed in Table 2 below:

Table 2

Child Benefit

Monthly rate

Grant at birth

Grant age 4

Grant age 12

First child

280

635

635

635

Second child

280

Third child

334

TOTAL

894

635

635

635

Departmental Appointments

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

233 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7189/11]

There were two retired public servants engaged by my Department in 2010 for specific projects. The total cost of these engagements was €2,934.58. With regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Department will request them to provide this information directly to the Deputy.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

234 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012. [7204/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

235 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7219/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

While a formal evaluation of costs associated with compliance with the signage requirements of the Official Languages Act has yet to be carried out by my Department, buildings under the management of my Department are currently largely compliant and the cost of full compliance is likely to be modest.

With regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Department will request them to provide this information directly to the Deputy.

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

236 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7428/11]

Since the establishment of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in June 2002, a total of 6 Special Advisers as defined under Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, were appointed. Of the 6 appointees, 4 were male and 2 were female. The Special Advisers in question were paid at the following salary levels;

Name

Title

Date of appointment

Salary

Tony Cotter

Special Adviser

7 June 2002

Principal Officer Standard Scale plus 10% attraction allowance

Dan Collins

Special Adviser

16 May 2006

Principal Officer Standard Scale

Frank Lahiffe

Special Adviser

14 June 2007

Principal Officer Standard Scale

Tom Rowley

Special Adviser

14 June 2007

Principal Officer Higher Scale

Michelle Hoctor

Press Adviser

7 May 2008

Principal Officer Standard Scale

Averil Power

Special Adviser

23 March 2010

Principal Officer Standard Scale

With regard to the gender ratio of appointments to state boards under the aegis of my Department, I set out the information below.

Number of appointments to state boards under aegis of Department

Male Appointees

Female Appointees

273

161

112

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

237 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7451/11]

There were two formal meetings of the Education, Youth and Culture and Sport Council in the year prior to 9 March 2011. The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below. Tourism issues were dealt with during this period by the Competitiveness Council, attendance at which was a matter for the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.

Date

Council

Location

Attendance

10 and 11 May 2010

Education, Youth and Culture Council.

Brussels

Officials

18 November 2010

Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council.

Brussels

Officials

Electric Vehicles

Joe McHugh

Question:

238 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the use of electric cars here; when contracts for the installation and roll-out of electric car charge points will be up for tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7224/11]

The electrification of transport is seen globally and by the EU as an increasingly realistic prospect in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions dependence on fossil fuels. There is very significant global investment under way in research, development and commercialisation, and it is clear that the technology is now maturing to a point where large scale commercial deployment appears feasible, and that further technological developments will be forthcoming in the short to medium term.

Ireland's small geographical scale presents opportunities to be at the forefront of developments and my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland together with ESB Networks are working to positioning Ireland as an early mover in electric vehicles with all stakeholders. An ambition of having a target of 10% of all vehicles powered by electricity by 2020 would equate to around 225,000 cars on Irish roads.

In addition to encouraging the take-up of electric vehicles by consumers the challenge is to develop economically viable options for the cost efficient build, operation and maintenance of an electric vehicle infrastructure network in Ireland.

ESB Networks have already developed plans for a pilot electric vehicle infrastructure network, including 1500 public accessible charging points. This pilot phase will cover the period to 2015. The pilot network will be accessible to all suppliers of electricity. My Department is consulting with the Commission for Energy Regulation and other stakeholders on the most appropriate market structure and regulatory arrangements for electric vehicle infrastructure in the medium to longer term, having regard also to developments in other EU Member States including the UK, Denmark and Portugal.

Inland Fisheries

Tom Fleming

Question:

239 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will open a harbour salmon fishery (details supplied) which was reopened last year on a pilot basis; and if he will request Inland Fisheries Ireland to furnish the scientific results as soon as possible. [7341/11]

Castlemaine Harbour has been closed to commercial fishing since the introduction of the South Western Fisheries Region (No. 7 or Kerry District) Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-law No. 844, 2008. The decision to close the harbour to salmon fishing was based on information available on the status of the wild salmon stocks in the rivers which flow into the common estuary. While three of the five rivers flowing into Castlemaine are above their conservation limits (the Laune, Caragh and Maine), two of the rivers (the Behy and Emlagh) salmon stocks are currently below those limits.

The pilot project was undertaken in 2010 to determine how a salmon fishery could be operated on salmon stocks in the harbour, maximising the opportunities for commercial fishing while ensuring that at-risk stocks are not compromised and surplus stocks are not over exploited.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is due to report to me on the results of the pilot project in early May. I intend to publish the report and consequential recommendations as soon as possible following my consideration.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

240 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7177/11]

During the period in question, two retired former public servants were employed on short term contracts in my Department. The total cost involved in their employment was €37,535.13. I have referred the question to the bodies under the aegis of the Department for direct reply to the Deputy.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

241 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012. [7192/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

242 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7207/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

All standard signs in use in the Department are compliant with the requirement of the Official Languages Act so the question of replacement and cost does not arise. Safety signs in place in the Department use pictograms, which are language-neutral. Compliance by bodies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the individual bodies and I have no role in the matter.

Energy Prices

Terence Flanagan

Question:

243 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the ESB’s recent price reductions; if it is allowed to penalise those who do not pay their bills by direct debit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7319/11]

I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices or payment methods, whether in the regulated or non-regulated sector. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body.

The electricity retail market was fully deregulated as of 4 April, with the entry of ESB Electric Ireland to domestic competition. Following deregulation, ESB Electric Ireland has introduced a range of new Price Plans, reflecting normal competitive practices in the deregulated energy market. I welcome the ESB's announcement of price cuts of up to 17% for electricity and gas customers. This is a positive example of competition at work in the market which should have good results for consumers. ESB Electric Ireland is responding to competitive pressure, while maintaining a balance between its business viability — last year over €20 million in bad debts was written off — and customers' needs. ESB Electric Ireland has a well established practice of agreeing payment plans with customers to facilitate them paying off their arrears over a period appropriate to their individual financial circumstances. ESB Electric Ireland makes c. 150,000 of these arrangements each year.

I have asked ESB to distinguish between those customers who will not pay and those in genuine trouble and to pay particular attention to the needs of customers with genuine payment problems and who want to avail of the price cuts and ESB are reviewing their payment plans to ascertain what options are available.

ESB Electric Ireland has also confirmed that customers in receipt of social welfare payments who may have arrears can register for the household budget price plan. This plan offers reductions on their electricity unit rates provided they sign up to having a minimum amount of €15 a week deducted at source from their social welfare payments via An Post's household budget scheme. The scheme is strongly recommended by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. ESB Electric Ireland is incentivising its customers to participate in the scheme by means of its new household budget price plan offering.

Telecommunications Services

Mattie McGrath

Question:

244 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to have broadband delivered to a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary, an area which is not currently covered by the national broadband scheme and where Eircom has no plans to upgrade the local exchange; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7336/11]

The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie.

In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).

The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally launch a Rural Broadband Scheme in the coming weeks. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas, such as the area mentioned in the Deputy's question.

Pension Provisions

John O'Mahony

Question:

245 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7337/11]

In general, all civil servants are eligible for superannuation benefits on reaching minimum retirement age provided they satisfy the qualifying conditions outlined in the Superannuation Schemes. My Department is responsible for payment of these benefits in respect of civil servants who resigned from the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs on or after 1 June 1973 and before 1 January 1984 (Vesting Day). These former employees are entitled to have any Superannuation benefits to which they may be entitled preserved and these become payable on reaching minimum retirement age, i.e. age 60 or 65 depending on which Scheme they are members of.

It is not possible to say from the limited information provided if the officer is question has any such entitlement but the Human Resources Division of my Department will make direct contact with him to establish this.

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

246 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7416/11]

Since the establishment of my Department in June 2007, four Special Advisers were appointed, three to the Office of the Minister and one to the Office of the Minister of State. Of the four appointees, two were male and two were female. The cost of each of the three Special Advisers appointed to the Office of the Minister is outlined in the following table:

Period of Appointment

Salary Cost*

August 2007-June 2009

221,092

June 2009-January 2011

167,539

June 2007-January 2011

361,207

*Salary cost includes expenses and employer's PRSI.

Since the establishment of my Department in June 2007, 98 appointments have been made to bodies under the aegis of my Department, 75 of which were male and 23 of which were female.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

247 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7439/11]

During the period in question, there were two European Union Joint Telecoms and Energy Councils. One took place on 3 December 2010, which my predecessor was unable to attend due to adverse weather conditions. This was attended by officials in his absence. The other was on 31 May 2010, which was attended by my predecessor. The then Minister also attended the Energy-only Council of the European Union on 12 March 2010.

Postal Services

Regina Doherty

Question:

248 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the proposed review of An Post services for handling mail that could not be delivered because no one was present at the address is likely to take place; when the results of that review will be available; his views on the maintenance of An Post delivery and postal services to the rural communities here, in particular a location (details supplied) in County Meath,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7462/11]

An Post's mail handling and delivery services are an operational matter for An Post. I have no statutory role with regard to them. The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is responsible, under the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002, for monitoring compliance by An Post with its statutory universal service obligations.

Afforestation Programme

Martin Ferris

Question:

249 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the envisaged annual afforestation programme to be overseen by the new energy company formed through the merger of Coillte and Bord na Móna and projected to deliver an annual planting of 14,700 hectares will utilise existing Coillte lands. [7506/11]

The Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food has statutory responsibility for the national afforestation programme, including annual targets, and for Coillte Teoranta. I will work with him and with the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, in the context of the NewERA plan to deliver on the Government's ambitious strategy of accelerating the development of Ireland's forestry and bioenergy resources as well as the merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte. The systematic development of Ireland's abundant bioenergy resources will contribute to national security of energy supply and our renewable energy targets. Critically, it will support rural development by providing new markets and employment development opportunities for the agriculture, farming and forestry sectors.

Telecommunications Services

Robert Troy

Question:

250 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the provision of high-speed broadband in rural Ireland. [7507/11]

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The telecommunications market in Ireland has been fully liberalised since 1999 and, since then, has seen the steady growth and development of vibrant well-regulated competition in the provision of the full range of telecommunications products and services. The Government has intervened in cases of market failure. Such interventions, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme and the proposed Rural Broadband Scheme, are subject to state aid clearance by the EU Commission.

Under the NewERA proposals in the programme for Government, there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and the commercial semi-State sector to provide next generation broadband to every home and business in the State. Consideration of how best to advance these proposals, for which my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, has specific responsibility, is being advanced by my Department with other stakeholders across Government. In designing a measure to accelerate delivery of high speed broadband across Ireland, it will be important to ensure we do not displace or delay private sector investment which is already planned. Full account must also be taken of existing Exchequer-funded interventions such as the NBS and the proposed Rural Broadband Scheme. Furthermore, state aid rules preclude any intervention which is "technology specific" and requires the Government to clearly demonstrate market failure. In order to accelerate the development of high speed broadband, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, and I intend to engage intensively with industry. The discussions will focus on identifying private and State sector investment plans, removing barriers to investment where appropriate and establishing appropriate targets and programmes.

Post Office Network

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

251 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a decision has been made on the need for a post office in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7512/11]

Post office network issues, including the establishment of new post offices, are a matter for the management and board of An Post. I have no statutory function in that regard.

Electricity Disconnections

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

252 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the details of a recent electricity supply disconnection case (details supplied); and if he is satisfied with the current regulations allowing electricity suppliers such as the ESB disconnect personal customers from the supply network. [7626/11]

I have no function in the matter of disconnections of customers of ESB or other energy suppliers. Nevertheless, it is the case that the increase in disconnections in the past 12 months is a matter of considerable concern for the Government, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), voluntary organisations and energy suppliers. The current economic climate is placing additional pressures on consumers and many consumers are experiencing problems meeting outgoings including energy costs. The primary responsibility to manage customer debt rests with the energy suppliers and the customer. The key message for all customers is to contact their suppliers to make arrangements before the situation gets to the point of disconnection.

The CER, which is a statutorily independent body that was established under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, has responsibility for overseeing the regulation of Ireland's electricity and gas sectors. CER promotes competition in the electricity and natural gas markets so that customers can ultimately benefit from competitive pressures on prices. It protects the interests of final customers, especially the disadvantaged and the elderly, by ensuring that standards of services are set and codes of practice are in place to protect vulnerable users. As part of its customer protection remit, the CER took a number of initiatives in relation to disconnections policy during 2010. In November, changes were introduced to the allocation of costs of disconnections and reconnections for non-payment between the supplier and customer. Instead of the customer bearing the entire cost, these costs are now shared equally by the supplier. This is an interim measure and effective until December 2012. CER has also issued updated guidelines for the disconnections code of practice and reviewed the cost of disconnection and reconnection for domestic customers. These costs were reduced from €174 to €70 for electricity and from €123.48 to €61.74 for gas.

CER is also working with the energy supply industry on interim prepayment solutions and is also consulting with industry and other interest groups, such as the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, on addressing the challenges of so-called debt hopping. The Commission has a statutory responsibility to provide a complaints resolution service to customers with an unresolved dispute with their supplier or network operator. An Energy Customers Team has been set up within the Commission to deal directly with customers who have complaints. CER also provides a dedicated Energy Customers website, www.energycustomers.ie, which provides consumer information on the electricity and gas market and, in particular, on how to engage with its complaints resolution service. I welcome the fact that CER is working with energy suppliers to ensure they take all reasonable steps to assist customers through this difficult period and that electricity and to provide that gas disconnections because of genuine inability to pay are minimised and only occur as a last resort after numerous steps have been taken by a supplier to try to prevent this happening.

Telecommunications Services

David Stanton

Question:

253 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered or will consider including an area (details supplied) in County Cork under the national broadband scheme or if his attention has been drawn to plans to make this area broadband-enabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7632/11]

The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website, www.callcosts.ie. In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention. Prior to launching the NBS, my Department carried out a detailed mapping exercise to determine which areas would be included and which, by virtue of already being served by a commercial operator, were to be excluded. That exercise found that the area of Ballynoe was already covered and hence was excluded from the scheme.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons, such as suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc. The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme funding for rural broadband initiatives. Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally launch a rural broadband scheme in the coming weeks. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

254 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards or review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7742/11]

Since my appointment, I have made no appointment of any persons to boards or review groups, or to prepare reports.

Internet Domain Registry

Jim Daly

Question:

255 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is any legislation in place that governs the use of “.ie” domains in other countries; if any person in any part of the world can purchase a .ie domain and operate a business from that domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/11]

Irish legislation only has force of law in Ireland. Relevant EU legislation governs e-commerce within EU Member States. The registration of ".ie" country code top-level domain names can currently only take place through the ".ie" domain registry and its registrars. The ".ie" domain registry is the registry for ".ie" domain names and maintains the database of ".ie" registered domain names. Registration policy for ".ie" domain names is set out on the ".ie" domain registry website, www.domainregistry.ie, which states that all applicants applying for an “.ie” domain name who are not situated in the island of Ireland must demonstrate a real and substantive connection with Ireland, with the exception of those applying by means of Community Trademark.

