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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Jun 2011

Vol. 735 No. 2

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 13, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 14 to 26, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 27 to 35, inclusive, answered orally.

Social Welfare Code

Barry Cowen

Question:

36 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any red line issues in her Department. [15359/11]

The question of red line issues arises in the context of the Government's commitment to tackling Ireland's economic crisis and, in particular in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure currently underway. The Government has not singled out any single programme, scheme or service in the social welfare area or anywhere else that is 100% guaranteed to continue indefinitely in exactly its current format. To that extent, there are no red line issues in any department given the economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department will be considered in the context of Budget 2012 and subsequent Budgets. This consideration will be informed by the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain social welfare rates. The outcome of those deliberations will determine the extent to which the full range of current schemes and services can be maintained at current levels.

While the payments made by my Department have very positive economic and social effects, there is an ongoing necessity to curtail expenditure in 2012 and in later years. This is necessary for many reasons, not least so that we can continue to make social welfare payments at appropriate levels, sustaining social cohesion and treating people with dignity. The Comprehensive Review of Expenditure currently underway in all government departments and agencies will form the basis towards achieving this objective. Draft Reviews will be submitted to the Steering Committee in July and they will be finalised over the summer. The Review will then be considered by the Government in September.

The objectives of the Review are to inform the best use of resources and to guide us in achieving the Government's public Service Reform objectives. Better use of resources will enable us to meet overall fiscal consolidation targets; re-align spending with Programme for Government priorities and target resources at most effective programmes and set new objectives.

All Government departments and agencies will be covered by the Review, with each department preparing a comprehensive assessment and review of Programme savings and the identification of efficiencies and reforms.

The Government will also establish a Tax and Social Welfare Commission to examine entitlements of self employed and the elimination of disincentives to employment including the interaction between the taxation and the welfare systems to ensure that work is worthwhile. In particular, it will examine family and child income supports, and a means by which self-employed people can be insured against unemployment and sickness. The Commission's report will upon completion be made available to the Government for consideration.

Any changes to the wide range of schemes and services provided by my department, including the levels of welfare payments, will be informed by the overall Government wide options identified in the Review to better and more efficiently target scarce resources.

Social Welfare Fraud

Brian Stanley

Question:

37 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money saved by her through measures identifying welfare fraud and non-malicious overpayments, respectively, each month to date in 2011. [15314/11]

The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. A key objective of the Department's control strategy is to ensure that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time. A four-pronged control strategy has been adopted by the Department, namely;

the prevention of fraud and error at the initial claim stage;

early detection through effective review of claims in payment;

measures to deter fraud; and

the pursuit and recovery of overpayments.

Control savings are an estimate of savings from various control activities across all the social welfare scheme areas. Control savings are not actual monies recovered by the Department but are good indications of the increase in social welfare expenditure that would occur if these activities did not take place.

The control savings target for 2011 is €540 million with a target of reviewing 780,000 individual welfare claims.

As at the end of April 2011 approximately €183m control savings were recorded as a result of 193,269 reviews carried out. A month on month breakdown of these savings is as follows:

2011

Savings€m

Reviews

January

40

46,185

February

46

46,414

March

50

50,218

April

47

50,452

Measures to control fraud and abuse include desk reviews of claim papers, home visits, the issue of review forms to selected customers, database checking, medical reviews in the case of illness payments etc. The Department is also engaged in data matching with other Government Departments and public bodies for control purposes.

Actual monies recovered arise where the Department raises overpayments in individual cases, where evidence is collated which can support statutory retrospective decisions, which may be subsequently subject to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office or to a court of law. All overpayments assessed are recoverable and are pursued by the Department.

Data in relation to overpayments in 2011 are not yet available, and will be subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The data and accounts in relation to overpayments for 2010 are currently being audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General as part of the statutory accounts of the Department.

Total overpayments in 2009 in respect of suspected fraud and departmental error amounted to €24.7m. In 2009, the Department recorded customer overpayments in fraud or suspected fraud cases, to a value of €20.7m. The departmental error overpayments amounted to 6% of total overpayments, valued at €3.9m. These departmental error overpayments account for a relatively small percentage (0.02%) of total expenditure, i.e. (€3.9m from €19.9 billion scheme expenditure).

Carer’s Strategy

Billy Kelleher

Question:

38 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection when she intends to publish the carer’s strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15358/11]

David Stanton

Question:

54 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection if a national carer’s strategy has been developed by her; her plans to publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15346/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 54 together.

The Government is committed in the Programme for Government to developing a carers' strategy. It will consider how best to progress the development of the strategy, taking into account the prevailing economic realities and the work that was carried out previously. The Department of the Taoiseach chaired an interdepartmental group in 2008 which undertook work, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. The Departments of Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Health and Children, and Social and Family Affairs, as well as the Health Services Executive (HSE) and FÁS were represented on the group.

As my Department is responsible for providing income supports for carers, it will of course have a role in developing and implementing a strategy. However many of the issues of most concern to carers are the responsibility of other Departments, in particular the Department of Health. As the strategy has not yet been developed it is not possible at this time to give any estimation as to the plans for implementation, however it will have to be developed within existing available resources. In developing and implementing the strategy, the Government will take account of our IMF and EU commitments, as well the outcomes of the comprehensive review of expenditure currently being undertaken by each Department.

Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 32.

Job Creation

Seamus Kirk

Question:

40 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection the impact of the jobs initiative on the live register. [15366/11]

Micheál Martin

Question:

66 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of comments (details supplied) that the jobs initiative will only play a limited role in taking persons off the live register on 31 May 2011, she envisages announcing further measures to tackle unemployment. [14532/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 66 together.

The Jobs Initiative recently announced by the Government contains additional labour market activation measures that aim to provide unemployed people with enhanced opportunities to maintain and develop their skills and competencies while also offering the possibility of securing valuable work experience. These measures will assist those seeking employment to maintain their links with the labour market while also improving their prospects of securing employment.

The Jobs Initiative contains an additional 20,900 education, training and work experience places for the unemployed. A key element of that initiative is the introduction by my Department of the National Internship Scheme (NIS) which will provide 5,000 places for internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months in organisations in the private, public or community and voluntary sectors. These opportunities will provide participants with valuable work experience that will develop their skills and enhance their career prospects. The national internship scheme will be launched in July. In addition, from July 2, the rate of PRSI on jobs paying up to €356 per week will be halved to 4.25%, up to end 2013.

These measures and others announced as part of the jobs initiative, complement ongoing development in the labour market policy area. The 5,000 NIS places, for example, are additional to the 5,000 places announced under the Tús community work placement initiative in last December's Budget. My Department also operates a range of employment support measure designed to encourage and support social welfare recipients of working age to reduce their dependency on welfare payments. Supports available include the back to education allowance, the back to work schemes and employer job PRSI incentive scheme.

In addition to these employment support measures, my Department is responsible for the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) which is a key element of the Government's labour market policy. The Department is currently in the process of revising the NEAP to achieve a more efficient organisation, targeting and use of resources as well as increasing the mix of appropriate interventions to be targeted at identified cohorts in order to improve an individual's employability by providing them with a path to employment. This includes increasing activation activity, including the numbers referred through the NEAP process, increasing the frequency and intensity of the intervention to individuals throughout their unemployment and the provision of appropriate State unemployment supports.

The Programme for Government states that a new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES) will be established under the management of the Department of Social Protection. The objective is to integrate all employment and benefit support services in a single delivery unit which will provide a ‘one stop shop' for people wishing to establish their benefit entitlements, seek employment and / or seek advice about their training options. The focus is very much on the individual, his / her right to a payment and the corresponding responsibility to engage in employment, training or upskilling, as appropriate. This should improve a person's life chances. A number of streams of work are already underway which will facilitate the establishment of the integrated service including the transfer of the administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to the Department of Social Protection and the secondment of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive at the beginning of this year. The transfer and integration of the employment and community employment services of FÁS to the Department is also underway and it is envisaged that the integration of staff will commence later this year.

The measures announced under the Jobs Initiative, together with ongoing and planned further development of a range of activation and employment support measures, will have a significant impact on the Live Register, particularly in so far as they prepare unemployed people for jobs that will be generated as the economy improves.

Employment Support Services

Catherine Murphy

Question:

41 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the point at which it is intended to establish the national employment and entitlement service; if community employment schemes will continue to form part of the mix of options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15318/11]

My Department is establishing a new National Employment and Entitlements Service, as provided for in the Programme for Government, which will integrate employment and benefit payment services within the Department. In establishing and developing the National Employment and Entitlements Service the Department has set out to design the new service based on a case management approach with the objective of providing a more customised and personal service to customers. In line with international good practice, this new service will focus primarily on activation. The objective is to encourage and enable customers to embark on developmental pathways appropriate to their needs; pathways to employment and/or training and/or personal development. A key feature of the new service will be that customers will be expected to engage with these options in order to retain their entitlement to full benefit payments.

As part of the process of developing and implementing this new business model the Department has commenced a major and comprehensive programme of change management entailing the integration of services previously, or currently, provided by other agencies — including both the Employment Services and Community Employment Programmes of FÁS and the Community Welfare Services (CWS) of the HSE.

With regard to the timeline for the development of the National Employment and Entitlements Service the assignment and integration of functions and the full transformation to a case management approach focused on activation, will be a multi-annual programme of work. However, significant progress has already been made and many aspects of the new service will be delivered within the coming twelve months. The administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme has already been transferred to the Department of Social Protection with the secondment of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive at the beginning of this year. The intention is to have the staff fully transferred into the Department by the end of September this year. This will enable the Department to integrate the payment of all benefits into one organisation simplifying customer processes.

Planning for the transfer and integration of the Employment Services and Community Employment Services of FÁS to the Department has already commenced and it is envisaged that the transfer of staff will commence later this year. Again this will enable us to simplify and integrate the delivery of employment support services to customers.

Even in advance of integration, FÁS and the Department are already working on a number of pilot projects in relation to the development of case management, the identification of those who are most at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, and the provision of appropriately tailored responses to their needs. These pilot projects will be completed and evaluated in the coming months after which approaches will be developed for their roll-out nationwide as part of the National Employment and Entitlements Service. A key objective of the Government in relation to the new service is that it will offer users a high level of personalised employment support and prioritise the provision of more intensive support for those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment. This will be achieved through the use of proactive approaches and modern case management systems.

As part of such an approach, FÁS and the Department are collaborating on the development the National Internship Scheme. This scheme which will provide 5,000 internships of up to nine months duration will be launched on 1 July 2011. Participants will retain their social welfare entitlements and will also receive a ‘top-up' of €50 per week. The scheme, which will be the first public manifestation of the National Employment and Entitlements Service, is already receiving strong support from the business community and potential participants.

As regards the Community Employment scheme, the aim of the scheme continues as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The programme will continue to be managed towards this objective in order to meet the needs of participants and the community. It should be noted that responsibility for skills training undertaken by FÁS currently resides with the Department of Education and Skills. The future development of the training and skills services of FÁS is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

42 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases for carer’s allowance currently on appeal and awaiting decision whether by way of oral hearing or otherwise; the average time for cases on appeal to be dealt with; when it is expected that the backlog will be cleared; if further staff resources are required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15320/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there are currently 2,395 carer's allowance cases on appeal and awaiting decision. The average waiting time for carer's allowance appeals dealt with by way of a summary decision in 2010 was 26.9 weeks, while the average time to process an oral hearing was 47.3 weeks. These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including time spent in the Department for comments by the deciding officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's inspectors and medical assessors, that is deemed necessary. As can be seen from the figures, a considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. In order to be fair to all appellants, all appeals are dealt with in chronological order.

The annual intake of appeals has increased from 14,070 in 2007 to 32,432 in 2010, an increase of 18,362 (130.5%) and currently it appears that another 30,000 will be received during 2011. The need for additional resources to deal with this very significant increase has been recognised by the Department. In this context, 9 additional Appeals Officers have been assigned to the Office in recent weeks. These assignments will augment the 3 appointments made in 2010, bringing the total number of Appeals Officers serving in the office to 29.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals conducts its business is under constant ongoing review and the processes are continuously being enhanced to achieve better outputs, in particular to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals.

Social Welfare Benefits

Catherine Murphy

Question:

43 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are estimated numbers for those who will transfer from rent supplement to the rental accommodation scheme in the lifetime of this Government; if she has talked to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding the challenges that local authorities will encounter in sourcing sufficient RAS houses to satisfy the need; the outcome of those discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15317/11]

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. At the end of December 2010 there were 97,260 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 63% in the last three years. The rental accommodation scheme (RAS), which was introduced in 2004, gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Details of these cases are notified regularly by the Department to the local authorities through the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Local authorities meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including: the traditional social housing, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, the RAS.

At the end of 2007, there were 32,123 rent supplement recipients who were in payment for 18 months and while the number decreased to 31,667 at the end of 2008 it increased again to 35,133 at the end of 2009. There are now 48,073 currently in payment for 18 months or more. Latest figures from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government show that at the end of April 2011, a total of 33,554 transfers from rent supplement to local authorities have occurred since 2005. Of these 19,074 were housed directly under RAS and 14,480 were accommodated under other social housing options. The target number of transfers to local authorities set by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government for 2011 is for 5,500 tenants to transfer.

As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government contains specific commitments in relation to the rent supplement scheme including to progressively reduce reliance on rent supplement, with eligible recipients moving to the rental accommodation scheme. In this regard I and my Department are working closely with the Minister for Housing and Planning and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to accelerate the rate of transfer of long-term rent supplement claimants to RAS and other sources of local authority provided housing.

Social Welfare Code

Brendan Smith

Question:

44 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to date on raising the issue of payment of child benefit in respect of non-resident children at EU level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15361/11]

The social security rights of people moving around the EU are governed by EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009. These Regulations, which have been in existence in one form or another since 1959, are designed to co-ordinate the social security systems of the various Member States so that people and their families are not disadvantaged when they move within the EU. A key principle of the coordination system is that persons moving to different Member States are subject to the same obligations and enjoy the same benefits as the nationals of those Member States. With few exceptions, it is the country of employment which receives the social security contributions and which is generally responsible for the payment of benefits. Commitments in the Government Programme centre around the payment of child benefit for non-resident children.

Irish child benefit is classed as a family benefit under EU Regulations and there are specific rules governing the payment of these benefits. EU nationals who come to work in Ireland, and who pay Irish social security contributions, are entitled to receive child benefit in respect of their families, even if the family resides in another EU Member State. The equality provisions of the Regulations require that these payments are made at the same rates applicable to a person whose family is resident in Ireland. These provisions are seen as important in an EU context for the role they play in encouraging and facilitating the free movement of EU citizens.

The normal procedure for amending EU legislation is that a formal proposal is put forward by the EU Commission and this is then discussed and refined at various working parties and groups before being approved by a Council of Ministers. The proposal is then considered by the European Parliament in consultation with the Council. In order to make progress on the commitment in the Programme for Government it is necessary to enlist the support of other countries and the EU Commission.

I met EU Commissioner Andor on his recent visit to Dublin and took the opportunity to formally raise the child benefit issue with him. I have also raised this informally with Ministers from other EU countries, and will continue to do so through bilateral contacts at meetings such as the forthcoming EPSCO Council meeting.

David Stanton

Question:

45 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15347/11]

The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents", which was published in 2006, proposed that the category of lone parenthood would be abolished. Instead, a parental allowance would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner) with young children on a low income. Since the launch of the discussion paper, extensive consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders and lone parent representative groups. Discussions have also taken place in the Seanad and at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs. Work has also been undertaken with other relevant Departments and Agencies on the non-income issues raised in the paper — namely, education supports, child care, training and employment.

Changes in recent Budgets, including increases in the One-Parent Family Payment's (OFP's) earnings disregard and the streamlining of increases for qualified children are in line with the recommendations contained in the paper.

While it has not been possible to progress the proposals as outlined in the discussion paper, due, in part, to current economic conditions, these proposals have informed deliberations regarding the reform of the OFP scheme and continue to inform considerations regarding future policy in respect of lone parents.

Joan Collins

Question:

46 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the restoration of the minimum wage was included in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill rather than in a finance Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15344/11]

The Jobs Initiative introduced a package of measures to assist in employment generation, provide opportunities for those who have lost their jobs and generate confidence in the economy. The various tax changes announced in the Jobs Initiative are being carried in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011. These measures include reductions in VAT and the Air Travel Tax and the introduction of a levy on pension schemes. As the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 is a Money Bill, it cannot include non-Money Bill items, such as the increase in the national minimum wage.

The increase in the national minimum wage and a number of other legislative amendments of a non-Money Bill nature arising from the Jobs Initiative are being progressed in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011. These other items include the reduction in the lower rate of employer PRSI, which involves amendments to the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and the National Training Fund Act 2000. The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 also contains amendments to certain employment legislation to facilitate the introduction of the new Internship Scheme. The national minimum wage will be restored to its previous level of €8.65 an hour from 1 July.

Employment Support Services

Dessie Ellis

Question:

47 Deputy Dessie Ellis 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; 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. [15327/11]

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. 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,

Currently be in receipt of jobseeker's allowance, and

Be fully unemployed.

Persons already in employment or engaged in community employment or who have engaged in other training activity during which they were not on the live register for the relevant period are not eligible for these positions. The operation of the scheme, including the eligibility criteria, will be kept under review and will inform the evaluation process in due course.

