Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 May 2011

Vol. 732 No. 2

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.

Broadcasting Services

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

12 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or the digital switchover steering group have identified areas in which neither terrestrial nor satellite reception will be possible after 2012 due to terrain; his plans to provide a digital RTÉ signal in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10826/11]

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.

Section 114(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 states the principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ, including the power to build and operate digital multiplexes under section 114(1)(j).

Under Section 130, RTÉ is required to build and operate digital multiplexes and to make these available to the same extent as the existing analogue network, which is available to 98% of the population. RTÉ has informed me it plans to provide the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) network to 98% of the population in fulfilment of its statutory obligations.

I have also been informed by RTÉ that the following is its DTT rollout schedule:

Date

Population Coverage

Comments

October 2010

c. 94.5%

Achieved

Q 2 2011

c. 97.2%

On target for Public launch in May 2011

Q3 2012

c. 97.7%

On target

Q4 2012

c. 98%

On target

In addition, I have been informed that RTÉ proposes to offer a free to air satellite service to provide coverage to the last 2% of the population.

The RTÉ decision to provide a satellite service is being made by RTÉ on a commercial basis. RTÉ has indicated that this service in conjunction with the DTT network will provide coverage to virtually 100% of the population. The satellite, which will be used to provide this service, launched in late 2010 and is currently undergoing tests.

Television Licence

Catherine Murphy

Question:

13 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to redefine the parameters under which households are obliged to hold a television licence; if so, the changes envisaged; the impact he envisages such changes will have on households throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10882/11]

As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the current TV licence system is that, except for certain classes of social welfare recipients, if you own a television set in Ireland you are liable to pay a television licence. An Post is currently responsible for the collection of television licence fees and for identifying those persons who have unlicensed television sets.

The Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV Licence Fee in light of existing and projected convergence of broadcasting technologies and to transform the TV licence into a household based Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device they use to access content.

In line with this commitment, my Department is currently undertaking an exercise whereby it is examining both the effectiveness and efficiency of the current model of television licence fee collection, in the context of the changing technological environment, and examining the efficiency of various international models for the funding of public service broadcasting. The results of the exercise will be an analysis of the most effective models in terms of efficiency, capability to fund our public service broadcasting service and equity of applicability.

I would emphasise the need to provide certainty as regards the funding base for public service broadcasting. The licence fee has provided much certainty although it is subject to a certain degree of evasion.

Any changes that may be proposed and implemented must continue to provide a secure base for public service broadcasting funding whilst also recognising the reality of new mechanisms to access TV content.

The scope of work being carried out under this review is quite extensive. Nevertheless, I expect to receive recommendations arising out of this review by year end and, following that, work will begin on developing any necessary legislative proposals that might be required to facilitate the implementation of any recommendations that I decide to take forward.

Brendan Smith

Question:

14 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of the licence fee paid through the Exchequer to RTÉ, he has issued any instruction or has had any discussions with the chairman of RTÉ regarding the remuneration of RTÉ staff including those on labour only contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10830/11]

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.

Section 114(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 states the principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ and Section 98 provides that it shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act. As such I, as Minister, have no function in RTÉ's management of day to day matters including general staff remuneration and contracts. These are purely matters for RTÉ management who no doubt seek to manage their full cost base in a way that ensures the financial sustainability of the company.

Proposed Legislation

Catherine Murphy

Question:

15 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will update the regulations or introduce new legislation in relation to the licensing of mobile telecommunications equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10881/11]

Mobile telecommunications are an electronic communications service under the terms of European legislation. The relevant national regulations in respect of mobile service provision have been updated over time to reflect developments in the EU and market developments generally.

In 2003, national regulations were introduced to transpose the liberalised EU telecommunications market, as reflected in the 2002 EU regulatory framework.

The 2003 EU regulatory framework has since been amended at European level. My Department has been consulting with industry on the transposition of the new framework. Drafting of the necessary national regulations is ongoing with a view to full transposition later this month.

The individual licensing of any wireless communications equipment is a function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1926 to 2009. Under those Acts mobile telecommunications service providers and operators are required to obtain licences from ComReg.

They are also required to comply with licence conditions set by ComReg in accordance with regulations made by ComReg under the Acts and in accordance with the 2002 EU Regulatory Framework. The relevant regulations are made by ComReg with the consent of the Minister.

I am satisfied that the existing and proposed new Regulations currently meet the needs of industry and consumers. It is of course my intention to keep the relevant legislation under constant review with a view to ensuring that it continues to remain relevant to the fast changing telecommunications environment.

Electricity Generation

Sean Conlan

Question:

16 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he considers it financially prudent, from the perspective of the taxpayer, that Eirgrid is contemplating proceeding with a new application in relation to the proposed 400 km Meath to Tyrone interconnector when the all Ireland generation capacity statement 2011-2020 published jointly by Eirgrid and Soni forecasts that there will be no increased demand for electricity for the next ten years. [10827/11]

Sean Conlan

Question:

32 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he considers it financially prudent from the perspective of the taxpayer that Eirgrid is contemplating proceeding with a new application in relation to the proposed 400 km Meath to Tyrone interconnector when it appears that it may take many years before the northern section of the project is evaluated by the Planning Appeals Commission of Northern Ireland. [10841/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 32 together.

The planning, development and routing of transmission line infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid, which is the State owned body responsible for the electricity transmission system. I have no statutory function regarding the planning and construction of energy networks.

The Government fully endorses the strategic national importance of investing in Ireland's electricity transmission infrastructure. In that context the Meath-Tyrone 400KV interconnector is a key strategic project for the economies and consumers both North and South. It is also critical to ensuring energy supply adequacy on the island of Ireland. Subject to planning permission North and South it is due to be completed by 2016 or 2017.

The costs of building and maintaining the national electricity transmission system are met through network tariffs charged to electricity consumers and are regulated by the Commission for Energy Regulation. The cost is not borne by the taxpayer.

The all-island Generation Capacity Statement 2011-2020 notes that while there has been a fall in electricity demand due to the economic downturn, a recovery in electricity demand is projected from 2012 and annually up to 2020. The report notes separately that the generation adequacy situation for the next ten years is positive and will be enhanced by the additional capacity provided by the interconnector.

The North-South interconnector is a long term investment which is critical to the security of electricity supply on the island, to the achievement of renewable targets North and South, and to the effective operation of the Single Electricity Market. It is not just a prudent but an essential investment in the interests of both economies and all energy consumers.

The absence of the second North South interconnector is posing significant costs on electricity generators and consumers on both sides of the border. These costs are in the region of €20m to €30m each year and are set to increase every year the interconnector is not in place.

I have no information to support the assertion that it will take many years before the Northern Ireland section of the Interconnector project is evaluated by the planning authorities there. The timeframe for the completion of the planning process is clearly a matter for the planning authorities in Northern Ireland. The necessity and urgency of the project is fully recognised by the Northern Ireland administration given the very serious implications for energy cost and security of supply should the project not proceed.

The current economic downturn does not diminish in any way the need for the North South interconnector as a long term strategic investment for decades to come. To postpone its development would not be in the interests of the economy and consumers North and South.

The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of an independent international expert commission to review within six months the case for, and cost of, undergrounding all or part of the Meath-Tyrone line.

EirGrid has begun a new round of non statutory public consultation in relation to the Meath–Tyrone interconnector preparatory to a formal new application to An Bord Pleanála. A key aspect of the pre-planning process is an assessment of the environmental and agricultural impacts. This needs to be carried out in the growing season.

This preparatory work by EirGrid does not in anyway pre-empt or undermine the Programme for Government commitment. There is no requirement in the Programme for Government that EirGrid should halt all preparatory work and EirGrid has publicly stated that they will fully cooperate with the review and have due regard to its findings.

As soon as I am satisfied with arrangements for the proposed commission I will be announcing its establishment and I have asked my Department to expedite those arrangements in the coming weeks.

Electricity Grid

Michael McGrath

Question:

17 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure priority access to the national grid for small scale wind farm projects, anaerobic digesters and district heaters of 3MW or less; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10836/11]

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for grid connection offers and for oversight of EirGrid's grid connection process, including the Gate Three process for renewable energy projects which are primarily medium to large scale wind projects.

I welcome the fact that the CER took the decision two years ago, to adopt a more pragmatic and responsive approach to the need of small scale renewable energy generators. Essentially all such grid connections are dealt with outside the Gate Three process and therefore are receiving priority access.

The categories of renewable technologies covered by this arrangement include bioenergy, Combined Heat and Power, and small scale wind projects of 0.5MW or less. Within those headings, small scale anaerobic digesters and district heating are included.

EU Council Meetings

Michael McGrath

Question:

18 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of the formal and informal European Union Energy Council meeting; if the Energy Roadmap 2050 has general agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10837/11]

The informal Energy Council held on the 3rd May in Budapest discussed progress to date on the Energy 2050 Roadmap which is being developed by the Commission. There was general agreement to the overall strategic direction proposed by the Commission to decarbonise Europe's energy system as part of the overall EU commitment to decarbonise the Economy by 2050.

It was agreed that the set of long term roadmaps being developed by the European Commission, including energy and transport, should be fully consistent with each other. The achievement of a decarbonised European economy is fully dependent on clear synergies between sectoral roadmaps.

The strategic priorities of energy efficiency and renewable energy were highlighted. There was also a discussion on the merits of setting intermediate targets in due course for 2030 in order to focus and reinforce progress. The three pillars of European energy policy (security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability) should be reinforced by the addition of job creation as a key objective for energy policy.

The informal Council also underlined the imperative of delivering essential energy infrastructure investment across Europe together with Research and Development and an enhanced focus on the needs of energy consumers.

There was also a discussion on Europe's external energy policy challenges in light of current geopolitical events. The need for European solidarity in external energy policy matters was emphasised as was the importance of delivering on the EU's internal energy policy objectives to ensure credibility in external energy negotiations.

Sale of State Assets

Dara Calleary

Question:

19 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the consideration he has given to the McCarthy report into the sale of State assets and when decisions will be made by him on the locus of ownership of electricity transmissions assets currently owned by the ESB in the context of the third EU directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10838/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

29 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recommendation on the report of the McCarthy review group on State assets and liabilities to dispose of ESB’s overseas interest and to prevent further expansion outside Ireland. [10941/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 29 together.

I have responsibility for a range of commercial semi-State bodies that play critical roles in the Irish economy, not only by providing essential infrastructure and services but as significant employers. Most of them also contribute substantial dividends to the Exchequer on foot of their successful investment programmes and resultant profitability.

The Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, chaired by Mr Colm McCarthy, has recently been presented to Government and published.