Local Authority Charges

Peter Mathews

Question:

256 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the non-principal private residence levy in order that landlords that have split a house into multiple dwellings are not charged as if each dwelling is a separate house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7241/11]

In 2009, the Government decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential properties that are not the owner's sole or main residence. The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which sets out the detail of the charge, defines residential property as including flats, apartments and bedsits. The €200 charge is payable on each unit of accommodation used, or suitable for use as a separate dwelling, whether or not any amenity or facility in the building or premises may be shared. Therefore, the owner of a house split into a number of bedsits is liable for the charge on each unit in that house. When the Bill was being debated in the Oireachtas, the view was taken that this was the fairest approach. I have no plans to amend the charge on non-principal private residences in this respect presently but I will take the views of the Deputy into account in any future assessment of the charge.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

257 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7182/11]

My Department engaged a total of 31 retired former public servants at a cost of €167,392.20 in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. Retired former public servants are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period and they provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such requirements. Day-to-day operational matters, including the contracting out of work in the agencies under the aegis of my Department, are management matters for the individual agencies concerned, and my Department does not routinely collect such information. If the Deputy has a specific request, my Department will seek the information from the agency concerned.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

258 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text by 2012. [7197/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

259 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7212/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.

An audit of signage at buildings and facilities under my Department's control is currently ongoing and to date has not identified any signage requiring replacement. However, my Department will correct any signage that is identified through this audit to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements of the Official Languages Act. Compliance with the requirements by agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves.

Motor Taxation

Joe McHugh

Question:

260 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review a matter of vehicle classification (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7221/11]

There is no motor tax classification consisting of two-door vehicles. I presume the question is referring to the taxation of commercial or goods vehicles. To be taxed as a goods vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted for that purpose and must be used solely in the course of trade or business. Under section 2 of the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Act 1952, if a vehicle is used in a condition or manner that would attract motor tax at a higher rate, tax becomes payable at that rate. In other words, if a goods vehicle is used in a private capacity it must, like all other private vehicles, be taxed at the private rate of motor tax. Licensing authorities have an obligation under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 to be satisfied that a vehicle is correctly taxed and it is thus open to a motor tax office to seek additional documentation supporting a claim for the goods rate of motor tax. Such documentation may include a certificate of commercial insurance or evidence of registration for VAT purposes or, at the discretion of the licensing authority concerned, any other appropriate document that would indicate that the applicant is in trade or business. An income tax registration number is now routinely sought as part of the RF111A Goods Only Declaration form. Neither a VAT number nor a herd number is an obligatory requirement in order to tax a vehicle as goods. It should be borne in mind that it is up to the individual concerned to provide whatever evidence is required by the licensing authority in order for it to be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to claim what is in effect a concessionary rate of tax. I will review the taxation classes currently in place for motor vehicles.

Local Authority Charges

Gerald Nash

Question:

261 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will undertake to ensure that any review or re-rating of the commercial rates system planned by him will prioritise local authorities in the Border counties based on the unique competitive challenges faced in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7246/11]

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The determination of the annual rate on valuation, which is applied to a property valuation to calculate rates, is a decision taken locally by the elected members of a local authority in their annual budget. While matters relating to rates are kept under regular consideration in my Department, I have no immediate plans to conduct any review of the rating system generally.

Local Authority Housing

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

262 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amended regulations for the assessment of social housing need; if he will indicate, on a county basis, the previous levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7251/11]

Section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides for a new process of assessing the housing needs of households seeking social housing support. In addition, it provides for the standardisation of the approach by housing authorities to income limits. It is not possible to set out in a table the income limits that housing authorities applied up to now due to the wide variety of approaches by individual authorities, with some not applying fixed income limits and the limits of other authorities varying according to local policies and circumstances. Individual authorities also adopted different approaches to the calculation of income for the purpose of their income limits. Some authorities used gross income, while others disregarded different forms of income and some made allowances for rent paid or other outgoings. The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, which were made in February 2011, assigned each housing authority to one of three bands of prescribed maximum income limits. Amending regulations that were made in March 2011 increased the prescribed limits by €5,000 each, as detailed in the reply to Questions Nos. 279 and 280 of 5 April 2011. In addition, the housing means policy that was issued in March under the regulations set down a common approach by housing authorities to the calculation of income for the purposes of the new limits.

Planning Issues

Tom Fleming

Question:

263 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a planning matter (details supplied) in County Kerry. [7340/11]

Under planning legislation, the decision as to whether to grant a planning application, with or without conditions, is a matter for the relevant planning authority in the first instance and for An Bord Pleanála in the case of an appeal. In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. Decisions on appeals by An Bord Pleanála are matters of public record.

In the case of An Bord Pleanála Planning Reference Number: PL 08.218394, it is noted that seven conditions are attached to the grant of permission, including Condition No. 1(1) which states that development shall not commence until the public road to the south of the site has been realigned to the satisfaction of the planning authority. It is also noted that Condition No. 6 states, inter alia, that the developer shall pay to the planning authority a financial contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the planning authority that is provided or intended to be provided by or on behalf of the authority in accordance with the terms of the development contribution scheme made under section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The contribution shall be paid prior to the commencement of development or in such phased payments as the planning authority may facilitate and shall be subject to any applicable indexation provisions of the scheme at the time of payment. Details of the application of the terms of the scheme shall be agreed between the planning authority and the developer or, in default of such agreement, the matter shall be referred to the board to determine the proper application of the terms of the scheme. It is further noted that Condition No. 7 states that the developer shall pay to the planning authority a financial contribution as a special contribution under section 48(2)(c) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in respect of the realignment of the public road to the south of the site. The amount of the contribution shall be agreed between the planning authority and the developer or, in default of such agreement, the matter shall be referred to the board for determination. The contribution shall be paid prior to the commencement of the development or in such phased payments as the planning authority may facilitate.

Local Authority Funding

Dara Calleary

Question:

264 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the overall amount of moneys collected through local authority rates for each of the years from 2000 to 2010 and if he will provide this information on a local authority basis. [7356/11]

Brian Walsh

Question:

270 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will quantify the amount of commercial rates outstanding to local authorities as at 31 March 2011; if he will consider the introduction of measures to assist hard pressed ratepayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7590/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 270 together.

The table shows the total rates income and that for each local authority for each of the years from 2000 to 2009. Data are taken from annual Local Authority Financial Outturn Publications. 2010 data are not yet available.

In the years 2000 to 2003 local authorities published their accounts on a cash accounting basis, while from 2004 onwards accruals based accounting is used. The figures are therefore not directly comparable across all years.

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. I have no direct involvement in the collection of rates, which is a matter for each individual local authority.