Brendan Smith

Question:

48 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if the national internship scheme announced in the jobs initiative is in addition to the skills development and internship programme which was announced in December 2010. [15364/11]

The national internship scheme, which was announced as part of the Jobs Initiative on 10 May, 2011, replaces the skills development and internship programme, which was originally announced as part of Budget 2011 last December. The national internship scheme will provide internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months duration to those seeking employment. These internship opportunities will provide participants with valuable work experience that will develop their skills and enhance their career prospects in a specific area. Under the scheme, eligible participants will receive a weekly top-up of €50 over and above their existing social welfare entitlements. This top-up will be paid by the Department of Social Protection. The purpose of the €50 per week top up is to incentivise individuals to participate in the scheme and to cover their participation costs. The national internship scheme will be launched in July, 2011.

Social Welfare Fraud

Denis Naughten

Question:

49 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when the last audit of social welfare fraud was completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15315/11]

The Department is subject to annual audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. As part of this audit, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General examines the regularity of the expenditure of the Department, including expenditure suspected as fraudulent, and control measures in place within the Department. The Audit of the 2010 Vote Account and of the Social Insurance Fund are currently ongoing.

Programmes for Government

Seán Crowe

Question:

50 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection when she will deliver on the programme for Government promise to extend eligibility for the back to education allowance and if the changes will be made in advance of the intake of next September. [15337/11]

The back to education allowance (BTEA) is one of a range of activation supports and policies with the objective of assisting social welfare recipients to improve their life chances by facilitating access to employment, work experience, education and training. The focus of BTEA is to assist those who are most marginalised and distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system.

The BTEA scheme can offer participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on social welfare to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held. On May 10th, as part of the Government's Jobs Initiative, 20,900 new and additional places were announced in training, education and work experience programmes.

As part of this Initiative a new fund, entitled Springboard, which is being managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills, will provide education and training opportunities to support unemployed people. The primary objective of Springboard is to help unemployed people to remain as close as possible to the labour market by accessing part-time flexible higher education and training opportunities to upskill or reskill in areas where sustainable employment opportunities may arise as the economy recovers. The target group for this programme includes unemployed people with a previous history of employment who already hold a higher level qualification at NFQ Levels 6 to 9, who may also require additional upskilling or reskilling in order to re-enter employment. Included in this initiative will be part-time Masters courses and, via the part-time education option, unemployed people on jobseekers' payments will be facilitated in retaining these, subject to continuing entitlement, within the broader back-to-education framework. The BTEA, in conjunction with other employment support schemes, will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

Employment Support Services

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

51 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason executives from companies in the private sector are being given responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the national internship scheme; if they are being paid; the amount they are being paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15325/11]

The national internship scheme is a Government scheme which will be administered by the Department of Social Protection in line with relevant government accounting and procedural practices. I have appointed a Steering Group chaired by Mr. Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland. The Steering Group contains representatives from Glen Dimplex, Harmonia Publications, the National Youth Council of Ireland, my Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and FÁS. None of the individuals on the Steering Group is being paid for being a member of this Group.

The Steering Group has responsibility for advising me on the implementation of the national internship scheme with a particular focus on securing the support of the business community and employers. In order for the internship scheme to be a success, the participation and support of the business community is required. The Steering Group will therefore play a leading role in promoting the scheme to this sector.

While the Steering Group advises me on certain aspects relating to the national internship scheme, I, as Minister for Social Protection, and my Department has responsibility for the associated policy, decisions, implementation and governance of the scheme.

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 32.

Social Welfare Code

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

53 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for the roll-out of the PPSN card; and the projected costs involved. [15326/11]

The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Departments, the specifications for a Public Services Card (PSC) under the Standard Authentication Framework Environment, or SAFE, programme. The specification provides for identification features, including a photograph. The aim is to develop a card that acts as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and authenticating individuals as appropriate and where required. Formal sanction to proceed with the project was received from the Department of Finance at the end of 2009. A contract was agreed with Biometric Card Services (BCS) as the managed service provider from early January 2010. The contract is for a complete managed service for the production, maintenance and distribution of the PSC. In summary this entails:

Production of the card

Personalisation of the card

Delivery of the card

Provision of help-desk functionality

All to be undertaken under strict and secure conditions.

The card was designed and production planning carried out during 2010. In addition, a secure card personalisation and distribution centre was constructed in Bray, Co. Wicklow during the year and a specimen PSC was personalised on this site on 8th December 2010. Issue of a PSC requires enhanced and secure client registration processes supported by enhanced ICT solutions. It has been necessary to develop a technical infrastructure within the Department to support the client registration as well as the management and administration of the cards. Development of some this infrastructure is being undertaken by internal resources and this work began last year. Procurement for the remainder was finalised early this year and development work is currently ongoing. In addition, further procurements related to photographic processing have been in progress and an RFT for photographic matching will issue shortly. It is anticipated that the full suite of this functionality will not be available until the autumn of this year at which time the Department will commence the production issue of the card.

However, new functionality aimed at further improving the identity registration and verification process is expected to be ready earlier than that. A pilot of this functionality is expected to begin in a small number of offices in the next few weeks. It is intended that initial registration will involve customers of the Department and will take a number of forms: face to face at DSP Local Offices, through utilising data already held by the Department in relation to the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme and through utilising relevant data already held by the State (e.g. photographs and signatures held by the Passport Office). Productive discussions have been held with a number of agencies in this last regard.

Customers of the Department will be contacted to arrange for capture of the data required to produce and issue a PSC to them. The overall timeframe for completion of initial deployment of a Public Services Card is dependent on the rate at which it will be possible to securely register all of those to whom it will be issued. Initial registration will be carried out in the Department. Other options that may exist for external registration are being explored.

The Public Services Card will replace cards currently in use, such as the Social Services Card and the Free Travel card, with highly secure cards. Other Departments and agencies will also be in a position to use the card and the infrastructure that will support it. The final cost of the project will depend on the actual number of cards issued. However, the current estimated cost is some €24 million for around 3 million cards (i.e. about €8 per card including delivery).

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 38.

Industrial Relations

Billy Kelleher

Question:

55 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection if she consulted with Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on its proposals on wage reform before they were presented to the social partners. [15362/11]

Barry Cowen

Question:

59 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection her role, if any, in the consultation process regarding the proposed changes to the joint labour committee system by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. [15360/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 59 together.

The need for reform of the Joint Labour Committee system was clearly signalled in the Programme for Government. A very detailed report, the Independent Review of Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreement Wage Setting Mechanisms, setting out a reform mechanism was finalised in April of this year and circulated to members of the Government in the usual way. The relevant stakeholders will now participate in a consultation process on the report and the Government does not have a pre-determined outcome to this process. The outcome of the consultation process will be brought to Government and any changes in this area will be decided collectively by the Government. In that context, the Government will consider the impact of the reform proposals on workers with a view to achieving balanced reform which produces good outcomes for employment and social protection.

Meanwhile, I have asked my officials to examine the broader impact of the report on low paid workers and the social protection system generally and how reduced pay levels could possibly lead to an increased reliance on the social welfare system. This assessment will assist the Government's deliberations on the proposed reforms with a view to achieving balanced reform for all those affected.

Departmental Agencies

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

56 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange for a disability heading to be included on the homepage of the citizens information website; and if she will raise this proposal with the board. [15332/11]

The role of the Citizens Information Board is to support the provision of information, advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and social services. To this end, the Citizens Information website, www.citizensinformation.ie, was developed to meet customer demands for fast, easy access to comprehensive information on rights and entitlements. The website covers a broad range of subjects including social welfare, travel and recreation, employment rights, buying a home, moving abroad, education and much more.

Information for people with disabilities is integrated into the main categories on the website homepage. For example, information on disability allowance can be found in the "Disability and Illness" section in the Social Welfare category, and information on the motorised transport grant can be found in the "Transport and Disability" section in the Travel and Recreation category.

There are also a number of documents that aim to cut across the website's categories and provide an overview of a particular area such as the "Caring for a child with a disability" and "Working with a disability" documents. A checklist is also included which references relevant information in the areas of social welfare, transport and mobility, work, education and training, health services and taxation. The publication "Entitlements for People with Disabilities", which was updated in 2010, and a new publication "Entitlements for children with disabilities" are also available on the Citizens Information Board website www.citizensinformationboard.ie. In addition, the www.assistireland.ie website is a comprehensive, online database of assistive technologies and suppliers.

In order to further improve access and provide multiple paths to information on the website, the Citizens Information Board is currently working on the development of checklists for various categories of people, including people with disabilities. I am satisfied that the checklists will help people to navigate the site by having an overview of all potential entitlements relevant to their particular circumstances and a link to the relevant sections of the website.

Employment Support Services

Brian Stanley

Question:

57 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection her views that in the absence of specific safeguards the introduction of the Tús scheme may facilitate a driving down of wages, conditions and qualifications in this sector; and the steps she will take to guard against that. [15328/11]

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. General rules and conditions are currently being concluded with these companies to ensure that work placements offered by the not-for-profit, voluntary and community sectors are evaluated to ensure that there is no duplication or displacement of services offered by either the public or private sectors. It should be noted that these companies have considerable experience in determining these matters in respect of other Exchequer and European funded programmes. The boards of the companies include representatives of the local authorities, business, trade unions, State agencies and the community and voluntary sectors which provides significant additional safeguards.

In these circumstances, I do not consider that this work placement initiative, or indeed, other similar initiatives in the private or public sector would have the effect of driving down wages or could impact on the qualification levels of staff needed to provide services. Given the random nature of the Tús selection process, it is likely that good numbers of well qualified persons who are unemployed may be afforded opportunities to apply their skills across very different service providers.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 32.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 55.

Programmes for Government

Seamus Kirk

Question:

60 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline any progress on the commitment in the programme for Government to tightly regulate debt collectors. [15365/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

342 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps taken to date to deliver on the programme for Government promise to tightly regulate debt collecters. [15289/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 342 together.

The regulation of debt collectors is not a matter for this Department.

Social Welfare Benefits

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

61 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many public servants who have experienced a reduction in pay due to recent budget cuts have been put in a position their income is now so low that they have become eligible for family income supplement; and her views on this matter. [15331/11]

The rules which determine eligibility for FIS do not distinguish between public sector workers and private sector workers. There are currently approximately 24,410 people in receipt of a weekly family income supplement (FIS) payment of which 2,517 (10%) are recorded as public servants. During 2010 the number of public servants in receipt of FIS ran at approximately 11% of the total number of recipients. Exact figures on the numbers of public service workers in receipt of FIS prior to 2010 are unavailable but a previous manual random sample analysis estimated that approximately 10% of FIS claims related to those working in the public service. There is therefore no evidence of any significant increase in the level of recourse by public servants to FIS.

The numbers of public servants eligible for FIS is influenced by several factors. Notwithstanding pay reductions other factors such as incremental wage increases or reductions in the number of qualified children, together with any changes in work sharing/family friendly working arrangements can combine to reduce recourse to FIS.

Pension Provisions

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

62 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason she will not conduct and publish a cost-benefit analysis of using the PRSI system not only to collect the auto-enrolment pension contributions that are proposed by the national pensions framework but also to manage that money and make payments rather than handing those responsibilities over to the private pension industry in view of the inefficiencies that are typical of it. [15329/11]

Increasing pensions coverage, particular amongst the lower paid and those with gaps in their employment, is a priority for the Government. The introduction of an auto-enrolment system is one of the best ways in which we can do this. An inter-departmental/agency group, chaired by the Department of Social Protection is developing the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to introduce a number of pension reforms in the National Pensions Framework, including auto-enrolment.

It is envisaged at this stage that contributions for an auto-enrolment system will be collected through the PRSI system. In developing the various aspects of the system we will of course be considering the costs and benefits associated with the options available. There will be a limited number and limited types of funds available under the scheme. The Government will decide how these participating investment funds will be selected and managed. It is expected that a competitive process will be run by the State which will also ensure that charges are kept to a minimum. The competitive process won't necessarily be confined to the private sector. It could include State organisations such as, e.g., the NTMA. No decision has been made as yet. It is intended that the auto-enrolment scheme will be introduced in 2014 but only if it would be prudent given the economic conditions prevailing at that time.

Job Creation

Michael McGrath

Question:

63 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she consulted representatives of the pension industry prior to the jobs initiative. [15363/11]

The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to resource a Jobs Initiative within the first 100 days of the start of the Government's term in office. These measures are intended to assist in employment generation, provide opportunities for those who have lost their jobs, and thus generate confidence in the economy. We delivered on this promise with the announcement of this initiative on 10 May. The various tax reduction and additional expenditure measures associated with the Jobs Initiative are being funded by way of a temporary levy on funded pension schemes and personal pension plans, provided for in legislation in the Finance Bill, 2011. The development of these proposals, including any consultation, was dealt with by the Department of Finance.

Proposed Legislation

Denis Naughten

Question:

64 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to amend the Civil Registration Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15316/11]

I have made enquiries of the Registrar General and he has informed me that the general review of the provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004 is expected to be completed in the coming months. There are a range of complex issues to be considered in relation to the scope and implementation of any proposed changes to the provisions of the Act. Some of these issues may have cross-departmental implications which need to be considered also.

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 32.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 40.

Social Welfare Code

Joan Collins

Question:

67 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection her views regarding the possible creation of a race to the bottom in workers’ pay and conditions as a result of the proposals to halve employers PRSI for employees earning €356 per week or under; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15345/11]

Workers whose weekly earnings are above €38 and below €356, and for whom employers pay PRSI contributions at the rate of 8.5%, fall into PRSI Sub-classes AO and AX. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to halve the lower 8.5% rate of PRSI up to end 2013. This commitment is being implemented with effect from 2 July, 2011. A lower rate of employers' PRSI for workers earnings below €356 per week has been in operation for a number of years. There is no particular evidence to suggest that the existence of a lower rate of PRSI encourages employers to reduce wages to come within the qualifying criteria that attract the lower rate.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 32.

Social Welfare Benefits

Noel Harrington

Question:

69 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the rural social scheme by raising the cap on numbers that can participate in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15486/11]

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. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 men and women and 130 supervisory staff. The scheme is delivered by local development companies in rural areas who will be able to advise on available and future opportunities. Some €46.1m has been provided for the scheme in 2011 which will enable the current level of participants to continue on the scheme. However, this level of resources does not afford me the opportunity to consider increasing the number of participants.

Departmental Bodies

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

70 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach if he will conduct a peer review examination of the work of the Economic and Social Research Institute; his views on whether a new higher academic institute might be created from the economics department of the Irish universities and based in those institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15746/11]

The ESRI is a private limited company with charitable status — it is not publicly owned. It is an independent body which operates in a commercial environment. Therefore I have no policy or administrative responsibility for the ESRI.

Whilst the Department of Finance provides the ESRI with Grant-in-Aid to cover the public interest aspects of their output, I understand that it is not the Minister for Finance's practice to comment on the quality of the ESRI's output.

The Department of Finance has however informed me that in line with the Institute's Research Strategy 2008-2013, a panel of international and Irish experts undertook a peer review of ESRI research last year, the report of which can be found on the Institute's website at http://www.esri.ie/about us/peer review 2010/.

On a separate matter, in relation to independent assessment of the Government's approach in fiscal matters, the Deputy will be aware of the intention to establish a Fiscal Advisory Council to provide such assessment, in relation to which announcements will be made shortly. This is a matter for the Minister for Finance and future questions on this matter should be directed to Minister Noonan.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

71 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Taoiseach the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15769/11]

The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General audits the accounts of my Department. Under Article 33 of the Constitution, the Comptroller and Auditor General is defined as the person who shall, on behalf of the State, control all disbursements and audit all accounts of moneys administered by or under the authority of the Oireachtas. In addition I have an internal audit unit in my Department which is staffed by two civil servants.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

72 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15182/11]

There are 5 staff working in my constituency office, three are based in Dublin, one of whom is a Civil Servant, and two are based in Mayo. Their total annual salary is €280,882. IT equipment to the value of €1,200 has been supplied to my Constituency office in Castlebar. Phone charges of €23.61 have also been incurred to date. No rental or leasing costs accrue to my Department in respect of my Constituency Office in Castlebar.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

73 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15201/11]

My Department has a travel policy which is based on the guidelines laid down by the Department of Finance. It is applicable to all staff in my Department. The aims of the travel policy are to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.

An officer is authorised to use his/her own car on official business only in the following circumstances: where no suitable public transport is available; where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense; and where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid.

The Cycle to Work Scheme is promoted within my Department. The Travel Pass Scheme also operates within my Department. Staff are urged annually to participate in the Europe-wide car free day campaign.

Departmental Expenditure

Jim Daly

Question:

74 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Taoiseach the number of barristers, junior counsel currently engaged by the State to defend immigration cases on the Judicial Review list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15261/11]

I am informed by the Chief State Solicitor's Office as follows. There are currently 27 Junior Counsel on the Asylum Panel. Junior Counsel are nominated off this panel for each case. There are currently 15 Senior Counsel on the Asylum Panel. Senior Counsel are nominated off this panel when required. In major cases and cases involving constitutional challenges, counsel are nominated by the Attorney General as required.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Brian Stanley

Question:

75 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach his plans to make Ireland a centre of excellence in the management of carbon; and his plans to work with his Northern Ireland counterpart in doing so. [15447/11]

Earlier this year members of the Green IFSC Steering Group, a sub-committee of the IFSC Clearing House Group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, were tasked with developing a detailed business plan for the delivery of an Initiative to secure a leading position for Ireland as the world moves towards a low carbon global economy.

This Initiative seeks to build upon the reputation of the IFSC as a leading global financial centre and to develop Dublin as a global hub for green finance. Green Finance refers to capital markets, investment banking activities and related advisory services which support the development, finance and promotion of a low-carbon economy. This includes funding of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and in a wider context waste, water and weather management. The value of carbon as a pricing mechanism for this activity is at the core of green finance and the Green IFSC Steering Group have identified a central role in the carbon markets as pivotal to the success of this initiative.