The Government is currently considering the recommendations of that Report in line with the Programme for Government commitments, the new national development plan, and the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland. The Government is also consulting the key stakeholders. Future decisions in relation to the recommendations of the Report will be a matter for the Government.

With regard to the locus of ownership of the electricity transmission assets, Directive 2009/72/EC, which allows for various options in relation to the unbundling of the transmission assets, entered into force in 2009.

Extensive analysis of the options in the Irish context has been carried out, most recently in the completion of a report by Frontier Economics, under an Independent Chair. The Independent analysis included an assessment of the costs, benefits and regulatory impact of the legal options for unbundling under the Directive set in the context of overall EU energy policy developments and the All Island single electricity market.

I will be bringing proposals to Government in due course with a recommendation on the next steps with regard to the future ownership of the electricity transmission assets. I am mindful of the urgency for an early definitive decision to comply with the legal deadlines in the EU Directive.

Job Creation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

20 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he can assist, incentivise or otherwise support job creation opportunities in various sectors, public and private under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10937/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Finance announced the Government's jobs initiative in the House earlier this week which detailed the Government's proposals in this regard.

Energy and communications are key elements underpinning the Government's commitment to our international competitiveness, and supporting the protection and creation of jobs. This week I launched "Better Energy" — a major step forward in the Government's energy efficiency retrofitting programme. Under the Jobs initiative an additional €30 million will be allocated to this programme in 2011 matched by a further €30 million in private sector investment. As a result, an additional 2,000 jobs will be created in 2011, on top of the existing 3,800 jobs supported by the existing budget allocation.

I will be working with Minister Bruton, and State Agencies under both our remits, on the economic and employment potential of renewable energy resources of wind and wave. Activities including areas such as maintenance services, operations, device testing and port infrastructure development will be explored.

A significant beginning was made this week and I will continue to actively work with my colleagues to assist and support job creation and opportunities, in as far as possible, across relevant sectors.

With my colleague, Minister of State O'Dowd, I am also examining opportunities for additional job creation in the semi-State sector arising from the NewERA project as set out in the Programme for Government.

Ministerial Meetings

Niall Collins

Question:

21 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has met the chairman of the north west forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10833/11]

The North West Mayo Forum was established in 2008 with the dual objectives of providing an opportunity for dialogue between parties with an interest in the Corrib gas project and offering an opportunity for furthering the socio-economic development of the North West Mayo Region.

While it was intended that membership of the Forum would include a broad representation from local community groups, those groups opposed to the Corrib gas project declined to participate in the Forum.

Over the course of its first year, five meetings of the Forum were held. In the past eighteen months the Forum met only once, and that was just over a year ago. A decision has not been taken to convene a further meeting of the Forum at this time and I have not met with the Forum's Chairman.

Departmental Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

22 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the long-term funding of TG4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10829/11]

Section 124 of the Broadcasting Act requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), within 3 years of enactment of the Broadcasting Act, to review the adequacy or otherwise of public funding to enable public service broadcasters to meet their public service objects.

I am currently considering the first such report completed and submitted by the Authority in this matter. This consideration is being undertaken by me in the context of the provisions of section 124(6) of the 2009 Act which require the Minister to publish a response to any recommendation made in the report by the Authority as to the adequacy or otherwise of public funding of the public service broadcasters. I can confirm that, in accordance with the legislation, I will be arranging for copies of the report and my response to any recommendation contained in it to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as this process is completed.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 7.

Fisheries Conservation

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

24 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the fact that the number of salmon being caught by rod and line on the River Laune, County Kerry is still dwindling in spite of the fact that the draft nets have been removed from the sea in order to allow salmon stock to increase and private draft nets on the river at Killorglin were limited to four days per week. [7608/11]

As the Deputy may be aware the Standing Scientific Committee advised that stocks of salmon in the River Laune are above its conservation level in 2011 and the Total Allowable Catch specified in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No. 2) Regulations, 2010 (SI No.665, 2010) for the River is 5,962. In common with many rivers in the South West fishing on the River Laune is weather dependent. According to Inland Fisheries Ireland, weather conditions in 2010 were such that the days on which an angler could fish were limited. In light of this, I am advised that the preliminary catch figure of 1256 fish for 2010 is in fact reasonably good (the final verified catch figure for the Laune will be published later this year by Inland Fisheries Ireland in its annual catch statistic report).

Angling Catch Statistics

Year

Caught

C&R

Total

2010

1,035

221

1,256

2009

901

260

1,161

2008

1,317

332

1,649

2007

1,626

481

2,107

2006

869

0

869

Broadcasting Services

Niall Collins

Question:

25 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of hours of home produced television broadcast by RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2 and TG4 respectively in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10832/11]

RTÉ and TG4 are independent national public service broadcasters whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.

The principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ and TG4 are set out in Sections 114(1) and 118(1), respectively, of the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 98 provides that both public service broadcasters shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act. As such I, as Minister, have no function in RTÉ's or TG4's management of their day to day affairs. This includes the number of hours of home produced television that is broadcasted by each broadcaster.

That said, I have, however, contacted both RTÉ and TG4 to seek the requested information on the Deputy's behalf and I have asked both broadcasters to revert directly to him.

Offshore Exploration

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

26 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he can confirm recent reports that companies (details supplied) have made a significant find of oil off the coast of Dalkey, County Dublin; and the licensing status of this exploration. [10951/11]

I assume the recent reports to which the Deputy is referring relate to Licensing Option 08/2 which was granted to Providence Resources plc and Star Energy Oil and Gas Ltd in 2008. Star Energy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petronas International Corporation Ltd. The Licensing Option was awarded to the companies for a three year period to 17th August 2011 and covers an area of approximately 960 square kilometres in the Kish Bank Basin, off the coast of Dublin. The Option is subject to an agreed work programme to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the area.

The companies identified an exploration prospect in the licensed area from a new analysis of existing seismic data. The prospect, known as "Dalkey Island", has not been drilled to date and therefore is not an oil discovery. The commercial hydrocarbon potential, if any, of the prospect will not be known until the structure is drilled and fully evaluated. By the end of the Option period in August this year, the companies must either apply for a Petroleum Exploration Licence or surrender the acreage. Any Petroleum Exploration Licence awarded over the area would be subject to a commitment by the licensees to drill an exploration well in the first three years of the licence.

Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 11.

Semi-State Bodies

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

28 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to progress the proposal for the amalgamation of Bord na Móna and Coillte into Bio Energy Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10952/11]

In the context of the NewERA Plan the Government commits to an ambitious strategy of accelerating the development of Ireland's forestry and bioenergy resources.

I will be working with Minister Rabbitte as well as the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food, and all relevant Ministers to develop a national Bioenergy Strategy in addition to developing the comprehensive business case to underpin the merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte. The Programme for Government envisages the creation of a new State company to be called BioEnergy Ireland through the merger in question.

My immediate priority is to expedite the finalisation of the national Bioenergy Strategy as the key to unlocking the potential of the national bioenergy resources. The systematic development of those abundant bioenergy resources in terms of supply and demand will critically support rural development by providing new markets and employment development opportunities for the agriculture, farming and forestry sectors.

Question No. 29 answered with Question No. 19.
Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 9.

Broadcasting Services

Brendan Smith

Question:

31 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any analysis has been carried out, in view of the public money being expended on public service broadcasting, on the relative average cost per hour of producing and broadcasting one hours television on RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2 and TG4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10831/11]

The matter to which the Deputy refers is one area that was considered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in the context of its report on a review of the adequacy of Public Service Broadcasters' Funding, conducted in accordance with Section 124(2) of the Broadcasting Act 2009.

I am currently considering this report in the context of the provisions of section 124(6) of the 2009 Act which require the Minister to publish a response to the recommendation made in the report by the Authority as to the adequacy or otherwise of public funding of the public service broadcasters. I can confirm that in accordance with the legislation, I will be arranging for copies of the report to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and that, accordingly, the information referred to by the Deputy will become available at that time.

Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 16.

Departmental Staff

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

33 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 21 April 201, the number of Irish diplomatic staff in the Irish embassies in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Cairo that have a level of proficiency in Arabic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10962/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

34 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 21 April 2011, the number of translators employed by the embassies in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Cairo; the cost to employ them each year by translator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10963/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

35 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of diplomatic staff currently employed, by staff grade level, in the Irish embassy in Brasilia and the honorary consulate in Sao Paulo; the standard of language proficiency required of staff posted to embassies in which the native spoken language is not their own first language; the number of the Irish diplomatic staff that have this level of proficiency in Portuguese in the embassy in Brasilia and the honorary consulate in Sao Paulo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10964/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

36 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of diplomatic staff currently employed, by staff grade level, in the Irish embassy in Moscow; the standard of language proficiency required of staff posted to embassies in which the native spoken language is not their own first language; the number of the Irish diplomatic staff that have this level of proficiency in Russian in the embassy in Moscow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10965/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

37 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of diplomatic staff currently employed, by staff grade level, in the Irish embassy in New Delhi and the honorary consulates in Mumbai and Kolkata and Bangalore; the standard of language proficiency required of staff posted to embassies in which the native spoken language is not their own first language; the number of the Irish diplomatic staff that have this level of proficiency in Hindi in the embassy in New Delhi and the honorary consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10966/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

38 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of diplomatic staff currently employed, by staff grade level, in the Irish embassy in Beijing and the general consulate in Shanghai and honorary consulate in Hong Kong; the standard of language proficiency required of staff posted to embassies in which the native spoken language is not their own first language; the number of the Irish diplomatic staff that have this level of proficiency in Chinese in the embassy in Beijing and the general consulate in Shanghai and the honorary consulate in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10967/11]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

39 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of translators employed by the embassies in Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Moscow, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong; the cost to employ them each year by translator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10968/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 to 39, inclusive, together.

The limited staff and financial resources available to my Department do not allow officers to be sent on long term intensive language training as is the case in larger and better resourced foreign services. Nor do we have the range of posts which would allow an officer to pursue a career in one particular foreign language zone.

Nevertheless, foreign language proficiency is one of the attributes that are taken into consideration by my Department when selecting officers for posting abroad. Officers wishing to be considered for posting are required to notify their language skills with their applications. The Department's Training Unit assists and facilitates staff in improving their foreign language proficiency levels both prior to and during foreign assignments. All staff working in these missions would have some facility in the local language. A number have reasonable to good fluency.

Honorary Consuls and their staff are not State employees.

Our Missions abroad employ local clerical and administrative staff who are required to translate and interpret for diplomatic staff as and when required, as well as providing consular and other services in English and in the local languages. None of our Missions listed employ dedicated Translators.

The number and grades of staff posted from Headquarters to the missions referred to by the Embassy are as follows.