Rates Income 2000

Rates Income 2001

Rates Income 2002

Rates Income 2003

Rates Income 2004

Rates Income 2005

Rates Income 2006

Rates Income 2007

Rates Income 2008

Rates Income 2009

Total Rates Income*

587,415,728

663,840,756

751,244,327

840,410,747

944,273,734

1,051,979,692

1,190,765,417

1,269,257,446

1,358,374,584

1,408,291,751

Local Authority Name

Carlow

2,532,367

2,743,972

3,159,034

3,367,790.16

3,576,524.90

4,021,928.92

4,174,442.96

4,456,265.61

5,119,869.59

5,374,917.53

Cavan

3,590,263

4,231,570

5,074,629

5,553,658.08

5,933,868.41

6,648,541.75

7,816,388.34

8,475,527.51

9,550,646.52

9,803,682.79

Clare

16,382,825

18,146,410

20,065,608

22,031,678.00

23,884,657.73

27,326,573.29

29,800,036.62

32,213,539.28

33,574,843.54

35,610,968.31

Cork

41,100,441

46,513,635

52,060,338

58,266,803.00

68,072,346.00

74,190,462.00

81,469,053.00

90,098,189.00

97,460,029.00

100,501,571.00

Donegal

9,761,049

11,135,790

12,462,842

14,641,358.16

15,074,546.66

16,483,019.98

18,186,169.23

19,233,215.76

20,604,905.66

20,911,384.16

Fingal

38,793,531

47,530,150

56,633,902

62,588,046.46

71,622,443.97

80,617,227.41

95,168,475.11

104,706,583.00

124,154,299.20

128,955,983.77

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

37,917,240

41,831,393

50,911,516

59,152,932.39

63,330,271.50

66,670,934.53

80,442,187.00

80,407,385.41

83,461,789.81

88,212,296.12

Galway

6,770,272

7,758,957

9,423,235

11,823,667.85

12,722,794.64

14,186,111.97

15,889,060.57

19,463,404.64

21,607,003.59

22,494,723.38

Kerry

10,349,645

10,558,405

11,621,491

12,164,732.98

13,083,976.13

14,716,331.05

15,783,882.79

16,395,658.14

17,851,130.70

18,066,274.86

Kildare

14,216,220

15,912,314

18,487,123

20,021,643.21

24,653,637.09

27,061,387.81

32,286,655.71

37,237,973.94

38,784,510.21

38,904,432.71

Kilkenny

4,441,419

4,999,650

5,818,446

6,732,894.00

7,439,165.87

8,321,511.18

9,421,725.35

10,437,623.14

11,161,937.01

11,415,160.30

Laois

3,603,061

4,165,328

4,769,050

5,476,306.00

5,871,264.02

6,982,372.29

8,057,639.53

8,508,851.78

9,017,454.53

8,917,226.80

Leitrim

1,706,296

1,873,275

2,221,738

2,296,707.21

2,635,646.68

2,955,030.67

3,474,162.97

3,699,449.39

4,438,225.35

4,600,260.14

Limerick

12,424,628

13,706,645

15,445,772

18,192,294.38

19,826,140.80

22,084,226.29

23,948,427.39

26,447,622.68

26,811,171.36

26,570,796.00

Longford

1,807,467

1,868,201

2,081,252

2,418,527.55

2,782,236.97

3,746,625.79

3,782,333.19

3,974,244.93

4,290,832.18

3,957,801.15

Louth

2,904,622

3,608,636

4,077,399

4,579,081.50

4,602,434.43

5,544,034.00

6,538,226.29

7,026,446.18

7,239,963.83

7,879,049.23

Mayo

6,150,500

6,913,438

7,616,725

8,286,983.31

10,100,383.35

10,951,080.26

11,590,010.50

12,670,918.93

13,735,974.80

13,756,717.18

Meath

7,029,362

8,094,479

9,143,952

10,345,839.22

11,511,718.61

14,082,902.65

16,520,760.14

18,609,185.64

21,520,161.04

21,524,342.40

Monaghan

2,517,473

2,846,081

3,275,644

3,652,587.65

4,207,165.70

4,590,156.59

5,146,115.64

5,498,737.15

5,857,281.58

6,207,909.88

North Tipperary

3,480,131

52,001,021

63,560,577

4,448,432.52

5,155,757.63

5,385,672.93

5,966,114.56

6,404,106.18

6,698,689.74

7,037,876.28

Offaly

2,684,389

3,612,748

4,059,174

4,175,436.24

4,778,559.07

4,600,257.35

6,666,450.36

6,817,009.49

7,538,897.29

7,640,651.96

Roscommon

3,932,376

3,629,710

4,137,130

5,231,129.27

5,969,563.06

6,321,598.03

7,574,061.14

8,582,668.89

9,266,228.70

10,330,451.14

Sligo

2,037,010

4,466,271

4,762,436

2,829,046.00

3,140,510.01

3,473,854.06

3,916,266.42

4,139,339.53

4,700,579.71

4,747,158.83

South Dublin

41,861,213

2,265,866

2,467,967

70,677,989.49

79,159,151.32

88,098,554.20

106,133,775.60

113,937,013.70

113,985,909.20

121,180,161.30

South Tipperary

3,668,012

3,975,776

4,355,860

5,004,343.42

5,463,462.14

5,741,666.46

6,069,893.94

6,748,420.25

7,143,704.35

7,714,680.65

Waterford

2,844,809

3,023,201

3,305,575

3,967,024.00

4,187,045.38

4,526,602.82

5,064,639.22

5,884,086.40

6,163,325.58

6,946,606.65

Westmeath

3,418,796

3,924,280

3,855,338

4,413,879.02

5,287,315.53

5,690,415.02

6,650,067.37

7,125,926.99

7,485,990.84

7,807,174.96

Wexford

7,701,433

8,733,059

9,479,067

10,804,673.00

11,883,937.00

13,855,498.00

15,471,563.00

16,711,627.00

15,342,623.00

16,563,297.00

Wicklow

5,525,421

6,149,478

6,745,831

8,169,669.92

8,769,684.00

9,501,302.33

11,064,006.29

13,330,231.70

15,086,952.08

16,574,471.53

Cork

32,731,375

36,276,017

38,759,582

43,622,400.00

45,822,914.00

48,555,922.00

53,284,561.00

57,495,613.00

59,613,446.00

62,217,674.00

Dublin

147,484,305

163,384,419

179,234,495

194,401,960.00

222,440,223.00

258,350,577.00

285,098,653.00

286,358,133.00

304,553,512.00

316,107,522.00

Galway

11,467,770

13,308,446

15,307,591

17,255,792.91

20,288,157.35

22,426,252.22

26,419,666.56

28,644,675.86

30,759,286.52

33,168,472.10

Limerick

14,365,738

16,082,610

17,530,370

20,959,777.58

23,094,293.14

24,430,333.70

26,107,114.92

27,033,278.41

28,795,770.02

30,298,778.30

Waterford

8,843,545

9,732,389

10,680,966

12,630,043.98

14,601,517.05

15,877,257.90

17,263,536.81

18,294,180.58

19,543,748.38

18,128,622.11

Clonmel

2,531,220

2,682,073

3,084,864

3,322,323.59

3,623,715.94

4,091,644.29

4,243,772.81

4,666,430.07

4,867,257.53

4,651,033.81

Drogheda

4,158,311

5,646,180

5,942,768

6,992,307.15

7,459,173.04

8,090,289.79

9,158,381.01

10,781,471.13

11,013,718.94

11,888,284.80

Kilkenny

2,253,777

2,549,664

2,783,866

3,155,187.10

3,429,454.00

3,915,525.81

4,411,889.04

4,803,561.78

5,246,401.60

6,009,034.49

Sligo

3,052,776

3,515,480

3,484,427

4,618,937.30

5,088,071.34

5,710,457.96

6,216,652.88

6,819,505.16

7,177,724.95

7,369,546.52

Wexford

1,509,947

1,252,944

2,337,079

2,417,967.00

2,639,682.00

2,716,576.00

3,090,617.00

3,532,542.00

6,494,677.00

7,088,670.00

Arklow

1,227,451

1,172,217

1,123,042

1,456,965.00

1,585,281.00

1,673,038.00

1,924,323.80

2,219,240.84

2,757,852.00

3,184,059.33

Athlone

1,243,801

1,306,260

1,408,213

1,886,066.74

2,220,817.48

2,601,101.65

2,985,597.89

3,359,268.49

3,782,419.56

4,561,714.32

Athy

1,011,494

1,020,619

1,052,158

1,364,058.84

1,272,835.89

1,284,045.00

1,431,903.81

1,476,790.52

1,769,956.95

1,311,114.68

Ballina

1,229,195

1,186,215

1,815,891

2,317,417.01

2,536,832.70

2,878,052.06

3,148,347.87

3,264,931.56

3,496,272.15

3,605,209.29

Ballinasloe

830,145

852,285

906,924

1,053,550.71

1,123,912.58

1,135,194.97

1,252,249.27

1,361,144.50

1,512,416.88

1,616,989.34

Birr

556,502

545,958

751,188

835,185.31

933,220.88

982,071.25

1,056,698.47

1,110,896.29

1,265,714.13

1,244,332.76

Bray

3,110,298

3,320,700

3,744,020

4,171,986.43

4,539,193.00

4,836,641.72

5,541,467.58

6,357,960.63

6,768,213.00

6,773,847.24

Buncrana

693,803

641,093

729,593

937,091.24

1,079,223.79

1,108,377.15

1,204,549.37

1,268,080.13

1,339,876.36

1,361,814.17

Bundoran

583,385

677,149

725,469

761,877.38

811,826.99

852,588.17

863,100.67

941,924.10

1,006,647.17

1,051,282.93

Carlow

2,367,879

2,676,794

2,845,144

3,093,389.00

3,677,004.15

4,202,978.71

4,887,294.41

5,262,389.04

5,536,477.09

5,579,975.71

Carrick on Suir

428,281

435,777

556,833

525,754.01

590,858.19

626,797.43

718,344.52

699,702.60

716,879.42

778,445.00

Carrickmacross

653,740

820,599

938,448

976,334.19

1,083,942.39

1,131,942.45

1,191,676.24

1,266,880.73

1,312,356.84

1,333,079.53

Cashel

251,685

268,438

285,340

331,739.15

383,454.07

444,160.04

486,273.88

556,162.05

591,652.57

607,955.33

Castlebar

1,236,454

1,504,215

1,981,234

2,114,915.58

2,395,208.73

2,546,041.21

3,050,958.55

3,322,143.59

3,644,316.98

3,764,681.92

Castleblayney

410,274

389,416

438,065

535,764.49

580,430.27

606,344.33

633,822.86

740,791.44

790,132.60

807,784.52

Cavan

931,764

1,030,508

1,127,968

1,255,084.00

1,309,618.93

1,436,052.10

1,514,041.96

1,588,469.02

1,783,623.00

1,996,081.46

Clonakility

565,195

655,792

686,168

859,521.00

928,884.00

1,071,907.00

1,167,969.00

1,227,039.00

1,312,772.00

1,322,273.00

Clones

243,626

272,375

286,385

359,119.40

386,058.10

402,766.80

415,014.29

417,866.92

449,860.41

447,869.33

Cobh

368,493

424,851

456,693

532,321.00

635,346.00

685,772.00

780,830.00

818,820.00

858,990.00

893,276.00

Dundalk

6,146,866

6,689,305

7,596,525

8,398,693.00

9,515,880.59

10,175,193.50

11,026,702.42

12,315,208.25

13,589,894.33

14,095,551.09

Dungarvan

1,397,582

1,512,052

1,633,355

1,901,589.01

1,971,903.63

2,261,861.32

2,441,373.48

2,731,675.73

2,896,755.90

3,092,323.14

Ennis

1,966,888

2,091,404

2,318,709

2,763,415.98

3,254,573.39

3,688,952.75

4,291,811.29

4,620,786.02

4,914,257.52

5,187,101.79

Enniscorthy

731,835

825,786

909,216

978,585.00

1,059,138.00

1,125,537.00

1,274,596.00

1,356,688.00

1,516,601.00

1,633,836.00

Fermoy

565,197

586,999

637,203

697,526.00

842,162.00

890,362.00

941,370.00

1,002,362.00

1,075,654.00

1,087,537.00

Kells

333,301

351,179

381,185

428,900.00

460,575.96

554,976.81

584,605.02

526,295.68

481,648.35

627,254.67

Killarney

3,009,292

3,315,906

3,579,743

4,509,050.63

4,732,741.64

5,264,078.62

5,780,146.47

6,475,241.26

7,011,858.69

7,135,609.16

Kilrush

320,940

410,744

345,774

449,086.25

507,898.69

520,760.88

545,929.01

564,768.19

611,573.59

702,980.51

Kinsale

537,348

647,227

680,373

695,340.00

829,804.00

864,798.00

956,712.00

1,035,118.00

1,085,610.00

1,083,929.00

Letterkenny

1,408,576

1,559,213

1,912,811

2,252,528.17

3,755,225.56

3,535,444.96

4,451,641.77

4,734,906.75

5,755,868.90

5,693,021.47

Listowel

992,015

1,117,693

1,134,715

1,198,660.89

1,280,176.88

1,394,296.58

1,496,101.14

1,571,399.19

1,520,075.27

1,601,635.27

Longford

994,918

1,168,159

1,261,531

1,424,345.09

1,704,533.42

1,816,575.88

2,271,362.69

2,562,851.01

2,769,357.01

3,075,264.40

Macroom

412,373

432,146

457,375

488,897.00

569,529.00

622,827.00

635,861.00

700,879.00

896,033.00

898,580.00

Mallow

1,304,380

1,393,096

1,466,096

1,576,456.00

1,830,562.00

2,001,196.00

2,135,978.00

2,401,835.00

2,378,853.00

2,147,329.00

Midleton

756,099

779,288

942,922

988,127.00

1,138,123.00

1,289,865.00

1,499,648.00

1,647,842.00

1,730,463.00

1,846,256.00

Monaghan

1,467,251

1,671,120

1,838,928

2,132,887.29

2,296,078.63

2,544,402.05

2,867,248.44

3,015,230.92

3,209,566.32

3,264,821.28

Naas

2,441,998

2,609,376

3,163,761

2,914,778.26

3,676,389.18

4,732,327.66

5,351,713.00

5,931,410.06

6,044,809.89

6,351,335.50

Navan

1,086,392

1,227,190

1,377,410

1,553,654.06

1,454,250.15

1,718,511.09

1,793,910.74

2,080,818.10

2,293,923.61

2,145,852.10

Nenagh

1,411,751

1,535,021

1,716,071

1,981,852.00

2,354,684.22

2,596,764.46

2,772,218.46

3,107,066.22

3,224,826.58

3,343,844.46

New Ross

633,180

732,617

785,978

863,026.00

929,609.00

980,868.00

1,002,918.00

1,127,873.00

1,067,133.00

1,144,256.00

Skibbereen

468,353

525,391

582,065

613,679.00

776,254.00

848,976.00

950,255.00

1,001,181.00

1,056,417.00

1,075,348.00

Templemore

176,784

231,173

237,776

324,323.58

343,193.90

360,544.45

360,499.30

408,362.32

437,822.00

444,672.39

Thurles

961,008

1,131,534

1,323,944

1,685,638.00

1,795,082.12

1,904,739.86

2,043,419.56

2,145,040.10

2,251,242.29

2,255,258.23

Tipperary

732,231

770,524

869,902

887,310.06

962,547.03

1,003,510.37

1,078,755.55

1,196,383.37

1,246,894.51

1,285,139.42

Tralee

4,094,433

4,498,736

5,304,933

5,336,770.22

6,465,259.94

6,794,839.77

7,448,375.80

7,858,000.76

8,311,012.51

6,711,316.23

Rates Income 2000

Rates Income 2001

Rates Income 2002

Rates Income 2003

Rates Income 2004

Rates Income 2005

Rates Income 2006

Rates Income 2007

Rates Income 2008

Rates Income 2009

Trim

316,589

349,609

386,295

444,311.48

423,452.61

485,827.69

552,972.69

699,965.00

672,224.47

747,750.87

Tullamore

1,762,424

1,878,845

2,053,995

2,133,882.32

2,426,454.29

2,898,725.78

3,653,586.19

4,223,210.61

4,351,714.16

4,326,334.35

Westport

1,289,754

1,446,201

1,671,838

1,929,718.97

2,135,228.82

2,278,756.34

2,497,912.38

2,681,714.36

2,725,636.22

2,844,497.66

Wicklow

607,194

703,711

759,289

761,937.00

937,567.00

1,056,994.00

1,250,844.27

1,375,903.94

1,443,851.00

1,672,387.85

Youghal

634,276

708,289

741,174

864,370.00

1,074,934.00

1,190,129.00

1,285,564.00

1,334,841.00

1,404,330.00

1,393,276.00

Total Rates income is shown inclusive of amounts netted off by local authorities against town charges in respect of non-rating town councils.

These amounts are shown as a separate line item in the Financial Outturn Publications as ‘Misc. Body Rates Income'.

Turbary Rights

John O'Mahony

Question:

265 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) will receive their agreed payment for the sale of turbary rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7362/11]

The land in question has been inspected and found to be partially within a site designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation. No letter of offer has yet issued and it is not possible to say at this stage when the purchase can be finalised.

However, my Department will write to the applicant in the coming weeks to outline his options regarding compensation in light of recent policy decisions in regard to turf-cutting on designated sites.

Architectural Heritage

Finian McGrath

Question:

266 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the deterioration a college (details supplied). [7399/11]

The conservation principles of care and protection of the architectural heritage are set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

Generally, under the Act, planning authorities have a clear obligation to create a record of protected structures. Under section 58 of the Act owners and occupiers of protected structures have a duty to protect such structures from endangerment. Sections 59 to 78 of the Act give planning authorities powers with regard to the protection of these structures, including powers to require works to be carried out in relation to endangerment of protected structures and to require restoration of the character of protected structures. Belcamp Hall (Belcamp College) school complex (including house, chapel, Washington Monument, bridge, ballcourt, and ice-house) is included in the Record of Protected Structures of Fingal County Council.

My understanding from the Council is that the property (buildings and grounds) is in private ownership and the Council is satisfied that, up to recent weeks, the security measures, in place for a number of years without any serious incident, were sufficient to secure the premises.

However, due to an unprecedented level of apparently targeted vandalism, the Council, with the full consent, co-operation and involvement of the owner, very recently took measures to secure the property and to safely remove stained glass windows and associated decorative items in order to safeguard their survival. This action was taken reluctantly by the Council and only as a last resort. The Council, in such instances, would normally endeavour to keep such items in their place of origin, in line with best conservation practice.

The items taken from the property, under the direction of the Council, are being securely stored under the control of the National Museum.

My Department has asked Fingal County Council to keep it apprised of the situation.

Ministerial Appointments

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

267 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio surrounding these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 and February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 and February 2011. [7421/11]

During the period between June 1997 and February 2011, a total of 13 special advisors were appointed in my Department at a cost of some €3.17m as follows:—

Name

Role

Cost

Jimmy Fegan

Special Adviser

394,642.14

Caroline Callaghan

Communications Co-ordinator

168,238.19

Paul McMahon

Press Adviser

98,009.56

Sara Morris

Press Adviser

5,693.41

Pat Daly

Special Adviser

178,405.34

Dan Pender

Press Officer

181,806.09

David Grant

Special Adviser

174,004.52

Stephen Kearon

Special Adviser

27,030.36

Sean Fitzpatrick

Press Officer

245,231.11

Ryan Meade

Special Adviser

343,948.33

David Healy

Special Adviser

339,422.96

Donal Geoghegan

Special Adviser

612,224.71

Liam Reid

Press Adviser

405,685.44

3,174, 342.16

The gender ratio of these appointments was approximately 5:1 male to female, exactly 11 male and two female.

During the same period a total of 970 appointments were made to State Boards with a gender ratio of almost 2:1 male to female, exactly 649 male and 321 female.

Water Services

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

268 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a progress report from Cork county and city councils regarding the checking of pipes in light of the recent burst pipe at the Old Youghal Road and the subsequent flooding at Shandon Court and Shandon View. [7437/11]

The operation, maintenance and management of the water supply are in this instance a matter for Cork City Council and I have no function in the matter.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

269 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Council of the European Union’s meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7444/11]

In the year from 9 March 2010 to 9 March 2011, the European Council of Environment Ministers met formally on four occasions. The dates of these meetings and a record of Ministerial attendance are set out in the table below.

Date of Meeting

Ministerial Attendance

15th March 2010

Minister John Gormley

11th June 2010

Minister of State Ciaran Cuffe

12th/13th July 2010 (Informal Council)

Minister of State Ciaran Cuffe

14th October 2010

Minister of State Ciaran Cuffe

20th December 2010

Representation at official level

Question No. 270 answered with Question No. 264.

Legislative Programme

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

271 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will sign the commencement order for the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7616/11]

The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 passed all stages in the Seanad on 14 July, 2010 and was signed by the President on 21 July, 2010. I understand that the Act was not commenced, under the last Government, primarily in order to allow sufficient time for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to progress the Greyhound Welfare Bill 2010, providing separately for the regulation of greyhounds. This bill was introduced in the Seanad in January 2011.

I am currently considering the issue of commencement of the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010.

Register of Electors

John Paul Phelan

Question:

272 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he will take to allow non-citizens the opportunity to vote if they have been living in the State for ten years or more. [7376/11]

My Department has been working for some time on the necessary statutory provisions to enable the tenant purchase scheme for local authority apartments under Part 4 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 to be given effect as soon as possible. I am committed to maximising the potential for tenant purchase in the context of the implementation of sustainable communities' policies and measures.

Social and Affordable Housing

David Stanton

Question:

273 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the most recent statistics received from local authorities in relation to numbers on the respective waiting lists for social housing; if he will also provide the most recent numbers received from local authorities indicating the number of houses in each of the respective local authorities that could be made available for social housing that were unoccupied; his plan to request the most up to date information in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7638/11]

My Department does not hold information on the number of households on a local authority's waiting list. This figure continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support.

A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. The last assessment took place in 2008 and indicated that there were 56,249 households in need of social housing support. This assessment also provides information on the waiting period for households seeking social housing support. Detailed information on this assessment, including a breakdown by housing authority, is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie . Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2011 statutory housing needs assessment, the results of which will be published in due course.

A Report on Service Indicators in Local Authorities is published annually. The 2009 report which was published earlier this year provides a breakdown by local authority of the percentage of empty dwellings that are available for letting. This report is available on the Local Government Management Services Board website, www.lgmsb.ie . The service indicators show that there are some 121,903 dwellings in local authority stock which are available for letting of which on average 3.14 percent are empty.

Returning vacant stock to use, in as short a time as possible, continues to be one of my Department's top priorities under the Social Housing Improvement Programme. Earlier this year, my Department issued a circular to housing authorities outlining revised arrangements for the funding of works in respect of vacant units. Housing authorities were requested to prepare an Improvement Plan for Vacant Properties, setting out the proposed measures to improve both categories of vacancies, and outlining proposals for its delivery. These plans are currently under examination in my Department.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

274 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards, review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7745/11]

The Government, on 7 April 2011, announced that it is establishing an independent non-statutory Peatlands Council to respond to commitments set out in the Programme for Government and to assist Ireland in addressing, in a strategic way, the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive in regard to the protection and conservation of important peatland habitats.

I have appointed Mr. Conor Skehan as Chair of the Council. Mr. Skehan is a lecturer with DIT's School of Spatial Planning, and a former Director of Bord na Móna with experience of the peat sector. His consultancy experience in EIA and Habitats legislation gives him an overview of the legal and scientific issues of relevance to the Council's mandate.

Property Services

Catherine Murphy

Question:

275 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to strengthen the law relating to consumer protection for those purchasing a house or apartment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7312/11]

The Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009, which has passed through the Seanad and is currently awaiting Dáil Committee Stage, contains provisions which will greatly strengthen consumer protection for intending purchasers of houses and apartments. The Bill provides for establishment of the Property Services Regulatory Authority to control and supervise auctioneers, estate agents and property management agents, and to improve standards in the provision of property services for the benefit of their clients and other users and potential users of property services.

The statutory functions of the Authority will include implementation of a licensing system for auctioneers, letting agents and property management agents and establishment of a system for investigating and adjudicating on complaints by clients and customers of licensees. Where complaints are upheld, significant penalties may be imposed. The Authority will also have a general role of promoting public awareness and disseminating information to the public in respect of property services, in particular the cost of such services and the risks and benefits associated with the provision of those services.

