Written Answers

Defence Forces Personnel

Robert Troy

Question:

47 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he is still committed to ensuring that at least 10% of the Defence Forces will be women as set out in Fine Gael’s election manifesto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8385/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit. The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

The number of female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force on 31 March 2011, the last date for which figures are available, was 572, of which 472 were serving in the Army, 32 in the Air Corps and 68 in the Naval Service. In terms of ranks the breakdown of female personnel serving on 31 March 2011 was 149 Officers, 168 Non Commissioned Officers and 255 Privates. The percentage of female personnel serving on 31 March was 5.90% of the overall strength of the Force on that date. I have asked my officials in consultation with the Military authorities, to consider what other initiatives might be further considered to support an increase in the number of female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force.

Public Sector Staff

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

48 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the size and relative percentage of the workplace represented by public sector jobs here from 2001 to 2011; the way this compares with the similar figures for our 26 EU partner nations throughout the same decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8226/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS) is the official source of estimates of the number of employees in the public sector. Prior to the introduction of EHECS to all sectors of the economy in 2008 employment estimates were produced from a separate quarterly public sector survey. The data from these two sources differed slightly in coverage but they have been combined to estimate a comparable employment series from Q4 2001 up to Q4 2010, the latest period for which estimates are available. These estimates are presented in table 1 below.

Also presented are the estimated total number of employees in the state from the Quarterly National Household Survey. These estimates have been derived excluding commercial semi-State employment so as to be as close as possible to the definition of the ‘General Government Sector' as utilised in the compilation of the National Accounts although minor differences in coverage may still exist.

Comparable estimates are not available for other EU member states as EU data collection in relation to employment is based on the NACE classification which classifies employment according to the field of activity of the employer rather than whether the employer is in the public or private sector. It is not possible to clearly identify overall public sector employment through the NACE classification as it is spread across a number of areas of economic activity. In relation to the National Accounts while information on the overall compensation of employees in the General Government Sector is collected, at this point in time Eurostat does not collect and compile comparable statistics on the overall level of employment in the General Government Sector for EU member states.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) undertakes a periodic data collection exercise regarding the level of Public sector employment in different countries. However estimates are not submitted by all countries and comparability of those estimates submitted to the ILO cannot be guaranteed.

Table 1
Public Sector Employment Q4 2001-Q4 2010
	Q4 2001	Q4 2002	Q4 2003	Q4 2004	Q4 2005	Q4 2006	Q4 2007	Q4 2008	Q4 2009	Q4 2010
Total public sector (excluding commercial semi state)	309,000	324,300	327,800	335,700	341,800	354,400	367,500	381,900	364,000	361,400
Total employees (QNHS)	1,442,100	1,463,700	1,501,600	1,570,000	1,675,400	1,737,300	1,761,100	1,679,000	1,550,700	1,516,000
Percentage Public Secto	21%	22%	22%	21%	20%	20%	21%	23%	23%	24%

Source CSO

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

49 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the total cost and the cost relative to GDP and GNP of the public sector workforce in the period 2001 to 2011; the way these indices compare with the similar figures for our 26 EU partner nations throughout the same decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8227/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the tables below. The definition of public sector used is the "General Government Sector" as defined internationally for the compilation of National Accounts. The definition excludes commercial semi state bodies. The figures relate to wages and salaries, including employers' contributions to pension and social security funds. The most recent year for which internationally comparable annual data are available on the Eurostat website is 2009. The most up to date information for Ireland, including data for 2010, have been incorporated in the tables.

Internationally comparable data for GNP are not available. However, Table 3 presents data for GNI (Gross National Income). This is equivalent to GNP plus EU subsidies minus EU taxes.

Table 1: Compensation of Employees (€m) in the General Government Sector: EU Member States and EU, 2000 to 2010*
Country/Year	2010*	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
European Union (27 countries)		1,323,424	1,312,652	1,285,378	1,241,075	1,192,914	1,141,543	1,093,512	1,061,019	1,008,971	966,598
Belgium		43,288	41,635	39,324	37,859	36,422	34,661	33,833	32,532	30,326	29,039
Bulgaria		3,286	3,254	2,722	2,318	2,420	2,046	1,864	1,604	1,351	1,436
Czech Republic		11,109	11,210	9,673	8,906	7,989	6,966	6,725	6,219	5,076	4,346
Denmark		43,280	40,140	38,147	37,283	35,884	35,116	33,977	32,818	31,248	29,690
Germany		177,640	170,720	168,310	168,270	168,900	169,590	169,240	168,680	166,220	166,110
Estonia		1,773	1,830	1,527	1,242	1,104	985	889	798	710	665
Ireland	18,140	19,572	20,309	19,008	17,353	15,721	13,671	12,560	11,273	9,819	8,361
Greece		31,762	28,761	26,430	24,324	22,384	21,345	18,641	17,308	15,180	14,445
Spain		125,164	118,387	107,835	98,261	91,011	84,595	78,691	72,889	68,728	64,728
France		254,326	247,268	241,736	234,489	228,208	220,725	215,626	208,484	199,206	192,305
Italy		171,578	169,813	163,989	163,220	156,542	149,866	144,749	137,621	131,647	124,306
Cyprus		2,644	2,427	2,269	2,164	2,011	1,885	1,828	1,539	1,428	1,363
Latvia		2,242	2,770	2,248	1,612	1,308	1,174	1,069	1,039	954	917
Lithuania		3,411	3,475	2,834	2,504	2,153	1,968	1,787	1,711	1,590	1,502
Luxembourg		3,031	2,805	2,653	2,508	2,379	2,224	2,075	1,939	1,785	1,661
Hungary		10,499	12,258	11,621	10,933	11,178	10,382	9,807	8,634	6,586	5,442
Malta		831	832	707	678	667	661	652	649	640	547
Netherlands		57,130	54,575	52,273	50,216	49,543	48,909	48,040	45,599	42,820	39,647
Austria		27,174	25,970	24,783	23,999	22,884	21,912	21,559	21,041	20,954	22,866
Poland		31,788	36,246	29,909	26,712	24,563	20,547	20,461	22,543	22,681	18,738
Portugal		20,707	20,300	20,271	20,812	21,312	20,125	19,360	19,737	18,449	17,281
Romania		12,558	14,295	11,720	9,059	6,978	4,968	4,297	4,139	3,764	3,203
Slovenia		4,399	4,112	3,641	3,481	3,306	3,146	3,016	2,841	2,680	2,423
Slovakia		4,948	4,481	3,730	3,284	2,803	2,739	2,612	2,373	2,092	1,942
Finland		25,429	24,676	23,239	22,350	21,671	20,731	19,915	19,070	18,075	17,278
Sweden		44,591	49,162	50,372	48,176	46,493	46,130	44,689	41,916	39,454	40,873
United Kingdom		189,264	200,944	224,408	219,065	207,081	194,476	175,549	176,025	165,509	155,485

*Annual data for other EU Member States not available for 2010.

Source: Central Statistics Office and Estat.

Table 2: Compensation of Employees in General Government Sector as a Percentage of GDP: EU Member States, 2000 to 2010*
Country/Year	2010*	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
European Union (27 Countries)		11.2	10.5	10.4	10.6	10.8	10.8	10.8	10.7	10.5	10.5
Belgium		12.8	12.1	11.7	11.9	12.0	11.9	12.3	12.1	11.7	11.5
Bulgaria		9.4	9.2	8.8	8.8	10.4	10.0	10.1	9.4	8.7	10.2
Czech Republic		8.1	7.6	7.6	7.8	8.0	7.9	8.3	7.8	7.4	7.1
Denmark		19.5	17.2	16.8	17.0	17.3	17.8	18.0	17.8	17.4	17.1
Germany		7.4	6.9	6.9	7.2	7.5	7.7	7.8	7.9	7.9	8.1
Estonia		12.8	11.4	9.6	9.3	9.9	10.2	10.2	10.3	10.2	10.8
Ireland	11.8	12.3	11.3	10.0	9.8	9.7	9.2	9.0	8.6	8.4	8.0
Greece		13.5	12.1	11.6	11.5	11.5	11.5	10.8	11.1	10.4	10.5
Spain		11.9	10.9	10.2	10.0	10.0	10.1	10.1	10.0	10.1	10.3
France		13.3	12.7	12.8	13.0	13.2	13.3	13.5	13.5	13.3	13.3
Italy		11.3	10.8	10.6	11.0	11.0	10.8	10.8	10.6	10.5	10.4
Cyprus		15.6	14.0	14.2	14.7	14.7	14.8	15.5	13.8	13.2	13.5
Latvia		12.1	12.0	10.6	10.0	10.0	10.5	10.7	10.5	10.2	10.8
Lithuania		12.9	10.8	9.9	10.4	10.3	10.8	10.8	11.4	11.7	12.1
Luxembourg		8.0	7.1	7.1	7.4	7.9	8.1	8.0	8.1	7.9	7.5
Hungary		11.3	11.5	11.5	12.2	12.6	12.5	13.2	12.2	11.0	10.6
Malta		14.2	14.1	12.9	13.4	13.9	14.7	14.7	14.5	14.9	13.0
Netherlands		10.0	9.2	9.1	9.3	9.6	10.0	10.1	9.8	9.6	9.5
Austria		9.9	9.2	9.1	9.3	9.4	9.4	9.7	9.6	9.9	11.0
Poland		10.2	10.0	9.6	9.8	10.0	10.1	10.7	10.8	10.7	10.1
Portugal		12.3	11.8	12.0	13.0	13.9	13.5	13.5	14.1	13.8	13.6
Romania		10.7	10.2	9.4	9.3	8.7	8.1	8.2	8.5	8.3	7.9
Slovenia		12.4	11.0	10.5	11.2	11.5	11.6	11.7	11.6	11.8	11.3
Slovakia		7.8	6.9	6.8	7.4	7.3	8.1	8.9	9.1	8.9	8.8
Finland		14.9	13.4	12.9	13.5	13.8	13.6	13.7	13.3	13.0	13.1
Sweden		15.3	14.8	14.9	15.1	15.6	15.8	16.0	15.7	15.5	15.2
United Kingdom		12.1	11.1	10.9	11.2	11.3	11.0	10.7	10.3	10.1	9.7

*Annual data for other EU Member States not available for 2010.

Source: Central Statistics Office and Estat.

Table 3: Compensation of Employees in General Government Sector as a Percentage of GNI: EU Member States, 2000 to 2010*
Country/Year	2010*	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
European Union (27 Countries)		11.3	10.5	10.4	10.6	10.8	10.7	10.8	10.7	10.6	10.5
Belgium		12.6	11.9	11.6	11.8	11.9	11.8	12.1	12.0	11.5	11.3
Bulgaria		9.9	9.7	9.5	9.4	11.0	10.2	10.3	9.4	9.1	10.7
Czech Republic		8.6	7.9	8.2	8.2	8.3	8.4	8.7	8.1	7.6	7.2
Denmark		19.1	17.0	16.6	16.7	17.1	17.7	18.1	18.0	17.7	17.5
Germany		7.3	6.8	6.8	7.1	7.4	7.6	7.9	8.0	7.9	8.1
Estonia		13.1	12.0	10.4	9.8	10.3	10.7	10.8	10.7	10.6	11.2
Ireland	14.4	14.8	13.0	11.6	11.2	11.2	10.7	10.5	10.4	9.9	9.2
Greece		13.9	12.5	12.0	11.8	11.7	11.6	10.9	11.0	10.3	10.4
Spain		12.2	11.2	10.5	10.2	10.2	10.2	10.2	10.1	10.3	10.4
France		13.2	12.6	12.6	12.9	13.1	13.2	13.4	13.4	13.1	13.2
Italy		11.5	11.0	10.7	11.0	11.0	10.8	10.9	10.7	10.6	10.5
Cyprus		15.9	15.0	15.1	15.5	15.4	15.5	15.9	14.2	14.0	14.5
Latvia		11.2	12.1	11.0	10.4	10.2	10.7	10.8	10.4	10.2	10.8
Lithuania		12.6	11.1	10.3	10.7	10.5	11.1	11.1	11.5	11.9	12.4
Luxembourg		11.3	9.4	8.8	9.7	9.1	9.3	10.4	9.7	8.9	8.7
Hungary		11.9	12.3	12.4	12.9	13.3	13.2	13.8	12.8	11.6	11.1
Malta		15.3	14.7	13.5	13.9	14.5	14.9	14.8	14.4	14.7	13.3
Netherlands		10.3	9.3	9.0	9.1	9.6	9.7	10.0	9.7	9.5	9.3
Austria		10.0	9.3	9.2	9.4	9.5	9.5	9.7	9.7	10.1	11.2
Poland		10.6	10.2	10.0	10.1	10.2	10.3	10.8	10.8	10.7	10.1
Portugal		12.8	12.2	12.4	13.4	14.1	13.7	13.7	14.3	14.1	13.9
Romania		10.8	10.5	9.7	9.6	9.0	8.5	8.4	8.6	8.4	7.9
Slovenia		12.7	11.3	10.8	11.3	11.6	11.7	11.8	11.6	11.8	11.3
Slovakia		8.0	7.1	7.0	7.6	7.5	8.4	9.3	9.2	8.9	8.9
Finland		14.6	13.3	12.9	13.4	13.7	13.5	13.8	13.3	13.0	13.2
Sweden		15.1	14.2	14.6	14.9	15.5	15.8	15.8	15.8	15.7	15.4
United Kingdom		11.9	10.9	10.8	11.2	11.1	10.8	10.5	10.1	10.0	9.7

*Annual data for other EU Member States not available for 2010.

Source: Central Statistics Office and Estat.

National Statistics

Brian Stanley

Question:

50 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach the percentage distribution of those aged 65 years and over, in the CSO EU SILC equivalised income deciles for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. [8539/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The table below shows the percentage distribution of persons aged 65 years or over across the published SILC net disposable equivalised income deciles.

Table 1: Percentage distribution of those aged 65 years and over by net disposable equivalised income deciles by year
Distribution across deciles	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
Age group 65+
Decile	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	State
Weekly threshold (€)	<209.91	<255.28	<289.58	<335.49	<385.33	<443.96	<509.04	<595.82	<740.49	>740.49
2009	8.01	8.78	22.75	15.7	8.76	10.29	8.39	5.27	5.14	6.9	100
Decile	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	State
Weekly threshold (€)	<212.67	<256.19	<296.49	<341.17	<397.82	<450.92	<524.45	<612.25	<769.99	>769.99
2008	7.29	11.77	27.08	14.47	7.74	7.12	7.57	6.16	5.19	5.62	100
Decile	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	State
Weekly threshold (€)	<198.09	<240.69	<278.48	<321.19	<379.33	<440.32	<516.69	<606.31	<772.94	>772.94
2007	6.47	19.98	23.29	10.41	8.49	8.01	9.34	5.97	4.72	3.33	100
Decile	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	State
Weekly threshold (€)	<174.32	<212.73	<248.19	<291.10	<337.48	<389.60	<448.30	<536.77	<683.45	>683.45
2006	5.1	17.1	27.1	13.5	8.0	7.0	7.8	5.9	4.9	3.7	100
Decile	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	State
Weekly threshold (€)	<156.90	<197.48	<231.55	<275.75	<319.98	<372.68	<425.13	<493.51	<623.27	>623.27
2005	6.61	17.44	28.4	12.93	7.52	7.82	6.19	5.12	4.3	3.67	100

Census 2011

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

51 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach his view on the anecdotal evidence that census enumerators are finding it difficult to access some housing and apartment complexes; if he is confident that all residents will be able to partake in census 2011 in view of the significant number of voters in Dublin North-East who were not registered to vote in the general election 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8047/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

5,344 field staff have been employed to conduct the field operation for the census, made up of 4,854 enumerators, 440 field supervisors and 50 senior managers. All enumerators have been instructed to deliver a census form in person to an adult person in each household in their designated area. Where nobody in the household can be contacted after three visits the enumerator is instructed to leave a calling card containing his/her mobile phone number.

Under the Statistics Act 1993 census field staff are entitled to gain access to all apartment complexes to perform their duties. To assist field staff in this task all Regional and Field Supervisors have been provided with a list of gated complexes in their area. Supervisors were directed to make contact with the relevant management companies to arrange access for their local enumerator by requesting in advance gate codes, key fobs and/or the contact names of security personnel. In difficult situations where no help was forthcoming supervisors were further instructed to, among other things, make contact with local Garda, local fire or ambulance services or to seek out other contacts such as postal and other delivery personnel. Finally all field staff have been encouraged to use their initiative on the ground by making contact with residents, local taxi companies, fast food companies etc.

The CSO is confident that the steps outlined above will achieve the stated goal of the census which is 100 per cent enumeration. In the small number of situations where householders in gated complexes have had no contact from their enumerator they are encouraged to contact the census helpline, which has been extensively advertised both on the census.ie website and in the media. In these situations census HQ staff will take their details and pass them on to their local enumerator to ensure that the relevant contact is made.

Public Procurement

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

52 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the awarding of the printing contract for census 2011 to a company (details supplied) particularly in view of it being a wholly-owned subsidiary of a US contractor and its association with human rights issues at Abu Ghraib prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8019/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The printing contract for the 2011 census was part of a comprehensive census tender which was published on etenders in April 2009. The tender covered the software solution for the processing system, which was based on the system used for the 2006 census, the provision, installation and commissioning of the necessary hardware to carry out the processing and the printing of the census forms and enumerator record books.

Following an open public tender the contract was awarded to a UK company, CACI (UK) Ltd. in July 2009. The printing of the census forms and enumerator record books was sub-contracted by CACI (UK) Ltd. to an Irish based printer DCK Ebrook. All Irish census forms were printed in Ireland on site at DCK Ebrook facilities in Walkinstown between April and August 2010.

Departmental Staff

Michael Creed

Question:

53 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed directly in his Department in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010; if he will provide details regarding the numbers in each Civil Service grade for the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8169/11]

The Taoiseach

The tables beneath provide the information requested by the Deputy.

Year 1995
Grade	Number of WTEs Employed
Secretary General	2
Assistant Secretary	3
Principal Officer	8
Assistant Principal	14
Higher Executive Officer	14
Administrative Officer	7
Executive Officer	11
Staff Officer	9
Clerical Officer	16.5
Clerical Assistant (including Clerical Assistant typist)	25.5
SVO (Support Staff)	23
Paperkeeper	1
Total	134

Year 2000
Grade	Number of WTEs Employed
Secretary General	2
Assistant Secretary	5
Principal Officer	8
Assistant Principal	18.5
Higher Executive Officer	17.5
Administrative Officer	12
Executive Officer	11.5
Staff Officer	10.5
Clerical Officer	46
SVO (Support Staff)	24
Total	155

Year 2005
Grade	Number of WTEs Employed
Secretary General	1
Second Secretary	1
Assistant Secretary	4
Director	1
Principal Officer	11.5
Assistant Principal	28.78
Higher Executive Officer	20.4
Administrative Officer	18.1
Executive Officer	22.3
Staff Officer	11.2
Clerical Officer	47
SVO (Support Staff)	21
Total	187.28

Year 2010
Grade	Number of WTEs Employed
Secretary General	1
Assistant Secretary	4
Principal Officer	14.6*
Assistant Principal	21.35
Higher Executive Officer	22.3
Administrative Officer	9
Executive Officer	20.2
Staff Officer	10.43
Clerical Officer	39.5
SVO (Support Staff)	19.58
Total	161.96

*Includes 4 Principal Officers seconded into the Department.

Official Engagements

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

54 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Taoiseach when he will make a State visit to China. [8170/11]

The Taoiseach

The Government attaches great importance to developing our trade and bilateral links with our Asian partners and in particular with China. We look forward to building on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between our two countries and further enhancing our trade, investment, education and tourism links with China. In this context, I very much hope to be in a position to travel to China, perhaps later this year, though of course this is a matter for agreement with the Chinese authorities. Contact between our respective administrations is continuing, including through our Embassy in Beijing, to see if a visit can be confirmed on mutually acceptable dates.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

55 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Taoiseach the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8247/11]

The Taoiseach

Staff working in my constituency office and the constituency offices of both the Government Chief Whip and the Minister of State for European Affairs deal with matters raised by constituents. There are two Personal Assistants and one Personal Secretary working in my constituency office based in Castlebar and one Executive Officer and one Personal Assistant working in my constituency office in Government Buildings. There is one clerical vacancy to be filled in my constituency office in Government Buildings.

The Government Chief Whip has one Personal Secretary based in his constituency office in Enniscorthy. There is one Personal Assistant vacancy yet to be filled and one other vacancy to be filled. The Minister of State for European Affairs has her constituency office located in Government Buildings. The staff consists of one Personal Secretary and two Clerical Officers.

Official Engagements

Seán Kenny

Question:

56 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Taoiseach the foreign leaders he expects to invite here over the next few months. [8485/11]

The Taoiseach

I met with my European Union counterparts at the European Council meetings on 11 March and 24/25 March, and will do so again at future meetings. I expect to meet with some of them bilaterally, possibly in Dublin, over the coming months but no firm arrangements have been finalised yet. I invited President Obama to visit Ireland when I met him in Washington on St. Patrick's Day, and am very pleased that he has accepted my invitation and will visit towards the end of May. President McAleese extended an invitation to Queen Elizabeth to make a State visit to Ireland. This invitation was accepted, and I look forward to meeting the Queen during her State visit next month.

Military Neutrality

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

57 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to change Ireland’s traditional policy of neutrality, which in popular consciousness is not purely limited to our non-membership of military alliances. [8388/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The Government is fully committed to protecting Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, characterised by non-participation in military alliances. This policy has been underpinned by a set of complementary values which includes the protection of human rights; support for development; and the promotion of disarmament and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.

Over the years, this approach has helped us to speak with a distinctive and independent voice on many of the key challenges facing the world in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security. Successive Governments have not interpreted neutrality as meaning that Ireland should avoid international engagement. Rather, they have considered that it enhances our capacity to make a direct and significant contribution to the promotion of global peace and stability through the United Nations, the European Union and in bilateral action. There is no doubt that our non-membership of military alliances strengthens our acceptability in areas which are experiencing conflict. This enables us to make a highly regarded contribution to international peace operations, authorised by the United Nations, whether these operations are undertaken under direct UN command or are led by the European Union or by NATO.

Natural Disasters

Terence Flanagan

Question:

58 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will respond to correspondence (detail supplied) regarding the humanitarian crisis in Japan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8162/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

One month after the devastating magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 25,000 people in north-eastern Japan, the country's authorities are continuing to undertake a massive recovery operation and to bring help to the 170,000 people who remain homeless as a result of the disaster. A further 80,000 people living within a 20 kilometre radius of the Fukushima nuclear power plant which was badly damaged as a result of the tsunami, have also been ordered to evacuate their homes, as workers inside the facility attempt to remove contaminated water and cool the plant's reactor.

The Government responded swiftly to the emergency through the decision on 16 March to allocate €1 million to the Japanese Red Cross, which has been central to the emergency response operation. In addition, the Government placed Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps – a roster of highly skilled humanitarian personnel – on standby to assist and offered the use of emergency shelter, water and sanitation equipment from our pre-positioned stockpiles in Dubai and Malaysia. At this stage however, the Japanese authorities have indicated that they are unlikely to require this additional support as they now have sufficient resources available within Japan to procure relief supplies and to deliver them to the worst affected areas.

As I have noted elsewhere, 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. While many thousands of people remain in evacuation centres, the Government of Japan has already developed detailed plans to provide them with accommodation and has requested the housing industry to build 30,000 temporary homes by mid-May. With the vast majority of towns and cities in Japan left undamaged by the disaster, some 42,000 pre-existing housing units have also been made available by local or public authorities across the country to accommodate the displaced. At this stage, it is not anticipated that accommodation will be required overseas given the significant resources which Japan itself is able to devote to this operation. The Government continues to monitor the situation in Japan and remains ready to offer further support should the Japanese consider this necessary.

Passport Applications

Terence Flanagan

Question:

59 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8171/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The arrangement whereby citizens aged 65 and over were exempted from passport fees was introduced in 2005. The decision to re-introduce fees for citizens aged 65 or over was announced in the Budget last December. This budgetary measure took effect from 11 April 2011, which was the date set out in the Statutory Instrument 47/2011 signed by the then Taoiseach and acting Minister for Foreign Affairs on 3 February 2011. Based on an estimated figure of 30,000 applications from those aged 65 or over during 2011, the cost of exempting those aged 65 and over from passport fees was estimated to be €2.4 million in 2011 in terms of lost revenue. This figure is based on a figure of 45,000 persons aged 65 and over having applied in the full year in 2010. All passport applicants aged 18 years or over pay the same fee for a ten year passport.

Introducing an arrangement whereby adults of any age would be eligible to apply for a passport for a period of less than 10 years would increase the total demand for passports on an ongoing basis and would require the recruitment of additional staff in the Passport Offices to cope with increased demand. A reduced term of validity for children's passports is necessary as children's appearances change significantly within a short period of years, which can lead to uncertainty regarding the identity of the passport holder. This is not generally the case for adults of any age and it is the norm internationally to provide standard validity passports to all adults.

In addition, were the Passport Office to charge a reduced fee, this would increase further the gap between the revenue generated through passport fees and the cost of producing passports. Any shortfall would have to be met by the taxpayer. For these reasons, I have no plans to introduce a passport of less than 10 year validity for adult applicants, regardless of age. I would emphasise that the annualised fee for a standard Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At €8 per year the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €9 per year for a British passport, €9 per year for a French passport, €8 per year for a Danish passport, €10 per year for a United States passport and €15 per year for an Australian passport.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

60 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8243/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The following are the intended staffing arrangements for my constituency office and those of Minister of State O'Sullivan and Minister of State Creighton. These arrangements will be in line with the Government's decision on 15 March 2011 to reduce maximum permitted constituency office staffing levels for Ministers of the Government and Ministers of State. Staff members appointed to Ministerial Offices are required to perform any duties that may be assigned to them from time to time as appropriate to their grades and posts.

Office of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

1 Personal Assistant

1 Personal Secretary

2 Clerical Officers

Minister of State for Trade and Development

1 Personal Assistant

1 Personal Secretary

1 Clerical Officer

Minister of State for European Affairs

1 Personal Secretary

2 Clerical Officers

Departmental Staff

Seán Kenny

Question:

61 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff and their grades in each Irish embassy and honorary consul office. [8486/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The figures take account of officers of other Government Departments serving in our Missions abroad, most notably Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels and in Visa Offices operated within Embassies by staff seconded from the Department of Justice and Equality. Those include some staff whose salaries and other costs are borne by their parent Departments. Positions marked with an asterisk are filled by personnel engaged through local employment agencies and not directly employed by the Missions.

The figures exclude programme staff employed locally by Irish Aid. Also excluded are Irish Honorary Consuls and their staff none of whom are State employees. The Irish diplomatic and consular network is relatively modest in scale compared with countries of similar size and international profile. Overall, diplomatic relations are maintained with 176 countries through a network of 75 Missions, including non-resident accreditations. As the table indicates, Missions are generally small. Over half of our offices have two or fewer diplomatic officers; seven operate with only one.

Mission	Grades and Numbers
Abu Dhabi (including Visa Office)	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Higher Executive Officer3 Executive Officers1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Administrator1 Driver/Messenger
Abuja (including Visa Office)	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Higher Executive Officer3 Executive Officers1 Office Manager1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary4 Driver/Messengers3 Visa Assistants1 Attaché
Addis Ababa	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Senior Development Specialist2 Development Specialists1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Ankara	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Athens	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary3 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Atlanta	1 First Secretary (Consul General)1 Clerk Secretary
Beijing (including Visa Office)	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Counsellor1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Higher Executive Officer2 Executive Officers1 Clerical Officer1 Office manager1 Receptionist3 Interpreters5 Administration Staff3 Driver/Messengers2 Maintenance Officers3 Cleaners
Berlin	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Counsellor2 First Secretaries1 Assistant Principal Officer1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant4 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Berne	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Boston	1 First Secretary (Consul General)1 Third Secretary1 Senior Clerk Secretary2 Junior Clerk Secretaries
Brasilia	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Office Manager1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Bratislava	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Higher Executive Officer1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Brussels — Embassy (including Partnership for Peace Liaison Office)	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Counsellor3 Principal Officers/Irish Military equivalents2 Assistant Principal Officers/Irish Military equivalents1 First Secretary1 Higher Executive Officer1 Clerical Officer3 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Brussels — Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union	1 Assistant Secretary (Permanent Representative)1 Assistant Secretary (Deputy Permanent Representative)1 Brigadier General3 Counsellors9 Principal Officers8 First Secretaries21 Assistant Principal Officers/Irish Military equivalents4 Third Secretaries2 Higher Executive Officers5 Executive Officers21 Clerical Officers
Brussels — Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union —contd.	3 Clerk Secretaries2 Driver/Messengers1 Messenger
Bucharest	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Personal Assistant3 Clerk Secretary1 Driver Messenger*
Budapest	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Buenos Aires	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary0.6 Consular Assistant*1 Driver/Messenger
Cairo	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Office Manager1 Personal Assistant /Accounts Clerk2 Clerk Secretaries2 Driver/Messengers1 Messenger
Canberra	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Office Manager1 Senior Clerk1 Clerk Secretary1 Receptionist2.5 Passport Officers1 Driver/Messenger
Chicago	1 Counsellor (Consul General)1 Third Secretary3.4 Clerk Secretaries
Copenhagen	1 Second Secretary (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger0.4 Office Cleaner
Strasbourg — Council of Europe	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Office Manager1 Driver/Messenger1 Administrative Assistant
Dar-Es-Salaam	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Senior Development Specialist2 Development Specialists1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Dili	1 Development Specialist (Head of Mission)1 Executive Officer1 Clerk Secretary
Freetown	1 First Secretary (Head of Mission)1 Third Secretary1 Driver/Administrator
Edinburgh	1 First Secretary (Consul General)1 Clerical Officer1 Clerk Secretary
Geneva PMUN	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Principal Officer2 First Secretaries1 Assistant Principal Officer1 Third Secretary1 Higher Executive Officer1 Executive Officer2 Clerical Officers1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Hanoi	1 Principal Officer (Ambassador)1 Senior Development Specialist1 Development Specialist1 First Secretary1 Clerical Officer1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Helsinki	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Holy See	1 Deputy Secretary (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Office Manager1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Kampala	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Senior Development Specialist1 Development Specialist1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Kuala Lumpur	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary3.5 Clerk Secretaries2 Driver/Messengers
Lisbon	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Lilongwe	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Principal Development Specialist1 Development Specialist1 Third Secretary1 Clerk Secretary
Ljubljana	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
London (including Visa Office and Passport Office)	1 Deputy Secretary (Ambassador)2 Counsellors1 Principal Officer3 First Secretaries3 Assistant Principal Officers2 Third Secretaries4 Higher Executive Officers2 Executive Officers17 Clerical Officers3 Services Officers1 Garda Liaison Officer1 Personal Assistant8 Clerk Secretaries2 Driver/Messengers1 Maintenance Officer
Lusaka	1 Principal Officer (Ambassador)1 Senior Development Specialist1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Luxembourg	1 First Secretary (Ambassador)1 Personal Assistant2 Secretary/Typists1 Driver/Messenger
Madrid	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Executive Officer1 Garda Liaison Officer1 Personal Assistant3 Clerk Secretaries4 Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Maputo	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Senior Development Specialist2 Development Specialists1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Maseru	1 Principal Officer (Ambassador)1 Senior Development Specialist1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver Messenger
Mexico	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger1 Driver/Messenger*
Moscow (including Visa Office)	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Higher Executive Officer3 Executive Officers2 Clerical Officers2 Secretary/Translators5 Clerk Secretaries2 Driver/Messengers1 Electrician/Handyman
New Delhi (including Visa Office)	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Assistant Principal Officer1 Third Secretary1 Higher Executive Officer3 Executive Officers1 Office Manager1 Executive Assistant1 Visa Manager3 Clerk Secretaries3 Visa Clerks1 Driver/Messenger1 Messenger
New York CG	1 Counsellor (Consul General)2 First Secretaries1 Third Secretary1 Executive Officer1 Personal Assistant8 Clerk Secretaries1 Receptionist1 Driver/Messenger1 Messenger
New York PMUN	1 Deputy Secretary (Ambassador)2 Counsellors5 First Secretaries1 Third Secretary1 Executive Officer1 Personal Assistant4 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Nicosia	1 First Secretary (Ambassador)1 Clerical Officer1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Oslo	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger
Ottawa	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Visa/Accounts Officer1 Administrator1 Driver/Messenger
Paris	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Counsellor1 First Secretary1 Assistant Principal Officer2 Third Secretaries1 Garda Liaison Officer1 Personal Assistant8 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger1 Messenger
Paris OECD	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Personal Assistant
Prague	1 Deputy Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary4 Clerk Secretaries1 Attaché1 Driver/Messenger
Pretoria	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Development Specialist1 Assistant Principal1 Third Secretary4 Clerk Secretaries1 Consular Officer1 Consular Assistant*2 Driver/Messengers
Ramallah	1 Counsellor (Representative)1 Third Secretary1 Office Manager1 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Administrator1 Driver/Messenger
Riga	1 First Secretary (Ambassador)1 Personal Assistant1 Consular Assistant
Riyadh	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Office Manager2 Clerk Secretary3 Driver/Messengers1 Maintenance/Technician
Rome	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Principal Officer1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant4.8 Clerk Secretaries2 Driver/Messengers
San Francisco	1 Assistant Principal Officer (Consul General)1 Third Secretary1 Office Manager2 Clerk Secretaries
Seoul	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Office Manager1 Receptionist1 Driver/Messenger
Shanghai	1 Counsellor (Consul General)1 Third Secretary1 Clerical Officer1 Receptionist1 Personal Assistant/Interpreter1 Visa Clerk1 Driver/Messenger
Singapore	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Administrative Officer1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary1 Clerk Secretary*1 Driver/Messenger
Sofia	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary3 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Stockholm	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Sydney	1 First Secretary (Consul General)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Consular/Passport Officer1 Consular Officer/Receptionist
Tallinn	1 First Secretary (Ambassador)1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary
Tehran	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary2 Driver/Messengers
Tel Aviv	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Personal Assistant2 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
The Hague	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Garda Liaison Officer1 Personal Assistant3 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Tokyo	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Office Manager1 Press & Cultural Attaché5 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Valletta	1 First Secretary (Ambassador)1 Personal Assistant1 Clerk Secretary
Vienna Embassy	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary3 Clerk Secretaries1 Secretary/Administrative Assistant1 Driver/Messenger
Vienna OSCE	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)2 First Secretaries1 Third Secretary1 Attaché1 Personal Assistant3 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger
Vilnius	1 Counsellor (Ambassador)1 Third Secretary1 Personal Assistant0.5 Clerk Secretary1 Driver/Messenger*
Warsaw	1 Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)1 First Secretary1 Third Secretary1 Agriculture Inspector1 Personal Assistant2 Receptionist/Secretary/ Translators1 Driver/Messenger
Washington	1 Second Secretary (Ambassador)2 Counsellors1 Principal Officer2 First Secretaries1 Assistant Principal Officer1 Third Secretary1 Executive Officer2 Clerical Officers1 Agriculture Inspector1 Personal Assistant5 Clerk Secretaries1 Driver/Messenger1 Caretaker/Messenger

Official Engagements

Seán Kenny

Question:

62 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the counterparts that he expects to invite here over the next few months. [8487/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade I intend to meet regularly with my foreign counterparts at EU and international level, both abroad and here in Dublin. I have already met my EU counterparts at the Gymnich informal meeting of Foreign Ministers in Budapest on 11-12 March, and again at last week's meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. I will continue to engage with my counterparts at Council meetings in the coming months, and will again meet them in an informal setting in Poland on 2-3 September. I would hope to have a number of bilateral meetings en marge of the 25-6 May OECD meeting in Paris, including with the French Foreign Minister, Alain Juppé.

