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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jun 2011

Vol. 734 No. 1

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 13, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 14 to 24, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 25 to 43, inclusive, answered orally.

Taxi Regulations

Seán Crowe

Question:

44 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be oral hearings for the purpose of the recently commissioned taxi industry review; and if any other forms of submission will be accepted and considered by the review. [13678/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

47 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support the introduction of further legislation for the taxi industry if that is the finding of the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly’s, report into same. [13677/11]

Joan Collins

Question:

51 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the most important issues facing the taxi industry today; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13710/11]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

56 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the key issues confronting the taxi industry today; his plans to address these issues and the very serious crisis faced by taxi drivers who are barely able to make a living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13714/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

58 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide further details on the review of the taxi industry; when he expects the details of the review to be published; the terms of reference for this review; and the person charged with overseeing the review. [13688/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 47, 51, 56 and 58 together.

Terms of reference and the overall approach to the forthcoming review of the taxi sector are close to finalisation and will be announced shortly. The review will be undertaken in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The review will enable necessary further qualitative reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced. The review will allow for consultation with all stakeholders — despatch operators, drivers, consumers as well as regulatory and enforcement agencies.

The review will also focus on issues of compliance and enforcement, including the disturbing practices highlighted in the recent RTÉ "Prime Time Investigates" Programme. I envisage that the review will report within a period of 4 months on a recommended speedy programme of action to include any changes that may be appropriate to legislation, regulatory policies and practices and enforcement arrangements and deployment of resources. Following appropriate consideration of the review recommendations I will, of course, seek early Government approval of its necessary implementation including legislative changes that may be required.

I have had recent contact with various taxi representative bodies about their concerns and my proposed approach to the review. I will have full regard to the views conveyed to me in shaping the scope and approach to the review. One subject that I expect the review to consider will be how discussion between regulatory authorities and taxi providers can best be facilitated in future, taking account of the existing role and structure of the statutory Taxi Advisory Committee.

Road Network

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

45 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available in the current year for an upgrade on the M4 from Collooney to Castelbaldwin, County Sligo. [11592/11]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Mick Wallace

Question:

46 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will instruct the National Roads Authority to produce more affordable improvements more evenly and fairly across the nation; if a more affordable and equitable policy on road design and construction is to be adopted; if he will offer examples of present schemes that will be reassessed in this manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13687/11]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007. My Department has engaged with the National Roads Authority, along with other agencies of the Department, in relation to the capital programme of works which can be undertaken in the period 2012-2016. Following that review, when budgets have been established for future years, the NRA will be in a better position to review the scale and number of projects that can be undertaken in the future.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 44.

Public Transport

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

48 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent statement in a newspaper (details supplied) by the Irish Environmental Network that the National Transport Authority has no interest in promoting quality bus corridors as an important part of an effective and efficient urban public transport service. [13679/11]

I do not agree with the assertion that the National Transport Authority has no interest in promoting quality bus corridors. I understand from the Authority that over €33 million was spent on bus lanes and related technology projects in 2010 - this funded the completion of 15 separate projects and 6.1km of bus lane as well as ongoing work on many other projects and bus lanes. In 2011, the NTA has allocated over €20 million of its overall budget to bus related projects - it is expected that 12 projects and 12.1km of new bus lane will be completed this year. I will ask the NTA to provide the Deputy with its detailed programme of work.

National Car Test

Gerry Adams

Question:

49 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if persons who call within the required 21 days to schedule a national car test retest but are told there is not an available slot in the next 30 days should be forced to go through another full test at almost double the cost despite having done what was asked of them; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is happening and his plans to change this unfair practice. [13673/11]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. I have requested the RSA to respond to the specific aspect of the Deputy's question. If you have not received a response within ten days, please contact my office.

Sports Capital Programme

Sandra McLellan

Question:

50 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when sports capital grant applications will be accepted again; when grants submitted under this heading will be accepted and processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13694/11]

Under the terms of the Sports Capital Programme grants are allocated to sporting organisations towards the provision of new facilities, the renovation or extension of existing facilities or the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. Since 1998, almost €740 million has been allocated to over 7,400 projects nationwide. No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Sports Capital Programme. While no new call for applications for funding has been made since 2008, a provision of €33m has been provided in this year's estimates to cover the payments of grants previously allocated.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 44.

Regional Airports

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

52 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give a commitment that the OPEX subvention for Galway Airport will be retained. [13681/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

61 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is committed to the provision of funding for regional airports under the OPEX and CAPEX schemes and if he supports regional links to international airports which are vital to regional economic development. [13689/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

69 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered a report by the Western Development Commission which argues for the retention of Sligo and Galway regional airports. [13690/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 61 and 69 together.

I am sure that the Deputies will be aware that the total allocation currently available for the Regional Airports Programme for 2011 is €13.4m (almost all of which is already committed) compared to expenditure of €21.2m on the Programme in 2010. This reduction was made by the previous Government and I am now faced with dealing with the lack of funding available for the the regional airports in 2011 and future years.

The Value for Money (VFM) Review published by the previous Government in January 2011 recommended that funding for PSO air services between Dublin and the regional airports be discontinued when current contracts end in July 2011, except for the Donegal/Dublin service, and that operational (OPEX) and capital expenditure funding (CAPEX) be discontinued for Sligo and Galway airports. These recommendations took into account changes in EU legislation, airport performances, the substantial investment in surface transport, overlapping catchment areas, the best use of scarce Exchequer resources and the implications for the tourism and business sectors in the regions.

The Western Development Commission met with my Department in early and mid-2010 in relation to its submission and I understand that the views of the Commission were conveyed to my predecessor prior to publication of the VFM Review and the decision taken by the previous Government subsequently to continue with PSO air services on the Donegal/Dublin and Kerry Dublin routes only after July 2011. In addressing the lack of funding issue, I have to take into consideration developments in recent years as highlighted in the Review and the need to focus on ensuring the sustainability of a strong network of regional airports serving the Irish public, both in terms of business and tourism.

No decision on the funding for regional airport for 2011 and future years has yet been made by the current Government. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate at this stage to comment on the possible outcome of the Government's deliberations. However, it is clear that in the current difficult climate, any decisions will have to take account of available Exchequer funds.

In relation to regional links to international airports, I understand that the tourism agencies are working with the regional airports in the promotion of inbound tourists to the regions. This assistance is part of the three-pronged strategy included in the recent Jobs Initiative to encourage inbound tourism to the island of Ireland from key source markets. The other two elements of the strategy relate to the proposed abolition of the €3 travel tax and the new growth incentive scheme recently introduced by the Dublin Airport Authority. I have already dealt with this matter in response to Priority Question No. 1.

Sport and Recreational Development

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

53 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he intends to maximise sports participation among young persons from socially disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13704/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for the Irish Sports Council. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Traffic Management

Martin Ferris

Question:

54 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the reasoning behind the proposed move by the National Roads Authority to replace existing roundabouts with a traffic light system around Galway city; and if there is any evidence that this will decrease congestion. [13683/11]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme . The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, including works on roundabouts and traffic light systems, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Public Transport

Clare Daly

Question:

55 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of State subvention for Dublin Bus; if he will provide a breakdown of the increases or reductions in that subvention over the past years; the way this compares with subventions for public transport in other European cities; and if this subvention is likely to reduce or increase or remain the same over the coming period. [13684/11]

Exchequer funding to Dublin Bus in respect of Public Service Obligation Services over the past five years is as follows:

€m

2006

69.845

2007

80.078

2008

85.629

2009

83.200

2010

75.682

The provision for 2011, which is paid to the company through the National Transport Authority, and subject to contract, is €72.45m. The Deloitte Report on the cost and efficiency of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, published in 2009, found that while such grants and subsidies to comparable bus operations in other European countries varied greatly, levels of operational subvention were generally higher than that to Dublin Bus.

The Deloitte report also identified significant scope for the redesign and more efficient operation of the Dublin Bus network to provide a more attractive service to existing and potential users. The redesign would achieve more frequent, streamlined and reliable services. Following the publication of that Report, Dublin Bus undertook an extensive review of their bus network and announced plans for the re-organisation of routes and timetables. Notwithstanding the enhanced service provided by Dublin Bus as a result of Network Direct, the company must implement further cost saving measures to reduce the level of operating losses in recent years. In the current fiscal environment continuous efficiency in the provision of PSO services will be my priority, as increased exchequer support is not a realistic objective at present.

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 44.

Tourism Promotion

Brendan Griffin

Question:

57 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop winter tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/11]

The matters raised are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 44.

Public Transport

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

59 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full extent of any reforms proposed or anticipated by him or his predecessor which are likely to impact positively or negatively on transport or transport costs; the degree to which he has examined the extent to which this sector can contribute to economic recovery over a specific period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13686/11]

The Government's proposed transport reforms are set out in the Programme for Government and place a heavy emphasis on the delivery of effective public transport services. I have also outlined my transport priorities to 2016 on my Department's website. The Government is committed to reviewing all proposed State investment with a view to identifying investment priorities across the State sector. Following that, the Government will draw up a new National Development Plan that reflects Ireland's changed economic circumstances, covering the seven year period 2012-2019. The longer term transport priorities of the Government will be determined by this process. In the meantime, the Government's Jobs Initiative included a number of measures to create additional jobs in the transport sector and to give a boost to the tourism industry. Full details are available on my Department's website.

Tourism Promotion

Brian Stanley

Question:

60 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans and initiatives he will take to maximise the number of genealogical tourists to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13703/11]

The matters raised are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 52.

Tourism Industry

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

62 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has identified the primary factors deemed to be impeding the development of the tourism industry; the measures taken or steps he will take to address any such issues; the degree to which he expects the tourism business to expand as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13685/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the objectives for the development of the tourism sector with particular reference to its role in economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13928/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his vision for the development of the tourism industry; the initiatives he proposes to take in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13929/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address costs issues in the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13934/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 222, 223 and 228 together.

There is no doubt that, like other export sectors, the tourism industry faces many challenges, in particular the economic difficulties in our key source markets and contractions in international air access. Notwithstanding these challenges, the Government has recognised that tourism has the potential to be a key driver of economic recovery and that is why it has placed such emphasis on tourism in the Programme for Government and the recent Jobs Initiative.

In the Jobs Initiative, the Government announced that it will reduce the level of VAT applied to a range of labour-intensive tourism services to 9%, providing a much needed support and a competitive boost to tourism. The Government has also taken steps to promote inward bound tourism through

abolishing the travel tax conditional on clear commitments by airlines to increase inbound capacity from our source markets;

the offer by the Dublin Airport Authority of significant rebates on passenger charges for extra passengers brought in by airlines; and

more targeted co-operative marketing of new routes from key source tourism markets by Tourism Ireland, DAA and the airlines to encourage more tourists to fly into Ireland.

A number of initiatives have also been taken to promote domestic tourism including

a €1m Discover Ireland Summer promotional campaign;

special fares promotions from Irish Rail;

making available 750,000 Discover Ireland guides with special offers for home holidays as well as a revamped Discover Ireland website and other technology initiatives such as a smartphone app.

In addition, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has brought in Ireland's first formal Visa Waiver Programme that will facilitate and encourage tourism to Ireland from key emerging markets.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Central Statistics Office recently released tourism figures for the first three months of 2011 which show the first increase in three years in overseas visitors to Ireland. Overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 8.6% compared to the same period in 2010. In particular, there is good news from our most important market, Great Britain, which showed an increase of 7.2% as well as North America which is up by almost 12%. I am hopeful that growth will continue for the rest of the year. The highly successful visits of Queen Elizabeth II and US President Barack Obama were broadcast around the world. I do not think any advertising campaign could compare with these positive images and the State tourism agencies will be working hard to capitalise on this positive exposure.

Port Development

Seamus Kirk

Question:

63 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has any other plans to merge smaller commercial ports following the announcement that the Dundalk Port Company is to be merged with Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13691/11]

There are no such plans at present. The recession has inevitably had a negative impact on all the State port companies, although the impact has not been spread evenly among them. The continuing trend toward larger ships has also affected the level of business at some ports. However, the circumstances in each port are quite different and need to be dealt with on a case by case basis.

It is my intention to publish a revised ports policy document later this year, which will provide a reference point for future decisions in relation to individual ports. The policy document will follow up on a public consultation that took place last year. A key policy issue raised in the consultation is the current structure of the sector, whereby the State owns ten separate port companies of very varied size. The recent McCarthy Group Report recommended that the number of port companies be reduced through amalgamations. However, the merging of smaller port companies with larger ones is certainly not the only option available. These wider policy issues will be addressed in the revised policy document.

Sports Funding

Sandra McLellan

Question:

64 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation of funds for investment in sports facilities to date in 2011 from all sources; the source of these funds; and the allocation of these funds by project type and Dáil constituency. [13693/11]

Capital funding for sports infrastructure is provided directly by the Department through a number of publicly funded capital programmes:

Sports Capital Programme;

Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme;

The development of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.

In 2011 the following amounts have been allocated under these headings as follows:

€m

C1

Sports Capital Programme

33

C2

Grants for Swimming Pools

6.65

C4

National Sports Campus

3.5

The Sports Capital Programme is part funded from the National Lottery. The Department does not compile data on allocations on the basis of Dail constituencies but rather on a county basis. Details of all Sports Capital Programme allocations are available on the Department's website.

National Car Test

Brian Stanley

Question:

65 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person responsible for awarding the contract for national car test garages; and the criteria for any decision made. [13675/11]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The testing function is carried out by Applus, a global company in the compliance testing field, since January 2010, under a contractual arrangement with the RSA. Award of the contract for carrying out the NCT and the criteria applying thereto is a matter for the RSA.

Tourism Industry

David Stanton

Question:

66 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the e-capability of our tourism product will be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13712/11]

The Deputy will note that the improvement of the e-capability of our tourism product is a commitment contained within the Programme for Government. In the first instance, the matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. As such, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Sport and Recreational Development

Gerry Adams

Question:

67 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the national sports facilities strategy will be published; the process by which the strategy is being developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13696/11]

A five year draft National Sports Facilities Strategy was completed within my Department last year. The draft strategy is currently being updated to take account of developments since then and I expect to receive an updated version shortly for consideration. A decision on the publication of the strategy will be taken when I have fully considered the issues contained in it. The aim of the strategy is to provide high level policy direction for future investment, grant assistance at national, regional and local level and a co-ordinated approach across the various agencies and Departments involved in supporting the provision of sports and recreational facilities. The draft strategy identifies the wider economic, health and social argument for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to prioritise areas for future investment and ensure continued impact in the relevant areas.

Tourism Promotion

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

68 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will maximise visitor numbers from the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China; the budget allocation in place to promote Ireland as a tourist destination in each of these countries over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13706/11]

The promotion of Ireland as a holiday destination in specific markets, including the countries mentioned, and decisions on budgets allocated for specific markets are operational matters for Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply in this regard. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

On the broader tourism policy side, the Government's Jobs initiative includes several measures specifically aimed at assisting the tourism sector. These include the three-pronged strategy to encourage carriers to restore access, covering the Air Travel Tax, airport charges and targeted cooperative marketing to drive business on new routes from key tourism source markets. Also included is the reduction of VAT from 13.5% to 9% on the costs of certain services, including restaurant, accommodation and admission charges to tourist attractions, which will help attract tourists from all markets.

Of particular interest for some of the long haul developing markets is the introduction of the Visa Waiver Programme on a pilot basis from July 2011 to October 2012. This measure will allow tourists from certain countries who are in possession of a valid UK visa and who have already entered the UK to have that visa recognised by Ireland as sufficient for lawful entry into the State at no additional cost. The countries covered by the planned Visa Waiver Scheme include the Russian Federation, China and India; Brazil is currently visa-exempt. This imaginative measure will encourage visitors to Great Britain to extend their trips without the cost and inconvenience of applying for an Irish visa. I expect the tourism agencies to make the most of this opportunity this year and, particularly in 2012, to encourage people from these markets to come to Ireland and experience our hospitality for the first time in conjunction with the London Olympics.

These are just some of the measures aimed at ensuring that Ireland benefits from tourists from new and developing long haul markets. I look forward to working with the tourism agencies and other Departments in the months ahead to come up with further innovative ideas to ensure that we grow our market share from these markets.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 52.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

70 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has examined the Scottish model of winter tourism marketing; if visitor numbers for Scotland indicate that this model is successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13511/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited, in the first instance, as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas, working together with Fáilte Ireland where appropriate. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does receive a reply within ten working days.

Ministerial Appointments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

71 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach when he plans to appoint the eight independent members to the National Economic and Social Council; if he will advertise and invite applications for these positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13781/11]

The appointments to the National Economic and Social Council are in the course of being made and will be announced shortly.

Departmental Bodies

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

72 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if the annual regulatory forum has met since February 2010; if not, his plans to convene a meeting of the forum in the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13784/11]

I intend to chair a meeting on Thursday, 2 June which will be attended by the Ministers for Finance; Public Expenditure and Reform; Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Transport, Tourism and Sport together with the relevant economic regulators coming under the aegis of their Departments and senior Departmental officials. The purpose of the meeting is to examine ways in which Ireland's regulation of major sectors of the economy can contribute to stronger economic recovery through facilitating investment and employment growth and minimizing business and consumer costs. I look forward to a constructive meeting and the initiation of an on-going and positive engagement between Ministers, Departments and regulators on this agenda.

Emigration Statistics

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

73 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach his views on the fact that the Central Statistics Office cannot provide a breakdown of emigration on the basis of age, especially the numbers emigrating between the ages of 18 and 30 years; his views on whether such data should be collected and disseminated in view of the importance of this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13785/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

74 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if there are any plans by the Central Statistics Office to collect data on emigration on a more regular and current basis in view of the fact that the most recent data published by the CSO was published in September 2010 and only covered the period from April 2009 to April 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13786/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.