Legislative Programme

Sean Fleming

Question:

276 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when section 28 of the Guardianship of Infants Act, as amended by the Children Act 1997, which dealt with the appointment of guardian ad litem in certain circumstances, was commenced and put into legal effect and entered into force of law. [7373/11]

Section 28 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, inserted by section 11 of the Children Act 1997, regarding appointment of a guardian ad litem for a child and provision for separate representation of the guardian ad litem, has not been commenced. I am presently considering the possible commencement of the section.

Registration of Title

Robert Dowds

Question:

277 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the law in terms of landowners recording their ownership of land that they have purchased with the Land Registry. [7477/11]

I can inform the Deputy that registration in the Land Registry is governed by the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 1964 & 2006 and the Land Registration Rules 1972 – 2010.

The usual practice is to seek the advice of a practising solicitor who would be in a position to advise the client and prepare the necessary documentation based on a consideration of all of the factors relevant to the particular case. The Deputy will be aware that I cannot give legal advice in individual cases.

As of 1st June 2011, registration in the Land Registry is compulsory in all 26 counties in the following cases:

1. On conveyance on sale — in the case of freehold land.

2. On grant or assignment on sale — in the case of leasehold land.

Further information is available on the website of the Property Registration Authority www.prai.ie.

The Deputy might wish to note that the benefit of registering title in the Land Registry is that the title shown on the individual folio in the Register is guaranteed by the State which is bound to indemnify any person who suffers loss through a mistake made by the Land Registry.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

278 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7186/11]

During 2010 a total of 24 retired public servants were retained by my Department and the agencies under its remit for the purposes outlined by the Deputy, at a cost of approximately €122,000. These figures do not include An Garda Síochána as it was not possible to obtain the details in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

279 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012. [7201/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

280 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7216/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.

I can inform the Deputy that no cost has been incurred as a result of changing signs where existing signs in Irish did not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text required by 2012.

In relation to the anticipated cost of ensuring compliance with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by 2013, until such a time as my Department receives quotations from the relevant suppliers of the goods and services referred to, I will not be in a position to assess the costs in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy. However, I do not anticipate these costs to be significant in the context of my Department's budget.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

281 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost to date of providing a facility to ensure that any person appearing before the courts can vindicate their entitlement to give evidence or provide documents in Irish; the numbers who have availed of this facility since the coming into force of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7225/11]

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and my Department has no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which are specified in section 5 as follows:

management of the Courts;

provision of support services for the judges;

provision of information on the courts system to the public;

provision, maintenance and management of court buildings; and

provision of facilities for court users.

In the circumstances, I am asking the Chief Executive of the Courts Service to note the terms of the question from the Deputy and to respond to him directly in the matter.

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

282 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date on the determination of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7237/11]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 6 March, 2002. Her asylum application was considered by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of whom concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 10 June, 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time. Following the consideration of her case, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform made a Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned on 8 August, 2004.

This Order was served by registered post dated 12 January, 2005 which placed a legal obligation on the person concerned to ‘present' at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 in order to make travel arrangements for her removal from the State. The person concerned ‘presented' as required.

On 28 February, 2005, judicial review proceedings were lodged in the High Court on behalf of the person concerned, challenging the decision of the then Minister to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. The Judicial Review Leave application was refused on 29 November, 2006. The person concerned was advised by registered letter dated 9 January, 2007 that as the judicial review proceedings had been determined, it was intended to proceed with her removal from the State. She was required to ‘present' at the Offices of the GNIB on Monday 15 January, 2007 in order to make arrangements for her removal from the State. She ‘presented' as required and was given further presentation dates.

An application for Subsidiary Protection was made on behalf of the person concerned, by her legal representative, under cover of a letter dated 23 March, 2009. While it appeared at that time, based on an earlier High Court Judgment, that a person subject to a Deportation Order could seek the exercise of Ministerial discretion, pursuant to Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006, to having a Subsidiary Protection application examined, in circumstances where new facts or circumstances had been advanced which demonstrated a change from the position which obtained at the time the Deportation Order was made, this position was overturned by a Supreme Court decision dated 9 July, 2010 which ruled that Minister did not have such a discretion. As a result, it is not open to the Minister to consider an application for Subsidiary Protection from a person who was the subject of a Deportation Order on the date the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 came into force on 10 October, 2006. Accordingly, the Subsidiary Protection application submitted by the person concerned cannot be considered.

The person concerned, through her legal representative, has submitted further representations which are being treated as an application for the revocation of the existing Deportation Order, as provided for under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This application is under consideration at present. When a decision has been made on that application, the decision, and the consequences of the decision, will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

In the meantime, the person concerned remains the subject of a Deportation Order and, as such, she is legally obliged to comply with any reporting requirements placed on her by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail 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.

Commercial Rent Review

Joe McHugh

Question:

283 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will address the matter of upward-only rent reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7345/11]

Section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 prohibits upward only rent reviews in respect of leases entered into after 28 February 2010. As regards leases which existed prior to that date, the Programme for Government indicates that legislation will be introduced to end upward only rent reviews for such leases. I am in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to progressing this matter as expeditiously as possible.

Garda Operations

Dara Calleary

Question:

284 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the verdict delivered on 4 February 2011 in the case concerning the death of Garda Robbie McCallion, RIP; his views on same; and, in view of that verdict, if he will consider changing the laws to give stronger protections to members of An Garda Síochána while on duty. [7348/11]

The position is that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the verdict in specific cases.

A specific offence of assault of a peace officer (including a member of an Garda Síochána) acting in the course of his or her duty is provided for in section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. I have no proposals at present for further legislation in relation to this matter but the situation will be kept under review.

Courts Service

Dara Calleary

Question:

285 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the changes envisaged to the operations and service delivery of the Courts Service by the Croke Park agreement. [7349/11]

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of courthouses is the responsibility of the Courts Service and my Department has no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which are specified in section 5 as follows:

management of the Courts;

provision of support services for the judges;

provision of information on the courts system to the public;

provision, maintenance and management of court buildings; and

provision of facilities for court users.

However, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Courts Service website www.courts.ie, which contains the Courts Service Action Plan under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.

Immigration Policy

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

286 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will amend section 15A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended) to make its provisions applicable to civil partners of Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7365/11]

It is my intention that in immigration-related matters, civil partnerships registered in Ireland or recognised by Irish law will, so far as is possible, be treated the same as marriages. It would be consistent with this approach to apply the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended) to the civil partners of Irish citizens. It would be my intention to bring forward an amendment to this effect at a future date.

In the case of a non-Irish national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen those conditions are that the applicant must:

be of full age;

be of good character;

be married to the Irish citizen for at least 3 years;

be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting;

be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse;

have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application; and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years;

have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended) currently provides that the Minister for Justice and Equality may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled.

Until I secure the relevant amendment to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended) I intend, in appropriate cases, where there is a registered civil partnership recognised under the relevant legislation here, to use my discretion to grant certificates of naturalisation to persons involved in such relationships in situations in which naturalisation would be granted to an applicant who is a non-Irish national spouse of an Irish spouse.

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

287 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the expected or pending residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7367/11]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 208 of Tuesday, 22 March, 2011, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail 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.

Sexual Offences

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

288 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the progressive campaign of a website (details supplied); if he will address the issue of illegal websites promoting and advertising prostitution or sexual enslavement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7388/11]

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

293 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take in dealing with the serious issue of illegal websites promoting and advertising prostitution and sexual enslavement. [7456/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 293 together.

I am aware of the website referred to. Section 23 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 provides for offences in relation to the advertisement of services in circumstances or manner which give rise to the reasonable inference that the premises is a brothel or that the service is one of prostitution. Advertisement in this context is defined as including every form of advertising or promotion, including by way of radio, television, computer monitor or other like means of communication.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána continually targets the individuals and criminal groups involved in criminality within the sex industry. Operation Quest specifically targets organised prostitution, brothel keeping and related offences, including the advertising of prostitution. An Garda Síochána has to date identified, arrested, prosecuted and convicted a number of individuals and criminal groups involved in this activity.

While the issue of such advertising can be difficult to tackle, given the unregulated and international nature of the internet, An Garda Síochána, as part of Operation Quest, monitors the internet and websites associated with the advertising of prostitution, targeting the activities of criminal groups involved in organised prostitution, brothel keeping and money laundering offences. Such investigations are being conducted in conjunction with the Organised Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Strong legislative, administrative and operational measures have been put in place to prevent and combat trafficking in persons for both sexual and labour exploitation purposes. A dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Unit was established in my Department in February 2008 to ensure that the State's response to human trafficking is co-ordinated and comprehensive. This led to the publication in June 2009 of the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat the Trafficking of Human Beings in Ireland for the period 2009 to 2012. In addition, the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit in the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in the Health Service Executive (HSE) and a specialist human trafficking legal team in the Legal Aid Board have been established. These Units have been set up to provide services to victims of human trafficking. Dedicated personnel are also assigned to deal with prosecution of cases in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and in the Asylum Seeker and New Communities Unit in the HSE.

I should add that the law on prostitution is kept under continuing review by my Department.

Court Accommodation

David Stanton

Question:

289 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the situation regarding the court house in Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7394/11]

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of courthouses is the responsibility of the Courts Service and my Department has no role or responsibility in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which are specified in section 5 as follows:

management of the Courts;

provision of support services for the judges;

provision of information on the courts system to the public;

provision, maintenance and management of court buildings and

provision of facilities for court users.

In the circumstances, I am asking the Chief Executive of the Courts Service to note the terms of the question from the Deputy and to respond to him directly in the matter.

Commercial Rent Review

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

290 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to abolish upward-only rent reviews where the State is the landlord; if legislation will be required in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7409/11]

The Programme for Government, which indicates that legislation will be introduced to end upward-only rent reviews for existing leases, does not distinguish between lease types. I am in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to progressing this matter as expeditiously as possible.

Ministerial Appointments

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

291 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made between June 1997 and February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards between June 1997 and February 2011. [7425/11]

I can inform the Deputy that during the period in question a total of 9 Special Advisers (6 male and 3 female) were appointed to 4 Ministers who held office in my Department. Not all of the Special Advisers in question would have served the full term of the Minister. Special Advisers are normally remunerated at Principal Officer level (Standard Scale currently €80,051 — €98,422, Higher Scale currently €85,957 — €105,429).

I also wish to inform the Deputy that the information sought in relation to appointments to State Boards during the period between June 1997 and February 2011 is not readily available and could not be compiled without a disproportionate use of staff resources.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

292 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7448/11]

In the year to 9 March 2011 there were eight Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council meetings. These were held on 22/23 April 2010, 3/4 June 2010, 15/16 July 2010, 7/8 October 2010, 8/9 November 2010, 2/3 December 2010, 20/21 January 2011 and 24/25 February 2011.

My immediate predecessor, Deputy Brendan Smith, was Minister at the time of the JHA Council meeting in February 2011, at which he was represented by Ireland's Permanent Representative to the EU and senior officials of my Department. His predecessor, Mr. Dermot Ahern, was Minister at the time of the previous seven meetings, of which he attended three (June, July and November 2010). In the remaining instances, he was represented by Ireland's Permanent Representative to the EU and senior officials of my Department.

I regard the work of the JHA Council as being of the highest importance and it is my intention to attend whenever possible, having regard to my overall official commitments at the time.

Question No. 293 answered with Question No. 288.

Sexual Offences

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

294 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has been briefed on a campaign (details supplied); if he is preparing a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/11]

Under the existing law the sale or purchase of sexual services is not an offence. However associated activities which cause a public nuisance such as soliciting by either party to a transaction or the exploitation of prostitution such as pimping or running a brothel are criminal offences.

I am aware of the "turn off the red light" campaign for legislation here, based on the law in Sweden, to criminalise the purchase of sex. Any such proposal would require very careful consideration.

I will be examining a report prepared by my Department on the Swedish Government's evaluation last year of its 1999 legislation. I will also be examining advices recently received from the Attorney General's Office concerning the legal and constitutional implications of introducing a ban on the purchase of sex. The Deputy will appreciate that I have not yet had the opportunity to fully consider the issues. The Deputy will appreciate that I have not yet had the opportunity to fully consider the report referred to and the advices received.

Garda Operations

Finian McGrath

Question:

295 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [7584/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within Clontarf Garda sub-district. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents as a result of anti-social behaviour. A Community Garda has been specifically allocated to the area.

The area is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and Mountain Bike Unit and local Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.

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

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences. Community policing is a central feature and core value of Garda policing policy, and current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour.

Citizenship Applications

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

296 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider the circumstances of a group of religious sisters (details supplied), who have now been legally resident in Ireland for more than five years; if these persons’ visas will be extended in order to facilitate their missionary work and in view of the fact that they are in receipt of financial support from their religious order; if there are any circumstances in which any of these women might successfully apply for a work permit; if the sisters are now entitled to apply for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7629/11]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a person resident in the State as a minister of religion is given permission to remain on the basis, among other criteria, that they will be maintained by their religious institution. Permission of this nature is granted one year at a time. The first person referred to by the Deputy has permission to be in the State until 11 May 2011 and the second person referred to by the Deputy had permission to be in the State until 1 April 2011. Both were on Stamp 3 conditions.

It is open to the persons referred to by the Deputy to apply to their local immigration office to have their permission renewed. They should be in a position to show the immigration officer that they are being sponsored by their religious institution.

A person on a Stamp 3 would need to apply for a change of Status to Stamp 1 in order to apply for a work permit. The grant of a Work permit is a matter for the Department of Enterprise Jobs and Innovation.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.

Garda Vetting Service

Frank Feighan

Question:

297 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Garda clearance is taking several months to complete and his views on the operation of procedure. [7637/11]

I refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 283, 293, 297 and 310 of 5 April 2011 in which the position in this matter is set out fully. The position is unchanged since then.

Let me say at the outset that I am concerned at the length of time currently being taken to process vetting applications. I recognise that it is important to process these applications within a reasonable time frame both for the benefit of the applicants and the organisations for which they will work.

There are currently a total of 89 Gardaí and Garda civilian personnel assigned to the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU). This represents a very significant increase in the level of personnel assigned to the unit, which stood at only 13 before the current process of development in Garda vetting began in 2005.

A number of immediate measures are being taken to improve the processing times. The sanction of the Department of Finance has been obtained to retain the services of 10 temporary employees in the GCVU. A further sanction has been obtained to engage an additional 10 temporary employees for the Unit and these are now being recruited. This should have an impact on processing times. In addition further steps are under consideration with a view to alleviating the pressure on the staff of the GCVU and reduce the time taken for the processing of applications.

The Garda Central Vetting Unit, based in Thurles, Co. Tipperary provides a centralised employment vetting to organisations in Ireland registered with the Garda Síochána for this purpose and which employ or engage persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that, at present, the average processing time for vetting applications received at the GCVU is approximately 10 weeks.

The service has been expanded greatly in recent years as part of an ongoing, phased programme to roll-out vetting to an increasing number of organisations in the child and vulnerable adult care sectors. This target group is the clear policy priority. Within this programme the vetting service has now been extended to over 18,000 organisations. The GCVU has managed a substantial increase over recent years in the numbers of vetting applications it receives. The figures since 2006 are as follows:

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

137,600

187,864

218,404

246,194

291,938

The average processing time for vetting applications fluctuates in line with periods of increased demand. In processing an individual vetting application, additional time may be required in cases where clarification is needed as to the details provided or where other enquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad. There will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process a vetting application. Registered organisations have been advised to take account of this in their recruitment and selection process. However, the Gardaí make every effort to reduce the time to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out what are very necessary checks.