Mission

Diplomatic Staff

Abu Dhabi

Counsellor (Ambassador)Third Secretary

Cairo

Counsellor (Ambassador)First SecretaryThird Secretary

Riyadh

Counsellor (Ambassador)First Secretary

Brasilia

Counsellor (Ambassador)Third Secretary

Moscow

Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)First SecretaryThird Secretary

New Delhi

Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)First SecretaryThird Secretary

Beijing

Assistant Secretary (Ambassador)CounsellorFirst SecretaryThird Secretary

Consulate General Shanghai

CounsellorThird Secretary

Foreign Conflicts

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

40 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the tensions in Cyprus arising from the arrests on the 12 March 2011 in the city of Famagusta; the extent to which the EU has endeavoured to assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11087/11]

We have received reports, including from our Embassy in Cyprus, regarding the arrest of a group of people by Turkish military personnel in Famagusta, northern Cyprus on 12 March. Those arrested included four members of the European Parliament, a clergyman and two other citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. It is reported that on 12 March some of the group entered a church in Varosha, the fenced-off area of Famagusta, where they were arrested by the Turkish Army. The visit to the church was part of a trip organised by a Cypriot MEP to check on damage to Christian churches in the occupied part of the island.

Most detainees were released shortly after their arrest. However, two Greek Cypriots were tried and found guilty of allegedly entering a restricted military zone, and were released on 14 March after paying a fine.

We understand that spokespersons for Commissioner Füle and European Parliament President Buzek expressed regret at the detention of the MEPs and welcomed their subsequent release. We are not aware, however, that this matter has been the subject of specific representations at EU level.

Ireland continues to encourage both sides to work for progress towards the achievement of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state through an honourable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and guaranteeing the basic rights of all Cypriots.

Consular Assistance

John Deasy

Question:

41 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a protocol has been put in place regarding the contacting of relatives of deceased Irish emigrants in the UK in view of media reports that Irish emigrants were being interred without any attempt to find their next-of-kin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11099/11]

The provision of consular assistance by my Department is governed by the terms of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations which was incorporated into Irish law in 1967. Art 37 of that convention stipulates that where a foreign citizen dies in the host country, the relevant authorities of the host country have an obligation to advise the resident/accredited Consular Mission of the deceased's country of citizenship as soon as possible after the death has been confirmed. When an Irish Mission is notified of the death of an Irish citizen, every effort is made, either by the Mission or our Consular Assistance Section, to inform the deceased's next of kin, via the police, as quickly as possible. I am informed that that the number of cases where the relevant Irish Mission was not officially notified of the death of an Irish citizen in that country is extremely rare.

Following on from a media report some months ago which suggested that Irish citizens were being buried in the UK without contact being made with next of kin and a subsequent enquiry by the Deputy, our Embassy in London made enquiries with a number of local authorities in areas with significant Irish populations (Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith, Southwark, Brent) and found no evidence to suggest that the "public burial" of Irish citizens occurs in anything other than very rare cases. I am also informed that while the local authorities do not record such burials by nationality they could not recall any recent cases of Irish people requiring public burials.

I can assure the Deputy that our Embassy assists the police and local authorities in locating relatives of deceased Irish people with no next of kin who come to their attention. Also Irish community and voluntary agencies, which are supported by Government funding, provide a similar service.

I can also advise the Deputy that our Embassy has written to all local authorities in areas with significant Irish populations to ask that it be contacted in cases of deaths of Irish citizens where no next of kin can be located.

Pension Provisions

Michael McGrath

Question:

42 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the PRSA pension option. [11031/11]

The position is that the universal social charge (USC) applies to all emoluments of an employment, including anything treated as a taxable benefit-in-kind. The USC also applies to a person's aggregate income before granting relief in respect of pension contributions, including contributions to a personal retirement savings account (PRSA), a personal pension plan, additional voluntary contributions or a retirement annuity contribution. For the purposes of determining the overall contribution to a PRSA, the amount contributed by an employer is specifically treated as the employee's own contribution and, for this reason, both are subject to the USC in the same way as any other type of pension contribution made by an employee. In contrast, an employer's contribution to a non-PRSA occupational pension is not treated as the employee's own contribution and is not taxed as a benefit-in-kind. If this treatment were not to apply and if the employer contribution, which for PRSA purposes is treated as if it were made by the employee, were to be exempt from USC, an employee who is in a position to influence his or her employer to make contributions to a PRSA on his or her behalf would not pay USC on these contributions, but an employee who is unable to get his or her employer to contribute to his or her PRSA, and instead personally makes contributions of the same amount from his or her own resources, would suffer USC on those contributions.

I should point out that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to carry out a review of the USC and I would anticipate that the review will be completed in time for Budget 2012. The USC treatment of PRSA's may well be within the ambit of the review.

Commission on Credit Unions

Robert Dowds

Question:

43 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance when the Commission on Credit Unions is expected to begin its work; and the length of time it will take to complete same. [11033/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

44 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the remit which will be given to the Commission on Credit Unions. [11034/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

45 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he expects that legislation regarding credit unions may be necessary after the Commission on Credit Unions completes its work. [11035/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 44 and 45 together.

The Deputy will be aware that, under the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland, we have certain commitments in relation to the credit union sector. One of these commitments is to have the Commission on Credit Unions established by end-May 2011. I intend to meet this target.

The Terms of Reference for the Commission will be agreed later this month by Government Decision. The Programme for National Government 2011-2016 sets out the Government position with regard to the credit union sector. The Government recognises the important role of credit unions as a volunteer cooperative movement and the distinction between them and other types of financial institutions. It is intended that, as described in the Programme for Government, the Commission will review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulatory structure for Credit Unions. This will take into account their not-for-profit mandate, their volunteer ethos and community focus, while paying due regard to the need to fully protect depositors' savings and financial stability.

It is clear that legislation will be necessary. The Government has made a commitment under the EU/IMF Programme of Support to submit legislation to the Oireachtas by end-2011 to assist credit unions with a strengthened regulatory framework, including more effective governance and regulatory requirements. The Commission will be required to design a strategy for the future evolution of the sector and while I would not wish to preempt the outcome of the Commission's deliberations, I would envisage that the legislative provisions contained in the Credit Union Act 1997 will have to be amended to underpin the structure, operation and regulation of a modern credit union sector.

Tax Code

Terence Flanagan

Question:

46 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the tax reliefs that were given by him for pensions for the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11044/11]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the cost of tax reliefs for the years specified in the question. The following tables provide a breakdown of the estimated cost of tax and PRSI reliefs relating to private pension contributions for 2006, 2007 and 2008, the latest year for which the most up-to-date data is available. Figures have been rounded where appropriate. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that while corresponding updates of the cost figures are not yet available for the tax year 2009 the necessary work of assembling the basic data to enable this to be done is ongoing. No data is available for 2010.

Estimate of the cost of tax and PRSI reliefs on private pension contributions 2006.

Estimated costs

Numbers*

€ million

Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes

540

693,100

Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes

120

363,100**

Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK

510

363,100

Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs)

435

125,900

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs)

55

45,200

Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions

220

Not available

*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2006.

**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2006.

Estimate of the cost of tax and PRSI reliefs on private pension contributions 2007.

Estimated costs

Numbers*

€ million

Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes

590

708,500

Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes

150

364,700 **

Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK

540

364,700

Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs)

408

121,300

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs)

61

46,600

Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions

240

Not available

*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2007.

**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2007.

Estimate of the cost of tax and PRSI reliefs on private pension contributions 2008.

Estimated costs

Numbers*

€ million

Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes

655

792,600

Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes

165

362,700**

Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK

595

362,700

Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs)

353

116,000

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs)

74

53,900

Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions

255

Not available

*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2008. Figures are as verified to date but may be subject to revision.

**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2008. Figures are as verified to date but may be subject to revision.

Alternative Energy Projects

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the procedures to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is interested in providing biomass fired heating systems for public sector institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11079/11]

Public sector institutions procure biomass fired heating systems, as with any other heating system, in a variety of ways. For the most part the procurement of such equipment would be part of a construction contract: the requirement for the equipment would be described in the mechanical (heating and ventilation) specialist contract. Most such construction contracts are publicly advertised. In other instances the equipment could be included in specific heating works contracts. Here again there is generally a public procurement process and the supply of the equipment would be through a specialist heating contractor. It is not possible to give more specific guidance.

Tax Refunds

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

48 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the procedures to be followed to obtain a refund of income tax paid in respect of medical expenses Med 1 and 2 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for the past four years; if and when a refund will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11092/11]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned has received tax relief in respect of expenditure incurred during the years 2008 and 2009 on prescribed drugs. If additional qualifying expenditure has been incurred on qualifying medical expenses and qualifying dental expenses during the years 2007 to 2010 inclusive, relief can be claimed by submitting completed forms Med 1 and Med 2 to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, East & South East Region, PO Box 1 Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford. Reviews will be carried out when the details are submitted.

Disabled Drivers

Michael Creed

Question:

49 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation regarding a refund of VAT or vehicle registration tax in respect of vehicles used for the transport of persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11101/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) and Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994 (Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 (as amended) provide for permanent relief from the payment of specified maximum amounts of VAT and VRT for persons registered under the scheme. The Deputy may wish to note that an individual who qualifies under the scheme may obtain relief as a driver or a passenger in respect of VRT and VAT subject to a maximum of: * €9,525 for a driver * €15,875 for a passenger.

This relief (comprising both VAT and VRT) is available on the registration of a vehicle in the State where such vehicle has been constructed or adapted for use by the person with a qualifying disability and has an engine size of less than 2,000cc in the case of a driver and 4,000cc in the case of a passenger. Additionally, in the case of a qualifying passenger, the cost of the modifications must amount to at least 10% of the tax free cost of the vehicle.

The Deputy may also wish to note that comprehensive information relating to the relief scheme is available on the Revenue website at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/leaflets/drivers-passengers-with-disabilities-tax-relief-scheme.html

Tax Code

Michael Creed

Question:

50 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is paying emergency income tax; if so, if he will make arrangements for a refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/11]

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer in question is not being taxed on an emergency tax basis. The Revenue Commissioners made contact with the employer and it was confirmed that the details per the Tax Credit Certificate, which issued to them on 13 December 2010 are being applied.

If any further details are required the person should contact the revenue office at 021 6027000.

School Refurbishment

Tom Fleming

Question:

51 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make available the necessary funds for roof works to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [11008/11]

An application under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme for roof works has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.

As the scope of works for this project is outside the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme it cannot be considered for emergency funding. The school has been informed of the decision.