I am in regular contact with various members of the British Government, including Deputy Prime Minister Clegg and Foreign Secretary Hague, both of whom I expect to meet for bilateral meetings next month, and with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson with whom I met yesterday in Dublin. I am also in contact with Secretary of State Clinton who I met last month in Washington. I will be Chair-in-Office of the OSCE in 2012. Ireland is currently in the OSCE Troika with Lithuania, the current Chair-in-Office, and Kazakhstan, last year's Chair. In terms of preparation, I expect to address the OSCE's Permanent Council in Vienna later this year to provide an outline of our Chairmanship priorities. A Ministerial Troika meeting with the Kazakh and Lithuanian Foreign Ministers is also planned for the coming months.

In addition, I intend to avail of the opportunity of the Ministerial Week of the UN General Assembly in New York in September to schedule and conduct a round of bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of a number of key partner countries for Ireland. I will, of course, continue to take every opportunity during meetings with my counterparts to actively pursue the Government's key objective of restoring economic growth through trade promotion, particularly in relation to priority and emerging markets.

Passport Applications

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

63 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the shortest period within which an emergency passport can be issued for the purposes of business. [8530/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

The standard processing time for all passports received through the Passport Express Service or over the counter in the Passport Office in Dublin City Centre or in Cork is 10 working days. Applicants can ask to have an application expedited in the case of urgent business. In such cases, the Passport Office may issue a passport within 3 working days. A fee of €55, which is additional to the applicable fee for the issue of a passport, must be paid by the applicant. When applying through a public office, the applicant must state clearly at the time of application that the passport is needed urgently and must provide satisfactory evidence of the need to expedite the application. An expedited service is not provided in cases where the applicant is a first time adult applicant or cannot produce his/her previous passport due to loss or theft.

Statutory Instrument 47/2011 provides for the issue of an emergency passport outside of normal hours for an additional emergency fee of €110. An emergency passport duty officer service operates on Friday evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays through my Department's offices in Dublin and in Cork. Citizens abroad would need to make an appointment through an Irish diplomatic mission. In cases of genuine emergency, a temporary passport with limited validity of no more than 11 months can be issued on a same day basis.

Emigrant Support Services

Thomas Pringle

Question:

64 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a list of the amounts drawn down to date of the emigrant services grants for 2009 and 2010 for Britain. [8572/11]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

65 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures in place to ensure that the emigrant services grants, particularly for 2009 and 2010, have been spent in the areas that they have been applied for and benefit the target groups in the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8573/11]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.

Through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), my Department provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas, with a particular focus on initiatives that address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants. Details of all grant recipients since 2006 can be found on my Department's website. €8,459,319 was provided to British-based organisations in 2009 and €8,135,668 in 2010 — a full list of grant recipients is set out in the table. Two organisations who drew down funding in 2009 subsequently returned money to the Department. The first returned stg£4,085 due to an under-spend on their capital project while the second returned stg£3,600 due to the cancellation of their proposed project.

As elsewhere, the emphasis of the programme's funding in Britain is on supporting frontline welfare services. The organisations funded provide a range of services, ranging from informal community networking groups for senior citizens to outreach services and advice in accessing entitlements. This support has had a very tangible and positive impact on Irish communities in Britain, in particular on the lives of our vulnerable citizens, a point acknowledged by the Simon Community and the British-Irish Inter-parliamentary Body, amongst others. In addition to supporting frontline services, the ESP has also supported a number of community and heritage projects and, through capital grants, invested in the strategic futures of these communities.

With regard to the procedures that are in place to ensure that the emigrant services' grants have been spent appropriately, I should point out that a stringent set of crtieria is in place to ensure appropriate use of approved funding. Once an application has been approved, organisations are required to sign a Terms and Conditions Contract which specifically sets out the terms of use of the grant and obliges them to return a monitoring and evaluation report to the Department within an agreed timeframe. The evaluation report allows the Department to measure progress on projects against the terms of the funding. Our Embassies also play a key role by remaining in regular contact with recipient organisations, including conducting formal and informal monitoring visits and meetings as required.

A 2007 Value for Money and Policy Review of the Programme, conducted by Goodbody Economic Consultants, found that the systems implemented to administer and monitor the Emigrant Support Programme worked well and the key recommendations made in the report have since been implemented. A 2009 audit of a number of ESP-funded organisations in Britain and the US by the Department's Audit Unit expressed satisfaction with the operation of the programme in respect of these organisations. All aspects of Departmental expenditure are reported on annually to the Public Accounts Committee and subject to unscheduled verification by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Emigrant Support Programme Grants to British-based organisations in 2009
Name of Organisation	2009 (€)

Acton Homeless Concern (London)	51,435.87
Age Concern Hillingdon (Middlesex)	8,020.10
Aisling Project (London)	113,382.42
Bell Farm Christian Centre (Middlesex)	11,271.35
Benefits Advice Shop (Denbighshire)	5,843.85
Birmingham Irish Community Forum	139,189.49
Blackfriars Advice Centre (London)	22,692.46
Bolton Irish Community Association	20,760.52
Brent Adolescent Centre (London)	31,485.79
Brent Irish Advisory Service (London)	196,255.74
Brian Boru Club (Wigan)	31,594.95
Bristol Playbus Project	18,855.77
Causeway Irish Housing Association (London)	25,691.19
Celtic & Irish Cultural Society (Crawley)	20,278.17
Central & Cecil Housing Trust (London)	63,013.15
Central Eltham Youth Project (London)	27,230.95
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Liverpool)	173,211.26
Conradh na Gaeilge, Glaschú (Glasgow)	38,904.35
Corby Irish Centre	49,293.73
Council of Irish County Associations (London)	11,346.23
Coventry Irish Society	130,659.78
Cricklewood Homeless Concern (London)	220,273.82
Derby Irish Association	31,126.02
Dewsbury Celtic RLFC	54,851.63
Dewsbury Irish National League Club	4,101.80
Eastleigh & District Irish Society	36,724.26
Edinburgh Cyrenians	18,750.48
Eireanns Ways (Glasgow)	4,084.64
Emerald Circle Club (Harrow)	3,506.31
Emerald Senior Citizens Group (Wolverhampton)	8,181.39
Equinox (London)	32,054.70
Federation of Irish Societies (London)	659,215.98
Forest Bus (Southampton)	5,728.67
Friends, Families and Travellers (Brighton)	17,643.76
Full Irish Festival and Funday (Cheshire)	5,162.53
Gael Music (Reading)	8,509.67
Garngad Irish Heritage Group	7,942.36
GEAR Project (Gloucester)	23,375.41
Greenwich Irish Pensioners Association (London)	6,661.99
Halifax and District Irish Society	20,102.85
Halifax Irish Centre	20,774.14
Haringey Irish Cultural and Community Centre (London)	177,202.15
Haringey Irish Pensioners	3,971.18
Harps Community Project (Glasgow)	40,846.43
Haslingden IDL Club	5,750.35
Huddersfield Irish Centre	7,409.09
Huddersfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Association	5,843.85
Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP) (London)	205,650.50
IN-GB Association — Ireland Network Great Britain (London)	5,843.85
Irish Centre Housing (London)	114,708.32
Irish Chaplaincy in Britain (London)	219,069.09
Irish Charitable Trust (London)	193,022.44
Irish Community Care Manchester	198,194.25
Irish Community Care Merseyside	311,472.86
Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith	248,900.78
Irish Diaspora Foundation (Manchester)	65,919.82
Irish Elderly Advice Network (London)	102,619.21
Irish Heritage (Surrey)	11,687.70
Irish in Greenwich (London)	225,621.79
Irish Network (Stevenage)	29,175.70
Irish Oral History Archive (London)	83,688.64
Irish Repertory Theatre and Film Company (London)	6,070.23
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (London)	136,000.45
Irish Tuesday Club (Liverpool)	5,165.97
Irish Welfare & Information Centre (Birmingham)	241,975.22
Irish World Heritage Centre (Manchester)	43,172.04
Kilburn Irish Pensioners	6,598.48
Lancashire Federation of IDL Clubs	876.58
Leeds Gypsy & Traveller Exchange	52,809.03
Leeds Irish Centre Charity	32,447.55
Leeds Irish Health & Homes	171,183.98
Leeds St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebrations	11,913.54
Leicester & Leicestershire Irish Forum	46,598.88
Lewisham Irish Community Centre	57,186.85
Lewisham Irish Pensioners Association	10,402.06
Liverpool Irish Festival Society	4,967.27
London Gypsy and Traveller Unit	110,270.54
London Irish Amateur Rugby Club	10,438.53
London Irish Centre Charity	579,688.28
London Irish Music School	7,597.01
London Irish Pensioners Choir	4,242.64
London Irish Women’s Centre	88,639.55
Luton Irish Forum	287,327.26
Manchester Irish language Group	876.58
Mansfield & Dukeries Irish Association	4,675.08
Marian Senior Citizens Club (London)	3,623.19
Milton Keynes Irish Centre	37,857.65
Momentum Care Irish Elders Centre (Glasgow)	111,348.76
Monica’s Place (Birmingham)	35,063.11
New Horizon Youth Centre (London)	66,975.56
NOAH Enterprise (Luton)	136,811.59
North London Action for the Homeless	6,851.33
North Wales Irish Society	7,012.62
Northampton Irish Support Group	70,814.63
Nottingham Irish Studies Group	1,168.77
Nottingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade Festival Association	10,778.92
Our Lady Help of Christian Homeless Project (London)	65,234.92
Over 60’s Pensioners Club (Camden, London)	2,199.49
Oxford Irish Society	2,507.42
Portsmouth Irish Society	1,633.57
Queen’s Park Senior Citizen Group (London)	4,675.08
Reading and District Irish Association	55,944.06
Rotherham Irish Society	3,214.12
Safe Start Foundation (Middlesex)	132,750.89
Sandwell Irish Community Association	15,884.72
Sandwell Irish Society	38,569.42
Sheffield Irish Association	8,118.04
SIFA Fireside (Birmingham)	46,750.82
Solace Women’s Aid (Camden Women’s Aid) (London)	48,221.48
Southwark Irish Culture & Arts Development	10,518.93
Southwark Irish Pensioners Project	199,011.22
Southwark Irish Youth	8,181.39
Southwark Travellers Action Group	87,657.78
St. Catherine’s Mercy Centre (Edinburgh)	6,094.06
St. Michael’s Irish Centre (Liverpool)	97,175.45
St. Mungo’s Community Housing Association Ltd London)	34,642.03
St. Patrick’s Day Festival Committee (Coatbridge)	7,698.23
St. Patrick’s Senior Tuesday Club (Leamington Spa)	5,105.80
St. Theresa’s House (Peterborough)	28,629.94
Streetwork UK (Edinburgh)	35,063.11
Tara Irish Pensioners (London)	2,219.50
The Connection at St. Martin’s (London)	23,375.41
The Emerald Centre (Leicester)	52,627.40
The Golden Shamrock Club (Nottingham)	11,898.08
The Hibernian Society (Reading)	44,413.28
The Irish Arts Foundation (Leeds)	100,251.29
The Maya Centre (London)	22,692.46
The Passage (London)	41,981.05
The Simon Community (London)	17,531.56
The Warrington Irish Club	35,899.40
Tyneside Irish Centre	66,440.27
Tyneside Irish Cultural Society	25,128.56
Watford and District Irish Association	24,161.86
Total	8,459,319.35

Emigrant Support Programme Grants to British-based organisations in 2010
Name of Organisation	2010 (€)
Acton Homeless Concern (London)	56,401.55
Age Concern Hillingdon (Middlesex)	9,895.73
Aisling Project (London)	117,616.39
Basingstoke Irish Society	19,503.34
Bell Farm Christian Centre (Middlesex)	12,124.15
Benefits Advice Shop (Denbighshire)	6,053.27
Birmingham Irish Community Forum	87,698.84
Blackfriars Advice Centre (London)	23,257.17
Bolton Irish Community Association	8,474.58
Bradford Irish Club Ltd	6,053.27
Brent Adolescent Centre (London)	33,595.64
Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS)	224,296.80
Brian Boru Club (Wigan)	44,552.06
Bristol Playbus Project	9,111.21
Causeway Irish Housing Association (London)	28,323.23
Celtic & Irish Cultural Society (Crawley)	21,823.47
Central & Cecil Housing Trust (London)	62,218.72
Central Eltham Youth Project (London)	29,097.96
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Liverpool)	174,753.88
Conradh na Gaeilge, Glaschú (Glasgow)	41,939.86
Corby Irish Centre	34,622.73
Council of Irish County Associations (London)	6,133.17
Coventry Irish Society	152,345.04
Cricklewood Homeless Concern (London)	207,287.83
Derby Irish Association	36,372.45
Edinburgh Cyrenians	16,525.22
Emerald Circle Club (Harrow)	3,637.25
Emerald Senior Citizens Group (Wolverhampton)	8,474.58
Equinox (London)	31,855.34
Federation of Irish Societies	686,435.26
Feith an Cheoil School of Irish Traditional Music (Middlesex)	4,849.66
Forest Bus (Southampton)	6,207.57
Friends, Families and Travellers (Brighton)	12,555.77
Full Irish Festival and Funday (Cheshire)	5,455.87
Gael Music (Reading)	4,243.45
Garngad Irish Heritage Group	10,911.74
GEAR Project (Gloucester)	24,213.08
Greenwich Irish Pensioners Association (London)	6,900.73
Halifax and District Irish Society	20,823.24
Halifax Irish Centre	16,973.81
Haringey Irish Cultural and Community Centre (London)	190,922.65
Harps Community Project (Glasgow)	40,009.70
Haslingden IDL Club	4,564.16
Huddersfield Irish Centre	7,007.76
Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP) (London)	225,894.76
IPN Scotland	1,193.89
Irish Chaplaincy in Britain (London)	223,609.51
Irish Charitable Trust (London)	200,230.36
Irish Community Care Manchester	214,529.06
Irish Community Care Merseyside	299,401.94
Irish Community Services/ Irish in Greenwich)	244,236.18
Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith	252,179.18
Irish Diaspora Foundation (Manchester)	68,778.49
Irish Elderly Advice Network (London)	106,007.26
Irish Heritage (Surrey)	11,016.95
Irish Network (Stevenage)	5,232.86
Irish Oral History Archive (London)	97,743.34
Irish Pensioners Choir	4,000.97
Irish Repertory Theatre and Film Company (London)	7,516.97
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (London)	139,384.85
Irish Tuesday Club (Liverpool)	8,491.53
Irish Welfare & Information Centre (Birmingham)	215,436.47
Irish World Heritage Centre (Manchester)	39,876.51
Kilburn Irish Pensioners	5,435.84
Lancashire Federation of IDL Clubs	2,267.22
Leeds Gypsy & Traveller Exchange	56,351.09
Leeds Irish Centre	72,639.23
Leeds Irish Health & Homes	180,071.53
Leeds St Patrick’s Day Parade Association	12,210.01
Leicester & Leicestershire Irish Forum	71,013.32
Lewisham Irish Community Centre	60,468.63
Lewisham Irish Pensioners Association	10,463.14
Liverpool Irish Festival Society	9,456.84
London Gypsy and Traveller Unit	116,698.59
London Irish Amateur Rugby Club	12,609.12
London Irish Centre Charity	605,127.12
London Irish Music School	4,849.66
London Irish Women’s Centre	90,506.05
Luton Irish Forum	122,566.59
Manchester Irish Education Group	1,271.19
Manchester Irish Language Group	909.31
Mansfield & Dukeries Irish Association	6,053.27
Marian Senior Citizens Club (London)	3,753.03
Milton Keynes Irish Centre	19,297.82
Momentum Care Irish Elders Centre (Glasgow)	116,570.22
Monica’s Place (Birmingham)	60,532.69
New Horizon Youth Centre (London)	46,263.34
NOAH Enterprise (Luton)	132,088.38
North London Action for the Homeless	8,600.50
North Wales Irish Society	7,516.97
Northampton Irish Support Group	70,641.37
Nottingham St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival Association	9,302.87
Over 60’s Pensioners Club (Camden, London)	1,212.42
Oxford Irish Society	2,445.52
Queen’s Park Senior Citizen Group (London)	4,152.52
Rotherham Irish Society	3,637.25
Safe Start Foundation (Middlesex)	136,054.42
Sandwell Irish Community Association	16,779.83
Sandwell Irish Society	42,021.10
SanKTus (formerly Our Lady Help of Christian’s Welfare )	67,670.95
Sheffield Irish Association	6,332.03
SIFA Fireside (Birmingham)	48,426.15
Slough Irish Society	35,077.48
Solace Women’s Aid (Camden Women’s Aid) (London)	51,527.64
Southwark Irish Culture & Arts Development	9,578.08
Southwark Irish Pensioners Project	209,975.79
Southwark Travellers Action Group	90,925.07
St Patrick’s Day Festival (London)	8,357.21
St Patrick’s Day Festival Committee (Coatbridge)	7,880.70
St. Catherine’s Mercy Centre (Edinburgh)	6,062.08
St. Michael’s Irish Centre (Liverpool)	71,515.52
St. Patrick’s Senior Tuesday Club (Leamington Spa)	6,053.27
St. Theresa’s House (Peterborough)	31,188.17
Streetwork UK (Edinburgh)	36,319.61
Tara Irish Pensioners (London)	1,210.65
The Connection at St Martin’s (London)	24,248.30
The Emerald Centre (Leicester)	56,934.62
The Golden Shamrock Club (Nottingham)	11,585.84
The Hibernian Society (Reading)	41,162.23
The Huddersfield St Patrick’s Day Parade Association	5,811.14
The Irish Arts Foundation (Leeds)	103,994.91
The Irish Club Warrington	8,777.24
The Maya Centre (London)	24,248.30
The Passage (London)	44,173.83
Tuesday Club Leeds Irish Centre	7,263.92
Tyneside Irish Centre	43,268.77
Tyneside Irish Cultural Society	26,029.06
West Hampstead Women’s Centre	7,352.09
Total	8,135,669

Motor Vehicle Registration

Billy Timmins

Question:

66 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the changes, if any, that have taken place or are about to take place for the registration of tractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8180/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a number of changes have taken place recently in relation to the registration of vehicles, including tractors. Section 61 of the Finance (No. 2) Act of 2008, made provision to allow Revenue to appoint a competent person to carry out a pre-registration examination on all vehicles presented for registration, in order to ascertain that all the conditions necessary for the registration of the vehicle and the proper administration of vehicle registration tax (VRT) have been complied with, before the vehicle could be registered. Section 109 of the Finance Act 2010, subsequently provided that Revenue could authorise a competent person to declare the vehicle details to Revenue and to collect, on behalf of Revenue, the VRT due on vehicles.

The provisions of these Acts were implemented with effect from 1 September 2010 when the NCTS, acting as a competent person appointed by Revenue, took on the role of conducting a pre-registration examination of all vehicles presented for examination in accordance with the legislation. Like other vehicles, tractors must, in the normal course of events, be presented at an NCT Centre for a pre-registration inspection. However, Revenue became aware that there were a number of tractors already in the State that, for whatever reason, were not registered in accordance with the legislation in place before 1 September 2010. It was recognised that the new legislation may place a burden on the owners of those vehicles to fulfil their registration obligations. Additionally, there may have been a number of people who, because they were not aware of the impending change, despite the extensive advertising campaign run by Revenue, that were not in a position to register their tractor immediately after import. For these reasons, Revenue did, as an interim measure until the end of 2010, waive the requirement for a tractor to be presented for examination at registration.

Directive 2003/37/EC relating to type approval of tractors was transposed into Irish law in Statutory Instrument 773 of 2005. This Instrument required that all new tractors must have a Certificate of Conformity as a prerequisite of registration. The provisions of this Instrument were fully implemented in September 2010 as part of the new registration regime. Therefore, from 1 September 2010, it was not possible to register in the State a new tractor, i.e. one that not been previously registered elsewhere, unless it was type approved in accordance with Directive 2003/37/EC and had been issued with a Certificate of Conformity.

In accordance with the provisions of the Finance Act 2010, the basis on which VRT was charged was changed on 1 January 2011, from a system of vehicle categorisation used by Revenue since the introduction of VRT, to the system of classification used by vehicle manufacturers when declaring vehicles for type approval purposes in Europe. While the new system did not have any impact on the rate of VRT charged on tractors nor on the registration procedures relating to tractors, it did, among other things facilitate the registration process in the State and in particular, the compliance with EU Directives in relation to registration.

From 28 March 2010, the Commissioners introduced an initiative that facilitated the registration of used vehicles by authorised traders. This initiative allowed authorised traders to have a pre-registration examination carried out on vehicles in stock, long before a sale is agreed. Then, when at some later date one of these previously examined vehicles are sold, the authorised dealer could complete the registration process in his own premises and pay the vehicle registration tax due, through Revenue's On-line Service (ROS).

It was decided that because of these additional changes to the registration process, the waiver in relation to tractors would be extended to allow the changed procedures and practices to bed down and thus minimise the impact of the new registration obligations on the agricultural sector. This waiver is now scheduled to cease at the end of June 2011 and from then on, tractors, like all other mechanically propelled vehicles, will be obliged to undergo a pre-registration inspection before they are registered for use in the State. In the meantime, the relevant documentation relating to the tractor and the registered owner must be presented for examination at an NCT Centre. The Deputy should also note that in accordance with Section 48 of the Finance Act 2011, the VRT rate for certain vehicles, including tractors, will be increased from €50 to €200 on 1 May 2011.

Financial Services Regulation

Willie O'Dea

Question:

67 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance his plans to establish a task force on the future of the financial services sector. [8277/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Programme for Government sets out that the Government is committed to the future development of the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) as a source of future employment growth subject to appropriate regulation. More than 32,000 people are directly employed in international financial services, in over 500 firms. Substantial indirect employment is also generated, and the sector contributes €2.1bn in corporate and payroll taxes to the Exchequer. Accounting for 10% of multinational employment, international financial services represents an estimated 7.4% of GDP, and 5% of EU international financial services activity is carried out from Ireland.

The fundamental goal of public policy in relation to the IFSC is to develop the international financial services industry in Ireland, built upon sustainable, responsible and internationally respected foundations, to maximise not only the number of jobs, but also the quality of employment and the future sustainability and growth prospects of the industry.

The Government believes that it is necessary to continue to adopt, articulate and implement a clear vision for the development of the IFSC to demonstrate Ireland's commitment to the promotion and growth of its international financial services industry. As part of this, work is underway on the preparation of a new strategic review for the development of the international financial services industry. Advancing the key recommendations of the Strategy through the structure of the IFSC Clearing House Group and other IFSC Working Groups will ensure that progress is advanced.

Proposed Legislation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

68 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce legislation to protect the interests of subcontractors; if he will ensure the inclusion of an effective exclusion from all public works tendering by contractors who have been shown to have failed to honour their commitments to contracts with subcontractors engaged by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8328/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Under a public works contract the contractual relationship is between the public body and the main contractor. A public body has no contractual ties with a subcontractor engaged by a main contractor. Any contractual relationship is exclusively a matter between the main contractor and its sub-contractor. In addition, I would point out that public procurement rules are governed by EU Directives with which Irish procurement rules must comply. In this regard, the extent to which a tenderer can be automatically excluded from tendering for public works projects is confined to specified cases such as where convictions have been obtained or where grave professional misconduct can be proven.

However, the Deputy may 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. The purpose of which is to help address the issue of non-payment to construction sector sub-contractors who have completed work on construction projects. I am now examining the Bill and will 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. This Bill has moved to the Order Paper of the Dáil.

Tax Code

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

69 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance if he will engage with his counterpart in the UK Government to address the difficulties and ensure the speedy receipt of tax and family credits to workers who reside in a Border county but who work in the Six Counties. [8351/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have public offices in Sligo, Letterkenny, Monaghan and Dundalk that handle a range of queries including those relating to cross-border employments from Irish resident individuals. I am further advised that the majority of queries from Irish resident cross-border workers are relatively straightforward and are resolved without difficulty. Furthermore, the Revenue Commissioners advise that they are not aware of Irish resident cross-border workers experiencing the particular difficulties raised by the Deputy. However if the Deputy has details of individual cases of delays in the payment of tax and family credits administered by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the taxpayers in question should be advised to contact their local HM Revenue and Customs office.

Local Authority Charges

Áine Collins

Question:

70 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Finance when a decision will issue on a rates exemption application in respect of a person (details supplied). [8352/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Act 2001 and I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard. However, I am informed by the Valuation Office that they received an application to have a pre-school facility exempted from rates on the grounds that it is exclusively used under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme to provide sessional places for 38 weeks of the year. The Commissioner has appointed a revision officer to examine the application in order to determine if it meets the qualification criteria for exemption.

The Revision Officer is considering the case and a decision is imminent. A notice of the decision will issue to the applicant, who, if dissatisfied with the decision, will have the right to make representations in respect of the proposed revision and will have 28 days to do so, from the date of issue of the certificate.

Departmental Reports

Martin Ferris

Question:

71 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes on State assets and liabilities will be published or made available to Dáil Éireann. [8134/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I presume that the Deputy's question refers to the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities. The Government intends to consider the Report this week and I expect that it will be published shortly thereafter.

Martin Ferris

Question:

72 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the proposals the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes on State assets and liabilities has made in respect of Coillte and land and forestry under Coillte control. [8135/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I presume that the Deputy's question refers to the recommendations in the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities. The Government intends to consider the Report this week and I expect that its recommendations, including those with respect to Coillte, will be made public shortly thereafter.

Tax Reliefs

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

73 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance his plans to include mortgage holders who took out mortgages in 2009 in any new proposals for mortgage interest relief on the basis that in parts of the country prices did not fall significantly until after 2009, that tracker mortgages were not available in 2009 and therefore mortgage holders had to take out dearer variable mortgages, that the banks have increased the rates on variable mortgages significantly since to cover the increase in the cost of money due to their own recklessness and to cover the loss on tracker mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8157/11]

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

96 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance his views on increasing the mortgage tax relief period from seven years to 14 for those who purchased their homes between 2004 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8522/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 96 together.

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to help homeowners in distress to weather the recession. The Government will examine a number of proposals, outlined in the Programme for Government, in relation to this commitment. One of these proposals relates to making amendments to mortgage interest relief for homeowners in distress. When this proposal has been thoroughly examined and analysed and the findings and recommendations are presented to me, I will decide on the appropriate action to be taken. However, it is unlikely that any measures will be introduced before Budget 2012.

Departmental Staff

Pearse Doherty

Question:

74 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in his Department who have applied for transfers to the social protection offices in Donegal town; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the number of applicants; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the time waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8167/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In respect of my Department, no applications for transfer to the Department of Social Protection Offices in Donegal were received.

Tax Collection

Jack Wall

Question:

75 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding an application for a P21 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8201/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE Balancing Statement P21 for the year 2010 has recently issued to the person concerned.

Jack Wall

Question:

76 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding an application for a P21 for 2010 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8202/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE Balancing Statement P21 for the year 2010 has recently issued to the person concerned.

Fiscal Policy

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

77 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the size of the structural deficit in national budgets between 2006 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8224/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The latest published estimates of the structural deficit are presented in the table. These figures were compiled on the basis of economic and budgetary forecasts produced last autumn, and were published in graph format by my Department as an annex to the previous Government's national recovery plan.

Table 1: Structural Balance, % of GDP
	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Headline GGB	+3.0	+0.2	-7.3	-11.9	-11.7	-9.2
Structural balance	+2.1	-1.6	-7.2	-9.2	-9.0	-7.9

Source: Department of Finance, The National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, Autumn 2010

I would point out to the Deputy that my Department is currently updating its economic and budgetary projections in the context of the Stability Programme Update, which will be published and submitted to the EU Commission at the end of April. Updated estimates of the structural balance will be published with this, incorporating changes in the methodology as appropriate. Estimates of the structural deficit are determined on the basis of the harmonized methodology, developed jointly by the EU Commission and the Member States, to decompose the headline deficit into its cyclical and structural components. This structural deficit, by definition, excludes all one-off measures, which in an Irish context are primarily composed of fiscal supports to the banking sector.

In practice, all estimates of the structural position are subject to considerable uncertainty, the sources of which have been outlined in previous Stability Programme Updates. Nevertheless, it is clear that a significant part of the deficit is structural in nature, and so will not be eliminated with economic recovery. Therefore, ongoing fiscal consolidation is required to adequately address the budget deficit and thereby put the public finances on a sustainable footing.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

78 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of budget income spent on bank recapitalisation and interest payments in national budgets between 2008 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8225/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In relation to State support for the banking sector, in 2009 the Exchequer funded a €4 billion capital injection into Anglo Irish Bank. In 2009 also, the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) provided for the separate €3.5 billion recapitalisations of Allied Irish Banks (AIB) and Bank of Ireland (€7.0 billion in total). The 2010 one per cent of GNP Exchequer contribution to the NPRF was frontloaded into 2009 to assist with these recapitalisations.

In 2010, €25.3 billion was committed to be provided to Anglo Irish Bank by way of Promissory Note. The terms of the Promissory Note provides, inter alia, that 10 per cent shall be paid to the Note holder each year. The first such payment, amounting to €2.53 billion, was made to the institution in March 2011. There was no Exchequer expenditure associated with this Promissory Note in 2010.

In 2010, €5.3 billion was also committed to be provided to Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) by way of Promissory Note. Like the Anglo Note, the terms of the INBS Promissory Note also provides, inter alia, that 10 per cent shall be paid to the Note holder each year. The first such payment, amounting to €530 million, was made to the institution in March 2011. There was no Exchequer expenditure associated with this Promissory Note in 2010. The combined payment to Anglo Irish Bank and INBS in March 2011 was €3.06 billion and this sum is provided for in the end-March 2011 Exchequer Statement under Note 6 "Non-Voted Capital Expenditure”.

In 2010, €250 million was also committed to be provided to Educational Building Society (EBS) by way of Promissory Note. Payment of the original principal sum will be made in equal annual instalments of €25 million, beginning in June 2011. There was no Exchequer expenditure associated with this Promissory Note in 2010. In 2010 also, the NPRF injected a further €3.7 billion in capital into AIB. As this injection was sourced from the NPRF, it did not impact on Exchequer spending in 2010. Finally, in 2010, the Exchequer provided €625 million to EBS by way of a special investment share and €100 million to INBS by way of a special investment share. This method of investment gave the State extensive powers and full economic ownership of the two building societies.