The principal source of information for the estimation of annual migration flows, incorporating both emigration and immigration, is the Quarterly National Household Survey, which classifies the flows by sex, broad age group, origin and destination, and nationality. The figures are published on an annual basis in September of each year, so the next publication in September 2011 will cover the period April 2010 to April 2011. Because of the underlying seasonality and variability of all migration flows the CSO does not publish the data on a sub-annual basis. The estimates will be assessed and subject to review once the definitive results of the five yearly census are made available in 2012.

Foreign Conflicts

Clare Daly

Question:

75 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request the UN General Assembly to reconsider the Goldstone report into Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli military assault on Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009, and submit it to the Security Council with a recommendation that these events would be referred to the International Criminal Court. [13750/11]

Finian McGrath

Question:

76 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the UN Human Rights Council report surrounding operation Cast Lead, Israel’s military assault on Gaza in December 2008, at EU and UN levels. [13903/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.

The report of the UN Fact Finding Mission into the Gaza conflict, or the Goldstone Report, was published in September 2009 and was widely welcomed as a serious and authoritative investigation of events during that conflict, and an attempt to bring greater accountability for this conflict. This view has been strongly supported by Ireland at EU and UN levels. Despite some recent debate following the publication of an article by Judge Goldstone, I believe that the report continues to impress as a sober, painstaking and sincere investigation of events which were complex and violent, and in relation to which it was, and remains, very difficult to achieve clarity.

The Human Rights Council, taking into account what the parties have done thus far in terms of domestic investigations and accountability, followed up on these issues in its Resolution of 25 March 2011 which, inter alia , referred the matter to the UN General Assembly for further consideration. In discussions on this Resolution within the EU group in Geneva, Ireland (which is not a member of the HRC) argued for a generally positive view of the text, although there were elements of it which were problematic for some partners.

The UN General Assembly will now consider how to take this matter forward, including any suggestions of involving other bodies in the UN system. Ireland has twice voted in favour of the General Assembly Resolution on this issue. We continue to regard the Fact Finding Mission Report as a serious and unimpugned document which merits serious follow-up. Whether we can again vote in favour of a Resolution on those issues — as I would hope — will of course depend on the precise terms of such a Resolution and our assessment of the sincerity of its proposers. We will not give our support to States or Resolutions which are more interested in making capital out of this issue than in moving it forward.

European Council Meetings

Micheál Martin

Question:

77 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his approach to relations with the European Commission. [9567/11]

The Government has engaged with European matters actively since coming to office. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to restoring Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the European Union. It implies the need for a broad effort, across government and administration, of engagement with EU institutions and with EU partners bilaterally, as well as with our international partners. Relations with the European Commission are central to this. At Government level, Ministers have been availing of opportunities to meet their EU colleagues and with representatives of the European institutions, including the European Commission. These efforts continue and will be a regular feature of our interaction with the various EU institutions.

I would recall that, within days of taking office, the Taoiseach travelled to Brussels to attend an Extraordinary meeting of the European Council and an informal meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the euro area. He took the opportunity on that occasion of meeting Commission President Barroso. I have availed of meetings of EU Foreign Ministers to meet High Representative Ashton, who is a Vice President of the European Commission. I had the opportunity of speaking to the Secretary General of the Commission, Catherine Day, during her recent visit to Dublin.

On 19th April last I invited EU Ambassadors to Iveagh House to set out the Government's analysis of the economic situation facing the country, seek the understanding and support of partners for our course, and also to underline the desire of the Government to engage constructively and more widely on the range of issues on the European agenda. All resident embassies were represented, as well as the heads of the European Commission and European Parliament offices. My colleague, Minister of State Creighton has availed of visits to Brussels and Luxembourg to meet representatives of the institutions including Commissioner Geoghegan Quinn. As the Deputy will recall, Commissioner Geoghegan Quinn addressed this House on 9th May as part of our Europe Day celebrations.

My Ministerial colleagues also have made a point of meeting with their Commission counterparts, often at Council meetings. Today, my colleagues the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister for Social Protection are meeting here in Dublin with the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Mr László Andor. Such contacts will continue and be a recurring feature of this Government's interaction with the European institutions, particularly in the run up to our Presidency in 2013.

EU Enlargement

Micheál Martin

Question:

78 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his approach to enlargement discussions at EU Council level. [12094/11]

The first meeting abroad which I attended since taking up the role of Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs was the informal Foreign Ministers' meeting in Gödöllo in Hungary on 11-12 March. The candidate countries attended for part of these discussions and the occasion was a welcome opportunity to meet a number from that group which comprises Turkey, Iceland, Croatia, Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The Council last debated the overall situation on enlargement in December 2010 and adopted conclusions, endorsed by the European Council, which guide the continuing work in this area and with which I am in full agreement. The most recent discussion on an individual accession process was at the General Affairs Council on 23 May attended by Minister of State Creighton. The discussion was informal and focussed on the few remaining open areas in the Croatian negotiations. Some work remains to be done, in light of a Commission assessment, but the process has made very substantial progress. The European Council in June is expected to consider Croatia's accession process.

My approach, and this Government's approach, to EU enlargement is a positive one. In addition to being a beneficiary of a previous enlargement ourselves, we have seen how the enlargements of recent years have secured democracy and stability in Europe in addition to bolstering trade and promoting prosperity.

Membership of the Union continues to be something to which many of the EU's neighbours aspire. The prospect of membership encourages candidate countries to achieve economic and political reforms and to strengthen their democratic values. However, the very stability and prosperity which attract others can only be maintained by ensuring an accession process for prospective members which applies strict conditionality and criteria. Accession to the EU requires challenging reforms and great political commitment. These are necessary to ensure that the credibility of the process is protected. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to play an active role in discussions on the issue, both at Council meetings and in bilateral discussions with existing and aspirant member states.

National Asset Management Agency

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

79 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if, in pursuit of the purpose of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to contribute to the social and economic development of the State and to fulfil the commitment contained in the programme for Government to use buildings as suitable cultural facilities, he has given any consideration to the possibility that lands within the control of the National Asset Management Agency could be made available to local sporting organisations for their use. [13775/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

81 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Finance if, in keeping with one of the purposes of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to contribute to the social and economic development of the State, the National Asset Management Agency will make lands within its control which adjoin sporting and recreational facilities available to local sporting groups for their own use. [13774/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 81 together.

Within the context of its commercial remit, NAMA has made it known that it is open to considering proposals aimed at contributing to broader social and economic objectives and facilitating public bodies. It has committed to giving first option to such bodies on the purchase of property which is within its control and which may be suitable for their purposes. In these circumstances, NAMA is available to meet with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport to discuss any specific proposals that it may have. In the context of engaging with debtors through the business plans that they must submit to NAMA, the agency encourages sustainable commercial activity by debtors. I would expect, therefore, that if a sporting or other organisation wishes to enter into a leasing arrangement with a debtor, the two parties would reach an appropriate commercial arrangement of mutual benefit.

NAMA has, in the first place, acquired loans and it advises me that property or other assets securing these loans remain in the possession of debtors unless it takes enforcement action against them. Where enforcement action is taken by NAMA, the agency may ultimately take ownership of property but it is expected that in the majority of these instances the property will be managed by a receiver who is the agent of the debtor but who acts in accordance with NAMA's instructions.

I am informed that, under an initiative currently in preparation, NAMA will shortly include on its website a database of properties which are under the control of receivers appointed to enforce against NAMA debtors (appointed either directly by NAMA or by participating institutions working on its behalf). This will provide a single source of information on NAMA assets which are for sale and it will be updated on a very regular basis. It is expected to be up-and-running within a matter of weeks.

Tax Collection

Pearse Doherty

Question:

80 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) is exempt from paying a stamp duty liability which may have been incurred due to the implementation of budget 2011. [13758/11]

The changes to stamp duty rates, reliefs and exemptions, brought into effect by the last Budget, apply to all instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010. Budget 2011 introduced transitional arrangements to be applied where, as a result of these changes, a taxpayer was disadvantaged compared to the stamp duty treatment applicable prior to 8 December 2010. However, the transitional arrangements can be applied only where a binding contract had been entered into prior to 8 December 2010 and where the instrument is executed on or after 8 December 2010 but before 1 July 2011.

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners, on the basis of the facts supplied in this case, that a binding contract was not in place until 13 December 2010 which is the date by which it was signed by all parties and therefore, the contract date. As a binding contract was not in place prior to the 8 December 2010, the transitional arrangements do not apply in this case and the purchaser is liable for stamp duty at the new rates introduced in Budget 2011.

Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 79.

Banking Sector Regulation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

82 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the persons appointed to the consumer advisory group of the Central Bank of Ireland as provided for under the Central Bank Reform Act 2010; the number of times the group has met since its appointment; the issues discussed by the group to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13787/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if the revised consumer protection code for the financial services sector will be published and implemented by the Central Bank in June 2011 as committed to in 2010 in its document Banking Supervision a New Approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13788/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

84 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if the statutory switching code for bank current accounts will be published and implemented by the Central Bank in June 2011 as committed to in 2010 in its document Banking Supervision a New Approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13789/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

85 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if the discussion paper on a central credit register will be published by the Central Bank in quarter two 2011 as committed to in 2010 in its document Banking Supervision a New Approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13790/11]

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

As Minister for Finance, I have no direct role in the day-to-day operations of the Central Bank. I have been informed by the Central Bank that on 2 February 2011, the Bank announced appointments to the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG). The members of the CAG are Mr. Michael Culloty, Mr. Dermott Jewell, Ms Elaine Kempson, Mr. Bill Knight and Dr. Anthony Walsh. The CAG has met twice since its formation and the Bank expects that the group will hold some five or six meetings per annum. As part of its remit, the CAG will advise the Bank in relation to the effects of the Bank's strategic plans on consumers of financial services as well as providing input into policy developments such as the revision of the Consumer Protection Code. The workings of the CAG require confidentiality be observed in relation to their advice.

I have been informed by the Bank that submissions in relation to Consultation Paper 47 (Review of the Consumer Protection Code) were received by the Bank in January this year. Following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions, the Bank decided to undertake a second short consultation in relation to its review. The Bank expects to publish the second consultation paper, which will outline the position it has reached on the questions posed in the first consultation paper, at the end of June 2011. The second consultation will also highlight additional and emerging issues which have come to attention as the Bank has considered responses to the first consultation, but also as a result of its ongoing regulatory work and on which the Bank believes further protections are required for consumers. The Bank plans to publish a revised Consumer Protection Code towards the end of the third quarter of 2011.

I have also been informed by the Bank that the Code of Conduct on the Switching of Current Accounts with Credit Institutions (the Switching Code) came into effect on 1 October 2010. This Code is issued under section 117 of the Central Bank Act 1989. The Bank has the power to administer sanctions for a contravention of this code under Part IIIC of the Central Bank Act 1942. Credit institutions are required to comply with this code as a matter of law. As part of the consultation on the revised Consumer Protection Code, the Bank invited comments and views on the statutory Switching Code. The Bank will consider these responses relating to the Switching Code at a later date.

Finally, I have been informed by the Bank that it will publish an update to its banking strategy paper in the next month. This will provide further information on the status of establishing a central credit register. This is consistent with the commitment in the memorandum of understanding with the EU/IMF to provide a plan for enhancing the quality and availability of credit information available to credit providers by the end of September.

Banks Recapitalisation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

86 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the reason skills, competence and qualifications in the area of corporate governance were not included in the public advertisements for positions on the board of the State-owned banks despite failures in corporate governance being highlighted as contributing to the banking collapse here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13791/11]

I wholeheartedly concur with the Deputy that failure at a board and individual director level of corporate governance standards played a major factor in the banking crisis. This is supported by the findings of the various reports commissioned on the subject. To strengthen oversight in this area, the Central Bank of Ireland has issued a mandatory Corporate Governance Code for Credit Institutions and Insurance Undertakings effective from 1 January 2011, subject to certain transitional procedures.

The code defines corporate governance as "procedures, processes and attitudes according to which an organisation is directed and controlled". It imposes minimum core standards upon all credit institutions and additional requirements on entities designated as major institutions. In addition, the Bank has issued a consultation paper (No. 51) — The Fit and Proper Regime in Part 3 of the Central Bank Reform Act 2010 — which seeks to address how new legislative powers relating to new and existing appointments, at individual executive and non-executive level mainly, will be implemented with a proposed effective date of 1 September 2011. The advertisement for the positions specified that all appointments would be subject to regulatory approvals.

While the competency of corporate governance was not specifically listed in the advertisement, headings such as risk management and business management — integral components of corporate governance — were mentioned. Likewise, considerable experience in financial services was cited which, by definition, would have to entail exposure to corporate governance requirements. The listing was not intended to be exhaustive. It is my intention and that of the Government to ensure, through these processes and procedures, that individuals of high calibre and competency are available for selection for appointment to the boards of the covered institutions. The Deputy will see from this reply that the issue of corporate governance will play a pivotal role in any prospective appointments.

Tax Code

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

87 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance when the review of the excise duty payable for licences for on-trade and off-licence sales of alcohol products which was announced on 7 December 2010 will commence; the terms of reference for the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13792/11]

The previous Minister for Finance, Deputy Lenihan, indicated in his Budget Statement on 7 December 2010 that a review would be undertaken of the excise duty payable for licences for on-trade and off-licence sales of alcohol products during 2011. In that context, it has to be recognised that the main Exchequer receipts for the sale of alcohol arise from excise on alcohol products, which for example yielded €968 million in 2009, compared to a yield of approximately €13.6 million in respect of all alcohol excise licence fees.

Off-licence owners require a licence for each type of alcohol they sell, for each premises. Excise duty on off-licences is currently set at €500 each per licence for a beer, wine or spirits off-licence, having been increased in recent years. This means that a typical off-licence premises, including a supermarket, that offers the full range of alcoholic beverages for sale will have three off-licences and will be paying €1,500 per annum in duty. Pubs have a graduated licence duty fee structure, based on turnover, ranging from €250 to €3,805. Although there are six bands, over 70% of pubs fall within the two lowest bands and pay excise duty of €505 or less. Some 85% of pubs pay annual licence fees of €1,140 or less, which is well below the usual full off-licence trader at €1,500 per annum.

Approximately 10% of pubs pay licence fees that are clearly above those of off-licence traders. The amounts involved are minor compared to the overall tax take otherwise from alcohol. The average licence fee paid by the on-trade is around €778. As is customary, the excise duty payable for alcohol licences will continue to be kept under review.

Banking Sector

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

88 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the membership fees and other payments made by each of the banks in full or partial State ownership in 2009, 2010 and 2011 to the Irish Bankers Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13793/11]

I do not have the details requested by the Deputy. It is a matter for the respective individual boards and management to determine and implement operational policy in their organizations including membership of representative organisations such as the Irish Bankers Federation.

Pension Provisions

Robert Dowds

Question:

89 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if there is prospective legislation in progress which will give pension schemes the authority to reduce payments to people who are already in receipt of a pension. [13800/11]

I assume the Deputy's question arises in the context of the pension scheme levy which is being legislated for in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011. Section 4(9) of the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011, as initiated, contains provisions allowing pension scheme trustees or administrators the option of adjusting the benefits payable under a pension scheme on foot of payment of the duty. My Department is liaising with the Department of Social Protection to establish if there is a need for any consequential amendment to be made by that Department to the Pensions Act. The decision in this regard will be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

Banks Recapitalisation

Michael McGrath

Question:

90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he expects the results of the new stress test exercise into Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13802/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the results of the stress test exercise in respect of Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society were published yesterday and can be accessed at www.centralbank.ie. The overall conclusion is that the previous analytical results were reasonable and that no new capital will be required as a result of these tests. The two institutions have been adequately capitalised to meet the expected losses. Further capital would only be required if the losses were at the stress or worst case estimates.

Tax Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

91 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the percentage Ireland’s corporate tax rate would need to raise to, under the lower tax base which would result in the CCCTB, to maintain the current tax take to the Exchequer from corporation tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13817/11]

The Deputy's question is hypothetical on a number of fronts. First, while a draft legislative proposal has been tabled by the European Commission, what might emerge for final consideration by the Council of Ministers could be very different. Second, the Government's position on the CCCTB is very clear — we are very sceptical of it. Finally, the Government's position on our corporate tax rate is unambiguous — there will be no increase in the tax rate under any circumstances. In the circumstances, there is no basis for making the estimate sought by the Deputy.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

92 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the total euro amount of unguaranteed secured and unguaranteed unsecured senior bonds in the guaranteed Irish banks which have been paid back to bondholders to date; the estimate for the total amount outstanding for these categories of bonds which will be paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13818/11]

In answer to the Deputy's question, the Central Bank of Ireland has provided me with the following details:

Unguaranteed Senior Secured

Unguaranteed Senior Unsecured

€m

€m

Amount repaid since 29 September 2008

1,298

6,029

Amount outstanding as at 30 May 2011

19,632

16,306

The above amounts are at current foreign exchange rates and the Deputy will appreciate that the amounts can fluctuate as exchange rates change.

Pension Provisions

Michael Creed

Question:

93 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Revenue Commissioners insist that private pension lump sums can only be cashed in when the lump sum total is less than €20,000; if this provision is a pension fund or Revenue regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13819/11]

The purpose of approved pension schemes is to provide for an income in retirement. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in some cases, a member's entitlements under a scheme may be too small to justify the pension set-up costs (e.g. purchase of an annuity). The Revenue Commissioners recognise the difficulty this can cause and will allow full commutation of the pension (the payment of the pension in one sum) in certain circumstances.

First, full commutation of a pension is permitted by Revenue on what is referred to as "triviality" grounds where the aggregate benefits payable to an individual from the scheme in respect of the employment does not exceed the value of a pension of €330 per annum. The full amount of the pension commutation sum is subject to tax at a rate of 10%. Full commutation of a pension is also allowed by Revenue where, following the payment of any tax-free lump sum, the total of all remaining funds from all sources available for pension benefits is less than €20,000.