Playing to the existing strengths of the IFSC the initiative proposes to translate and extend these skills into the carbon market and develop Dublin as the world leader in not just the management of carbon but as an innovation hub for associated carbon mechanisms and the next generation of green financial management instruments. Central to this strategy is the creation of an International Carbon Standard and Registry for the voluntary carbon credits market.

The business plan is currently being reviewed by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Until that review is complete and considered by Government no work with my northern counterpart has taken place.

Overseas Development Aid

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

76 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of non-governmental organisations which receive funding from Irish Aid, the amount of funding received in 2010; and the amount they are budgeted to each receive in 2011. [15753/11]

The Government's aid programme, administered from within the Department of Foreign Affairs by Irish Aid, is sharply focused on the reduction and eventual eradication of global poverty and hunger. Our partnership with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) represents a very important element in this effort, reflecting the broad support among Irish people for the development programme.

In 2010, the Government, through Irish Aid provided over €125 million for the development work of NGOs. This NGO funding is administered through a range of funding schemes covering long term development, emergency and recovery assistance and development education. Significant recipients of such grants include Concern, Trócaire, GOAL, Self Help Africa, Irish Fair Trade Network, Christian Aid, Oxfam Ireland, World Vision, Action Aid and Plan Ireland. These organisations received a combined total of over €77 million for their development and humanitarian work in 2010. As valued partners of the development programme, all these organisations are due to receive grant allocations of a similar size in 2011. Decisions on final disbursements for 2011 are dependent on appraisal and approval processes which are still underway.

Additional funding is provided to NGOs under the development programmes from the nine priority countries for Irish Aid, where we have a commitment to long-term strategic assistance. Furthermore, a small grants programme is administered by eleven Embassies accredited to countries where Irish Aid does not have a bi-lateral development co-operation programme. In total, Irish Aid provides grants to over 200 NGO partners.

The following table provides a list of those organisations which received significant funding (over €100,000) in 2010 from funding schemes administered by Irish Aid headquarters and amounts confirmed to date for 2011.

Organisation

2010

2011 (to date)

80:20 Educating & Acting for a Better World

€380,234

€50,000

Action Aid Ireland

€850,000

€1,275,000

AidLink

€960,000

€480,000

AIDS and Rights Alliance in Southern Africa (ARASA)

€450,000

AIDS Partnership Africa

€127,191

Banúlacht

€100,000

€90,000

Belun-CICR

€350,000

Bóthar

€100,000

€100,000

Camara Education

€400,000

Camfed International

€200,000

€200,000

Childfund Ireland

€692,000

Children in Crossfire

€780,000

€780,000

Christian Aid Ireland

€3,302,134

€3,184,618

Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Ireland

€778,594

€194,682

Church Mission Society Ireland

€495,856

€208,649

Comhlámh

€597,530

€363,190

Concern Universal

€250,000

€200,000

Concern Worldwide

€24,227,880

€22,765,000

Crosslinks

€101,899

Dóchas

€242,964

€250,000

ECPAT International

€150,000

€150,000

Friends in Ireland

€171,639

€79,539

Friends of Hospice Uganda (Ireland)

€298,368

Friends of Londiani

€193,400

€192,000

Frontline

€450,000

€225,000

Galway One World Centre

€117,853

€79,369

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation

€250,000

Global Witness Trust Ltd

€194,600

€199,800

Goal

€17,029,347

€15,679,600

Gorta

€150,000

€150,000

Habitat for Humanity Ireland

€175,836

HALO Trust

€1,400,000

Handicap International

€338,488

Haven Community Foundation

€100,000

€200,000

Health Economics and AIDS Research Division

€400,000

Health Poverty Action (formerly Health Unlimited)

€300,000

HelpAge International

€500,000

IDEA (Irish Development Education Association)

€180,000

€118,000

Institut Panos Paris

€150,000

International Alert

€100,000

International Commission of Jurists

€158,800

International Crisis Group

€100,000

€100,000

International Federation for Human Rights

€200,000

€200,000

International Institute for Environment and Development

€550,000

€550,000

International Rescue Committee

€981,986

Irish Fairtrade Network

€3,920,000

€3,074,000

Irish Family Planning Association

€207,000

€209,600

KADE (Kerry Action for Development Education)

€113,000

€115,000

Link Community Development

€156,381

€128,128

LYCS (Lourdes Youth & Community Services)

€164,826

€120,000

Malaria Consortium Africa

€257,566

TBC

Mama Cash

€240,000

€240,000

Medecins sans Frontieres

€1,325,000

€900,000

Mercy Corps Scotland

€250,000

MERLIN

€1,764,883

Methodist Missionary Society

€174,680

Micronutrient Initiative

€150,000

Mines Advisory Group

€400,000

Minority Rights Group

€400,000

Northern Ireland Foundation

€175,000

NYCI (National Youth Council of Ireland)

€205,000

€225,000

Orbis Ireland

€200,000

€200,000

Oxfam Ireland

€2,277,503

€2,300,000

Partnership Africa Canada

€200,000

Plan Ireland

€1,839,992

€850,000

Playing for Life

€134,900

€148,000

Power4good Ireland

€125,827

Progressio

€700,000

€281,487

Protea Education Development Project

€114,732

Raising Voices

€155,000

€75,350

Right to Sight

€100,000

€50,000

Self Help Africa

€2,802,500

€2,800,000

SERVE in Solidarity Ireland

€147,336

€143,860

Sightsavers Ireland

€780,000

Social & Health Education Project

€113,822

€122,346

Suas Educational Development

€110,000

€182,000

Tearfund UK

€546,000

€136,500

The Carter Center Inc.

€390,000

The Leprosy Mission Ireland

€587,778

€303,030

The Rose Project

€200,000

€200,000

The Support Africa Foundation

€100,000

TRAIDLINKS

€450,000

Transparency International

€200,000

€200,000

Trócaire

€18,851,727

€17,920,000

Valid Nutrition

€450,000

VITA

€700,000

VSO Ireland

€960,000

€480,000

War on Want NI

€400,000

WaterAid

€136,625

Waterford One World Centre

€126,500

€ 95,000

Womens World Banking

€100,000

World Resources Institute

€200,000

€200,000

World Vision Ireland

€2,292,519

€2,255,000

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

77 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the top ten countries to receive Irish aid; the amount of funding they received in 2010; and the amount they are budgeted to each receive in 2011. [15754/11]

The Government's aid programme, which is administered by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs, provides assistance to over eighty countries in the developing world, with a strong focus on the least developed countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa.

There are nine Programme Countries for the aid programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. Irish Aid administers specific budgets for long term development assistance in these countries, on the basis of detailed development plans focused on the reduction of poverty levels. The Programme Countries are: Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia and Timor Leste. Additional funding is also provided through development Non-Governmental Organisations, missionaries, the multilateral and UN systems, and in response to humanitarian emergencies.

The ten countries to which the greatest amount of funding was directed under the aid programme in 2010, are listed below. Final confirmation of these figures is subject to the receipt of the finalised detailed financial reports from NGOs and other partners.

Country

Amount

Uganda

€40.9 million

Mozambique

€40.7 million

Tanzania

€35.3 million

Ethiopia

€32.6 million

Zambia

€23.6 million

Vietnam

€13.1 million

Malawi

€12.8 million

Lesotho

€11.8 million

Sudan

€9.8 million

Sierra Leone

€7.6 million

For 2011, the following direct programme budgets have been allocated for our aid programmes in the nine Programme Countries (these figures do not include Irish Aid funding which will be channelled through NGOs and multilateral agencies)

Country

Amount

Ethiopia

€26 million

Lesotho

€10.7 million

Malawi

€9.93 million

Mozambique

€37.5 million

Tanzania

€31.3 million

Uganda

€33.25 million

Zambia

€20.21 million

Timor-Leste

€3.42 million

Vietnam

€12 million

Full details of all countries receiving funding from the Government under the aid programme are contained in the Irish Aid Annual Reports which can be accessed at http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/publications report.asp and which have been placed in the Dáil Library. I expect that the Annual Report for 2010 will be published in September.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

78 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15763/11]

Overall responsibility for audit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as for all Government Departments, lies with the Comptroller and Auditor General. My Department does not employ any external auditors. The Department has an internal audit function which employs four qualified auditors to undertake this task. In addition in our Programme Countries in receipt of Overseas Aid funds the Department employs eight internal auditors.

International Criminal Court

Dara Murphy

Question:

79 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the issuing of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court as requested by its chief prosecutor, Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo against Colonel Gadaffi and his son Saif al-Islam on charges of crimes against humanity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15780/11]

In Resolution 1970, adopted on 26 February 2011, the UN Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court, affirming "the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks, including by forces under their control, on civilians." On 16 May, following an initial investigation, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested judges to issue arrest warrants against Colonel Gadaffi, his son Saif al-Islam, and Head of Intelligence Abdullah al-Senousi, in relation to alleged crimes against humanity. A Pre-Trial Chamber of the Court will hear the presentation of the prosecutor, and decide whether to accede to or reject the request of the Prosecutor, or to seek further information.

It is a matter for the Court to decide on the merits of the case put before it. The Government fully supports the decision to refer these issues to the ICC, and we will support any further decision which the Court may take. Should any arrest warrants be issued, we will carry them out if any of the named persons are found on Irish territory and will encourage others to comply with their obligation to do so.

EU Presidency

Dara Murphy

Question:

80 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will endorse the proposal made by former British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, by supporting the calls for an elected leader of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15781/11]

There is no formal proposal active at this time to amend the Treaties in the area of leadership of the EU. I have however noted recent media reports of an idea put forward by Mr. Tony Blair that there should be a directly-elected President of the European Union. This is certainly an interesting contribution to debate on the EU's institutional framework and its evolution. Similar ideas received some consideration in the Constitutional Convention which eventually led to the Lisbon Treaty. A formal proposal and debate on an elected EU leader is unlikely in the immediate future. The EU is now in the process of bedding down the various reforms to the functioning of the Union brought about in the Lisbon Treaty. These included provision for the election for a two and a half year term, renewable once, of a full-time President of the European Council. President Herman van Rompuy, who will visit Ireland on 17 June, has made an excellent start as the first holder of that office.

Consular Services

Dara Calleary

Question:

81 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if he has made representations to the German authorities regarding this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15293/11]

The Deputy will be aware that this case was discussed in the House as a matter for adjournment on 11 May 2011, and on that occasion I took the opportunity to give details of the consular assistance which had been offered to the family of the Irish citizen by my Department up to that point. I also publicly extended my sincere condolences to the family involved and assured them of my personal interest in the case. Since then, officials from my Department have met with family members. My Department has maintained ongoing contacts with them in order to facilitate their dealings with the German authorities on their case, and to facilitate their campaign to have the investigation into the tragic death of their son and brother reopened. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Embassy of Ireland in Berlin, has been liaising with the German authorities since we were notified of the case. My Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family and will continue to facilitate their dealings with the relevant German authorities in the pursuit of their aims.

It is the understanding of my Department, at this point, that the family wishes to submit the findings of the Deputy State Pathologist to the office of the State Prosecutor in Baden Wurttemberg. Our Embassy in Berlin will assist with the submission of these documents, and will ensure that they are forwarded, under cover letter to the relevant authorities.

I expect the German authorities to deal with all the operational matters involved in the investigations. As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department is not in a position to intervene in the German legal process and we have advised the family to take professional legal advice on their current position and on the legal avenues that may be available to them in the pursuit of their case.

I can assure the Deputy that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through our Embassy in Berlin, and our Consular Section in Dublin, will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family, and will continue to facilitate their dealings with the relevant German authorities in this difficult case.

Frank Feighan

Question:

82 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the support he will give to Irish citizens (details supplied) who paid down moneys for property in Italy which have not, nor ever will be, built and whose moneys have disappeared. [15731/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

91 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding an Irish citizen who paid for property in Italy, the owner of lands claimed that he had no knowledge of the sale of the site and subsequently agents were forced to admit receipt of moneys and offered a substitute property and despite this UK solicitors acting for the Irish citizen have been unable to force a satisfactory response or solution from the seller; and the support or help he will give to this person. [15478/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 91 together.

I can confirm that the Embassy in Rome has been in contact with a number of Irish citizens that have experienced difficulties in relation to their purchases of property in Italy, including the case referred to in the Deputy's question.

The Deputy will be aware that the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs concerning private property transactions by Irish nationals abroad is limited, and that redress in such cases must be sought through the relevant legal system. The Embassy can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers to the individuals concerned, however I understand that independent legal advice has already been engaged in this case. The Department would agree that the correct course of action is to pursue the matter through legal channels.

The Embassy in Rome will continue to assist Irish investors in any way open to it, including in finding suitable legal representation.

Food Safety

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

83 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with his European counterparts in relation to the mutant e-coli outbreak, which has caused numerous deaths and serious illness in Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15063/11]

The EU Council of Ministers, in various formations, has addressed the serious and unfolding issues related to the E. coli outbreak in Germany. On 31 May, the issue was discussed at an informal meeting of the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in Hungary.

On 6 June, the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council was briefed by the European Commission on steps being taken, including to ensure the sharing of relevant information on a real time basis.

On 7 June, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Simon Coveney T.D., attended an emergency meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg called to deal with the food safety and market implications resulting from the E. coli outbreak in Germany. Minister Coveney and his Department are in regular contact with their European counterparts and are continuing to monitor the situation. The German authorities have recently linked the infections with the consumption of organic bean sprouts from one local German producer. The German authorities have confirmed that none of the bean sprouts from the producer in question have been exported from Germany. On this basis, on 10 June, a previous warning against the consumption of tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce was rescinded. On 12 June, German authorities confirmed that samples of organic bean sprouts tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli (VTEC) O104:H4. This is considered to be another piece of evidence suggesting that organic bean sprouts have to be considered as an essential source for the E. coli infections.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is continuing to monitor this situation and provide up-dates as necessary. It has indicated that there have been no reported cases in Ireland of human illness associated with the German outbreak strain of E. coli (VTEC) O104:H4.

The EU Council of Ministers as well as the European Commission and the relevant European entities engaged in this area, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), will continue to work closely with relevant Member State authorities in addressing this situation.

Emigrant Support Services

Tom Fleming

Question:

84 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he has taken to assist the undocumented Irish in the US since his election to office; and the plans he has put in place to follow through on this issue. [15090/11]

Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed the question of Irish immigration with President Obama when we met with him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding to our concerns, the President expressed his interest in achieving progress on immigration issues.

Most recently, I raised these issues with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chair of the Senate Judiciary committee when I met him in Dublin on 3 June.

I also discussed the issue of Irish immigration with Secretary of State Clinton during our meeting on 18 March and with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 16 March. The Taoiseach raised the issue of the undocumented and the potential for the continued development of Ireland's migration arrangements with the US with President Obama during his St Patrick's Day visit to Washington. The Taoiseach also met with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform on 5 May when in New York.

Acting on my behalf, the Embassy of Ireland in Washington continues to engage with leaders in Congress, from both parties, on an ongoing basis.

I am encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to addressing the question of immigration reform. Speaking on 10 May, the President, in an address dedicated to the issue of immigration, reiterated his call for comprehensive reform of the system, and particularly called for the passage of the DREAM Act. Under the DREAM Act qualifying undocumented young people seeking to go to college or join the US military, and who were brought illegally to the US as children, would be eligible to seek regularisation of their status.

I am very aware of the difficult situation facing those who are undocumented and living in the USA, as well as the distress caused to families in both Ireland and the US. The most realistic long term solution for our undocumented citizens remains through comprehensive immigration reform.

The inclusion of Ireland in an amended reciprocal E3 visa scheme, which would allow Irish people with a certain level of education to work in the US on a two year renewable visa, is the most effective way of creating new opportunities for Irish citizens in the USA. The introduction of such a scheme, which has attracted support from a number of members of Congress from both parties, will require the passage of legislation in Congress.

The successful passage of E3 visa legislation would strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. We continue to press for such a scheme, including with members of Congress. It is the case, however, that the E3 would not provide a solution to the undocumented Irish in the US.

I am very aware of the enormous political challenges that face efforts to pass any immigration related legislations at the current time, including the E3 proposal.

I and my Department, and particularly the Embassy in Washington, will continue to work very actively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates.

We are also providing practical assistance to Irish community reform advocates and organisations providing key welfare, information and immigration advisory services to the more marginalised members of the Irish community in the USA, including the undocumented. In 2010, through the Emigrant Support programme, €1,292,306 was provided to the main welfare and reform advocate organisations across the USA.

Tom Fleming

Question:

85 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the financial assistance that has been given to help organisations that support the homeless Irish in Britain; and if additional funding will be available in the current year. [15092/11]

As I have previously stated, the Emigrant Support Programme, administered by my Department, provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish . The strong emphasis of the Programme is on supporting culturally sensitive, frontline welfare services, which are targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities, including the elderly and homeless. These services have made a substantive difference to the lives of Irish people living abroad, particularly in Britain and the United States, through reducing homelessness, tackling social isolation, and enabling Irish emigrants to access their local, statutory entitlements. Since 2004, approximately €58million has been awarded to support Irish organisations in Britain. Last year alone, some 128 British-based organisations received over €8.1 million under the Emigrant Support Programme.

Fourteen of the British based organisations funded under this programme deal specifically with Irish citizens affected by homelessness and received funding of €857,000 in 2010. In addition, many other Irish welfare organisations receive significant funding for projects of benefit to homeless Irish persons.