As regards interest payments, Exchequer interest payments on the national debt amounted to €1.5 billion in 2008, €2.5 billion in 2009, and €4.1 billion in 2010. Budget 2011 projected that Exchequer interest costs on the national debt would total €4.2 billion in 2011, with an additional €0.6 billion in national debt interest expenditure being sourced from the Capital Services Redemption Account (CSRA), bringing total debt interest expenditure in 2011 to an estimated €4.8 billion at Budget time.

Exchequer debt interest costs in the first quarter of 2011 were €791 million. In addition, a further €577 million in interest expenditure from the CSRA was used to fund debt interest costs in the first quarter of 2011. The full debt interest cash cost (including CSRA) was therefore €1,368 million. My Department is in the process of revising its macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts, including debt interest projections, as part of the Stability Programme Update which must be submitted to the European Commission by the end of April.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

79 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8242/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In my Department 4 people, detailed below, are assigned to work on constituency matters.

1 Personal Assistant

1 Executive Officer (EO)

2 Clerical Officers (CO)

My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform also has 4 people, detailed below, assigned to work on constituency matters.

1 Personal Secretary

1 Personal Assistant

2 Clerical Officers (CO)

Their roles require that they provide a range of duties associated with constituency matters for the relevant Minister.

Appointments to State Boards

Timmy Dooley

Question:

80 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements which have been made to advertise vacancies on State boards. [8250/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Government has agreed that Departments will invite expressions of interest in vacancies on bodies under their aegis on their own websites.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Question:

81 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the expected reduction in VAT Exchequer receipts for the remainder of 2011, if the lower VAT rate is reduced from 13.5% to 12% from 1 July 2011; and the corresponding effect in VAT receipts for the full calendar year 2012 arising from the rate reduction. [8272/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Government has committed in the Programme for Government, to lower the 13.5% reduced rate of VAT to 12% up to the end of 2013. It is estimated that a reduction of 1.5% in the reduced VAT rate with effect from 1 July 2011 would reduce Exchequer receipts for 2011 by €118m. The cost of reducing the rate to 12% in 2012, and in a full year, would be €353 million.

Banks Recapitalisation

Willie O'Dea

Question:

82 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance his plans to pursue the objective of obtaining a medium term affordable facility from the European Central Bank to replace emergency funding to Ireland’s banks. [8278/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the supportive statement issued by Governing Council of the ECB following the publication of the capital and liquidity assessments of the Irish banks on 31 March. The Council stated that the Eurosystem would continue to provide liquidity to banks in Ireland. In addition, the Council announced that it would accept securities under Irish Government guarantee irrespective of the credit rating. These positive moves by the ECB are a recognition of Ireland's efforts to deal with the banking crisis and clear evidence that the ECB's commitment is not merely short term. The issue of a more formal medium term arrangement will be kept under review.

Fiscal Policy

Willie O'Dea

Question:

83 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the fact that the International Monetary Fund has revised downward its estimate for growth in this country over the next three years and the EU is expected to do likewise, if further expenditure cuts or tax increases will be necessary to meet the target of reducing the budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8279/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have noted that the IMF, in its most recent World Economic Outlook (WEO), has revised downwards its forecast for real GDP growth in Ireland to 0.5 per cent in 2011. I would point out, however, that there has been no change to the IMF's forecasts for 2012 and further out. It is normal that economic forecasts are reviewed from time to time as additional information becomes available. Indeed, there has been quite a significant economic data flow since the IMF published its previous set of forecasts in November. My own Department is currently in the process of updating its forecasts, which it will submit to the European Commission by end-April as part of the new EU Semester and as is the norm these forecasts will be published.

The Programme for Government indicated that it is appropriate to adhere to the aggregate budgetary adjustment for the combined period 2011-2012. In preparation for Budget 2013, we will review progress on deficit reduction, in terms of achieving the objective of reaching the 3 per cent of GDP deficit target by 2015. This is a sensible course of action given the current unusual degree of uncertainty surrounding the short and medium term economic growth outlook. The Government is firmly committed to meeting the 3 per cent of GDP deficit target and to implementing the necessary fiscal consolidation to ensure it is met. It is, however, too early to speculate on what measures might be needed in later years.

Banks Recapitalisation

Willie O'Dea

Question:

84 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the €30 billion loans which he expects the recapitalised Irish banks to make over the next three years between small and medium enterprises, large corporations and mortgages. [8280/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The core pillar banks are expected to provide new lending in excess of €30 billion in the next 3 years. SME and new mortgage lending for these banks is expected to be in the range of €16-€20 billion over the 3 year period.

Mortgage Arrears

Simon Harris

Question:

85 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the procedures and protocols in place to assist struggling mortgage holders to avoid home repossession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8288/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy will be aware that the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt produced two Reports, an Interim Report published in July 2010 and a Final Report published in November 2010. All of the Expert Group's recommendations are listed in Chapter 2 of the Final Report. They can be accessed at www.finance.gov.ie. Since the publication of the Reports, the Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) has been revised by the Central Bank to reflect many of the recommendations of the Expert Group, including key recommendations relating to the introduction by all regulated lenders of a standardised Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP). The most significant changes in the revised CCMA include:

Borrowers in arrears who co-operate with the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) are not charged penalty interest charges;

Harassment of borrowers through unsolicited communications is outlawed;

Borrowers in financial difficulties, but not in arrears, are allowed to come under the MARP; and

When a lender is determining the 12 month period it must wait before applying to the courts to commence legal action, it must exclude any time period during which a borrower is complying with the terms of an alternative repayment arrangement, making an appeal to the internal appeals Board or making a complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman under the CCMA.

The revised CCMA was published on 6 December 2010 and came into effect on 1 January 2011. The revised CCMA can be accessed at www.centralbank.ie. Lenders are required to comply with the CCMA as a matter of law but have been given a period of six months grace ending on 30 June 2011 to put in place the requisite systems and training of staff necessary to support the implementation of the MARP. In addition, the Central Bank has also written to lenders to issue directions under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 which will mean that lenders cannot impose arrears charges or penalty interest on borrowers who are co-operating with the MARP.

The Deputy will also be aware of the existing importance of the Mortgage Interest Supplement (MIS) Scheme and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) in assisting consumers who have fallen into arrears or who are experiencing difficulties servicing their mortgage repayments. The MIS Scheme currently supports approximately 18,000 mortgage-holders. The scheme has grown very substantially since 2007 when approximately 4,000 mortgage-holders were MIS recipients. MABS provides a national, free, confidential and independent service operating from 53 offices nationwide. Its resources have been increased in recent times and in 2010 it provided services to approximately 21,000 clients while it also assisted many thousands of citizens through its telephone helpline service.

Michael McGrath

Question:

86 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the financial institutions which are currently implementing the recommendation of a deferred interest scheme as set out by the expert group on mortgage arrears and personal debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8374/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Central Bank has advised me that the following lenders have notified the Bank of their intention to implement the recommendation of a Deferred Interest Scheme (DIS), as set out in the final report of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt:

Allied Irish Banks,

AIB Mortgage Bank,

Bank of Ireland,

ICS Building Society,

EBS,

Haven Mortgages,

Irish Nationwide Building Society,

Permanent TSB,

Springboard Mortgages

Start Mortgages.

As at the end of December 2010, these named institutions held a market share of approximately 65% of the value of outstanding owner-occupier mortgages in the State. The date at which lenders will be in a position to offer a DIS to borrowers varies. Some institutions expect to be in a position to offer the scheme by the middle of 2011.

Banks Recapitalisation

Michael McGrath

Question:

87 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the recent bank stress tests involved an examination, on a sample basis, of the actual documentation underpinning individual commercial loans. [8375/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The bank stress testing exercise, the results of which were announced by the Central Bank of Ireland on 31 March last, did include a detailed review of loan files on an appropriate sampling basis. As the Deputy will be aware, the Financial Measures Programme ("FMP") announced on 31 March 2011 included an independent loan loss assessment exercise performed by BlackRock Solutions ("BlackRock"), the results of which have informed the calculation of capital requirements for AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS and ILP under the PCAR.

BlackRock performed a comprehensive review of the loan portfolios of the PCAR banks, with the assistance of a number of accountancy firms, legal firms, and credit experts. The Central Bank also appointed The Boston Consulting Group, an international consultancy firm, to provide oversight and challenge to BlackRock's work and to ensure consistency across institutions and portfolios. To perform the loan loss assessment, loss models were custom-built for the banks' portfolios as of 31 December 2010. A data integrity and verification exercise was performed to ensure robust outputs from the loan loss assessment models. The accountancy firms, hired by BlackRock, carried out four specific activities including a loan file sampling and testing.

A detailed and comprehensive review of asset quality was carried out as part of the PCAR exercise. BlackRock and its subcontractors conducted in-depth assessments of loan portfolios by reviewing loan files and, in some cases, work-out capacity. By examining and reviewing loan files, a more accurate assessment of the value of the underlying collateral was possible, enabling a refinement of loan loss assessment assumptions. The loan file reviews focused on large loans and impaired assets. The number of files sampled varied across portfolios and banks but was sufficiently large to allow BlackRock to elicit qualitative and quantitative findings that were subsequently incorporated into their loan loss assessments.

In relation to corporate lending BlackRock loan loss assessments were based on a combination of manual loan file reviews and a more statistical probability of default/loss given default approach. These detailed manual file reviews covered 75% (by value) of loans of over €50 million and involved a full, fundamental reassessment of the loan. The results of the review informed forecasting assumptions for the remaining portfolio.

BlackRock also performed a bottom-up analysis on the larger facility exposures (20% of the portfolio) with a view to achieving maximum risk-based coverage. The rest of the portfolio was modelled where data permitted. As with corporate loans, BlackRock performed detailed manual file reviews for 75% by value of Commercial Real Estate loans over €50 million. An additional 200 individual CRE loans were also reviewed.

Mortgage Arrears

Michael McGrath

Question:

88 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on Allied Irish Banks proposal to write off certain stressed residential mortgage loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8376/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I note that the Chairman of AIB has said that they are internally examining a number of measures including intergenerational mortgages and partial write off of the mortgage where the bank takes an equity share in the house. However, AIB will require the approval of the Central Bank and the Government before any of these measures are brought into effect. In assessing the suitability of any new measures three considerations will be taken into account. Firstly, any new measures should only be available to those who have genuinely tried everything to meet their obligations. Secondly, any assistance to mortgage holders must be very carefully targeted to ensure that there are no additional unnecessary costs being imposed on the tax payer. Thirdly, as a scheme open to everyone would be completely unaffordable, it would be necessary to ensure that appropriate limits with respect to costs are clearly set out and adhered to.

It should be remembered that most people are paying their mortgages in full and on time. In previous periods of difficulty, defaults on mortgages were few and today, almost three years into the financial crisis, we see very few repossessions.

Tax Collection

Jack Wall

Question:

89 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has received all tax back due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8411/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that PAYE Balancing Statements (forms P21) for the years 2007 to 2010 will issue to the person concerned shortly. Additional information has been requested from the person concerned regarding their income for 2011. On receipt of this information a review will be carried out for 2011.

Departmental Properties

Brendan Griffin

Question:

90 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works will be in a position to transfer land to Kerry County Council for the provision of Derrynane Abbey Island burial ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8433/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The Office of Public Works is continuing to progress this matter, and hopes to meet, in the immediate future, with officials from Kerry County Council in order to expedite this matter.

Tax Code

Martin Ferris

Question:

91 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if there will be an increase in import duty on motor vehicles. [8437/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As there is no import duty applied to motor vehicles, I take the Deputy to mean the vehicle registration tax (VRT) payable on first registration of both new vehicles, and second hand vehicles which are imported into Ireland. I have no plans at present to immediately increase VRT.

Tax Collection

Pearse Doherty

Question:

92 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the amount that can be saved by the State if the number on the live register falls to an average of 405,000 in 2011 in terms of average taxation receipts if these persons were to go into employment at the average industrial wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8449/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

As an individual's income tax contribution is based on a number of unique factors such as their taxable income and personal circumstances, it is not possible to state with absolute confidence the effect that a decrease in live register figures would have on the total labour taxes yield. Having said that, it is possible to make an estimate on the basis of reasonable, if somewhat stylised, set of assumptions.

The average tax, employee PRSI, employer PRSI and Universal Social Charge yield per annum for an individual earning the average industrial wage is €8,023. This is approximately €8 million per 1,000 employees per annum. The following assumptions were made:

The average industrial wage for 2010 of €32,089 is based on Quarter 1 weekly figures from CSO Earnings Hours and Employment Costs Survey for production, transport, craft and other manual workers grossed up;

The breakdown by marital status broadly follows the economy wide breakdown in 2010;

The yield is based on a full calendar year.

No account was taken for:

Employees' pension contributions or other salary sacrifice arrangements

Minor tax credits or income tax reliefs such as health expenses relief, rent relief, trade union subscriptions.

EU-IMF Fund

Peter Mathews

Question:

93 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money drawn down from the International Monetary Fund denominated in special drawing rights; the amount of annual interest charged on this money denominated in SDRs; the date by which this money must be repaid to the IMF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8499/11]

Peter Mathews

Question:

94 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance if borrowings from the International Monetary Fund will be repaid in euro or in special drawing rights; if they are being repaid in SDRs if the National Treasury Management Agency has purchased currency forwards to reduce the Exchequer’s risk to currency fluctuations; and if so the price of the currency forwards purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8500/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

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

The first drawdown of IMF funds under the Programme took place on 18 January 2011. The amount was SDR 5,012,425,200, equivalent to some €5.8 billion at the time of drawdown. All funds drawn from the IMF under the Programme will be repaid by a series of twelve equal semi-annual capital repayments, beginning 4.5 years after the drawdown and finishing on the tenth anniversary of the drawdown.

Interest will be paid quarterly at the IMF's standard interest applying to countries which draw on its Extended Fund Facility. This rate is set by reference to the IMF's basic rate of charge plus surcharges which vary based on the amount of funds drawn relative to a country's IMF quota and the duration for which funds are outstanding. The SDR interest rate is calculated weekly by the IMF with reference to financial instruments of each component currency in the SDR basket, expressed as an equivalent annual bond yield: three-month Eurepo rate; three-month Japanese Treasury Discount bills; three-month UK Treasury bills; and three-month US Treasury bills. Up to a threshold of three times a country's IMF quota, a margin of 1% over the SDR rate is payable. On all funds beyond that threshold, an additional margin of 2% is payable plus a further margin of 1% if the funds are outstanding for more than three years.

In view of this calculation method, the annual interest cost is variable and is also influenced by market related activities undertaken by the NTMA. The annual interest amount will be known with certainty when the full year interest payments have been made. Based on current market conditions, the NTMA has estimated an effective average annual cost of around5.20%, taking into account quota revisions and the cost of hedging and assuming drawdown of the full €22.5 billion available from the IMF.

The IMF facility is denominated in special drawing rights. The SDR is a basket of four currencies, Euro, US Dollar, Sterling and Japanese Yen. The obligation is to repay SDRs, i.e. the value of the currency amounts in the SDR basket on the due dates. The details of which currencies will be used to effect the payment of the value of the SDR on each repayment date will be discussed with the IMF prior to the payment date. The NTMA has in place a programme to hedge its liabilities in respect of the non-euro currency component of the SDR borrowings from the IMF. Detailed pricing information is commercially sensitive and not disclosed by the NTMA.

Banks Recapitalisation

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

95 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance the date on which the chairman of AIB plans to start the process of voluntary redundancies for the 2,000 staff in view of the recent announcement by the AIB group. [8513/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Detailed discussions on all aspects of these proposals – e.g. voluntary, compulsory, terms and conditions, duration, level, etc – will have to be undertaken with all relevant parties. The Government will treat all stakeholders, including the taxpayer, with respect and consideration in these discussions. However it is not possible to be precise on the details or timing at this stage. The initial thrust of any reduction in numbers, which is an inevitable consequence of the downsizing of the banks, will be, as always, to seek voluntary redundancies. The wider impact on other covered institutions, which have to embark on similar plans, will also need to be considered.

Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 73.

Pension Provisions

Ciara Conway

Question:

97 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Finance when a decision will issue on the pensions insolvency payment scheme and the details of the same with respect to former workers of a company (details supplied); if former workers under the age of 50 years will be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8549/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Statutory Instrument under the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 giving effect to the Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme (PIPS) was signed by the then Minister for Finance on the 18th January 2010 and came into operation from 1st February 2010. It is a pilot scheme and will be in operation for three years. I can confirm that an application to the Pension Insolvency Payment Scheme from the Waterford Wedgwood pension scheme trustees has been received and is under consideration. Discussions have taken place with the trustees and staff representatives about a number of aspects of the application. I hope to be in a position to respond to the application shortly.

The purpose of the PIPS scheme is to give a better return to those pension funds in deficit where the employer has also become insolvent. Once a pension scheme has applied, my Department requests the NTMA to quote a cost for providing annuities to existing pensioners. It is envisaged that the cost to the pension fund would be less than buying an annuity on the open market. The savings made from securing the pensioners benefits through the State rather than through an insurer should then be put towards the pensions for active and deferred members and will help reduce the shortfall in the scheme. In this way the PIPS scheme will benefit those who are not already on pension, irrespective of age.

Mortgage Arrears

Terence Flanagan

Question:

98 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter regarding negative equity mortgages (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8580/11]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Final Report of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt contained the following recommendation: “The Group notes that, for some mortgage holders who are in negative equity, trading down would produce a reduction in mortgage debt and more affordable monthly payments. The Group recommends that further consideration should be given by lenders to facilitating trading down by borrowers in this situation. Such options would have to meet relevant prudential standards, with appropriate controls in place, and be in the customers’ best interest.”

Trading down means selling a current property and buying a cheaper one. Trading down may be an option to reduce the level of mortgage repayments, resulting in more affordable monthly repayments. This recommendation is aimed at helping mortgage holders remain as home owners while reducing their level of repayments. There will also be situations where mortgage holders in negative equity may wish to move home, for example, to take up new employment opportunities. There is merit in facilitating house moves by those in negative equity in certain situations and subject to certain criteria set down by the Central Bank.

Ultimately, these are matters for lenders and the Central Bank to decide upon. Any lender planning to provide a negative equity type product must notify the Central Bank in advance to ensure that appropriate measures and controls are taken as the Central Bank must be satisfied that such a product meets relevant prudential standards and does not lead to consumers being over exposed.

Education and Training Programmes

Willie O'Dea

Question:

99 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the new graduate and apprentice internship scheme will be established. [8276/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Programme for Government contains proposals to support a Jobs Initiative which will provide additional places in training, work experience and educational opportunities for those who are out of work. This will include an Internship Scheme which will be under the remit of the Department of Social Protection. Further details regarding the Jobs Initiative and an Internship Scheme will be announced shortly by the Government.

Special Educational Needs

Peter Mathews

Question:

100 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to make a start on the implementation of the 2001 Government task force report on autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8148/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Deputy will be aware that in its October 2001 report, the Task Force on Autism made many recommendations concerning broad educational provision for children on the autistic spectrum from pre-school through to third level. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that these recommendations have provided a basis for the development of educational services and supports for children with autism including the establishment of a range of options for children with autism spectrum disorders, training for teachers in autism-specific approaches and interventions and early educational intervention. In responding to the recommendations, my Department has given priority to implementing the core legislative and structural measures required to underpin service development and delivery.

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, 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. For example 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 and as recommended by the Task Force on Autism 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.

Foireann Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

101 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cé mhéid scoil i ngach contae nach bhfuil ann ach príomhoide mar mhúinteoir ranga; cé mhéid scoil i ngach contae nach bhfuil de mhúinteoirí ranga ann ach príomhoide agus cúntóir amháin; cad iad ainmneacha na scoileanna sin agus an uimhir rolla agus líon na scoláirí i ngach scoil acu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [8153/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Áiríonn Rannán na Staitisticí ar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinne eolas forleathan a bhaineann le rollúcháin daltaí, méideanna na ranganna, méideanna na scoileanna agus an líon múinteoirí. Baineann na figiúirí is déanaí a foilsíodh leis an scoilbhliain 2009/10. Tá eolas staitisticúil i leith na scoilbhliana 2010/11 in úd a fhoilsithe i Meán Fómhair 2011.

Special Educational Needs

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

102 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a timeline for the review of the allocation of special needs assistants hours currently under way between him and the National Council for Special Education; the length of time the current pause on sanctioning additional resource teaching support hours will be in place; his plans for the academic year 2011-12 with regard to SNA support in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8173/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

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 SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of 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. The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and intend to inform schools of their annual SNA allocation as soon as possible, in advance of the coming school year.

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.

In respect of the allocation of Resource Teaching hours, 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 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.

The NCSE has issued a Circular to schools advising them that the final date for schools to submit any outstanding, completed, applications for resource teaching supports is 13th May 2011. On receipt of all outstanding applications the DES and NCSE will be in a position to consider resource allocation for the coming school year, in the context of the Department's Employment Control Framework obligations. Schools will be notified of their allocations as soon as possible. In the interim, children who are eligible for resource/ learning support teaching can receive this tuition through the existing learning support provision in schools, either though the General Allocation Model or existing Learning Support provision.

School Staffing

John Deasy

Question:

103 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the qualifying criteria which will enable secondary schools to qualify for additional teacher equivalent units; his plans to introduce a review system to allow schools to make their own individual case pertaining to their circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8176/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Teacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities. The criteria for the allocation of teaching posts at post-primary level, including the appeals mechanism, is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Teaching Qualifications

Joe McHugh

Question:

104 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to enable an organisation (details supplied) to conduct accredited courses in post-primary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8187/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Teaching Council has statutory responsibility under the Teaching Council Act, 2001 (Section 38) to review and accredit programmes of initial teacher education in Ireland. The Council is independent in carrying out assessments of such programmes and my Department has no role in the matter. I am informed by the Council that the organisation to which the Deputy refers has submitted a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Post-primary) programme to the Teaching Council for accreditation. The process of review is at an advanced stage and it is hoped that the Council will be in a position to consider the review outcome shortly.

School Curriculum

Peter Mathews

Question:

105 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding or grants available for teaching music in primary schools as part of the curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8199/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Music is a core part of the arts curriculum in all classes in all primary schools and comprises listening and responding, performing and composing activities. A revised primary curriculum in Music was introduced in 2005, supported by a national programme of professional development for teachers. I am very aware of the excellent work being done by schools using music as a key vehicle to promote inclusion and effective learning. As with other areas of the curriculum, the operational costs of providing music in the curriculum are funded from the capitation grants paid to schools. There are no additional grants for this purpose.

Schools in DEIS and School Completion Projects are provided with additional funding and have discretion as to how best to spend these funds within a framework of guidelines set out by my Department. The guidelines provide that funding may be used on initiatives to support retention, supporting and engaging parents and the wider community, co-operation with the youth sector, promoting cross curricular literacy initiatives, music, dance, drama, and promoting social, sport and leisure activities which impact on children's learning. Music education projects fall well within the parameters of what can be funded under DEIS and the School Completion Programme.

National Schools receive an Ancillary services grant of €147 per pupil plus a capitation grant of €190 per pupil; the grants are based on school enrolments on the 30th September. Post-primary schools receive school services grant of €201 per pupil plus capitation grant of €328 per pupil. Enhanced capitation of €14.07 million (€10.767million at primary level & €3.302 million at post primary level) was allocated to DEIS schools in the current school year, ranging from €500 to €96,000 at primary level and €1,300 to €56,000 at post primary level. The calculation of this enhanced capitation is based on the enrolment of the school and its level of educational disadvantage relative to other schools. Guidelines issue to schools on how this additional funding should be utilised.

Other than the additional resources available through DEIS and the School Completion Programme to schools designated as disadvantaged, my Department is not in a position at this time to provide additional funding to support additional Music provision in primary schools. However, a partnership between U2, Music Network, the International Funds for Ireland and the education sector is enabling a series of music education partnerships to be established around the country on a phased basis to provide vocal and instrumental music tuition for young people. The initiative was made possible by a donation of €5m from U2, and a commitment from the Ireland Funds to raise €2m. These contributions will fund the initiative in the early years of development, with the intention that programmes will be continued into the future with Exchequer funding when the donations cease.

The initiative is being managed by a company called Music Generation (www.musicgeneration.ie). A call for proposals was issued on 17 January 2011 seeking applications from local Music Education Partnerships across the country who wish to apply for funding. Music Generation aims to help children and young people to access music education in their own locality. The focus is on co-ordinated area-based provision as part of a partnership, not on funding for individual schools.

Funding for up to twelve Music Education Partnerships will be awarded by Music Generation on a phased basis from 2011-2015, most likely in three locations at a time. Music Education Partnerships are eligible to apply for 50% funding, up to a maximum of €200,000 per annum over three years. The closing date for Round 1 applications was March 31st, 2011, but there will be further rounds of the initiative each year until 12 partnerships are established. The lead partner in the Music Education Partnership must be a statutory agency.

The provision of music in the school curriculum, supplemented by an expanding network of music education partnerships, and the provision of some 68,000 hours of music tuition provided in certain locations in the form of co-operation hours through the VEC system, allied with flexible funds for DEIS and School Completion Programme schools together form part of the strategy to widen access to music education for young people in the period ahead.

Adult Literacy

Brendan Smith

Question:

106 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail the direct funding provided for adult literacy initiatives in 1997 and in 2010; and the number of persons participating in State-funded adult literacy courses in each of those years. [8208/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

My Department provides funds to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) which deliver adult literacy services. That funding has increased from €1 million in 1997 to €30 million in 2010. The number of adult literacy participants that received tuition increased from 5,000 to 50,000 in the same period.

Psychological Service

Brendan Smith

Question:

107 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail the number of full-time equivalent educational psychologists employed in the 1996/97 school year and in the current school year; and the number of pupils receiving an assessment in each of those years. [8209/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I can inform the Deputy that all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved and paid for by NEPS.

By way of background, NEPS, in common with many other psychological services and best international practice, has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose special needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring. Psychologists use a problem solving and solution focused consultative approach to maximize positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Teachers may consult their NEPS psychologist should they need to at this stage in the process. Only in the event of a failure to make reasonable progress, in spite of the school's best efforts in consultation with NEPS, will the psychologist become involved with an individual child for intensive intervention. This system allows psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.

Prior to 1999 an educational psychology service was provided to schools by Inspectors of Guidance & Counselling as part of my Department's Inspectorate Division. In 1995/96 some 4 whole-time equivalent (w.t.e.) Senior Inspectors and 35.5 w.t.e Inspectors were employed in this capacity. It is not known how many assessments would have been undertaken by these officers in 1995/96 but the focus of the service and the context in which it operated was essentially different to that which pertains currently with particular attention being paid to the support of guidance counsellors in post-primary school and a more limited engagement with primary schools.

NEPS was established in 1999 and currently NEPS employs 174 (167.3 w.t.e.) psychologists at Director, Regional Director, Senior Psychologist and Psychologist grades. The figures for the number of named pupils referred to the service in the current year are not yet available as such referrals are still ongoing. In the previous academic year some 7,888 referrals were undertaken by NEPS 149.4 w.t.e. psychologists and an additional 2,400 referrals catered for under the SCPA referred to previously. Additionally NEPS psychologists offer general advice and guidance on unnamed pupils and it is estimated that a further 7,500 pupils would have so benefitted from this input in that year. NEPS psychologists also made recommendations on applications from some 4,100 students under the Reasonable Accommodation for Certificate Examinations on behalf of the State Examinations Commission and assisted in almost 100 critical incidents (instances of trauma connected with schools) at the behest of school authorities.

Adult Literacy

Brendan Smith

Question:

108 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the surveys that have been carried out on adult literacy rates since the major report published in 1997 and his plans in this regard. [8210/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

The last major survey of adult literacy in Ireland was the survey referred to by the Deputy — the OECD International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) which was carried out in 1995 and published in 1997. My Department is funding Ireland's participation in a new international adult literacy survey — the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). PIAAC is being organised by the OECD and is being administered in Ireland by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The survey is scheduled to be conducted in August 2011 and results are expected to be published in 2013.

PIAAC involves surveying adults (between the ages of 16-64) in their homes on a range of skills covering the interest, attitude and capacity of individual adults to access, manage, understand, integrate and evaluate various types of information (principally text and numerical) as well as to respond and communicate with others in the information age. It will focus on the key cognitive and workplace skills that are required for successful participation in the economy and society of the 21st century.

School Staffing

Pearse Doherty

Question:

109 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria issued to boards of management in relation to the filling of temporary teaching posts in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8212/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I assume the Deputy is referring to Circular 19/2011 which commences the redeployment process for surplus permanent teachers at primary level. This circular, which is available on my Department's website, sets out the detailed arrangements for the operation of the redeployment process. The process of allocating teaching resources to schools for 2011/2012 and the arrangements for filling vacant or new teaching posts, including temporary posts, takes place in the context of the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland and the Public Service Agreement 2010/2014.

It is necessary for my Department to exercise additional control and reporting measures this year to ensure that the numbers of teachers employed in schools is consistent with the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland. This requires that all permanent and fixed term positions are in the first instance made available to those surplus teachers with either permanent contracts or contracts of indefinite duration. It is the intention of the Department to restore recruitment from fixed-term teachers on the main panels, supplementary panels or public advertisement at the earliest possible opportunity, after all the surplus permanent teachers have been redeployed.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

110 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8239/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

At a Government meeting held on the 15th March, 2011, it was decided to reduce the number of staff permitted at Ministers' constituency offices from 6 to 4 and Minister of State's constituency offices from 5 to 3. There are currently 2 officers in my Constituency Office. Their grades are as follows: 1 Higher Executive Officer; 1 Staff Officer. There is currently 1 (0.8 full time equivalent) officer, at Staff Officer grade, in the Constituency Office of the Minister of State at my Department. The duties of the above staff, who are all civil servants, are appropriate to their grade. Further appointments will be in accordance with the above Government Decision.

Company Closures

Noel Grealish

Question:

111 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding unpaid subcontractors who were working on a project under a company (details supplied) which has gone into receivership; if any funds have been made available to the university, which were not handed over to this company; if this will be made available to pay subcontractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8296/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

In the period prior to the appointment of the Receiver in this case, the University in question discharged all of its financial responsibilities under its contract with the main contractor directly to the contractor as normal. Any monies now owed by the main contractor to sub contractors fall to be addressed by the Receiver. In these circumstances, the University is unable to assist the sub contractors other than to advise that they contact the Receiver directly in these matters.

Schools Building Projects

Noel Grealish

Question:

112 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application under the school building programme by a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8297/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The brief for the building project to which the Deputy refers was revised in 2007 from an extension/refurbishment of existing accommodation to one intended to provide two new schools on the existing site. The Deputy will note that this project was not included in the 2011 school building work programme announced earlier this year. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will continue to be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

FÁS Training Programmes

Joe McHugh

Question:

113 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will describe and explain a process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8311/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The new system of tendering for FÁS courses will require registration on a Contracted Training Tender List (CTTL). All training providers, including those currently on the CTTL, who wish to register on the CTTL will have to meet the requirements of a new pre-qualification process which will be managed by the FÁS Procurement Department in conjunction with the FÁS Training, Policy & Development Services (TPDS) Division.

FÁS Procurement Department will shortly advertise on the Government e-tender website seeking expressions of interest from qualified training providers to form part of a panel. FÁS may add to this panel at regular intervals. This panel will form the basis of the CTTL. Providers may apply for multiple regions and several training domains. The outcome of the pre-qualification exercise will be a list of valid providers that are qualified to deliver training on behalf of FÁS by domain and region, for example forklift driving in Letterkenny, ECDL in Tralee. All successful applicants will receive a document detailing the rules which will be developed by the Training, Policy & Development Services (TPDS) Division. They will also be invited to attend a briefing session where operational procedures and other required information will be disseminated. All providers must agree to operate within these parameters before they are awarded any contract.

Every training course required by individual FÁS Regions will be procured by requesting tenders from randomly selected eligible suppliers on the CTTL panel. Tender returns will be scored using a MEAT (Most Economical Advantageous Tender) process. The highest scoring tenderer will be offered the contract where the conditions of the contract are met. All contractors on the list will receive an opportunity to tender before any contractor will be requested to tender a second time.

School Staffing

Joe McHugh

Question:

114 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the status of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8313/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

In accordance with the Education Act 1998, teachers are employed by the management authority of each individual school. Accordingly, a teacher' s status/position in a school is a matter for the management authority concerned. The sick leave scheme for teachers is the subject of a collective agreement reached at the Teachers' Conciliation Council and the terms are set out in Circular Letter 0060/2010.

School Text Books

Clare Daly

Question:

115 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to high mark-up on the prices of school books here, which adds further financial burden to parents putting children through school; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that awarding of licences to several big publishing companies contributes to this situation; and if he will examine this issue. [8338/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

My Department has no role in the production and publication of school text books. Accordingly, I am not in a position to speculate on the cost of school books, which is determined on a commercial basis by the educational publishers who commission them. I can also confirm that my Department does not administer any licensing scheme, and I am unaware of any licensing scheme run by any other Department.