In a defined benefit scheme, the pension benefit is converted to a fund value using the scheme's commutation factor to determine if it is within the €20,000 limit. This treatment is subject to the agreement of both the scheme beneficiary and the trustees and the resulting payment is treated like any other pension payment for the purposes of tax and is taxed under normal tax rules. The €20,000 limit is reviewed from time to time and was last increased (from €15,000) in 2007. This arrangement is allowed for under discretionary powers given to Revenue under section 772(4) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and is published in the Revenue Pensions Manual.

Michael Creed

Question:

94 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the reason public construction contracts insist on participation in a pension scheme (details supplied); if this compulsion is in breach of competition law; the reason he will not accept evidence of pension provision as sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13820/11]

It is a legal requirement for all construction workers to be a member of a pension scheme that satisfies the Construction Industry Pensions Assurance and Sick Pay Registered Employment Agreement under the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004. Clause 5 of the Public Works contracts, which were developed by my Department as part of the Construction Procurement Reform Initiative, requires main contractors and all subcontractors registered in Ireland to comply with the pension provisions in the registered employment agreements.

The Construction Federation Operatives Pension Scheme fully meets the requirements of the Registered Employment Agreement. This Scheme is administered by the Construction Industry Federation and is available to all employers in the industry even though some may not be members of the federation. Other pension arrangements may also be used as an alternative to the Construction Federation Operatives Pension Scheme, provided the terms in such arrangements are no less favourable than the terms in the Registered Employment Agreement. The only exception to this is where a firm is registered in another member state of the EU and is working in this country and has employees temporarily posted from that jurisdiction who subscribe to a national pension scheme in their own country. In such circumstances, the firm or its employees do not have to subscribe to an Irish pension scheme that satisfies the legislative requirement.

Banks Recapitalisation

Sean Fleming

Question:

95 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the amounts provided for in respect of residential mortgages on an institution by institution basis in the recent stress test on our banks to cover bad or doubtful debts; if he is satisfied that these are reasonable amounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13829/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the Central Bank of Ireland published its Financial Measures Programme Report in March 2011, which included an independent loan loss assessment exercise performed by BlackRock Solutions. The information requested by the Deputy can be found in that Report which is available on the Central Bank's website, www.centralbank.ie. As I said in my Statement on Banking in March, the PCAR bank stress tests carried out by the Central Bank are among the most thorough and demanding such tests ever performed in Ireland and or indeed anywhere. The detailed results methodology and assumptions underlying these stress tests have been published, emphasising Ireland’s firm commitment for this critical exercise to be fully open and transparent. In specific terms, I am satisfied on the basis of the results of the PCAR assessment carried out by the Central Bank which have been endorsed by the external authorities that the loan loss assumptions made in respect of residential mortgages reflect a high degree of conservatism and underpin the robustness and credibility of the exercise overall.

Tax Code

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

96 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a “Beckham tax”, a favourable income tax rate to incentivise high-earning foreign job creators and persons with unique or scarce skills to relocate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13866/11]

Section 825B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (which has effect for the 2009 tax year onwards) provides relief to certain individuals who are not Irish domiciled and who, before they came to the State, had been living and working in a country with which the State has a double taxation agreement. This is sometimes referred to as the Special Assignment Relief Programme. The provision applies where the individual is sent by his or her foreign employer to work in the State for that employer or for an associated company of that employer and continues to be paid from abroad. Under the provision, such individuals may have the tax on the income from the foreign employment that is attributable to duties of that employment exercised in the State reduced to the greater of the tax due on either (a) €100,000 plus 50% of the income of the employment over that amount; or (b) the income from that employment remitted to the State (any tax deducted by the employer via the PAYE system is deemed to be a remittance).

The provisions only apply if tax under the PAYE system has first been deducted in respect of the income of the non-Irish sourced employment attributable to the performance in the State of the duties of that employment. If an individual makes a claim for repayment of tax under this section, and subsequently remits to the State more income from the employment, he or she will be liable to repay any tax refunded to Revenue. Under the present scheme, which was introduced by the previous Government, there is no requirement for the qualifying individuals to have unique or scarce jobs skills. As with all tax incentives and reliefs, the provisions of the current scheme will be reviewed as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

97 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the key conditions of the cost benefit analysis carried out by him into the cut in VAT rate to 9% for the hospitality and other sectors of the economy; the number of jobs it is anticipated that will be delivered from this element of the jobs initiative over the next three to four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13882/11]

As announced under the Jobs Initiative, a second reduced VAT rate of 9% is to be introduced on a temporary basis in respect of certain services and goods mainly related to tourism for the period 1 July 2011 to the end of 2013. Specifically, the 9% rate will apply to restaurant and catering services; hotel and holiday accommodation; various entertainment services such as admissions to cinemas, theatres, certain musical performances, museums, art gallery exhibitions and fairgrounds or amusement parks, the use of sporting facilities; hairdressing services; and printed matter such as brochures, maps, programmes, leaflets, catalogues, newspapers and magazines. In reducing the VAT burden on activities related to the tourism industry, this measure is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector.

Given that it is difficult to estimate the effectiveness of VAT reductions on increasing labour, the focusing of this measure on the tourism sector is designed to optimise its effectiveness in leading to employment growth. The measure to be successful requires the reduction in VAT to be passed on to consumers through a reduction in prices in the tourism sector. With this in mind, the VAT change announced in the Jobs Initiative will be kept under review and evaluated before end 2012 in order to determine its effectiveness in aiding the industry. If it is shown that the VAT reduction has little or no effect in aiding the industry then the measure is open to being reformed or abolished.

Tax Reliefs

Jim Daly

Question:

98 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the deadline of June 2011 for capital allowances allowed for nursing home builds bearing in mind that a large number of them are only partially complete due to lack of funding from financial institutions as a result of the current financial crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13893/11]

Section 8 of Finance Act 2009 terminated, with effect from 31 December 2009, the scheme of capital allowances in respect of capital expenditure on registered nursing homes together with certain other health-related capital allowances schemes, subject to transitional arrangements for pipeline projects. Termination dates beyond 31 December 2009 apply for pipeline projects in the case of nursing homes where certain qualifying conditions have been met by that date. Where planning permission is required in relation to the work to be carried out, the qualifying condition for a termination date beyond 31 December 2009 is that a valid application for full planning permission be submitted on or before that date, and be acknowledged by the relevant planning authority. In such cases, the termination date for qualifying expenditure under the scheme is 30 June 2011. I consider the time limits put in place under these transitional arrangements are reasonable. Similar arrangements have been made in the past when other property-based incentive schemes have been terminated. I have no plans to extend the end- June 2011 deadline.

Proposed Legislation

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

99 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance the timeline for the introduction and passing of the Finance (No. 3) Bill 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13895/11]

The Finance (No. 3) Bill 2011 will be brought before the House shortly to provide for the necessary taxation changes to the various Taxation Acts arising from the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010. I expect publication of the Bill in the coming weeks and the Bill to be enacted before the summer.

School Staffing

Niall Collins

Question:

100 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the issue raised in correspondence (details supplied) and confirm the staffing for 2011-12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13746/11]

The issues raised by the Deputy relate to a school which has a surplus teacher for redeployment. The school is awaiting its National Council for Special Education-approved allocation of resource teaching hours for the 2011-12 school year. It is not possible for the school to retain its surplus teacher and she must be redeployed in the normal manner.

The Department's Circular 30/2011 sets out the arrangements for the deployment of resource teaching posts in schools for the 2011-12 school year. The purpose of this circular is to inform schools of the arrangements that are being put in place for the 2011-12 school year in respect of their National Council for Special Education-approved resource hours so that posts are deployed in line with authorised allocations. The Department's approach has allowed schools to "roll over" all their existing full-time posts on the condition that any surplus capacity in these posts is shared with other local schools. If the "roll-over" arrangements are not sufficient to meet a school's NCSE approved allocation they must firstly contact their local schools for any surplus capacity and then, if necessary, avail of the application process to the Department under the circular.

Special Educational Needs

Frank Feighan

Question:

101 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that a special needs assistant is provided to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [13766/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts. The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011-12 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools. The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18 March 2011 and intend to inform schools of their annual SNA allocation as soon as possible, in advance of the coming school year.

Higher Education Grants

Jack Wall

Question:

102 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) who has stamp 4 status to remain here is entitled to make an application for a third level grant, notwithstanding the fact that they have to meet all of the other qualifying conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/11]

There is nothing to preclude any individual from making an application for a student grant. The decision on eligibility for a grant is a matter for a student's local grant awarding body — the relevant local authority or VEC. The Deputy will appreciate that in the in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether a student would qualify for a grant. However, the specific clause relating to nationality in the 2010-11 student grant schemes stipulates that:

Candidates must be a national of—

(i) an EU Member State,

(ii) a state which is a contracting state to the EEA Agreement,

(iii) the Swiss Confederation, or

a refugee or other person entitled for the time being to the rights and privileges specified in section 3 of the Refugee Act 1996; or

be a person, pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006)—

(i) who the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has determined is eligible for the time being for subsidiary protection pursuant to Regulation 4 of those Regulations, or

(ii) to whom the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has granted permission for the time being in writing to enter and reside in the State pursuant to Regulation 16 of those Regulations; or

have permission to remain in the State as a family member of a Union citizen under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 and 2008 and Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council; or

have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to an Irish national residing in the State, or be the dependent child of such person, not having EU nationality; or

have been granted Humanitarian Leave to Remain in the State (prior to the Immigration Act 1999); or

be a person in respect of whom the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has granted permission to remain following a determination not to make a deportation order under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999.

The student in question is advised to apply to his or her grant awarding authority for assessment of eligibility or otherwise for a grant taking the totality of the provisions of the schemes into account.

School Staffing

Brendan Smith

Question:

103 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made regarding the need to ensure the maximum number of temporary or substitute teaching opportunities are provided for qualified teachers who are out of work and not for retired personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13778/11]

It is the policy of my Department that only a teacher registered with the Teaching Council, and who has qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which he or she is proposed, should be employed in a school. Unregistered personnel should not be appointed except in exceptional circumstances and then only when all avenues for recruiting registered teachers have been exhausted and then only for quite limited time periods. Circular 31/2011 issued last week by my Department sets down rules in this regard and is applicable to all appointments made on or after 1 September 2011.

Schools will be required to keep a list of appropriately qualified registered teachers who are available for substitute teaching at short notice. Teachers who are available for work will be able to inform schools in their locality and be included on this list. Schools must then use this list or a service like Subsearch or TextaSub when they need a teacher at short notice. If a school cannot find an unemployed teacher in time, they may then employ a retired appropriately qualified registered teacher. If none are available, it may move on to employ a registered teacher whose qualifications are for a different sector or post giving preference, wherever possible, to an unemployed teacher over a retired one.

If a school, despite its best efforts, cannot find a registered teacher it may, for a maximum period of one week, employ an unregistered person, provided that it is satisfied that the person is competent and capable to act in place of a teacher. A school must continue looking for an appropriately qualified registered teacher and, if it finds one in the meantime, the interim person must be let go. Principals will be obliged to keep a record and report to the board of management on instances where retired registered teachers and unregistered people are employed.

Home-School Liaison Scheme

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

104 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to his recent circular indicating changes in the appointment procedures for home-school community liaison posts, if he will confirm that he does not intend to make further cutbacks to the home-school liaison co-ordinators’ role within DEIS schools; the changes he intends to implement to the appointment procedures for HSCL posts; and the way these changes will impact on the affected schools (details supplied). [13780/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that there is no curtailment to Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Services, which is a major component of DEIS, (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion. The current provision of HSCL services will remain in the 200 post-primary and 345 urban primary schools participating in DEIS. The process of allocating teaching resources to schools for the 2011-12 school year and the arrangements for filling vacant or new teaching positions takes place in the context of the Programme for National Recovery, the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland and the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.

In relation to the Programme for National Recovery and the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland, it is necessary for my Department to exercise additional control and reporting measures this year to ensure the number of teachers employed in schools is consistent with those programmes. The existing arrangements continue to remain in place whereby schools can only fill their vacancies from the surplus permanent and CID holding teachers. It is not possible to permit schools to fill vacancies in any other manner until the surplus permanent teachers are redeployed. Schools with HSCL co-ordinator vacancies have been requested to hold off on making new appointments. Although HSCL co-ordinator appointments are made internally from among the staff of schools, the filling of the replacement post for the teacher deployed to undertake HSCL duties may have implications in relation to panel arrangements.

Given that there are 248 surplus permanent and CID holding teachers remaining on panels, my Department will not decide until 10 June 2011 (at the earliest) whether to give schools authority to commence recruitment in any other manner. My Department may decide at that stage to prioritise schools that have fully co-operated with the redeployment process. Discussions with the relevant education partners also include devising whatever additional arrangements are necessary to facilitate the redeployment of any remaining permanent and CID holding teachers (including 21 surplus permanent teachers that do not currently have access to a redeployment panel).

Vocational Education Committees

Anne Ferris

Question:

105 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will produce, in tabular form, the total receipts in Ordinary Account for all 33 vocational education committees based on page five of the audited VEC Annual Financial Statement, V.15 for the financial year ended 31 December 2009; if he will ensure the format of the table shows these figures for VECs in descending order of receipt totals, largest to smallest, and include all VECs; if in the unlikely event that audited accounts are not yet available to him, he will ensure that the aforementioned table includes similar details available from page five of the draft Annual Financial Statement, V.15; if he will note that capital account figures are not required and should not be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13801/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested. I will arrange for the information to be collated by my Department and forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

Bullying in Schools

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

106 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place and/or proposed to address the relatively new phenomenon of cyber-bullying; his views on tackling new forms of bullying as they arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13808/11]

I take the issue of bullying in schools very seriously. I am committed to ensuring schools tackle bullying in all its forms. Under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, all schools are required to have in place a Code of Behaviour. This code must be drawn up in accordance with the guidelines of the National Educational Welfare Board. The guidelines, which were issued to schools in 2008, make it clear that each school must have policies to prevent or address bullying and harassment and schools must make clear in their code of behaviour that bullying is unacceptable.

The guidelines further state that as well as making explicit that bullying is prohibited in the school, and having an anti-bullying policy, the code of behaviour should indicate what action the school will take in relation to alleged breaches of the school's bullying policy. Therefore, every school must have in place a policy within the framework of its overall school code of behaviour, which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

The Department has also issued Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school. As a further aid to post-primary schools, the Department published a template that can be used by post-primary schools in developing an anti-bullying policy. The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it also takes account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying. Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address allegations of bullying.

The Deputy may be aware that when a Whole School Evaluation (WSE) is conducted by my Department's inspectorate, the code of behaviour, including its anti-bullying policy, is reviewed by the inspection team to check it is in line with the Department's guidelines. Inspectors normally meet the principal, the board, post-holders, year heads, class teachers, programme co-ordinators, the pastoral care team, representatives of the students and parents. During these meetings, there is a particular emphasis on the quality of student care and support. The inspectors' evaluation is also informed by observations in classroom settings and throughout the school. If there are weaknesses in a school's policy or implementation of policies, clear recommendations for improvement are made and are included in the published report of the inspection.

Revised procedures for WSE in schools have recently been put in place. A new element of the revised WSE process involves the issuing of questionnaires directly to pupils and parents. Children and parents will be asked to respond to questions about how the school deals with bullying, discipline in the school and whether or not the school provides a safe environment for children. This enhanced engagement with parents and pupils through questionnaires aims to further support all schools to implement effective measures to counter bullying.

The education of students in primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum. Social, Personal and Health Education is now a compulsory subject at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. Since 2001, national professional development support services have provided ongoing support to schools in planning policies on child protection and the code of behaviour and in supporting teachers and principals in the implementation of SPHE. In addition, training on the Stay Safe Programme is offered on an ongoing basis to primary schools. Other measures in place include the Webwise Internet safety initiative, the EU Safer Internet Programme campaign and the establishment of the National Behaviour Support Service which is working with over 70 post-primary schools to promote and support positive student behaviour.

Educational Performance Management

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

107 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the performance metrics used by him to measure the performance of students, teachers, principals and schools at primary and post-primary levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13809/11]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

109 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the metrics information processes in place to identify primary and post-primary school principals who would benefit from additional support for their own performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13811/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 109 together.

All primary schools are required to implement standardised tests of English reading and mathematics at two stages of the primary cycle. The tests have been devised taking account of the learning objectives of the published Primary School Curriculum and have been standardised for the Irish population. My Department commissions cyclical national assessments of English and mathematics based on tests administered at two grade levels in primary schools, the results of which are published. At second level, student performance is monitored through participation in the OECD International Programme of Student Assessment, which provides a national and international benchmark of student performance in reading literacy, mathematics and science.

The junior and leaving certificate examinations are designed to assess the achievement of the objectives of the published syllabuses that are approved across the range of subjects in second-level schools. The performance of teachers and schools is evaluated on an ongoing basis by the inspectorate of my Department. The frameworks for these evaluations are set out in the following publications: A Guide to Whole School Evaluation (WSE) in Primary Schools; A Guide to Whole School Evaluation in Post-Primary Schools; A Guide to Whole School Evaluation — Management, Leadership and Learning (WSE-MLL); and A Guide to Subject Inspection.

Inspectors use a four-level quality continuum to describe the quality of educational provision in a school. This continuum is described in two departmental publications, Looking at Our Schools: An Aid to Self-evaluation in Primary Schools; and Looking at Our School: An Aid to Self-evaluation in Second-level Schools. All these publications and all the inspection reports published since February 2006 are available on my Department's website. As part of the whole-school evaluation — management, leadership and learning (WSE-MLL) — process in post-primary schools and the whole-school evaluation process in primary schools questionnaires are administered to a representative sample of parents and students to get their views on the operation of the school. The completed questionnaires provide an insight into the views of parents and students on the performance of the school and are a key source of evidence as part of the evaluation.