The question of legislative proposals to provide a statutory framework for vetting will necessitate consideration of a wide range of issues including information sharing with other relevant bodies, such as the HSE. It will also have to have regard to how responsibility for the management of information relevant to the vetting process is assigned and the need to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens. Any legislative proposals will be announced and brought forward in the usual way.

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

298 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7671/11]

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 6 March, 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

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

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

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

299 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7672/11]

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 26th April, 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

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

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

300 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [7673/11]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 10th March, 2003. His asylum application was refused following the consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was notified of the formal refusal of his asylum application by letter dated 30th May, 2008.

The person concerned had also applied to remain in the State on the basis of his marriage to an EU citizen and this application was approved, for an initial one year period, on 13th September, 2006. An application from the person concerned to have this permission to remain renewed was refused on the basis that the person concerned was no longer residing with his EU citizen spouse.

The decision to refuse to renew his permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an EU citizen was upheld following an internal review of that decision and the outcome of this review was notified to the person concerned by letter dated 4th March, 2010.

Arising from the refusal of the internal review of the decision to refuse to renew the permission to remain in the State based on his marriage to an EU citizen, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 12th August, 2010, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. He was also notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

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

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail 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.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

301 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards or review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7749/11]

I can inform the Deputy that I have made the following appointments since becoming Minister for Justice and Equality:

1. Judge Michael Reilly, Inspector of Prisons was appointed on 28 March 2011 to investigate an issue of concern and produce a report on the matter.

2. The Thornton Hall Prison Review Committee was appointed on 5 April 2011 to examine the need for new prison accommodation and to advise by 1 July 2011 on whether work on Thornton Hall should proceed.

The members of the Committee are:

Tom Cooney, Lecturer in Law, UCD, and now adviser to me at my Department.

Brian Purcell, Director General of the Irish Prison Service.

Catherine McGuinness, retired President of the Law Reform Commission and former Judge of the Supreme Court, High Court and Circuit Court.

Citizenship Applications

Jim Daly

Question:

302 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision on an application for naturalisation will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7760/11]

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

The application is currently being processed in the normal way with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course. While the average time from application to decision is 25 months, processing requirements and time taken to carry out necessary checks vary from case to case. In response to Parliamentary Question Number 7104/11 of the 7 April last, I outlined that I have initiated steps to provide for speedier processing of applications.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by e-mail 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.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

303 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7179/11]

Retired public servants are engaged by my Department and its agencies as necessary to provide their expertise in connection with particular areas such as the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, Value for Money Reviews and Interview Boards. A total of six retired public servants were employed under short-term contracts in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 at a cost of €81,875.86.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

304 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text by 2012. [7194/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

305 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7209/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.

Signage in all buildings under the remit of the Department of Defence, including all agencies and bodies, is currently being assessed to ensure full compliance with the Official Languages Act. The full associated costs have not yet been calculated.

Overseas Missions

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

306 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied as we are a neutral country, with the role of a contingent from the Army currently in a location (details supplied); and if they might not be better deployed working on humanitarian projects elsewhere. [7283/11]

The Defence Forces are primarily deployed on overseas missions in support of international peace and security under UN mandates. On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated mission since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. Since 2002, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. On 29 June 2010, the Government agreed to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with ISAF for a further period from July 2010, subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence.

In the case of the seven Defence Forces personnel currently participating in ISAF, I am satisfied that the work carried out by these personnel at ISAF headquarters represents an important contribution to this UN mandated mission. The mission has no implications for Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality.

Ministerial Appointments

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

307 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Defence the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7418/11]

The number, cost and gender ratio of the special advisers appointed between June 1997 and February 2011 are set out below.

Period of Appointment

Number of Advisers

Gender Ratio Male:Female

Total Cost

26/06/1997 — 08/10/1997

1

1:0

14,922.65

25/11/1997 — 17/12/2001

1

1:0

254,852.43

29/07/2002 — 12/10/2004

1

1:0

170,156.49

19/10/2004 — 18/02/2010

2

1:1

1,178,969.53

30/04/2010 — 20/01/2011

2

1:1

180,240.16

All of these appointments were temporary, unestablished positions in the Civil Service, and were on a full-time basis. The tenure of these appointments was coterminous with that of the Minister for Defence.

The bodies within the remit of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste An Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. The information requested relating to the number of appointments made between June 1997 and February 2011 together with the gender ratio is set out below.

Name of Agency

Number of Appointments

Gender Ratio Male:Female

Civil Defence

46

2:1

Army Pensions Board

7

7:0

Coiste An Asgard

32

27:5

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

308 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Defence the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7441/11]

There is no separate Defence Ministers' Council. However, twice a year – once during each Presidency – Defence Ministers attend the Foreign Affairs Council, which comprises of Foreign Affairs Ministers of Member States. In 2010, there were two meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council with Defence Ministers. The then Minister, Tony Killeen attended the meeting in Luxembourg on 26 April 2010. The Secretary General Michael Howard, attended the meeting in Brussels on 9 December 2010 in place of the Minister I will attend the next Foreign Affairs Council with Defence Ministers in Brussels on 24 May 2011.

State Property

Martin Ferris

Question:

309 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the use to which land under Coillte control would be put if the forestry is sold, in view of the fact that the company, as a State body, cannot access EU grants to replant. [7405/11]

As advised to the Deputy in my reply on 31 March 2011, in relation to the immature forests sold to forestry investment funds to date, the sale agreements confer rights on the purchaser to harvest timber at maturity while Coillte retains ownership of the land. In order to preserve the forest estate, apart from exceptional circumstances, my Department's policy is that replanting should take place on all areas harvested.

It is important to note that there is currently no grant assistance available for either the private sector or State bodies such as Coillte for the replanting of forests following the commercial felling of trees.

Coastal Protection

Brendan Griffin

Question:

310 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if moneys owed to Kerry County Council by his Department in respect of coastal protection works at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry and harbour works at another location will be repaid in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7459/11]

The Coastal Protection and Management functions previously held by my Department were transferred to the Office of Public Works with effect from January 2009 and any inquiries in relation to monies owed to Kerry County Council in respect of Coastal Protection works should be directed to that office.

Knightstown Pier is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for the maintenance and development of the pier rests with that local authority in the first instance.

My Department has in previous years co-funded works at Knightstown Pier under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Funding under this programme is allocated on an annual basis and is subject to various qualifying criteria. All qualifying claims submitted by Kerry County Council have been processed and I can confirm that there are no monies outstanding to Kerry County Council for this project.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

311 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7176/11]

My Department employed 12 retired public servants on short-term contracts during 2010, with the total cost amounting to €177,700.16.

The number and costs involved of retired public servants employed in the bodies under my Department's aegis are listed in the following table:

State Body

Reply

Non-Commercial Bodies

Aqua licensing Appeals Board

None for the period in question

Bord Bia

1 retired public servant employed at a cost of €7,228

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

None for the period in question

Marine Institute

1 retired public servant employed at a cost of €16,090.20

National Milk Agency

None for the period in question

Sea Fisheries Protection Agency

None for the period in question

Teagasc

3 retired public servants employed at a total cost of €7,103

Veterinary Council of Ireland

None for the period in question

Commercial Bodies

Bord na gCon

1 retired public servant employed at a cost of €12,500

Coillte

None for the period in question

Horse Racing Ireland

1 retired public servant employed at a cost of €18,688 (contract terminated 28.05.2011)

Irish National Stud

2 retired public servants employed at a total cost of €12,500.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

312 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text by 2012. [7191/11]

All signs put in place by my Department through the years have all been compliant with the requirements under the existing legislation and no additional cost to replace inaccurate signs was incurred during this period.

As to the agencies and bodies that fall under my Department's remit, this is an operational matter for the agencies/bodies themselves but they are required to be compliance with existing legislation in this area.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

313 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7206/11]

If there are any English-only signs remaining, my Department will tender for the replacement of these signs prior to March 2013 as necessary.

As to the agencies and bodies that fall under my Department's remit, this is an operational matter for the agencies/bodies themselves but they are required to be compliant with the Official Languages Act.

Grant Payments

Dan Neville

Question:

314 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if single farm payment will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick and if an application under the farm modernisation grant will be considered. [7229/11]

The person named was an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme have been processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. As the funding made available for the Scheme has been exhausted, I have no plans to commence processing further applications.

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 May 2010. Payments under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced nationally on 18 October 2010 and 22 September 2010 respectively.

Payments under the Single Payment Scheme were made to the person named in respect of eligible land parcels on 18 October 2010 and 1 December 2010. An advance payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was made on 5 October 2010 with the balancing payment issuing to the applicant on 20 October 2010. The application of person named contained 36 land parcels, 17 of which required re-digitisation. On completion of the re-digitisation process, an outstanding query arose in relation to one land parcel. This query has now been resolved and a final balancing payment under the Single Payment Scheme will issue shortly.

John O'Mahony

Question:

315 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their single farm payment for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7242/11]

An application was received on 22 April 2010 requesting the transfer of 9.82 Single Payment entitlements to the person named from his late father.

As the person named did not hold a herd-number, he was directed to the District Veterinary Office to arrange for the transfer of the herd-number from his late father. Correspondence has also issued from the Transfer of Entitlements section of my Department, most recently on 1 March 2011, requesting the normal testamentary documentation so as to confirm the status of the person named as the rightful beneficiary. It should be noted that Single Payment entitlements do not attach to land and constitute a separate asset owned by the late father of the person named.

The herd-number was transferred to the person named on 1 June 2010. However the testamentary status of the late father of the person named remains unclear. While correspondence has been received from the solicitor administering the estate, it is still unknown whether the father of the person named died testate.

When this information is made available, the application will be processed without delay.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

316 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7249/11]

The person named commenced participation in REPS on 1 December 2006. He has received payments for the first four years of his plan. The application of the person named was selected for inspection and, following that, a penalty was imposed. On 2 February 2011 my officials issued a letter notifying the person named of the penalty. As no appeal has been received to date, the processing of the payment entitlement can now proceed and payment will issue shortly.

John O'Mahony

Question:

317 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7254/11]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person on 13 May 2010. The application was fully processed and payments under the Single Payment Scheme were issued to the applicant on 18 October 2010, 1 December 2010 and 25 February 2011.

John O'Mahony

Question:

318 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7255/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 April 2010 declaring 7.92 hectares of eligible land. Payments on clear parcels were made to the person named on 18 October and 1 December 2010 respectively. There were a number of parcels whose eligibility required verification with regard to forestry. This process has now been completed and the balancing payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued to the applicant on 6 April 2011.

Aquaculture Licences

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

319 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will resolve the outstanding issues preventing a company (details supplied) in County Donegal from attaining the necessary aquaculture licences to secure the vital employment in fish processing that it has created in that area. [7314/11]

My Department currently holds two aquaculture licence renewal applications for Marine Harvest Ireland for marine based sites in County Donegal which await determination. The backlog in the processing of new and renewal licence applications largely arises because the majority of areas for which the licences are sought are designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing and significant progress has been made. This comprehensive data collection programme, together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives by the NPWS, will enable all new, renewal and review applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. This work represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. The Appropriate Assessment of aquaculture applications will be dealt with on a bay-by-bay basis.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

320 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received a detailed appeal regarding an entitlement to a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7328/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2010. This application was selected for a Ground Eligibility and Cross Compliance inspection.

During the course of the Ground Eligibility inspection discrepancies were found which resulted in the claimed area for the Single Payment Scheme of 21.13 ha being reduced to a payable area of 6.54 ha. As the total entitlements held are 22.12 and the difference between the area claimed and the area found is greater than 50%, no payment was to issue for 2010.

The person named was informed of this decision on 17 January 2011. They were also advised of their right to seek a review of this decision and to have the outcome of any such review appealed to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. An application for review has been received and is currently under consideration and the person named will be notified of the outcome as soon as it is available.

Dara Calleary

Question:

321 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) and when the person concerned can expect payment. [7357/11]

The person named commenced in REPS 4 on 1 June 2009 and payment for the 2009 scheme year issued in March 2010. The 2010 application is currently under examination following an issue relating to the areas declared on the Single Payment application. My officials will shortly be writing to the person named, and once the issue is resolved, payment will be processed.

John Paul Phelan

Question:

322 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a farmer (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has not, as yet, received a REP scheme 4 payment due in November of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/11]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and received his year 1 payment in April 2010. An on farm inspection was carried out on 13 December 2010 and several deficiencies were found on the REPS plan. My Department has written to the person named asking for an adjusted plan and, to date, that has not been received. The application of the person named will be processed on receipt of the adjusted plan.

John Paul Phelan

Question:

323 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a farmer (details supplied) in County Carlow does not qualify for ewe premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7369/11]

Under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme, farmers were required to: maintain ewes; complete the Sheep Census return; and submit the SPS application form by the closing date of 17th May 2010.

While an application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and other area-based schemes was received from the person named on 17 May 2010, following validation it was found that the person named had not submitted the Sheep Census Return, as required. Therefore, no payment is due under the Grassland Sheep Scheme to the person named.

John O'Mahony

Question:

324 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive all their suckler welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7385/11]

The person named registered eight calves in 2010 under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. To date payment has issued in respect of six animals. The validation process identified errors in respect of the remaining two calves. My Department has written to the applicant in relation to these errors and is awaiting a response.

Wildlife Surveys

Brendan Griffin

Question:

325 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the Bord Iascaigh Mhara study on seal population to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7408/11]

Responsibility for seals rests with the National Parks and Wildlife Service which will be under the remit of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I understand that BIM have already held discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the results of the BIM study will be made available to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. BIM advise that the study will be completed towards the end of the year.

Departmental Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

326 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7415/11]

For the years in question my Department appointed 8 special advisers at a total cost of €2,140,723, all of whom were male.

The number of appointments made to and the gender ratio of these appointments to the State Boards that fall under my Department's remit are detailed in the following table:

State Body

Reply

Non-Commercial Bodies

Aqua licensing Appeals Board

7 Appointments — 1 Woman, 5 men with 1 vacancy.

Bord Bia

70 appointments — 54 men, 16 women.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

26 Appointments — 7 Women and 19 men

Marine Institute

17 Appointments — 5 women, 12 men

National Milk Agency

20 appointments — all male

Sea Fisheries Protection Agency

3 Appointments — all male

Teagasc

23 Appointments — 4 women, 19 men.

Veterinary Council of Ireland

52 Appointments — 17 women, 35 men

Commercial Bodies

Bord na gCon

30 Appointments — 7 women, 23 men

Coillte

25 Appointments — 4 women, 21 men

Horse Racing Ireland

72 Appointments — 8 women, 64 men

Irish National Stud

30 Appointments — 9 women, 21 men

Education and Training

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

327 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to ensure that young farmers are encouraged to continue in their profession and in further agricultural education. [7436/11]

Under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education and training services to the Agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Accordingly, delivery of the Teagasc education programme is an operational matter for Teagasc and its Board. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and is not concerned with the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

Teagasc has a well-deserved reputation for delivering high-quality and relevant programmes for people with aspirations of a career in agriculture or those seeking employment in industries and services ancillary to agriculture. These Programmes are delivered through a network of 8 agricultural colleges, 12 Regional Education Centres and 80 local centres. Teagasc provides a wide range of full-time education and training courses in farming, horticulture, equine and forestry. All of these courses are accredited by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.