My Department, in consultation with the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee, is currently assessing applications for funding under the 2011 grant round for projects based in Britain and organisations will be notified of the outcome in July. Despite the difficult budgetary situation facing the country, I am determined to maintain a significant level of funding for frontline services in Britain and elsewhere that address the needs of our most vulnerable emigrants. A full list of all organisations funded through the Emigrant Support Programme since 2006 is available on www.dfa.ie.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

86 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15177/11]

The following staffing costs are borne by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for my constituency office:

Grade/Position

Salary Scale

Personal Assistant/Personal Appointment

Personal Assistant Scale €43,715-€56,060 per annum

Personal Secretary/Personal Appointment

Personal Secretary Scale €23,820-€47,755 per annum

Clerical Officer/Civil Servant

Clerical Officer PPC Salary Scale €23,177-€37,341 per annum

My constituency office is based in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Iveagh House. ICT facilities are provided to each member of staff from Department stocks and include PC, telephone, print, fax and appropriate software licences. The estimated annual cost to provide such services is €3,750.

In addition my Department provides me with a fax machine in my home and have installed a dedicated line to this effect. The cost to install this service was €588 with an on-going monthly line rental of €25.36.

I occupy the same accommodation in Iveagh House, St. Stephen's Green as previous Ministers. The value of this property, which is owned by the State, is a matter for the Office of Public Works.

It is not possible to isolate the cost of utilities and accommodation-related services for these offices, i.e. cleaning and waste disposal, from the overall bills in respect of the buildings in question.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

87 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15196/11]

The Department operates the "Travel Pass" (also known as the "TaxSaver Commuter Ticket") Scheme put in place by the Finance Act 1999 as an incentive to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work. This scheme allows an employer to incur the expense of providing an employee with a monthly or annual bus/rail pass, without the employee being liable for benefit-in-kind taxation. Employees participating in the scheme benefit from reduced tax and PRSI payments and may avail of a salary sacrifice option to pay for their tickets.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Department also operates the "Bike-to-Work" scheme provided for by the Finance Act 2008. This scheme exempts from income tax the benefit-in-kind arising from the provision of a bicycle and related safety equipment by an employer to an employee, where the bicycle is used by the employee for travel to and from the workplace. A salary sacrifice option may be availed of for this scheme also.

Currently, there are 147 staff members availing of the Travel Pass and 41 availing of the Bike to Work scheme. In relation to travel on official business, the Department (including its Missions abroad) complies with the relevant Department of Finance instructions regarding travel for official business. These provide that the cheapest practicable mode of conveyance be used and that public transport is used as far as practicable. Taxis or cars may be used only when no suitable public transport is available.

Passport Applications

Terence Flanagan

Question:

88 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on correspondence regarding passports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15251/11]

I very much regret the difficulties described by the person concerned in pursuing a passport application on behalf of her husband. If the person concerned would be prepared to forward details of the application, such as reference number and name and date of birth of the applicant, I will have the matter investigated and provide a detailed response.

International Agreements

Shane Ross

Question:

89 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he will ratify the Antarctic Treaty. [15268/11]

The question of Ireland's possible accession to the Antarctic Treaty System is under consideration in those Government Departments which have responsibility for the areas covered by the Antarctic Treaties. A Government Decision of 9 June 2010 authorised the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and the other relevant Ministers to conduct preparatory work on this issue. A process of inter-departmental consultation, chaired by my Department, is continuing. This includes an assessment of the legislative implications of accession; it is apparent that these could be significant.

As a complement to the preparatory work underway, a seminar on the Antarctic Treaty System was hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs in co-operation with the Norwegian Embassy in Dublin, on 25 May 2011. The seminar was attended by relevant Government Departments and also benefited from the participation of the Shackleton Society. The seminar was addressed by Norwegian experts in this area, who shared Norway's experience as a founder member of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Passport Applications

Martin Heydon

Question:

90 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a passport will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare [15412/11]

A passport application for the person in question was submitted in December, 2008. In accordance with the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008, this Department must be satisfied that an applicant is an Irish citizen before issuing him with a passport. As the applicant was born in the State in September 2008, his entitlement to Irish citizenship is governed by Section 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended (the 1956 Act). The 1956 Act provides that a person, who is born in the State on or after 1 January, 2005 and does not have a parent who is either an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction, may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for a passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three of the four years preceding the birth of the child.

This Department assesses such applications in line with guidelines provided by the Department of Justice and Law Reform, which is responsible for matters of citizenship and immigration. In accordance with these guidelines, the proofs of lawful residence, which are accepted and considered in connection with passport applications, are immigration stamps in passports or the registration cards/books which are given to persons registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). These are official documents, which can be objectively verified and are relied on by the Department in the processing of passport applications.

In line with the requirements of the 1956 Act, the lawful residence in the State of the applicant's mother in the four year period preceding her son's date of birth was examined. Based on the evidence of immigration stamps in her passport, the total amount of reckonable residence did not meet with the statutory requirement of three years. As the child's entitlement to Irish citizenship had not been demonstrated, the Department could not issue a passport to him.

The Department wrote to the applicant's mother on 8 January, 2009 to explain its decision. She was also contacted by telephone that day by officials from the Passport Service. In this conversation she gave an undertaking to the Passport Service that she would contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau and obtain evidence from them that she had the required amount of residence in the State. Since then, no further evidence has been provided by the applicant's mother.

I regret therefore that, as the applicant's entitlement to Irish citizenship has not been demonstrated, this Department remains unable to issue a passport to the person in question at this time.

Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 82.

Human Rights Issues

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

92 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the embassies of the United States and Turkey to ensure the safety of a person (details supplied) kidnapped by armed men in Damascus, Syria. [15585/11]

I am deeply concerned about the current situation in Syria, including the violent repression against large numbers of people in Syria who have been simply trying to exercise their right to freedom of expression, whether in the street or online. The deaths which according to estimates now number more than 1,200 and detentions, and the torture and intimidation of peaceful Syrian citizens, are completely unacceptable and a violation of the Syrian Government's responsibility and international obligations to protect its citizens. Ireland and the EU have condemned this violence and called for restraint and dialogue, and have enacted sanctions against Syria to persuade it to change its approach. However, the particular case raised by the Deputy has now been revealed to be a hoax, with an Edinburgh-based US Middle East activist admitting to have written the blogs in question.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

93 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Finance the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15762/11]

There are five Auditors currently employed in my Department. In addition, there are other staff members who carry out a wide range of functions in the audit field.

Proposed Legislation

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

94 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance when it is envisaged that reforms, as proposed in the programme for Government, will take place in regard to the Freedom of Information Acts. [15808/11]

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is currently carrying out preparatory work to implement the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to the Freedom of Information Acts. When this work is completed the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D. will bring proposals to the Government.

Local Authority Valuations

Paudie Coffey

Question:

95 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Finance when he envisages the completion of the up-to-date valuation of all local authority areas to be finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15833/11]

The Valuation Act, 2001 which came into effect on 2nd May, 2002, provides for the revaluation of all commercial and industrial property. The Commissioner of Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters under the Valuation Act 2001 which includes the implementation of the revaluation programme on a nationwide basis.

The revaluation programme began in November 2005 in the South Dublin County Council area and has since been rolled out to the areas covered by Fingal and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils. The revaluation of South Dublin was completed in December 2007, Fingal was completed in 2009 and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown was completed in 2010. The revaluation of the Dublin City Council area commenced with the signing of the valuation order on 5th May, 2011. This will entail the valuation of circa 25,000 properties and the new list will be published in December 2013.

It is intended to roll out the programme to further local authority areas later in 2011 and the necessary process of consultation, as provided for under the Act, is under way with the local authorities of Waterford, i.e. Waterford City and County Council and Dungarvan Town Council. Preliminary work is also under way on the revaluation of Limerick City.

It is not possible to say at present when the national programme will be completed. A timeframe of 10 years overall had been envisaged, but progress has been slower than expected, and the position has been complicated further by the difficult conditions in the property market in recent years. Nevertheless, the launch of the major project in Dublin City is a significant advance and the Commissioner has indicated that he is actively reviewing options which might hold potential for accelerating the delivery of the revaluation programme.

Tax Collection

Paul Connaughton

Question:

96 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance when an unregistered VAT rebate will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway and if the matter can be expedited. [15836/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that following receipt of a claim from the person on 25 May and following the normal processing and verification checks by Revenue the claim has now been approved for repayment. The repayment will be made to the bank account of the person concerned within the next few days.

Tax Code

Derek Nolan

Question:

97 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding stamp duty charges for first-time buyers; if consideration has been given to the elimination of stamp duty for first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15839/11]

Budget 2011 reduced the Stamp Duty rate on residential property purchases while abolishing some reliefs and exemptions, including First Time Buyer relief. This was done to help broaden the tax base and lower the rate of stamp duty for most purchasers. All purchasers of residential property under €1 million in value, are now only liable for stamp duty at 1%. I have no plans at this time to reintroduce First Time Buyer relief.

Negative Equity Mortgages

John Lyons

Question:

98 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance his views on negative equity mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15841/11]

The Deputy will be aware of the work of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. This Group published its final Report in November 2010. All of the Expert Group's recommendations are listed in Chapter 2 of the Report which can be accessed at www.finance.gov.ie. The Group's Report contained the following recommendation:

"The Group notes that, for some mortgage holders, who are in negative equity, trading down would produce a reduction in the mortgage debt and more affordable monthly payments. The Group recommends that further consideration should be given by lenders to facilitating trading down by borrowers in this situation. Such options would have to meet relevant prudential standards, with appropriate controls in place, and be made in the customers ' best interest".

Trading down means selling a current property and buying a cheaper one. Trading down may be an option to reduce the level of mortgage repayments, resulting in more affordable monthly repayments.

This recommendation is aimed at helping mortgage holders remain as homeowners while reducing their level of repayments. It may also help mortgage holders who are in negative equity and who may wish to move home, for example, to take up new employment opportunities. There is merit in facilitating house moves by those in negative equity in certain situations and subject to certain criteria set down by the Central Bank.

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

Coast Guard Service

Simon Harris

Question:

99 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works intends to upgrade the Coast Guard Service facilities in Greystones, County Wicklow; his views on the conditions which the Coast Guard Service is currently expected to operate from; if the OPW will engage as a matter of priority with private contractors (details supplied) with a view to providing new, modern and fit-for-purpose facilities for this life-saving service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15850/11]

Simon Harris

Question:

100 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance if he finds it acceptable that €5 million worth of Coast Guard Service equipment currently lies unused at a storage facility for a period of two years and that warranties are being paid on this unused equipment by the Office of Public Works; and if he will instruct the OPW to immediately engage with all relevant stakeholders in ensuring the provision of a much needed and long overdue Coast Guard Service facility where this equipment can be used (details supplied). [15851/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.

The site on which the proposed Coast Guard station is to be developed is owned by Wicklow County Council. It was proposed that the development company, engaged by the Local Authority, would build the Coast Guard Station as part of a larger Public Private Partnership with the Local Authority (The Greystones Harbour Project). The Chief State Solicitor has advised the Office of Public Works that this proposal does not comply with public procurement procedures. Wicklow County Council are exploring ways to resolve this issue with the developer.

The Office of Public Works does not buy Coast Guard equipment, and as such, cannot comment on warranties due on such equipment. The Office of Public Works has been advised by the Irish Coast Guard that there is no equipment earmarked for use by the Greystones Coast Guard Unit lying unused in a storage facility.

Tax Code

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

101 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance his plans to lower the rate of VAT on architectural services to a possible 13%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15880/11]

Any proposed changes in VAT must be considered in the context of EU law, to which Irish VAT law must comply. In this regard, there is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of a reduced VAT rate on supplies of architectural services. Annex III of the VAT Directive lists the goods and services to which Member States may apply a reduced rate. In addition, Member States can retain the reduced rated provisions which they had in existence on 1 January 1991. As architectural services are not contained in Annex III, nor did a zero or reduced rate apply to such services in 1991, a reduced rate cannot now be applied to such services.

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

102 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reduce the VAT rate on energy reducing services from 21% to 13% as a means to incentivise householders to undertake energy upgrading of their homes and to increase construction employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15881/11]

I would point out that the VAT rate applicable to construction and maintenance services, including energy reducing services therein, is 13.5% and such services have applied at a reduced VAT rate since the introduction of VAT in 1973.

The supply of certain environmental products, such as insulation materials, wind turbine equipment, wood pellet boilers and solar panels, are chargeable at the standard VAT rate of 21%. However, the reduced VAT rate of 13.5% may be applied to such products where they are provided under a single supply and install contract where the VAT exclusive cost of the goods does not exceed two-thirds of the total VAT exclusive charge to the customer.

EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply, does not permit reductions in VAT, for environmental or other reasons, that would create a distortion of competition between similar goods or services. The EU Commission undertook a study of the possibility of using reduced VAT rates as a tool to support the climate change agenda. While Ireland expressed support for such a study, the EU Council of Finance Ministers decided in 2009 not to allow reduced VAT rates as a tool for achieving environmental policy objectives. In general it was considered that if assistance was required, providing it through direct expenditure measures was the better approach to adopt.

In this context, the recent Jobs Initiative made provision for encouraging energy reducing services in the construction industry through the investment of an additional €30 million in 2011 in the national home retrofitting scheme.

Debt Crisis Resolution

Seamus Kirk

Question:

103 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if the suggestion that gold profits in the European Union central banks should be used to tackle the debt crisis in the peripheral countries in the eurozone, like Greece, Portugal and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15892/11]

I am informed by the Central Bank that the value of gold and gold receivables held by the Bank at the end of 2010 was some €203.792 million (€147.975 million at end-2009). Gold is valued at the closing market price and securities at mid-market closing prices at year-end. The increase in the balance sheet entry for the value of the Bank's gold holdings at end-2010 is due to the change in the market value of gold during the year.

The Central Bank is required by legislation to remit annually to the Exchequer its surplus income arising in the previous year. The Bank is expected to pay €671.029 million to the Exchequer in 2011 in respect of its surplus income arising in 2010. This would not include the valuation adjustment on the gold assets.

Under the European Treaties and the Statue of the European Central Bank, the ECB and the European System of Central Banks are independent in the exercise of the powers and carrying out the tasks and duties conferred on them.

Tax Code

Brendan Griffin

Question:

104 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if a vehicle (details supplied) will be classified as a commercial vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15894/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following is the position in relation to the classification of the taxpayer's vehicle.

The purpose of VRT classification is to decide the applicable rate of VRT. Vehicles are therefore classified for VRT only in response to a declaration for registration or a declaration of conversion of a registered vehicle to a higher VRT category. The Revenue Commissioners, when registering the vehicle in 2009, classified it as VRT category A, the category which attracts the highest rate, and assigned it the body type "minibus" from a list provided by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Those decisions reflected the fact that the vehicle was a Volkswagen Transporter with seating for six, including the driver, and did not meet the requirements for classification as a VRT category B "crew cab". The decisions were upheld on appeal and accordingly the VRT classification will not be reduced.

The term "conversion" means the modification of a vehicle in such manner that it no longer retains all of the characteristics of the vehicle category under which it is certified for type-approval purposes.

The United Kingdom vehicle registration certificate, presented to the Revenue Commissioners in 2009 in support of the declaration for registration, indicates that the vehicle is certified as EU type-approval category M1 (designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers and comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat), with nine seats, including the driver's.

The Revenue Commissioners would be prepared to consider a declaration of conversion by the owner, supported by a declaration by a Suitably Qualified Individual, to the effect that the vehicle, with the reduced number of seats, now has the characteristics of a different EU vehicle category, e.g. EU type-approval category N1 (designed and constructed for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes). The relevant declaration form and template are available on the Revenue Commissioner's website www.revenue.ie.

Flood Relief

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

105 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a river (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15118/11]

The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking a maintenance programme on the River Maine. Since 2010, maintenance has been completed on the river from Castleisland Town down to the new Castleisland Bypass, and from one kilometre upstream of Currans Bridge down to Ballyfinnane Bridge.

In undertaking these works, the OPW is bound to observe environmental regulations which, inter alia, preclude the removal of vegetation between 1 March to 1 September each year. Maintenance of the section from the Castleisland Bypass down to Currans will be programmed for 2012.

Consumer Protection

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

106 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the steps taken to date to deliver on the programme for Government promise to tightly regulate moneylenders. [15289/11]

There is already a comprehensive licensing system in place for moneylenders. Moneylenders have to apply to the Central Bank annually to have their licenses renewed. Section 93 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (as amended) sets out the Central Bank's powers in relation to the grant or refusal of a moneylender's license. The appropriate moneylending application form (new or renewal) must be completed and returned to the Central Bank with a number of items, for review and consideration.

In addition to the licensing system, the Central Bank has in place a Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders (the Code). The Central Bank has power to impose sanctions on moneylenders for a contravention of the Code. The Code sets out General Principles with which a moneylender must comply. For example, a moneylender must act honestly and professionally, with due skill, care and diligence in the best interest of consumers. The Code also places requirements on moneylenders in relation to the provision of information to the consumer, preservation of a consumer’s rights, knowing the consumer, suitability, unsolicited contact (cold calling), disclosure, errors, handling complaints, consumer records, unsolicited credit facilities, arrears and guarantees, debt collection and the contents and presentation of advertisements.

On 18 February 2011, the Central Bank published the results of a themed inspection of licensed moneylenders. The inspection showed a high level of compliance with the requirements of the Code among firms. Inspections were conducted in 11 of the 46 licensed moneylenders currently operating in Ireland. The inspections focused on whether consumers were being charged in accordance with the moneylenders' authorised APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) and costs of credit as set out in the moneylenders' licenses. It also examined whether firms had their licenses on display and, if they indicated the high-cost nature of loans on loan documentation issued to consumers, as required by the Code. Overall the inspections found a high level of compliance with the requirements and that consumers were been charged in accordance with the moneylenders' authorised APRs and costs of credit. In addition, firms had their licenses on display and indicated the high-cost nature of loans on loan documentation issued to consumers. I would expect that, in future, the Annual Regulatory Performance Statement of the Central Bank will refer to the regulation of moneylenders.