Responsibility for school improvement rests primarily with the staff and board of management of each school and with the school's trustees or patron. The board may use the school's own planning and review processes to review the school's performance. They may also use the school's inspection reports, which provide teachers, principals and boards with feedback on the quality of the education provided in a school and how this can be improved. These reports deal with key aspects of the work of the school and they make recommendations on aspects for development that will improve the quality of the educational provision in the school.

In-Service Training

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

108 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the leadership, management or other training that is available to primary and post-primary school principals to help them transition to senior leadership positions; the percentage of school principals that have undertaken each type of training available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13810/11]

The leadership and planning strand of the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) provides professional development opportunities for aspiring, new and established school leaders in a range of programmes and activities. There are over 4,000 schools between the primary and post-primary sectors. In the current school year, the PDST is providing leadership development programmes for 1,158 school leaders or aspiring leaders. I will set out the breakdown between the programmes.

Some 553 newly appointed school leaders participated on the induction programmes (Misneach and Tánaiste). Some 414 established school leaders availed of the Forbairt and Spreagadh programmes. Some 123 aspiring leaders are participating in the Tóraíocht programme. Some 68 principals have trained as mentors to newly appointed principals. Tóraíocht is a programme for aspiring principals which is offered in partnership between PDST and NUI Maynooth. It aims to enhance participants' current work and support their preparation for future senior leadership positions.

The Misneach programme is a professional development programme for newly appointed school leaders. The programme seeks to help new leaders to meet the challenges of their new roles by developing their personal and professional capacities. The programme consists of four modules — Leading Learning, Leading People, Leading the Organisation and Personal Development. Tánaiste is an induction programme for newly appointed Deputy Principals or Acting Deputy Principals. The programme aims to develop the skills necessary for Deputy Principals to approach their role with confidence and to work effectively with the Principal and other school leaders to ensure high quality teaching and learning in the school. Some 1,642 places were provided in the previous year. The year on year reduction reflects an adjustment in the capacity and resources available to the PDST.

Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 107.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

110 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance available to primary and post-primary school principals who are identified as needing or request additional support for their own performance, for example, mentoring, leadership training, networking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13812/11]

The Professional Development Service for Teachers offers a suite of professional development opportunities to school leaders including programmes for aspiring, new, and established principals and deputy principals. All of these services are provided to school leaders who request them. In relation to school principals who are identified as needing additional support, as outlined in sections 22 and 23 of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management, as employer, has overall responsibility for the management of the school, including the guidance and direction of staff and the creation of an environment which is supportive of learning among the students and which promotes the professional development of teachers.

Section 24(3) of the Act provides for the suspension and dismissal of teachers by boards of management. In 2009, agreed procedures for the operation of Section 24(3) were published. As part of these procedures, inter alia, principals can avail of support from the support services under the remit of my Department. In this context, the Chairperson will advise the Principal of available internal and/or external supports and endeavour to assist the Principal in accessing supports. These may include the Employee Assistance Service, the teacher support services or other external agencies that are relevant or appropriate in the circumstances.

Reasonable and appropriate support, training and assistance will be provided. Therefore, a focus of the work of the teacher support services is the provision of appropriate advice and assistance to school management and principals in the formulation of improvement plans and, where relevant, in their implementation. The Professional Development Service for Teachers has developed draft protocols for its work in supporting principals and teachers involved in Section 24 procedures and have trained team members in responding to specific cases. The service has access to full-time and part-time facilitators who can respond to the needs of principals in leading such cases or indeed to support principals or teachers who are subject to procedures under Section 24. The PDST also includes some more general guidance workshops for principals on its leadership programmes and in some other wider seminars involving school leaders' representative bodies, as well as individualised supports to school leaders who request them due to specific challenges that arise in their leadership of schools.

Teaching Qualifications

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

111 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the metrics and processes in place to ensure that teacher training here incorporates the best thinking from around the world and consistently produces the highest quality teachers possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13813/11]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

112 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the metrics and processes used to evaluate the performance of teacher training institutions here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13814/11]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

113 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way teacher training institutions are held accountable for their performance. [13815/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together.

The supply of suitably qualified teachers is a matter of strategic importance to the State. It is widely acknowledged that the quality of teachers impacts directly on the quality of education. The initial teacher education providers are members of a dynamic teaching and learning community, providing a quality lifelong learning approach to teacher education that promotes reflective practice and ongoing renewal. All the providers listed by the Deputy have university status or have institutional or accreditation linkages to universities. Quality assurance in the university sector is governed by statutory provision and is carried out by the Irish Universities Quality Board. It is based on expert peer review of Irish and international experts, and must include representation from students, business and other stakeholders. Quality assurance of linked providers of universities is provided for in the internal quality assurance procedures of the university.

All teacher education programmes in Ireland that lead to registration must have also have current professional accreditation, which is the statutory responsibility of the Teaching Council. In accordance with section 38 of the Teaching Council Act 2001, the Council is empowered to review and professionally accredit programmes of initial teacher education. In 2009, the Council began reviewing programmes on a pilot basis and four reviews were completed in the 2009-10 academic year. A further four programmes are undergoing review in 2010-11. The reviews are carried out by independent review panels working on the Council's behalf.

Each panel reviews the programmes based on a thorough assessment of programme documentation and a visit to each college, which includes meetings with programme staff and students as well as graduates of the programme and employers of those graduates. The panel also inspects teaching and learning facilities, observes a sample of lectures, views students' project work and visits schools where teaching practice is taking place. Following consideration of its findings, the Review Panel makes a recommendation to the Council on whether accreditation should be granted and may also include recommendations for implementation by the programme provider via a time-bound action plan.

The Deputy may also be interested to note that in December 2010, the Teaching Council published its draft policy on the Teacher Education Continuum. An extensive programme of research and consultation was undertaken by the Council to bring the draft policy to this stage of development. The process will facilitate the emergence of a shared vision for teacher education among the relevant stakeholders and ensure that the underlying principles which will guide teacher education in the future are in line with international good practice. The policy is due to be published in 2011.

Third Level Courses

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

114 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of admitted students that pass the postgraduate diploma in education, graduate diploma in education and higher diploma in education secondary courses across the various third level institutions here that offer them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13816/11]

Data are not available on the pass rates in the programmes referred to in the Deputy's question. Data collected by the Higher education Authority in respect of the numbers enrolled in those programmes in 2008 and the numbers who graduated in 2009 are provided in the attached tables. It should be noted that the figures for graduates includes students who repeated.

Enrolments Year 1 2008-09

Dublin City University

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick

National University of Ireland, Galway

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra

Trinity College Dublin

University College Cork

University College Dublin

Grad Dip Education FT

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

221

Education (Primary)

0

148

0

0

0

0

0

0

Graduate Diploma in Education

67

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching)

0

0

0

0

185

0

0

0

Diploma in Education

0

0

0

0

4

0

0

0

Dióploma Iarchéime San Oideachas

0

0

39

0

0

0

0

0

Higher Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching)

0

0

0

0

0

162

0

0

Postgraduate Diploma in Education

0

0

0

159

0

126

0

0

Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (Part-time)

0

0

0

31

0

0

0

0

Postgraduate Diploma in Education

0

0

230

0

0

0

209

0

Total

67

148

269

190

189

288

209

221

Graduates 2009

Dublin City University

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick

National University of Ireland, Galway

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra

Trinity College Dublin

University College Cork

University College Dublin

Grad Dip Education FT

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

215

Education (Primary)

0

149

0

0

0

0

0

0

Graduate Diploma in Education (Part-time)

69

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching)

0

0

0

0

173

0

0

0

Diploma in Education

0

0

0

0

4

0

0

0

Dióploma Iarchéime San Oideachas

0

0

40

0

0

0

0

0

Higher Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching)

0

0

0

0

0

160

0

0

Postgraduate Diploma in Education

0

0

0

154

0

125

0

0

Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education

0

0

0

26

0

0

0

0

Postgraduate Diploma in Education

0

0

226

0

0

0

207

0

Total

69

149

266

180

177

285

207

215

Graduates as a percentage of year 1 enrolments (all courses)

Dublin City University

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick

National University of Ireland, Galway

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra

Trinity College Dublin

University College Cork

University College Dublin

103%

101%

99%

95%

94%

99%

99%

97%

NB: Where the percentage of graduates is over 100% of enrolments, it may be due to students repeating exams or course work in order to graduate. Repeating students are excluded from enrolments.

Departmental Reviews

Joe Carey

Question:

115 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects to publish the findings of the review on value for money of small primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13821/11]

The value for money review on small schools is part of the normal review processes undertaken by all Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure and is being conducted in line with the standard procedure for value for money reviews. These procedures require that the views of stakeholders be obtained and the public consultations were designed to achieve this aim. This was done by issuing a direct invitation to relevant interest groups to provide a submission. The interest groups included the school patron bodies, management bodies, teacher unions, the National Parents Council, Irish language groups and other groups who operate in the area of social inclusion.

A letter inviting submissions was issued on 8 February 2011 to these interest groups and a deadline for reply was set for 18 March. As these groups represent a wide spectrum of membership, it could be reasonably expected they would communicate with their membership in regard to the review. In addition to the direct letter of invitation issued to these groups, a general invitation for submissions was posted on the Department's website also at the same time. The large response of more than 1,000 submissions seems to support the view that there is high awareness of the review and a lot of interest in it.

The review will attempt to explore the general policy options for the reorganisation of small schools, including the sharing of resources and clustering arrangements towards small schools. It is important to clarify that this study is part of an overall requirement across all Departments to have a rolling programme of such studies. The review was initiated last October by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and is not driven by any ideology. It is simply about ascertaining the facts to inform future policy. It does not mean that any policy decision has been taken at this point or any particular outcome is sought. Given that the Government has recently announced a comprehensive review of expenditure, all Government expenditure and programmes will come under similar scrutiny.

The terms of reference acknowledge the important role primary schools play in their local communities. In considering any policy change in relation to small schools, the Department is conscious that there is a wider dimension to be considered in addition to the cost of maintaining small schools. Among the issues that will need to be taken into account are availability of diversity of provision, ethos of schools, parental choice, language of instruction, travel distances, transport costs and the impact of schools on dispersed rural communities. The review will examine the locations of small schools relative to each other and to other schools of a similar type. It will examine the costs of running small schools and the educational outcomes associated with small schools.

Educational quality for the students must be one of the main criteria in any consideration of primary school size. We must also consider the needs of local communities and wider social and cultural factors. Decisions on school provision and reorganisation must be widely perceived to be cost-effective, equitable and reasonable. These decisions need to be based on a rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs, not just at a local level but also at regional and national levels. The review should be completed by the end of 2011. Following completion, it will be submitted to me for consideration of its conclusions and recommendations. It is too early to give an expected publication date.

Schools Refurbishment

Tom Hayes

Question:

116 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal for the summer works scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13830/11]

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy was one of 453 successful schools that received funding under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme, which was announced on 30 March 2011. The school has been in contact with my Department regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy. My officials clarified the Department's position to the school in writing on 6 April.

Schools Building Projects

Robert Dowds

Question:

117 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 will be approved for two new classrooms in view of the fact that pupil numbers are projected to increase from 375 to 426 over the next two years; when a decision will issue, and his views on whether it would be more logical to build the two classrooms at the same time in view of the fact that it is too late for one to be ready for September 2011. [13831/11]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department seeking funding to provide additional accommodation. The application is being assessed. My Department will convey a decision on the application to the school authority when the assessment process has been completed.

Educational Disadvantage

Seán Crowe

Question:

118 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in Dublin is to lose or have cuts made to its early start programme. [13837/11]

The Early Start Programme which was launched in 1994-95 is a targeted intervention for pre-school children at risk of educational disadvantage. Early Start units are located in Primary Schools. Although my Department is supporting Early Start units in Finglas, they are not located in St. Kevin's PS in Finglas West. If the Deputy could forward the roll number of the school or further information on the Early Start unit he is inquiring about, I will have further inquiries made.

Third Level Courses

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

119 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to the Adjournment debate of 25 May 2011, if he will consider facilitating the completion of the BA course in All Hallows, Dublin by the group of former employees from a company (details supplied) through the Springboard initiative; if he will accept that the group when beginning the four year course had a reasonable expectation that there would be funding to complete the course when the globalisation fund expired; and if he will consider this course as part of the free fees scheme until the group have completed their degrees. [13845/11]

The co-funding of relevant education and training measures through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in support of redundant SR Technics workers is strictly time limited to finish on 9 October 2011. This end date is determined at two years from the date of application, in accordance with the regulations governing the operation of the fund, and cannot be extended. This position has always been made clear to service providers and to beneficiaries of EGF support, including the former SR Technics staff in question.

It was also therefore always clear to the former SR Technics workers that the full duration of the course would not be funded by the State and that funding would end before accreditation was achieved. On the question of alternative funding, officials from my Department met a delegation of the former workers last month and discussed in detail the position in relation to EGF funding and the full range of options and supports that are available to students generally, including former SR Technics staff, who wish to pursue education programmes in the publicly funded higher education system. I have written to a member of the delegation re-emphasising the position as outlined.

The closing date for submission of proposals for funding under the Springboard initiative was 18 March 2011. The results of the selection process were announced on 25 May 2011. Funding was available under Springboard for higher education programmes delivered on a part-time basis. The Department of Social Protection has already confirmed that if the students remain on the programme on a full-time basis beyond the EGF cut-off date, that will be entitled to retain their Back to Education Allowance. This would be a considerable advantage to the students in terms of providing income support while progressing in education. It should also be noted that All Hallows College has been extremely helpful in running what was originally a part-time course on a full-time basis under the EGF programme in order to accelerate students' progress on a modular basis and maximise the scope for them to benefit from the EU funding available.

It is open to the students to engage with All Hallows College to seek a reduced course fee for continuance of the course full-time but at their own expense. Alternatively, the relevant students could potentially transfer to other full-time courses in the public system which are part of the Free Fees Scheme without losing their Back to Education Allowance. The accreditation of learning gained at All Hallows College prior to any such transfer is a matter for the college in conjunction with the Higher Education Authority.

Home-School Liaison Scheme

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

120 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills regarding his circular on changes on appointment procedures to home school liaison co-ordinators, that it does not signal further cutbacks to the HSL role within DEIS schools, the changes to appointment procedures that are imminent as a result of this circular; and the way schools will be affected. [13846/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no cutbacks to Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Services, which is a major component of DEIS, (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion. The current provision of HSCL services will remain in the 200 post primary and 345 urban primary schools participating in DEIS. The process of allocating teaching resources to schools for the 2011-12 school year and the arrangements for filling vacant or new teaching positions takes place in the context of the Programme for National Recovery, the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland and the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.

In relation to the Programme for National Recovery and the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland, it is necessary for my Department to exercise additional control and reporting measures this year to ensure the number of teachers employed in schools is consistent with those programmes. The existing arrangements continue to remain in place whereby schools can only fill their vacancies from the surplus permanent and CID holding teachers. It is not possible to permit schools to fill vacancies in any other manner until the surplus permanent teachers are redeployed. Schools with HSCL co-ordinator vacancies were requested to hold off making new appointments. Although HSCL co-ordinator appointments are made internally from among the staff of schools, the filling of the replacement post for the teacher deployed to undertake HSCL duties may have implications in relation to panel arrangements.

Given that there are 248 surplus permanent and CID holding teachers remaining on panels, my Department will not make a decision until 10 June 2011 (at the earliest) on giving schools authority to commence recruitment in any other manner. My Department may decide at that stage to prioritise schools that have fully co-operated with the redeployment process. Discussions with the relevant education partners also include devising whatever additional arrangements are necessary to facilitate the redeployment of any remaining permanent and CID holding teachers (including 21 surplus permanent teachers that do not currently have access to a redeployment panel).

Post-Leaving Certificate Courses

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

121 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if teachers involved in FETAC courses with portfolio and work in before Easter, consequently no teaching duties in the last term, are paid for correcting the work during the last school term in addition to their salaries. [13847/11]

In the 1993-94 academic year, national certification for Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses was introduced for the first time by the National Council for Vocational Awards. A fee structure was negotiated with the teacher unions by my Department on the basis of a fee per module per student, in line with practice in other State examinations, where payment is made for work undertaken in addition to normal teaching duties. These payments continued to be paid with the transfer of functions from the National Council for Vocational Awards to the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC).

The assessments are carried out on students' work prior to the submission of authenticated results to FETAC. In the current academic year, these authenticated results are required to be forwarded to FETAC by 5 June 2011 to facilitate the issue of certification in July. This meant all assessments had to be undertaken and verified internally and externally prior to the 5 June deadline. Teachers in PLC courses are required to undertake a range of duties in addition to their teaching duties as part of their normal working year, including participation in the promotion of courses, involvement with the internal verification and the external verification process and involvement in the selection of students for the next academic year.

Special Educational Needs

Peter Mathews

Question:

122 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 24 May 2011, if he will meet with parents (details supplied) representing those wishing to set up an academy for children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13864/11]

As previously advised, the proposal for an academy for children with autism from the organisation in question is being examined by officials in my Department. The need for any meetings in this context will be considered as part of this examination. My officials will respond to the organisation in this regard presently.

Teaching Contracts

Brendan Smith

Question:

123 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers employed on contracts of indefinite duration in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13869/11]

Brendan Smith

Question:

127 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers employed in community and comprehensive schools on contracts of indefinite duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13873/11]

Brendan Smith

Question:

128 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers employed on contracts of indefinite duration for less than 18 hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13874/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 127 and 128 together.

The number of teachers employed on contracts of indefinite duration in secondary schools in 2010-11 is 1,741. The number of teachers employed in community and comprehensive schools on contracts of indefinite duration in the 2010-11 school year is 796. The number of teachers employed on contracts of indefinite duration for less than 18 hours per week in the Secondary and Community and Comprehensive sectors is 491.