In addition to the full-time courses, Teagasc delivers a comprehensive programme of ‘Advanced Certificate in Agriculture' courses for part-time farmers throughout the country. Recent innovations in Teagasc training programmes include the use of discussion groups and benchmarking farms, financial management training, grassland technology and online learning. Teagasc is also involved with six Institutes of Technology, UCD and DCU in the joint delivery of 12 higher level programmes right up to Level 8 Honours Degree level. These linkages help to raise the standing of Teagasc programmes and provide vital progression routes for students who want to progress to higher level education.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

328 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7438/11]

In the twelve months prior to 9 March 2011, there were 10 formal meetings of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers and two informal meetings. Apart from the meeting on 17 May 2010 when travel plans were disrupted by the ash cloud and meetings in January and February 2011, Ireland was represented at these meetings at Ministerial level either by Minister Brendan Smith or, when fisheries items dominated the agenda, by Minister of State Sean Connick. The table sets out the position.

Date of meeting

Attendance

29 March 2010

Brendan Smith and Sean Connick

17 May 2010

Brussels based officials

1 June 2010

Brendan Smith

29 June 2010

Sean Connick

12 July 2010

Brendan Smith

21 September 2010

Brendan Smith

27 September 2010

Brendan Smith and Sean Connick

26 October 2010

Sean Connick

30 November 2010

Brendan Smith and Sean Connick

13/14 December 2010

Brendan Smith and Sean Connick

24 January 2011

Dublin and Brussels based officials

21 February 2011

Dublin and Brussels based officials

Grant Payments

Brendan Griffin

Question:

329 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7491/11]

The above named commenced REPS 4 on 1 April 2008. He received his year 1 payment in July 2009 and his year 2 payment in June 2010. Following digitisation, area discrepancies were identified and had to be corrected. Accordingly an adjusted plan was submitted on 18 March 2011. The amended plan will be checked and following that the application will be processed for payment.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

330 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7492/11]

The above-named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008. He was paid his year 1 payment in July 2009 and his year 2 payment in December 2009. Following digitisation, area discrepancies were identified and had to be corrected. Accordingly, an adjusted plan was submitted on 18 March 2011. The amended plan will be checked and following that the application processed for payment.

Afforestation Programme

Michael Creed

Question:

331 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for afforestation pre-approval in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the remaining steps to be completed before plantation of these lands commences; if he will expedite this application in order to facilitate planting in the current season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7510/11]

The Forestry Division of my Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are currently finalising procedures which will determine the levels of afforestation that can be approved in 2011 within areas designated for protection of the hen harrier. Applications which have not yet been approved will be decided shortly in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Departmental Offices

Patrick Deering

Question:

332 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the recently closed Teagasc offices in Tullow and Bagenalstown, County Carlow, and if they will be made available to local interested organisations. [7578/11]

Under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, research and advisory services to the Agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities.

Teagasc is currently implementing a Change Programme to achieve greater efficiencies in all aspects of their business and address the need for significant resource rationalization in the advisory office network. Accordingly, the Teagasc Authority has decided to concentrate the delivery of services at fewer offices – reduced from 91 to 51 by 2012. It is understood that the Teagasc Authority has decided to close the advisory offices at Tullow and Bagenalstown and dispose of the sites.

The decision to close these and other offices is entirely a matter for Teagasc and its Board. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and is not concerned with the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

Teagasc has stressed that when these decisions are implemented they will still retain a significant network of advisory offices, research centres and training colleges throughout the country. As a result, the ability of Teagasc to provide its range of services will not be diminished.

Grant Payments

Martin Ferris

Question:

333 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied). [7605/11]

The above named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008. He received his year 1 payment in July 2009 and his year 2 payment in January 2010. Due to digitisation, area discrepancies had to be corrected and an adjusted plan was submitted on 11 February 2011. The plan is expected to be checked this month and the application of the person named will then be processed for payment.

Tom Hayes

Question:

334 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7630/11]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in February 2009. He received his year 1 payment in June 2010. Officials from my department wrote to the person named on 3 November 2010 requesting soil sample results and an adjusted plan. These were received on 30 March 2011 and the file was immediately processed. Further discrepancies were discovered when the application underwent the SPS crosscheck. These discrepancies are now being investigated.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

335 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7635/11]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in February 2009 and received his year 1 payment in February 2010. The file was chosen for an inspection in respect of his year 2 payment. It is currently with the Inspector and when the inspection is finalised it will be processed for payment.

Fishing Industry Development

Joe McHugh

Question:

336 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will address a matter (details supplied). [7678/11]

Following a public tender inviting expressions of interest for the preparation of Business Plans for the Fishery Harbour Centres Raymond Burke Consulting and McIver Consulting were selected to carry out research and prepare a Business Plan for the six Fishery Harbour Centres.

The report, "Business Plans for the Development of the Fishery Harbour Centres", was launched on 7th March 2009 by Mr. Tony Killeen T.D., the then Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The business plans for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean (Dingle) and Killybegs were drafted following consultation with and extensive list of interested parties (see Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of Business Plans for the Development of the Fishery Harbour Centres for details). The business plans provide a five year blueprint and set priorities for the development of the Harbours as centres of excellence for the fishing industry while also highlighting the potential for other commercial and marine leisure uses to the benefit of the broader economy.

Despite the current economic situation my Department continues to implement the recommendations as appropriate within available funding and resources.

Departmental Schemes

John O'Mahony

Question:

337 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be eligible to join the new agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7739/11]

Farmers who are active participants in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme on the closing date for AEOS are not eligible to join the scheme in 2011. The closing date for AEOS is 16 May 2011. The person named will not complete their REPS participation until after the closing date for receipt of 2011 AEOS applications and will therefore not meet the eligibility conditions of the scheme for 2011.

Grant Payments

Jim Daly

Question:

338 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an agri-environment options scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7769/11]

Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payment will issue to the person named at the earliest possible date once these checks have been completed.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

339 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7178/11]

One retired public servant was employed on a short-term contract by my Department in October 2010 at a cost of €695.

In relation to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, I am advised that 3 retired public servants were employed on short-term contracts during 2010 at a total cost of €154,957.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

340 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text by 2012. [7193/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

341 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7208/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, S.I. No. 391 of 2008 requires all public bodies designated under the Official Languages Act 2003: to replace signs, which were erected before 1 March 2009 and which have errors in the text in Irish, by 1 March 2012; and to replace signs, which were erected in English only before 1 March 2009 with bilingual signs or with signs in Irish only, by 1 March 2013.

It should be noted that my Department's approach has been to erect bilingual signage only. In addition, a number of agencies and bodies which come under my Department's remit either erect signage in Irish only or bilingually i.e. Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga. Therefore, the issue of replacing signage and associated costs does not arise in these cases.

Taking account of the fact that the relevant deadlines for replacing signs in the circumstances referred to by the Deputy are 1 March 2012 and 1 March 2013, I am advised that other State agencies and bodies which come under my Department's remit have not incurred costs to date on replacing signs nor have they compiled figures to date regarding the anticipated cost of such signage.

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

342 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of special advisers appointed in her Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to her office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7417/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established in June 2002. As set out in Table 1, a total of six special advisers were appointed by Ministers (5) and a Minister of State (1) during the period from that date until February 2011. The overall gender ratio was 4 male to 2 female.

Table 1: Number of special advisers appointed June 2002 to February 2011

Position

Period of appointment

Salary Costs

Media Adviser to Minister (F)

2002-2007

476,756

Special Adviser to Minister (M)

2004-2010

637,967

Media Adviser to Minister (F)

2007-2010

241,548

Special Adviser to Minister (M)

2010-2011

84,312

Media Adviser to Minister (M)

2010-2011

84,312

Special Adviser to Minister of State (M)

2010-2011

67,193

In relation to the number of appointments made to State boards during the period June 2002 to February 2011, the details requested are set out in Table 2.

Table 2: Appointments to State Boards June 2002 to February 2011

Name of Body

No of Appointments

Gender Ratio M:F

Family Support Agency

39

14:25

Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board

14

10:4

Dormant Accounts Board

30

18:12

Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests

5

3:2

Údarás na Gaeltachta

3

1:2

Pobal

25

11:14

Total

116

57:59

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

343 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of European Council meetings that her predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if her predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in her place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7440/11]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to meetings of the Council of the European Union held under its various configurations. During the period referred to by the Deputy, my Department did not hold primary responsibility in respect of any of the Council's configurations.

Community Development

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

344 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the implementation of a programme (details supplied) in County Limerick. [7475/11]

Each area designated under the programme referred to by the Deputy has a local implementation structure, which draws up a plan based on the particular needs of the area so that available funding can be targeted at where it will do the most good in the community.

A co-ordinator has been in place in this case since January 2010 and I am advised that the inaugural meeting of the local implementation structure in the area referred to by the Deputy took place on 15 April 2010. From the amount of €250,000 allocated by my Department as "catch-up" funding for newly designated areas, the structure in the area in question identified and prioritised 8 projects, which were submitted to Pobal for assessment. These projects are currently being considered by my Department.

Departmental Bodies

Ciara Conway

Question:

345 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs her assessment and interpretation of the role of Údarás na Gaeltachta in supporting and grant-aiding both Irish language enterprise and other forms of enterprise projects in Gaeltacht communities in counties Cork, Donegal, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Meath and Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7639/11]

Ciara Conway

Question:

346 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs her position on the level of capital budget allocated for Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for the agency to meet job creation targets and to provide other support to enterprise in areas of counties Cork, Donegal, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Meath and Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7640/11]

Ciara Conway

Question:

347 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans for Údarás na Gaeltachta as an agency supporting job creation in areas of counties Cork, Donegal, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Meath and Waterford, to feature in the forthcoming jobs budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7641/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 to 347, inclusive, together.

Údarás na Gaeltachta's statutory role, as laid down in the Údarás na Gaeltachta Acts, 1979 to 2010, is to promote the preservation and extension of the use of the Irish language as the principal means of communication in the Gaeltacht. As the Deputy will be aware, the recently published 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language proposes the establishment of an Irish Language and Gaeltacht Authority (Údarás na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta) to act as the main implementation agency for delivering the Strategy. The Strategy envisages that the new Authority will function on a national basis, incorporating relevant functions, including an enterprise function, currently performed by Údarás na Gaeltachta in the Gaeltacht. The specific role and functions of the new Authority would be defined in new legislation, which, it is envisaged, would be published in 2012.

I am satisfied that the work undertaken by Údarás na Gaeltachta has been of considerable economic and cultural benefit to the Gaeltacht. Results from the Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact 2008 (ABSEI), carried out in Gaeltacht companies in 2010 by Forfás, highlights the significant impact of Údarás na Gaeltachta on the Gaeltacht and on the national economy. The ABSEI, which surveyed companies that include approximately 77% of Údarás supported employment, indicated that total sales in client companies of Údarás amounted to approximately €750m, of which €354m were exports. The survey also illustrated that 40.6% of Gaeltacht companies are engaging in R&D activities. These results have been endorsed by two further studies undertaken recently by international economic consultants, Indecon, for Údarás.

Regarding the forthcoming Jobs Budget referred to by the Deputy, officials from both Údarás na Gaeltachta and my Department are in contact on an ongoing basis with a view to maximising the potential for employment creation in Gaeltacht areas. Any potential initiatives identified as part of this ongoing process will be used to inform proposals for job creation which are being developed at a national level.

I recognise the constraints placed on Údarás na Gaeltachta by the reduction in its capital allocation from the Exchequer from €18m in 2010 to €6m in 2011. This reduction must be placed in the context of additional income of approximately €6m from its own resources, which Údarás na Gaeltachta will have available for capital expenditure in 2011, and also in the context of the difficult economic environment in which the State finds itself. Any decision with regard to Údarás na Gaeltachta's capital allocations for 2012 and 2013 will have to be made in this challenging economic context and in the context of the changing role of the organisation as proposed in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language.

Health Services

Martin Ferris

Question:

348 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a statutory obligation on a person (details supplied) in County Limerick to retire as a home help. [7253/11]

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

Medical Cards

Ann Phelan

Question:

349 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will continue the decision of the last administration to rationalise the local processing of medical cards for persons under 70 years to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7829/11]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

401 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made towards full centralisation of the medical card application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7613/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 401 together.

Following the Health Service Executive (HSE) decision to centralise the processing of all Medical Cards and GP Visit Card applications and renewals, responsibility for this project was given to its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The medical card centralisation process is being introduced on phased basis from January 2009, when, as the first step, the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The project has continued to be expanded throughout 2009, 2010 and 2011. To date, the centralised office at the PCRS has processed over 315,673 medical card applications and reviews. Currently, approximately 39% of the Medical Card population is managed by the Medical Cards Central Office in the PCRS. Progress continues to be made in the centralisation project and redeployment of staff is now underway to facilitate this. The HSE anticipates that the centralisation project will be completed in the near future.

All HSE Local Health Offices now have full access to the national database of medical card clients, including historic records. This allows local offices to track the current status of applications and reviews being dealt with by the central office, and to answer queries locally in respect of current clients, new applicants or reviewed clients.The medical card database has been integrated with GPs and Pharmacists so that medical card holder can have their eligibility confirmed at point of service to avoid any delays. More than 5 million checks at point of service were made by GPs this way by the end of 2010.

Parliamentary Questions

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

350 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will move to a system of directly answering parliamentary questions currently referred to service providers for answers. [7611/11]

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments about improving the way parliamentary questions, adjournment debates, etc. are dealt with. I expect that these initiatives will be progressed across all Government Departments in due course.

However, I have already made a change in the arrangements for responding to parliamentary questions by the Health Service Executive. I have decided that parliamentary questions about operational issues of a national nature will now be answered by me, as Minister. Whenever possible these questions will be answered on the relevant Dáil day. Where this is not possible, because the information is not readily available, I will issue a reply as soon as possible thereafter.

Questions about individual patients, such as individual applications for medical cards, and about local service issues, such as individual hospitals or local organisations, will continue to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to Deputies. I have already asked my Department to liaise with the HSE about how best to improve the HSE response times for such questions.

Question No. 351 answered with Question No. 67.

Hospital Services

Terence Flanagan

Question:

352 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the future of St. Mary’s Hospital in Cork; if closure is decided upon, if staff will be redeployed to other local hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8045/11]

In May 2010, as part of a plan to organise acute hospital services in the Cork and Kerry region in the safest and most efficient way, the HSE announced its intention to relocate orthopaedic services, including elective in-patient, rehabilitation trauma and day surgery, from St Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital to the South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital.

I am being briefed by my Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the organisation of acute services in each region and on the important clinical programmes being developed by the HSE. In the meantime, there will be no withdrawal of the current services from St Mary's Hospital.

I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

353 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis; and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7185/11]

In the period January 2010 to January 2011 a total of 3 retired former Public Servants received payments for services provided, broken down as follows:

Description

Amount

Interview Board

€1,746.00 (less statutory deductions)

Audit Committee Chair

€384.75 per diem (subject to a max of €8,550 per annum)

Health Reform Consultancy

€8,924.90

In the HSE, 773 retired staff received payments for services during this period at a cost of €14,619,549.