Tax Code

Billy Kelleher

Question:

107 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance if a levy will be imposed on health insurance policies from 1 September 2011 as part of the proposed new insurance levy to increase the moneys contained within the insurance compensation fund to meet the solvency requirements required under the agreed terms of the sale of Quinn Insurance to its new owners; if he will clarify that in the event that the proposed levy is applied to health insurance policies that this levy will be applied to both regulated and non-regulated insurance entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15490/11]

As the Deputy is aware, the Joint Administrators of Quinn Insurance Ltd (QIL) recently indicated that there was likely to be a call of about €600m on the Insurance Compensation Fund as a result of the solvency deficit in that company. Currently, there is €30m in the fund with a further €10m expected to be paid into it shortly on completion of the PMPA administration. Consequently, this means that there is a significant shortfall in the fund which will have to be addressed through the application of a levy by the Central Bank under Section 6 of the 1964 Insurance Act.

The Deputy should note that I am aware of the particular difficulties around the application of the levy to the health insurance sector because of the fact that a significant portion of this market is held by a company which is not regulated by the Central Bank. I am currently reflecting on this matter and a number of other levy related issues and will make a decision on these matters shortly.

Tax Reliefs

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

108 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if there are any proposed changes to be made in section 23 homes and particularly in the rule whereby eight had to be together; if he will clarify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15555/11]

I believe the scheme which the Deputy is referring to is the scheme of registered holiday cottages. The relief given is in the form of capital allowances rather than section 23 relief. These registered holiday cottages could be built outside the seaside resort areas, but the relief was terminated in 2008. Any expenditure incurred after 31 July 2008 gets no capital allowances thus at the present time no new builds of such schemes can avail of the relief.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the particular provision the Deputy is referring to is the meaning of "industrial building or structure" in section 268 TCA 1997 in subsection (3). In order to be registered in the register of holiday cottages I believe Fáilte Ireland require 8 or more cottages to be constructed in addition to other ancillary facilities. Inside the seaside resort areas there was also provision for relief for listed holiday cottages. These could have been single units. In essence Fáilte Ireland draws a distinction between "registered" and "listed" cottages. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no role in determining the number of cottages in such schemes as the number is not in the tax legislation.

Proposed Legislation

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

109 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 1 June 2011, if the tax changes will be retroactive to the commencement of a civil partnership in view of the delay in the introduction of the legislation; if the legislation will apply to civil marriages or civil unions registered in a different country which are recognised here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15033/11]

The position is that legislation to provide the same tax treatment for civil partners as that provided for spouses was published on 9 June 2011 as the Finance (No. 3) Bill. The legislation covers all changes relating to Capital Taxes (CGT, CAT, Stamp Duty), Income Taxes and VAT. The changes will be effective for the year of assessment 2011 and subsequent years as respects income tax and from 1 January 2011 as respects gift and inheritance taxes and stamp duty transactions.

In addition, persons who entered into civil partnerships overseas which are recognised in the State and who have tax obligations or entitlements here will, under the new legislation, be treated for tax purposes in the same way as civil partners who enter into civil partnerships in the State.

Consumer Protection

Jack Wall

Question:

110 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if the representations from a support group (details supplied) will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15043/11]

As the Deputy can appreciate it is a commercial decision for any Bank as to what customers it wishes to deal with. A balance must be maintained by the Government between support provided for individual banks and financial service providers generally through the bank guarantee scheme, other financial support incentives and broader public policy provisions, while at the same time, ensuring that the day-to-day running of these institutions has regard to competition, market conditions and the need to develop stable commercial enterprises to meet the long term credit needs of households and businesses in the Irish economy.

The Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code (the Code) is applicable to all entities which the Central Bank regulates (regulated entities). The Code requires, among other things, that a regulated entity must ensure that in all its dealings with customers and within the context of its authorisation it acts: honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of its customers and the integrity of the market and with due skill, care and diligence in the best interests of its customers.

Any breach of the Code may be considered under the Central Bank's Administrative Sanctions Procedure. If the customer falls within the definition of "consumer" for the purposes of the Code he or she is entitled to additional safeguards under the Code. For example, where a regulated entity intends to amend or alter the range of services that it provides, it must give notice to affected consumers at least one month in advance of the amendment being introduced.

If a regulated entity no longer wishes to do business with a customer, it should explain why not and give the customer ample time to make other arrangements. If a consumer feels that he or she has been improperly treated, or that he or she has grounds for complaint for some other reason, then a complaint can be made directly to the regulated entity using the regulated entity's formal complaints system. If the complaint has not been addressed to his or her satisfaction, the consumer may refer the complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman, who deals with individual consumer complaints. The Ombudsman will adjudicate on the complaint on the basis of the regulatory requirements on the regulated entity.

For the purposes of the Code a "consumer" is any of the following: a natural person acting outside his or her business, trade or profession; a person or group of persons but not an incorporated body with an annual turnover in excess of €3 million; incorporated bodies having an annual turnover of €3 million or less in the previous financial year; a member of a credit union.

Tax Code

Tom Fleming

Question:

111 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Finance following on from the recent decision to reduce the vat rate from 13% to 9% and the significance of this reduction to the tourism sector here, if he will clarify the businesses that will qualify for the new VAT rate. [15089/11]

A second reduced VAT rate of 9% is being introduced in respect of certain services and goods mainly related to tourism for the period 1 July 2011 to end 2013. This change represents a reduction of 4.5 percentage points in the VAT rate (13.5%) that applied to these items up to now. All other goods and services to which the current reduced rate of 13.5% applies will remain at that rate.

VAT is charged on the supply of goods and services and as such the rate of VAT applying will depend on the economic activity and not the businesses producing those goods or services. Specifically, the following goods and services will be reduced from 13.5% to 9% with effect from 1 July 2011: the supply of food and drink (excluding alcohol and soft drinks) in the course of catering or by means of a vending machine; the supply of hot take-away food and hot drinks; hotel lettings, including guesthouses, caravan parks, camping sites etc.; admissions to cinemas, theatres, certain musical performances, museums, art gallery exhibitions; amusement services of the kind normally supplied in fairgrounds or amusement park services; the provision of facilities for taking part in sporting activities by a person other than a non-profit making organisation; the supply of printed matter e.g. newspapers, magazines, brochures, leaflets, programmes, maps, catalogues, printed music (excluding books); hairdressing services but excluding beauty treatments, such as, facials, massages, nail treatments, tanning or sunbed services, etc. Information in relation to the introduction of the reduced VAT rate of 9% is also available on the Revenue Commissioners website.

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

Question:

112 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of legal fees incurred by a company (details supplied), and which he has now agreed will be paid by the State in respect of the legal case the company took against him in the Commercial Court regarding losses being imposed on subordinated bondholders in AIB; and if he has agreed to pay the legal fees of any other party in similar legal proceedings. [15100/11]

On 14 April 2010 the High Court granted a Subordinated Liabilities Order under the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act 2010 in respect of Allied Irish Banks. Two challenges from subordinated bond holders were received in relation to the Order.

The company referred to by the Deputy was one of the two firms involved. This company withdrew its challenge on 3 June 2011 after agreement was reached with the company on a payment in respect of their legal costs. The payment of costs is subject to a legal confidentiality agreement so I cannot comment on the level of fees incurred. However, I can confirm that no other payments have been made in respect of any party in these proceedings. The company publicly undertook to participate in the liability management exercise Allied Irish Banks announced on 11 May.

The withdrawal of the legal action by this company affirms my view and that of the Government that the challenges were not well founded. The State is proceeding in a legally robust and fair manner to deal with a crisis which should not be borne entirely by the Irish State and the Irish taxpayer.

Credit Union Movement

Michael McGrath

Question:

113 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of his plans, referred to in the EU / IMF deal, to consolidate the number of credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15101/11]

The Deputy will be aware that under the EU-IMF Programme of Support for Ireland, the Government has certain commitments in relation to the credit union sector. Stress tests on credit unions have been completed by the Central Bank of Ireland and in light of these I have prepared a plan to underpin the solvency and viability of undercapitalised credit unions. This Strategy will be released when I have discussed it in detail at Government.

In addition, the Commission on Credit Unions is being established to review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulator structure for credit unions. I expect to be in a position to announce the terms of reference of the Commission shortly.

EU-IMF Programme

Michael McGrath

Question:

114 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the amount of money drawn down to date from the funding available under the EU-IMF programme and also from the bilateral loans which are in place; if he will provide a schedule of the dates of expected further drawdowns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15102/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

153 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will show the amount of money drawn down to date separately under each of the funding headings IMF, EFSF, EFSM and bilateral loans in the EU and IMF programme; the date of drawdown; a schedule of dates for future planned drawdowns under each heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15571/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 153 together.

To date, Ireland's nominal borrowings are €23 billion under the EU/IMF Programme. The details are set out in the table below. Under the arrangements governing the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), part of the loan to a borrower is retained by the EFSF for credit enhancement purposes. This credit enhancement is to ensure that the EFSF retains its top AAA credit rating and, thereby, minimises the cost of funds it borrows. Under the first and only disbursement to Ireland to date, some €600m was retained by the EFSF thereby reducing the loan of €4.2 billion to a net disbursement of €3.6 billion.

Source

Loan amount

Disbursement amount

Drawdown date

Maturity from date of receipt

Interest Rate

Interest rate including all costs & credit enhancements

European Financial

€5.00 billion

€4.973 billion

12-Jan-11

4 years 11 months

5.51%

5.54%

Stability Mechanism

€3.40 billion

€3.39 billion

24-Mar-11

7 years

6.18%

6.21%

(EFSM)

€3.00 billion

€2.986 billion

31-May-11

10 years

6.46%

6.48%

IMF

€5.84 billion

€5.84 billion

18-Jan-11

7½ years average life

€1.58 billion

€1.58 billion

18-May-11

7½ years average life

2.345%SDR = € 4.77%1

2.345%SDR = € 4.77%1

European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF)

€4.20 billion2

€3.592 billion

01-Feb-11

5 years 6 months

5.22%

5.90%

Overall Total

€23.02 billion3

€22.36 billion4

6.83 years; weighted average life

5.58%

1 The current SDR floating rate (2.345%) on the IMF drawdown reflects the lower rate arising from a quota increase for Ireland on 4 March 2011. The estimated Euro Equivalent rate on credit outstanding is 4.77% (pricing 31May 2010) after hedging.

2 This is the loan amount. The net loan, the amount made available to the Exchequer, from the EFSF is €3.592 billion after credit enhancement measures.

3 Taking account of €600 million in credit enhancement measures in the EFSF funding and below-par issuance by the EFSM and EFSF, the total cash received amount is €22.357 billion.

4 This is the overall Net Loan Amount.

Future disbursements are kept under constant review and are the subject of discussion in the quarterly reviews. Disbursements in each quarter can only take place after the IMF Executive Board, the Eurogroup and ECOFIN have approved the compliance reports prepared, respectively, by IMF Staff and the European Commission Services. The actual disbursements take place in the period following the respective meetings. Disbursements from the EFSF and EFSM are somewhat dictated by the timing of their market interventions and discussions around this are held with the NTMA as appropriate.

The indicative disbursement profile agreed under the combined first and second reviews, which took place in April 2011, is set out in the table below:

Source

Q3 — 2011

Q4 — 2011

2012

2013

Totals

EU (incl. Bilaterals)*

€3.0 bn

€7.7 bn

€12.7 bn

€6.6 bn

€30.0 bn

IMF

€1.5 bn

€3.9 bn

€6.3 bn

€3.4 bn

€15.1 bn

Total

€4.6 bn

€11.6 bn

€19.0 bn

€10.0 bn

€45.1 bn

*These are net disbursement figures. Gross borrowing will be higher due to the credit enhancement measures required under EFSF arrangements.

The funds to be sourced from the EU include an estimated €4.8 billion of bilateral loans from the UK, Sweden and Denmark. Under the bilateral agreement with the UK worth a total value of Stg£3.2 billion (€3.8 billion, based on the conversion rates prevailing in November 2010, is the assumed value in the table above), the funds should be disbursed in eight equal tranches starting in the third quarter of 2011.

The bilateral loan agreements, including the disbursement profiles, with Sweden and Denmark are being finalised. The current expectation is that the estimated €1 billion from these sources will be split equally between 2012 and 2013 and this is reflected in the tableabove.

State Funding Reserves

Michael McGrath

Question:

115 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a statement of the amount of cash reserves held by the National Treasury Management Agency on behalf of and available for use by the State at the end of each month between October 2010 and May 2011. [15103/11]

Cash reserves held by the National Treasury Management Agency on behalf of, and available for use by, the State at the end of each month between October 2010 and May 2011 were as follows:

€ billion

October 2010

26.0

November 2010

29.1

December 2010

19.0

January 2011

27.2

February 2011

28.6

March 2011

29.8

April 2011

28.9

May 2011

33.2

The figures include cash held in the Exchequer Account in the Central Bank, cash held by the NTMA and the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission on deposit with commercial banks, cash available in the Dormant Accounts Fund and other Ministerial funds, as well as Housing Finance Agency Guaranteed Notes held by the NTMA.

Liquidity is managed by the NTMA to ensure that the State has adequate reserves at all times to meet obligations as they fall due while minimising the cost to the State. Balances can vary widely depending on the timing of tax receipts, Exchequer payments, borrowings and repayments.

Michael McGrath

Question:

116 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount held by the National Pension Reserve Fund in cash and in its discretionary portfolio as at 31 May 2011; and the purpose for which it is intended to use these funds. [15104/11]

The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) Commission publishes a performance and portfolio update quarterly on the NPRF website www.nprf.ie.

For the Deputy's information, the Commission valued the NPRF at €23.2 billion at 31 March 2011 as set out in the following table.

End-March 2011(€ billion)

Directed Investments

Invested in Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks on the direction of the Minister for Finance

7.9

Set aside for EU/IMF Support Programme, held in cash on foot of a direction from the Minister for Finance in February 2011

5.5

Discretionary Portfolio

Value of investments held by the NPRF Commission

8.4

Cash held by the NPRF Commission

1.4

Total Fund

23.2

The NPRF Commission was directed to realise a further €4.5 billion in April 2011, bringing the amount set aside from the Fund for the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support from €5.5 billion to the full €10 billion envisaged.

The Government is currently examining the role which the NPRF may play in assisting economic growth having regard to the provisions of the Programme for Government.

Banks Recapitalisation

Michael McGrath

Question:

117 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he continues to raise with the European Central Bank the need for a medium-term funding facility for Irish banks. [15105/11]

The agreed EU-IMF Programme provides for a recapitalisation, fundamental downsizing, restructuring and reorganisation of the Irish banking sector. The aim of the process is a smaller banking system, which will be capitalised to highest international standards with renewed access to normal market sources of funding. This will enable the Irish banks to reduce their reliance on euro system and Central Bank funding mechanisms. This position is supported by our external partners.

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the supportive statement issued by the Governing Council of the ECB following the publication of the PCAR and PLAR in March 2011. The Council stated that the euro system would continue to provide liquidity to banks in Ireland and it would accept securities under Irish Government guarantee, irrespective of the credit rating. These positive moves are recognition by the ECB of Ireland's efforts to deal with the banking crisis and clear evidence that the ECB's commitment is not merely short term.

I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the Irish authorities will continue to make the strong case to the representatives of the Troika, including the ECB, of the benefits to the stability of the Irish banking system from the clarity and support that has already been provided by the ECB on the availability of official financing and to reiterate our assessment of the further strengthening of the Irish banking system that could be achieved through further clarity and certainty on this issue.

Credit Union Movement

Michael McGrath

Question:

118 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the financial consequences for Irish credit unions of the losses imposed by Irish Life & Permanent on junior bondholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15106/11]

I am aware that there are significant financial consequences for a number of credit unions resulting from the recent offer by Irish Life & Permanent and I am aware of the background to the initial purchase of the bond in question. It is Government policy to achieve appropriate burden-sharing from holders of subordinated debt in Irish Life & Permanent and it is appropriate that these measures are applied on an equal basis between all such holders of the instruments. There is a clear imperative to minimise the costs to the taxpayer of the Irish Life & Permanent recapitalisation and to do so in a way which recognises the risk-bearing nature of the instruments in light of their subordinated position in Irish Life & Permanent's capital structure.

Exchequer Cash Balance

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

119 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the projected Exchequer cash balances at the end of March 2011, the end of December 2011, the end of December 2012, the end of December 2013, the end of December 2014 and the end of December 2015. [15142/11]

The Exchequer had cash balances of €18.6 billion at end-March 2011, including those in the Exchequer Account and on deposit with commercial banks.

The forecasts of General Government debt in the Stability Programme Update (SPU) are based on cash balances being reduced by €0.6 billion to stand at €12 billion at end-2011 as compared with the end-2010 level of €12.6 billion.

The SPU forecasts assume that cash balances remain broadly at the end-2011 level of €12 billion over the course of 2012 and 2013.

In the later years of the forecast period, the estimates of General Government debt are based on cash balances being reduced by some €2.75 billion in each of the years 2014 and 2015 to stand at €9.25 billion and €6.5 billion approximately at end-2014 and end-2015 respectively.

Cash balances can vary widely depending on the timing of tax receipts, Exchequer payments, borrowings and repayments.