My Department intends to issue funding to primary schools in April and to 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 are 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.

School Placement

John Lyons

Question:

116 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it will be possible for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 to be allowed to finish the second year of their leaver’s programme at a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8342/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently written to all Special Schools to advise them that it will consider requests from school authorities who wish to retain students who are over 18 years of age, for an extra school year, in circumstances where they are following courses leading to accreditation at a level of FETAC 3 or above. As such, I would ask the Deputy to advise the parents of the pupil in question to raise the issue of extension of enrolment directly with the school authorities, so that they might make an application to retain the student to my Department, who will consider such a request in accordance with the criteria outlined above.

School Transport

Jim Daly

Question:

117 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Cork which serves the educational needs of a minority community which will be curtailed by the proposed reduction in the minimum numbers required for school transport service with the loss of two bus routes currently serving the school. [8355/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

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, 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.

The details of the routes and the number of buses required will only be finalised later this year when applications/payments/exemptions have been processed by Bus Eireann. As is currently the case, where an eligible pupil cannot avail of a service, eligible families can apply for the transport grant (traditionally called the remote area grant) which is payable based on distance travelled up to a maximum of 9.7 kilometres. 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.

School Staffing

Ciara Conway

Question:

118 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding incremental credit rights in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8360/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The scheme of incremental credit for primary teachers is the subject of a collective agreement reached at Teachers' Conciliation Council and the terms are set out in Circular letter 10/2001. The application for incremental credit submitted by the person referred to by the Deputy was for service given in a private institution outside the European Union. The school in which the service was given did not offer a range of studies incorporating all of the courses prescribed on the national curriculum of the country in which it was located. The service given did not, therefore, meet the criteria of the scheme. The person concerned was notified in writing of my Department's decision on the 13 December 2010.

Schools Refurbishment

Sean Fleming

Question:

119 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Carlow will be approved under the summer works scheme; when announcements on this matter are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8398/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I can confirm that the school in question submitted an application for the works referred to by the Deputy under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. A list of 453 successful schools was announced on 30 March 2011 and I regret that the application made by the school referred to by the Deputy was not selected. A letter to this effect has issued to the school.

Applications from schools for gas, mechanical and electrical works were prioritised for Summer Works funding this year. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. The capital budget allocated for the Summer Works Scheme has been reduced this year and it has been necessary to prioritise some categories of works over others. My Department has sought to prioritise the funds that are available towards works that are most relevant to the health and safety of staff and students alike in our schools.

Educational Disadvantage

Dara Calleary

Question:

120 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will publish the review of delivering equality and opportunity in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8424/11]

Dara Calleary

Question:

121 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support changes to the delivering equality and opportunity in schools programme in order that it takes into account rural disadvantage as much as urban disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8425/11]

Dara Calleary

Question:

122 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support changes to delivering equality and opportunity in schools programmes in order that the money follows disadvantaged students as opposed to disadvantaged schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8426/11]

Dara Calleary

Question:

123 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current weaknesses he perceives in the delivering equality and opportunity in schools programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8427/11]

Dara Calleary

Question:

124 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of voluntary schools currently under the delivering equality and opportunity in schools programme; the number of vocational education committee schools under the delivering equality and opportunity in schools programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8428/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 124, inclusive, together.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for Educational Inclusion was launched on 30 May 2005 and has been rolled out on a phased basis – commencing during the school year 2005/2006. The action plan provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in DEIS was managed externally by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and was supported by quality assurance work, co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. The identification process was also supported by an Advisory Group which included representatives of the INTO and the Irish Primary Principals' Network.

A comprehensive evaluation of DEIS has been underway since the roll out of supports commenced in 2006. The Department commissioned the Educational Research Centre to undertake this evaluation and a report of this evaluation from the ERC is expected shortly. This report is the second in a series of reports concerning the ERC's ongoing evaluation of DEIS. A previous evaluation report on DEIS focusing on rural disadvantage is available for download on the Educational Research Centre website (www.erc.ie). I envisage that the next report from the ERC will also be made available following consideration within my Department and by the representative Advisory Group.

The Department's Inspectorate has also conducted an evaluation of the implementation of DEIS in a number of primary and post primary schools. The report from this exercise is also expected in the near future. It is expected that these evaluations will clarify any potential weaknesses in the processes of selecting the participating schools, the configuration and merits of the support programme and in the implementation process.

Evidence strongly suggests that disadvantage associated with rural poverty does not have the same impact on educational achievement as is the case in the urban context. While urban and rural disadvantage share many characteristics, such as poverty, unemployment and poor housing conditions such disadvantage in a rural context does not have the same impact on educational performance. Evidence from the recent evaluation of DEIS rural primary schools found that children attending DEIS rural primary schools are performing almost at the national averages in literacy and numeracy. There is no evidence that additional teaching supports for these schools will make any meaningful difference to educational achievement. Nonetheless some 331 rural DEIS primary schools are supported with additional financial provision; access to the school meals programme; access to after-school and holiday programmes; access for teachers to a range of professional development programmes to assist in supporting the educational needs of children in these schools.

All publicly funded schools continue to be supported through the allocation of general and specifically targeted learning and resource supports at an overall cost exceeding some €600m. These supports are provided to address the learning needs of those who are identified as requiring additional supports. There is no evidence to support a case that DEIS related supports should be provided to schools with few disadvantaged children. While such children may suffer poverty or social disadvantage, this does not automatically translate as achievement disadvantage and where it does it should be addressed through the learning and resource supports provided.

There is significant evidence from research, both in Ireland and elsewhere, that the achievement disadvantages associated with poverty are exacerbated when large proportions of pupils in a school are from poor backgrounds (a ‘social context' effect). It is appropriate, therefore, from a policy point of view, to target resources at schools in which disadvantage is most concentrated. DEIS supports are designed to meet the additional needs of schools in recognition of the concentrated nature of their disadvantage.

DEIS was the outcome of the first full review of all programmes for tackling educational disadvantage that had been in place in the preceding twenty years. The DEIS plan has been warmly received across the education sector. That is not to say that there are not improvements that can be made in any renewal of DEIS. The implementation and evaluation of DEIS has been continuously supported by ongoing consultation with Education Partners and stakeholders. In addition there is a commitment to consult widely on any new process for the identification of schools and the renewal of DEIS.

In the current climate my Department's main focus is to retain, where possible, key resources in the schools targeted under the DEIS initiative. This approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General in his report on Primary Disadvantage in 2006, which suggested that the Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged. The list of all schools in the DEIS programme is available on my Department's website: www.education.ie. There are 200 post primary schools in the DEIS programme. The breakdown between the sectors is as follows: Community & Comprehensive Schools 26; Voluntary Secondary Schools 48 and VEC schools 126.

Redundancy Payments

Finian McGrath

Question:

125 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown in the calculation of redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [8431/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

A breakdown of the calculation of the redundancy payment made to the person referred to by the Deputy will be provided to her by my Department.

School Transport

Sandra McLellan

Question:

126 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that new entrants whose nearest school is the closed school in Ladysbridge, County Cork, will be allowed to continue to be eligible for transport to a school (details supplied). [8432/11]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

The changes to school transport services 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. The change to the closed school rule, referred to by the Deputy, means that the distance criteria will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis. All pupils travelling to a Central School/School of Amalgamation including those children starting school in September 2011, will continue to be eligible for transport to that Central School/School of Amalgamation school for the duration of their primary education, provided they meet the distance criterion.

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 Rule in question will retain transport eligibility for the duration of their schooling, provided the requisite distance criterion is met. 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.

School Staffing

Michael Creed

Question:

127 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the situation regarding access rights for teachers to the supplementary panel; the reason he has decided to change the criteria which previously permitted the requisite three years to consist of teaching experience acquired through parental leave, maternity leave and fixed term contracts but is now prioritising fixed term contract holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8446/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

My Department has not made changes to the supplementary panel which is made up of teachers with fixed term and/or substitute service. My Department has prioritised permanent and contract of indefinite duration (CID) holding teachers within the main redeployment panels so that all vacancies are offered in the first instance to these teachers. The purpose of this is to maximise the opportunities for the redeployment of these permanent and CID holding teachers.

The process of allocating teaching resources to schools for 2011/2012 and the arrangements for filling vacant or new teaching posts takes place in the context of the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland and the Public Service Agreement 2010/2014. It is necessary for my Department to exercise additional control and reporting measures this year to ensure that the numbers of teachers employed in schools is consistent with the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland. It is the intention of the Department to restore recruitment from fixed-term teachers on the main panels, supplementary panels or public advertisement at the earliest possible opportunity, after all the surplus permanent teachers have been redeployed.

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

128 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the vacant post of director of adult education in a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be filled. [8463/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

When the moratorium was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal posts in all primary and post-primary schools and these continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium is therefore limited to the Director of Adult Education, Assistant Principal and Special Duties allowances payable to teachers on promotion. Vacancies at this level arise due to retirements in the specific grades and typically also from the knock on effect of filling Principal and Deputy Principal posts.

Some further limited alleviation was introduced for schools that are acutely affected by the impact of the moratorium. The alleviation arrangements are set out in Circular 42/2010. Most of the alleviation arrangements are already in place. Any remaining applications, which include the school referred to by the Deputy, will be examined and prioritised as soon as possible. Individual schools will be notified in due course.

FÁS Training Programmes

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

129 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in County Meath who have finished FÁS training courses in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of persons who have yet to be awarded qualification since they finished their training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8464/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

People from Co. Meath participate on FÁS training courses in all regions throughout the 26 counties. The numbers are set out in the table. Requests for certification are processed in the region in which the training takes place and the methodology used varies depending on the programme type. To establish who has yet to be awarded certification would require significant resources and time. Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide this information at this time.

Region	2007	2008	2009	2010	Total
City Centre	309	237	271	138	955
Fingal	132	129	259	327	847
South Dublin	18	29	52	188	287
Midlands	50	60	78	77	265
Mid West	16	10	15	7	48
North East	786	936	1,265	1,494	4,481
North West	44	48	25	19	136
South East	10	16	27	36	89
South West	14	26	22	32	94
West	6	5	1	7	19
Total	1,385	1,496	2,015	2,325	7,221

Training and Work Experience Programmes

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

130 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of training and work experience activation places funded by him in County Meath in 2010, broken down by type of course or work experience programme; the funding allocated to each type of course or programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8465/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

In 2010, the Government funded 6,195 training, education and work experience places in County Meath at a cost of €27.8 million. FÁS, the main training provider for the unemployed, provided 1,979 training and work experience places at a cost of €17.7 million in County Meath last year. The Labour Market Activation Fund provided 880 activation places in County Meath to the unemployed in 2010. This Fund was launched in March 2010, in order to assist in the creation of training and education provision for specific priority groups among the unemployed.

The Further Education Sector also provided 3,336 education places in County Meath in 2010. These education places were also open to the unemployed and included full-time places through the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), Youthreach, Senior Traveller Training Centre (STTC), Post Leaving Certificate programmes and part-time places through the Back to Education Initiative, Adult Literacy and Community Education. I have detailed in the table the number of activation and work experience places available in County Meath, in 2010.

Type of Course/Programme	Number of Places	Funding 2010
		€
FÁS Activation and Work Experience Places
Technical Employment Support Grant	345	148,487
Specific Skills Training	450	2,072,412
Local Training Initiative	156	684,716
Specialist Training Providers	81	1,014,125
Community Training Centre	93	582,718
Community Employment	828	13,166,281
Work Experience Programme	26	0
Total FÁS Activation and Work Experience Places	1,979	17,668,740
Labour Market Activation Fund
Science IT Smart Skills — level 5, County Meath VEC	100	345,000
Smart Skills — FETAC level 3, County Meath VEC	600	1,236,000
Eco-Tourism 7 E-business Training Programme — level 5 and National Certificate in Tourism — Meath Partnership	40	118,330
Wood Energy and Biomass Training programme, level 5 — Meath Partnership	60	128,575
Artisan Food Skills Development — FETAC level 4 — Meath Partnership	80	128,575
Total Labour Market Activation Fund places	880	€1,956,480
Further Education Places — Co. Meath VEC
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)	70	1,215,541
Youthreach	185	3,131,547
Senior Traveller Training Centre programme (STTC)	30	866,097
Post Leaving Certificate programme (PLC)	328	1,649,105*
Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)	746	469,687
Adult Literacy	1,545	642,315
Community Education	432	250,450
Total Further Education Places	3,336	8,224,742
Total Activation and Work Experience Places	6,195	27,849,962

*This is an estimated figure which includes Teacher Pay, Capitation and Maintenance Grants.

School Placement

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

131 Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will find a place for a student (details supplied) in County Louth who has been unable to enrol at a secondary school in Dundalk. [8495/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The selection and enrolment of pupils in schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act, 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected. Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will be able to offer assistance and advice on securing a school placement within the pupil's area. The contact details for the NEWB in your area is NEWB, Block 3, Floor 1, Grove Court, Blanchardstown Dublin 15, Tel: 01 8103261. I understand that the parents of the student in question have submitted an Appeal under Section 29. My officials are liaising with the school authorities on the matter.

Schools Refurbishment

David Stanton

Question:

132 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money allocated under the 2009 and 2010 summer works schemes respectively; the amount of the budget which was expended each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8501/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The funding allocated to the 2009 Summer Works Scheme amounts to €109m with expenditure incurred in 2009 of €100.7m; in 2010 of €6.4m and to date in 2011 a sum of €0.5m. The funding allocated to the 2010 Summer Works Scheme amounts to €138m with expenditure incurred in 2010 of €124.5m and to date in 2011 a sum of €6m.

School Patronage

Paudie Coffey

Question:

133 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to open a second level Educate Together school in Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8502/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Programme for Government gives a commitment to move towards a more pluralist system of patronage at second level, recognising a wider number of patrons. It is my intention to address this policy and I will consider the role that all patron bodies, including Educate Together, can play in ensuring our education system caters for a pluralism of choice which reflects the needs of Ireland today and into the future.

Teachers’ Remuneration

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

134 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding salary arrangements in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8509/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The case referred to by the Deputy is being examined by officials of my Department at present. The person referred to by the Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as possible.

School Curriculum

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

135 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills when politics will become examinable in the secondary school curriculum; when will the intake for teachers in the relevant training colleges be opened for this new subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8519/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has been progressing the development of a new subject "Politics and Society" , which is proposed as an optional examinable full subject in the Leaving Certificate. A draft syllabus has been developed by the Council and was published for consultation. The syllabus is currently being revised in the light of the feedback. After this process has been completed, the Council's formal proposals on the matter will be submitted to me, and will be considered in the light of overall system needs and priorities.

It should be noted that education for citizenship is covered extensively in the curriculum for primary schools as part of Social Personal and Health Education. At second level, Civic Social and Political Education is a mandatory subject for all pupils in the junior cycle. It is examined in the Junior Certificate by means of a written terminal examination and an innovative action project which is designed to give students a practical experience of active citizenship.

The Teaching Council has a statutory role in relation to the review of standards required for entry into the teaching profession, including the standards of knowledge, skill and competence required for the practice of teaching. In the context of Section 38 of the Teaching Council Act, the Teaching Council, in 2009, commenced its process of reviewing and accrediting the teacher education programmes in Ireland, of which there are over 40, and this process is continuing with the second round of reviews taking place this year.

The review of the four programmes in both 2009/2010 and in 2010/2011 marks a significant first step for the Council and for all the partners in education who have contributed to the development of the Council's Review and Accreditation Strategy. The Council has also recently engaged in an open consultation process on its draft policy on the continuum of teacher education. The outcome of the pilot reviews is shaping the Council's proposals on the teacher education continuum as a whole. Emerging needs as a result of curriculum developments will be taken account of as part of the Council's ongoing work.

Higher Education Grants

Michael McGrath

Question:

136 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an aspect of the higher education grant scheme (details supplied). [8521/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for a student's local grant awarding body — the relevant local authority or VEC. In the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and the necessary proofs that must be provided, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be possible for me to say how a student would be assessed by his or her grant awarding body and whether or not they would qualify for a grant.

However, in relation to the specific clauses in the 2010 student grant schemes governing the issues raised by the Deputy, the position is that a student may be assessed as an independent mature student if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course or of re-entry following a break in studies of at least three years and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from 1 October 2009. Otherwise he/she would continue to be assessed on the basis of his/her parents' income.

Special Educational Needs

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

137 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he wiil take to immediately assist in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who cannot now attend at a school owing to lack of provision of the necessary support services for their education. [8531/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which assists parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will try to help parents to find an alternative school placement if their child has been unable to secure a placement to date. The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

In considering applications for teaching and SNA support for individual pupils, the SENOs take account of the needs identified in the professional reports and decide whether the circumstances come within the Department's criteria. They then consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupil from its current level of resources.

Officials at my Department have been in contact with the NCSE regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy and have been advised that the SENO with assigned responsibility for the school in question is liaising with the school authorities and the pupil's father in relation to an application for supports for this pupil and with regard to the pupil's educational placement. 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.

John Lyons

Question:

138 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider a proposal from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8537/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

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.

John Lyons

Question:

139 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a situation regarding the resource allocation of a school (details supplied) and the way it is likely to lead to a number of students with mild general learning difficulties being taught in general class as of September 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8540/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

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 teaching hours to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. In respect of the allocation of Resource Teaching hours, 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.

My Department has requested the 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 Departments 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.

The NCSE issued a Circular to schools advising them that the final date for schools to submit any outstanding, completed, applications for resource teaching supports is 13th May 2011. On receipt of all outstanding applications the DES and NCSE will be in a position to consider resource allocation for the coming school year, in the context of the Departments Employment Control Framework obligations. Schools will be notified of their allocations as soon as possible.

Applications for resource teaching for any new entrants to the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the context outlined above. The school should submit all of its applications for resource teaching supports to the NCSE by 13th May 2011, so that the overall resource allocation for the school can be considered for September. In the interim, children who are eligible for resource/ learning support teaching will receive this tuition through the existing learning support provision in schools.

Schools Refurbishment

Tom Fleming

Question:

140 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make available in 2011 the necessary funding to carry out the essential roof remedial work to a school (details supplied). [8563/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I can confirm that the school in question submitted an application for the works referred to by the Deputy under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. A list of 453 successful schools was announced on 30 March 2011 and I regret that the application made by the school referred to by the Deputy was not selected. A letter to this effect has issued to the school.

Applications from schools for gas, mechanical and electrical works were prioritised for Summer Works funding this year. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. The capital budget allocated for the Summer Works Scheme has been reduced this year and it has been necessary to prioritise some categories of works over others. My Department has sought to prioritise the funds that are available towards works that are most relevant to the health and safety of staff and students alike in our schools.

Tom Fleming

Question:

141 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make available in 2011 the necessary funding to provide new windows to a school (details supplied). [8564/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I can confirm that the school in question submitted an application for the works referred to by the Deputy under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. A list of 453 successful schools was announced on 30 March 2011 and I regret that the application made by the school referred to by the Deputy was not selected. A letter to this effect has issued to the school.

Applications from schools for gas, mechanical and electrical works were prioritised for Summer Works funding this year. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. The capital budget allocated for the Summer Works Scheme has been reduced this year and it has been necessary to prioritise some categories of works over others. My Department has sought to prioritise the funds that are available towards works that are most relevant to the health and safety of staff and students alike in our schools.

Special Educational Needs

Sean Fleming

Question:

142 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the reduction in special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8566/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Firstly, I wish to advise the Deputy that Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations are not permanent, as the level of SNA support allocated to a school may be increased or decreased as pupils who qualify for SNA support enrol or leave a school. They are also decreased where a child's care needs may have diminished over time.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support, which now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of 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 recently issued a circular to all schools advising of the SNA allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of SNA support to eligible schools. The NCSE are considering applications for additional SNA support in the context of this process for the 2011/12 school year. Schools are currently engaging with the NCSE in this regard ahead of the next school year and the NCSE will review the SNA staffing requirements for schools, taking into account all of the students who will be attending school from September next and any new students that the school are intending to enrol.

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.

Finian McGrath

Question:

143 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the case of a school (details supplied). [8648/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support. Officials at my Department have been in contact with the NCSE regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy and have been advised that the NCSE has not notified the school of a reduction in its level of teaching staff. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Employment Rights

Willie O'Dea

Question:

144 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to alleged serious irregularities in relation to the terms and conditions of employment on the site of a large extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; in view of the fact that the State is paying for the extension if he will investigate this as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8183/11]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

I thank the Deputy for drawing this matter to my attention and I have forwarded details of the complaint to which the Deputy referred directly to the National Employment Rights Authority for investigation. Any employees, who believe that their employment rights are being breached, may present a complaint, in confidence, to the National Employment Rights Authority, which is responsible for monitoring compliance with Employment Rights Legislation. The National Employment Rights Authority may be contacted at The National Employment Rights Authority, O'Brien Rd, Carlow, lo-call: 1890 80 80 90; or at www.employmentrights.ie.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

145 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8240/11]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The table below outlines the numbers, grades and duties of all persons within my Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters. This also includes Ministers of State at my Department.

Minister	Numbers	Grade	Duties
Richard Bruton	1	Personal Secretary (Ministerial Appointee)	Performing general secretarial duties including the handling of enquiries made to my Constituency Office.
	1	Clerical Officer (Civil Servant)
Sean SherlockMinister of State for Research & Innovation	111	Personal Assistant (Ministerial Appointee)Personal Assistant (Ministerial Appointee)Clerical Officer (Civil Servant)	Performing general secretarial duties including the handling of enquiries made to Minister of State Sherlock’s Constituency Office.
John PerryMinister of State for Small Business	1.5w/sharer.5w/sharer	Personal Assistant (Ministerial Appointee)Personal Secretary (Ministerial Appointee)Personal Secretary (Ministerial Appointee	Performing general secretarial duties including the handling of enquiries made to Minister of State Perry’s Constituency Office.

Export Trade Council

Willie O'Dea

Question:

146 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the date on which the export trade council will be established. [8275/11]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

As soon as the transfer of certain trade functions to the new Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been effected, the nature, structure, future role and timelines of the proposed Export Trade Council will be considered as a matter of urgency. The Government is conscious of the need to avoid establishing new groups and bodies unless absolutely necessary, and will therefore consider whether any amendments to the membership and terms of reference are needed to re-align the existing Foreign Trade Council with the objectives of this Government.

Appointments to State Boards

Seán Kenny

Question:

147 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the appointments his predecessor made to State agencies and State boards under the remit of his Department in 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [8493/11]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The following appointments were made to State Boards by my predecessor in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Board	2009	2010	2011
PIAB	10	2	1
IAASA	5	4	3
IDA Ireland	2	3	2
Enterprise Ireland	2	2	0
Shannon Development	3	2	0
NSAI	3	4	0
Forfás	2	6	2
SFI	2	2	0
H.S.A.	0	12	0
NCA	0	4	0
LRC	7	0	0
The Competition Authority	1	3	4
FÁS	3	11	0*

*The responsibility for FÁS has transferred to the Department of Education and Skills with effect from 01 May 2010.

Question No. 148 withdrawn.

Employment Support Services

Willie O'Dea

Question:

149 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when she expects the promised national employment and entitlements service to be established. [8281/11]

Barry Cowen

Question:

187 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the functions of the new national employment and entitlements service; the timeframe for its implementation; and the division of responsibilities among the different Departments in relation to this new body. [8644/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 187 together.

The Programme for Government states that a new National Employment and Entitlements Service will be established under the management of the Department of Social Protection. The objective is to integrate all employment and benefit support services in a single delivery unit which will provide a ‘one stop shop' for people wishing to establish their benefit entitlements, seek employment and / or seek advice about their training options. The focus is very much on the individual, his / her right to a payment and the corresponding responsibility to engage in employment, training or upskilling, as appropriate. This should improve a person's life chances.

It is clear that we are talking about a multi-annual programme of work which will involve the development of a new service, the assignment of functions to the service and the development of its organisation process and operational systems. A number of streams of work are already underway which will facilitate the establishment of the integrated service. The administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme has already been transferred to the Department of Social Protection with the secondment of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive at the beginning of this year. The intention is to have the staff fully integrated with the Department by the end of September this year. The transfer and integration of the employment and community employment services of FÁS to the Department is also underway and it is envisaged that the integration of staff will commence later this year.

A key objective of the Government in relation to the new service is that it will offer users a high level of personalised employment support and prioritise the provision of more intensive support for those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment. This will be achieved through the use of proactive approaches and modern case management systems.

A number of pilot projects are already underway in relation to the development of case management, the identification of those who are most at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, as well as improving information exchanges and communications between the different bodies which currently provide social welfare and employment services. These pilot projects will be completed and evaluated in the coming months after which approaches will be developed for their rollout nationwide.

Social Insurance

Michael McGrath

Question:

150 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated reduction in income for the remainder of 2011 from a halving of the lower rate of employer PRSI of 8.5% from 1 July 2011 and the corresponding reduction in income for the full calendar year 2012. [8283/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

It is estimated that the reduction to the Social Insurance Fund, as a result of halving the rate of employer's Class A PRSI from 8.5% to 4.25% from 1 July 2011, would be in region of €75 million. The estimated 2012 full year reduction in Social Insurance Fund income caused by lowering the employer's Class A rate to 4.25% would be €174 million.

Social Welfare Benefits

Niall Collins

Question:

151 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application to the Health Service Executive south in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8305/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Health Service Executive has advised that before entitlement to rent supplement can be considered for this person she must have her housing need assessed by her local authority.

Social Welfare Code

Martin Ferris

Question:

152 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will bring forward an emergency amendment to assist previously self-employed persons who through no fault of their own may owe money to the Revenue and because of current legislation are unable to access their non-contributory old age pension. [8412/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I understand that the Deputy is referring to contribution conditions for the state pension (contributory). With effect from 1st January 2010, changes were introduced in the legislation and qualifying conditions governing the eligibility for state pension (contributory) of self-employed contributors. The relevant legislation is Section 110 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended by Section 9 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009.

The changes apply to state pension (contributory) claims received on or after 1st January 2010 under Sections 109 and 110 of the 2005 Act, where the applicant had been a self-employed contributor. Where a claim is received on or after 1st January 2010, a pension can only be awarded with effect from the date that the claimant has fully discharged all determined Class S contribution liabilities, even where this date may be after their 66th birthday. These provisions are consistent with the contributory and solidarity principles which underpin the social insurance system. There are no plans to change these provisions.

Social Welfare Benefits

Pearse Doherty

Question:

153 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount that can be saved by the State if the number on the live register falls to an average of 405,000 in 2011 in terms of social welfare payments; the amount that can be saved by the State if the number on the live register falls to an average of 405,000 in 2011 in terms of other savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8448/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The average Live Register underpinning the 2011 Budget is 405,000. The 2011 REV provides for Exchequer resources to support this average.

Finian McGrath

Question:

154 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will support the case of a family (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [8651/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has not received an application for mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned. The HSE has forwarded a mortgage interest supplement application form to the person concerned at the address provided.

Departmental Programmes

Terence Flanagan

Question:

155 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of an organisation (details supplied) regarding funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8141/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Deputy will recall that he raised this matter earlier this month. The position regarding the support that is available to this company from the community services programme is being examined with a number of other requests. The Deputy will appreciate that decisions can only be made within the funds allocated to the programme and the merits of the case put forward by the company.

The community services programme is not designed to cover the full operating costs of supported service providers or to compensate service providers where they experience higher wage costs because of sectoral agreements. Where such conditions exist, the programme's requirement is that such costs are met by the service provider by developing non-public forms of income such as charging fees, trading or fund-raising. In the event that sufficient funding cannot be generated, the company may have to explore other alternatives or diversify their operations.

Departmental Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

156 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the discussions she has had with Departments, local authorities and other State agencies in relation to providing matching materials money for work to be carried out by the rural social scheme, TÚS, and community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8158/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Deputy will be aware that the rural social scheme, Tús and the community employment programme are delivered locally either through local development companies or community based sponsor groups which have significant linkages to local authorities and State agencies. Primary responsibility for the provision of resources in the forms of materials or similar inputs is a matter for the sponsoring organisations. The processes and engagement between local authorities, state agencies and sponsoring organisations involved in the delivery of these programmes is an essential element in ensuring that the employment supports provided by the Department is matched by local efforts to provide the funds required for materials and similar inputs. Should these local processes prove to need improvement, I will consider if a more structured engagement with local authorities and State agencies is required.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

157 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants on the TÚS programme broken down by sponsor companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta; when she expects the full complement of 5,000 places to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8159/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

158 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made in rolling out the special module of the TÚS scheme for coaching, with the sporting organisations; the number employed by each organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8160/11]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

162 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change or amend the TÚS community work placement initiative to ensure that similar entry candidates to the rural social scheme and community employment would apply to TÚS which now consists of a workforce programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8222/11]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

163 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change or amend the TÚS community work placement initiative so that similar training resources to the rural social scheme and community employment will apply to TÚS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8223/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158, 162, and 163 together.

The Minister for Finance announced the introduction of a community work placement initiative for up to 5,000 persons in his Budget statement to Dáil Éireann on the 7th December 2010. Tús will provide short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. Tús will be delivered at local level by local development companies and by Údarás na Gaeltachta. The allocation to each company is set out in the table.

Promotion of Tús to potential work placement providers has been underway for some weeks as part of a process of identifying suitable work placements and local development companies are currently recruiting supervisory staff. My department continues to work with proposals from sporting organisations in respect of games development opportunities and a significant allocation is available where Tús matches the objectives of the sporting organisation. The random selection of participants by my Department will commence once the necessary arrangements have been put in place by the local development companies and will take some months to reach the target of 5,000 placements.

There are a number of significant differences in the aims, focus, participant selection and operation of Tús and those of the community employment programme and the rural social scheme. I have no proposals to introduce a training element or to provide for self selection or to make any other changes to this initiative at this time.

Table
Tús — Allocation of Participants to Implementing Bodies
Implementation Body	County Covered	Tús Allocation
Carlow County Development Partnership	Carlow	80
Breffni Integrated	Cavan	80
Clare Local Development Company	Clare	100
Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership	Cork	60
IRD Duhallow	Cork	40
South and East Cork Area Development Partnership	Cork	120
West Cork Development Partnership	Cork	80
Comhar Chathair Chorcaí Teoranta	Cork City	100
Donegal Local Development Company	Donegal	120
Inishowen Development Partnership	Donegal	60
Ballyfermot Partnership Company The	Dublin City	40
Ballymun Partnership The	Dublin City	40
Canal Partnership The	Dublin City	20
Dublin Employment Pact Limited	Dublin City	120
Northside Partnership	Dublin City	120
Rathmines Community Partnership	Dublin City	100
Tolka Area Partnership (Finglas/Cabra)	Dublin City	60
Blanchardstown Area Partnership The	Dublin Fingal	80
Fingal Leader Partnership Company	Dublin Fingal	140
CPLN Partnership	South Dublin	80
Dodder Valley Partnership (Tallaght)	South Dublin	140
Southside Partnership DLR	DunLaoghaire/Rathdown	180
Forum Connemara	Galway	20
Galway Rural Development Company The	Galway	120
Galway City Partnership	Galway City	80
Údarás na Gaeltachta/Comhar na nOilean Teoranta	Dgal Galw, Kry & Mayo	120
North and East Kerry Leader Partnership Teoranta	Kerry	80
South Kerry Development Partnership	Kerry	40
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teoranta	Kildare	180
Kilkenny Leader Partnership Company County	Kilkenny	80
Laois Community and Enterprise Development Company	Laois	100
Leitrim Integrated Development Company	Leitrim	40
Ballyhoura Development	Limerick	80
West Limerick Resources	Limerick	80
People Action Against Unemployment (PAUL)	Limerick City	80
Longford Community Resources	Longford	60
Louth Leader Partnership	Louth	180
Mayo North East Leader Partnership Company Teoranta	Mayo	60
South West Mayo Development Company	Mayo	60
Meath Community Rural & Social Development Partnership	Meath	100
Monaghan Integrated Development	Monaghan	60
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company	Offaly	100
Roscommon Integrated Development Company	Roscommon	60
Sligo Leader Partnership Company County	Sligo	60
North Tipperary Leader Partnership	Tipperary NR	60
South Tipperary Local Development Company	Tipperary SR	100
Waterford Leader Partnership	Waterford	80
Waterford Area Partnership	Waterford City	80
Westmeath Community Developments	Westmeath	100
Wexford Local Development	Wexford	180
Bray Area Partnership	Wicklow	40
Wicklow Community Partnership County	Wicklow	100
National Organisations (not yet confirmed)		240
Supervisory positions		220
Total		5,000

Departmental Staff

Pearse Doherty

Question:

159 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in her Department who have applied for transfers to the social protection offices in Donegal town; if she will provide a detailed breakdown of the number of applicants; if she will provide a detailed breakdown of the time waiting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8166/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Prior to the introduction of the Decentralisation Programme, the names of clerical officers and staff officers applying for a transfer to a particular location were recorded, in order of date of receipt, on the Department's central transfer list. The Central Applications Facility (CAF) was established to record expressions of interest from all grades in relation to locations which were associated with the Decentralisation Programme, including Donegal town and is administered by the Public Appointments Service. The earliest application received on the CAF for Donegal town is September 2004.