Brendan Smith

Question:

124 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers employed in vocational schools on contracts of indefinite duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13870/11]

My Department allocates teaching posts to individual VEC schemes in accordance with published criteria. It is a matter for the individual VEC scheme, as employer, to determine whether a teacher is entitled to hold a contract of indefinite duration. The information requested by the Deputy would therefore be held at individual VEC level.

Brendan Smith

Question:

125 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that will be employed on contracts of indefinite duration in September 2011 with more than 18 hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13871/11]

Brendan Smith

Question:

126 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that will be employed on contracts of indefinite duration in September 2011 with less than 18 hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13872/11]

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

The information requested by the Deputy is not available as the managerial authorities of schools will not have appointments for the 2011-12 school year finalised until September 2011.

Questions Nos. 127 and 128 answered with Question No. 123.

School Transport

Áine Collins

Question:

129 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the situation regarding a school bus for 2011 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [13900/11]

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. These changes include the requirement that a minimum of ten eligible pupils residing in a distinct locality will be required to retain or establish a school transport service from 2011-12 school year. As is currently the position, families of eligible pupils for whom there is no school transport service available may apply for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. Decisions in relation to the retention or establishment of school transport services will be made when all applications for school transport for the 2011-12 school year have been received and assessed.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

130 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the agreement that was entered into with national schools in 1967-68 under what has become known as the closed school rule; if this agreement is or was legally binding; if he will provide full details of same; under the recent review of schools where sample schools were picked if he will provide the location and name of all the schools that were studied; if any of these schools are under threat at present because of changes in the closed school rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13907/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR) as it relates to primary school transport eligibility was announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derives from a recommendation in the published Value for Money Review of the scheme. Given the major financial constraints facing the country, it is not possible to change the decision announced by the previous Government. This change to the CSR is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date.

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. Given the timeframe for the review, this sample of schools was randomly selected and the findings were then aggregated nationally. As I have stated on many occasions recently, before implementing this 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. This analysis will be based on the most up-to-date information available on current school transport usage patterns. I expect to have this information available to me this summer.

Schools Building Projects

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

131 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills his current policy on the inclusion of canteen facilities in the design of new primary and post-primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13908/11]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

132 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools, primary and post-primary, built since 2006 which have included canteen facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13909/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

My Department has in place detailed design guidelines for primary and post-primary schools. These guidelines, which are available on my Departments web-site, currently provide for a standard range of servery and eating facilities in the design of new Primary and Post Primary schools. These facilities are not intended to be full commercial type canteens where food is prepared or cooked.

In new Primary schools a servery of 8m2 in area is provided. The servery is equipped with standard kitchen work top and low level units, a sink, hot water boiler and provision for a dishwasher, fridge, and dryer. The servery area is located off the General Purposes Room which can be used for dining. At post primary level a kitchenette, 25m2 in area is provided off the General Purpose/Dining Area. It is equipped, as standard, with a cooker, a water boiler, fridge, dishwasher and sink. In general, while the facilities outlined above are not intended to constitute full commercial type canteen facilities, these would have been included in the majority of new schools completed since 2006.

Schools Refurbishment

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

133 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he will insist that a school currently availing of consultancy or design team services will be required to tender for professional services to report on summer works even in circumstances in which the consultants, currently in situ, prepared the summer works submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13910/11]

As the Deputy is aware all funding allocated under my Department's Devolved Schemes including the Summer Works Scheme to allow school management authorities carry out building or improvement works to their schools, must be offered to the market in accordance with EU and National procurement guidelines. School management authorities must comply with all the requirements of Technical Guidance Documents TGD 007 and TGD 008 (Design Team Procedures for Small Works and Engaging Professional Consultants for Small Works respectively) which are available on my Department's website. Failure to do so may expose the school management authorities to challenge and subsequent financial penalties from a consultant or contractor who feels he/she was not afforded an opportunity to tender. Any such challenge could also result in the project being substantially delayed. The circular letters for devolved schemes deals with the appointment of consultants for the preparation of reports and is specific that consultants should be appointed for that task only.

Trade Relations

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

134 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the steps he and the agencies under his aegis will take to increase trade with Brazil, Russia, India and China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13894/11]

The Government is fully committed to developing and expanding engagement with the key high potential markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China, as these countries are very promising destinations for the sale of Irish goods and services. The agreed Programme for Government sets out clearly that Ireland's economic recovery must be export-led. That Programme commits us to achieve the maximum growth in exports, including the long-term development of new markets. In addition, the Government has given a commitment to progressively implement the recommendations in the strategy and action plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015, entitled Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy which will inter alia, position Ireland to develop better trade relationships with emerging economies.

That Strategy takes a two-pronged approach, focussing on particular markets and sectors. In terms of markets, it identifies potential to further grow our existing key markets — and, most particularly, to increase or gain a foothold in high-growth and high-potential markets, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. The targets agreed by the relevant State Agencies — Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland — are to be implemented through a suite of actions driven by a new Trade Council.

Key instruments to pursue trade expansion are, of course, Trade Missions and over the last five years, Taoiseach-led Trade Missions have been organised to China and India and several other Ministerial-led Trade Missions have taken place to China, India, Russia and Brazil. I myself led a Trade Mission to India in April last, with 22 Enterprise Ireland client companies participating, where I officiated on a successful programme of events to promote our exports to that country.

A further indicator of commitment is the fact that the Department of Foreign Affairs has expanded its network of Embassies and Consulates in some of those countries and Enterprise Ireland has opened new offices to facilitate Irish companies developing export opportunities there. In addition, Enterprise Ireland has a dedicated High Growth Markets Unit in Dublin to provide further assistance to client companies doing business in a range of countries, including Brazil, Russia, India and China.

My own Department is engaged in the promotion of Ireland's trade interests through for example, the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements between the EU and third countries. A Free Trade Agreement is now under negotiation with India and another with South Korea comes into effect on 1 July this year. I also place a particular emphasis on promoting less restrictive global trade arrangements by means of the current round of world trade talks at the World Trade Organisation and developing new opportunities for exporters by reductions in tariff and non tariff barriers through trade and regulatory discussions between the EU and China, Russia, Brazil and the United States.

All the efforts have borne considerable fruit. Between 2005 and 2010, Merchandise exports to these countries have risen 73% and between 2004 and 2009 (latest available year). Services exports have risen by 622% . A key example of this success is the fact that Ireland now has a modest trade surplus with China, a dramatic turnaround from the position only three years ago when we had a trade deficit of €2.9bn with that country.

Job Creation

Finian McGrath

Question:

135 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding job potential. [13902/11]

Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to drive Ireland's competitiveness and productivity by creating the conditions where enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation can flourish and quality employment opportunities are grown and maintained and to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. The Government's Jobs Initiative will facilitate the implementation of a number of measures across a range of Government Departments.

Within that context, my Department, through the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provides support to micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases by both financial and non-financial assistance. The remit of these Boards as part of a nationwide Network is to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate entrepreneurship in their area throughout the country. Business growth, job creation and retention are central to the activities of the CEBs.

CEBs can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance, which are available, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, include Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, and Feasibility/Innovation Study Grants. The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise.

In addition, the CEBs deliver a wide range of non-financial supports such as Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business Networks. These supports are designed to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises and to assist new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow.

As Minister, I welcome contributions on measures which will further assist in Ireland's economic recovery. In relation to the specific proposal being made, as the CEBs unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business I would advise that contact be made in the first instance with their local CEB to discuss the proposal in more detail. Contact details for each CEB may be found at their website www.enterpriseboards.ie.

In addition, the National Training and Employment Authority, FÁS, operating under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills, operates training and employment programmes, provides a recruitments service to jobseekers and employers, an advisory service for industry, and supports community-based enterprises, and I would advise that contact be made as appropriate with FÁS to discuss employer recruitment services. Further details may be explored through the FÁS website www.fas.ie.

Community Employment Schemes

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

136 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that participation in a FÁS course has the effect of making persons ineligible to apply for Tús community employment supervisor vacancies; her views on whether this penalises persons who have been long-term unemployed and are making every effort to re-enter the labour force including through re-training and upskilling with FÁS; and her further views on whether FÁS training participants who satisfy the other criteria for the Tús supervisor post should be allowed to apply and if she will amend the directives issued to the local area partnerships accordingly. [13748/11]

Ciara Conway

Question:

139 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the eligibility criteria for the position of Tús supervisors to allow participants on FÁS courses to apply for these positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13773/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 139 together.

Tús is a community work placement initiative which will provide up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. Some €30 million has been provided in the Department's Estimates in 2011 to fund the roll-out of the initiative. This initiative is delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas. Participants will, in the first instance, be identified by the Department of Social Protection by applying the following conditions:

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

Currently be in receipt of jobseekers allowance, and

Be fully unemployed.

The purpose of Tús is to focus 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. Persons already in employment are not eligible for these positions. The operation of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, will be kept under review and will inform the evaluation process in due course.

Departmental Schemes

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

137 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that the review of the rural social scheme is under way and the decision to renew contracts for participants for another year is under way, if it is her intention to provide adequate funding to the relevant implementing bodies to provide for mandatory training in health and safety and for personal protective equipment and also to provide necessary equipment for these participants to carry out their duties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13760/11]

The purpose of the rural social scheme (RSS) is to provide income support for farmers and fisherpersons who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. Persons are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. Each participant is paid the equivalent of the maximum rate of the social welfare payment they are entitled to plus €20 per week. The RSS is operated by my Department and delivered at local level by 35 local development companies and by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 men and women and 130 supervisory staff.

Some €46.1 million has been allocated to meet the costs of the RSS in 2011. I am satisfied that adequate funding is available to ensure that implementing bodies are in a position to meet their obligations in respect of health and safety, including the provision of necessary personal protective clothing, footwear and equipment. The level of resources available within the RSS to support the purchase, maintenance and repair of equipment to support the delivery of services is constrained. Implementing bodies are encouraged to prioritise existing resources and to generate local sources of funding to ensure continuing operations are maintained.

Social Welfare Code

Michael Creed

Question:

138 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that the rules of a spousal swap pass the entitlements of a social welfare scheme in totality from one spouse to another in order to permit that spouse participate in a rural social scheme thus removing the eligibility to participate in such a scheme from the spouse who had the initial entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13772/11]

The purpose of the rural social scheme (RSS) is to provide income support for farmers and fisherpersons who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. Persons are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. Each participant is paid the equivalent of the maximum rate of the social welfare payment they are entitled to receive plus €20 per week. The RSS is operated by my Department and delivered at local level by 35 local development companies and by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 men and women and 130 supervisory staff.

Under the arrangements by which the eligibility criteria for the RSS are implemented, a person eligible in his/her own right to participate on the scheme may avail of an option to transfer the eligibility to his or her spouse or civil partner. In this regard, a qualified adult dependant aged 25 years and over of an eligible person may avail of the spousal swap option.

This involves the person exchanging his or her placement opportunity on the scheme with his or her adult qualified dependant. The dependent spouse/civil partner will inherit the age and entitlements of the eligible person. This ensures that no loss is incurred in the relative entitlements of the couple as a result of the exchange. The person who transferred the entitlement is generally not allowed to participate in other programmes such as community employment or positions funded by the community services programme. In the event that a person who engaged in a spousal swap takes up employment or training opportunities, the entitlement may lapse with implications for the dependent adult who is participating on the RSS.

In circumstances where a person participates on the RSS on the basis of a spousal swap, the participant must resign from the scheme when the entitlement of their spouse/civil partner expires. This arises in cases where the eligible person reaches retirement age, takes up employment or avails of opportunities provided under other training or employment schemes.

Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 136.

Social Welfare Benefits

John McGuinness

Question:

140 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for supplementary allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) will be approved; if the applicant will be interviewed; and if the case will be expedited. [13832/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned is currently in receipt of a basic weekly supplementary welfare allowance payment.

Social Welfare Appeals

Finian McGrath

Question:

141 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [13840/11]

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 hand, 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 s/he 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.

Social Welfare Code

Sean Fleming

Question:

142 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the payments or allowances that can be made to claimants here based on receipt of a qualifying payment from the Department or from a country covered by EU regulations or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement; those payments that are not covered by these agreements on a country basis; if she will explain the reason fuel allowance may be paid but living alone allowance is not paid to claimants under the above regulations; if she will facilitate the payment of these allowances that are not currently covered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13848/11]

The Department operates a range of schemes which can, subject to conditions, be paid to individuals as an extra allowance, or as a separate payment, in addition to their standard social welfare payment. The payments include living alone increase, allowances under the supplementary welfare allowance schemes, household benefits, fuel allowance, respite care grant and island allowance. In the time available it is not possible to compile details of all the schemes which are available to the different categories of claimant resident here and receiving social welfare payments from Ireland or from other countries.

The living alone increase is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people under 66 years of age who are living alone and who receive payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes. The increase is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone. The increase is not a payment in its own right but one that is paid as a supplement to an Irish social welfare payment. As such, it cannot be paid to people without a social welfare entitlement or to those whose pension payments are made exclusively under the social security regimes of other countries.

I have no plans to change these arrangements. I would point out that the needs of older people are often provided for in different ways by other countries. While the Irish system provides a basic pension, supplemented by allowances, increases and other benefits, the approach adopted by other countries can be very different involving, for instance, a pension based on pre-retirement earnings.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current entitlements to social welfare payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13849/11]

The person concerned does not have a current social welfare claim. If they wish to make a claim, the person should contact their local Social Welfare office where they can discuss their entitlements. Further details and information is available on the Department of Social Protection website www.welfare.ie.

James Bannon

Question:

144 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13851/11]

The person concerned is currently in receipt of carer's allowance in respect of one caree. On 28 October 2010 she was refused carers allowance in respect of a second caree on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Additional medical evidence was received and was forwarded to the Department's Medical Assessor for consideration. However, this information did not alter the opinion of the Medical Assessor and, consequently, the decision remains unchanged. On 16 March 2011 she was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

James Bannon

Question:

145 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused. [13852/11]

The person concerned made an application for carer's allowance which was received on the 5th October 2010. On the 28th January 2011 the application was refused on the grounds that a medical assessor of this department expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in social welfare legislation. The person concerned was notified of the decision and of their right of review or appeal, within 21 days to the independent social welfare appeals office.

James Bannon

Question:

146 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused a disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13853/11]

The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 23 August 2010. She was assessed with weekly means of €393.46 derived from her spouse's insurable employment. As this exceeded the statutory limit for payment of disability allowance for a family of her size, her claim was disallowed. A letter issued to her on 25 January 2011 advising her of this decision. If there has been any change in the person's circumstances she should notify the Department and submit further documentary evidence and her claim will be reviewed.

Wildlife Conservation

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

147 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if he will organise a cull to reduce the number of wild mink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13912/11]

Mink found in the wild in Ireland are descended from animals that escaped from fur farms. They have been breeding in the countryside since the 1950s and are now found throughout much of the country. A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated that the potential population of wild mink in the State was between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals. The report identified ground nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation.

However, the cost of a national cull would be prohibitive at this time. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species including red-throated diver, corncrake, grey partridge, waders and terns from a range of predators including mink. Experience has shown that targeted control of predators at specific times can have a significant benefit to the breeding success of these species. In addition, I have instructed my Department to consider options for increased control of the numbers of mink. As wild mink are not protected under the Wildlife Acts they can be controlled by landowners and their agents.

Sport and Recreational Development

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

148 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if, in pursuit of the purpose of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to contribute to the social and economic development of the State and to fulfil the commitment contained in the programme for Government to use buildings as suitable cultural facilities, he has given any consideration to the possibility that lands within the control of the National Asset Management Agency could be made available to local sporting organisations for their use. [13776/11]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment that

"we will seek to capture some public good from NAMA by identifying buildings that have no commercial potential, and which might be suitable as local facilities for art and culture."

My Department has recently been in contact with NAMA to arrange a meeting to discuss this commitment. Accordingly, until such time as that meeting takes place, it is not possible to be more definitive on the matter. The Deputy will appreciate that responsibility relating to sporting issues rests with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Telecommunications Services

Tom Hayes

Question:

149 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an application for the rural broadband scheme has been received from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [13850/11]

Details of applications received under the recently-launched Rural Broadband Scheme are a private matter between the applicants and my Department and I am therefore unable to divulge any particulars regarding this phase of the Scheme. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme is available on the Department's website www.dcenr.ie or through contacting the Department on 01-6782020 or call save number 1850 678 100.

Harbours and Piers

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

150 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13856/11]

As the Deputy may be aware, I have advertised a proposal to open a licensed draft net fishery in Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry, depending on the outcome of a 30-day statutory public consultation process on the required amendments to the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations, which commenced on 19 May 2011. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the issue raised by the Deputy in advance of receiving and considering all of the objections under the consultation process.

Departmental Bodies

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

151 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the active citizenship steering group established on 5 November 2008 is still in place; if so, when it last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13782/11]

In April 2006 the Task force on Active Citizenship was established to review the evidence regarding trends in citizen participation across the main areas of civic, community, cultural, occupational and recreational life in Ireland. Following a consultation process, the Task force compiled a set of recommendations to enhance active citizenship in Ireland. The main recommendations relate to increasing participation in the democratic process; improving the interaction between the citizen and state institutions at local and national level, measures to promote a greater sense of community and community engagement; further education on the issues around active citizenship; and measures that provide increased opportunities for the inclusion of ethnic and cultural minorities in an increasingly diverse society.

The Task force recommendations were accepted in principle by the then Government in March 2007. As a first step in implementation, an Office of Active Citizenship was established on a non-statutory basis in the Department of the Taoiseach. The then Government Chief Whip, was assigned special responsibility for the overall direction of the active citizenship initiative and was assisted in this regard by a Steering Group. The Steering Group met on five occasions from its appointment in October 2008 and last met in October 2009. In addition, the three Subgroups working on (i) the Active Citizenship Week (ii) the Active Citizenship Conference and (iii) Voter Education met a total of six times. The work of the Active Citizenship Office was discontinued in November 2009.