School Staffing

Michael McGrath

Question:

52 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the employment status of teachers that have been employed on contracts of indefinite duration for a significant period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/11]

Department circulars 82/2007 and 34/2009 advise school authorities of the terms agreed for the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003, including Contracts of Indefinite Duration. This agreement was reached following discussions under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (comprising representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education and Skills and of Finance) and with the assistance of an independent facilitator.

Where a teacher is a holder of a Contract of Indefinite Duration their position is analogous to that of a permanent teacher in relation to security of tenure.

School Transport

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

53 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that will be affected from September 2011 in County Donegal in relation to the closed schools rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11015/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

54 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the changed school transport system arsing form the review of value for money for school transport will greatly reduce the number of pupils attending some schools (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11016/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

61 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reverse the closed school rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11063/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 54 and 61 together.

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 Value for Money Review of the scheme.

It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule. The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the closed school rule. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from the school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport.

The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date, who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school. Available statistics, based on sampling undertaken as part of the Value for Money Review, indicate that the impact of this change will be limited as the majority of pupils categorised under the closed school rule are in fact attending their nearest school and will not be affected by this change.

Before implementing this second main change which is proposed for 2012, my Department has requested Bus Éireann to conduct a detailed analysis of the "on the ground" impact for individual schools and the rural communities they serve, including County Donegal. This analysis will be based on the most up to date information available on current school transport usage patterns and I expect to have this information available to me this summer.

I will then have an opportunity to carefully examine the likely affects of this change well in advance of the 2012 implementation date. Given the major financial constraints facing the country, I regret that I cannot reverse the changes to school transport as announced by the previous Government. We all have to understand the legacy of economic mismanagement which the last Government gave to the country.

School Staffing

Timmy Dooley

Question:

55 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed suppression of a resource teacher for Travellers at a primary school (details supplied) in County Clare. [11028/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the decision to withdraw Resource Teacher for Travellers was taken by the previous Government as part of the last Budget. The requirement to make expenditure savings and to ensure that staffing numbers remain within the Public Service Employment Control Framework prevent me from re-visiting this decision.

Resource Teacher for Traveller posts/Teaching Hours for Traveller pupils will be withdrawn, effective from 31st August 2011. Traveller pupils who are eligible for learning support teaching should receive this tuition through the existing learning support provision in schools. All schools should select students for learning support on the basis of priority of need.

Limited alleviation or adjustment measures are being provided to assist schools that have high concentrations of Traveller pupils who were previously supported by Resource Teachers for Travellers.

In respect of DEIS, (Developing Equality of Opportunity in Schools), Traveller enrolments have been included in the valid enrolment for the purpose of allocating additional staffing under DEIS from the 2011/12 school year. The schools involved have already received their staffing allocations for next year.

For schools other than DEIS schools in receipt of enhanced pupil teacher ratios, alleviation measures are being provided to assist schools with high concentrations of Traveller pupils who were previously supported by RTT posts. Any alleviation measures must be considered in the context of the limited resources that are available to my Department. As such, alleviation measures are being concentrated on schools which had 33 or more pupils supported by RTT posts, based on 2009/10 school year enrolments.

Michael McGrath

Question:

56 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the substance of a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) with him and which was initially acknowledged in correspondence by his Department. [11036/11]

The main focus of the Teacher Allocation Section within my Department, is the allocation process for the 2011/12 school year and the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers into vacancies.

My Department will then be working on supplementary panels for fixed-term teachers and will recognise as appropriate, substitute service. In this context, the teacher referred to by the Deputy has been advised accordingly.

Schools Building Projects

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

57 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will prioritise the construction of a new school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11045/11]

The project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. Although planning permission has already been secured, there are still outstanding elements of the architectural planning process which must be completed before the project could be considered for progression to tender and construction. The Deputy will note that this project was not included in the 2011 school building work programme announced earlier this year.

The Design Team were recently authorised to apply for all outstanding statutory approvals including a Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate (DAC). My Department awaits notification by the school when those certificates have been secured.

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

Higher Education Grants

Tom Fleming

Question:

58 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will immediately reverse the qualifying criteria for the non-adjacent rate of higher education grants in view of the fact that it directly impedes on 628 students attending the IT in Tralee, County Kerry who are in receipt of the student grant and it will also have grave consequences for the college. [11047/11]

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

These changes include removal of the automatic eligibility of mature students to the higher non-adjacent rate of grant. This will come into effect from the start of the 2011/12 academic year.

I regret that given current economic circumstances I am not in a position to reverse any of the 2011 budgetary changes to the student grant schemes including that relating to the qualifying distance criteria for the non-adjacent rate of grant.

The Deputy may wish to know that, qualifying mature students, as with all other qualifying students, will continue to receive student grants at the current rate applicable to their individual circumstances together with full support for payment of fees and the Student Contribution. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance grant. In addition, some €5 million remains available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.

In addition, qualifying mature students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will be eligible for the higher non-adjacent rate of grant.

I understand the concerns of students with regard to the 2011 measures and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.

Special Educational Needs

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

59 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a review of the general allocation model for allocation of special needs resources will be initiated in order for these essential resources to be targeted where they are needed most. [11048/11]

A review of the General Allocation Model (GAM) for the allocation of learning support/resource teaching support to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs in primary schools has been undertaken by my Department. This review has been completed. The recommendations of the review will be considered in the context of the Departments Employment Control Framework obligations and competing demands on teacher numbers and educational resources.

Schools Building Projects

Tom Fleming

Question:

60 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the necessary funding to construct a new twelve classroom primary school in Miltown, County Kerry in place of the existing school (details supplied) in view of the fact that it does not meet health and safety standards. [11062/11]

A major capital application has been made to the Department for the provision of a new school building for the proposed school. In accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects, the project for this school has been assigned a Band 1.4 rating.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school in question at this time.

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 53.

Special Educational Needs

Terence Flanagan

Question:

62 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will meet with this Deputy and an organisation (details supplied) regarding funding for children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11074/11]

I previously informed the Deputy that the proposal for an academy for children with autism from the organisation in question was being examined by officials in my Department. Furthermore I advised that the need for any meetings in this context would be considered as part of this examination. My officials will respond to the organisation in this regard presently.

Alternative Energy Projects

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

63 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is interested in providing biomass fired heating systems for public sector institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11078/11]

The Department of Education and Skills does not endorse individual products or suppliers nor does it maintain lists of approved contractors, sub-contractors or suppliers. As long as a product is in line with the Departments general guidelines (Technical Guidance Documents available at www.education.ie) it is open to the design team on any particular project to consider that product along with all viable alternatives when designing a school. It is a matter for each business to determine how best to market its particular product and to convince Architects and M&E Engineers who may be engaged in designing schools of the merits of that particular product over other alternatives available on the market.

School Enrolments

David Stanton

Question:

64 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is considering issuing guidelines to schools regarding admissions policies in general and in particular with reference to an equality tribunal case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11100/11]

The Education Act of 1998 contains particular provisions in relation to admission of pupils and provided certain appellate mechanisms. In the period since its enactment there have been a number of judicial decisions and other judgements such as the case referred to by the Deputy. I believe that it is time to take a fresh look at how primary legislation and regulation in this area could be developed in order to meet the needs of parents, pupils and schools in a more efficient and effective manner and moving on possible legislative and regulatory change is a clear priority for me this year.

Schools Building Projects

John McGuinness

Question:

65 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will appoint a design team to complete phase two of the works to be undertaken at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11127/11]

The Deputy will be aware that a major building project is being advanced for the school in question. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 1 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school in question at this time. Meanwhile, the school has been requested to seek tenders for emergency works to part of an old school structure on the site.

Work Permits

Michael Creed

Question:

66 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of work permits issued to date by him for 2011 to the meat processing industry; the number of work permits renewed in 2011; if, in view of the record levels of unemployment his policy in this area the progress being made on training persons working in meat plants so as to reduce the number of work permits required in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11111/11]

To date in 2011, eight new work permits have been issued in respect of the meat processing industry. All eight permits were issued in respect of non-EEA nationals already in the State on valid employment permits but who wished to change employer. Additionally, 36 work permits in respect of non-EEA nationals already in the State with work permits were renewed with their existing employers.

Given the high levels of unemployment adverted to by the Deputy giving rise to over-capacity of labour supply in the domestic labour market, it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:

highly skilled, highly paid positions or;

non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;

where there is an officially recognised scarcity of workers of a particular type or qualification.

In light of the challenging domestic labour market situation, all new applications for work permits, including those in the meat industry, will continue to be subject to a strict labour market needs test intended to maximize opportunities for the filling of vacancies from within the Irish labour market and the wider EEA.

The issue of further training in this sector is now a matter for my colleague, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills. However, it is standard practice for my Department to advise companies enquiring about new work permits for non-EEA nationals to consult with FÁS in the first instance in relation to their requirements.

Social Welfare Appeals

John O'Mahony

Question:

67 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision in respect of the their appeal for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10982/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has acknowledged receipt of an appeal against the decision of the Community Welfare Officer not to award a rent supplement to the person concerned. A decision on entitlement will be made by the HSE's designated Appeals Officer in due course.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Michael McGrath

Question:

68 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if the Money Advice and Budgeting Service is currently undertaking or has any recruitment plans at its various offices around the country. [11053/11]

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisers is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors. MABS undertake recruitment as vacancies arise in their services, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Vacancies are generally advertised on the MABS website as well as locally. All appointments are subject to funding being available. One such temporary post to cover a planned leave of absence will be advertised shortly. There are no plans for recruitment at a national level.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

69 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible to bring forward an oral hearing in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10969/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. 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. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. 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.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but the person will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Programmes

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

70 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the position in human resources in relation to the setting up of Tús is restricted only to persons who have been unemployed for 12 months or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11000/11]

The then 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. The initiative, known as Tús, was launched on the 21st December 2010 and work on developing the necessary implementation structures, including running trials, has been underway since then.

The aim of Tús is to provide short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. The criteria applying to recruitment to the supervisor/team leader position and to the selection of participants for work placements is the same and are that a person must satisfy the following conditions:

A person must be unemployed and in receipt of a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months, and

Currently in receipt of jobseekers allowance, and

Fully unemployed.

The criteria will ensure that the focus of Tús is on those people who are long-term unemployed. For this reason, eligibility is at present confined to those on the Live Register for 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently affected by long-term unemployment.

Social Welfare Benefits

Mattie McGrath

Question:

71 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11025/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on the 11th February 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on the 30th March 2011 advising of the decision.

Áine Collins

Question:

72 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11027/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 29th March 2011. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion on the case. When this opinion is received a decision will issue to the customer.