While the Department has an existing local office in Donegal town, the relatively small size of the office means that there is no significant movement of staff. Details of the applications held on both the Department's central transfer list and the CAF list for Donegal town are shown in tabular format below. It should be noted that when filling vacancies at clerical officer and staff officer level priority is given to the Department's central transfer list.

Central Transfer List — Donegal Town
Grade	Total No. of applications	Detailed breakdown by year of application	Numbers of Staff
Clerical Officer	90	1998	2
		1999	3
		2000	8
		2001	12
		2002	22
		2003	17
		2004	26
Staff Officer	1	2003	1

CAF Transfer List — Donegal Town
Grade	No. of applications	Date of Earliest Application
Principal Officer	2	September 2004
Assistant Principal	3	September 2004
Higher Executive Officer	4	September 2004
Executive Officer	9	September 2004
Staff Officer	3	September 2004
Clerical Officer	31	September 2004
Service Grade	1	September 2004
Total	53

Of the 53 applications to CAF, 28 applications were made in September 2004 while the remaining 25 applications were received between September 2004 and October 2009, when the CAF list was last updated.

Departmental Programmes

Willie O'Dea

Question:

160 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will change the criteria for qualification for community enterprise schemes to accommodate individuals over the age of 65 years who wish to participate in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8186/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the community services programme (CSP) which is funded by my Department. The CSP is designed to address locally identified gaps in the provision of services and to exploit the potential of community assets and resources to improve community well-being. CSP support is designed in such a manner that service providers are required to offer employment opportunities to people from specific target groups. The target group includes people with disabilities, Travellers, recovering drug users, persons who are long-term unemployed and lone parents. A person over the age of 65 years of age is ineligible for support from the programme.

Not all persons employed by a CSP supported service provider are funded by the programme and in such circumstances the criteria to engage persons under 65 do not apply. In general, my Department would encourage service providers to offer employment opportunities to those most in need of work and not in receipt of other income by way of pensions or other part-time work. The programme supports an estimated 2,700 people in some 450 service providers across the State. The programme is not designed to cover the full operating costs of supported service providers. A key requirement of the programme is that each service provider must develop non-public forms of income generation by way of charging fees, trading or fund-raising.

Employment Support Services

Peter Mathews

Question:

161 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection the funding or grants available to a group of unemployed persons who have set up a networking group in an attempt to find employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8205/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Given the changing nature of the composition of the Live Register in recent years it is recognised that different approaches are required. For some, such as senior managers and executives who are in the unfortunate position of having lost their job, it can be important to provide the opportunity for individuals to keep in touch, avail of support and attend networking events or professional seminars that keep them in contact with the labour market. Accordingly FÁS, in the last two years, has facilitated the executive networking and support programme that operates in a number of FÁS Training Centres. Key competencies that are developed and supported through the programme include:

Networking and building bonds

Skills Analysis/Audit

Personality Profiling

Improving Self Confidence

Enhanced Job Seeking Skills and following up leads

C.V. Upgrading and Interview Preparation

Upgrading of Presentation skills (Impacting)

Influencing and communication

In addition FÁS currently funds 53 Job Clubs throughout the country. Job Clubs provide training to assist participants who are ready for work to develop skills which they can use to find a job. This active, practical and participative process takes place under the guidance and supervision of the Job Club leader. These Job Clubs generally have the capacity to facilitate additional participants and/or provide assistance to groups of unemployed persons. Anyone who is ready to work and is between 16 and 64 years of age can join a Job Club. Participants do not have to be on a social welfare payment, but if they are it will not be affected by becoming a member of a Job Club. Networks, such as the one referred to in the question, should contact their local FÁS in relation to advice and support.

Questions Nos. 162 and 163 answered with Question No. 157.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

164 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within her Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for her and any other Ministers assigned to her Department. [8246/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Four staff, consisting of 1 personal assistant, 1 personal secretary, 1 executive officer and 1 clerical officer, are assigned to my constituency office to provide me with administrative and secretarial support. There are no other Ministers assigned to the Department.

Question No. 165 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Clare Daly

Question:

166 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the current procedure for claiming disability allowance, whereby claimants have to send their private medical records to a general address at the disability allowance department for their claim to be assessed, instead of attending a doctor appointed by the Department with their medical records and having their claim assessed on that basis; the percentage of disability claims that are denied; the percentage of denied claims that are appealed; the length of time the appeal process takes; the percentage of denied claims accepted during the appeals process; the percentage of all claims that are actually seen by a doctor; her plans to cut the initial waiting time for a decision to be made, which now stands at approximately five months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8335/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Disability allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year. To qualify, a claimant must satisfy a medical assessment, a means test and be habitually resident in the state.

The current procedure for determining if applicants satisfy the medical condition is that claimants submit a medical report completed by their doctor. The medical report is integrated into the application form for disability allowance. The medical report is desk assessed by medical assessors (MAs) who are qualified doctors employed by the department. This process involves the examination by a MA of all general practitioner and consultant reports provided on and with the application form. Following examination of all the available medical evidence, the MA provides a medical opinion of the claimant's eligibility for the scheme to a deciding officer. The deciding officer uses this opinion to assist in the decision as to a claimant's eligibility for disability allowance, taking account of the other eligibility criteria mentioned – income levels and residency.

All applications are desk assessed by a fully qualified doctor. However, in very exceptional circumstances, the medical assessor may decide that an in-person examination is required. In 2010, the number of disability allowance applications disallowed was 10,316. This represents 54% of all new disability allowance claims decided in 2010 and includes claims disallowed on income and residency grounds. Statistics are not kept of the numbers disallowed solely on medical grounds.

As regards appeals, the social welfare appeals office (SWAO) dealt with a total of 2,786 appeals in 2010. Of these, 2,074 cases involved a refusal on medical grounds although there may have been multiple grounds for the refusal. Of these 2,074 cases, 861(41%) were allowed, 1,196(58%) were disallowed and 17(1%) were partially allowed.

The average time taken to process disability allowance appeals decided by summary decision during 2010 was just under 31 weeks. The average time taken to process all disability allowance appeals involving oral hearings was just over 51 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. The times reflect all activities during this period including time spent by the Department providing comments by the deciding officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, any further investigation by the Department's inspectors and any further examination or assessment by the Department's MAs that is deemed necessary in order to fully consider the appeal. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.

As regards the processing of disability allowance claims, the processing time for individual claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main criteria which a claimant must fulfil in order to qualify. Certain claims have to be referred to social welfare inspectors for means investigation and this can add to the overall processing times. In addition, factors outside the Department's control can have an impact, for example, the supply of relevant information by the customer, employers or other third parties.

The average length of time to award a disability allowance claim in March 2011 was 16 weeks. People who have urgent income support needs while awaiting a decision on their DA claim can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) from their local Community Welfare Officer. The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. Operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed in all areas of the Department, including disability allowance section, to ensure that claims are processed and decided in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme.

Social Welfare Appeals

Dara Calleary

Question:

167 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a jobseeker’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [8339/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 January 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 29 March 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Ray Butler

Question:

168 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Social Protection if domiciliary care allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8341/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8th December 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14th February 2011 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jim Daly

Question:

169 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received for domiciliary care allowance for carers or parents of children diagnosed within the autism spectrum between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2010; the number of these applications that were granted, refused and still pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8345/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The complete figures for 2010 are not available at present. However, in the period 1st January to 30th June 2010 a total of 220 domiciliary care allowance applications were processed with a medical condition within the autism spectrum. Of these, 136 (62%) were deemed to satisfy the medical criteria, with 84 (38%) not satisfying the criteria.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jim Daly

Question:

170 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the waiting time for appeals for applications for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8346/11]

Barry Cowen

Question:

188 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals for the domiciliary care allowance that are pending; and the range of waiting times for each. [8645/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 188 together.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that as of 31 March 2011, there are 1,514 Domiciliary Care Allowance appeals pending. 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

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

171 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish citizens returning home or relocating from the Six Counties are being denied vital access to social welfare support because of the interference by the Department of Social Protection with the habitual residence condition and the assurances she will give that this injustice will cease to continue. [8349/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

181 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if the fact that a person has not arranged employment before entering the State or does not have a history of employment in the State is considered a reason to determine that they do not satisfy the habitual residence condition and discriminates against people with disabilities who are unable to work. [8496/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 181 together.

The habitual residence condition was introduced in order to ensure that a person, who has had no attachment to the work force since arrival in Ireland and whose habitual residence is elsewhere, would not be entitled to payment under certain exchequer-funded schemes on arrival in Ireland. Decisions concerning habitual residence are subject to five factors which have been laid down by the European Court of Justice, and which are now incorporated into our domestic social welfare legislation. The five factors are:

(a) the length and continuity of residence in the State or in any other particular country;

(b) the length and purpose of any absence from the State;

(c) the nature and pattern of the person’s employment;

(d) the person’s main centre of interest; and

(e) the future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.

There is currently no discrimination on grounds of nationality in social welfare legislation and to introduce such a provision would be contrary to the equality principles that Ireland has adopted in our own equality legislation, and that we are obliged to respect by virtue of other international conventions.

Irish nationals returning to live here on a permanent basis should experience no difficulty in demonstrating that they satisfy the requirements of the Habitual Residence Condition. As regards the situation of someone who has never worked here, all factors are taken into account; employment is one factor, but the decision depends on all the circumstances of the case, including whether the person had a legal right of residence here.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

172 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend eligibility of families to avail of the family income supplement to those who reside in Border areas and work in the Six Counties. [8350/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The social security rights of people moving around the EU are governed by EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009. These Regulations are designed to co-ordinate the social security systems of the various Member States so that people and their families are not disadvantaged when they move within the EU. A key principle of the co-ordination system is that persons moving to different Member States are subject to the same obligations and enjoy the same benefits as the nationals of those Member States. With few exceptions, it is the country of employment which receives the social security contributions and which is generally responsible for the payment of benefits.

The persons referred to by the Deputy are, for the purposes of the EU Regulations, regarded as frontier workers and special provisions apply to the payment of benefits to them and their families. With regard to payment of family benefits the Member State of employment is the competent State. Accordingly, in the circumstances referred to, the primary responsibility for payment of family benefits rests with the Northern authorities. A supplementary payment may also be made by this Department based on the residence of the family if the total package of family benefits payable here was higher than that due from the Northern authorities. However, Family Income Supplement would not be payable as part of this calculation as it is payable only to those working in the State. There are no plans to change the current situation.

Áine Collins

Question:

173 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria which allow a farmer to qualify for farm assist and consequently qualify to work on a rural social scheme. [8359/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Farmers aged between 18 and 66 years may apply for farm assist. The scheme is means-tested, taking into account both the farm and off-farm income of the farmer and his/her spouse or partner. In carrying out the means test for farm assist, the Department seeks to establish the likely income of the farmer in the coming 12 months. In doing this, the income in the previous 12 months is examined and allowance is made if there are factors which would affect anticipated income in the future, for example a drop in the price of milk, increased fodder or farming costs.

In order to qualify for a place on the rural social scheme, an individual must have a valid herd number and be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, one of which is farm assist. Participants are required to work 19.5 hours per week with flexibility allowed for on-farm activity. Individuals who are interested in participating on the scheme are advised to contact their local implementing body, who can advise them of the availability of vacancies on the scheme. A list of implementing bodies is available on www.welfare.ie .

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

174 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding persons who were self-employed who now find themselves ineligible for any social benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8362/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Self-employed people pay PRSI class S contributions which provide cover for long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widows/widowers pension (contributory). Employees are covered by PRSI classes A, E, H and P, which provide cover for the above benefits as well as for short-term contingencies such as jobseeker's and illness benefits.

PRSI coverage is related to the risks associated with employment or self-employment, the annualised system of contributions for self-employed people and the practicalities of administering and controlling access to short-term payments for self-employed people. Self-employed people pay class S contributions at a rate of 4% per annum, a much lower rate compared to the 14.75% full Class A contributions paid by employees and their employers, and this is reflected in the narrower range of benefits they receive. A system of separate arrangements for employed and self-employed workers within a social insurance context is common in other European social protection systems.

There are no plans to extend cover for short-term benefits to self-employed contributors but I will keep the provision for the group under review. Any such measure would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable.

Self-employed workers who do not qualify for a social insurance-based benefit may establish entitlement to social assistance-based payments such as jobseeker's allowance, subject to a means test. They can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. A self-employed person's means are assessed in a flexible manner, taking account of the individual's particular situation and the overall economic circumstances. As it is more difficult to predict exactly what level of income a self-employed person might earn in the coming year, their income and activity levels in the last 12 months are generally used as a guide to estimate their likely future earnings. However it is not simply assumed that the previous year's earnings will be received in the coming year.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

175 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is envisaged that mortgage payments will be counted as an outgoing when calculating a person’s entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance. [8401/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Jobseeker's Allowance is a means tested social assistance scheme operated by my Department. For means test purposes, account is taken of the income and assets of both the claimant and his or her spouse/partner including the earnings of the spouse. Where a spouse/partner has earnings from employment, earnings less PRSI contributions, pension contributions and trade union subscriptions are assessed as means. Mortgage payments are not deducted from earnings for means assessment purposes. There are no plans to alter these arrangements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

176 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of medical doctors currently on the live register and receiving social welfare payments. [8438/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of medical doctors currently on the live register is not readily available within my Department. I can, however, provide the Deputy with data in relation to the general area of health industries currently on the live register. This is set out in the tabular statement.

Live Register Analysis for Week Ending 27/03/2011
Health and Related Industries	Number of Doctors
Childcare and Related Occupations	5,299
Health and Related Occupations	3,473
Health Associate Professionals	2,218
Health Professionals	2,775
Homehelp	772
Total:	14,537

Social Welfare Code

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

177 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will continue to pay benefits to unemployed persons on FÁS training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8457/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Under social welfare legislation a person who receives a jobseeker's payment must be, inter alia, available for and genuinely seeking work in respect of each day for which unemployment is claimed. Accordingly, a person who is engaged on a full-time training course would not satisfy the required legislative conditions to receive a jobseeker’s payment.

However, as FÁS training courses can enhance a person’s employability, separate arrangements apply in respect of trainees. Under these arrangements, people in receipt of jobseeker’s payments instead receive a FÁS training allowance for the duration of the training course. The training allowance amount payable is set with reference to the maximum social welfare rate appropriate to the trainee’s circumstances, with an additional amount of €20 per week payable in addition to this. The area that deals with training in FÁS has its own annual budget to operate this system of allowances.

This arrangement has several advantages. From the trainee's viewpoint, the additional €20 assists towards any transaction costs associated with attending the course. For people who are in receipt of a reduced rate of jobseeker's payment, due, for example, to a means assessment or the application of a graduated rate, the level of payment of the training allowance, at a rate equivalent to maximum jobseeker's rate, can provide a strong financial incentive to participate in training. Additionally, the fact that people leave the Live Register for the duration of the training course can be an important psychological factor in ultimately assisting the transition from welfare to work. These arrangements have been in place for many years and there are no plans at present to change them.

Social Welfare Benefits

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

178 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Meath who have availed of the mortgage interest supplement in the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the level of funding for the mortgage interest supplement in County Meath in the aforementioned years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8461/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The number of recipients of mortgage interest supplement in County Meath at the end of 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is shown in the following table. Expenditure on mortgage interest supplement is not available on a county basis.

Number of Recipients of Mortgage Interest Supplement in County Meath, end 2007, end 2008, end 2009 and end 2010
Year	Recipients
2007	169
2008	438
2009	998
2010	1,333

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

179 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total expenditure in 2009 and 2010 on jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance in County Meath; if she will provide a breakdown of same on a social welfare administration office basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8462/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Expenditure on jobseeker's benefit amounted to €2.005 billion in 2009. Expenditure on jobseeker's allowance for the same period amounted to €1.734 billion. Data for 2010 has not been published to date, however, provisional figures indicate that expenditure for jobseeker's benefit amounted to €1.3 billion in 2010 while expenditure on jobseeker's allowance amounted to €2.8 billion during the same period. A breakdown of these figures on a county basis or by administrative office is not maintained within my Department.

Social Welfare Appeals

Dan Neville

Question:

180 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing will be set up as soon as possible in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; the date and time for the oral hearing for disability allowance. [8483/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, has disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 171.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

182 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork for financial support to prevent the disconnection of their electricity. [8497/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, an exceptional needs payment may be made by the Health Services Executive (HSE) to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. The HSE has advised that it has not received an application for financial assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme from the person concerned. The HSE will forward an application form for supplementary welfare allowance to the person concerned.

Paudie Coffey

Question:

183 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8517/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Health Service Executive has advised that no decision has been made on her application for rent supplement. The HSE has requested the person concerned to provide further information in order to process her application for rent supplement. A decision will be made on her application when the requested information has been provided.

Pat Breen

Question:

184 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. [8557/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 24th March 2011. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for a medical opinion. Upon receipt of this opinion a decision will issue to the customer. Currently it takes approximately eight weeks to process an application for DCA.

Departmental Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

185 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if medical assessors, doctors, nurses and so on, who carry out medical assessments in respect of applications for social welfare payments are being replaced when they leave work and are these posts subject to the recruitment moratorium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8565/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Government policy dictates that a moratorium applies on the filling of any posts, with exceptions in very limited circumstances only. In view of the importance of the medical assessor post for the control function of the Department, the Department of Finance has approved the filling of medical assessor vacancies as an exception to the general moratorium principle. Arrangements are in place to provide for the presence of nurse attendants at medical in-person assessments — the majority of nurse attendants are engaged on a fee per session basis and as such are not employees of the Department.

Social Welfare Benefits

David Stanton

Question:

186 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of child benefit who are asked to fill out forms in respect of continuing to qualify to receive child benefit; the number of times per annum that these forms are requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8576/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The child benefit scheme has, in recent years, experienced significant expansion in the volume of claims received, the rates of payment and the diversity of the customer base. The main reason for undertaking reviews is to ensure that customers are made aware of their obligations with regard to their continued entitlement to child benefit. The control policy for the child benefit scheme has been reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse of the scheme continue to be effective and relevant. As a result of this review, enhanced and updated control measures have been devised and implemented, which include the automated issue of forms (certificates) to selected groups of customers for completion to confirm they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of child benefit.

Employment certificates are issued every four months, to everyone paid under EU regulation 1408/71, irrespective of nationality (and including Irish nationals), to ensure that these customers continue to qualify for child benefit from this State. Residency certificates are issued every four months to all non-Irish national customers, living with their children in Ireland and to all nationalities who are paid Irish child benefit based on their entitlements under EU regulation 1408/71. These groups amount to some 76,000 customers. Certificates have also been issued to some 230,000 Irish customers over the past year asking them to confirm their details and their ongoing entitlement to child benefit. In 2010, a total of 520,000 certificates issued under the various control programmes. The total savings from child benefit control activity was €89M in 2009 and €106M in 2010.

Question No. 187 answered with Question No. 149.

Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 170.

Departmental Functions

Barry Cowen

Question:

189 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection if the transfer of the community services programme and the rural social scheme from the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to her Department is now complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8646/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

From 1st September 2010 policy and funding responsibility for the community services programme and the rural social scheme transferred to the Department of Social Protection. The transfer of functions was provided for in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010.

Proposed Legislation

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

190 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in the publication of a gender recognition Bill considering that the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs was reportedly close to producing proposals before Christmas; further to Parliamentary Question No. 34 of 30 March 2011, if she will detail the nature of the consultation, research and discussion that she indicated in response to the above has yet to take place including the groups and individuals it will involve and a clear timeframe for same. [8653/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The issue of gender recognition is being dealt with by the Gender Recognition Advisory Group which was established by the previous Minister for Social Protection following a Government decision. The group is made up of representatives from various Departments and Offices of State, including the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. The group has engaged in an extensive public consultation process and has met with a number of groups and individuals representing the interests of transgender persons. The group has also met with a number of experts in the field.

While I am not privy to the detailed workings of the group, it would be normal that the report of the group would contain the information requested by the Deputy, and I consider it appropriate to await the publication of the report before making any further comment. I understand that the vast bulk of the consultation, research and discussion has taken place, that the drafting of the report is at an advanced stage and that it will be submitted to me in the coming weeks.

As the Deputy will be aware, the legal recognition of transgender persons is a complex area touching on many facets of the person's life. For this reason, it is considered that extensive consultation and research is necessary to identify the issues requiring legislative reform and to enable proposals to be made that are comprehensive and in accordance with best international practice. Legal recognition of transgender persons requires the most careful of consideration, as it not only touches on the lives of transgender persons, but also on their families. Legislative proposals will receive a high priority following receipt of the report of the group.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

191 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8248/11]

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

The number of staff currently assigned to work in my constituency office is 4. They are engaged in normal constituency duties. The grades of the staff are 1 Executive Officer, 1 Clerical Officer, 1 Personal Assistant and 1 Personal Secretary. The numbers employed are in line with the recently issued guidelines on the staffing of Ministers Offices.

Fisheries Protection

Noel Harrington

Question:

192 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to allow island-based small fishing boats a preferential allocation of salmon fishing rights when the ban has had a much greater economic impact on island communities than on the mainland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8322/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

As the Deputy is aware, the primary motivation in aligning the management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice to cease mixed stock fishing at sea, is the conservation of the wild salmon stocks. It is vital to afford every protection to the at-risk salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch. Ireland must fulfil its obligations under the Habitats Directive, namely to maintain or restore fish stocks, protected by the Directive, to favourable conservation status.

I am advised that there can be no question of relaxing the conservation measures other than in rivers where stocks are meeting conservation limits and where it is established that significant numbers of fish destined for other rivers are not intercepted. It is not envisaged, for these reasons due to the constraints of the Habitats Directive that drift netting in the open seas will be licensed in the future. I am conscious of the impact of the cessation of the seasonal wild salmon fishery on island communities. This was addressed, I understand, in the allocation of funds made available through the Community Support Scheme funded from the Salmon Hardship Fund.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

193 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8237/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

There are currently four staff working in my constituency office within my Department in the grades of Personal Assistant, Personal Secretary, Executive Officer and Clerical Officer. The Minister of State at my Department currently has three staff engaged on constituency matters, two Personal Secretaries (each work sharing 50%) and a Personal Assistant. These staff provide assistance to me and the Minister of State on various constituency matters.

Telecommunications Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

194 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the rural broadband scheme will be rolled out; the details of the scheme; the number of dwellings he expects to be serviced by the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8263/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

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 the small percentage of premises throughout the country that are not currently capable of receiving a broadband service through existing commercial operators or through interventions such as the National Broadband Scheme.

It is not possible therefore to make a dependable estimate of the number of households which are likely to be able to avail of the scheme. A key part of the scheme will be to identify those premises seeking a broadband service and to confirm that the premises in question cannot obtain a broadband service in the current market. In a fully liberalised market it is essential to intervene only where the market is unable to provide a service and the Department will be consulting fully with the existing service providers in this respect. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available when the scheme is launched.

Electricity Generation

Michael McCarthy

Question:

195 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will address issues raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to the REFIT scheme; the position regarding assessment of the situation as it relates to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8300/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

The commercial operator in question owns a 4.62MW windfarm based in County Cork which was built in 1999 under the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) 3 competitive tendering scheme. The operator entered a 15-year power purchase agreement with ESB which was the sole contracting partner (as Public Electricity Supplier) for all AERs. The AER scheme is funded under the Public Service Obligations levy.

In late 2008, after some 9 years in AER, the operator took a commercial decision to withdraw from the AER support scheme and participate in the Single Electricity Wholesale Market (SEM) on a stand alone commercial basis. One of the agreed conditions of withdrawing from the AER scheme is that operators/companies have no right of return. The REFIT support scheme which succeeded the AER Scheme is in place to underpin new renewable energy projects and existing operators are not eligible for the Scheme.

Energy Conservation

Michael McGrath

Question:

196 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to increase the maximum grant allocation to persons under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland home energy saving grant. [8307/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

The Home Energy Savings Scheme which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is available to owners of homes built before 2006, including landlords and owners of multiple properties. The scheme provides grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of upgrade measures, including roof insulation, wall insulation, boiler upgrades and heating control upgrades. There are no plans to increase the maximum grant allocation under this programme. The grant levels set are considered to be optimal given the level of energy savings that can be realised from their implementation, and represent the most cost-effective use of available budgetary resources.

Telecommunications Services

Michael McCarthy

Question:

197 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the Skibbereen, County Cork, metropolitan area network project; when work will commence on connecting the fibre optic cable to the national system; if a supplier has been secured for the provision of the backhaul to the MAN system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8478/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

All the metropolitan area networks (MANs) including the MAN in Skibbereen are managed and operated by e|net who were appointed following a procurement process and who make the networks available to the telecommunications sector. All connections to the MANs are wholesale connections which may be used by the relevant service provider to provide services to multiple end users.

In the case of the Skibbereen MAN, e|net has been exploring various backhaul options with operators in the area. In the event that a business premises in Skibbereen wants broadband services delivered over a fibre connection, e|net would set out the possible options and costs. However, there has been insufficient market demand for fibre connections in Skibbereen to date. e|net remains available at all times to discuss the options for connection to the MAN with interested parties.

Sean Fleming

Question:

198 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to improve the quality and availability of broadband in rural parts of County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8512/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

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. EU State Aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers operating. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion. I am pleased to say that under the NBS broadband is now available in all Electoral Divisions in the NBS Coverage Area including in County Laois.

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 shortly. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.

Prospecting Licences

Ann Phelan

Question:

199 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider changing the old royalty-free tax regime applying to existing oil and gas exploration licences. [8520/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

Ireland competes with other countries, both in Europe and further afield, to attract mobile international exploration investment. To that end, it is important that Ireland maintains a licensing regime that appropriately reflects both the risks and rewards of investing in petroleum exploration in the Irish offshore, while ensuring the State receives a fair share of profits where a commercial discovery is made. It is also important that the actual choice of fiscal instruments used does not put Ireland at a relative disadvantage when seeking to attract mobile international exploration investment to Ireland.

Ireland's fiscal terms are tax based and do not include royalty payments. In 1987, Ireland followed the lead of other countries such as the UK and Norway in moving away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system. Under a tax based system the return to the State is linked directly to the profitability of the individual oil or gas field, as compared to a royalty system where payments are linked to the actual volume of production and do not take account of differences in development cost or actual profitability.

I do not consider that Ireland should move from a tax based fiscal licensing regime to a royalty based regime. A comprehensive review of Ireland fiscal terms was carried out in 2007. This review, which was underpinned by independent economic analysis, considered the appropriateness of Ireland's licensing terms in comparison to other European countries that Ireland competes with for exploration investment. The outcome of that review was the introduction of a profit resource rent tax of up to 15% on top of the 25% corporation tax rate that already applies. The revised licensing terms apply to exploration licences issued since 1st January 2007.

Tax Code

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

200 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will rectify the anomaly whereby the executor of a will who is a home owner is deemed liable for non-principal private residence charge even if not a beneficiary of the will because the estate vests in the executor during the course of the probate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8144/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which introduced the €200 charge on non-principal private residences, levies the charge on owners of certain residential properties. Legal advice has been sought in relation to the correct approach to be taken where an owner has died and the estate has not yet been vested in a beneficiary. The advice received is to the effect that in such cases there would be no person who would meet the definition of owner in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 until either probate has been granted or letters of administration have issued in respect of a property. In a probate case, the legal advice is that the executor would then become the owner for the purposes of the Act until the property becomes vested in the beneficiary. I have no plans to amend the charge on non-principal private residences in this respect at present.

Local Authority Housing

Dara Calleary

Question:

201 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding section 90 of the Housing Act 1966 and the Housing (Sale of Houses to Long-standing Tenants) Regulations 2011; and his plans regarding the incremental purchase scheme. [8172/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Willie Penrose)

Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, 2009 provides for an incremental purchase scheme in respect of newly-built houses reserved by housing authorities for the purpose. Regulations to implement the Incremental Purchase Scheme for new homes were made in June 2010.

A new tenant purchase scheme under the provisions of section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966 — the 2011 Tenant Purchase Scheme — was introduced recently to allow local authority tenants to avail of a discount of up to 45% on the market price of a house they are eligible to purchase under the scheme. This scheme applies only to tenants of 10 years standing or longer, and will be open for applications only until the end of this year, 2011. The new scheme does not replace the existing 1995 Tenant Purchase Scheme, which remains in place for tenants with up to 10 years tenancy and provides for a maximum discount of 30%.

However, as announced in June 2010, it remains the intention that the tenant purchase arrangements be wound down in 2012 to be replaced by a new scheme based on the incremental purchase model. This change will require amending legislation. I will consider this issue in more detail as part of the wider review of social housing policy generally which will be undertaken in the coming months. My Department has recently reminded housing authorities to inform all existing tenants of houses of the decision to end the tenant purchase scheme in 2012 so that they have sufficient time to apply to purchase their home under the existing scheme if they so wish.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

202 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8241/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

While arrangements for the staffing of the Constituency Offices in my Department are not yet finalised, these Offices, along with the Private Offices, will be staffed in accordance with the agreed reduced staffing limits decided by the Government. Under the Instruction on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil, I am currently arranging for the appointment of a Personal Secretary who will be assigned to work on constituency matters, along with an Executive Officer and Clerical Officer from my Department's existing staff complement.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Willie Penrose, T.D., is arranging for the appointment of a Personal Secretary and Personal Assistant who will be assigned to work on constituency matters, along with a Clerical Officer from my Department's existing staff complement. Minister of State O'Dowd has no staff assigned to constituency matters in my Department.

Proposed Legislation

Michael McGrath

Question:

203 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation or a policy framework to support the voluntary work of residents’ associations around the country in the work of maintaining their residential estate. [8261/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

My Department already operates several programmes that support, facilitate and encourage voluntary work for the maintenance and improvement of our living environment. I have recently announced a once-off initiative – Civic Responsibility Week — which will run from 9 to 15 May next, for which I will provide funding totalling €350,000 to local authorities to help improve the visual amenity of their areas, in conjunction with community groups, businesses and the general public.

The Tidy Towns competition (www.tidytowns.ie), operated by my Department, has been the catalyst for intensive voluntary effort for the improvement of our towns and villages since the competition's inception in 1958. In 2010, 764 towns and villages entered the competition, which encourages Tidy Towns groups and local authorities to work closely with each other.

National Spring Clean (www.nationalspringclean.org), which runs each year throughout the month of April, involves thousands of volunteers cleaning up our countryside and cities, towns and villages. This initiative is run by An Taisce and is co-financed by my Department. Local authorities play a central role and co-ordinate and assist events at local level. 2010 was the 12th anniversary of the campaign and was a resounding success with over 525,000 volunteers participating in 5,362 various events.

The Green Home initiative (www.greenhome.ie), operated by An Taisce, is a framework to support and encourage all householders to reduce their environmental impact and to live in a more sustainable manner. This initiative is supported by the EPA under the National Waste Prevention Programme, which is funded from the Environment Fund.

My Department is also currently developing a Greening Communities initiative in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, local authorities, An Taisce and other environmental non-Governmental organisations, and other groups. This initiative will seek to integrate and build upon existing programmes, such as those outlined above. I have no plans to introduce any new legislation in this area and I am satisfied that the suite of measures being funded by my Department, coupled with the legislative measures available to local authorities, particularly in the Litter Pollution and Waste Management Acts, can assist residents' associations to take steps to improve their environments.

Grant Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

204 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide extra top-up compensation to the farmers in the Nephin Beg, Maumturk and Twelve Bens areas who were destocked, in view of the reduction of the agri-environment option scheme grant to €4,000 maximum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8299/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The rate of top-up compensation for farmers who were de-stocked in the Owenduff/Nephin Beg and Twelve Bens/Maumturk was agreed between my Department and representatives from the farming organisations, and remains in place. The reduction in the grant for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.

Building Regulations

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

205 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to his correspondence of 5 April 2011 to this Deputy in reply to correspondence concerning the Building Control Bill 2005, if he will issue a substantive reply; when he will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8325/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

A reply will issue within the next few days.

Fire Service

Terence Flanagan

Question:

206 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the pay of a chief fire officer is linked to the pay of a principal officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8348/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The salaries of Chief Fire Officers are aligned to those of engineers in local authorities. The salary scales are set out in the table.

Chief fire Officer (Dublin City Council)	Chief Fire Officer
Point	Rate 01/01/2010	Point	Rate 01/01/2010
	€		€
1	78,368	1	73,223
2	81,185	2	74,957
3	83,995	3	76,685
4	86,809	4	78,417
5	89,623	5	80,148
LSI 1	92,583	6	81,886
LSI 2	95,540	LSI 1	84,500
		LSI 2	87,117

Departmental Agencies

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

207 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the housing agencies with which the National Building Agency has been amalgamated; the status of the housing and sustainable communities agency and the position regarding the redeployment of staff from the National Building Agency to other agencies. [8409/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Willie Penrose)

As part of the rationalisation of state agencies the NBA is due to be wound up over the course of 2011. A new housing agency, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (established on an administrative basis last year), has taken on some of the functions of the NBA, in particular those relating to project management, regeneration and procurement. As part of this process 18 NBA staff have received offers of positions with the new housing agency, 17 of which have been accepted. In addition to this, 4 NBA staff have redeployed to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and a further 6 have received offers from 2 other agencies, which are currently under negotiation with the Department of Finance. All remaining staff (28) have been referred to the Public Appointments Service (PAS) redeployment system, as provided for under the Croke Park agreement.