Fiscal Policy

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

120 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the underlying or pre-fiscal-consolidation GDP and GNP growth rates used in producing the stability programme update 2011 for each of the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. [15143/11]

The Department of Finance publishes a White Paper in advance of the budget each year. This outlines the likely budgetary scenario for the following year on a no-policy change basis, and is underpinned by no-policy change economic forecasts. These economic and budgetary projections are updated with the publication of the Budget.

For 2011, White Paper budgetary forecasts were published on December 4th 2010 and I will forward this to the Deputy.

Prior to 2011, the Stability Programme Update (SPU) was published in tandem with the Budget in December. However, as part of the new European Semester, SPUs for all Member States are now submitted to the EU Commission in April. There is no requirement to produce pre-fiscal consolidation macroeconomic projections in the SPU, and Member States typically do not provide this information in their submissions to the Commission.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

121 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the projected general Government debt and general Government net debt as a percentage of GDP for each of the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. [15144/11]

General Government debt is the standard measurement of gross indebtedness used for comparative purposes within the EU. General Government debt includes the National Debt as well as Local Government debt and some other minor liabilities of Government. Due to the fact that General Government debt operates on an accruals basis, the €31 billion in Promissory Notes committed to financial institutions in 2010 was also added in full to the stock of General Government debt in 2010.

General Government debt is a gross measure as it does not allow for the netting off of cash balances, which have been built up considerably in recent years and consequently greatly increased our level of General Government debt.

The recently published Stability Programme Update (SPU) forecast that the gross General Government debt to GDP ratio will be 111% at end-2011, increasing to 118% by end-2013 before decreasing to 111% of GDP by the end of the current forecast period. However, net debt will be lower. Taking account of the funds held in the discretionary portfolio of the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF), which are estimated to amount to approximately €5 billion at end-2011, and other liquid assets, it is estimated that net General Government debt will be approximately 98% of GDP at end-2011.

The latest estimates for General Government debt, in both gross and net terms, for the years 2011-2015 are set out in the table below. The gross debt estimates are the forecasts from the SPU. While net General Government debt is not usually an indicator which is forecast, the estimates in the table below have been prepared on the basis of certain assumptions regarding the value of the discretionary portfolio of the NPRF and other liquid assets. One such assumption is that the value of the discretionary portfolio of the NPRF is approximately €5 billion at the end of each of the years in the forecast period. Any changes in the assumed value of the discretionary portfolio of the NPRF and other liquid assets would impact the net debt estimates.

Forecasts of General Government Debt as % of GDP

Year

Gross

Net

2011

111

98

2012

116

104

2013

118

106

2014

116

106

2015

111

103

Tax Yield

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

122 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the liability to corporation tax of financial institutions in each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; and the cumulative tax losses being carried forward by financial institutions as at 31 December 2009. [15145/11]

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

123 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the cumulative tax losses being carried forward by the 100 largest financial institutions as at 31 December 2009. [15146/11]

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

125 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the number of financial institutions carrying tax losses forward at 31 December 2009 of greater than €5,000 million, between €1,000 million and €5,000 million, between €500 million and €1,000 million, between €250 million and €500 million, between €100 million and €250 million, and between €50 million and €100 million. [15147/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 123 and 125 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information in relation to the corporation tax yield from financial institutions in the calendar years 2005 to 2009 inclusive is as shown in the following table:

Year

Tax paid by Financial Institutions€m

2005

1,830 (estimated)

2006

2,340 (estimated)

2007

2,298

2008

1,626

2009

1,236

It should be noted that the classification of companies into the ‘financial' sector is done by reference to the primary area of economic activity reported by the company and the taxes collected are allocated to the category without reference to the precise economic activity which generated them. While this information is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided.

Information in relation to cumulative tax losses being carried forward by financial institutions is derived from corporation tax returns filed for the year 2009, the first year for which this information is available. The available information is the amounts of unused losses and capital allowances that are available for carryover to years following 2009 and is estimated at €34,306 million. For technical reasons, it was necessary to derive as an estimate an amount of approximately €1,003 million for losses and capital allowances that was used in the computation of group relief to be offset against the gross amount of unused losses and capital allowances figure before arriving at the net total of €34,306 million. It is not possible to separately identify the amounts of unused losses from unused capital allowances in tax returns.

The 100 largest financial institutions have been identified as those companies in the financial sector with the 100 largest amounts of cumulative tax losses available for carryover to years following 2009.

The available information from the 2009 tax returns is the amount of unused losses and capital allowances that are available to the top 100 financial institutions for carryover to years following 2009. The amount of such unused losses and capital allowances, taking into account an estimate for any losses and capital allowances that are used in the computation of group relief, is estimated at €34,039 million. It is not possible to separately identify the amount of unused losses from unused capital allowances in tax returns. In relation to a distribution by range of tax loss of the number of financial institutions carrying tax losses forward, the information requested is set out in the following table. However, because of the Revenue Commissioners’ obligation to observe confidentiality in relation to the taxation affairs of individual taxpayers and small groups of taxpayers, the breakdown by bands of losses is provided in a less detailed format than that requested by the Deputy.

Tax Losses carried forward by financial institutions 2009

Range of Losses and Capital Allowances Available for Carry Forward as at 31 December 2009

Number of Companies

€50m — €100m

5

€100m — €250m

6

€250m — €1,000m

6

Over €1,000m

5

The figures in the table are based on the amounts of unused losses and capital allowances as derived from the 2009 tax returns as being available for carryover to years following 2009 before deduction of any losses and capital allowances that are used in the compilation of group relief. For technical reasons, it is not possible to provide a breakdown at company level of unused losses and capital allowances that are surrendered to other companies within a group structure and then claimed as group relief. An estimate of this figure for all financial institutions is €1,003 million. It is not possible to separately identify the amount of unused losses from unused capital allowances in tax returns.

It should also be noted that Ireland follows the international norm in that losses incurred in the course of a business are taken into account in arriving at the appropriate amount of tax that a company should bear. Under existing legislation, companies are entitled to carry forward unrelieved trading losses for offset against trading profits in future accounting periods until the losses are fully relieved.

However, special arrangements apply in the case of financial institutions, in the context of dealing with impaired loan assets. In this regard, provisions were included in the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to limit the amount of relief that can be claimed by participating institutions for losses carried forward from earlier years. This measure, which is provided for in section 396C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, has the effect of restricting the amount of a participating institution's group trading income which can be reduced by losses brought forward from earlier periods to 50 per cent of such income. The measure will ensure that, when the institutions return to profitability, a minimum of 50% of their trading income will remain chargeable to tax in an accounting period notwithstanding claims for relief for losses carried forward into that period.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

124 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the costs that are borne by his Department with regard to his constituency office and home, such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or partly paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/11]

My Department has not provided any IT services in respect of my constituency office or home; nor has the Department funded or part-funded the lease or rent of my constituency office. The Department is paying for telephone services in respect of my constituency office and home. The total cost, to date, is €208.64.

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

Grade

Salary Scale (per annum)

Location

1 Personal Assistant

€43,715-€56,060

Limerick

1 Executive Officer (EO)

€30,516-€47,975

Dublin

1 Clerical Officer (CO)

€23,177-€37,341

Dublin

1 Clerical Officer (CO)

€23,042-€36,267

Dublin

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 122.

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

126 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15195/11]

My Department encourages the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work by enabling them to participate in both the Employer Travel Pass and Cycle to Work schemes. When travelling on Departmental business, staff from my Department are expected to use public transport to the maximum extent possible.

Departmental Bodies

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

127 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent agreement between the Central Bank and the Unite union which will result in extra holidays and pay in return for accepting normal work practices; if his approval is required; if such an agreement is consistent with reducing the cost of the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15238/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

162 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent agreement between the Central Bank and the Unite union which will result in extra holidays and pay in return for accepting normal work practices; if his approval is required; if such an agreement is consistent with reducing the cost of the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15661/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 162 together.

The employment of staff by the Central Bank of Ireland is a matter for the Governor and the Central Bank Commission. I do not have a role in setting or approving the numbers of staff appointed by the Bank or their terms and conditions of employment.

The staff costs of the Central Bank of Ireland are not met by Exchequer funds voted by Dáil Éireann as is the case of public service employment generally. The Central Bank finances its activities from its own income — including fees in respect of financial regulation — the surplus of which is surrendered annually to the Central Fund. This surrender amounted to some €670 million in 2010.

Banking Facilities

Seán Kenny

Question:

128 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will request Bank of Ireland or Allied Irish Bank to provide a publicly accessible ATM facility in the Baldoyle area of Dublin 13 as an alternative to the only ATM at a garage shop (details supplied). [15239/11]

Decisions on the location of ATM facilities are a matter for individual banks and neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland have any function in this matter. Any concerns relating to the location or reliability of a particular ATM should therefore be addressed to the bank in question.

Tax Code

Joe Costello

Question:

129 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons resident in Northern Ireland and working in the Republic of Ireland; the number of such persons who receive a refund of the income levy; the reason they are entitled to a refund; his plans to deal with this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15241/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an estimated 9,600 persons are working in the Republic of Ireland who have given their address as being in Northern Ireland and in respect of whom income tax returns for the tax year 2009 have been received by way of either P35 end-of-year returns filed by employers in respect of their employees or income tax form 11 returns which are required where non-PAYE income is greater than €3,174.

It is not possible to identify from the Revenue records how many of these cases have been in receipt of a repayment of income levy for 2009 or 2010.

However, an individual, whether resident or non-resident, would have qualified for a repayment or exemption of income levy if he or she: — proved to the Revenue Commissioners that his or her income for 2010 did not exceed €15,028; — was able to show that, by virtue of section 45 of the Health Act 1970 or Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1408/71, he or she had full eligibility for services under Part IV of that Act; or — if aged over 65, had an income that did not exceed €20,000/€40,000 per annum for single/married persons respectively. The income levy no longer applies for 2011 and subsequent years and has been replaced by the Universal Social Charge.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

130 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the effect of the new 0.6% pension levy on defined benefit pension schemes; if this could translate into a 9% cut in pension income for those in receipt of defined benefit pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15248/11]

I cannot say what the precise impact of the pension levy will be on Defined Benefit schemes or other schemes, as this depends on whether and to what extent pension fund trustees and Life Offices decide to pass on the levy to active, deferred and retired members of schemes, given the particular circumstances of the pension funds or pension plans that they are responsible for. In that regard, I take the view that there is scope for the pensions industry to absorb the impact of the levy from fee income and charges and I have written to them in that regard.

While the pension levy provisions in Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011, as recently passed by the Dáil, provide an option to insurers and scheme trustees to adjust current or prospective benefits payable under a scheme on foot of the payment of the levy, amendments which I introduced at Committee stage ensure that should that option be taken, it must essentially be applied in an equitable fashion across the different classes of scheme members that could include active, deferred and retired members. In no case may the reduction in an individual member's or class of members benefits exceed the member's or class of members share of the levy on the assets attributable to the scheme's liabilities in respect of the member's or class of members benefits.

National Monuments

Charles Flanagan

Question:

131 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the location of the Durrow High Cross, formerly located on the grounds of Durrow Abbey, County Offaly; his plans, if any, for public access to view the high cross; if a plan exists in respect of the future of this important monument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15253/11]

Durrow Abbey and the surrounding 31 hectares of land were acquired by the State in 2003. For its long term preservation and protection, the High Cross, formerly located in the graveyard surrounding St Columba's Church, was moved inside the church.

Conservation works are continuing at St. Columba's Church. Works include the restoration of the interior including pews and flooring, certain electrical works, and access paths into the graveyard. Following completion of these works, limited public access will be arranged.

There is existing difficulty with safe vehicular access to Durrow Abbey Estate. The Office of Public Works does not have responsibility for, nor the budgetary resources to carry out the road re-alignment that is necessary for safe access and egress to and from the Estate.

Until the road issue has been fully resolved, limited public access only can be offered in the short term. An indicative time-scale for the completion of the project is dependant on the required resources being available, with due consideration to other priorities within the Office of Public Works.

Public Service Remuneration

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

132 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance, following the controversy surrounding the severance package of the former FÁS chief executive, Rody Molloy, which was agreed by the previous Administration, the changes he has made to his Department’s guidelines on the exit packages of senior civil servants. [15267/11]

As regards the terms provided previously to Chief Executive Officers of non-commercial semi-State bodies, this Department's letter of 26 May 1998 giving delegated sanction to line Departments to apply the terms of that letter, including added years under certain conditions, was withdrawn on 4 February 2010.

A new Bill will be published shortly which will provide for a new pension accrual arrangement as part of the new single Public Service pension scheme. The new scheme does not make specific provision for any enhanced pension arrangements, such as added years, for new entrant senior Civil Service appointees. The scheme treats all such appointees in the same way, that is, their pension will accrue annually based on the pensionable salary for each individual year and will be aggregated to produce a pension on retirement. However, the Top-Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) terms, including added years, continue to apply to existing Secretaries General where appropriate.

Tax Code

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

133 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance if allowance will be made for persons who bought their homes three months in advance of the reduction of stamp duty and paid stamp duty at the rate of 4%, in view of the fact that they were unaware of the incoming budgetary measure of a reduction of stamp duty in budget 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15269/11]

The changes to stamp duty rates, reliefs and exemptions brought into effect by Budget 2011 apply to all instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010. There is also a transitional measure in place for circumstances where the effect of these changes is to increase the stamp duty payable on the transaction. Stamp duty can be paid under the old regime where a binding contract is in place before 8 December 2010 and the instrument is executed before 1 July 2011.

However, where a transaction has taken place prior to 8 December 2010, the stamp duty rate applicable is the rate in force at that time. The rates up to 7 December 2010 are set out in the table below:

Aggregate Consideration

Rate of Duty

First €125,000

0%

Next €875,000 (up to €1m)

7%

Excess over €1,000,000

9%

I have no plans to change the rate of Stamp Duty for property transfers which took place before the budget. The overall transaction costs for property transfers were much lower last year than in recent years, even before the stamp duty changes.

Robert Dowds

Question:

134 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance when the pension levy will be imposed. [15270/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

135 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the date on which he intends the pension levy to take effect. [15271/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

136 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the work he has undertaken to determine the impact of the pension levy on individual pension funds or schemes; and if he will outline this work. [15272/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

137 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes that the first tranche of the pension levy will be paid in mid-July 2011 retrospective to January 2011; if pension firms will have the option of asking existing pensioners to pay this back-payment out of their July pensions. [15273/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 to 137, inclusive, together.

Arising from amendments introduced on Committee Stage to the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (as now passed by the Dáil), a number of changes have been made to the way in which it is proposed that the pension levy will operate. The main changes are considered necessary to facilitate a more efficient implementation and collection process for the levy and to minimize the administrative cost burden on pension funds.

There will now be a single valuation date of 30 June, in relation to most pension funds' assets, in each of the four years of the levy. There will also be a single payment date of 25 September for each of the four years as opposed to two payment dates in each year as originally envisaged. For 2011, for example, the levy for this year will have to be paid by 25 September next.

The stamp duty levy of 0.6% will be applied to the market value, on the valuation date, of assets under management in pension funds and pension plans approved under Irish tax legislation. I cannot say what the precise impact will be on individual funds or schemes, as this depends on whether and to what extent pension fund trustees and Life Offices decide to pass on the levy to individual members, given the particular circumstances of the pension funds or pension plans that they are responsible for. In that regard, I take the view that there is scope for the pensions industry to absorb the impact of the levy from fee income and charges and I have written to them in that regard. In my view, applying a temporary levy to pension fund assets is less damaging economically than raising other taxes. The pension fund levy is a reasonable temporary contribution from these funds to assist in the Jobs Initiative and to boost the economy at this time of national need.

Architectural Heritage

Dara Calleary

Question:

138 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on a property (details supplied) in County Mayo including a timing and a costing for the envisaged works. [15299/11]

Bunnadober Mill has been in state care since the early 1980s. It is a rare surviving example of the horizontal mill in Ireland and contains other mill machinery of significance. While operational up until the 1980s, the mill powered a wide range of operations, including blacksmithing, wood, and stone cutting and laundering. The mill is presently not publicly accessible.

A Conservation Plan was commissioned and was carried out by Shaffrey Associates, conservation architects. The Conservation Plan will enable the Office of Public Works to plan a schedule of conservation works. The restoration of the mill complex, including the mill wheel, will proceed as resources in the Athenry National Monuments Depot allow. The site could be made accessible to the public in a limited way at a future date, pending the satisfactory completion of works and safe public access to the site.

Departmental Recruitment

Dara Calleary

Question:

139 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if there is any new recruitment under way in the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15300/11]

The Office of Public Works is currently in the process of recruiting an excavator driver for its engineering branch, and a number of executive officer level ‘buyers' for the National Procurement Service, on a fixed term basis. In the case of other vacancies that the OPW has received sanction to fill, it is hoped that the majority of these will be dealt with by way of re-deployment or internal re-assignment in accordance with that sanction. The annual recruitment of 410 seasonal and fixed term staff has also been completed for 2011, principally guide/information officers and drainage operatives.

Dara Calleary

Question:

140 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance his plans to recruit a chief information officer for the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15301/11]

As the Deputy is aware, the proposal to appoint a Chief Information Officer was approved by the previous Government in 2010 but no appointment had been made before the election.

The matter of a Chief Information Officer may be considered as part of a package of measures to drive the ambitious public service reform programme.

Flood Relief

Simon Harris

Question:

141 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the works that have been undertaken in improving flood prevention defences at Arklow, County Wicklow; if he will detail all outstanding works that are yet to commence; if he will give further details of a timeframe for these works to be completed; the level of ongoing contact between the Office of Public Works, Wicklow County Council and Arklow Town Council on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15343/11]

A Feasibility Study to identify possible flood mitigation measures for Arklow Town is currently being carried out by engineering consultants, commissioned by Arklow Town Council with funding from the Office of Public Works. In addition, environmental consultants were appointed by OPW to carry out an Environmental Impact Statement, and to work in tandem with the engineering consultants in identifying environmentally acceptable measures.