Fourteen of the 20 non-commercial state agencies currently operating under the aegis of my Department have indicated that they did not employ any retired public servants on short-term contracts during 2010. Information is awaited from the Health Information and Quality Authority. This will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it available. Details of the payments made by the five agencies that did employ retired public servants are set out:

Agency

Number of Contracts

Cost

Mental Health Commission

3

€330,878

Irish Medicines Board

1

€17,934

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland

6

€115,383

Irish Blood Transfusion Service

1

€34,551

An Bord Altranais

4

65,844

Information in relation to bodies which have been dissolved / amalgamated under the programme of agency rationalisation is not readily available.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

354 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text by 2012. [7200/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

355 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7215/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.

Regulations under the Official Languages Act 2003 sets specific responsibilities on public bodies to ensure that signs placed by it or on its behalf within or outside the State are in Irish or bilingual by the following dates:

Type of Sign

Deadline Date

For new signs i.e. signs placed on any site on or after 1 March 2009 (Whether in place of older signs or not)

1 March 2009

For signs placed on any site before 1 March 2009 which would fulfil the requirements of the Regulations except there is an error in the Irish text

1 March 2012

For signs in English only placed on any site before 1 March 2009

1 March 2013

For signs placed on any site that comply with the Regulations except the text in Irish is less prominent, visible or legible than the text in English or the letters in the text in Irish are smaller in size than the letters in the text in English

1 January 2026

For signs of any other class

1 March 2013

No direct costs attributable to meeting the requirements of the Act in respect of signage containing errors in the Irish text or English only signs have been incurred to-date by my Department. Following the formal establishment of the Department of Children, arrangements will be made to amend my own Department's signage to reflect its amended title. All such new signage will comply fully with the requirements of the Act.

The cost incurred by the agencies currently under the aegis of my Department in replacing signs to ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Ambulance Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

356 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health and Children if the review of spending in the national ambulance office of July 2009 has been completed; when the audit findings will be published and available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7238/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

357 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health and Children if an audit or special investigation has been conducted by the Health Service Executive in respect of procurement of private ambulance services; when the outcome of the audit and investigation will be published and available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7239/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.

The Internal Audit function of the HSE has undertaken audits in relation to the procurement of private ambulance services and of ambulance vehicles and equipment. The reports are at present being reviewed by the Executive's Audit Committee and the question of publication is among the matters to be considered in this context.

Youth Services

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

358 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the funding allocation for 2011 will be notified to community youth projects and special projects. [7256/11]

The Children and Youth Services Development Unit (CYSDU) of my Department supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people including those from disadvantaged communities through grants in aid, which are part-funded by the National Lottery.

The process of determining the financial allocations to the Youth Work Sector for 2011 is being finalised. As in 2010 the focus will be on consolidating, insofar as possible, existing provision and services in the Youth Sector. Every effort will be made to notify the various youth work organisations and administering agencies of their allocations as speedily as possible.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

359 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [7266/11]

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

Hospital Services

John McGuinness

Question:

360 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children when a surgical procedure will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [7270/11]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

361 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an operation promised for October 2010 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was never arranged; if an earlier appointment date of May 2011 for an assessment can be arranged in view of the health of the person; and if the matter will be expedited. [7271/11]

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

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

362 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be approved as a matter of urgency in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reason the card was withdrawn without notice; if he will expedite a response. [7280/11]

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

Martin Ferris

Question:

363 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if a child is entitled to full orthodontic treatment under a medical card. [7286/11]

The Health Service Executive provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

364 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin. [7287/11]

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

Medical Cards

Ray Butler

Question:

365 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7289/11]

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

Brendan Griffin

Question:

366 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7304/11]

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

Sudden Cardiac Death

Simon Harris

Question:

367 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of the report Reducing the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD), a steering group report on the implementation of the SCD task force recommendations of 2006, and for a timeframe for such implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7306/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. Therefore I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply the necessary information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Cards

Niall Collins

Question:

368 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7308/11]

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

Departmental Properties

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

369 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money the Health Service Executive is paying to rent premises from private landlords in County Donegal; the locations of the premises and the identities of those private landlords. [7313/11]

Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore, your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Question No. 370 answered with Question No. 38.

National Lottery Funding

Dara Calleary

Question:

371 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered an application from a charity (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when he will make a decision on the matter. [7351/11]

My Department has received an application for funding from the 2011 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.

Nursing Home Support Scheme

Brian Stanley

Question:

372 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will initiate a review of the fair deal nursing home care scheme; when the review will be concluded; the factors of analysis that will be considered in the review; if the feasibility of inclusion of therapy services under the National Treatment Purchase Fund contract will be included in the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7371/11]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, is due to be reviewed three years from the date of its introduction. The scheme commenced in October 2009, therefore it will be due for review in October 2012.

The reason for the three year timespan is to allow the scheme become fully operational and have sufficient data available on which to base a review. All elements of the scheme will be considered including ongoing sustainability and the extension of the scheme to other long-term residential care sectors such as disability and mental health.

With regard to the inclusion of therapies under the scheme, in determining the services covered by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, it was considered very important that the care recipient and the taxpayer would be protected and would not end up paying for the same services twice. For this reason, goods and services that are already prescribed for individuals under existing schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, are not included in the services covered by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme as this would involve effectively paying twice for the same items or service.

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

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

373 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7383/11]

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

Niall Collins

Question:

374 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied). [7403/11]

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

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

375 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7424/11]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to special adviser appointments is set out in the table.

Year

Number of Special Advisors Employed

CostGross Salary Paid (exclusive of Employer’s PRSI and PRSA payments of 11%)

Gender

1997

1

7,209

M

1998

1

50,227

M

1999

2

34,000

M

7,764

M

2000

4

4,000

M

27,731

F

51,491

M

47,069

F

2001

2

56,172

M

51,348

F

2002

3

58,893

M

13,613

F

83,805

F

2003

3

76,496

M

71,740

F

82,899

F

2004

6

63,559

M

64,878

F

71,344

F

28,685

M

27,473

F

32,605

M

2005

4

109,269

M

129,386

M

124,070

F

141,976

M

2006

5

120,974

M

141,575

M

133,509

F

38,531

F

84,147

M

2007

7

127,629

M

149,222

M

144,850

F

51,712

F

55,228

M

42,275

M

101,294

M

2008

6

141,386

M

191,954

M

136,199

F

41,030

M

41,324

M

40,938

M

2009

4

147,133

M

165,162

F

117,420

M

149,716

M

2010

3

135,807

M

151,945

F

107,882

M

2011

3

15,653

M

11,669

F

16,703

M

Information relating to appointments to State Boards is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 376 answered with Question No. 36.

Ambulance Service

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

377 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans regarding the installation of a helicopter pad on the grounds of Cork University Hospital. [7431/11]

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

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

378 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in her place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7447/11]

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council normally meets in formal session on two occasions during each Presidency period of six months. Health matters are discussed in detail at one of these formal Councils.

There have been no formal EPSCO Council meetings in relation to health to date in 2011. Health matters were discussed at two formal EPSCO Councils in 2010 (7-8 June, 2010 and 6-7 December, 2010). The former Minister attended one informal meeting of health Ministers during 2010. I understand that her attendance at the formal meetings was not possible due to urgent Government business, including the fact that the December meeting coincided with Budget Day.

Health Services

Brendan Griffin

Question:

379 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health and Children if a dedicated nurse will be provided for Parkinson’s sufferers in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7453/11]

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

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

380 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will request the Health Service Executive to expedite necessary surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this person will be urgently referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7460/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Subject to the resources available to it, the National Treatment Purchase Fund may arrange treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.

Medical Cards

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

381 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7461/11]

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

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

382 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a home care package payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7463/11]

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

Food Labelling

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

383 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Count Me In campaign and the proposal to place a calorie count system on foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7469/11]

Nutrition labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs in the EU is governed by EU Council Directive 90/496. Currently there is no legislative basis available to require restaurants or other food outlets to show the calorific content of the foods served. My Department does recognise the benefits associated with the Count Me In campaign and is currently considering how the Department might assist in broadening the participation rate of food outlets in the campaign.

Hospital Services

Jack Wall

Question:

384 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the case will be dealt with under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7470/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Subject to the resources available to it and the overall waiting list situation in the hospital concerned, the National Treatment Purchase Fund may arrange treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.

Hospitals Building Programme

Robert Dowds

Question:

385 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent the greenfield site at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 22, offered as a possible site for a new national children’s hospital, has been examined for its potential viability. [7478/11]

One of the main roles of the Joint Task Group established in 2006 to advise on the optimum location for the New Children's Hospital was to identify potential site options for the location of the new paediatric hospital in line with the recommendations of the "Children's Health First" (McKinsey) Report. One of the Report's main recommendations was that the hospital should ideally be co-located with a leading adult academic hospital.

Twenty-two possible site locations were identified to the Task Group from the six Dublin adult academic teaching hospitals, public authorities, private organisations, the Office of Public Works and the Health Service Executive. A site near Newlands Cross owned by South Dublin County Council was amongst those submitted for consideration.

In the light of the recommendations of the "Children's Health First" Report and the advice received from international experts with regard to the clinical benefits to be derived from co-location the Task Group adopted as one of the main criteria for site selection the recommendation that the hospital should be co-located with a leading adult academic hospital. None of the sites proposed by public authorities, private organisations, the Office of Public Works or the Health Service Executive met this criteria.

Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 35.
Question No. 387 answered with Question No. 69.

Child Abuse

Denis Naughten

Question:

388 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 425 of 5 April 2011, the number of cases and children involved in each of the categories; the total number of cases reviewed and the number of children involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7486/11]

The review of cases in the Roscommon area following the Report of the Inquiry Team is an operational matter which falls within the responsibility of the HSE and I have therefore asked the HSE to provide the relevant information.

Health Services

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

389 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding visitor restrictions placed on the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, and the steps taken to avert similar problems recurring within the hospital. [7487/11]

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

Child Care Services

Denis Naughten

Question:

390 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the report of the inquiry team into the Roscommon child care case published last October; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7489/11]

The recommendations of the inquiry team into the Roscommon child care case relate to operational matters within the HSE, which has responsibility for their implementation. I have therefore asked the HSE to respond directly with the information requested.

Question No. 391 answered with Question No. 35.

Hospital Staff

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

392 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of whole time equivalents in each clinical speciality in each of the acute teaching hospitals and the hospital activity data from each hospital. [7513/11]

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

Hospital Services

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

393 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health and Children the catchment area of each of the acute Dublin teaching hospitals. [7514/11]

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

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

394 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [7561/11]

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

Jack Wall

Question:

395 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7572/11]

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

Hospital Services

Patrick Deering

Question:

396 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a date for their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7581/11]

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

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

397 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [7585/11]

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

National Treatment Purchase Fund

David Stanton

Question:

398 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public orthopaedic patients who have secured surgery under the national treatment purchase scheme in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 respectively; the locations where this surgery was carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7586/11]

The number of orthopaedic patients who were treated under the NTPF in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 is 7302. The annual breakdown is set out.

Total No. of Surgeries

2008

2,672

2009

1,877

2010

2,276

2011 to date

477

Total

7,302

Data on specific numbers of patients treated in individual hospitals is not readily available.

The hospitals involved in carrying out orthopaedic surgery for the NTPF are:

Aut Even Hospital, Co. Kilkenny

Barringtons Hospital, Limerick

UPMC Beacon Hospital, Dublin

Beaumont Hospital, Dublin

Blackrock Clinic, Dublin

Bon Secours Hospitals – Dublin, Galway, Cork, Tralee

Cappagh, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin

Galway Clinic, Galway

Hermitage Medical Clinic, Dublin

Letterkenny General Hospital, Letterkenny

Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene

Mater Private Healthcare, Dublin

Merlin Park Hospital, Dublin

Northwest Independent Hospital, Ballykelly

Our Lady's Hospital, Navan

Sligo General Hospital, Sligo

Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin

Saint Francis Private Hospital, Ballinderry

AMNCH, Dublin

Whitfield Clinic, Co. Waterford

Hospital Accommodation

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

399 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding bed shortages which are holding up surgeries in St. James Hospital, Dublin and specifically regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7592/11]

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

Departmental Funding

Jack Wall

Question:

400 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a school (details supplied); if there is a date determined for announcements of such applications; the number of specific applications for this type of grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7600/11]

My Department has received an application for funding from the 2011 national lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.

Question No. 401 answered with Question No. 349.

Medical Cards

Patrick Deering

Question:

402 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a family (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7615/11]

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

Accident and Emergency Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

403 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children his policy to deal with the current crisis in our accident and emergency departments. [7621/11]

The waiting times for patients attending emergency departments in many hospitals during last winter and in particular the first week of January of this year were unacceptable. I am determined that this should not happen again.

The difficulties in emergency departments cannot be resolved solely within the EDs themselves and must be addressed on the basis of a health-system wide approach. This must start with ensuring that patients are treated in the most appropriate way in the most appropriate location. This means that where and whenever possible patients who can be treated in the primary care setting receive that treatment in a timely manner. This will ensure that patients can be confident of receiving the necessary treatment on time and that there is less need for patients to attend at EDs.

I will shortly be writing to the HSE, calling on it to set out a clear plan of action to address the problems in Emergency Departments both for the coming year and in the long term. I am confident that with careful planning, with the implementation of the HSE's Emergency Medicine Programme and related clinical programmes and the roll-out of Acute Medicine Units, we will be in a position to reassure patients that the experience in Emergency Departments during last winter will not be repeated.

I have already stated my intention to establish a Special Delivery Unit to tackle the problem of waiting lists including difficulties in Emergency Departments. Intensive work is now being undertaken in preparing the ground for the Unit's establishment I have held a range of meetings to discuss with my officials and the HSE the most effective methodology for setting up the Unit and we are progressing this work with all urgency.

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

404 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that a new home help will be assigned to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan. [7622/11]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Jack Wall

Question:

405 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a fair deal nursing home application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7628/11]

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

Water Fluoridation

Anne Ferris

Question:

406 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is considering rescinding the fluoridation of the public water supply as recommended by the Oireachtas Draft Report on Water Fluoridation in Ireland 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7644/11]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to a draft report written by a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children in 2007, which was not endorsed by the Committee.

The Forum on Fluoridation, which was established by the Minister for Health and Children in 2000, advised in 2002 that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which was established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. I have no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.

Departmental Funding

Tom Hayes

Question:

407 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding situation for a disability organisation (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7647/11]

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

Medical Cards

Michael McGrath

Question:

408 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the administration of the general medical card scheme under particular circumstances (details supplied). [7676/11]

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

Vaccination Programme

Joe McHugh

Question:

409 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the up to date position regarding the cervical screening service for young girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7682/11]

I understand the Deputy is referring to the HPV vaccination. I have asked the HSE to develop an implementation plan for a catch-up programme for HPV vaccination of girls in secondary school to commence in the new school year this autumn.

Medical Cards

Michael McGrath

Question:

410 Deputy Michael McGrath 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 Cork. [7720/11]

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

Primary Care Centres

Michael McGrath

Question:

411 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the development of a primary care centre (details supplied) in County Cork; and the next steps in the process. [7726/11]

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

Departmental Funding

Michael McGrath

Question:

412 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding funding from the Health Service Executive to an organisation (details supplied) in 2011. [7733/11]

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

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

413 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards or review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7748/11]

Since my recent appointment as Minister for Health, I have not made any appointments to boards or review groups, nor have I appointed any persons to prepare reports on my behalf.