Ray Butler

Question:

73 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath has been refused an application for disability allowance; if the application will be reviewed as this person was unsuccessful in a recent job interview due to their medical condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11058/11]

An application for disability allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by the Deciding Officer on the grounds that the person concerned was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 March 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 6 May 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

74 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a jobseeker’s allowance was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11075/11]

The jobseeker's allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed because the deciding officer was not satisfied that he fully disclosed the details of his means. He had not shown that his weekly means were less than €188.00.

John O'Mahony

Question:

75 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection if a dog owner in receipt of social welfare allowance may receive extra payment for dog food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11094/11]

The position remains as advised in question number 146 which was answered for the Deputy on 1 December 2010. There are no payments made by the Department of Social Protection towards the cost of caring for a dog.

John McGuinness

Question:

76 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a request for supplementary allowance will be processed and granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [11114/11]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE have confirmed that they have no outstanding claim for SWA from the person in question.

John McGuinness

Question:

77 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the rent payments due to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be paid to them as they were unable to collect the payment due to illness. [11118/11]

Where payment is made by Electronic Information Transfer (EIT) at a post office, the payment must be collected within six days; failure to collect the payment within the specified period will result in the payment being returned to the Department. If the person concerned was unable to collect his payment then he should contact his local community welfare officer to discuss the matter.

John McGuinness

Question:

78 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for supplementary welfare allowance will be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite a response. [11121/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that following a recent review of the entitlements of the person concerned she was refused a basic weekly supplementary welfare allowance payment as the household means were in excess of the limits for the family.

The HSE further advised that the person concerned was recently awarded an exceptional needs payment in lieu of household bills. The person in question should contact her local community welfare officer to discuss any ongoing financial difficulties.

John McGuinness

Question:

79 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if financial assistance and support with mortgage arrears and interest will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the refusal which issued will be re-issued and if she will expedite a response. [11122/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) advised that, following a routine review, payment of mortgage interest supplement ceased as there was sufficient household income to meet the mortgage interest costs.

If the person concerned is experiencing exceptional financial difficulties, which he could not reasonably be expected to meet out of his weekly income then it remains open to that person to apply for an exceptional needs payment to the community welfare officer at his local health centre.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

80 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent supplement was not paid in respect of April 2011 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11132/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that payment of rent supplement to the person concerned was suspended as his primary social welfare payment was suspended. The HSE further advised that payment of his rent supplement has now been restored and that payment of arrears for April 2011 will issue with his May 2011 payment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

81 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent supplement payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11133/11]

The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of his correct rent supplement entitlement having regard to his household circumstances.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

82 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position in the matter of rent supplement in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who did not receive payment for the month of April; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11135/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that in December 2008, the person concerned was awarded a rent supplement in respect of accommodation which was in excess of the prescribed rent limits for a single person. Payment was awarded as an exceptional measure on the understanding that the person concerned was awaiting a court hearing to establish overnight access to his children.

The HSE has further advised that in early February 2011 it informed the person concerned that as he had failed to provide any evidence that he had regular or overnight access to his children, it would continue payment of rent supplement until March 2011. This was to allow the person in question time to secure alternative accommodation within the prescribed limits for a single person. The HSE has received no subsequent contact from the person concerned and payment has been suspended from April 2011.

Question No. 83 withdrawn.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

84 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of jobseeker’s allowance or family income supplement for which a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11142/11]

The person concerned is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance at a weekly rate of €60.60. This payment includes a personal rate, and increases in respect of a qualified adult and a qualified child less weekly means assessed due to spousal earnings. The rate of payment is correct according to the current information available to the deciding officer.

In order for an entitlement to Family Income Supplement (FIS) to be assessed the spouse of the person concerned should submit an application.

Turbary Rights

Sean Fleming

Question:

85 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if payments have been made to date; the amount of such payments; to whom payment was made in respect of a bog in County Laois (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10960/11]

I am arranging for officials of my Department to forward the available details in this case directly to the Deputy.

Inland Waterways

Patrick Deering

Question:

86 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport when Waterways Ireland will replace the wall that has fallen into the River Barrow at Fonthill, Ballinabranagh, County Carlow. [10998/11]

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that this wall forms the boundary between its back-drain and the Carlow-Milford road. Approximately 20m of the wall collapsed due to construction traffic involved in the building of the new M9/M10 motorway works. It is understood that the cost of replacing the wall would be of the order of €60,000.

I understand that in discussions between representatives of Waterways Ireland and Carlow County Council it emerged, unfortunately, that this wall was not included in the compensation received by the County Council from the NRA for damage to the roads in the area as a result of the M9/M10 works.

Waterways Ireland has informed me that as this wall does not impinge in the navigation and there are no plans at present to replace the wall. However, if funding was to become available from the motorway project, Waterways Ireland would be happy to have the wall rebuilt in co-operation with Carlow County Council.

Patrick Deering

Question:

87 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if he will consider building a marina at Rudkins Mill, Bagenalstown, County Carlow, to coincide with the 220th anniversary of the opening of the River Barrow as a navigable river. [10999/11]

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that it has no plans at present to build a marina at this location. Such a project was not included in the programme of capital works for the waterways submitted in the context of the National Development Plan and accordingly no funding has been allocated for it.

Alternative Energy Projects

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if and when biomass heating as proposed by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/11]

No application under the name supplied has been made to any of the renewable energy or energy efficiency schemes run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, or to the REFIT scheme operated by my Department. I would, however, invite the Deputy to contact my Department directly if he has any further queries on any application that any individual may wish to make.

Telecommunications Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he expects to meet the highspeed broadband requirements of the entire country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11082/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

90 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred options for delivery of high speed broadband to all areas throughout the country with particular reference to domestic and commercial needs and to facilitate economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11083/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.

The provision of electronic communications services, including broadband, is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers. Significant improvements have been made in recent years in terms of broadband availability and broadband quality. For example, broadband products with speeds ranging from 25 megabits per second (mbps) up to 100 mbps are now available to over 500,000 premises using coaxial cable. Basic telephone lines now provide digital subscriber line quality (DSL) offering speeds of up to 24 mbps, depending on distance from exchanges. In addition to these improvements in fixed line services, developments in wireless technologies are also delivering higher speeds. WiMax products, which are increasingly available, offer speeds of up to 10 mbps while mobile broadband speeds of up to 21 mbps are also available in some areas.

Under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband to every home and business in the State. Consideration of how best to advance these proposals, for which my colleague Minister of State O'Dowd has specific responsibility, is being advanced by my Department with other stakeholders across Government.

In order to accelerate the development of high speed broadband, my colleague, the Minister of State Deputy O'Dowd, and I intend to engage intensively with industry. The discussions will focus on identifying private and State sector investment plans, removal of barriers to investment where appropriate, and establishing appropriate targets and programmes. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which includes representatives of large and smaller telecommunications network providers, will consider how best to roll out Next Generation Broadband. The NGBT will meet shortly to discuss policy and related matters. I expect that the NGBT will be helpful in terms of identifying the optimal policy position to deliver wider customer access to high-speed broadband.

Energy Resources

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

91 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total number of oil, gas other mineral explorations in each of the past ten years to date in 2011; the number deemed commercial or viable; the number of licences issued but not activated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11084/11]

The number of Mineral Prospecting Licences and Petroleum Exploration Licences granted in each year between 2001 and 2011 are set out in the table.

Licences Granted during period 2001-2011

Year

Prospecting Licences (Minerals)

Petroleum Exploration Licences

2001

44

0

2002

37

0

2003

22

0

2004

26

3

2005

51

7

2006

84

4

2007

143

5

2008

91

5

2009

66

1

2010

93

0

2011 to date

20

0

Total

677

25

Exploration under the petroleum licences is ongoing and while there have been a number of new finds of oil and gas in the Irish Offshore in the past 10 years, none of these have been declared commercial to date. Sixteen of the twenty-five petroleum exploration licences granted during the period are still active.

No Prospecting Licences issued in the last ten years have resulted in the discovery of economic mineral deposits resulting in new mining developments. All prospecting Licences once issued are deemed to be active.

Alternative Energy Projects

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the degree to which he will support the alternative energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11085/11]

The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff scheme (REFIT), which is administered by my Department is the key support scheme for the renewable energy sector, supporting renewable energy generators with a guaranteed price in the wholesale electricity market. State Aid Clearance for the REFIT scheme was obtained from the European Commission in September 2007 and a renewal and expansion of the Scheme is being finalised with the Commission.

The expanded REFIT will encompass biomass and high efficiency CHP as well as wind.

In addition to the Feed in Tariff support mechanisms, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's programmes are supporting the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies including, for example, microgeneration and wave energy prototypes.

Postal Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred options for the future development of the postal services with particular reference to the need for a nationwide comprehensive letter and parcel next day delivery service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11086/11]

The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. The Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill, which is due to be debated at Committee Stage in the Dáil shortly, sets out a robust regulatory framework for the postal services market which is open to competition since 1 January 2011 under the Third Postal Services Directive (EU Directive 2008/6/EC).

In designing the new regulatory framework, the key principles are the maintenance of universal postal services, the essential element of which is the five day collection and delivery of postal packets to every home and premises in the State, and the provision of competitively priced high quality postal services to both business and residential customers.

Grant Payments

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the attic insulation grant will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11091/11]

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy programme on behalf of my Department. My officials have requested SEAI to contact the individual in question as soon as possible.

Local Government Charges

Niall Collins

Question:

95 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the non-principal private residence charge is payable on investment properties at which an owner can avail of tax relief and capital allowances including section 23 type relief, section 50 type relief, including student accommodation, nursing homes, tourist accommodation and hotel accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11064/11]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which sets out the detail of the €200 charge on non-principal private residences, is structured from a starting position of a universal liability for the charge in respect of residential property. It goes on to exempt certain properties and owners from the charge, the most significant exemption being where a property is occupied by the owner as his or her sole or main residence on the liability date.

While there is no specific exemption from the charge for investment properties for which an owner can avail of tax relief and capital allowances, the Local Government (Charges) Act makes it clear that a property will be exempt from the charge if it is liable for commercialrates.

Departmental Schemes

Joan Collins

Question:

96 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided for each urban regeneration project in 2011; the status of the current regeneration projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/11]

My Department currently supports an ambitious programme of regeneration projects to deliver integrated physical, social and economic regeneration, ranging from large-scale urban regeneration projects such as those in Ballymun and Limerick City to smaller estate-wide regeneration projects in Dublin City and in a number of regional towns around the country.

This year, my Department is providing some €124.6 million to support this important national regeneration programme.

Details of the current status of each project and the amount of funding set aside for 2011 are set out in the following table:

Project

Project Status

Funding

Ballymun Regeneration

Ongoing. Projected completion date of 2014.