In May 2010, responsibility for progressing the Active Citizenship agenda was transferred to the then Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and on the 1 May 2011 this area transferred to my Department. Given the current resource constraints, it is appropriate that the focus on active citizenship is a more pragmatic one where civic engagement is mainstreamed into the work of Government at Departmental and Local Government level.

Housing Aid for the Elderly

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

152 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reasons for the delay in processing Dublin City Council’s proposal for 40 senior citizen units on a site (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [13747/11]

In June 2008 my Department issued approval to Dublin City Council to proceed to detailed design stage for a project at the site in question, which my Department understands from Dublin City Council is currently being advanced with an Approved Housing Body. It will be a matter for the Council, in the first instance, to prioritise and manage the further advancement of the project within their overall housing programme and having regard to available funding.

Local Authority Housing

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

153 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided by him to Dublin City Council to date for regeneration programmes (details supplied); and the future funding commitments made by him for same. [13752/11]

In response to the downturn in the housing market and the prevailing economic climate in 2008, the private investment envisaged for a number regeneration projects in Dublin City did not materialise. As a result, the City Council suspended its PPP programme for a number of estates including O'Devaney Gardens, Dominick Street, Croke Villas, and St Teresa's Gardens.

In the absence of PPP alternatives and with the support of my Department, the City Council established a multi-disciplinary Special Housing Task force to examine all options with regard to the future regeneration of the areas concerned and, in particular, options to fast-track the relocation of households to facilitate future regeneration. To the end of May 2011, my Department has supported the City Council in this objective as follows:

To 30 May 2011

O’Devaney Gardens

Dominick Street

Croke Villas

St.Theresa’s Gardens

Planning, Design, and Enabling Works including demolitions

€3.58m

€0.998m

€0.785m

€0.03m

Relocation of Households

€34.5m

Relocating households were offered new and existing units within the City Council’s overall stock.

Relocating households were offered new and existing units within the City Council’s overall stock.

€4.14mon direct acquisitions. Relocating households were also offered new and existing units within the City Council’s overall stock

Total

€38.08m

€0.998m

€0.785m

€4.17m

My Department will continue to work closely with the City Council in progressing these projects over the coming years within the context of the overall National Regeneration Programme. Currently, exchequer funding is also being provided to Dublin City for the regeneration of Ballymun, a number of Inner City Flat Complexes (Bridge Foot Street, Queen Street, Lourdes House and Seán Treacy House), and the regeneration at St. Michael's Estate. The total allocation for these projects in 2011 is €63.22 million.

Building Regulations

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

154 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the Building Control Act 2007, if he is committed to ensuring that a grandfather clause is implemented as regards Part 3 of the Act; if he will confirm that an independent auditing group for architects is established as opposed to the RIAI; and if he will ensure that a grandfather clause is instituted and that members of the Architects Alliance of Ireland are allowed to continue to practice and use the title architect. [13767/11]

I have no plans to change the arrangements for registration as set out in the Building Control Act 2007. Importantly, the Act is designed to protect consumers. There is no question of non-registered persons being allowed use the title of architect.

Social Partnership

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

155 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made towards establishing a structured dialogue process with the community and voluntary pillar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13798/11]

In February 2011 the previous Government announced its plans for a structured dialogue between the then Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and the 17 members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar under Social Partnership. The impetus for the dialogue was that, under the Towards 2016 Social Partnership Agreement and the Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009, the Government had committed to engaging with the Community & Voluntary sector to deepen the partnership between statutory bodies and voluntary and community organisations. It was proposed that the dialogue would be undertaken initially on a bilateral basis between the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Community and Voluntary Pillar, and, subject to good progress, other Departments would be invited into the process, to engage on cross-cutting issues.

On 1 May, responsibility for Community affairs transferred to my Department. On 26 May, I announced at The Wheel's annual conference in Dublin that I will honour the commitment to engage in a structured dialogue with the members of the Community & Voluntary Pillar. However, I noted that such dialogue would have to take account of the new Departmental structures and policy context as well as the Government's review of expenditure. In particular, I believe that there is significant scope to enhance the delivery and coordination of services and resources at local level, and in this regard the community sector is a key stakeholder. The dialogue will therefore take account of the community sector's central role and the relationship with the State, local government and local development sectors as well as the other social partner pillar members.

Departmental Bodies

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

156 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of times the steering committee co-ordinating activities for the European Year of Volunteering has met since it was established in July 2010; the activities and events being organised by the steering group to celebrate the European Year of Volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13799/11]

Volunteering Ireland was designated the National Coordinating Body (NCB) for the European Year of Volunteering 2011 (EYV2011) by the Irish Government and by the European Commission. The work of the NCB is supported and advised by a broad-based steering group, drawn from a range of Government Departments and civil society organisations. The EYV Steering Group has met six times since July 2010, and most recently on 3 May 2011. President McAleese is Patron of EYV 2011 in Ireland and presided over the official Opening Ceremony, on 12 February 2011 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The event involved over 20 volunteer organisations and performing groups and over 300 guests, including volunteers from nationwide organisations.

The EYV website acts as the hub for EYV2011 activity in Ireland. The NCB updates the site daily and has launched a web campaign to profile volunteers and smaller voluntary organisations around Ireland. The EYV Steering Group members contribute to site content and have promoted the website within their own organisations, via their websites and newsletters. The NCB also distributes EYV promotional materials and online marketing tools such as EYV branded headers, logos and linked buttons to organisations, public spaces and to individuals who request them.

The EYV Roadshow is a public exhibition that travels to the capitals of each EU member state during the course of year. The Roadshow will be in Dublin from 22-26 August 2011 and the NCB is organising the event. A working group is meeting in the next fortnight to determine the themes, content and promotion of the EYV Roadshow event. The NCB is working with the EYV Steering Group and Volunteers Centre Ireland to develop the framework and content of a national public conference which is scheduled to take place in November 2011.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Question:

157 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a decision will issue to approve a sewerage scheme at Kinvara Sewerage, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13804/11]

The Kinvara Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, as two contracts to advance to construction during the lifetime of the Programme at an estimated overall cost of €4.8 million.

I have recently approved the grant of a Foreshore Licence for the Kinvara Sewerage Scheme and the Chief State's Solicitors Office has been asked to draft the licence. My Department is currently examining Galway County Council's revised design proposals for the scheme and a decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible. Once the Council's revised design proposals have been approved by my Department, the Council will then be in a position to draft contract documents to seek tenders for the Kinvara scheme.

Job Creation

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

158 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the activities and programme of the Fingal leadership partnership programme; the actions the organisation has taken to support enterprise and job creation in Howth, Sutton, Baldoyle and Portmarnock in Dublin North-East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13881/11]

Fingal LEADER Partnership (FLP), an independent company limited by guarantee, delivers the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) and Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013 on behalf of my Department. The LCDP aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. Funding of some €63m has been made available for the Programme in 2011, with some €435,000 allocated to FLP.

Among other things, the Programme seeks to increase peoples work readiness and employment prospects through the development of a range of services to support, prepare and assist people enter the labour market, the development of strategies with local enterprises to increase local employment prospects and the development of strategies to increase self employment prospects. In this regard, FLP is delivering a range of initiatives throughout the Fingal catchment area, including Howth, Sutton, Baldoyle and Portmarnock. These initiatives include:

English language and literacy training aimed at providing unemployed migrants with pre-employment training opportunities;

Pre-employment training initiative delivered in collaboration with FÁS, Department of Social Protection and employers aimed at providing unemployed persons with opportunities to gain skills and qualifications necessary for employment within the healthcare sector;

Information and guidance services, start-up training and support for new enterprises, and support and mentoring services for FLP established businesses; and

Workshops in rural areas for unemployed clients in connection with the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme (BTWEA)

Fingal Leader Partnership (FLP) is an integrated local development company (LDC) made up of Rural Dublin LEADER Company (RDLCo) and Co-operation Fingal (North). This group is one of the LDCs contracted to deliver the Rural Development Programme (RDP) with an allocation of €7,766,780 and expenditure to date recorded at €812,600.92. The outstanding projects commitments for the group amount to just under €400,000 most of which is expected to be drawn down during 2011.

For the purposes of implementing Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme (RDP), the following areas are excluded;

The City Council boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick

The Borough Council boundaries of Kilkenny, Sligo and Wexford

The Town Council boundaries of Athlone, Ballina, Castlebar, Cavan, Dundalk, Ennis, Killarney, Letterkenny, Mallow, Monaghan, Mullingar, Tralee, Tuam and Tullamore.

During negotiations in respect of the Rural Development Programme, the European Commission indicated that the OECD definition of rural areas should be used to define the rural areas that would be covered by the Programme. The OECD defines rural areas as those with a population density of less than 150 persons per square kilometre. It was considered, in the Irish context, that a more appropriate course of action would be to remove the urban areas defined as hubs and gateways in the National Spatial Strategy from coverage under the Programme.

The use of this definition, rather than a population density calculation, ensures that Axes 3 & 4 Rural Development Programme funding is available to a more significant number of rural areas, which would otherwise not receive funding under the Programme. This approach was adopted following detailed negotiations with the European Commission and is the best possible outcome in relation to Programme coverage.

All local action groups contracted to deliver the RDP work within a framework which includes a local development strategy submitted as part of the RDP application process. In preparation to deliver Axes 3 and 4 of the current RDP, Fingal Leader Partnership (FLP) conducted a comprehensive review of their operational area. This resulted in the reconstitution of the operational area for the purposes of implementing the RDP.

The local development strategy of FLP details the rationale behind the development strategy as well as detailing the areas to be covered by the strategy. A number of EDs in the greater Dublin area had been excluded from previous LEADER programmes on the basis that they are very urban in nature and had high population densities greatly exceeding the OECD definition of a rural area i.e. an area with a population density below 150 people per sq km. As a result of the comprehensive review conducted prior to the current RDP further areas were excluded reflecting significant population increases in many areas in Dublin.

The EDs included in the FLP operational area for RDP implementation are listed below and are detailed in the Local Development Strategy of FLP. In this context the areas referred to in the question are not eligible under Axes 3 and 4 of the current the RDP and as such no actions to support enterprise and job creation in the areas mentioned can be supported from RDP funds.

Airport

Balbriggan Rural

Balgriffin

Ballyboughal

Balscadden

Clonmethan

Donabate

Dubber

Garristown

Hollywood

Holmpatrick

Killsallaghan

Kinsealy

Lucan North

Lusk

Rush

Swords-Lissenhall

The Ward

Waste Management

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

159 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 264 and 271 of 5 April 2011, when the Office of Public Works working group report on the former ISPAT site at Haulbowline, County Cork, will be delivered to Government and published; the further remediation works, including removal of contaminated substances, that is required to address health concerns in the Cobh and Cork Harbour area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13884/11]

The timing of the submission to Government and publication of the Office of Public Works (OPW) working group's report are matters for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The working group's terms of reference include examining the regulatory requirements for the site and advising the Government on the site's most beneficial future use. Plans for future use will determine the levels and extent of further works and/or remediation required. I understand that the working group has finalised its report, and I look forward to considering the report's conclusions with my Government colleagues.

Local Authority Funding

Joan Collins

Question:

160 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the surplus or debit balance of each county and city council, as outlined in their respective annual financial statement for the financial year ended 31 December 2008 including the deficit or surplus for the year; the opening debit balance, if any, for the year; the closing debit balance, if any, for the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13897/11]

Joan Collins

Question:

162 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the surplus or debit balance of each county and city council, as outlined in their respective annual financial statement for the financial year ended 31 December 2010 including the deficit or surplus for the year; the opening debit balance, if any, for the year; the closing debit balance, if any, for the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13899/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 162 together.

The information requested in respect of 2010 is not yet available in my Department. Local authorities are required to publish their 2010 annual financial statements by 1 July 2011, and audited annual financial statements for 2010 will be available by 31 March 2012. The information requested in respect of 2008 is set out in the following table.

Overall Surplus/Deficit for Year

Opening Balance @ 01/01/2008

Closing Balance @ 31/12/2008

County Councils

Carlow

54,431

(153,319)

(98,888)

Cavan

1,396

1,658,666

1,660,062

Clare

197,746

(1,971,791)

(1,774,045)

Cork

(1,487,426)

18,638,064

17,150,638

Donegal

141,093

(13,139,379)

(12,998,286)

Fingal

(1,217,764)

16,584,624

15,366,860

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

79,652

8,901,726

8,981,377

Galway

(1,912,841)

763,304

(1,149,537)

Kerry

182,245

1,573,792

1,756,037

Kildare

809,896

(6,463,440)

(5,653,544)

Kilkenny

4,305

55,128

59,433

Laois

4,918

(534,290)

(529,372)

Leitrim

(301,349)

240,618

(60,731)

Limerick

(1,068,479)

1,138,928

70,449

Longford

(994,617)

1,499,795

505,178

Louth

(2,330,355)

4,050,866

1,720,511

Mayo

411,551

(3,924,963)

(3,513,412)

Meath

183,322

(9,797,256)

(9,613,934)

Monaghan

(587,406)

(916,315)

(1,503,722)

North Tipperary

88,960

(334,422)

(245,462)

Offaly

(267,091)

(64,991)

(332,082)

Roscommon

(134,680)

165,762

31,082

Sligo

(2,815,649)

(1,469,502)

(4,285,151)

South Dublin

(2,880,143)

15,299,118

12,418,975

South Tipperary

185,692

2,906,569

3,092,261

Waterford

32,360

(6,949,137)

(6,916,777)

Westmeath

754,509

(3,665,511)

(2,911,002)

Wexford

(2,916,671)

(3,874,714)

(6,791,385)

Wicklow

28,164

(1,761,516)

(1,733,353)

City Councils

Cork

43,495

207,922

251,417

Dublin

(3,421,020)

7,745,908

4,324,888

Galway

(8,076,729)

8,109,411

32,682

Limerick

57,534

120,870

178,404

Waterford

49,277

(566,466)

(517,189)

Local Authority Charges

Michael McCarthy

Question:

161 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way development charges, as levied by local authorities on the granting of planning permission for one-off houses, are spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13898/11]

As Minister, my role is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority. The adoption of individual development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members of each planning authority. It is a matter for the members to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply.

Section 135 of the Local Government Act 2001 requires each City and County Managers, before the start of each financial year, to prepare and submit to his/her Council a report indicating the programme of capital projects proposed for the forthcoming and following two years. This would include projects to be part financed from development levies. Each local authority is also required to include details of contributions received, together with information on how the contributions have been expended, in the statutory annual accounts of the authority.

Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 160.

Departmental Correspondence

Joan Collins

Question:

163 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 25 May 2011, the number of written submissions, if any, that his Department received from the County and City Managers Association in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the dates the submissions were received; the main matters covered in the submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13901/11]

The information sought in the question is set out in the table.

Year

Date of Submission

Title/Main matter(s) covered in each submission

2008

December 2008

Local Authority Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Measures: Best Practice and Current Initiatives. A summary paper

26 November 2008

Submission to the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) on the Charge on Non Principal Private Residences

11 November 2008

Submission in relation to the Current Market for Dry Recyclables and Biodegradable Materials

25 July 2008

Submission on Green Paper on Local Government

1 May 2008

Copy of submission to Commission on Taxation

25 April 2008

Submission on Transfrontier Shipment of Waste

19 February 2008

Releasing Efficiencies to the Front Line

2008 Total Number: 7

2009

9 December 2009

Submission in relation to the Water Services Investment Programme Value for Money Study

1 December 2009

Submission on the Future of Housing Policy

27 November 2009

Submission on Draft Sewage Sludge Regs

6 November 2009

Waste Management Infrastructure Survey

5 October 2009

Submission on Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009

2 October 2009

Progress Report on NPPR

22 September 2009

Submission on Establishment of a Single Housing Services Support Agency

10 September 2009

Paper in response to a request from the DoEHLG to identify scope for further reductions in expenditure by local authorities

7 September 2009

Response to the proposed Draft Waste Management (Management of Waste from the Extractive Industries) Regulations 2009

24 July 2009

Response to Consultation on Section 60 Policy Direction on a Proposed Capping of Incineration Capacity and Other Matters

29 June 2009

Submission in relation to the Planning and Development Bill

16 June 2009

Comments /Observations on the Waste Management (Shipment of Hazardous Waste exclusively within Ireland) Regulations 2008

15 May 2009

Response to Draft Noise Bill

30 April 2009

Submission in relation to the publication of water quality data on each local authority website

21 April 2009

Submission in relation to the Circular on Implementation of Savings Measures on Public Service Numbers from the DoEHLG 30th March 2009

26 January 2009

Submission on local government funding and efficiencies

2009 Total Number: 17

2010

10 December 2010

Submission in relation to inspection and monitoring of waste water treatment plants

26 November 2010

Response on Waste Management Framework Directive

1 October 2010

Response on the Draft Waste Management Policy

22 September 2010

Observations on Bituminous Fuel

5 September 2010

Response Public Consultation on Ireland’s GreenProcurement Discussion Document

9 June 2010

Submission on Review of EPA

9 April 2010

Framework for Climate Change Bill 2010 — Views and observations

5 March 2010

Submission to Local Government Efficiency Review Group

11 February 2010

Observations on the Draft Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicle)(Amendment) Regulations 2010

13 January 2010

Response to the International Review of Waste Management prepared by Eunomia (UK) et al and published by DoEHLG, 19 November 2009

5 January 2010

Response on the Value for Money study on the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP)

2010 Total Number: 11

Departmental Bodies

Joan Collins

Question:

164 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the specific services that the Local Government Management Services Board provides to the County and City Managers Association; if the Local Government Management Services Board provides administrative and secretarial staffing for the County and City Managers Association; if the Local Government Management Services Board provides office accommodation for the County and City Managers’ Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13906/11]

The Local Government Management Services Board (LGMSB) provides management services, human resource services and industrial relations support and advice to local authorities. The LGMSB also represents local authority management in proceedings in the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court and assists local authorities in the adoption of best practice in relation to obligations under the full range of employment legislation. The range of services provided is outlined as follows.