Departmental Programmes

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

414 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the frequency with which the social personal and health education inter-departmental group meet; the reason the group has not met since May 2010; the effect this has had on the SPHE programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7754/11]

Initially, it was agreed that the Inter-Departmental Group, involving my Department and the Department of Education and Skills, would meet 3 times a year but that this arrangement could be reviewed in the light of experience. The Group last met in May 2010 and the next meeting is scheduled for May 2011. The SPHE Management Team, who oversee the operational management of SPHE delivery, have continued to meet on a quarterly basis in the interim. My Department is not aware of any negative impact being experienced in the delivery of the SPHE programme at school level resulting from the lack of an inter-Departmental meeting.

Primary Care Centres

Jim Daly

Question:

415 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports available to an organisation which is considering setting up a community-based primary care centre specialising in addiction treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7761/11]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Jim Daly

Question:

416 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health and Children when surgery will be scheduled in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7766/11]

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

Question No. 417 answered with Question No. 60.

Health Service Staff

Robert Troy

Question:

418 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans in regard to the new contracts for agency nurses. [7789/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) introduced new arrangements for contracting agency staff on 14 March 2011. The use of agency staff has always been a feature of the health system and will remain an ongoing requirement to fill short term vacancies and ensure continuity of service provision. Agency nurses are employed directly by the agencies that were successful in the HSE's tendering competition.

As the Deputy may be aware, the health sector trade unions objected to the new contract including the rates of pay. The matter was raised at the Health Sector Implementation Body established under the Public Service Agreement and was subsequently considered by the national level Implementation Body. As far as the rates of pay are concerned, the Implementation Body noted that a process of engagement between both the social partners at national level and the parties within the public service, on the implications on the utilisation, terms and conditions of Agency staffing, arising from the transposition due by December of this year of the Directive on Temporary Agency Work (2008/104/EC), should commence as soon as possible.

The Body also recommended that the parties should seek the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission in relation to implementation issues. The new contract for agency staff is part of the approved HSE service plan for 2011 and will deliver cost savings in excess of €40 million across the health sector, thus helping to protect services. In this regard, the contract negotiated by the HSE remains in place and it is my understanding that both parties will be attending the Labour Relations Commission.

Departmental Staff

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

419 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of retired public servants employed on short-term contracts by his Department and by all bodies under its aegis, and the total cost of that employment for all purposes, including interview boards, in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. [7190/11]

From the period 1 January to 31 December 2010 my Department employed five retired public servants at a cost of €28,155.50.

With regard to agencies under the aegis of my Department this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have, however, forwarded the Deputy's question to the various non-commercial state agencies under my Department's aegis. If the Deputy does not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office.

Official Languages Act

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

420 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to his Department of sign replacement resulting from the requirement of the Department and all agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit to replace signs which were in place prior to March 2009 where the existing signs in Irish did not or would not meet the requirements in terms of Irish text by 2012. [7205/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

421 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the anticipated cost to his Department of ensuring compliance by the Department and by all agencies and bodies under its remit with the requirements under the Official Languages Act to replace any sign currently in English only by March 2013. [7220/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.

As a result of the recent alteration of the functions of the Department it will be necessary to change all signage. Investigations are currently being carried out as to how to achieve this at the most economical cost also having regard to commitments under the Official Languages Act. No costs have been incurred to date. The question of obligations of the agencies under this legislation is a matter for the agencies themselves.

Hospitality Sector

Timmy Dooley

Question:

422 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the hospitality sector as a growth area for jobs. [7233/11]

The Government's programme for National Recovery recognises that the big challenge for Ireland is to develop a strategy that will allow job growth and sustainable enterprise. In that regard, the Government intends to implement a number of sectoral initiatives in areas that will create employment in the domestic economy and the Government Programme also specifically includes tourism as a key sector, the development of which we intend to support through a range of measures, and which is of course a major driver of business for the wider hospitality sector.

Tourism and hospitality currently provides employment for an estimated 180,000 people across the country, including around 120,000 in accommodation and food services. The current Strategy and Action Plan for Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015, "Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy", contains targets for job creation, exports, tourist numbers and inward investment projects and includes a target of an additional 15,000 jobs generated through renewed growth in tourist numbers. The significant measures outlined in the Programme for Government will help to ensure that those targets are delivered.

Road Safety

Ray Butler

Question:

423 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a review of the speed limit on a road (details supplied) in County Meath will be undertaken in view of the fact that the current limit is 80 km per hour, when other roads of lower quality and safety in the area have limits of 100 km per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7296/11]

Statutory responsibility for the application of speed limits is vested in members of county and city councils.

The Road Traffic Act 2004 establishes default speed limits that apply to defined categories of roads and which can only be changed by county and city councils through the making of special speed limit bye-laws. Section 9 of the 2004 Act sets out the range of special speed limits that may be applied by local authorities through bye-laws. In accordance with actions identified in the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012, my Department recently issued guidelines on speed limits to all local authorities. The onus is now on local authorities to take these guidelines into account in relation to the speed limits to be set for all roads in their area of responsibility.

Tourism Promotion

Dara Calleary

Question:

424 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will open the seasonal tourist office in Ballina, County Mayo; the length of time it will be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7358/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Taxi Regulations

Joe Costello

Question:

425 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy for streamlining the taxi industry. [7359/11]

The recently agreed programme for Government contained a commitment to "review and update the regulation of taxis to ensure that taxi services are recognized as a key component of the public transport system and we will provide for a forum for discussion between the regulatory authorities and taxi providers".

I am currently familiarising myself with the areas under my control in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and as part of this process, I am looking to establish the best, most effective and efficient way to implement this commitment. In doing this, I am aware of the very diverse views within the taxi industry on the future of the taxi industry as well as the concerns of consumers.

I expect to be in a position by the early summer to announce how I intend to implement this commitment from the Programme for Government.

Hospitality Sector

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

426 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of unemployed persons who have been trained in each year since 2008 in hospitality disciplines (details supplied); the centres that provide hospitality training and the capacity for training available in each discipline in each of the centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7411/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Ministerial Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

427 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of special advisers appointed in his Department between June 1997 and February 2011; the cost of each special adviser appointed to his office between June 1997 and February 2011; the gender ratio of these appointments between June 1997 and February 2011; the number of appointments to State boards made during the period June 1997 to February 2011; and the gender ratio of appointments made to State boards during the period June 1997 to February 2011. [7429/11]

The information sought by the Deputy is available from June 2002 when the Department of Transport was formed and is set out in the following tables. Table 1 outlines the number of special advisers appointed to the Department of Transport, the cost of each special adviser and the gender ratio around the appointments in the period between June 2002 and February 2011. Table 2 outlines the number of appointments to State Boards since June 2002 and the gender ratio.

Table 1

Period

Appointments

Cost

Gender

June 2002-Sept 2004

1 Special adviser to Minister

217,791

Male 100%

Oct 2004-June 2007

1 Press adviser to Minister

150,791

Male 100%

1 Special adviser to Minister

458,176

July 2007-Feb 2011

1 Special adviser to Minister*

103,560

Male 60%

1 Press adviser to Minister

380,560

Female 40%

1 Transport Policy adviser

198,021

1 Temporary Press adviser

57,616

1 Special adviser to Minister of State

80,894

*Portion of salary cost covered in Department of Education & Science Vote

Table 2

Appointments to State Boards since June 2002

Male

Female

% Female Appointments

547

136

20%

Sports Capital Programme

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

428 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe surrounding the announcement of the next round of funding from the sports capital programme for the clubs and organisations around the country. [7432/11]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, funding is allocated to sporting and to voluntary and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme.

European Council Meetings

Regina Doherty

Question:

429 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Council of the European Union meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7452/11]

There were four such Transport Council meetings that Minister Dempsey was entitled to attend in the 12 months before 9 March 2011. The details are:

11th March 2010 — Minister Dempsey did not attend as he was travelling to represent the Government for St. Patrick's Day; he was represented by a senior official of his Department.

24th June 2010 — Minister Dempsey did attend.

15th October 2010 — Minister Dempsey did attend.

2nd December 2010 — Minister Dempsey did not attend due to the extreme weather conditions which disrupted air travel between Ireland and Europe but he was represented by a Department representative based in Brussels.

Also, I would like to make the Deputy aware that since my appointment as Minister there has been one Transport Council meeting on the 31st of March 2011 which I attended.

Public Transport

Robert Dowds

Question:

430 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make representations to Dublin Bus to maintain existing bus services (details supplied). [7482/11]

The issue raised is an operational matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Robert Dowds

Question:

431 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that the Dublin Bus route number 68 is retained as one which continues to serve Dublin city centre. [7483/11]

The issue raised is an operational matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Robert Dowds

Question:

432 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that the Dublin Bus route number 69 is retained as one which continues to serve Dublin city centre. [7484/11]

The issue raised is an operational matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Tourism Sector

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

433 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to promote photography tourism in Ireland, especially as regards the UK market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7577/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Network

John O'Mahony

Question:

434 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the Gort to Tuam section of the M17 to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7593/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

435 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to assist struggling road hauliers having difficulties due to the price of diesel. [7480/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

440 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the improvement scheme on the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam Road. [7652/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 434, 435 and 440 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Public Transport

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

436 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the tourism services provided by Dublin Bus are considered to be a strategic national asset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7617/11]

Dublin Bus operates the Airlink service connecting the Airport with the city centre and also Dublin Bus Sightseeing Tours. These are commercial services and are separate from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. They are operated in competition with private operators who provide similar services in the Dublin area. These commercial services, while making a small annual profit, are only a small part of the company's overall activity and surpluses are used to offset costs of the PSO services. As such, they would not be considered a strategic national asset. I have not been presented with any proposal to sell these services. The Dublin Bus network of services are, of course, an important asset to the city's attractiveness as a city to live in, work and visit and are regularly used by tourists visiting Dublin.

Cycle Facilities

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

437 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the funding from the National Roads Authority will be made available to allow Dublin City Council to begin the expansion of the Dublin bikes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7618/11]

I have no function in the matter. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. If no response has been received within ten working days, please advise my private office.

Port Development

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

438 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding proposals for the development of a port (details supplied); the way he envisages two ports operating together; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7624/11]

The primary objective of national ports policy is to provide a framework for the provision of port services, which are efficient, effective and adequate for the needs of our trading economy. A Port Policy Review is currently underway. A public consultation took place last year on future ports policy and my Department is considering the submissions received. Encouraging competitive conditions both within and between ports is an important part of this policy framework. There are currently ten State commercial port companies established under the Harbours Acts. These ten companies operate independently of each other, and each is responsible for the future development of its own port.

The most recent analysis of national port capacity was conducted in 2009 as part of the Dublin Port National Development Plan Study. In the medium to long term the Study concluded that traffic growth will be such that significant additional port capacity will be required by 2025-30, in particular for the Greater Dublin Area. The Regional Planning Guidelines for the GDA 2010-2022 reflect this finding. Both ports mentioned in the Deputy's question continue to plan for their future development.

Drogheda Port Company, together with its private sector partners, are continuing to progress plans to develop a new deep-water port at Bremore. Dublin Port Company has recently announced the commencement of a public consultation to help develop a masterplan for the port's future development. It is my view that both port companies should be in competition with each other for existing business and new growth.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

439 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been briefed by Dublin Port on its new plans to expand the port’s capacity; his views on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7625/11]

I attended the recent launch of the public consultation on a masterplan for the port. Once completed, the masterplan will outline the company's vision for the development of the port over the next 30 years. I very much welcome this initiative being taken by the company and would encourage all stakeholders to engage constructively in the process. It is in line with international best practice and is consistent with efforts to improve integrated transport planning more generally. It is an important method for facilitating the engagement of local communities and other stakeholders in the long term planning of port developments. I would encourage the Deputy to contribute to this process.

Port master-planning and the future development of port capacity will be addressed as part of the current Port Policy Review. A public consultation took place last year on future ports policy and my Department is considering the submissions received.

Question No. 440 answered with question No. 434.

Airport Charges

Timmy Dooley

Question:

441 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will carry out a review of the regulatory regime for airport charges and, if so, when he expects this review to be completed. [7653/11]

I propose to commence a review of the regulatory regime for airport charges later this year. At this stage is too early to say when this process will be completed.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

442 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make available details of his Department’s submission to the European Commission in respect of a complaint by a company (details supplied) regarding the regime for airport regulatory charges, which the company alleges breached Article 106 of the treaty on the functioning of the EU. [7654/11]

The complaint referred to by the Deputy is under investigation by the European Commission. The Commission requested a response from my Department and in reply a submission has been made. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate to publish this while the matter is still under investigation.

Regional Airports

Timmy Dooley

Question:

443 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for capital expenditure grants at Donegal Airport. [7655/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

444 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for capital expenditure grants at Sligo Airport. [7656/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

445 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for capital expenditure grants at Knock Airport. [7657/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

446 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for capital expenditure grants at Galway Airport. [7658/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

447 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for capital expenditure grants at Kerry Airport. [7659/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

448 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has in relation to operational expenditure subvention for Donegal Airport. [7660/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

449 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has in relation to operational expenditure subvention for Sligo Airport. [7661/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

450 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has in relation to operational expenditure subvention for Ireland West Airport, Knock, County Mayo. [7662/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

451 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has in relation to operational expenditure subvention for Galway Airport. [7663/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

452 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has in relation to operational expenditure subvention for Kerry Airport. [7664/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

453 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for the subvention of the public service obligation air services operating between Derry and Dublin. [7665/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

454 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for the subvention of the public service obligation air services operating between Donegal and Dublin. [7666/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

455 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for the subvention of the public service obligation air services operating between Sligo and Dublin. [7667/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

456 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for the subvention of the public service obligation air services operating between Knock and Dublin. [7668/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

457 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for the subvention of the public service obligation air services operating between Kerry and Dublin. [7669/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

458 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for the subvention of the public service obligation air services operating between Galway and Dublin. [7670/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 to 458, inclusive, together.

With regard to the PSO air services, my Department has formally applied to the EU Commission to continue the routes linking Donegal and Kerry with Dublin two routes. In line with EU regulations regarding the procurement of PSO air services these new contracts are expected to be in place before year end.I am considering issues relating to the operational subvention scheme and the capital grant scheme which have also provided funding to the six regional airports and I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on future arrangements for these schemes in advance of a Government decision in the matter.

Ministerial Appointments

Dara Calleary

Question:

459 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of all persons appointed by him to serve as members of boards or review groups or to prepare reports for him since his appointment. [7751/11]

Following a decision by Government to reappoint Dr. John Lynch as the chairman of CIE for a period of three months from 28 March 2011 to 28 June 2011, I have reappointed him as chairman of the subsidiary companies, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, for the same period. Since my appointment as Minister I have made no other appointments.

The Deputy may be aware that last Friday the Department advertised in the national press and on the Department's website for expressions of interest from individuals who may wish to serve on state boards. This is a new departure in such matters, and will hopefully allow for a greater range of candidates to be considered for membership of such boards. If the Deputy is aware of individuals who may be in a position to serve on such boards, I would encourage him to make such persons aware of this new development.

Departmental Bodies

Timmy Dooley

Question:

460 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Fáilte Ireland training centres around the country are fully equipped and staffed with experienced tutors. [7232/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

461 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to re-establish training courses at the Fáilte Ireland regional training centres. [7234/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Top
Share