In the course of carrying out the Feasibility Study, it became evident that a number of potential measures might impact on the existing Arklow Bridge. The Steering Group for the project, which currently comprises representatives of OPW, Arklow Town Council, and the Consultants, concluded that these impacts would have to be fully assessed in order to proceed. Consequently, an Assessment Report on the bridge was commissioned from specialist consultants. This report, which encompasses site investigation works, stability assessments, and other surveys, is due to be completed in July this year.

As the conclusion of the Feasibility Study will be contingent on the findings of the bridge Assessment Report, it is not possible at this point to give a timescale for the implementation of any viable mitigation measures that the study may identify.

On 31 May, Wicklow County Council submitted a number of applications for funding for small scale flood mitigation works under the OPW Minor Flood Works scheme, including an application in respect of interim works at Arklow. This application will be considered having regard to the criteria of that scheme, the overall availability of resources and the position in relation to the Feasibility Study.

National Assets Management Agency

David Stanton

Question:

142 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the National Assets Management Agency is contributing to social development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15408/11]

NAMA has a commercial remit and a statutory objective to generate a return for the taxpayer. However, within the context of its commercial remit and consistent with section 2 of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009, NAMA is at all times open to considering proposals aimed at contributing to broader social and economic objectives. Thus NAMA is open to facilitating the work of public bodies in the creation of vibrant sustainable communities where this is possible. The NAMA Board has committed to giving first option to State bodies on the purchase of property which may be suitable for their purposes where these bodies have requirements such as schools, parks, and so on. I understand that officials of NAMA have already had contact with officials of the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, Department of Education and Skills, the HSE, local authorities and other public bodies to explore the scope for such arrangements.

Tax Code

Liam Twomey

Question:

143 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Finance the way persons who inherit land but are unable to pay their stamp duty may have the deeds stamped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15433/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a person who inherits land does not incur a stamp duty liability. However, a stamp duty liability would arise where a person receives a gift of land, in which case the stamp duty is chargeable on the deed of transfer of the lands. As stamp duty is a tax on instruments, it is not possible to stamp a deed of transfer without payment of the duty.

Pension Provisions

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

144 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that public sector employees in commercial State bodies are not subject to the public sector pension levy, if he will clarify if they are subject to the 0.6% private pension levy; and if they are not, if he will clarify the exact nature of their pension schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15477/11]

On the issue of the pension-related deduction in the public service, the bodies included in the Schedule to the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (being bodies to which the definition of "public service body" does not apply) have a commercial remit. Because of this, their pay and pensions are not funded by the Exchequer and it was not considered to be appropriate to include them in the pension-related deduction provision, which was primarily an expenditure savingsmeasure.

As to the pension levy being introduced to fund the Jobs Initiative, the levy will apply to funded pension arrangements whether in the private sector or the State sector. A stamp duty of 0.6% will be applied to the market value, on the valuation date, of assets under management in pension funds and pension plans approved under Irish tax legislation, as defined in section 4(1)(a) Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 as passed by the Dáil.

In the absence of any detail on the particular scheme or schemes the Deputy has in mind, I am not in a position to comment further.

Tax Code

Terence Flanagan

Question:

145 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15501/11]

The matter raised relates to a general concern about the basis for paying preliminary tax before the end of the tax year. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are a number of options available to self assessed taxpayers in relation to the payment of preliminary tax, in order to avoid the possibility of interest charges arising. In general, these are that the preliminary tax payment for a tax year must be not less than:

90% of the income tax payable by the individual for the relevant tax year, or,

100% of the income tax payable by the individual for the preceding tax year, or,

105% of the income tax payable by the individual for the pre-preceding tax year, where the individual has made arrangements with Revenue to pay preliminary tax by direct debit.

It is a matter for each taxpayer to decide whichever option best suits their particular circumstances.

Grant Payments

Brian Walsh

Question:

146 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the reintroduction of a stamp duty exemption for first-time buyers; if he considers that the reintroduction of a first-time buyers grant would assist in dealing with the problem of unsold housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15503/11]

Budget 2011 reduced the Stamp Duty rate on residential property purchases while abolishing some reliefs and exemptions. This was done to help broaden the tax base and lower the rate of stamp duty for most purchasers. All purchasers of residential property under €1 million in value are now only liable for stamp duty at 1%. I have no plans at this time to reintroduce first time buyer relief.

The issue of first time buyer grants is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.

Tax Code

Terence Flanagan

Question:

147 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding stamp duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15506/11]

The changes to stamp duty rates, reliefs and exemptions, brought into effect by Budget 2011, apply to all instruments executed on or after 8 December 2010. There is also a transitional measure in place, for circumstances where the effect of these changes is to increase the Stamp Duty payable on the transaction. Stamp Duty can be paid under the old regime where a binding contract is in place before 8 December 2010 and the instrument is executed before 1 July 2011.

However, where a house was purchased in September 2010, the rate of stamp duty applied was the rate applicable at that time as set out in the table below:

Aggregate Consideration

Rate of Duty

First €125,000

0%

Next €875,000 (up to €1m)

7%

Excess over €1,000,000

9%

There is, therefore, no basis for a clawback of stamp duty paid.

I have no plans to change the rate of Stamp Duty for property transfers which took place before the Budget. The overall transaction costs for property transfers were much lower last year than in recent years, even before the Stamp Duty changes.

It is not usual practice for the Minister for Finance to comment on possible taxation measures or the detail of their implementation prior to their introduction in a Budget or Finance Bill.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

148 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15521/11]

As requested by the Deputy's constituent the details of the matter have been passed to the relevant officials.

The previous Government reduced the level at which interest repayments can be claimed against tax for residential rental properties from 100% to 75% in Budget 2009.

The Programme for Government does not contain any specific proposal on the level of tax relief investors can claim on the interest for mortgages and loans on residential rental properties, however all taxation measures and reliefs are kept under review and considered in the context of ongoing budgetary and economic policy.

In relation to Section 23 relief, while Finance Act 2011 contained measures in relation to the legacy property-based tax relief schemes these were subject to a commencement order. In the Programme for Government we committed to reducing, capping or abolishing property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners. In line with this the Department of Finance is currently carrying out an economic impact assessment of possible changes to the property-based reliefs including Section 23-type reliefs.

The impact assessment will enable the Department to better understand the benefits that may accrue to the exchequer in terms of additional tax yield as well as the consequences for investor groups and the wider economy arising from possible changes.

The results of the economic impact assessment will be considered in the context of the preparation of Budget 2012.

Departmental Staff

Michael McGrath

Question:

149 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the dates on which his departmental officials were made available to members of the Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Féin parties, between 1 November 2010 and 5 February 2011 for detailed briefings on the economic and fiscal outlook. [15566/11]

Department of Finance officials were made available to members of the opposition at the request of the Minister for Finance last year. These briefings were held throughout the month of October prior to the publication of the National Recovery Plan. However, there were no detailed formal briefings on the economic and fiscal outlook to members of the Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Féin parties between 1 November 2010 and 5 February 2011.

From time to time, Department of Finance officials are requested to meet with opposition members to help further their understanding of certain issues and this would occur on an ad hoc basis. This occurred on a number of occasions over the period in question. The Department has always endeavoured to provide assistance, where possible and appropriate, to the political system.

EU-IMF Programme

Michael McGrath

Question:

150 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has raised the issue of an interest rate reduction on the three bilateral loans with the UK, Swedish and Danish Governments; the response he has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15568/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

151 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the interest rates being charged on the three separate bilateral loan arrangements in place with the UK, Sweden and Denmark, under the EU and IMF programme.. [15569/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.

At this point, no funds have yet been drawn down under the bilateral facilities. The UK facility was signed in December 2010. The interest rate on the amounts drawn down will be based on the Sterling pound mid-market semi-annual swap rate at the time of drawdown plus a margin of 2.29%. At the time that the UK loan facility agreement was signed the overall interest cost was calculated at about 5.9%, similar to the blended rate calculated by the EU Commission from the troika at that time. The actual rate will depend on the market rates prevailing at the time of disbursement.

The Danish and Swedish loan facilities have not yet been signed but are near completion. The interest rate on each will be based on the 3-month Euribor interest rate, a market reference rate of good standing, plus a margin yet to be agreed.

I have not formally raised the issue of an interest rate reduction with the UK Government to date. My priority is on securing an interest rate reduction for Ireland at EU level first.

Michael McGrath

Question:

152 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the date on which he became aware that any reduction in the interest rate on the EFSF and EFSM funding under the EU and IMF programme would only apply to funds not yet drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15570/11]

The assessment of the impact of changes in the interest margin on our EU loans is based on a number of assumptions about the level of the reduction, the date on which it applies and the amount of the loan to which it applies. Each of these elements has been changing in the past number of months. Because of this, the figures provided for any interest rate reduction have been qualified by statements to the effect that they are illustrative and that we will not know the precise position until the actual arrangement is finally agreed. Also, a decision to grant a reduction in the interest margin is a political one at EU level and is decided on a case by case basis. No change has yet been agreed for Ireland.

In mid-May, the Eurogroup decided on the margins for the EU financial assistance to Portugal which — if applied to Ireland's EU funding — would amount to a reduction of 0.6%. This crystallised the level of reduction likely to be available to Ireland. My understanding at that time also was that the benefit of any reduction would not apply retrospectively. More recently, I have received clarification that, if we were to get the benefit of the arrangements that apply to Greece, retrospection would not apply to any interest payments made before the decision.

There is, therefore, a range of options in terms of the value of a reduction and this depends on the terms granted, which are decided on a case by case basis. The following estimates of the likely impact illustrate the extent of this range. If the same interest rate reduction as Portugal's is applied (i.e. the equivalent to 0.6% off Ireland's margin) to the coupons on future disbursements from the EU funds only (i.e. all the funds available to us under the EFSF and the EFSM) then the savings would be approximately €150 million per annum. Similarly, if the same interest rate reduction as Portugal's (i.e. the equivalent to 0.6% off Ireland's margin) was applied to all future coupons on those EU funds (EFSF and EFSM) then the saving could be up to €240 million per annum. The upper end of this range of options referred to earlier would be a 1% reduction applied to all future coupons for both the EU funds and the bilateral loans, which would provide savings of the order of €450 million per year, assuming all the funds are drawn down and that the recent Portuguese decision on the cost of funds would not be applied in the Irish case.

The value of any interest rate reduction granted to Ireland will be known if and when a decision is taken on granting such a reduction, and on the terms and conditions on which it is to be granted. We will continue to press our case for such reduction. Although no decision has yet been made on an interest rate reduction for Ireland, based on the latest information available as set out above, any benefit is unlikely to be at the higher end of the range outlined above.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 114.

Michael McGrath

Question:

154 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the 0.25% increase in ECB interest rates on 7 April 2011 has had an impact on the interest rate charged on the separate funding elements of the EU and IMF programme; the interest rate that applied before and after the rate increase for each of the separate elements, IMF, EFSF, EFSM and bilateral loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15572/11]

There is no automatic linkage between ECB interest rate changes and the interest rates charged by the EU and the IMF on their various loans to Ireland. In the case of the IMF, the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) interest rate is somewhat influenced by a European 3-month collateralised lending rate, EUREPO, which is correlated, but not linked, to the ECB interest rate. The other elements of the IMF's SDR interest rate are the returns on 3-month U.S. Treasury Bills, three-month U.K. Treasury Bills and three-month Japanese Treasury Discount Bills. However, this SDR interest rate is a minor component of the overall cost and most of the IMF interest rate to Ireland is made up of surcharges. The NTMA has converted the interest rate liabilities to the IMF to fixed rate euro borrowings thereby averting any minor influence that ECB interest rate changes may have on the IMF interest rate for borrowings already entered into. In the case of new borrowings, the level of short term interest rates is one of a number of factors influencing the level of long term interest rates and through this the cost of borrowing.

In the case of the EFSF and EFSM, the interest rates charged to Ireland on existing borrowings are fixed and, therefore, not directly influenced by ECB interest rate changes — any influence is indirect. With respect to their future lending to Ireland, it is not possible to say to what extent ECB interest rate changes will have a bearing.

Information on the existing disbursements to Ireland, including interest rates, is set out in the following table. These interest rates will not be affected by ECB interest rate change of 7 April 2011.

Loan amount

Disbursement Amount

Draw down Date

Maturity from date of receipt

Interest Rate

Interest Rate including all costs & Credit Enhancements

European Financial

€5.00 billion

€4.973 billion

12-Jan-11

4 years 11 months

5.51%

5.54%

Stability Mechanism

€3.40 billion

€3.39 billion

24-Mar-11

7 years

6.18%

6.21%

(EFSM)

€3.00 billion

€2.986 billion

31-May-11

10 years

6.46%

6.48%

IMF

€5.84 billion

€5.84 billion

18-Jan-11

7½ years average life

2.345% SDR = € 4.77%1

€1.58 billion

€1.58 billion

18-May-11

7½ years average life

2.345% SDR = € 4.77%1

European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF)

€4.20 billion2

€3.592 billion

01-Feb-11

5 years 6 months

5.22%

5.90%

Overall Total

€23.02 billion3

€22.36 billion4

6.83 years; weighted average life

5.58%

1 The current SDR floating rate (2.345%) on the IMF drawdown reflects the lower rate arising from a quota increase for Ireland on 4th March 2011. The estimated Euro Equivalent rate on credit outstanding is 4.77% (pricing 31st May 2010) after hedging.

2 This is the loan amount. The net disbursement, the amount made available to the Exchequer, from the EFSF is €3.592 billion after credit enhancement measures.

3 Taking account of €600 million in credit enhancement measures in the EFSF funding and issuance Price by the EFSM and EFSF, the total cash received amount is €22.357 billion.

4 This is the overall Net Disbursement Amount received by the Exchequer.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

155 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland is contributing to the Greek bailout; if so, the amount of same; the rate of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15575/11]

Under the Euro Area Loan Facility agreed for Greece in May 2010, stability support in the form of a joint Euro area/IMF financing package of €110 billion is being provided to Greece over a three-year period.

Ireland contributed €345.7 million (net of a 50 basis points service charge) in respect of the first two tranches of the loan in 2010. Ireland withdrew from further participation in the facility when the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland was negotiated.

Interest payments on the loan in respect of Ireland's contribution to the facility are due quarterly. The principal is repayable quarterly over two years starting in 2013. Interest is calculated on the full amount of the loan (i.e. including the 50 basis points service charge). The rate of interest is three-month EURIBOR (the average rate at which euro interbank term deposits are being offered by one prime bank to another within the EMU zone) plus 300 basis points (3 percentage points) for the first three years and three-month EURIBOR plus 400 basis points (4 percentage points) thereafter.

The next interest payment is due on 15 June 2011 and the interest rate that will apply is 4.173%.

Banking Charges

Terence Flanagan

Question:

156 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding cost-based charges in the banking system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15580/11]

Under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 (as amended), credit institutions wishing to impose a new non-interest charge or increase an existing non-interest charge are required to notify these charges to the Central Bank. The Central Bank assesses each notification in accordance with the criteria laid down in legislation as follows:

the promotion of fair competition between financial service providers,

the commercial justification submitted in respect of the proposal,

the effect that new charges or increases in existing charges will have on customers,

passing on costs to customers.

The Central Bank has advised me that the financial institution in question has approval to charge an application fee/documentation fee of €63.49 for mortgages and leases. It is also approved to charge a duplicate statement fee of €3.81 for the first page and €2.54 thereafter.

If the borrower is not satisfied with his treatment by the financial institution and, assuming he is classified as a "consumer" for the purposes of the Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code (the Code), he may make a complaint to the financial institution using the formal complaints system. If the financial institution does not address his complaint to his satisfaction, he may refer the complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman, who deals with individual consumer complaints. The Ombudsman will adjudicate on the complaint on the basis of the regulatory requirements on the financial institution. For the purposes of the Code a "consumer" is any of the following:

1. a natural person acting outside his or her business, trade or profession,

2. a person or group of persons but not an incorporated body with an annual turnover in excess of €3 million,

3. incorporated bodies having an annual turnover of €3 million or less in the previous financial year,

4. a member of a credit union.

Credit Union Movement

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

157 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether, since its inception in the late 1950s, the credit union movement has, helped by a number of State subsidies, contributed enormously to the well-being of society; if he will consider that there is scope for the movement to address the broad community interest, as per ILCU operating principle No. 5 of 1984, when developing a strategy locally and when engaging with the commission on credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15581/11]

The Government's position with regard to the credit union sector is set out in the Programme for National Government 2011-2016 which recognises the importance of credit unions as a volunteer cooperative movement and distinguishes between them and other financial institutions. The Government has established a Commission on Credit Unions to review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulatory structure for credit unions. In carrying out its work, the Commission will take into account credit unions' not-for-profit mandate, their volunteer ethos and community focus, while paying due regard to the need to fully protect depositors' savings and financial stability.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

158 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether credit union reserves, which may include an element of dormant accounts in some instances, represent a degree of revenue forgone at national level; and if the extent to which this might be the case will be assessed by the commission on credit unions. [15582/11]

Credit unions maintain reserves to protect against the risk of unforeseen losses, ensure continuity and protect members' savings. All credit unions are required to maintain a minimum Total Regulatory Reserve of 10% of total assets. Credit union reserves are generated from the retained earnings of credit unions and do not include dormant accounts. Credit unions are currently not subject to the dormant accounts legislation. Accordingly, accounts in credit unions that have not been reclaimed by the owners for at least 15 years are not transferred to the Dormant Accounts Fund.