The LGMSB provides meeting room facilities to the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA). The Office for Local Authority Management (OLAM), under the remit of the LGMSB, provides management support services for city and county managers including administrative and secretarial services to the CCMA and its committees.

Services provided by the LGMSB include:

Carrying out analysis and research on aspects of local government;

Representing the views of the local authority system externally — to the media and to other interested parties;

Disseminating information on the work of local authorities — through Reports, Fact sheets, Press Releases, etc;

Reporting annually to the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government on the performance of local authorities on Service Indicators;

Engaging with other relevant organisations e.g. the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the Department of Transport, other local government representative associations, IBEC, Chambers of Commerce Ireland, Office of the Ombudsman etc;

Providing support services to the County and City Managers Association, and its committees and Executive;

Liaising with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the CCMA, the Executive and the Chairs of the CCMA Committees;

Collecting and collating relevant information and statistics for public presentation to a range of interests, as required;

Liaising with relevant personnel in local authorities, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and other agencies on issues relating to management services.

Rental Accommodation Scheme

Denis Naughten

Question:

165 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the maximum lease period for which the local authority can enter under the rental accommodation scheme; his plans to review same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13937/11]

One of the main features of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is that local authorities, in sourcing accommodation for households, co-operate with the private and voluntary sector and enter into contractual arrangements to secure medium to long-term availability of rented accommodation. It is a matter for each local authority to negotiate appropriate contracts to suit their needs. Under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative (SHLI), leases of between 10 to 25 years can be entered into by either local authorities or approved housing bodies to secure accommodation. Again, it is a matter for each local authority or approved body to negotiate appropriate contracts to suit their needs.

Rented Accommodation

Denis Naughten

Question:

166 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps which can be taken by local authorities to force landlords to maintain properties which are not vacant; his plans to review these powers in view of current problems throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13938/11]

Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. These Regulations were further amended by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses)(Amendment) Regulations 2009 which expanded the definition of ‘a proper state of structural repair' to allow for all aspects of the internal and external appearance of a dwelling to be taken into account for the purposes of the Regulations. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.

This funding increased significantly between 2005 and 2009, rising from €1.5m to €4m. In 2010, the amount allocated to housing authorities for the purpose of carrying out their functions under the Housing Acts in relation to rented accommodation was increased by €1.6m. This total allocation of €5.6m for 2010, which brings the total funding for this purpose since 2004 to over €20m, was paid using a combined methodology based on the number of inspections carried out by each housing authority and on once-off strategically planned programmes of inspection which may be carried out by housing authorities in addition to their usual inspection activity.

In general, local authorities have significantly expanded their inspection activity in recent years with the number of inspections increasing by more than 300% — from 6,815 to 21,614 in the period 2005 to 2010. Details of the inspections of private rented accommodation carried out, the dwellings inspected which did not meet the statutory standards, and prosecutions initiated up to 2009 on a county/city basis are included in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The 2009 data show a year on year increase in the number of inspections carried out of approximately 15%, to 19,801 inspections, and this reflects the positive impact of the overall Action Programme on Standards , including increased funding, introduced on foot of a commitment in the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement, and progress with the implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide the specific details of its enforcement strategy and inspection arrangements. However, in discharging their responsibilities in relation to the rental sector, authorities have been asked to have regard to the Good Practice Guidelines for Local Authorities on Standards in the Private Rented Sector: Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007, which make a range of recommendations on relevant issues, including targeting inspection activities.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

167 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider reducing the cost of special exemption orders or licenses required by nightclubs from €410 to €200. [13755/11]

The increase in fees applicable to Special Exemption Orders provided for in the District Courts (Fees) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 202 of 2008) was the first such increase since 2004. The current court fee is €300. I presently have no proposals to reduce the fees payable.

Suicide Incidence

John Lyons

Question:

168 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any asylum seekers have committed suicide in direct provision centres over the past ten years; if so, if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13763/11]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), a functional unit of the Immigration Division of the Department of Justice and Law Reform, was established in 2001 with specific responsibility for the provision of direct provision accommodation to asylum seekers. Since April 2000 to date, RIA (and its predecessor, DASS — Directorate of Asylum Seeker Services) has provided accommodation for over 49,781 asylum seekers. The collation of statistics on deaths of all asylum seekers living in direct provision commenced only in 2002. During the period 2002 to date, the number of asylum seekers who died, while being provided with accommodation by RIA in direct provision centres, is set out as follows.

Year

No. of deaths of asylum seekers in the Direct Provision system

2002

6

2003

8

2004

3

2005

6

2006

4

2007

8

2008

7

2009

1

2010

6

2011 (to date)

0

Total

49

I am informed that statistics as to cause of death are not centrally compiled and are not therefore readily available. Determinations as to the circumstances of all deaths are primarily a matter for the coroners and the RIA has no function in this area. Furthermore, I am also informed that in most of the above cases, the deaths occurred outside of accommodation centres in hospitals and other locations where the RIA has no standing.

Asylum Support Services

John Lyons

Question:

169 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers of asylum seekers in direct provision; the locations at which they are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13764/11]

The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers while their asylum / protection application is being processed. The following table provides the information the Deputy is seeking. The Deputy may also wish to know that, on its website: www.ria.gov.ie, RIA publishes monthly statistical information similar to that requested in this PQ. The information contained on the website includes statistics on new applications, country of origin, age profile, family status, duration of stay, dispersal details of asylum seekers; charts and table showing occupancy trends among other information.

RIA Accommodation as at 22-5-2011

County

Accommodation Centres

Clare

Knockalisheen (*)

Meelick

275

225

Cork

Ashbourne Hse***

Glounthaune

111

112

Kinsale Road (*)

Cork City

300

227

Glenvera***

Wellington Road

110

113

Millstreet

Millstreet

300

275

An Poc Fada

Main Street, Cobh

35

31

Clonakilty Lodge

Clonakilty, Co. Cork

110

99

Donegal

Cliffview

Donegal Town

61

42

Dublin

24 Camden Street

Camden Street, Dublin 2

19

8

70 Lower Camden Street

70 Lower Camden Street

15

5

Newlight House

St. Margaret’s, Finglas

30

16

Viking Lodge

Francis Street, Dublin 8

70

48

The Towers**

The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin

250

219

Georgian Court

77-79 Lower Gardiner St. Dublin 2

110

90

Hatch Hall

28 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 1

210

134

Galway

Dun Gibbons

Clifden, Co. Galway

96

85

Eglinton**

The Proms, Salthill

235

218

Great Western House

Eyre Square

172

144

Lisbrook House

Headford Road, Galway

284

276

Kerry

Atlas House (Killarney)

Killarney

90

81

Atlas House (Tralee)

Tralee

100

81

Johnston Marina

Tralee

100

79

Linden House

Killarney

55

37

Park Lodge

Killarney

55

46

Kildare

Eyrepowell

Newbridge

100

85

Laois

Hibernian

Main Street, Abbeyleix

55

41

Montague

Emo, Portlaoise

200

197

Limerick

Hanratty’s

Glentworth Street, Limerick

118

107

Westbourne

Dock Road

105

88

Mount Trenchard***

Foynes, Co. Limerick

70

65

Longford

Richmond Court

Richmond Street

94

72

Mayo

The Old Convent

Ballyhaunis

297

281

Meath

Mosney

Mosney

600

575

Monaghan

St. Patricks**

Monaghan

200

175

Sligo

Globe House

Chapel Hill

255

219

Tipp. South

Bridgewater House

Carrick-On-Suir

120

105

Waterford

Atlantic House

Tramore, Co. Waterford

90

71

Ocean View

Tramore, Co. Waterford

85

85

Birchwood

Ballytruckle Road

150

150

Viking House

Coffee House Lane

90

60

Westmeath

Athlone

Athlone

350

319

Wexford

Old Rectory House

New Ross

58

51

6,230

5,437

Suicide Incidence

Dan Neville

Question:

170 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the training given to trainees to deal with suicide incidents including the bereaved of suicide and the person or persons who discovered the suicide. [13777/11]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that in the existing Student/Probationer programme, suicide related issues are dealt with under the ‘Social and Psychological' study area on Phases I and III. The training includes responding in a sensitive and appropriate manner to the families and loved ones of those who have committed suicide.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

171 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give a commitment to consult with organisations working to tackle alcohol misuse in society here such as public health and youth organisations prior to the publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13796/11]

The Government Legislative Programme provides for publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill in late 2011. I will consider submissions in relation to the Bill from interested parties, including any such submissions from public health and youth organisations, before finalising its contents.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

172 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 309 of 25 January 2011, if he has published the second compliance report on the code of practice on the display and sale of alcohol in mixed trading premises and the amended code; if so, will he supply a copy of both documents; if not, when it is envisaged to publish these documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13797/11]

Mr Padraic White, Chairperson of the Responsible Retailers of Alcohol in Ireland (RRAI), submitted the second Compliance Report on the Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises to my predecessor in November 2010. RRAI was subsequently requested to strengthen the Code's mechanisms for receiving and resolving complaints concerning infringements of its provisions. I understand that this has been agreed and that details of the revised arrangements will be announced by RRAI shortly. In the meantime, the second Compliance Report is being published on the Department's web site.

I expect that the third Compliance Report will be submitted by RRAI in early October. I intend to seek the views of interested bodies on the Report's findings and the voluntary approach to implementing the objective of structural separation in mixed trading premises, prior to any decision on whether to commence the structural separation provisions in section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/11]

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 7th March, 2011, 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 position in the State of the person concerned now falls to be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Any representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

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

Public Order Offences

Finian McGrath

Question:

174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding anti-social activity at a playground (details supplied) in Dublin. [13859/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Raheny Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour in the area, and a number of individuals have been charged in relation to incidents there. There is a Community Policing Unit at Raheny Garda Station operating on a full time basis. An Garda Síochána deal with anti-social behaviour by utilising public order and intoxicating liquor legislation. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will be dealt with appropriately.

The area is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, Mountain Bike Unit and local Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences. Community policing is a central feature and core value of Garda policing policy, and current policing strategies are aimed at the prevention of crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

175 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested and charged under sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the number of convictions secured to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13885/11]

Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from An Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling, publishing and responding to queries regarding recorded crime statistics. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.

Garda Deployment

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

176 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of revenue that has been received by An Garda Síochána from the GAA, FAI, IRFU, RDS, the O2 and any other agencies towards the cost of policing their events for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13888/11]

Section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides a statutory basis for the Garda Commissioner to charge for police services on a non-public duty basis for commercial events such as sports fixtures and concerts. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the total charges to event organisers for having members of the Garda Síochána on non-public duty from 2007 were as follows:

Year

2007

2,199,827

2008

6,734,725

2009

4,377,945

2010

3,349,989

2011 (Jan-May)

1,500,264

Training of Legal Professionals

Jim Daly

Question:

177 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to assist law graduates who are having great difficulty accessing placement and apprenticeships to allow them complete their qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13889/11]

I refer the Deputy to my response to a related Question No. 122 on 4 May 2011 in which I indicated that I would seek the views of the Law Society on a proposal to remove the obligation on training solicitors to pay trainees during their apprenticeship given the exceptional circumstances that exist at present in the economy. My office has since written to the Law Society to ascertain its views on how to ameliorate the current severely limited access to the profession and I am looking forward to receiving its response. Furthermore, I should add that the frameworks for the education and training of legal professionals — both solicitors and barristers — are among those matters being considered in the development of a new Legal Services Bill in my Department.

Defence Forces Property

James Bannon

Question:

178 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence his plans to progress the findings of the Connolly Barracks feasibility study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13854/11]

At the outset I wish to advise the Deputy that the acceptance and implementation of the recommendations of the Connolly Barracks Feasibility Study is a matter for those who commissioned the study and the Department has no role in this regard. Since the mid 1990s the Department of Defence has been engaged in a programme of disposing of surplus properties and using the proceeds for reinvestment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. The former Connolly Barracks is one such property. Longford County Council has expressed some interest in acquiring the Barracks and discussions with the Council are at a preliminary stage in this regard. In the event of these discussions not reaching a satisfactory outcome Connolly Barracks will be disposed of taking account of the market conditions so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces. In the meantime I have asked the Departmental officials concerned to make contact with the County Council to see if a basis exists to bring the discussions to a mutually satisfactory conclusion.

Grant Payments

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

179 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their grassland sheep money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13754/11]

An application under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on the 10 May 2010 and was fully processed. In accordance with the provisions of the Scheme, the payment which issued on 4 February 2011, was based on the original Sheep Census return received from the person named, which indicated that the person named had seventeen breeding ewes.

Pat Breen

Question:

180 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a number of farmers in County Clare under the Burren farming conservation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/11]

The Burren Farming for Conservation Programme is one of three schemes introduced by my Department using funding made available following the CAP Health Check; a total of €1 million per annum was provided for this Scheme out of the total amount available of €25 million, with the balance divided between the Grassland Sheep Scheme (€18 million) and the Dairy Efficiency Programme (€6 million). These Schemes are each projected to have a three-year life span — 2010, 2011 and 2012. My Department is currently finalising its verification checks and carrying out the required on-the-spot inspections at farmer level with regard to the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme. It is intended to issue payments to all applicants in the coming weeks.

Establishment of Department

Micheál Martin

Question:

181 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will be set up and when that Minister will become personally accountable to Dáil Éireann rather than through him. [13623/11]

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs will be established on Friday next, 3rd June, and from that date Minister Fitzgerald will be accountable to the Dáil in relation to the functions transferred to her Department.

Nursing Education

Peter Mathews

Question:

182 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children if fourth year student nurses will be paid for their work placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13749/11]

I have approved a review of the decision to abolish payments to student nurses during their 4th year pre-registration rostered placement. The nursing unions have been invited to contribute to the review process. My Department has advised the unions that submissions will be accepted up to the 3rd June, 2011.

Health Services

Michael McCarthy

Question:

183 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health and Children if negotiations are under way with Health Service Executive south to address the problems faced by child and adolescent diabetes sufferers in County Cork in terms of accessing services; his plans to re-organise diabetic paediatric services in the eight networks nationwide in order that more intensive services can be accessed locally instead of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13756/11]

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.

Voluntary Sector Funding

Ciara Conway

Question:

184 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will reverse a decision to cut funding to the Rape Crisis Network Ireland and the Domestic Violence Network SAFE Ireland from the 31 July 2011; if he will outline the findings of a Health Service Executive review on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13771/11]

The HSE has been considering changes in the arrangements for funding organisations that provide domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services, including the Rape Crisis Network Ireland. It has been decided to extend the current funding to this Network until 1st August while a review of these proposals is taking place.

Hospital Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

185 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to reports of doctors working 80 hours or more per week; the steps he will take to address this in the interest of patient safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13779/11]

The Health Service Executive has advised that approximately 150 of 4,638 Non Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) posts are currently vacant. This gives rise to some NCHDs being required to work additional hours from time to time. Under the new Non Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) Contract agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation in 2010, NCHDs should not be rostered to work for more than 24 consecutive hours on-site. Furthermore, the contract provides that NCHDs who are rostered to work on-site for a period of 24 hours will only do so on a 1 in 5 basis other than in exceptional circumstances. In these circumstances NCHDs are to receive their full compensatory rest entitlements before their next period of work. The contract terms reflect the Collective Agreement reached between the Health Service Executive and the IMO on 22 January 2010. These terms also reflect the requirements of the European Working Time Directive and its transposition in to Irish law.

Compliance with European Working Time Directive is a challenge to hospitals and to the HSE in relation to the employment of NCHDs and the provision of services. However, compliance with the Directive is good for patient safety. It serves no good purpose to have over-stretched, over-tired junior doctors treating patients. There is an onus on hospital management to ensure that service are not being provided by over-tired doctors.

Departmental Reports

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

186 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in the completion of the report of the national substance misuse steering group which according to the terms of reference was to be completed and submitted to the Government by the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13794/11]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

196 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health and Children when he expects the national substance misuse strategy group to make recommendations and publish a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13836/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 196 together.

The report of the National Substance Misuse Steering Group (NSMSG) is close to completion. I expect to receive proposals in the coming months following which I will brief Government.

Appointments to State Boards

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

187 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will advertise and invite applications from the public for vacancies on the boards of State bodies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13795/11]

I can confirm that I will shortly be inviting expressions of interest in vacancies on the boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department and such vacancies will be advertised on my Department's website.

Medical Cards

Niall Collins

Question:

188 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [13803/11]

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

Hospital Services

Joan Collins

Question:

189 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make available the protocol put in place and agreed between the CEO of St. Vincent’s Hospital Dublin, the director of the national referral centre for adult cystic fibrosis, the CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and the national director of clinical strategy and programmes, Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13805/11]

As part of the recent discussions between my Department, the HSE, St. Vincent's University Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, it was agreed that, in advance of the opening of the new unit, appropriate clinical care pathways would be further developed for Cystic Fibrosis patients including protocols for admission and discharge to the National Cystic Fibrosis Centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital.

The HSE Directorate for Clinical Programmes intend to develop a programme encompassing Cystic Fibrosis, having regard to similar programmes in other countries, to better enable patients to receive their care on an ambulatory day care basis or in their home. The HSE Directorate has already engaged with relevant stakeholders to begin this process.

Within the ambit of this proposed programme the HSE has undertaken to further develop protocols for treatment at in-patient, outpatient and home level. In addition appropriate clinical indicators will be agreed around treatment protocols and length of stays. In carrying out this work the HSE, in conjunction with other appropriate stakeholders, intend to consider practices at centres in other jurisdictions in relation to international best practice and review the current medical processes regarding CF care, so that the necessity to transfer patients to hospital would be reduced.