53,000,000

Dublin City — Inner City Flat Complexes

Ongoing — construction work underway

6,000,000

Regeneration Projects at St. Michaels Estate, O’Devaney Gardens, Dominick Street and proposed projects at Croke Villas, St. Teresa’s Gardens and Dolphin House

St. Michael’s Estate regeneration currently underway.Outline plans prepared by Dublin City Council for O’Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street; detailed plans expected in the course of 2011.Other projects at early planning stage.

7,000,000

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown — Laurel Avenue

Project complete.

1,100,000

Cork City — The Glen & Knocknaheeny

Projects ongoing. Construction commenced on the Glen, Phase 2. Social inclusion projects being advanced in Knocknaheeny. Detenanting ongoing to facilitate future refurbishment and construction.

14,000,000

Waterford City

Nearing completion.

1,000,000

Limerick Regeneration

Phase 1 plans, involving 26 capital projects, approved by Government in June, 2010. Social inclusion and research projects ongoing. New housing development to commence construction shortly at Cliona Park, Moyross.

35,000,000

Sligo Borough — Cranmore

Enabling works and community projects to commence this year.

2,000,000

Tralee Town — Mitchel’s Crescent

Ongoing — construction and social inclusion projects underway.

5,000,000

Dundalk Town — Cox’s Demesne

Masterplan process ongoing. Estate improvement works ongoing.

500,000

Total

124,600,000

Emergency Services

Michael McGrath

Question:

97 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that emergency personnel have equipment to measure carbon monoxide when attending the scene of an emergency. [11023/11]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade (including the provision of equipment for the detection of hazardous materials, such as carbon monoxide), is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act, 1981.

My Department supports the local fire authorities through setting of general policy, the provision of capital funding, training support and issue of guidance on operational and other related matters.

Fire Services will continue to be developed having regard to service priorities, the need to maximise effectiveness and efficiency, and taking account of the resources available. My Department does not have a role in the provision of equipment for An Garda Síochána or the Ambulance Service.

Unfinished Housing Estates

Terence Flanagan

Question:

98 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding unfinished housing estates and his plan to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11046/11]

The high-level Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, established in October 2010 following the publication of my Department's National Housing Development Survey database, is identifying practical and policy solutions to address the difficulties associated with unfinished housing developments effectively and promptly. On foot of the interim analysis and findings of the Expert Group, which was published on 17 February 2011, initial funding provision of €5m is being made available to local authorities to deal with immediate safety issues and works to improve the living conditions for existing residents. My Department has put in place the necessary arrangements for local authorities to make applications for funding for the most urgent and serious cases.

I received the final Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments on 6 May 2011; I will consider its findings and recommendations as a matter of urgency and will bring proposed actions and recommendations to Government for approval.

Local Authority Staff

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

99 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of assistant city and county managers in place here prior to the inception of Better Local Government; the number of directors of services subsequently appointed; the number of directors of services currently in place in a full time or acting capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11097/11]

There were 12 assistant county managers and 6 assistant city managers in place prior to the inception of Better Local Government in December 1996.

There were 151 whole time equivalent (WTE) Directors of Service appointed by the end of December 2001. According to the most recent returns there were 222 Directors of Service in place at the end of March 2011 representing a reduction of 46 from the December 2008 figure of 268.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

100 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied with the number of women taking up senior management positions in local government; the number of women who occupied positions at manager or assistant county manager level in cities and counties prior to the inception of Better Local Government; the number of women subsequently appointed as directors of services and the number of female managers or directors of services currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11098/11]

Information on the number of women who occupied positions at manager or assistant county manager level in cities and counties prior to the inception of Better Local Government; the number of women subsequently appointed as directors of services; and the number of female managers or directors of services currently in place is not held by my Department. Local government competitions at senior level are held by the Public Appointments Service in co-operation with my Department and the relevant local authorities, all of whom are committed to the highest standards of customer service and comply with equality and other relevant legislation and codes of practice.

Local Authority Housing

Finian McGrath

Question:

101 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Dublin City Council is contacting a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in relation to an error. [11102/11]

Local authority rents are set in accordance with a rent scheme adopted by each local council. The making and amending of these rent schemes, including the management of rent arrears, are a matter for the housing authority as an integral part of their housing management functions, subject to broad principles laid down by my Department in Circular letter HRT 3/2002 of 6 March 2002.

Local Authority Staff

Finian McGrath

Question:

102 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current salary of the Dublin city manager; and the salary of the most senior housing manager in Dublin City Council. [11109/11]

The salary of the Dublin city Manager is €189,301. The salary of the Assistant City Manager assigned to Housing and Residential Services is €132,511.

Charities Regulation

Tom Fleming

Question:

103 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will formulate a registrar for all charities and set up a charities office with powers to audit and investigate the activities of charities and to deal with complaints. [11043/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that Charities in Ireland have been unregulated since the foundation of the State. The purpose of the Charities Act 2009 is to enact a reform of the law relating to charities in order to ensure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud. It will also enhance public trust and confidence in charities and increase transparency in the charities sector. The Charities Act 2009, together with the Charities Acts 1961 and 1973 and the Street and House to House Collections Act 1962, will provide for a composite regulatory framework for charities through a combination of new legislative provisions and retention of existing charities legislation, with updating, where appropriate.

The enactment of the charities legislation did not immediately bring the Charities Act 2009 into force. In this regard, commencement of the majority of the Act is contingent on a Charities Regulatory Authority being in place. The Charities Regulatory Authority, as well as establishing and maintaining a register of charitable organisations, will also have the power to ensure and monitor compliance by charitable organisations with the Charities Act 2009 and to carry out investigations in accordance with the Charities Act 2009.

The Department is currently working towards the implementation of the Charities Act 2009 which will entail the establishment of a new Register of Charities and the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) but there is a substantial body of work to be carried out before the CRA and the Charities Register can be established. In other jurisdictions it has taken a number of years to achieve this and that will be the case in this country also.

International Terrorism

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

104 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received a security briefing regarding the recent arrests under the Terrorism Act in the UK regarding the Sellafield plant; if he will confirm when he received this briefing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10986/11]

While I receive regular briefings from the Garda Commissioner on security matters it is not the practice to disclose publicly the details of these briefings. I can assure the Deputy, however, that An Garda Síochána maintains close and regular contact with their counterparts in the United Kingdom in relation to a broad range of issues, including security and terrorism related issues.

Road Traffic Accidents

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

105 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legal basis for withholding the Garda abstract report, copies of statements of witnesses, sketches and maps of the scene from families who have lost a loved one in a fatal road collision until after the coroner’s inquest has been heard in view of the fact that these documents contain vital information for families and are required by them in advance of the coroner’s inquest in order to assist them in preparing for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10989/11]

Coroners are independent office holders with responsibility under the law — the Coroners Act 1962 — for the medicolegal investigation of the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths. That Act makes no reference to the disclosure of particular documentation to families prior to inquest. Disclosure is at the discretion of the coroner, having regard to the circumstances involved in the particular case and the requirement for fair procedures.

While neither I nor my Department have any role in individual cases, I understand that the general tendency is towards the release of documents prior to inquest. I suggest that the family contact the relevant Coroner's Office to discuss the matter. Should it become apparent to me that such documentation is not as a general rule being released to families I will give consideration to the enactment of legislation on the matter.

Visa Applications

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

106 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on progress to make it easier for visitors or business persons coming from non-EU and emerging countries to obtain a visa; if the possibilities of exploring reciprocal recognition of our visas with Britain is being explored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11009/11]

The Deputy will no doubt be aware of announcements in recent days in relation to the Government's Jobs Initiative. In conjunction with the Jobs Initiative, I announced yesterday in a speech to the Dáil details of a short term visa waiver scheme for visitors travelling to Ireland from the UK. This will be my Department's contribution to the range of supports and incentives which will be provided to support the tourism industry, especially in its efforts to attract visitors to Ireland from new and emerging markets.

The Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme will provide for visa-free travel to Ireland for the holders of UK visas from 14 additional countries. The Waiver Programme will cover tourists and business people from the countries concerned, which are in Asia, the Middle East, certain former Soviet and Yugoslav republics and Turkey, and which include the important emerging markets in China and India. Approximately 30,000 Short Stay visas were issued to visitors from the target countries during 2010. Under the Waiver Programme, visitors who are in possession of a valid visa to enter the UK will be able to travel to Ireland from the UK without the need to obtain a separate Irish visa. This will entail a saving or €60 per visitor or, for example, €240 in the case of a family of four. Importantly, this will ensure ease of travel throughout the island for visitors who wish to visit both Northern Ireland and this jurisdiction.

The Waiver Programme will be introduced on a pilot basis from July of this year to October 2012 (to cover London Olympics period and beyond). The pilot programme will be monitored throughout its running and is capable of being amended or expanded at any point.

Proposed Legislation

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

107 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to initiate spent convictions legislation in view of the impact the absence of such legislation has on the employment prospects abroad of our many emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I expect to be in a position to publish a new Bill dealing with spent convictions before the Summer. While it is expected that the provisions in the Bill, when enacted, will be of some assistance to those emigrants with certain convictions seeking to work abroad, it should be noted that any person wishing to work in another country will continue to be bound by the laws of that jurisdiction with regard to the disclosure of criminal records.

Citizenship Applications

Áine Collins

Question:

108 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11037/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2010. The application is currently being processed 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 as expeditiously as possible.

In that context, as I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7th April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements will be publicly announced once my Department is in a position to implement them.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. 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 Vetting of Personnel

Jack Wall

Question:

109 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for a Garda clearance certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11042/11]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person referred to was received by the Vetting Unit. However, the application was returned to the registered organisation as further enquiries were required to be made. Once a fully completed application is received by the Vetting Unit it will be processed accordingly.

Garda Investigations

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

110 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the powers the Garda has to compel persons to hand over encryption codes or keys as part of an ongoing investigation if the encrypted information being sought is thought to be of importance to a case; his plans to bring forward legislation in the area of data encryption when it interferes with criminal investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11050/11]

Section 48 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 gives members of An Garda Síochána power to obtain a search warrant with a view to obtaining evidence of any breaches of that legislation. A member of An Garda Síochána acting under the authority of such a search warrant may require any person at that place who appears to the member to have lawful access to the information in any such computer to give to the member any password necessary to operate it, otherwise enable the member to examine the information accessible by the computer in a form in which the information is visible and legible, or to produce the information in a form in which it can be removed and in which it is, or can be made, visible and legible. Section 63 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 (as amended) provides that where a member of An Garda Síochána has been granted an order to make material available, if the material consists of information contained in a computer, the order shall have effect as an order to produce the material, or to give access to it, in a form which is legible and comprehensible or can be made so and in which it can be taken away.