The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency is expected to receive full statutory underpinning over the coming months, following the enactment of the Local Government (Corporate Bodies) (Amendment) Bill, which is on the Government's priority legislation list.

Social and Affordable Housing

Niall Collins

Question:

208 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Willie Penrose)

A proposal was received from Clúid Housing Association under my Department's Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) in April, 2009 to provide 11 housing units at Ardagh, County Limerick, costing an estimated €2.350 million. Due to the high level of capital commitments on approved projects at that time and the competing demands for the available funding the proposal was not approved. In the interim, a decision was made to discontinue the CLSS.

In June 2010, my Department issued a Call For Proposals under the Capital Assistance Scheme to approved housing bodies to submit, through the relevant local authority, proposals for meeting the accommodation needs of persons with specific categories of housing need, including older persons and persons with a disability. No such proposal was received in respect of a housing scheme for the elderly at Ardagh.

Motor Taxation

Paudie Coffey

Question:

209 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in the interests of retention of public services and achieving new efficiencies in the administration of motor tax, if he will explore the possibility of transferring the responsibilities for the collection of motor tax and issuing motor tax discs from local authorities to the post office service, similar to that in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8455/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 provide that an application for a vehicle licence must be made to a licensing authority. A licensing authority is defined in the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Order 1958 as amended by the Motor Vehicles (Duties and Licences Act) 2003 as a county council, a corporation of a county borough or the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Local Government (Roads Functions) Act 2007 and the Road and Road Vehicles (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2007 transferred certain motor tax functions to the Minister for Transport. Under current legislative provisions it is not possible for any other party to issue vehicle licences. However, I have all matters relating to motor tax policy under review.

Turbary Rights

Frank Feighan

Question:

210 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding farmers who have signed contracts for sale of bogland in special areas of conservation and who have not to date, five years later, received payment; and in view of the fact that a new compensation scheme for bog owners in SAC areas has been introduced, when may those farmers expect to receive payment. [8473/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

In May 2010, the voluntary bog purchase scheme was closed to new applicants; however, there are a number of applications still on-hand. Completion of sales has been slower than anticipated due to capacity constraints in undertaking the conveyancing work involved. My Department will be writing to all remaining applicants under the voluntary purchase scheme in the coming weeks to outline their options in light of recent policy decisions regarding the availability of alternative compensation arrangements.

Foreshore Licences

Jim Daly

Question:

211 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a foreshore licence application in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8508/11]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Willie Penrose)

This application was referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office for legal advice in February 2011 following a challenge to the State's ownership of the foreshore concerned; the applicant was advised of this referral at the time.

Building Regulations

Terence Flanagan

Question:

212 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding aspects of the Building Control Act 2007 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8514/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I refer to the reply to Question No 58 of 24 March 2011 which comprehensively addressed the issues regarding the registration of the title of Architect.

Grant Payments

Michael Moynihan

Question:

213 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a payment under the hen harrier protection scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8543/11]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

My Department is awaiting the requisite annual payment application form and compliance report from the concerned person's approved scheme planner. Once these documents are received, and demonstrate that the person is compliant with the terms of the plan, the payment will issue.

Citizenship Applications

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

214 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding naturalisation. [8149/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I have no plans to reduce the fee payable on the granting of citizenship.

Garda Recruitment

John O'Mahony

Question:

215 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when recruitment for An Garda Síochána will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8131/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

216 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons already on the panel for recruitment for An Garda Síochána will be called when recruitment commences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8132/11]

Joe Higgins

Question:

217 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the embargo on Garda recruitment will be lifted. [8147/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 to 217, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply below to Parliamentary Question No. 6084/11 of 30 March 2011. The position remains unchanged since then.

As the moratorium on Public Service Recruitment continues to apply to An Garda Síochána, no date has been fixed for future intakes into the Garda College or for the commencement of a recruitment competition. A decision on when recruitment will re-commence will take into account the rate of retirement in the Garda Síochána and Government targets for reductions in public service numbers.

Candidates who have been successful at stages one and two of the previous recruitment process have had their names forwarded by the Public Appointments service to the Commissioner. These candidates will be eligible, subject to successfully undergoing the medical examination, the physical competency test and character vetting, for any future intakes into the Garda College when recruitment resumes.

Visa Applications

John O'Mahony

Question:

218 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a short-stay visa to visit their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8152/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 6 April 2011 having been forwarded by the Embassy of Ireland, Cairo for decision on the 30 March 2011. The application is currently awaiting consideration by a Visa Officer. Applicants are advised to apply at least eight weeks prior to the proposed date of travel. Visa Officers are currently considering ‘visit' visa applications received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 16 March 2011. Following standard practice, once a decision on the application referred to has been made, the applicant will be informed by way of written correspondence. Details of the decision will also be made available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie) in a manner which protects the confidentiality of the application and the identity of the applicant.

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.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Pearse Doherty

Question:

219 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an application for Garda vetting was received in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal and when it will be processed. [8165/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Central Vetting Unit has no record of a vetting application in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers. In the circumstances, I can only suggest that the person seeks clarification from the organisation submitting the application.

Peter Fitzpatrick

Question:

220 Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the Garda vetting procedures for personnel employed in children’s health care units with a view to substantially reducing the time taken for each application. [8188/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I do have concerns 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 involved. I am informed by the Garda authorities that at present there are a total of five Gardaí, 76 full-time Garda civilian personnel and ten temporary 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 situation. The sanction of the Department of Finance has been obtained to retain the services of ten temporary employees in the GCVU. A further sanction has been obtained to engage an additional ten 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 to reduce the time taken for the processing of applications.

The GCVU, 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. This, of course, includes the healthcare sector. 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.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal

John McGuinness

Question:

221 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 182 of 30 June 2010, if this application has been decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8216/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I can inform the Deputy that under the terms of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is entirely independent in the matter of individual applications that fall to be considered under the Scheme. However, to assist the Deputy, I have had enquires made with the Tribunal on his behalf. I understand from the Tribunal that the tragic incident in this case gave rise to three applications to the Tribunal and that all three applications have been submitted to a member of the Tribunal for decision. I am informed by the Tribunal that the applicant will be notified directly as soon as the decisions become available.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

222 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8245/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

There is 1 Personal Secretary and 2 Clerical Officers in my constituency office. The staff concerned handle and process representations made to me on matters of concern to constituents.

Garda Investigations

Finian McGrath

Question:

223 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a traffic incident in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [8259/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the incident referred to, which occurred on 8 April, 2011 and was reported to Coolock Garda Station. It is currently being investigated by Gardaí who have spoken to the complainants, who will be kept informed of the progress of the investigation. As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Peter Mathews

Question:

224 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to tackle the promotion and sale of cheap alcohol; his further plans to amend opening hours for off-licences; his plans to sign section 16 of the Liquor Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8270/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The position is that section 16(1)(b) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the making of regulations to prohibit or restrict licensees from selling or supplying alcohol products at a reduced price or free of charge on the purchase of any quantity of alcohol or any other product or service. Draft regulations have been drawn up but have not been implemented to date pending agreement on a joint North/South approach to restricting alcohol promotions. Preliminary discussions on such a joint approach have already taken place between officials on both sides and I am confident that agreement can be reached at ministerial level without undue difficulty. Such a joint approach is needed in order to ensure that the effectiveness of measures introduced by regulations under section 16 would not be undermined or substantially offset by increased cross-border purchasing of alcohol.

As regards below-cost sales of alcohol, the position is that the previous Government agreed in March 2009 to include alcohol in the National Substance Misuse Strategy and a Steering Group was subsequently established to develop proposals for integrating alcohol misuse into that Strategy. I understand that the Steering Group, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Health, has been examining a range of issues relating to alcohol availability and pricing and is due to submit its report, including policy recommendations, later this year.

The Government Alcohol Advisory Group made recommendations for restricting the hours during which alcohol could be sold for consumption off the premises in their March 2008 Report. The Group had been requested to examine the public order aspects of excessive alcohol consumption and had recommended restrictions with a view to reducing the incidence of public order offences. The Group's recommendations were subsequently given statutory effect in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. Under section 4 of the Act, such sales are permitted only between 10.30 a.m. (12.30 p.m. on Sundays) and 10.00 p.m.

Citizenship Applications

Finian McGrath

Question:

225 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [8308/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2009. 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 7th 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 Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Courts Service

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

226 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take or the legislation he will introduce to protect those in ward of court who have lost on investments made by the Courts Service. [8316/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

227 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the controls or due diligence audits being carried out on investments made by the Courts Service; the persons that monitor these investments and if he will confirm if the Courts Service still invests in the shares and stocks market. [8317/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

228 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his proposal for those who were granted ward of court status and substantial awards which are now nearly worthless some of whom are denied allowances, medical cards, free fuel and so on and on whom the universal social charge applies. [8318/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 to 228, inclusive, together.

Jurisdiction in Wards of Court matters is vested in the High Court. The Courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and, therefore, it is not open to me as Minister to comment in any way. Section 4(3) of the Courts Service Act 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which are specified in section 5 and includes the management of the Courts.

Court funds which are held for the benefit of Wards of Court are private funds under the control of the Courts Service which, through its offices in the High, Circuit and District Courts, has responsibility for the management and investment of funds in court. These funds, which currently amount to approximately €1.137 billion at 30th September 2010, are managed in a fiduciary capacity by the Courts Service on behalf of more than 18,000 beneficiaries. Approximately 2,300 of these are wards of court. Also included are minors and various categories of litigant. Funds under the control of the Courts are required by law to be invested in accordance with the Trustee (Authorised Investments) Act 1958 and the orders made thereunder.

The Courts Service operates a conservative investment policy. Over 98% of court funds are held in cash based assets, with 1% invested in bonds and only 1% exposure to equities. All investments carry some degree of risk. In line with international experience, court funds were impacted by the turbulence on world financial markets, particularly in 2008. Despite the impact of the credit crisis, very few actual losses were incurred in individual cases. All funds have fully recovered to pre-financial crisis levels.

A major modernisation programme for the governance and management and investment of court funds commenced in 2003 and has resulted in:

improved governance through the establishment of an Investment Committee, chaired by the President of the High Court. Its membership includes external independent experts. Annual financial statements are audited by independent external auditors and published on the Courts Service website at www.courts.ie;

access to independent investment and risk management advice through the engagement of independent investment advisors to ensure its investment policies are in compliance with the relevant legislation and best practice;

investment strategies have been implemented to ensure a consistent approach to the investment of all court funds. The unitised funds used have been approved by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority;

following a competitive EU procurement independent external fund managers were appointed in 2003 to manage these funds. The performance of the fund managers is monitored by both the investment advisors and the Investment Committee on a regular basis.

While there will always be fluctuations in the value of investments from time to time, over the seven year period of the new investment strategies being in operation, there has been good investment performance. In the most recent financial year, ended 30th September 2010, all court funds experienced positive investment performance. The cumulative investment growth since the new funds were established in 2003 has ranged from 18.5% to over 40%. This represents strong growth despite the impact of the credit crisis on financial markets. Finally, the Deputy may be interested in the Report and Financial Statements of the Office of the Accountant of the Courts of Justice for the year ended 30 September, 2010 which are published on www.courts.ie.

Citizenship Applications

Paudie Coffey

Question:

229 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; when the application will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8332/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in September 2008. 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 7th April last, as seen below, 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 Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in October 2009. 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.

I am unhappy with the length of time it takes to process citizenship applications. I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for a speedier processing of applications and to bring about a substantial reduction in the time scale. When the Department is in a position to implement these new arrangements an announcement will be made.

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

Garda Complaints Procedures

Clare Daly

Question:

230 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many complaints which are referred to the Garda ombudsman are actually investigated by gardaí themselves due to lack of resources; his plans to increase the resources of the Garda ombudsman services or to give the ombudsman greater power to actually discipline gardaí; in view of the above issues, his views that the most recent policing problems at a location (details supplied) whereby women protesters in the custody of gardaí were spoken about in terms of sexual violence should be investigated independently, not by other gardaí, and that an independent, international investigation of the policing of the project should take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8336/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 sets out the role of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). The Act establishes GSOC as a key element of the policing framework. This role is essential in ensuring that public confidence in the Gardaí is safeguarded. An effective police complaints system must be capable of dealing appropriately and proportionately with a diverse range of allegations against the police in accordance with the seriousness of the complaint and its possible implications. As such, GSOC employs a number of different methods of investigation depending on the nature of the complaint. If a complaint warrants a formal investigation:

GSOC may decide to refer the complaint to the Garda Commissioner for investigation under the Disciplinary Regulations. If complainants are not happy with the outcome of such an investigation, they can request that the Garda Ombudsman conduct a review of the case;

As well as referring a complaint to the Garda Commissioner as above, GSOC actively supervises some of these Garda investigations; In addition, GSOC can take over either unsupervised or supervised investigations and process them itself, should it feel that such a step is required;

GSOC may also conduct investigations of its own from the beginning. In addition, Direct investigations by GSOC will always be carried out in cases involving the death of, or serious harm to, a person as a result of Garda operations or while in the custody or care of An Garda Síochána, or in cases involving potential criminality.

GSOC is not empowered to take disciplinary action against a member of the Garda Síochána — it is empowered to recommend disciplinary action to the Garda Commissioner. Under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is the Commissioner who has statutory responsibility for the direction and control of the Garda Síochána. GSOC has significant powers to enable it to perform its statutory functions. In direct investigations, its investigating officers have designated police powers. It has the authority to make recommendations to the Garda Commissioner concerning disciplinary proceedings, and also to send a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) where it feels that the conduct under investigation may constitute an offence.

In relation to the particular incident to which the Deputy refers, GSOC responded quickly and commenced an investigation on April 5th 2011 under Section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This section of the Act empowers GSOC to investigate matters where the Commission feels it is in the public interest to do so. The investigation is being conducted by GSOC designated officers. I have been informed that the investigation has been given high priority and it is hoped that it will be concluded at an early stage. I have full confidence in the independence and effectiveness of GSOC in investigating Garda conduct, and I see no basis for the suggestion that there should be an international investigation of the policing of this protest.

Departmental Internships

Clare Daly

Question:

231 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for allowing students who apply to do so to carry out internships in Departments while they are still in college, in order to gain experience in the areas in which they are studying. [8337/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am pleased to say that my Department has been offering internship opportunities for a number of years, focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on law graduates and final year law students. The Department has also been actively engaging with the FÁS Work Placement Programme (WPP) and has given work experience to a number of unemployed graduates under the Programme. I am committed to building on these solid foundations to provide work experience in a range of areas across the Justice and Equality sectors into the future.

Citizenship Applications

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

232 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8416/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

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 March 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 No. 71 of 7th 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 Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Residency Permits

John Lyons

Question:

233 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the EU treaty rights application in respect of a person (details supplied); and when a decision is expected on this application. [8429/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned made an application for a residence card as the non EU family member of an EU citizen. The person referred to by the Deputy was informed of the decision to refuse this application on 2 December, 2010. A request by the applicant for a review of this decision was received on 17 December, 2010. All applications for review are dealt with in chronological order of date of receipt and the decision to refuse this application remains under review. Each application for review is examined on its own merits and a decision on the outcome of this review will be communicated as soon as possible.

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

Detention Centres

Brendan Ryan

Question:

234 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the food procurement policies of detention centres (details supplied); if these goods are sourced from outside the State; and if so, the rationale for same. [8450/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The procurement processes used by Children Detention Schools follow EU policies and regulations in accordance with guidelines from the Department of Finance. These policies and regulations require that procurement of services, such as the provision of foodstuffs, in excess of a certain cost threshold, must be open to bidders across the European Union.

An Invitation to Tender for the Provision of Foodstuffs to the Children Detention Schools issued in November 2009 on E-tenders, (the Government's on-line tendering site) and in the Official Journal of the European Union. There were six contract categories awarded to preferred bidders in 2010, of which five have headquarters in the State and one, in relation to dry goods, was awarded to a company which operates across the country and has its headquarters in Co. Down. The contracts in question will run for a period of two years. The selection of the preferred bidders was based on the response to the criteria set out in the Invitation to Tender and on the best prices being quoted. Information on procurement is available on the National Procurement Service website, www.procurement.ie.

Private Security Authority

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

235 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of organisational licences and individual licences issued by the Private Security Authority in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the revenue emanating from these licences, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8466/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

236 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff employed by the Private Security Authority; the number of these involved in investigation of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8467/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

237 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints received by the Private Security Authority in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8468/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

238 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases referred to the Garda by the Private Security Authority in 2009 and 2010; the number which went to prosecutions; the number which have failed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8469/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

239 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases the Private Security Authority has taken against persons or organisations for operating without a licence in the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 to 239, inclusive, together.

The Private Security Authority (PSA), an independent body under the aegis of my Department, is responsible for the licensing and regulation of the Irish security industry. I have been informed by the Authority that since commencing licensing in 2006, the PSA has processed over 57,500 applications. As a result, there are currently over 730 contractors and over 27,000 individuals licensed to provide certain security services. The Authority has transformed the security industry in Ireland by improving standards, setting training requirements and ensuring that criminal record checking has been carried out for those working in the sector.

Two types of licences are issued by the Authority — one for contractors and one for individuals. The first table provides details of the number of contractor licences in each of the sectors currently licensed by the Authority. The number of contractors licensed is greater than the number of contractors mentioned above (730), as some contractors operate in more than one sector.

Table 1 — Contractor Licences issued for each sector between 2007 and 2010
Year Licence Issued	Door Supervisor	Security Guard (Monitoring)	Security Guard (Static)	Installer (Intruder) Alarms	Cash In Transit	Total
2006	45	15	251	282	0	593
2007	53	19	278	490	0	840
2008	56	22	254	501	0	833
2009	71	26	263	491	0	851
2010	71	29	239	494	23	856

The first licences for individuals were issued by the Authority in 2008. Table 2 outlines the number of licences granted in this regard. As with contractor licences, some individuals will hold a licence for both sectors. Both contractor and individual licences are issued for a 2 year period.

Table 2 — Individual Licences issued for each sector between 2008 and 2010
Year Licence Issued	Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises)	Security Guard (Static)	Total
2008	5,035	13,828	18,863
2009	8,647	20,069	28,716
2010	8,931	19,373	28,304

The revenues received by the Authority from licence fees for the years since 2007 are set out in the following table. Over the period 2007-2010 the Authority received €9.67 million in funding from the Exchequer while fee income amounted to €9.76 million.

Table 3 — Total Licence fees received by the Authority between 2007 and 2010
Year	Contractor	Individual	Total
	€	€	€
2007	392,253	1,905,168	2,297,421
2008	2,019,000	750,590	2,769,590
2009	716,294	1,146,939	1,863,233
2010	1,454,300	1,373,163	2,827,463

The Authority has a staff of 34 headed by the Chief Executive Officer. The number of staff assigned to Enforcement Division is nine, of which four are full time Inspectors appointed under Section 14 of the Private Security Services Act 2004.

The Authority receives formal complaints made in accordance with Section 39 of the aforementioned Act and a large number of ‘informal complaints'. The total number of formal complaints received by the Authority for the period in question is 41 and table 4 outlines the breakdown, per annum, of those received. The wearing of an Identity Badge by licensed individuals became mandatory on 1 September 2009 and the Deputy will note that, since then, there has been a substantial increase in the number of formal complaints against licensed individuals. During the same period, 2007 to 2010, the Authority received over 3,300 informal complaints through its reporting mechanisms. The number of such reports is also set out as follows as are the number of cases investigated and completed by the Authority.

Table 4 — Complaints and Investigations between 2007 and 2010
Year	Number of formal complaints	Number of informal complaints received	Number of cases investigated and completed
2007	1	1,230	1,802
2008	2	853	1,644
2009	10	704	1,620
2010	28	526	1,828

With regard to the Deputy's query regarding the number of cases referred by the Authority to the Gardaí, I would like to clarify that An Garda Síochána does not take prosecutions on behalf of the Authority. Instead, the Authority brings its own prosecutions under the Private Security Services Act 2004. The relevant details are outlined as follows:

Table 5 — Prosecution cases between 2007 and 2010
Year	No. of cases successfully prosecuted	No. of cases where prosecution was unsuccessful
2007	11	2
2008	6	2
2009	7	0
2010	7	1

Garda Deployment

Seán Kenny

Question:

240 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank in each local and district drugs unit. [8490/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The most recent readily available statistics relate to the strength of each Divisional Drug Unit as of 28th February 2011 and these are set out in the following table. It should be noted that Divisional drug units are supported in their operations by members of the Garda National Drugs Unit, the strength of which was 52 on the same date.

Division				Total
DMRNC	0	2	11	13
DMRN	0	4	29	33
DMRE	0	2	11	13
DMRS	0	4	26	30
DMRW	0	5	31	36
Waterford	0	1	8	9
Wexford	0	1	11	12
Kilkenny/Carlow	0	2	9	11
Tipperary	0	0	8	8
Cork City	1	3	23	27
Cork North	0	0	8	8
Cork West	0	1	5	6
Kerry	0	1	9	10
Limerick	0	3	18	21
Donegal	1	1	9	11
Cavan/Monaghan	0	2	9	11
Sligo/Leitrim	0	1	6	7
Louth	0	1	6	7
Clare	0	1	8	9
Mayo	0	1	5	6
Galway	0	1	11	12
Roscommon/Longford	0	1	6	7
Westmeath	0	1	8	9
Meath	0	1	9	10
Kildare	0	2	4	6
Laois/Offaly	0	0	2	2
Wicklow	0	2	9	11
Total	2	46	316	364

Seán Kenny

Question:

241 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank in each crime scene investigation unit. [8491/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on the latest date for which figures were readily available, there were 160 scenes of crime examiners. The following table provides the Garda personnel qualified as Scenes of Crime Examiners in each Garda Division nationwide.

Scenes of Crime Unit
Division	Sergeant	Gardaí	D/Gardaí
DMR North Central	1	5	0
DMR South Central	1	7	1
DMR North	1	5	2
DMR South	1	7	0
DMR East	1	7	0
DMR West	1	8	0
Cavan Monaghan	1	4	0
Donegal	1	5	0
Louth	1	4	0
Sligo Leitrim	1	4	0
Cork City	1	4	2
Cork North	0	3	0
Cork West	0	3	0
Kerry	1	3	1
Limerick	0	5	0
Kildare	1	4	0
Laois Offaly	1	5	0
Meath	1	4	0
Westmeath	1	4	0
Wicklow	0	5	0
Clare	1	4	0
Galway	1	7	0
Roscommon/Longford	2	5	0
Mayo	1	4	0
Carlow/Kilkenny	0	4	0
Tipperary	1	4	0
Waterford	0	5	0
Wexford	0	3	0

Divisional Scenes of Crime personnel and Senior Investigating Officers investigating serious crime are supported by expert personnel attached to the Garda Technical Bureau comprising the following personnel :

Superintendent	Inspector	Sergeant	Gardaí	Civilians
1	3	14	70	7

Visa Applications

Seán Kenny

Question:

242 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons refused entry into Ireland by each port of entry for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the nationality of the persons refused entry and the reasons they were denied entry. [8492/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Section 4 of the Immigration Act, 2004, empowers an immigration officer, on behalf of the Minister, to authorise a non-national to land or be in the State. Sub-section (3) of Section 4 enumerates, at (a) to (k), eleven circumstances which an immigration officer may, on behalf of the Minister, have regard to in refusing to give such authorisation. The following table shows the number of persons refused permission to enter the State each year from 2007 to date in 2011 (valid to 31 March, 2011) by each Port of entry:

Port	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007
Border with N. Ireland	1	6	12	16	21
Cobh	2	2			1
Cork Airport	18	123	160	188	231
Cork Port		6	2	3	3
Donegal Int’l Airport		2		4
Drogheda			5	3	6
Dromad			1
Dublin Airport	507	2,017	2,717	3,773	4,214
Dublin Port	4	135	119	139	181
Dún Laoghaire		32	41	167	221
Dundalk	103	502	545	725	595
Galway Airport		3		9	11
Kerry Airport		14	9	20	14
Knock Int’l Airport	6	12	15	12
Limerick		1			2
Monaghan	1	3	7	8
Other	3	28	35	57	45
Rosslare Port	12	94	68	115	143
Shannon Airport	3	50	119	132	152
Sligo Airport		1	2
Waterford Port					3
Waterford Reg. Airport				9	11
Total	660	3,031	3,857	5,380	5,854

The following table shows the number of persons refused permission to enter the State for each year from 2007 to date in 2011 (valid to 31 March, 2011), under each specific subsection of the Immigration Act, 2004:

Subsection.	Reason for refusal	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007
a	That the non-national is not in a position to support himself or herself and any accompanying dependants.	65	279	514	737	558
b	That the non-national intends to take up employment in the State, but is not in possession of a valid employment permit (within the meaning of the Employment Permits Act 2003).	16	86	179	214	136
c	That the non-national suffers from a condition set out in the First Schedule;	0	0	0	1	2
d	That the non-national has been convicted (whether in the State or elsewhere) of an offence that may be punished under the law of the place of conviction by imprisonment for a period of one year or by a more severe penalty.	0	8	7	5	7
e	That the non-national, not being exempt, by virtue of an order under Section 17, from the requirement to have an Irish visa, is not the holder of a valid Irish visa	179	917	1,009	1,221	1,074
f	That the non-national is the subject of — (i) a deportation order (within the meaning of the Act of 1999) or (ii) an exclusion order (within the meaning of that Act), or (iii) a determination by the Minister that it is conducive to the public.	2	32	37	42	22
g	That the non-national is not in possession of a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality	182	913	1,006	1,215	1,384
h	That the non-national — (i) intends to travel (whether immediately or not) to Great Britain or Northern Ireland, and (ii) would not qualify for admission to Great Britain or Northern Ireland if he or she arrived there from a place other than the	99	309	418	639	497
i	That the non-national, having arrived in the State in the course of employment as a seaman, has remained in the State without the leave of an immigration officer after the departure of the ship in which he or she so arrived	0	1	1	0	2
j	That the non-national’s entry into, or presence in, the State could pose a threat to national security or be contrary to public policy	2	53	64	56	36
k	That there is reason to believe that the non-national intends to enter the State for purposes other than those expressed by the non-national.	284	1,144	1,619	2,338	2,583
	Total	829	3,742	4,854	6,468	6,301

A non-national may be refused permission to enter the State under more than one of the above-listed legislative provisions. Therefore the figures recorded in the above table may differ from the number provided in the break-down on an annual basis in the first table above.

The nationality of a person who has been refused leave to land may not be established at the time of arrival in the State, particularly in circumstances where the passport or identification card produced to an immigration officer is discovered to be bogus. In accordance with the provisions of Immigration Act, 2004, every refused person is served a notice in which the reason, or reasons, for refusing an application for a permission to enter the State, is detailed. Information relating to the nationality of persons refused permission to enter the State for each year from 2007 to 2011 is not readily available.

Citizenship Applications

Jim Daly

Question:

243 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will issue in relation to an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8506/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in February 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 No. 71 of 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 Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Belturbet Bombing

Sean Fleming

Question:

244 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an investigation is being carried out in respect of the Belturbet bombing on 28 December 1972; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8511/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The bombing in Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was a savage atrocity which claimed the lives of two young and innocent people, Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley, and grievously bereaved their families. In the immediate aftermath of this appalling act, the Garda Síochána launched an investigation into the incident. Unfortunately, however, it did not prove possible to make any person amenable for the murders of the two teenage victims. Nevertheless, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation file on the matter remains open, and any further lines of inquiry arising in consequence of new information from any quarter will be actively pursued by the Garda Síochána.

Court Accommodation

Ann Phelan

Question:

245 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the situation regarding the deteriorating condition of the court house at a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the future use of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8571/11]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am asking the Chief Executive of the Courts Service for a report in the matter and I will revert to the Deputy when this is to hand.

Irish Red Cross

Finian McGrath

Question:

246 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence, in view of his commitment to good corporate governance practice, if he has concerns that the executive committee and the central council of the Irish Red Cross has a number of members who have served continually on the board for between ten and 20 years, in breach of internationally recognised good governance practice, including that of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8251/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

My Department is engaged in consultations with the Office of the Attorney General on the extent of changes that can be made to the Irish Red Cross Order 1939. Following receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, which is expected in the coming weeks, I will review the legislative changes that are proposed and consider bringing them to Government for approval. Amongst the issues that will be considered will be the question of introducing mandatory breaks in service.

Finian McGrath

Question:

247 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the Irish Red Cross intends to carry out an independent investigation into claims made by the IRC whistleblower and pending the outcome of that investigation to reinstate the sacked former head of the international department as per calls made by Transparency International — Ireland in December 2010 and again in March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8252/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent statute based charitable organisation with full power to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. The Irish Red Cross Order 1939, which established the Society in Ireland, does not make any provision for the Government to intervene in the day to day administration of the Society. Furthermore, there is an obligation on Governments to protect the independence of national Red Cross organisations. The dismissal of the employee in question is an internal disciplinary matter for the Society. Accordingly, disciplinary issues that arise within the Society must be addressed in the context of a normal employer/employee relationship without interference by Government. All parties to the disciplinary action are of course entitled to seek independent legal advice.

Finian McGrath

Question:

248 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to be in a position to appoint a replacement to the central council of the Irish Red Cross following the recent resignation of one of its Government nominated members for personal reasons; and the way he intends to choose the replacement. [8253/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

My Department was recently informed of the resignation, for personal reasons, of one of the previous Government's nominees on the Central Council of the Society. When I have had an opportunity to consider how this vacancy might be filled, I will bring a Memorandum to Government for decision.

Finian McGrath

Question:

249 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his plans to put aside the governance reform proposals submitted by the Irish Red Cross last year pending the outcome of the detailed legal review of the governance and structures of the IRC as per the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8254/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As the legislation that governs the Irish Red Cross Society substantially dates back to the pre World War II era, I believe it is now opportune to carry out a comprehensive review of the legislation governing the operation of the Society. The recommendations of the Working Group on Governance Reform will be considered as part of the review of the legislation governing the Irish Red Cross Society.

Finian McGrath

Question:

250 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if, in the absence to date of the production and publication by the Irish Red Cross of a 2009 annual report or a 2010 annual report, he will assure Dáil Éireann that he is satisfied that the nearly €2 million of taxpayers’ money given by him to the Irish Red Cross in 2009 and 2010 has been effectively and efficiently spent; if he will inform Dáil Éireann when the 2009 and the 2010 IRC annual reports may be expected; and the reason for the delay in producing same. [8255/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am satisfied that the money granted to the Irish Red Cross Society in 2009 and 2010, which covers the administration of the Irish Society as well as an annual contribution from Ireland to the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been properly spent. The 2009 Accounts have been independently audited and published. I understand that the 2010 Accounts are on schedule for finalisation and publication shortly. As regards the Annual Reports covering 2009 and 2010, I understand that one composite report, covering both years, will be published in the next few months. The delay in publication can be partially attributed to the changes in senior personnel that have taken place in recent months.

Finian McGrath

Question:

251 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he has approved annual grant-in-aid funding for 2011 to the Irish Red Cross and the amount of same; his views on whether this is a prudent use of taxpayers’ money in view of the extensive revelations in the media (details supplied) during 2010 regarding financial issues within the Irish Red Cross. [8256/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Irish Red Cross Society is supported by an annual grant from the Department of Defence vote. The grant is paid in quarterly amounts to the Society. The total grant for 2011 is set at €951,000 and was approved as part of the 2011 Estimates process. The grant makes an important contribution towards the administration and running costs of the Irish Society. Provision is made in each year's grant for the Government's annual contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The contribution is paid by the Society on behalf of the Government. An amount of €130,000 is included in the total grant for this purpose.

Finian McGrath

Question:

252 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the actions he has taken to date to carry out a detailed legal review of the governance and structures of the Irish Red Cross as per the commitment given in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8257/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances.

As the legislation that governs the Irish Red Cross Society substantially dates back to the pre World War II era, I believe it is now opportune to carry out a comprehensive review of the legislation governing the operation of the Society. In 2007 a resolution was passed by the Council of Delegates of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which urged all National Societies to examine and update their Statutes — the rules of the National Societies — and the related legal texts. Arising from this, governance reform has been undertaken by many Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world in accordance with the "Guidance for National Society Statutes" and relevant International Conference resolutions.

I am aware that a Working Group to propose changes in the governance of the Society was established by the Irish Red Cross in 2008. The Chairman of the Working Group presented the findings, which included changes recommended by the International Federation, to the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society at a meeting held in November 2009. The Working Group's report was then submitted to the Department of Defence early last year.

Following the Department's review of these proposals and the related legislation, a draft Order that would amend the Irish Red Cross Order 1939 was submitted to the Office of the Attorney General. The 1939 Order sets out the basis upon which the Society is governed and was made pursuant to the Red Cross Act 1938. Discussions with the Office of the Attorney General on the extent of changes that can be made to the 1939 Order are continuing. Following receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, which is expected in the coming weeks, I will review the legislative changes that are proposed and consider bringing them to Government for approval.