Medical Cards

Ann Phelan

Question:

190 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the assurance that can be given to prevent any further delay and inaction regarding the processing of medical card applications now centralised in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13806/11]

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

Voluntary Sector Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

191 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the certificate course in leadership and advocacy at Dundalk Institute of Technology, County Louth, which caters for students with an intellectual disability across the north-east region and that has been funded in part in recent years by Midway Services, a voluntary organisation dependent on funding from the Health Service Executive, now significantly reduced, will be maintained through the restoration of previous funding levels or be provided for through an alternative public moneys funding stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13807/11]

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

Medical Cards

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when a medical card will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13822/11]

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

Hospital Services

John McGuinness

Question:

193 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in confirming a date for an operation at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin in respect of a person (details supplied) and if he will insist on an earlier date being arranged. [13833/11]

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

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

194 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [13834/11]

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

Child Care Services

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

195 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the financial pressures on crèche owners and the pressure to keep child care costs down, he has given consideration to the case made by crèche operators to reduce the child care staff to children ratios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/11]

Pre-School services are regulated under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006. Regulation 12, together with the Explanatory Guide thereto, provides for the maximum adult to child ratios which are recommended depending on the age range and type of pre-school service in question. For example, a ratio of one adult to 3 children is recommended in the case of a child aged up to 1 year being cared for in a full daycare service.

The Child Care Regulations 2006 were introduced following wide-ranging consultations with the pre-school sector and the adult to child ratios were determined as part of this process. While I am not aware of any call from the sector to amend or reduce the ratios which are currently in place, the regulatory environment for child care services will continue to be kept under review with a view to providing the best environment for children which also takes account of practical considerations for service providers.

I am aware that, along with other areas of the economy, child care services have experienced a downturn in numbers attending since 2008. I believe it is important to support the sector through these times for a number of reasons. Clearly, the State has made a very significant capital investment in the sector which should be protected into the future. More importantly, quality early childhood care and education services are of vital importance to ensuring young children's well-being during this key developmental stage of their lives.

For this reason, I am committed to maintaining my Department's work in funding some 4,500 pre-school services across the country, in effect almost every pre-school in the State, through the three major early childhood care and education programmes which I am responsible for. These programmes, which include the free Pre-School Year, invest some €240 million per annum in pre-school services, supporting some 100,000 pre-school children attending.

Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 186.

Resignations from State Boards

Billy Kelleher

Question:

197 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have offered their resignation, who have been requested to resign or who have resigned from the agencies and companies under his remit since his appointment. [13843/11]

Since my appointment 10 members have resigned from the Board of the Health Service Executive, 1 member has resigned and another has tendered his resignation from the National Haemophilia Council, 2 members have resigned from the Dublin Dental Hospital Board and 1 member has resigned from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.

Nursing Home Services

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

198 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider correspondence (details supplied); if he will ensure that a nursing home bed is provided; if a fair deal application will be accepted from this family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13857/11]

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

Hospital Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

199 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding Crumlin Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13858/11]

I would like to explain to the Deputy that decisions of this kind are a matter for individual hospitals, and that they are obliged to provide the best possible service within the resources available to them. The question of providing a specific service, including rehabilitation, is a matter for discussion between the hospital and the HSE in the first instance. I have asked the HSE to give the Deputy a full response on the issue.

Proposed Legislation

Finian McGrath

Question:

200 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Nurses and Midwives Bill has been withdrawn; if this is the case, the reasons for same; if section 40 and section 24 of the Bill have been amended (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13867/11]

The Nurses and Midwives Bill 2010 commenced Report Stage in Dáil Éireann on 20th April 2011 and continued on 21st April, concluding on the day with amendment number 25. The Bill is due back in the House at amendment number 26 and I am awaiting notification of a date. It is expected that this will conclude Report Stage of the Bill.

Medical Cards

Michael McCarthy

Question:

201 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in view of the fact that all final documentation was submitted on 5 April 2011 and no decision has issued to date. [13875/11]

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

Michael McCarthy

Question:

202 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the processing of medical cards for those over 70 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13876/11]

In January 2009, the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Primary Care Reimbursement Services (PCRS) took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The HSE has indicated that there is currently no backlog in processing the over 70s medical cards.

Health Services

Derek Nolan

Question:

203 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to proposals by Diabetes Action to reorganise diabetes paediatric services in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to enable children and adolescents to access intensive services locally; his views on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13878/11]

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.

Regulation of Medical Practitioners

Catherine Murphy

Question:

204 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to regulate the cosmetic surgery sector; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13879/11]

The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 provides for a clear compulsory requirement for registration for all medical practitioners, including cosmetic surgeons, who practise medicine in Ireland. Under the Act the Medical Council is charged with responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners and the regulation of their activities.

Persons who avail of the services of doctors performing cosmetic surgery should ideally discuss this decision in advance with their general practitioner and should endeavour to seek the services of reputable providers. When invasive procedures are being arranged, persons would be strongly advised to check that the services are provided by a medical practitioner who is appropriately registered with the Medical Council. In addition, before agreeing to undergo any procedure, persons should ascertain the level of follow-up medical support which will be available to them after the surgery has been completed.

A Bill is in preparation to amend the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 to make it mandatory for all medical practitioners engaged in clinical practice to have adequate clinical indemnity cover in place. The new provisions will give power to the Medical Council to refuse to grant registration to a medical practitioner who fails to provide certification evidencing that s/he has appropriate medical indemnity cover. Further legislation to regulate this sector is being considered in the context of the development of legislative proposals for the licensing of health care providers.

Medicinal Products

Brendan Griffin

Question:

205 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medication (details supplied) is not available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13891/11]

The medication mentioned by the Deputy is a cannabis-based medicinal product. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis-based medicinal products is unlawful except for the purposes of research. I am aware that claims have been made in respect of the possible health benefits of cannabis-based medicinal products for patients suffering from certain conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. I am also aware that cannabis-based medicinal products may be legally prescribed in other countries. However, as the law currently stands, it is not possible for cannabis-based medicinal products to be authorised for medicinal use or for prescription by a medical practitioner in Ireland.

However, my Department is examining the issues associated with applying controls, similar to those that apply to other controlled drugs that can be misused, such as morphine and methadone, to cannabis-based medicinal products. Neither the product mentioned nor any other cannabis-based medicinal product is currently authorised in Ireland and consequently the efficacy, safety and quality of such products have not, as yet, been demonstrated.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

206 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be provided with advice and support. [13905/11]

As the Deputy will be aware from his previous question of 22nd March last and the Health Service Executive response of 29th March 2011, the Local Health Office has arranged for the public health nursing service to carry out a needs assessment for the individual concerned. However, as the Deputy's specific question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Child Care Services

Seán Kyne

Question:

207 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider extending the age range for eligibility for the early childhood care and education programme to address the anomaly whereby children born in July and August are missing out on the pre-school year on account of being ineligible for both primary school and the pre-school year but who then become eligible to start primary school the following September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13939/11]

The free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which was introduced in January 2010, is implemented by the Childcare Directorate in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Children qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September in the relevant year. This means that children born between 2 February 2007 and 30 June 2008 qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2011. There is no provision under the programme to enrol children who are below the qualifying age and children born in July and August of 2008 will qualify for the programme in September 2012.

The ECCE programme is available to all eligible children and it is a matter for parents to decide if they wish their child to avail of the scheme or if they wish to send their child to primary school. The objective of the programme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year are expected to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. For this reason, it is appropriate to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will qualify.

A number of parents have asked for the lower age range to be reduced on the grounds that they wish to send their children to school when they are 4 years and 2 months of age or less. The issue was referred by some of these parents to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children. That Office found no reason to remove or amend the lower age range, accepting it as reasonable having regard to the various factors which apply.

Health Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

208 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding assessment in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [13940/11]

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

Medical Cards

Michael McCarthy

Question:

209 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in dealing with an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13941/11]

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

Departmental Agencies

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

210 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will reconsider the closure of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland data collection programme. [13943/11]

The HSE has been considering changes in the arrangements for funding organisations that provide domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services, including the Rape Crisis Network Ireland. It has been decided to extend the current funding to this Network until 1st August to allow me to review the situation including proposals for data collection.

Taxi Regulations

Dessie Ellis

Question:

211 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if terms of reference have been laid down for Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly’s, review of the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13742/11]

Terms of reference and the overall approach to the forthcoming review of the taxi sector are close to finalisation and will be announced shortly. The review will be undertaken in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The review will enable necessary further qualitative reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced. The review will allow for consultation with all stakeholders — despatch operators, drivers, consumers as well as regulatory and enforcement agencies.

The review will also focus on issues of compliance and enforcement, including the disturbing practices highlighted in the recent RTE "Prime Time Investigates" Programme. I envisage that the review will report within a period of 4 months on a recommended speedy programme of action to include any changes that may be appropriate to legislation, regulatory policies and practices and enforcement arrangements and deployment of resources. Following appropriate consideration of the review recommendations I will, of course, seek early Government approval of its necessary implementation including legislative changes that may be required.

I have had recent contact with various taxi representative bodies about their concerns and my proposed approach to the review. I will have full regard to the views conveyed to me in shaping the scope and approach to the review. One subject that I expect the review to consider will be how discussion between regulatory authorities and taxi providers can best be facilitated in future, taking account of the existing role and structure of the statutory Taxi Advisory Committee.

National Car Test

Timmy Dooley

Question:

212 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Road Safety Authority regarding the uniformity of standards applied by Applus in its fulfilment of the national car test contract; and if he will publish the consistency audit report carried out by an independent contractor. [13863/11]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test (NCT). The award of the contract for carrying out the NCT and the criteria applying thereto is a matter for the RSA. There is regular and ongoing contact between the RSA and my Department on matters pertaining to the NCT.

Responsibility for the operation and delivery of the NCT lies solely with Applus. The RSA exercises a supervisory role to ensure the service is provided in line with the conditions of the contract. In order to assist the RSA in carrying out this supervisory role, the Authority has appointed a contractor to carry out certain supervisory services on its behalf. These relate to monitoring the achievement of the performance and acceptable standards by Applus, and reporting regularly to the RSA. This service is currently provided by a consortium made up of Price Waterhouse Coopers and the Automobile Association. The RSA continuously monitors Applus performance and has regular meetings with them to ensure compliance with contract requirements. Publication of the consistency audit report carried out by the independent contractor is a matter for the RSA.

Tourism Promotion

Sandra McLellan

Question:

213 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of plans for the use of the tourism marketing fund; the amount of money allocated to the fund; if he will provide a breakdown of the budget allocation on a target market basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13745/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited, in the first instance, as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas, working together with Fáilte Ireland where appropriate. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Sports Capital Programme

Brendan Smith

Question:

214 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a new sports capital programme will be launched during 2011; the level of funding provided for the sports capital programme for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13757/11]

No decision has been made in relation to the timing of a new round of the Sports Capital Programme. A sum of €33 million has been provided in the Estimates to fund existing commitments under the Programme in 2011.

London Olympics

Liam Twomey

Question:

215 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he had contact with his UK counterpart to discuss the role, if any, Ireland may provide for the London 2012 Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13838/11]

Officials from my Department have had discussions with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games. A high-level coordinating group, chaired by my Department, is identifying opportunities for Ireland that may arise across the sports, tourism and cultural sectors, from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The group comprises representatives from the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Arts Council, Culture Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The group will continue to meet on an ongoing basis in the coming year.

Port Charges

Liam Twomey

Question:

216 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that charges for handling freight in Rosslare Europort, County Wexford are substantially higher than other ports and that a company (details supplied) is threatening to move due to the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13839/11]

Most of the country's ports are owned by the State, with ten port companies operating under the Harbours Act and Rosslare Europort, which is owned by Iarnród Éireann. As such, I have referred the matter to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten days addressing the concerns raised in his question, please advise my private office.

Tourism Industry

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

217 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if negotiations have taken place with airlines (details supplied) to establish their response, in terms of additional passengers and flights to and from Irish airports, to the proposed abolition of the travel tax; if he will use the earlier Dutch analysis used by companies in opposing the tax to measure the same companies’ delivery of new routes and passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13883/11]

As part of the recent Jobs Initiative, the Government announced a three-pronged strategy to encourage inbound tourism. The first element is the proposed suspension of the air travel tax, the second is a new growth incentive scheme which has been introduced by the Dublin Airport Authority and the third is more targeted co-operative marketing of new routes from key source tourism markets by Tourism Ireland, Dublin Airport Authority and the airlines to encourage more tourists to fly into Ireland. My officials and I have engaged with the Dublin Airport Authority and with the four main Irish airlines about these initiatives and I have also written to all of the other airlines operating services to and from the State airports. The discussions with the airlines are continuing.

The Finance (No. 2) Bill is being debated in the House this week and will make legislative provision for the suspension of the air travel tax. I have made it absolutely clear in my engagement with the airlines that the Government is only prepared to commence this provision if the airlines demonstrate a willingness to respond positively to these initiatives. The Dublin Airport Authority is actively engaged in discussions with the airlines in relation to the growth incentive scheme and is also ensuring that the airlines are fully aware of the Government‘s position that the travel tax will only be abolished when the airlines commit to deliver more tourists to Ireland. This position will continue to be reviewed in the context of traffic performance in the current year as well as stated plans by airlines for growth in future years.

Airport Security

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

218 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional security measures are being taken at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports following the recent breach of security at Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/11]

It is not the practice to comment on specific security measures in place or that may be implemented at the State's airports or on monitoring activities carried out by my Department. However, it should be noted that the perimeter fencing at Cork airport is regularly inspected and patrolled by Airport Police. The fencing is the same type as is used in the vast majority of airports across the EU and beyond. It complies fully with the EU aviation security regulations and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) which in itself is based on the highest international standards set down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). I can assure the Deputy that this incursion is being taken very seriously and that appropriate follow up measures are being taken, including a review into the matter by the Dublin Airport Authority.

Departmental Agencies

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

219 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons employed by the Road Safety Authority by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13887/11]

The subject matter of this particular question is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days

Tourism Promotion

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

220 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will agree to meet a group of residents and elected representatives in County Meath to discuss the potential of developing a cycle and walking track along the historic Boyne River. [13697/11]

A scoping study for a cycling and walking route along the Boyne Valley was completed in 2010. The study was commissioned by Meath County Council, and was funded by my Department. While the potential future development of this route is primarily a matter for the local authorities, I understand that my officials have been available to meet with the local authorities concerned. Funding for a single project of the scale outlined in the scoping study is not available from within the existing budget within my Department for such works. Indeed, should future funding of this or similar routes be possible, it is likely that it would be on the basis of phased, and cost effective, delivery plans, concentrating on initial delivery of key elements of the route.

Transport Costs

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his priorities to ensure the future of a vibrant efficient cost-effective transport sector with particular reference to the role of road haulage in economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13927/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has studied the extent to which Irish road hauliers’ costs are higher than those in adjoining jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13931/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 225 together.

Irish road haulage costs are influenced by many matters such as supply and demand in the marketplace, fuel and motor taxation as well as regulatory and road use charges under the remit of my Department and its Agencies. As is the case with all motorists, hauliers are obliged to pay tolls, motor and fuel taxation and to pay towards the upkeep of their vehicles so that they remain roadworthy from a road safety perspective. Hauliers must also comply with road safety legislation including the Working Time Directive, which regulates for maximum permissible driver hours over short time periods. I have no information that suggests that Irish road haulage costs are higher than those in adjoining jurisdictions. Some costs are lower in Ireland — hauliers here do not pay time based vignettes or charges.

Looking at freight transport generally, I am acutely aware of the great importance of the freight transport sector to Ireland's economic recovery. My Department engages with air, sea, rail and road freight interests through its establishment of and involvement with the All-Island Freight Forum. This Forum is jointly chaired by my Department and the Northern Ireland Department for Regional Development. One of its primary roles is to draw together the Government side and industry stakeholders to identify and implement measures to secure competitive, sustainable and safe freight transport domestically and internationally.

Questions Nos. 222 and 223 answered with Question No. 62.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he proposes to address the issue of rising transport costs here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13930/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he plans to use the transport sector to assist economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13932/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has compared transport costs here with those in other EU states; the main reasons for any disparity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13933/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce costs and improve competitiveness in the transport and tourism sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13936/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 224, 226, 227 and 230 together.

My Department has no direct control of transport costs in general but keeps under review costs arising from the services provided through our agencies. International comparative data on transport costs are not readily available from respected international statistical sources such as Eurostat and the International Transport Forum. Cost competitiveness is a key consideration for Ireland as an open export-oriented economy and transport is one of the many factors influencing that competitiveness.

The Government's plans to improve competitiveness are set out in the Programme for Government and place a heavy emphasis on the delivery of effective transport services. I have also outlined my transport and tourism priorities to 2016 on my Department's website. In addition, the Government's Jobs Initiative includes a number of measures intended to stimulate tourism by increasing the competitiveness of access transport and our tourism product.

Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 221.
Questions Nos. 226 and 227 answered with Question No. 224.
Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 62.

Tourism Promotion

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role he sees for sport in the promotion of the national image; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13935/11]

There are great synergies between tourism and sport. In particular sports tourism can be a valuable instrument in the promotion of Ireland both at home and abroad. Already this year the Aviva Stadium has hosted the Europa League Final which introduced thousands of Portuguese fans to our country. Ireland is also hosting the Volvo Ocean Yacht race and the Solheim Cup which will further boost our economy and showcase Ireland as a country worth visiting and doing business with.

In terms of building on the Good Friday Agreement all-island sports are very important. Cricket is a good example. The Irish team plays for the Republic and the North, for Protestants and Catholics, and those of no particular persuasion. The highlight of this sporting year may well have been our team's performance in the Cricket World Cup. The defeat of England, in particular, probably did more to raise Ireland's profile in the sub-continent of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh than the work of our embassy and agencies combined. It has opened a lot of doors.

Success in sport provides a means of projecting a national image to an international public. In addition success on the international stage, for example Rugby Grand Slam, Heineken Cup, Olympic Boxing, raises the morale of the people and shows that even as a small nation we can equal or surpass larger nations.

Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 224.
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