Legislation is being prepared in my Department to give effect in Irish law to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime. Article 19 of the Convention refers to the search and seizure of stored computer data in criminal investigations. It requires parties to the Convention to enact measures to enable their authorities to compel certain persons with knowledge of the computer system which is to be searched to assist in the search and seizure of computer data.

In the coming days, I will bring forward the Criminal Justice Bill 2011, which is intended to address delays in the prosecution and investigation of white collar crime. The Bill will provide for new detailed measures relating to the production of documents required for the investigation and prosecution of complex crimes. These measures will contain provisions relating to access to documents which are not in legible form.

Residency Permits

Jack Wall

Question:

111 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 7 April 2011, a final decision has been made; if not, when such a decision will be made or if the person (details supplied) has to supply any additional information regarding their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11051/11]

As the Deputy is aware from my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 7 April, 2011 a request by the applicant for a review of the decision in this case was received on 23 February 2011. I am to advise that the application for review is currently under consideration. 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.

Commercial Rent Reviews

Michael McGrath

Question:

112 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the issue of upward only rent reviews in existing commercial leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11054/11]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 21 April 2011 which states:

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government indicates that legislation will be introduced to end upward only rent reviews for existing leases. I am in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to progressing this matter as expeditiously as possible. That consultation will, of course, take account of all relevant factors which pertain to this matter.

The position is unchanged since then.

Garda Investigations

Michael McGrath

Question:

113 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the options available to the Garda and the Director of Corporate Enforcement to ensure they have access to any person abroad wanted for questioning in connection with the banking investigations currently under way; the position regarding the extradition of any such person to Ireland for questioning or for any subsequent prosecution concerning these matters. [11055/11]

Section 62 of the Act provides, inter alia, that assistance may be sought by a judge or the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in obtaining a statement of evidence for the purposes of criminal proceedings or a criminal investigation.Both the courts and the DPP are independent in the exercise of their functions and, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have no function in deciding to seek assistance in a particular case. I can assure the Deputy, however, that my Department — which acts as the Irish Central Authority for Mutual Assistance in criminal matters — works closely with authorities in other states in securing assistance expeditiously where assistance has been sought.

The European Arrest Warrant Act 2003, which became law on 1 January 2004, gives effect to the European Union Council Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 on the European Arrest Warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States.It puts in place simplified procedures for the surrender of persons between the Member States of the EU. Under the provisions of the Act, a court may, upon application made by or on behalf of the DPP, issue a European Arrest Warrant in respect of a person where it is satisfied, inter alia, that a domestic warrant has been issued for the arrest of that person but has not been executed and the person may not be in the State. As previously stated, both the courts and the DPP are independent in the exercise of their functions and, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have no function in the making of such an application.

In relation to a person outside the EU, a request for extradition can only arise where the DPP has decided that an individual should be prosecuted in the first instance. The decision to seek the extradition of a person charged with a criminal offence in this State rests with the DPP.

Departmental Expenditure

Finian McGrath

Question:

114 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will revisit the cut in funding for the Justice for the Forgotten group as a matter of priority. [11110/11]

In the period from 2003 to 2008 Justice for the Forgotten received total funding of over €1.2 million through the Remembrance Commission, which was financed by my Department. Given the severe financial restraints under which my Department, in common with other Government Departments, must operate, there is unfortunately no further funding available to me to direct to Justice for the Forgotten.

As the Deputy will be aware, from 2003-2008 the Remembrance Commission operated a Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance for Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. Under the Scheme, payments could be made to individuals under various categories such as acknowledgement payments, economic hardship payments and medical expenses payments. The Scheme also contained a provision to enable payments to be paid to groups offering support services to victims of the conflict. Under this element of the Scheme payments were made to Justice for the Forgotten for the purpose of meeting the counselling and other needs of victims or their family members. During the period of operation of the Scheme Justice for the Forgotten received €1.2m of the €1.5m allocated for victim support services and was the only recipient of money under this heading. In addition the organisation had received over €890,000 from the Department of the Taoiseach in the period 2000-2003.

The term of appointment of the Remembrance Commission came to an end on 31 October 2008 and funding under the Scheme ended at that stage. Nevertheless, a decision was taken at that time to grant further funding to Justice for the Forgotten totalling €190,300 to enable it to continue to operate while seeking to put alternative funding options in place. I understand that Justice for the Forgotten has been integrated into the Pat Finucane Centre and is still in operation. I can assure the Deputy that those victims who require ongoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in bombings and other incidents arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland will continue to be provided for by my Department, through the Victims of Crime Office.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the likely timeframe for the process of application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11136/11]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April, 2008. My predecessor decided in his absolute discretion not to grant the application. The person concerned was informed of this decision and the reason for it in a letter issued to him on 24th March, 2011.

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.

Deportation Orders

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the decision to deport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork having particular regard to their health situation and strong local support for their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11137/11]

As it is not possible from the information provided to identify the person to whom the Deputy is referring, I regret that I cannot provide the information sought at this time. However, if the Deputy wishes to contact my Department with the full name and reference number of the person concerned, a substantive response in relation to the case will be provided. I would remind the Deputy that his query may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will study the report prepared by the Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in the context of determination of future residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11140/11]

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 24th August, 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

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

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by 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.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the determination of citizenship status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11143/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April, 2008.

The application is currently being processed 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 as expeditiously as possible.

In that context, as I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7th April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements will be publicly announced once my Department is in a position to implement them.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for determination of application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11144/11]

Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must—

be of full age

be of good character

have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years

have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State

In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include—

periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State

periods granted for the purposes of study

periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.

As I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7th April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements will be publicly announced once my Department is in a position to implement them.

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.

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected position in respect of residency or naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11145/11]

The persons concerned are a husband and his wife who entered the State on 10th September, 2004 and lodged separate asylum applications on 17th May, 2006. Their asylum applications were considered by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of whom concluded that the persons concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as refugees.

Arising from the refusal of their respective asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the persons concerned were separately notified, by letters dated 7th March, 2011 that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them. In addition, they were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The position in the State of the persons concerned now falls to be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Any representations submitted will be considered before the files are passed to me for decision. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the persons concerned.

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

Work Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has lived and worked here continuously from 2001 to 2009 on foot of work permits and has now again secured employment but requires update of stamp 4, does not require a work permit having spent more than five years here in permanent employment, has financial commitments for which he is liable and urgently requires update of stamp 4 to fulfil his obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11146/11]

The person concerned had worked in the State for a number of years on foot of employment permits, the last of which lapsed on 24th February 2009. His application for Long Term Residency, made on 7th March, 2008, was refused, a decision conveyed in writing to him by letter dated 9th September, 2009.

Arising from the refusal of his Long Term Residency application, and given that the person concerned had no other valid basis to remain in the State, he was notified, by letter dated 18th May, 2010, of the proposal to make a Deportation Order in respect of him, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him.

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

As a person with no right of residency in the State, the person concerned is not entitled to seek or enter employment in the State at this time.

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

Grant Payments

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

122 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10974/11]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in August 2009 and received the first year's payment in full.

75% of the year 2 payment has been approved by my officials and will issue shortly. Payment of the final 25% will issue at the earliest possible date once all checks have been completed.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Jim Daly

Question:

123 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an exemption will be made for an agri-environment options scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11012/11]

Section 8.7 of the Terms and Conditions of the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme provides that persons participating in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme are not eligible to join the scheme.

The closing date for AEOS is Monday 16th May 2011 and as the person named does not complete their REPS3 contract until the 31st May 2011, they will not be eligible to join the scheme in 2011.

Grant Payments

Áine Collins

Question:

124 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the reduction made to a payment will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11019/11]

The person named was the subject of a Nitrates inspection by the Integrated Controls Division of my Department acting on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the 6th of May 2010. This inspection uncovered discrepancies that were deemed to be intentional and a penalty of 20% was recorded against the 2010 Direct Payment for the person named.

The person named was informed of this decision 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. To date no such request has been received.

Aquaculture Licences

Tom Fleming

Question:

125 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will grant an oyster growing licence to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [11041/11]

The application referred to is in respect of a site located within Castlemaine Harbour which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site).

All applications in ‘Natura' areas are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing and significant progress has been made. Once the relevant data has been collected, conservation objectives for the site have to be established by NPWS. Following this the site is appropriately assessed (by the Marine Institute) for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the conservation objectives.

An appropriate assessment has recently been completed in relation to the Castlemaine Natura site. My Department is currently in the process of disseminating the appropriate assessment to consultees as part of the overall licensing process. The licensing process will also include a period of public consultation.

My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of aquaculture licence applications having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply with all national and EU legislation.

Grant Payments

Brendan Griffin

Question:

126 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; when the balance owed will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11068/11]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the persons named on 17 May 2010. Payment in full has issued under both Schemes, on 23 March and 4 April 2011 respectively, on the basis of the eligible area declared. An official of my Department has already been in direct contact with the applicants in this regard.

National Reserve Entitlements

Michael Creed

Question:

127 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the volume of entitlements surrendered by farmers to the national reserve arising from the reduction in the area of land submitted with their single farm payment application; if he is satisfied with the legal basis under which the State assumes ownership of these entitlements if they have not been disposed of by the individual applicants; if he will consider extending the deadline to the end of May whereby farmers can arrange to dispose of these entitlements privately similar to the provision wherein farmers can, up to the end of May amend their details in their single farm payment application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11103/11]

No entitlements have been surrendered to the National Reserve in 2010 as a result of the review of the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS).

Under EU regulations entitlements must be used at least one year out of every two years. "Used" in this context means that the farmer must declare one hectare of eligible land for each entitlement held. The vast majority of Irish farmers hold one set of entitlements of equal value. In these cases the usage of entitlements is rotated each year so that entitlements not used in year one of the cycle will be deemed to have been used in year two and so on. Under this arrangement a farmer holding only one set of entitlements will never surrender any entitlements to the National Reserve provided he can declare, each year, a number of eligible hectares at least equal to 50% of the number of entitlement held. Where a farmer holds two or more sets of entitlements of different values the pre-printed Single Payment application which issues each year will identify those entitlements that will be lost to the National Reserve if not used in that year. The farmer then has the opportunity of changing the payment order of his entitlements so as to avoid losing any entitlements to the National Reserve.

Where a farmer does not change the payment order of his entitlements the higher value entitlements will automatically be used first. Where a farmer holds a number of entitlements in excess of the number of eligible hectares available to him he has the option of transferring the excess entitlements by sale/gift or, alternatively, he can acquire extra eligible land by way of lease/rent/purchase.