Finally, it is important to note that whatever changes may be made to the 1939 Order, a comprehensive review of all Red Cross legislation, and in particular the primary legislation, will be commenced by my Department as a matter of priority. In this regard, I believe that an overriding principle should be to ensure that whatever legislative changes are made have the full support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

253 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in initiating a detailed review of the basis, structures and governance of the Irish Red Cross, as outlined in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances.

As the legislation that governs the Irish Red Cross Society substantially dates back to the pre World War II era, I believe it is now opportune to carry out a comprehensive review of the legislation governing the operation of the Society. In 2007 a resolution was passed by the Council of Delegates of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which urged all National Societies to examine and update their Statutes — the rules of the National Societies — and the related legal texts. Arising from this, governance reform has been undertaken by many Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world in accordance with the "Guidance for National Society Statutes" and relevant International Conference resolutions.

I am aware that a Working Group to propose changes in the governance of the Society was established by the Irish Red Cross in 2008. The Chairman of the Working Group presented the findings, which included changes recommended by the International Federation, to the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society at a meeting held in November 2009. The Working Group's report was then submitted to the Department of Defence early last year.

Following the Department's review of these proposals and the related legislation, a draft Order that would amend the Irish Red Cross Order 1939 was submitted to the Office of the Attorney General. The 1939 Order sets out the basis upon which the Society is governed and was made pursuant to the Red Cross Act 1938. Discussions with the Office of the Attorney General on the extent of changes that can be made to the 1939 Order are continuing. Following receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, which is expected in the coming weeks, I will review the legislative changes that are proposed and consider bringing them to Government for approval.

Finally, it is important to note that whatever changes may be made to the 1939 Order, a comprehensive review of all Red Cross legislation, and in particular the primary legislation, will be commenced by my Department as a matter of priority. In this regard, I believe that an overriding principle should be to ensure that whatever legislative changes are made have the full support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Dara Calleary

Question:

254 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he will elaborate on the commitment in the programme for Government to initiate a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8408/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. As the legislation that governs the Irish Red Cross Society substantially dates back to the pre World War II era, I believe it is now opportune to carry out a comprehensive review of the legislation governing the operation of the Society.

In 2007 a resolution was passed by the Council of Delegates of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which urged all National Societies to examine and update their Statutes — the rules of the National Societies — and the related legal texts. Arising from this, governance reform has been undertaken by many Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world in accordance with the "Guidance for National Society Statutes" and relevant International Conference resolutions.

I am aware that a Working Group to propose changes in the governance of the Society was established by the Irish Red Cross in 2008. The Chairman of the Working Group presented the findings, which included changes recommended by the International Federation, to the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society at a meeting held in November 2009. The Working Group's report was then submitted to the Department of Defence early last year.

Following the Department's review of these proposals and the related legislation, a draft Order that would amend the Irish Red Cross Order 1939 was submitted to the Office of the Attorney General. The 1939 Order sets out the basis upon which the Society is governed and was made pursuant to the Red Cross Act 1938. Discussions with the Office of the Attorney General on the extent of changes that can be made to the 1939 Order are continuing. Following receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, which is expected in the coming weeks, I will review the legislative changes that are proposed and consider bringing them to Government for approval.

Finally, it is important to note that whatever changes may be made to the 1939 Order, a comprehensive review of all Red Cross legislation, and in particular the primary legislation, will be commenced by my Department as a matter of priority. In this regard, I believe that an overriding principle should be to ensure that whatever legislative changes are made have the full support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Defence Forces Operations

Catherine Murphy

Question:

255 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if the upsurge in the prevalence of improvised explosive devices throughout the country is placing a strain on the resources of the Defence Forces; in view of this upsurge in both the Republic and Northern Ireland, the measures he has taken or will take to address the ability of persons or groups to produce such devices; the effect the increased sophistication in such devices is having on the ability of the Defence Forces and Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8669/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources and capabilities to meet the current threat. The level of threat is kept under constant review by both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, including their respective intelligence services. Whilst responsibility for apprehending and bringing those involved in the production of such devices rests with An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, pursuant to their role in providing Aid to the Civil Power and assisting the Gardaí as required.

Requests made by An Garda Síochána for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance are responded to by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team in the relevant Brigade.

The challenge of dealing with the increasing level of sophistication in the preparation of IEDs is and will continue to be an integral part of the training that is provided to members of the Defence Forces who provide a unique response capability within the State to deal with such incidents. Apart from the significant levels of training which EOD Teams receive, the Defence Forces are also provided with specialised modern equipment in order to allow personnel to operate safely in dealing with incidents involving suspect devices. These capabilities have been enhanced and developed over many years in operational environments both at home and overseas and through continuing liaison with international agencies. The effectiveness of the Defence Forces in this very important function has undoubtedly saved many lives.

To date in 2011, the Defence Forces' Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams have had 66 call outs compared to a total of 192 in 2010 and 196 in 2009. Of the 66 call outs to date this year, nine devices were found to be viable IEDs.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

256 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Defence the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8354/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I do not have a constituency office in the Department of Defence. My constituency office is based in the Department of Justice & Equality. The Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D., does not have any staff from the Department of Defence in his constituency office, which is based in the Department of the Taoiseach.

International Agreements

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

257 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence his views on requirements for increased spending on defence under the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8386/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

While the Lisbon Treaty states that Member States shall undertake progressively to improve their military capabilities, it imposes no obligation in this regard nor can the Union require any Member State to increase expenditure or investment on defence. The amount a Member State spends on defence and the nature of its military capabilities are solely a matter for national decision and the EU has no role or competence in the matter. The provisions in the legal guarantees, secured by Ireland and attached to the Lisbon Treaty, clearly state that the Lisbon Treaty "does not affect the right of Ireland or any other Member State to determine the nature and volume of its defence and security expenditure and the nature of its defence capabilities". Therefore, there is no requirement under the Lisbon Treaty for increased spending on defence.

Common Foreign and Security Policy

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

258 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence his views in relation to the EU military strategy based on battle groups in view of the legal support given to this strategy in the Lisbon treaty, in particular Article 28A.3 TEU (Article 42.3 TEU consolidated) which states that member states shall make civilian and military capabilities available to the Union for the implementation of common security and defence policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8387/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) forms an integral part of its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and provides the Union with an operational capacity to undertake peacekeeping and crisis management missions outside the territory of the Member States. In addition to military tasks, there is a significant civilian and humanitarian dimension. CSDP enables the EU to strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Ireland's participation in CSDP takes place within the framework of our commitment to the primacy of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. Based on the provisions of the Treaty on European Union, amended by the Lisbon Treaty, Ireland has continued to participate in the ongoing development of EU military and civilian crisis capabilities under CSDP. Ireland is committed to making its civilian and military capabilities available to the Union to implement its CSDP.

The EU has the capability to deploy forces at high readiness, broadly based on the Battlegroups concept. Since 1 January 2007, the EU has had two Battlegroups on permanent standby for a period of six months at a time. The purpose of these Battlegroups is to provide a rapid level of response to developing international crises, allowing the EU to intervene during the critical early stages.

Participation in Battlegroups is just one of a number of ways in which Ireland contributes to the EU's CSDP. Ireland participated in the Nordic Battlegroup, with Sweden, Finland, Norway and Estonia, which was on standby during the first half of 2008. Ireland is currently participating once again in the Nordic Battlegroup, which is on standby until 30 June 2011. In 2010 the Government approved Ireland's participation in the Austrian/German Battlegroup, which will be on stand-by for the second six months of 2012. The other members of the Austro-German Battlegroup are Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Participation in CSDP imposes no obligation on a Member State to participate in any EU operation, including Battlegroups. The deployment of troops and personnel remains the exclusive prerogative of each Member State, to be decided in accordance with its own national decision making processes. Under the legal guarantees secured by Ireland there is no fundamental change to the Irish approach to supporting EU actions in CSDP. The guarantees state that "It will be a matter for Ireland and any other Member State, to decide, in accordance with any domestic legal requirement, whether or not to participate in any military operation".

Defence Forces Strength

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his expectations or preferred options in respect of the Defence Forces with particular reference to strength, equipment, levels of training, telecommunications, supply and transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8526/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Officials in my Department, in consultation with their military colleagues, are currently critically examining defence expenditure as part of the comprehensive spending review, which was recently announced by Government. In line with the required consolidation in public finances, the aim will be to ensure that the Defence organisation can continue to operate effectively and efficiently in the delivery of all its roles assigned by Government.

Defence Forces Personnel

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of posts on promotion or otherwise awaiting approval at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8527/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Resulting from the Government Decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Force were suspended. However, in order to maintain the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces, a limited number of exceptions to the application of the measures to the Permanent Defence Force were obtained from the Minister for Finance, in June 2009. Official confirmation and details relating to the Employment Control Framework (ECF) were received on 18 October 2010 from the Department of Finance. The ECF is based on a figure of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps to enable them meet the roles assigned by Government.

Officials from the Department together with the Military Authorities are in the process of reviewing the structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force in accordance with the upper limits in ranks provided for in the ECF. Currently targeted recruitment and promotion is ongoing within the Permanent Defence Force within the context of the agreed Employment Control Framework and subject to the resources available within the Defence Budget.

Overseas Missions

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has received requests from the EU or UN for participation in overseas peacekeeping missions by the Defence Forces; the likely number of personnel to be involved; the most likely locations; if any special training programmes are envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8528/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent, if any, to which the Defence Forces are likely to be deployed overseas in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8529/11]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.

Ireland has offered, through the United Nations Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations. Ireland is currently contributing 130 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.

The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 44 personnel and the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the EU, OSCE and NATO.

With regard to future deployments, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.

Ireland has been requested to provide a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Later this week I will be moving a motion in the House seeking approval for the despatch of a Defence Forces contingent of some 440 personnel for service with UNIFIL. If the proposed deployment is approved by the House, the total number of personnel deployed overseas will amount to approximately 570 when the contingent is fully deployed in late June. This represents a significant contribution to international peacekeeping operations and the obligations Ireland has assumed through its membership of the UN. No special training programmes, over and above the requisite pre-deployment training for contingents being deployed overseas, are envisaged.

On 1 April 2011, the Council of the European Union adopted the decision, underpinning the mandates of UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 (2011), to establish an operation called "EUFOR Libya" in order to stand ready to support humanitarian assistance in the region, if requested by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Ireland has been requested to deploy two Defence Forces personnel to the Operational Headquarters in Rome. This matter is currently under consideration in my Department and any such proposal will be subject to Government approval under the Defence Acts. Apart from the above requests, no other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time.

Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas as of 1st April 2011
	Location	No.
1.	UN Missions
(i)	UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ	9
(ii)	UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) – Israel, Syria and Lebanon	12
(iii)	MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)	3
(iv)	MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)	3
(v)	UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)	2
	Total	29

	UN Mandated Missions
(vi)	EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	44
(vii)	EUTM Somalia (EU-led Training Mission in Uganda)	5
(viii)	KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) – HQ	12
(ix)	ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan)	7
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS	97
2.	Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
(i)	OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina	2
ii)	OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia	1
(iii)	Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna	1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE	4
3.	EU Military Staff
	Brussels	6
4.	Nordic Battlegroup HQ Staff — Sweden	13
5.	Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff
(i)	Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York	1
(ii)	Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
(iii)	Staff Appointments, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
(iv)	Military Representative to EU (Brussels)	4
(v)	Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)	2
(vi)	Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium	1
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS	130

Grant Payments

John O'Mahony

Question:

263 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment for the agri-environment options scheme 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8137/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

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.

Animal Identification Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

264 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of April 2011, the reason he believes a system for food traceability and disease control and public safety is more important for goats and horses than for deer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8156/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Ireland's system of mandatory registration of animals, including goats and horses, is in accordance with the EU requirements on identification for live animals. Farmed deer do not require individual registration under EU law at this time. The development of a registration and tagging system for deer can be considered by my Department only when a number of critical identification issues with sheep, goats, pigs and horses have been resolved.

The European Food and Feed Hygiene Regulations (Hygiene Package) set out the principles and requirements of EU food law. These require food business operators, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within the businesses under their control, to ensure that foods satisfy the requirements of food law. In relation to traceability, the regulations require that the operator must have systems in place to identify any person from whom they have been supplied with a food and to identify any other businesses to which their product has been supplied. I am satisfied that the meat establishments, including game handling establishments approved by my Department, meet the traceability standards required under this legislation.

The TB Control plan introduced for goats in 2008 and applicable to other non bovine milk yielding animals is a requirement under Annex III, Section 9, Chapter 1.1.1. 2. (b) (ii) of EU Regulation 853/2004. The purpose of the Control Plan, which must be approved by the Department, is to establish the TB status of the herd and to put in place a strict monitoring regime to ensure the detection of TB infection at an early stage. All non-bovine herds supplying a processor with milk to manufacture dairy product must have an approved TB control plan in place before the supplier commences operation. Purchasers of goat and other non-bovine milk have been instructed not to purchase from a supplier without evidence that the herd is TB free and must also be provided with a copy of the approved Plan.

Harbours and Piers

Terence Flanagan

Question:

265 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8179/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Responsibility for the management of Howth Harbour transferred to the Minister for the Marine in 1989 with Howth being designated a Fishery Harbour Centre with effect from 1 January 1990. At that date all property within the boundary of the Fishery Harbour Centre was transferred to the Minister. There were a number of sitting tenants in place at that time and the Department took over the administration of their lease agreements.

There are 62 properties/sites in the Fishery Harbour Centre which are considered suitable for tenant occupancy, of which 45 are currently let under lease/licence to private tenants and 14 are leased/licensed to other state agencies. The remaining 3 sites are currently vacant. The duration of lease and the rent payable varies according to the terms of the individual lease. At the inception of a lease and at the time of each rent review (as set out in the terms of the lease) the Open Market Value of each premises is decided by a qualified valuer.

It is the current policy of my Department that any property available for rent is advertised in accordance with the public procurement guidelines. My Department is not in a position to disclose confidential details of possible or ongoing discussions with third parties relating to commercial transactions.

Grant Payments

Dan Neville

Question:

266 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [8184/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named was the subject of an inspection by the Animal Health Division of my Department on 15 February 2010. This inspection uncovered discrepancies that involved the failure to notify movements of cattle to the Cattle Movement and Monitoring System. A report detailing these discrepancies was subsequently made available to the Cross Compliance Unit of the Single Payment Scheme.

As similar discrepancies had been recorded at inspections in 2007 and 2009 the breaches recorded in 2010 were deemed to be repetition and intentional which resulted in a 45% penalty being recorded against the 2010 payments of the person named. The person named was informed of this decision on 6th of May 2010 and of his right to seek a review. He was also informed of his right to appeal the outcome of any review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals office. A request for review has recently been received and is currently being considered. The person named will be informed of the outcome as soon as it is available.

Aquaculture Licences

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

267 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding recent licence applications for mussel farm sites at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8189/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My Department has received a number of new applications for sites in Killmackilloge harbour which are currently being processed in the normal way, including a period of public consultation. The consideration of these applications has not as yet reached the public consultation phase. In addition, once a decision is made this may be appealed by any member of the public to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board. The process, therefore, provides ample opportunity for any member of the public to voice concerns about such applications, both before and after the initial decision.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

268 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8236/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The following is the information requested.

Grade	No. employed	Duties
Clerical Officer	3.3	Clerical duties mainly dealing with constituency correspondence and telephone queries.
Personal Assistant	2 (1 full time equivalent)	Dealing with issues raised by constituents and liaising with representative groups and local press.
Personal Secretary	2	Dealing with current constituency issues and miscellaneous queries from constituents. Co-ordination of diary commitments in constituency. (Minister Coveney)Managing constituency office, dealing with queries and liaising with local authorities (Minister of State Mc Entee).

Grant Payments

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

269 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of a suckler herd scheme application will issue in respect of persons (details attached) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8260/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

This person named registered 41 animals under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. All of the application validation processes are now complete and payment in full will shortly be issued to the applicant.

Direct Payment Schemes

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

270 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has introduced a new stricter interpretation of what is eligible land for the single farm payment, different from that during the initial reference period of 2000 to 2002 with the result that many farmers are finding it difficult to avail of the payment; and if so, if he will reverse this stricter interpretation. [8265/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Payments under the Single Payment Scheme may be made only in respect of eligible land and applicants under the Scheme are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them. Details of the eligible area of the land parcels are recorded on the Department's Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). Details of the use and area claimed for each of some one million parcels on the LPIS system are registered and continually monitored by the Department.

While the rules governing land eligibility and penalties to be applied are defined in EU Regulations (which, for ease of reference, are detailed in the Scheme Terms and Conditions booklet that issues to all applicants), it is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that the details in each year's application are accurate. Therefore, applicants are advised of the need to confirm their right to declare such parcels and to make the appropriate deductions (e.g. in respect of houses, farm buildings, roadways, scrub, etc.) to the area of eligible parcels, as necessary.

In order to draw down full SPS payment, applicants must have an "eligible hectare" to accompany each entitlement. In this context, an "eligible hectare" is land that is used for an agricultural activity and includes land used to grow cereals, oilseeds, short rotation coppice, miscanthus, protein crops, sugar beet, maize, fodder beet, turnips, mangolds, kale, grass for silage or hay or grazing. While there is no obligatory set-aside, arable land may of course be claimed as Green Cover, Fallow or Regeneration if this best suits the applicant's farming practice.

For land to be eligible a number of further conditions have to be complied with namely:

The land must be used and managed by the applicant. The land must be suitable for and compatible with the farming enterprise.

There must be independent access for animals and/or machinery. Independent access means access by public or private roadway or by a defined right of way. Access over adjoining landowners' land is not acceptable.

There must be appropriate fencing for the farming enterprise. Appropriate fencing means stock-proof fencing that will control the applicant's animals and also the neighbouring farmer's animals. In mountain/hill areas this generally means sheep fencing.

There must be defined external boundaries except in the case of commonage.

If, at inspection, the applicant claims to be farming the land with animals then the type of animals must be appropriate to the land and there must be handling facilities available to meet the animals' welfare requirements.

Practically all agricultural land is now eligible for SPS payments with the exception of land under permanent crops, forestry that was planted prior to 2009 with the exception of Forestry Set-aside, forestry planted on eligible land, or any land used for non-agricultural purposes (golf courses, etc.).

The Single Payment Scheme is fully funded by the European Union and the relevant Competent Authorities in each Member State are obliged to ensure that the requirements of the governing EU Regulations are observed and that only valid applications that fully comply with the requirements are paid. The administration of the Scheme in each Member State is subjected to close scrutiny by officials of the EU Commission and the EU Court of Auditors to ensure that the regulatory requirements are met and that the Schemes are applied in a uniform manner across the European Union.

John O'Mahony

Question:

271 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will issue on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8295/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The application failed the environmental profile check and a letter issued informing the person named that he was ineligible for the scheme. The person named submitted an appeal and based on the additional information supplied the applicant was informed that the appeal was successful. A letter notifying the person named of this decision has now issued.

Fisheries Protection

Joe McHugh

Question:

272 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider addressing a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8314/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The EU Fisheries Councils in November and December 2008 adopted a new Cod Recovery Plan, as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No. 1342/2008 and Annex IIa of the 2009 TAC and Quota Regulation (EC) No. 43/2009. These Regulations are applicable to the fishing fleets of all Member States fishing with specified fishing gears in the relevant sea areas. Under these Regulations, Ireland and other relevant Member States are required to introduce and implement a licensing regime to manage its allocation of fishing effort – days at sea limits in areas VIa (north west of Ireland) and VIIa (the Irish Sea) for vessels using specified gear types. Ireland does not have discretion under this regulation to unilaterally exempt any vessel from compliance with these regulations. However under Article 11 of the EU Regulation, there exists the possibility of the EU Commission granting an exemption for vessels fishing with highly selective gear and pursuing cod-avoiding fishing trips.

In 2010 Ireland successfully made a case to the EU Commission under Article 11 in respect of 3 vessels that have used highly selective gear (the Swedish Grid) in their fishing gear. These vessels will no longer be subject to effort restrictions in Area VIIa while using the specified gear. In addition, in March this year my Department submitted an application for exception from EC Regulation 1342/2008 for five vessels under Article 11 to operate in the southern part of Area V1a using whitefish fishing gear. The case made was prepared by the local fishermen in consultation with the Marine Institute. The case is currently being evaluated by the EU Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee. I am hopeful of a positive outcome.

My Department will support any application made by vessel owners which meets the requirements for exemption from effort restriction under Article 11 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1342/2008. Vessel owners wishing to adapt their fishing gear to use cod avoidance measures should contact Bord Iascaigh Mhara for further information.

Direct Payment Schemes

Noel Harrington

Question:

273 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans regarding any additional percentage payment on environmental schemes in acknowledgement of the additional costs of farming on the islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8320/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Payments under agri-environmental schemes must be made in accordance with the terms of Ireland's Rural Development Programme as approved by the European Commission. The current approval for the Agri-environment Options Scheme makes no provision for additional payments to island farmers. It is not my intention to bring forward proposals to amend the existing Commission approval to allow for such additional payments.

Agricultural Education Programmes

Noel Harrington

Question:

274 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce distance learning programmes for students who are attending agricultural colleges on part-time courses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8321/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

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 has earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering high-quality and relevant education programmes for people with aspirations of a career in agriculture or those seeking employment in ancillary industries. Courses are available in farming, horticulture, equine and forestry throughout the extensive network of Teagasc agricultural colleges, regional education centres and local centres.

The question of distance learning programmes for students attending agricultural colleges on a part time basis is a matter for Teagasc. I understand from Teagasc that students on the mainland can complete the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture online. Because of the practical nature of the training and the need for skills assessment, this programme involves attendance at the Agricultural College/Regional Education Centre for twelve days approximately. Members of island farming families are similarly eligible to complete this programme in the very same way as those from the mainland. The combination of online learning and face to face learning is recognised as an excellent teaching methodology.

Grant Payments

John O'Mahony

Question:

275 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their outstanding 25% REPS 4 payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8396/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named commenced the contract period in REPS 4 in August 2009 and received the year 1 payments in November and December 2009. The first instalment of 75% of the year 2 payment was paid on 24th March 2011. Payment of the balancing 25% payment cannot be made until outstanding checks are finalised and compliance with the scheme conditions has been fully established. Payment will issue to the person named at the earliest possible date once all checks have been completed.

Sean Fleming

Question:

276 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a payment may be made to a farmer (details supplied) in County Laois in respect of loss of earnings due to the bad weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8400/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

There was no scheme operated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to compensate beet farmers for losses incurred due to the adverse weather conditions in 2010.

Animal Welfare

Terence Flanagan

Question:

277 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he will take regarding greyhounds (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8413/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Bord na gCon is a commercial State Body. The Board of Bord na gCon is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Company. My Department is aware that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China and has recently made a submission to my Department in this regard. My Department will consider the Bord na gCon proposal and form a view based on the case presented to it. My Department is always mindful of the need to ensure the welfare of animals.

Bord na gCon has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in the greyhound industry. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit. My Department endeavours to ensure that all exporters comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.

All Member States of the EU including Ireland are working to promote better animal welfare internationally and in this regard Ireland has introduced national legislation giving effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1523/2007 of the European Parliament and Council dated 11 December 2007 banning the marketing, import to or export from, the Community of cat and dog fur and products containing such fur.

Grant Payments

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

278 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8418/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The case referred to by the Deputy is being examined within my Department and a further reply will issue to the person named as soon as possible.

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

279 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the payment from the suckler cow welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8419/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named registered 2 beef breed animals in 2009 and 4 beef breed animals in 2010 under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. To date payment has issued in respect of one animal. Errors have been identified on the remaining animals. A letter regarding these errors was issued to the applicant by my Department on 1st April 2011 and a reply is awaited.

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

280 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when final payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8420/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Under EU Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme entitlements must be used at least once in each two-year period. ‘Used' in this context means that a Single Payment application must be submitted and a hectare of eligible land declared in respect of each entitlement held. Entitlements that remain unused are reverted to the National Reserve. The person named did not submit a Single Payment application in 2009 or 2010. A letter issued to him on 18th January 2011 stating that 14.2 unused entitlements had been reverted to the National Reserve due to non-usage and informing him of his right to appeal this decision.

The person named submitted an appeal on 28th January 2011 stating that the entitlements were unused during 2009 and 2010 due to ill-health. My Department has requested medical evidence in support of this claim and on receipt of this evidence a full review of the case will be carried out and the person named will be notified of the result in writing.

Animal Welfare

Finian McGrath

Question:

281 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding greyhounds. [8443/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Bord na gCon is a commercial State Body. The Board of Bord na gCon is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Company. My Department is aware that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China and has recently made a submission to my Department in this regard. My Department will consider the Bord na gCon proposal and form a view based on the case presented to it. My Department is always mindful of the need to ensure the welfare of animals.

Bord na gCon has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in the greyhound industry. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit. My Department endeavours to ensure that all exporters comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.

All Member States of the EU including Ireland are working to promote better animal welfare internationally and in this regard Ireland has introduced national legislation giving effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1523/2007 of the European Parliament and Council dated 11 December 2007 banning the marketing, import to or export from, the Community of cat and dog fur and products containing such fur.

Peter Mathews

Question:

282 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to give approval to Bord na gCon to allow the Irish Greyhound Board to send Irish greyhounds to the People’s Republic of China; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that China does not have a good track record regarding its treatment of animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8456/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Bord na gCon is a commercial State Body. The Board of Bord na gCon is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Company. My Department is aware that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China and has recently made a submission to my Department in this regard. My Department will consider the Bord na gCon proposal and form a view based on the case presented to it. My Department is always mindful of the need to ensure the welfare of animals.

Bord na gCon has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in the greyhound industry. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit. My Department endeavours to ensure that all exporters comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.

All Member States of the EU including Ireland are working to promote better animal welfare internationally and in this regard Ireland has introduced national legislation giving effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1523/2007 of the European Parliament and Council dated 11 December 2007 banning the marketing, import to or export from, the Community of cat and dog fur and products containing such fur.

Grant Payments

Pearse Doherty

Question:

283 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the sheep census form for 2010 was mislaid by his Department in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he will conduct an investigation into same; if this person will receive the outstanding payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8460/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the 2009 census form which was used to calculate the first instalment of the Grassland Sheep Scheme which was paid to eligible flock owners in February this year. My Department's records show that the person named did not return a 2009 census form until October 2010 which was after the deadline for receipt of the 2009 census.

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 13th 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, as it was found that the person named had not submitted the Sheep Census Return by the deadline of 9 April 2010, as required, no payment is due under the Grassland Sheep Scheme to the person named.

Jim Daly

Question:

284 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8507/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The holding of the person concerned has been restricted under the TB and Brucellosis Eradication Scheme since 6 May 2009. Following the recent resolution of a discrepancy issue in the herd, a payment of €4,329.65 in respect of On Farm Market Valuation payments for reactor animals removed in July 2010 issued to the herdowner concerned on 13 April. The DVO has written to the herdowner on 5th April 2011 requesting him to provide outstanding documentation in respect of reactor animals valued and removed in November 2010 and February 2011. Payments due will be processed following receipt of this documentation.

Departmental Bodies

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

285 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the date on which Bord Iascaigh Mhara processed the application of Iascairí Chois Chósta Iorrais Teoranta for the Marine Stewardship Council Standard. [8562/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Bord Iascaigh Mhara is an independent statutory body and hence the processing of applications is a matter for the Board. The Department has forwarded the request to the BIM for its consideration and for a direct reply to the Deputy.

Honey Production

David Stanton

Question:

286 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated amount of honey produced here in 2008, 2009 and 2010; the value of the honey produced in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8575/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My Department estimates the value and production of honey during the period 2008, 2009 and 2010 as:

Year	Volume (tonnes)	Value
		€m
2008	180	0.99
2009	140	1.36
2010	250	2.75

Weather conditions can have a major impact on the bees' foraging activity and, as a consequence, on honey production. The poor summer weather in 2008, and especially 2009, meant these years were particularly difficult for beekeeping.

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

287 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REPS 4 and suckler cow payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8643/11]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2008. The person named received the year 1 payments in July and November 2009 and the year 2 payments in December 2009 and March 2010. The first instalment of 75% of the year 3 payment was made in February 2011. Payment of the balance of 25% cannot be made until outstanding checks are finalised and compliance with the scheme conditions has been fully established. Payment will issue to the person named at the earliest possible date once all checks have been completed.

Under the terms and conditions of the Suckler Welfare Scheme, herds of more than 10 cows must use a graduated weaning process and the animals must be weaned in at least two separate groups with at least five days between the weaning of each group. Payment cannot issue to the person named until all animals have been weaned in compliance with this condition.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Pearse Doherty

Question:

288 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the intended use of the dormant accounts fund; the persons who oversee the fund; the current figure for the amount held in the fund; the reason no money been spent since 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8264/11]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Dormant Accounts Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in April 2003 to the end of February 2011, the transfers to the DAF have totalled some €589m, which includes interest earned of some €35m. Funds reclaimed in that period by account holders amounted to approximately €208m.

Allocations from the DAF — in accordance with Part 6 of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) 2005 Act — are focussed on programmes or projects to assist:

1. the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;

2. the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or

3. persons with a disability.

The value of the DAF at the end of February 2011, net of liabilities, was some €52.5m. This figure excludes €49.4m maintained in a Reserve Account to meet future reclaims by account holders and to cover expenses associated with the operation of the DAF. A summary of the current status of the DAF is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie and I am arranging for a copy to be sent to the Deputy in the coming days. This provides a profile of the Fund showing yearly inflows, reclaims, disbursements, etc., from 2003 to the end of February 2011. In the period 2008-2010, disbursements from the Fund totalled some €131m. Table 1 below sets out details in this regard, including the relevant Departments and agencies involved.

Finally, the Deputy should note that monies disbursed from the Fund increase Government debt levels as the money belongs to the account holder, who can reclaim it at any time, and not to the State. Consequently, every euro spent from the Fund is regarded in accounting terms as a potential Government liability. In the current fiscal climate, the Government's priority, therefore, is to ensure that funding is targeted on a needs basis and spent efficiently and effectively.

TABLE 1: Summary of disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund for the years 2008-2010
Entity making disbursements	2008 (€)	2009 (€)	2010 (€)
The former Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board	10,524,631	4,264,446	874,975
Dept of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs — Rural Social Scheme	16,000,000	0	0
Dept of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs — other measures	9,563,454	7,739,459	5,285,543
Dept of Education and Skills	18,771,252	8,403,730	1,216,100
Health Service Executive	13,397,028	8,804,948	6,119,277
Dept of Arts, Sport and Tourism	874,483	1,304,000	394,755
Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs	2,999,978	5,240,455	2,965,953
Dept of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources	517,259	774,457	0
Dept of Justice and Law Reform	129,960	193,105	672,150
Irish Prison Service	272,660	419,735	217,974
Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government	0	500,000	1,506,108
Dept. of Social Protection	0	0	1,014,200
Total	73,050,705	37,644,335	20,267,035

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

289 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within her Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for her and any other Ministers assigned to her Department. [8238/11]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The numbers of staff currently assigned to work on constituency matters within my Department is set out below.

Minister's Office
Grade	Numbers (whole-time equivalent)
Personal Assistant	1
Clerical Officers	1

Minister of State's Office
Grade	Numbers (whole-time equivalent)
Personal Secretary	1
Personal Assistant	0.8
Clerical Officers	1

Departmental Programmes

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

290 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding can be reallocated to salaries, programme costs and overheads to extend the programme (details supplied) until June 2012. [8377/11]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

I am advised that funding for the project referred to by the Deputy comes through the Health Service Executive, rather than through my Department and I would request that the Deputy would pursue this matter through the Department of Health.

Departmental Offices

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

291 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will clarify the future of the community welfare office at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if his attention has been drawn to local fears that if the service is moved to another location this will have a very negative impact on the local community and, in particular, local parents of young children and older persons; and the action he will take to ensure that the community welfare service operates out of a location. [8334/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Medical Cards

John Lyons

Question:

292 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the refusal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8343/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

Question:

293 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding home support hours in respect of a person (details supplied). [8442/11]

Finian McGrath

Question:

350 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will support the case of a family (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [8649/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 350 together.

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

Vaccination Programme

Joe Higgins

Question:

294 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if recipients of a vaccine (details supplied) will be provided with information regarding possible side effects. [8145/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

Gardasil is the HPV vaccine procured by the HSE for use in the current HPV school vaccination programme. Prior to the first dose of the vaccine being administered, all parents/guardians are given an information leaflet and consent form. These are also available on the HSE website. The leaflet contains information about the virus and its transmission, cervical cancer, the vaccine, its benefits and possible side effects, and the vaccination programme.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Sean Fleming

Question:

295 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a scan will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8154/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Insurance

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

296 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide the detail of his proposals for the introduction of a universal health system based on the private insurance model; the projected cost to each citizen and family; the waivers or reliefs he plans to build into the arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8161/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

This Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform, the ultimate objective of which is to ensure equal access to health care based on need, not income. This objective will be achieved through a single-tier health service supported by universal health insurance. I would like to clarify that the VHI will be retained in public ownership and will together with private insurance companies offer people a choice of insurer.