Under EU Regulations, payment entitlements may only be declared for payment once per year by the farmer who holds them at the latest date for lodging the Single Payment application which, for 2011, is 16 May 2011.

Michael Creed

Question:

128 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was unsuccessful in his application to the national reserve for entitlements; if he will review the eligibility criteria as they relate to off-farm income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11107/11]

The person named submitted applications under the new entrant category of both the 2009 and 2010 National Reserve.

The 2009 National Reserve had a closing date of 15th May 2009. As the 2009 National Reserve application was only received on 12 February 2010 it was rejected as a late application. However, the person named was invited to apply for the 2010 National Reserve and an application form was sent to him.

Under the 2010 National Reserve the person named applied under Category B. This category caters for farmers who commenced farming after 15 May 2008. In addition, applicants under this category are also required to meet certain criteria with regard to income limits and educational qualifications. With regard to the income limits applicants are given a choice of two years either year end 31 December 2008 or 31 December 2009. In addition the off-farm income cannot exceed the upper limit of €30,000.

The person named submitted a P60 for year end 31 December 2009 and when PAYE and PRSI were deducted his off-farm income was calculated at €34,485 which still exceeded the upper limit of €30,000. The person named was notified of this decision and given the right to appeal this decision to the Independent Single Payment Appeals Committee. To date no appeal has been submitted.

The eligibility criteria for the 2010 National Reserve was agreed following a meeting of the Single Payment Advisory Committee which comprises of members of the farming organisations along with officials from my Department and a Teagasc representative. The off-farm income limits have been in place for a number of years and there are no plans to revise the existing arrangements.

Mental Health Services

Dessie Ellis

Question:

129 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to see through the implementation of the A Vision for Change reform plan for mental health services; and when he hopes to have the plan fully implemented. [10970/11]

Dessie Ellis

Question:

130 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to establish a dedicated executive position within the Health Service Executive responsible for implementing A Vision for Change; and if this position will be led by a director for mental health services who has executive powers, an implementation budget and responsibility to report publicly on progress. [10971/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.

The Government has prioritised the reform of the mental health service in line with ‘A Vision for Change’. It contains some 200 recommendations to be implemented over a 7 to 10 year timeframe. As implementation of the recommendations is primarily the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE), the HSE appointed an Assistant National Director as the national lead for mental health to ensure the delivery of mental health services in line with legislation and Government policy.

The Government is also committed to ring-fencing €35 million annually from within the health budget for mental health. Implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’ is monitored by an independent monitoring group and its report of progress for 2010, which will be published, is scheduled to be submitted to me in the near future.

Dessie Ellis

Question:

131 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of health spending that goes to mental health services and if he intends to increase this over the course of the Governments term. [10972/11]

In 2010, almost 7% of the Health Service Executive Budget was spent on specialist mental health services. Approximately 90% of public mental health services are provided at primary care level and expenditure on these services is not captured in this percentage. The Programme for Government makes a number of commitments in relation to mental health including increasing the spend in this area by ring-fencing €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services.

Proposed Legislation

Dessie Ellis

Question:

132 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to enact legislation which protects the rights of persons with disabilities and binds public and private sector employers and service providers to operate with regard to the principles of A Vision for Change. [10973/11]

The Government is committed to reviewing the Mental Health Act 2001; my officials are currently scoping out the review which is expected to commence shortly. In the context of the review, the extent to which the recommendations of ‘A Vision for Change’ could or should be underpinned by legislation, will be considered. The review will also consider the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Health Service Staff

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

133 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of senior case workers for elder abuse working here; the location of same; and the number of vacancies for these roles nationwide. [10977/11]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

134 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to improve services for children with diabetes in the counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10981/11]

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

Simon Harris

Question:

135 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to implement the recommendations of the 2008 diabetes expert advisory group report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10993/11]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Anne Ferris

Question:

136 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider reorganising current diabetes paediatric services in the Health Service Executive Dublin mid-Leinster area in order that intensive therapies can be accessed locally; if he will appoint additional staff to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11018/11]

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

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

137 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 4 May 2011, if his attention has been drawn to the number of patients who do not reside in the Dublin north east area who have received funding from the Health Service Executive towards their costs for treatment at a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 3, despite the criteria outlined to the contrary in the reply from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11049/11]

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

Medical Cards

Ray Butler

Question:

138 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the special circumstances and high medical costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11057/11]

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

Ray Butler

Question:

139 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11060/11]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has examined the fair deal nursing homes support scheme as it applies to a patient suffering from dementia, who may be young and whose family may not be in a position to retain the family home for a spouse given the current terms of the scheme; if he will examine the best way to amend the scheme to alleviate hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11089/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the terms of the nursing homes support scheme in view of the fact that it particularly militates against the interest of younger patients and their immediate families who may be forced to sell the family home in order to maintain the patient; if he will undertake a full review of the scheme if necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11090/11]

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

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support to individuals in need of long-term nursing home care. Under the scheme, individuals contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 5% of the value of any assets per annum towards their cost of care. The first €36,000 of an individual's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment.

An individual's principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the 15% or ‘three year' cap. It means that individuals pay a 5% contribution based on their principal residence for a maximum of three years regardless of the time they spend in nursing home care. After 3 years, even if an individual is still in long-term nursing home care, they will not pay any further contribution based on the principal residence. This ‘three year' cap applies regardless of whether an individual chooses to opt for the loan or not. The intention of this three year cap is to protect the family home.

There are several important safeguards built into the scheme which ensure that both the person entering long-term nursing home care and their partner are adequately provided for.

1. Nobody will pay more than the actual cost of care.

2. The first €36,000 for a person's assets, or €72,000 for a couple, is not taken into account during the financial assessment.

3. The principal residence will only be included in the financial assessment for the first three years of a person's time in care.

4. Individuals keep a personal allowance of 20% of their income, or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (Non-Contributory), whichever is the greater.

5. If there is a spouse/partner remaining at home, he/she will retain 50% of the couples income, or the maximum rate of the State Pension (Non-Contributory), whichever is the greater.

6. There is a financial review mechanism which takes account of the fluctuating value of assets and the fact that cash assets will naturally deplete over time as payments are made to the nursing home etc.

7. Certain allowable deductions are taken account of during the financial assessment.

The allowable deductions taken account of during the financial assessment are:

health expenses,

interest on loans related to the principal residence,

rent payments, for individuals who live in rented accommodation, and

maintenance payments to another person.

In addition, the definition of ‘allowable deduction' was expanded by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Allowable Deductions) Regulations 2010 which commenced on the 1st January 2011. The effect of these Regulations is to include borrowings in respect of a person's principal residence as an allowable deduction. This enables individuals to deduct the full value of mortgage repayments from their income prior to calculating their income-based contribution. Where an individual chooses to avail of this deduction, he/she cannot also seek to offset the same mortgage against the value of the asset concerned.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Allowable Deductions) Regulations 2010 were introduced to take account of the situation referred to by the Deputy, i.e. a young person who may have an outstanding mortgage entering long-term nursing home care.

Social Welfare Benefits

John O'Mahony

Question:

142 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if a dog owner in receipt of any community welfare payments receives extra payment for dog food; if any persons in the Health Service Executive west area received payments to have their hair done; the number of payments made and cost of these payments in 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11095/11]

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

Health Services

Michael Creed

Question:

143 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will arrange speech therapy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11108/11]

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

Medical Cards

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

144 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 7 April 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [11112/11]

My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

145 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 7 April 2011 when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [11113/11]

My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter.

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

146 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if extra home help hours will be allocated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if he will expedite a response. [11123/11]

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

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

147 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if he will expedite the matter. [11124/11]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

148 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [11125/11]

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

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

149 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the way he will respond to the poor access to treatments for 3,500 children and adolescents with diabetes; the services available in the south east; the way he intends to develop these services and reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11126/11]

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

Care of the Elderly

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the most affordable option available in respect of long-term care in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is a medical card holder and old age pensioner; if he will set out the likely available nursing home cost in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11128/11]

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

Medical Cards

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when a medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11129/11]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application under review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/11]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedure to be followed in the event of the need to use one's medical card when a holder is on holiday outside of the jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11134/11]

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles a person to necessary health care in the public system of any EU/EEA Member State and Switzerland, if they become ill or injured while on a temporary stay (e.g. a holiday) in that country. A person can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the Health Service Executive in Ireland if they are ordinarily resident in Ireland or an EU national employed in Ireland. It is not necessary for an Irish person to hold an EHIC to get necessary health care while on a temporary visit to the United Kingdom, it is enough to show proof that they are ordinarily resident in Ireland. In practice, this means a driving licence, passport or similar document.

Where an Irish person travels outside of the European Union\EEA and Switzerland they are advised to obtain appropriate travel\health insurance prior to travelling.

Harbours and Piers

Michael McCarthy

Question:

154 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to whom the body which oversees the harbour board in an area (details supplied) in County Cork is answerable; and the person directly responsible for their activities. [11011/11]

My Department has responsibility for five Regional Harbours operating under the provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 including Baltimore Harbour.

The Harbour is managed under the Harbours Act 1946 by Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Authority, composed of commissioners whose duties include the management, control, maintenance and operation of the harbour.

Policy in relation to the future operation of regional harbours is to transfer responsibility for them to local authorities with the objectives of strengthening governance arrangements and to enable them to better achieve their potential in social and economic terms.

My Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to advance the implementation of this policy. Baltimore & Skibbereen Harbour is a candidate for transfer to Cork County Council.

Public Transport

Catherine Murphy

Question:

155 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific guidelines for Dublin Bus regarding the appointment of ticket vending agents throughout Dublin; if there are set criteria that must be satisfied in order to become a Dublin Bus ticket agent; if there are any criteria or restrictions governing the approval of agents selling tourism related tickets; if so, the criteria for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11005/11]

The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Network

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

156 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider upgrading the status of the road on the Ring of Kerry from a national secondary to a national primary route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11061/11]

Road classifications are updated from time to time to take account of changes to the road network. My Department is currently in the process of reviewing road classifications and I expect to consider proposals for such shortly. The current classification of the ring of Kerry as a national secondary road is consistent with its role of serving major tourism traffic.

Sports Capital Programme

Jack Wall

Question:

157 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 31 March 2011, the position regarding the sports capital programme funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11069/11]

To date over 7,400 projects have benefitted from the Sports Capital Programme with over €739m paid out to fund essential sports facilities at national, regional and local level. While no new round of the Programme has been advertised since 2008 the Programme is still very active with €33m being provided in the Estimates to fund the programme for 2011.

No decision has been made about the timing of further rounds of the Programme.

Top
Share