The key policy principles of the reform programme are as follows. Firstly, the reform will involve 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.

In parallel to the development of primary care, there will also be significant reform of the acute hospital sector. I am committed to tackling the issue of waiting times and waiting lists by introducing new initiatives such as the Special Delivery Unit. A more transparent and efficient "Money Follows the Patient" funding mechanism and a purchaser/provider split will also be introduced. In the latter case, this will involve establishing public 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 universal health insurance. The universal system will guarantee that every citizen has equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services, including both primary and hospital care. Affordability of insurance premiums will be achieved through a system of subsidies for people on low and middle incomes.

Significant work is required in order to further develop the precise proposals and detailed implementation arrangements for the phased introduction of the above reforms. This work will include the publication of a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance as set out in the Programme for Government. I will be communicating on an ongoing basis as the detailed arrangements for examination and implementation of the reforms are progressed.

Departmental Properties

Terence Flanagan

Question:

297 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a building will be made available to a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8163/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Services

Joe Higgins

Question:

298 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will put on hold the phasing out and closure of St. Luke’s cancer hospital in Rathgar, Dublin, pending his review of the services; if he will confirm when he will meet the members of the Campaign to Save St. Luke’s and the reason the new cancer centre of excellence on the St. James’s Hospital campus due to open in December 2010 is still not open. [8185/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

St Luke's Hospital, which provides radiation oncology services, was subsumed into the Health Service Executive under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010 (No. 18 of 2010). Radiation oncology services will continue at St Luke's until at least 2015, when further radiation oncology capacity will be available at Beaumont and St James's Hospitals, two of the designated cancer centres. This decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. It is also in line with best international practice.

The existing radiotherapy centre at St Luke's, plus the new centres at Beaumont and St James's Hospitals, have together become the St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network with some staff and resources now transferred from St Luke's to the new centres. The first patients were seen at Beaumont on 28 March, while St James's began seeing patients on 11 April. The new centres have four linear accelerators each. While the number of linacs in St Luke's will be reduced as patient numbers transfer to the new centres, the development of the St Luke's Network means an overall increase of 50% in radiation oncology capacity over what had previously been available in St Luke's.

Although construction of the new facilities was completed at the end of 2010, the HSE took the decision on when patients should be treated based on all quality and safety concerns being addressed. There were some difficulties regarding the recruitment process, and a few technical issues around facilities management, but the start date for treatment was determined by the clinical team, based on safe patient management. I have received a request to meet representatives of the Campaign to Save St Luke's and I intend to meet them in the near future.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

299 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for 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. [8228/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Jack Wall

Question:

300 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a change of doctor under a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

301 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health and Children the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8244/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

In accordance with a decision of Government, the total number of staff which may be assigned to my Constituency Office may not exceed 4 and in the case of a Minister of State's Constituency Office may not exceed 3. The assignment of relevant staff in my Department has not yet been finalised but will comply in full with the above requirements.

Medical Cards

Finian McGrath

Question:

302 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied). [8258/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Departmental Staff

Joan Collins

Question:

303 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding two community welfare officers currently working at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if a decision has been taken to move them and the location to which they will move. [8271/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Medical Cards

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

304 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [8282/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospitals Building Programme

Joe McHugh

Question:

305 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a tendering process in respect of a hospital (details supplied) in County Donegal; the date on which the process was announced; the criteria for same; if the contract was publicly advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8284/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

The management of health infrastructure projects is a service matter. Therefore your query has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Service Staff

Pearse Doherty

Question:

306 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children if physician assistants have formal recognition within the health profession; his plans to bring these qualifications into recognition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8294/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

Physician assistants do not currently have formal recognition within the health profession in Ireland. The National Task Force on Medical Staffing, in its 2003 Report, examined the scope for introducing or further developing grades of staff which would facilitate a more appropriate distribution of skills and functions. One of the grades considered by the Task Force was that of Physician Assistant (PA). At that time, the Task Force did not see a role for PAs in Ireland because the tasks typically performed by them can safely be done by existing health professionals, in many cases by those in medical training. However, the Task force recommended that the case for introducing PAs at a later stage should be kept under review.

More recent studies, including the Final Report of the National Implementation Group on the European Working Time Directive, have highlighted the need to take actions to improve skill mix and transfer duties to the most appropriate healthcare workers. Likewise the development of advanced nurse practitioner posts and the movement towards nurse prescribing reflects current thinking on the delivery of care at the most appropriate and effective level.

The delivery of health care in the future in the most appropriate setting and at the most appropriate level will involve changes to the current skill mix. The introduction or development of grades of staff, including Physician Assistant, 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.

Medical Cards

Niall Collins

Question:

307 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a renewal application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8301/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Niall Collins

Question:

308 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8302/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Niall Collins

Question:

309 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8303/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Home Help Service

Niall Collins

Question:

310 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application to the Health Service Executive south in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [8304/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Services

Joe McHugh

Question:

311 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if he or the Health Service Executive has set out plans to invest in a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8306/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

312 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8310/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Drugs Payment Scheme

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

313 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in processing an application for a drug payments scheme card in respect of a person (details supplied) and when the card will issue. [8315/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Service Staff

Niall Collins

Question:

314 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding having a person transferred within the Health Service Executive south. [8326/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Services

Niall Collins

Question:

315 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding having a person transferred to a specific hospital for urgent surgery. [8327/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Jack Wall

Question:

316 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 a date cannot be facilitated can the applicant apply for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8333/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Medical Cards

Niall Collins

Question:

317 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if an analysis of all income and outgoings of the person detailed in the application can be supplied to this Deputy; if an appeal form can be sent to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Mental Health Services

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

318 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make reforming the mental health services an urgent priority; if he will commit to making mental health services more open and transparent, with a particular focus on ensuring that patients’ fundamental human rights are respected and adhered to in this process. [8353/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

The Government has prioritised the reform of the mental health service in line with ‘A Vision for Change’. The Programme for Government makes a number of commitments in relation to mental health and I am currently engaged in discussions with my officials with a view to delivering progress as early as possible.

Medical Cards

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

319 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will reinstate the full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8356/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Promotion

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

320 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason no healthy eating guidelines have been issued to schools; if he will issue these guidelines as part of the social personal health education programme and its health promotion policy; when he will issue these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8358/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

My Department has undertaken a review to update the healthy eating guidelines. Revised guidelines are now being finalised in conjunction with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The revised guidelines will be distributed to the education system and elsewhere as soon as they are available.

Hospital Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

321 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is likely to be admitted to Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24, for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8378/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Sean Fleming

Question:

322 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be scheduled for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8399/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

323 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an urgent dental appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8405/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Timmy Dooley

Question:

324 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision on an appeal for the fair deal scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [8410/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Medical Cards

Gerald Nash

Question:

325 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure automatic entitlement to medical cards for all children with Down’s syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

The award of a medical card is based on means and there are no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group of patients with specific medical conditions, as a whole. However, while the income guidelines are the principal benchmark used for deciding medical card eligibility, the HSE does look beyond the applicant's financial situation and have regard to other appropriate matters in assessing a person for a medical card, such as illness or medical circumstances which result in financial hardship, costs associated with medical requirements and other issues. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations. Under the Programme for Government all citizens will have free GP care.

Jack Wall

Question:

326 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. [8474/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

327 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [8476/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Staff

Seán Kenny

Question:

328 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant neurologists at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; the average waiting time to see the consultant; the number of persons on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8488/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Seán Kenny

Question:

329 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant ophthalmologists at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; the average waiting time to see the consultant and the number of persons on the waiting list. [8489/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Services

Sean Fleming

Question:

330 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive a dental appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8510/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Services

Dara Calleary

Question:

331 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 370 of 12 April 2011, if he will outline his plans for community and district hospitals; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his proposed hospital funding model will damage the network of community and district hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

The Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform. 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. 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.

In the meantime, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme model of funding (where money follows the patient) will continue to apply to the Community and District Hospitals that are designated by the HSE as facilities predominantly for the care of older people. The future of these, and other hospitals, will be considered and planned for within the context of the overall reforms currently being contemplated.

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

332 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the full range of services required by a person (details supplied) in County Carlow is not being delivered by the Health Service Executive; if arrangements will be made immediately to contact the family with a view to explaining the way the services will be delivered on a sustainable basis; if the issue in HSE administration areas will be resolved to ensure the efficient delivery of the services required in this case close to the location of the family concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8532/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Terence Flanagan

Question:

333 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the new measures he is taking to help the 1,854 persons who are waiting in Beaumont and Tallaght hospitals for colonoscopies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8536/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

Figures supplied by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) for non-urgent colonoscopies show that a total of 1,854 were waiting for more than three months for this procedure, with 1,500 of these waiting between three and six months. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is working with hospitals and the NTPF to increase capacity to address this problem. The HSE is advising any people waiting more than three months for a colonoscopy procedure to contact the NTPF directly at 1890 720 820 to assess their eligibility for treatment.

The target waiting time for all those in urgent need of a colonoscopy is 28 days. In 2009, the HSE provided hospitals with national guidelines on managing colonoscopies including a standard definition of urgent need, developed in conjunction with clinicians, which is used to identify those at risk of cancer and requiring urgent colonoscopy. The monthly Performance Reports from the HSE show that approximately 98% of those requiring urgent colonoscopy are receiving the procedure within the 28 day target.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Brian Stanley

Question:

334 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of recipients of the fair deal in 2009 and 2010 who received therapy services from the State and the number paying for these therapy services privately. [8538/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, provides financial support in respect of the cost of long-term residential care. Over 11,700 people qualified for support under the Scheme in 2010. The services which fall within the scope of long-term residential care are:

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

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

bed and board, and

laundry service.

The Scheme does not cover therapies because a person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, is unaffected by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. In other words, a person can continue to receive goods and services in accordance with the terms of these other schemes regardless of whether they are in a private nursing home or elsewhere.

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, medications and aids that are already prescribed for individuals under an existing scheme are not included in the services covered by the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme (i.e. as this would involve effectively paying twice for the same items or service). Nursing home residents that choose to make private arrangements to receive therapy services are not required to notify these arrangements to either my Department or the HSE. As such, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with the number of recipients of the Fair Deal who paid for therapy services privately.

With regard to the number of recipients of the Fair Deal who received therapy services from the State, currently these services are provided having regard to demand, availability of resources and on a priority basis based on clinical need. However, a National Ancillary Group was established in January 2010 to undertake a national review of the provision of therapy services and aids and appliances to private nursing homes, public and voluntary units, and to make recommendations with regard to introducing standardised provision of these services. Based on this review, a framework and guidance document for healthcare professionals, registered providers, and residents is currently being prepared. This document is expected to be finalised by mid June 2011 to enable consultation with the wider system.

Health Services

Ciara Conway

Question:

335 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the Health Service Executive conducting an occupational therapy, OT, report in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford to enable the local authorities to make the required adjustments to their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8542/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Michael McGrath

Question:

336 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will arrange for home support hours to be provided in respect of a person with special needs (details supplied) in County Cork. [8550/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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.

Medical Cards

Michael McGrath

Question:

337 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8551/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Health Service Reform

Billy Kelleher

Question:

338 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has appointed an expert to co-ordinate the setting up of a Dutch model health service here. [8630/11]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

339 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to send representatives from his Department to examine the Dutch model of health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8631/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 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 on income. Undertaking this comprehensive reform process is a complex task which must be carefully planned and sequenced. Officials in my Department are currently giving careful consideration to the reform programme with a view to developing implementation proposals.

As part of this process my officials recently organised a seminar on Universal Health Insurance. The seminar was attended by officials from the Dutch Health Ministry as well as officials from the World Health Organisation and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. It provided an opportunity for my officials to understand the achievements and learnings associated with the Dutch health reforms as well as considering international best practice in healthcare reform. It is envisaged that there will be ongoing examination of the experience with health reform in a range of countries. It is worth noting however, that this Government's reform implementation proposals will be designed to fit the Irish system and to obtain the best outcomes for Irish patients.

Health Insurance

Billy Kelleher

Question:

340 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to sell the Government stake in VHI. [8632/11]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

341 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will implement the recommendations of the Milliman report; if he has met with VHI to ask it to reduce its costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8633/11]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

342 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that the VHI will meet its solvency requirements as set out by the regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8634/11]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

343 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has raised the issue of the VHI’s solvency requirements with his colleagues in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8635/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 to 343, inclusive, together.

The VHI continues to be exempt from prudential solvency requirements arising from a derogation under the 3rd Non-Life Directive. The Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2008 provided for the VHI to acquire sufficient funding in terms of its capital reserves to enable it to make an application to the Financial Regulator for authorisation. The date by which the VHI must accrue the necessary reserves is set at 1 January 2012. Officials from my Department are maintaining regular contact with the European Commission to update them on progress regarding the implementation of plans for the insurance market and the VHI, including solvency issues. The most recent meeting took place on 9 February 2011 in Brussels and further written communications have since been exchanged.

The programme for Government provides for the VHI to remain in State ownership. I am considering the future structure of the company in the context of an examination of the balance of risk among insurers in the market. Expert financial and legal advisors will be commencing work on this shortly.

I met with the Chairman and CEO of the VHI on my appointment in March 2011. At that meeting, I expressed my concerns with regard to VHI's significant claims costs, much of which were outlined in the Milliman review of VHI's claims. My Department is working closely with the VHI on this issue. In that regard, I note VHI's recently announced financial outturn for 2010, which shows a significant improvement over the 2009 outturn. While much remains to be done for the VHI to achieve sustainability, a continued focus on the control of costs will be of considerable assistance to the company.

Smoking Ban

Billy Kelleher

Question:

344 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce a ban on logos and distinctive branding on packets of cigarettes in order to reduce the appeal of cigarettes to consumers. [8636/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

Currently there are no plans to introduce such a ban. My immediate priority is to introduce the legislation required for the combined text and photo warnings on tobacco products. However I am aware of such moves in Australia and will study the success of these measures within the constraints of current E.U policy.

Medicinal Products

Billy Kelleher

Question:

345 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children the meetings or talks he has had with clinicians and the drugs industry with a view to achieving significant reductions in expenditure in this area in 2011. [8637/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

Following discussion with my Department and the HSE, members of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) agreed a series of measures to deliver savings on drug expenditure of €200 million in 2011. Savings of €155 million are expected under the GMS and community drug schemes, €35m under the High Tech Scheme and €10m on hospital medicines. As a result, the prices of over 1,000 medicines have been reduced since January this year. I have arranged to meet IPHA next month to explore what further progress can be made in this area. I have also asked my Department to engage with the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland, which represents the generics industry, with a view to achieving additional savings in that area.

In addition, my Department is finalising the Heads of the Pricing and Supply of Medicines Bill. This legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for drugs prescribed under the GMS and community drug schemes. It is important that this legislation is enacted as a number of high volume medicines are expected to come off patent in the coming years. These reforms will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for these medicines resulting in significant savings for taxpayers and patients.

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

Question:

346 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will amend the status of Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, from a local hospital to a regional hospital, in order to improve the amount of funding available to the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8638/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

Letterkenny General Hospital is categorised as a Category 2 Hospital for the purpose of public hospital charges. Private, semi private and day case charges for hospitals in this category were increased this year by between 29% and 42%. The issue of reimbursement of hospitals for private patient treatment was examined in the ‘Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges Associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals', published in December 2010. This Report recommended a review of the system of hospital categorisation, on which private patient charges are based. The existing categories reflect differences in teaching status and complexity as measured by the casemix system.

Departmental Expenditure

Billy Kelleher

Question:

347 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children, following recent warnings from the International Monetary Fund that health costs are dragging the economy down and that savings of €1 billion may be required this year alone, the way he intends to make the necessary savings. [8639/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

Between 2010 and 2011, over €2 billion in savings have been identified within the Health Sector. The 2010 Budget provided for over €600 million in pay savings, and €400 million in non-pay savings. The pay savings took account of the Government decisions on public service pay reductions, including general pay reductions, higher reductions for those on higher pay on foot of the Report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration, further reductions in the fees payable to certain health professionals and savings associated with the moratorium on recruitment and promotion. Non-pay savings included, inter alia, reductions in drug costs and procurement economies.

A further €1 billion in savings was provided for in 2011 comprising inter alia, additional savings on Demand Led Schemes, the continued implementation of the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in accordance with the Employment Control Framework for the health services, procurement and other pay savings as part of the Croke Park Agreement and reduced pay costs associated with the HSE exit schemes. In addition, agencies funded by both the HSE and the Department of Health & Children were required to find efficiency savings within their organisations, and the allocations for all agencies were reduced accordingly in both years.

The cash reduction in both years was less than the overall savings required of €2 billion given the need to provide for increased superannuation costs, an increase in the number of medical cards and extra funding to support a number of key policy priorities such as Fair Deal, the cancer programme, implementation of the recommendations of the Ryan Report and additional costs associated with the Clinical Indemnity Scheme. However, notwithstanding these increased funding requirements, since 2008, there has been an overall cash reduction in current spending on health of €1.46 billion or 9%. These saving have been achieved in a manner which has not led to any reduction in the total volume of services planned under successive HSE National Service Plans.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has announced that a comprehensive review of expenditure is being undertaken wherein each Department will prepare a comprehensive expenditure report to identify expenditure programme savings, scope for savings arising from efficiency and other reforms and proposals for the further rationalisation of agencies and any associated reductions in staff. These reviews will inform the 2012 Estimates and the identification of further savings which can assist in meeting public expenditure targets.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Billy Kelleher

Question:

348 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the National Treatment Purchase Fund offers value for money and is effective in reducing waiting time for patients on public hospital waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8640/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

The National Treatment Purchase Fund 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. The NTPF has also instituted standard national arrangements for the collection and reporting of waiting lists across 44 hospitals, through the Patient Treatment Register (PTR). In relation to value for money, the Comptroller and Auditor General's reports for 2008 and 2009 concluded that, relative to the casemix benchmark, procedures purchased from private hospitals by the NTPF generally cost less than those carried out in the publicly-funded system.

I intend to set up a Special Delivery Unit, driven by my Department, which will focus on reducing unacceptable waiting times for patients. I am examining options for the Unit at present and will put it in place as soon as possible. The future of the NTPF is among the issues to be considered in the context of the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit and of the implementation of the Government's commitment to the introduction of a system of Universal Health Insurance.

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

Question:

349 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will confirm that 34 beds dedicated to cystic fibrosis patients only as recommended by international experts will now not be provided for at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. [8641/11]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

The development of the new 100 bed Unit being built at St. Vincent's Hospital encompasses both in-patient and day care facilities for patients with Cystic Fibrosis. It represents a major improvement in the care of Cystic Fibrosis patients in Ireland. It is essential that all in-patients are cared for by multidisciplinary teams with special training in Cystic Fibrosis in single en suite rooms.

It is Department of Health policy that there must be sufficient in-patient beds to treat all people with Cystic Fibrosis who require hospitalisation. The number of Cystic Fibrosis in-patients at St. Vincent's University Hospital is expected to vary between 20 and 34. In this respect 20 in-patient beds is a minimum and not a maximum, and the number of beds with appropriately trained staff can potentially accommodate 34 patients. When the beds are not required for Cystic Fibrosis patients they will be used for other patients with a clearly agreed protocol that there will always be beds available for patients with Cystic Fibrosis who require admission.

Question No. 350 answered with Question No. 293.

Light Rail Project

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

351 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of spending and the works being carried out on metro north during 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8220/11]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

352 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expand on his recent media comments regarding metro north; if he has ceased spending, planning and works on the metro north project until his review reports in September 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8221/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 352 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as Metro North, comes under the remit of the NTA. The legislative basis for this is Section 11(1)(e) of the DTA Act 2008 "Principal Functions of Authority — The principal functions of the Authority are to secure the — provision of public transport infrastructure". Noting this, I will ask the NTA to provide the deputy with detail on the spending and works being carried out on Metro North in 2011.

In relation to Government policy regarding Metro North, as part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review, there will also be a comprehensive review of capital spending with a view to developing a new National Development Plan for 2012-2017. This review, which will take place against a background of new funding realities, will examine the costs and benefits of all capital projects against a range of economic, social and environmental criteria. Key considerations for transport will include the need to prioritise funding to protect investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards.

In relation to the large public transport projects in the Dublin area, the availability of funding, both from the Exchequer and private sources, will be a major consideration as will the contribution in the short, medium and long term to transport objectives and employment creation potential. Despite funding difficulties I will be seeking to ensure that at least one major rail or light rail project will go ahead and in this regard will examine all realistic options for delivery including delivery on an incremental, phased basis.

I have recently received correspondence regarding the enabling works for Metro North from both the Railway Procurement Agency and the National Transport Authority and I am considering the issues raised by them. In the meantime, planning work for the submission of a railway order application for the depot for Metro North continues. I expect the railway order to be concluded.

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Question:

353 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the numbers, duties and grades of all persons within his Department who are assigned to work on constituency matters for him and any other Ministers assigned to his Department. [8249/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

In line with the Department of Finance guidelines on the staffing of Ministerial offices, my constituency office consists of a Personal Secretary, a Personal Assistant, and 2 civil servants. In keeping with the same guidelines, the constituency offices of each of the Ministers of State in my Department consist of a Personal Secretary, a Personal Assistant and 1 civil servant. In the case of one of the Ministers of State, the Personal Assistant post is filled by 2 work-sharing staff, but counts as one post.

Road Network

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

354 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the progress towards the commencement of essential bypass works of the towns of Virginia and Belturbet in County Cavan, both served by the N3; when he expects the final route selection to be reached and works undertaken thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8329/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, including those mentioned by the Deputy, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Cycle Facilities

Brendan Ryan

Question:

355 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the construction of a walkway or cycle path along the railway viaduct between Malahide and Donabate in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8344/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Fingal County Council's unsuccessful application to my Department under the Smarter Travel Areas Competition identified this potential walking and cycling route. My Department has had no further engagement with the County Council with regard to this proposal and future progress with it is a matter for the local authority.

Sports Capital Programme

Áine Collins

Question:

356 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of any grants available to assist community groups to provide an astro turf facility in their area. [8357/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

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. While no new call for applications for funding has been made since 2008 a provision of €33m has been provided in this year's estimates to cover the payment of grants previously allocated.

Road Network

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

357 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make additional funding available for the repair and upgrade of key secondary and local roads in Dublin North East including Grange Road, Clonshaugh Road, James Larkin Road and Clontarf Road in the Dublin City Council area and Brookstone Road and the Grange Road in Fingal County Council area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8361/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. However, the initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Apart from Clonshaugh Road, the roads mentioned were not the subject of 2011 funding applications by the relevant local authorities under the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme. An application for funding in relation to the Clonshaugh Road was received. This application, together with all other applications received, was considered having regard to the eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local authorities and the funds available for the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme in 2011. However, this project was not among the projects selected for funding. It is open to the Councils to fund these projects from their Discretionary Grants or from their own resources.

A total of €375.176 million has been allocated in 2011 for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads. As regards the availability of additional funding, I have directed that the overall transport budget is assessed to determine what scope exists for allocating additional funds for the repair and maintenance of regional and local roads. Any additional funding made available to local authorities as a result of this process will be subject to the normal assessment criteria relating to State grants.

Rural Transport Services

Seamus Healy

Question:

358 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding to extend the ring-a-link rural link transport service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8128/11]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

€10.62m is being provided for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2011 in recognition of the important role it plays in combatting social exclusion in rural Ireland. Thirty-six rural community transport groups around the country, including Ring-a-Link which operates in Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary South Riding, are being funded under the Programme. Pobal administers the RTP on behalf of my Department and is responsible, among other things, for allocating funds to individual rural community transport groups from funding provided by my Department. Neither I nor my Department have any role in relation to the day-to-day management issues pertaining to the Programme or in allocating funds to particular groups. However, I understand from Pobal that some €450,000 has been allocated to Ring-a-Link this year.

Tourism Employment

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

359 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is the intention of Fáilte Ireland to operate training programmes for new entrants in the Cork training centre during 2011. [8479/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

360 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the Fáilte Ireland training centre in County Cork; the future training programmes for this centre and all other training centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8480/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

361 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way the change to in-company training as a means of improving productivity of existing employees and in turn to help to sustain existing jobs has benefited the industry. [8482/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

362 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way the change to in-company training by Tourism Ireland as a means of improving productivity of existing employees and in turn to help to sustain existing jobs has benefited the tourism industry. [8498/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 to 362, inclusive, together.

The matters raised are operational matters 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

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

363 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when construction of the flyovers at both the Sarsfield Road and Bandon Road roundabouts, Cork, will commence; and the provisions that will be put in place during construction to alleviate the bottlenecks that occur here. [8515/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

National Lottery Funding

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

364 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of money received from the national lottery by his Department and distributed in 2010. [8518/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The distribution of the proceeds of the National Lottery is a matter for the Minister for Finance. The Sports Capital Programme, which is part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, distributed more than €50 million to clubs, sports organisations and local authorities in 2010 for the provision of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. The Grant-in-Aid provided to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to sports organisations and expenditure in relation to sports activities is also part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery. The 2010 Grant-in-Aid allocation was €49.572m.

Olympic Games

Liam Twomey

Question:

365 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available to athletes preparing for the 2012 Olympics; the amount he will spend on Ireland’s involvement in the Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8577/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The funding available to athletes preparing for the 2012 Olympics is an operational matter for the Irish Sports Council. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Council for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. A high-level coordinating group, chaired by my Department, is identifying opportunities for Ireland that may arise across the sports, tourism and cultural sectors, from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The group comprises representatives from the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Arts Council, Culture Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The group will continue to meet on an ongoing basis in the coming year to identify initiatives and any costs relating to the development of these initiatives.

Public Transport

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

366 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a full list of routes being cut, routes being amalgamated, routes being re-routed and the number of buses being reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8598/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The matters raised are operational issues for Dublin Bus (in the case of Dublin City services) in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. 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.

Departmental Bodies

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

367 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will explain the relationship between him and Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8599/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

As the shareholder of the CIE Group, I appoint the Board of Dublin Bus. The shareholder relationship is reflected in the Transport (Re-Organisation of Córas Iompair Éireann) Act 1986, as amended, and the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. In my relationship with Dublin Bus I am concerned to ensure that the company continues to strengthen its commercial performance, efficiency and cost effectiveness in the discharge of its mandate. I have recently announced new Government agreed arrangements for CIE Board appointments and a new governance model for the CIE Group, details of which are set out on my Department's website.

The current PSO contract with Dublin Bus is the direct responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA), who are responsible for the payment of annual subvention to Dublin Bus and the monitoring and enforcement of Dublin Bus's performance under its contract.

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

368 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the relationship between him and harbour companies running ports around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8600/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

There are ten State commercial port companies established and operating under the Harbours Acts 1996 — 2009. Rosslare Europort is also owned by the State, via Iarnród Éireann. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is the principal shareholder in each company with the Minister for Finance holding one share in each. The Minister's relationship with the companies is governed by the Harbours Acts and the Companies Acts. I met recently with the Chairpersons and CEOs of the bodies under my Department, including the port companies.

Public Sector Pay

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

369 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of money the executives of the harbour companies are paid. [8601/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

In light of the current economic climate and the need for social solidarity, at a recent meeting in Dublin Castle of all the state agencies and commercial semi-state companies under the aegis of my department, I re-iterated the Government's opposition to the payment of bonuses to Chief Executives. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies requires all State companies to include a breakdown of the annual salary paid to Chief Executive Officers in their published Annual Report and Accounts. The port company Annual Reports for 2010 will be published in the coming months.

In all but two cases, the relevant information for 2010 has already been supplied to my Department and is outlined in the following table. In two cases the information relates to 2009. The performance related payments made in 2010 were in respect of the performance of the Chief Executives in 2009. In February 2009, the then Minister wrote to all Chairpersons of commercial State bodies under the aegis of the Department of Transport asking that consideration be given by each Board to achieving a significant reduction in or elimination of bonus award payments payable in 2009 and 2010.

Port	Basic Salary	Director’s Fees	Bonus	Other	Total
	€	€	€	€	€
Dundalk	80,164	1,575	0	0	81,739
Drogheda	110,389	0	0	23,195	133,584
Dublin**	69,708	4,764	0	0	74,472
Dún Laoghaire	136,000	12,600	0	20,000	168,600
Wicklow*	67,996	1,575	0	0	69,571
New Ross*	74,500	2,577	0	13,875	90,952
Waterford	124,993	8,100	43,748***	17,164	194,005
Cork	157,455	12,600	16,858	0	186,913
Shannon Foynes	112,194	8,100	10,575	25,000	155,869
Galway	97,450	6,300	9,337	0	113,087

*2009 figure.

**Dublin's figures relate to the remuneration of the current CEO since his appointment in August 2010, i.e. for 5 months. The company are currently in the process of finalising the contract of employment with the new CEO.

***Bonus accrued in 2010 under Terms and Conditions of Contract, but not yet paid.

Road Safety

Timmy Dooley

Question:

370 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce roadside drug testing programmes to combat the problem of driving under the influence of drugs. [7066/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

There is no feasible basis, at present, in Ireland or in Europe for the introduction of a preliminary roadside test for drugs, as testing devices are still in the prototype stages. However, I have indicated to the relevant bodies, including the Gardaí and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) that I would like to see viable roadside testing for drugs introduced as quickly as possible. The 2010 Road Traffic Act provides for preliminary impairment testing, a non-technology based roadside test for drug driving. The MBRS, in association with the School of Medicine UCD, is responsible for the provision of training in the use of preliminary impairment testing for Gardaí. That training has now commenced and I expect to commence the relevant provisions of the 2010 Act this Autumn. In the meantime, the MBRS will be keeping abreast of developments in this area in other countries. When suitable technology becomes available, any measures currently applied to the roadside testing of drivers for alcohol will also be applied in relation to drugs.

Rail Network

Gerry Adams

Question:

371 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of his support for infrastructural projects on the island of Ireland, his plans to support the railway transport corridor to the north west; in particular, if he will refer to the Transport 21 project, the western area’s Atlantic road corridor and the comprehensive rail system in the north west which includes the five derailed counties, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Tír Eoghain and Fermanagh and join up to Sligo to integrate into the Irish rail network. [8394/11]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The upgrading and extension of the mainline railway system is a matter for consideration by Irish Rail in the first instance. The Strategic Rail Review (SRR) completed by Irish Rail in 2003 set out priorities for future rail investment in Ireland, with a twenty-year strategic policy framework, and fed into Transport 21. The SRR did not include the development of rail services in Cavan, Monaghan or Donegal in its recommendations. As a consequence, no capital provision for such rail development has been considered for inclusion in my Department's investment frameworks.

Furthermore in the context of the current difficult economic situation the first priority in relation to prioritising available funding for mainline rail services will be to protect existing investment and ensure continued high safety standards. This will be a key criteria in the review of capital spending for my Department arising from the recent decision by Government regarding the preparation of a new capital investment framework from 2012. With regard to the railway lines mentioned by the Deputy, no capital budget has been set aside for these lines by the previous government. It is not expected that the capital envelope will increase over the course of the current government.

The question of the development of rail services in Tyrone and Fermanagh is a matter for the authorities in Northern Ireland in the first instance. Issues of concern relating to cross-border public transport services are discussed on a regular basis under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council. I am not aware that a rail service as proposed has been raised. In relation to the Atlantic Road Corridor the section from Gort to Tuam (M17/18) is at tender stage. This is a PPP contract and notwithstanding the difficult financial environment the NRA is continuing to work with tenderers in an effort to reach agreement on the contract.

Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 19 Apr 2011

Defence Forces Personnel

Robert Troy

Public Sector Staff

Thomas P. Broughan

Thomas P. Broughan

National Statistics

Brian Stanley

Census 2011

Thomas P. Broughan

Public Procurement

Maureen O'Sullivan

Departmental Staff

Michael Creed

Official Engagements

Eoghan Murphy

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Official Engagements

Seán Kenny

Military Neutrality

Richard Boyd Barrett

Natural Disasters

Terence Flanagan

Passport Applications

Terence Flanagan

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Departmental Staff

Seán Kenny

Official Engagements

Seán Kenny

Passport Applications

Michelle Mulherin

Emigrant Support Services

Thomas Pringle

Thomas Pringle

Motor Vehicle Registration

Billy Timmins

Financial Services Regulation

Willie O'Dea

Proposed Legislation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Tax Code

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Local Authority Charges

Áine Collins

Departmental Reports

Martin Ferris

Martin Ferris

Tax Reliefs

Éamon Ó Cuív

Paschal Donohoe

Departmental Staff

Pearse Doherty

Tax Collection

Jack Wall

Jack Wall

Fiscal Policy

Thomas P. Broughan

Thomas P. Broughan

Ministerial Staff

Timmy Dooley

Appointments to State Boards

Timmy Dooley

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Banks Recapitalisation

Willie O'Dea

Fiscal Policy

Willie O'Dea

Banks Recapitalisation

Willie O'Dea

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2011