The Commission on Credit Unions is being established to review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulatory structure for credit unions. I expect to be in a position to announce the terms of reference of the Commission shortly.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

159 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if the area of tax expenditure in support of the credit union movement will be explored, quantified and assessed in the course of the work of the commission on credit unions. [15583/11]

The Commission on Credit Unions is being established to review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulatory structure for credit unions. I expect to be in a position to announce the terms of reference of the Commission shortly.

Banking Sector Regulation

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

160 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money the State has injected into the banks since September 2008 and the legislative measures that have been enacted or are proposed which curtail the banks offsetting their entire cumulative losses post-September against future profits; and if the State will be doubly disadvantaged by the banks being allowed to indefinitely offset these losses against future profits for many years to come, in the process paying no corporation tax [15587/11]

The following table sets out the amount of capital injected by the State into the Irish banking system to date. The total amount is €46.3 billion.

Credit Institution

Cost of Share Acquisition

Cost of Preference Shares

Value of Promissory Notes Issued

Capital Provided to date

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

Anglo Irish Bank

4.0

25.3

29.3

Allied Irish Banks

3.7

3.5

7.2

Bank of Ireland

1.7

1.8

3.5

Irish Nationwide Building Society

0.1

5.3

5.4

EBS Building Society

0.6

0.3

0.9

Irish Life and Permanent

Total

10.1

5.3

30.8

46.3

On the issue of losses, Ireland follows the international norm, in that losses incurred in the course of a business are taken into account in arriving at the appropriate amount of tax that a company should bear. Under existing legislation, companies are entitled to carry forward unrelieved trading losses for offset against trading profits in future accounting periods until the losses are fully relieved. However, special arrangements apply in the case of financial institutions, in the context of dealing with impaired loan assets. In this regard, provisions were included in the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to limit the amount of relief that can be claimed by participating institutions for losses carried forward from earlier years.

This measure, which is provided for in section 396C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, has the effect of restricting the amount of a participating institution's group trading income which can be reduced by losses brought forward from earlier periods to 50 per cent of such income. The measure will ensure that, when the institutions return to profitability, a minimum of 50% of their trading income will remain chargeable to tax in an accounting period notwithstanding claims for relief for losses carried forward into that period.

National Asset Management Agency

Billy Timmins

Question:

161 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15621/11]

For a variety of reasons, including political and commercial, it is important that exchanges between governments and reporting by diplomatic missions take place in confidence. In conjunction with my colleagues in Cabinet, I do not believe it to be good practice to comment on matters contained in leaked documents which have no official standing. In the most general terms, however, it is a fact that any and all early estimates of NAMA discounts were based on a top-down aggregate estimate of the potential discount that the institutions would face and it was always made clear that the actual valuations would be determined on a loan-by-loan basis as the transfers occurred. I can confirm that the information given to the Dáil by the then Minister for Finance was based on the information and advice available to the Department of Finance at the time.

Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 127.

Tax Collection

Jack Wall

Question:

163 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a tax rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15666/11]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as the person concerned did not pay Income Tax during 2010 no refund is due for that year. In relation to the tax year 2011, the person concerned may be entitled to a repayment if she is unemployed and has paid tax. To claim this refund she can submit a completed Form P50, which is available on the Revenue website — www.revenue.ie , to the Revenue Commissioners, Kildare Revenue District, Athy Business Campus, Castlecomer Road, Athy, County Kildare.

School Transport

James Bannon

Question:

164 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse the decision of the previous Government regarding primary school transport and the eligibility criteria for same in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15668/11]

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

Gerry Adams

Question:

165 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to reverse the cutbacks imposed on the school transport scheme for children attending a school (details supplied) in County Louth; the provisions that have been made to ease the burden on low income families or those with multiple children as a result of these cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15674/11]

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. From the beginning of the 2011/12 school year a €50 charge, which applies to eligible primary pupils, is being introduced to ensure that school transport services are fully utilised in a cost efficient manner. Eligible pupils holding medical cards and pupils with special educational needs will be exempt from paying the charge. In addition, the maximum family charge at primary level for eligible pupils will be €110 per annum. Parents will have the option of spreading the annual payments over two instalments in July and December. Given the major financial constraints facing the country, I regret that I cannot reverse the changes to school transport as announced by the previous government in Budget 2011. We all have to understand the legacy of economic mismanagement which the last Government gave to the country.

School Patronage

Brendan Smith

Question:

166 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timings of the work of the forum on patronage; and his response to same. [15676/11]

I announced my intention to establish a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector on 28th March, 2011. On 19th April, I officially launch the Forum and noted that the Advisory Group to oversee the work of the Forum would be chaired by Professor John Coolahan who would be assisted by Dr Caroline Hussey and Ms Fionnuala Kilfeather. At the launch, the Advisory Group sought written submissions on key themes. The Group set a closing date of June 7th, 2011 for the submissions. Almost 200 submissions have been received.

There is a three day open working session of the Forum on 22nd, 23rd and 24th June. This will involve dialogue between the Advisory Group and thirteen main stakeholders plus the Department of Education and Skills. The dialogue will be based on questions and discussions arising from their written submissions.

An Interim Report will be prepared by early November 2011. It is planned to hold a plenary conference during November where the main recommendations of the Interim Report can be discussed. Subsequent to this, the Advisory Group, which is independent of the Department of Education and Skills, will prepare a final report to be submitted to me by the end of the year.

School Staffing

Sandra McLellan

Question:

167 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify his position regarding the cutting of resource teacher posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15732/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that there has been an increase in the number of Whole time Equivalent (WTE) posts that are being provided for mainstream educational resource teaching/learning support in 2011 over 2010. The total number of WTE posts being provided for mainstream educational resource teaching/learning support (including under the General Allocation Model) for 2011 is approximately 9,950 WTE posts. By comparison approximately 9,600 WTE posts were provided for 2010.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teaching support to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. Circular 37/2011 provides information to schools regarding the arrangements which are being put in place for the 2011/12 school year for the allocation of Resource Teaching hours for children with assessed special educational needs. The NCSE are in the process of notifying schools of their allocations for the coming school year.

Higher Education Grants

Sandra McLellan

Question:

168 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the higher education grant applications to take into account disposable income and reflect outgoings such as mortgage repayments, rent, medical bills and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15735/11]

The assessment of means under my Department's student grant schemes is based on gross income from all sources. Therefore, all income is assessed from the same starting point, eliminating any distortion which might arise from different spending decisions. The income thresholds are also stated on a gross income basis — the average industrial wage by reference to which the thresholds are calculated represents gross pay before any deductions for income tax or PRSI. I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of the determination of income.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

169 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15759/11]

My Department has an Internal Audit Section with a staffing cohort of a Principal Officer, an Assistant Principal Officer, 2 Higher Executive Offices and three administrative staff to monitor the finance and accounting practices adopted by line sections involved in the allocation or expenditure of exchequer funds to ensure that they adhere to Department of Finance regulations and appropriate accounting practices. Each year it also carries out specific audits on sections within the Department and bodies in receipt of exchequer funds that come under the aegis of the Department. It produces regular reports to the Department's Internal Audit Committee which is chaired by an independent chairperson. In addition to the Internal Audit Section my Department has a European Social Fund Financial Control Unit with a staff of 2 Accountants, 2 Higher Executive Officers and 1 Temporary Auditor to ensure that organisations in receipt of European funding for educational purposes adhere to the conditions governing such grant aid.

Departmental Agencies

Michael Creed

Question:

170 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the future of FÁS; the responsibility he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15794/11]

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

176 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to the commitment in the Programme for National Recovery 2011-2016 to replace FÁS, if he will clarify the specific functions currently undertaken by FÁS which are his responsibility; if these will remain within his remit; if any other functions of FÁS will be transferred to his Department; the timeline for same and the proposed replacement of FÁS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15846/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 176 together.

Following the commencement on 1 January 2011 of the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010, the Department of Social Protection assumed the funding and overall responsibility for FÁS employment services and employment programmes. My Department has retained the funding and overall responsibility for the remaining functions of FÁS, including the provision of skills training.As far as the training activities of FÁS are concerned, I am currently reviewing options regarding the provision of further education and training and the structures to support it.

Departmental Funding

Terence Flanagan

Question:

171 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to a cost-neutral proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15798/11]

The Deputy is referring to a proposal for funding from my Department for an academy for children with autism. My officials have formally responded to the proposal in question earlier this week.

School Placement

Terence Flanagan

Question:

172 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school place in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15802/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level and arranges for the delivery of special educational services. The SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs and SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

The Deputy will also be aware that my Department's home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for preschool children with autism. My Department has no record of receiving an application for home tuition for the child to whom the Deputy refers. I have arranged for an application form to be forwarded to the parents of the child in question.

Schools Building Projects

Patrick Deering

Question:

173 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 97 and 98 of 25 May 2011, about the appointment of contractors to school building programmes, if he will consider adding, as a necessary requirement, the main contractors treatment and-or payment record of suppliers and subcontractors. [15825/11]

The currently used criteria for suitability assessment of contractors are taken from the Department of Finance Capital Management Works Framework. Under this framework,the suitability of service providers is determined on the basis of objective criteria, transparency, open competition, equal treatment, and proportionality, without discrimination and in the case of commissions governed by the EU rules, to ensure compliance with the procedure in those rules (Directive 2004/18/EC and SI No. 329 of EC [Award of Public Authorities' Contracts] Regulations 2006 and Directive 2004/17/EC and SI No. 50 of EC [Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings] Regulations 2007). The framework does not currently allow for the type of criterion outlined by the Deputy.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

174 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to ensure that building work on a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8, which has stalled due to the contractor going into receivership, will recommence quickly to ensure that the new school building is ready in time for the new school term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15826/11]

Officials in my Department are liaising with the school authorities and other stakeholders with a view to getting the project back on site as soon as possible. It is not possible at this stage to give an indicative timeline for the progression of the project.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

175 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the Residential Institutions Redress Board did not take into account section 1(3) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 in respect of evidence submitted to it by survivors who worked in the laundry as children, who were sexually abused in the same laundry, and who received no education during their time there. [15834/11]

Section 1(3) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that an applicant who was resident in a scheduled institution and who was transferred to a laundry where they suffered abuse while so resident, will be deemed, at the time of the abuse, to have been resident in the scheduled institution. This provision was included on the basis that the State was still responsible for the welfare and protection of children who were transferred to a laundry from a state regulated institution. The Redress Board makes awards in accordance with the Act, which are fair and reasonable having regard to the unique circumstances of each applicant. In accordance with the legislation, the Redress Board is independent in the performance of its functions.

Question No. 176 answered with Question No. 170.

Student Support Schemes

Brendan Griffin

Question:

177 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider putting in place a student loan scheme for third level and postgraduate students, who cannot secure loans from financial institutions in order that they might undertake or complete their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15855/11]

I have no immediate plans for the introduction of a student loan scheme. As the Deputy will be aware where full-time undergraduate students meet the eligibility criteria of my Department's free fees schemes, the exchequer meets their tuition fee costs. Financial support is also available to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the form of student grants. In addition, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries. Detailed information on all financial supports for students can be found on the website www.studentfinance.ie.

The implementation issues associated with introducing a student loan scheme were previously assessed by the Department of Education and Skills in the context of policy options for new forms of student contribution. A July 2009 technical report on these policy options, including the introduction of a loan scheme, is published on the Department's website.

Future demand for participation growth in higher education needs to be reconciled with limitations on public resources and a need to protect and enhance core quality. Although the nature of these difficult trade-offs are described in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the strategy also identifies the need for more detailed analysis. In this regard, I have asked the Higher Education Authority to undertake further work on the sustainability of the existing funding framework over the course of this year. This work will inform consideration by Government of policy options in relation to future funding of the sector.

School Fees

Thomas Pringle

Question:

178 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost each post-primary school in County Donegal charges per pupil for education purposes per year on top of the capitation grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15873/11]

The charging of fees by a school is permissible only in the case of recognised fee-charging second level schools. All other recognised schools are precluded from charging school fees. Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in such recognised schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management; however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.

School Transport

Thomas Pringle

Question:

179 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average cost of transport for school buses per pupil in County Donegal each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15874/11]

The Report on the Value for Money Review of School Transport Services was published last March and is available on my Department's website. This Review identified that, in 2008, the annual unit cost per pupil for the provision of school transport was some €1,000, €950 and €7,000 for primary, post primary and children with special educational needs respectively. The breakdown of pupil costs on a per County basis is not readily available.

Departmental Expenditure

Thomas Pringle

Question:

180 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount by which the education budget has been cut in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15875/11]

The gross expenditure provision for 2011 for my Department of €8.91 billion contained in the 2011 Revised Estimates Volume does not readily compare with recorded expenditure of €8.705 billion in 2007. This is mainly due to: (a) the transfer in 2010 of certain functions in relation to Skills Development from the former Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to my Department (provision of €164 million in 2011); (b) the transfer from 2011 of responsibility for Nursing Education from the Department of Health to my Department (provision of €56 million in 2011); and (c) the transfer in 2009 of responsibility for certain Youth Organisations and Youth Activities from my Department to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (expenditure of €58 million in 2007). When account is taken of the above, equivalent estimated expenditure in 2011 for my Department of €8.690 billion compares to expenditure of €8.647 billion in 2007 — an increase of 0.5%.

Reductions in expenditure arising from a range of measures introduced in recent Budgets, including reductions in pay rates, reductions in rates of grants and other savings measures across various programmes, have been offset, in large part, by the additional costs associated with increases in student numbers at first, second and third levels during the period.

Mock Examinations

Thomas Pringle

Question:

181 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he intends to alleviate the burden of costs on parents of mock examination fees in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15876/11]

Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system. The decision to organise and/or charge for mock examinations is made at school level, and my Department does not have role in the matter. Schools are provided with capitation and school services grants to meet their running costs.

Post-primary schools receive school services grant of €201 per pupil plus a capitation grant of €328 per pupil. DEIS schools also receive additional funds for targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes for students at risk.

It is important for schools to be sensitive to the financial pressures on families, and to use the State funds provided to optimum effect. However, my Department is not in a position to make additional funds available to schools in the current climate.

Ideally, mock examinations should be marked by teachers as part of their ongoing work in schools. While schools in the Free Education Scheme may seek voluntary contributions from parents, they may not charge fees for teaching and learning activities scheduled as part of the school day, or exclude students from such services for non payment of a fee.

Higher Education Grants

Joe McHugh

Question:

182 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address questions (details supplied) relating to the accelerated technician programme at institutes of technology arising from the changes in the third level grant system in budget 2011. [15886/11]

All students commencing a course in June of this year will be subject to the terms and conditions of the student grants schemes in place at that time.

The previous Fianna Fáil-Green party Government introduced three changes to the student grant schemes, which began to take effect of January of this year when the overall rate of grant was reduced by 4%. Therefore, all qualifying students either on a course or commencing a course from January of 2011 will receive the reduced rate of grant.

The automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant was removed effective from September 2011. This applies to all mature students either commencing a course in September 2011 or continuing on a course at that time.

Finally, the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant was increased for 24kms to 45kms. Again, this takes affect from September 2011 and it will it apply to all new students and to those continuing on courses equally.

I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse any of these changes.

Sean Fleming

Question:

183 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any additional allowance can be paid to a mature student to attend college while on the back to education allowance in view of the fact that some persons do not live near third level colleges and they have to rent accommodation which is an extra financial burden and is not sufficient to be paid to incur costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15889/11]

From September 2010, the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government removed eligibility for all new applicants in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, for student maintenance grants. However, the cost of the student services charge and tuition fees payable to colleges continues to be met for eligible students by the Exchequer on their behalf.

I understand that the reason it was decided to discontinue the practice of allowing students to hold both an allowance and a grant simultaneously was because this represented a duplication of income support payments. I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse this change.

The Deputy may be aware that students including mature students in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant prior to 2010 continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the relevant grant schemes.

It might be of assistance to the student in question to know that the Student Assistance Fund at some €5m continues to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students, including mature students, in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.

School Transport

Michael McCarthy

Question:

184 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements in place for a school (details supplied) in County Cork regarding the bus service. [15893/11]

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 10 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.

Home-School Liaison Scheme

Michael McCarthy

Question:

185 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been reached regarding the number of home school community liaison hours allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the 2011 and 2012 academic years; if he will give an indication of the number of hours allowed in order that the college can commence allocation of hours for the timetable for the next school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15896/11]

Due to the geographic location of the school to which the Deputy refers, it is not possible for the school to be clustered with other schools to avail of the services of a HSCL Coordinator. Therefore, the school will receive financial support in accordance with its size and level of disadvantage, as an alternative to HSCL coordinator support under HSCL for the 2011/12 school year.

The amount of financial support to be allocated to the school is under consideration and the school will be notified shortly.

School Applications

Dan Neville

Question:

186 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15897/11]

My Department has asked the school, referred to by the Deputy, for further information relating to its application. When this information is received the application will be assessed and the school will be notified of the decision taken.

Home-School Liaison Scheme

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

187 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there have been any further developments in the home-school community liaison programme; if there will be any changes to it in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15900/11]

Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) is managed by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) alongside the School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Education Welfare Service (EWS) as part of the Integration of Education Services Project. The aim and rationale for the Integrated Service is to provide more effective services for children who have difficulties participating in school; improved engagement with other agencies and services working with children and families; more effective policy making with an increased emphasis on planning, outcome measurement and the gathering of evidence on the impact of interventions.

A number of children' services, from various sectors, including the National Education Welfare Board are being brought together under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Responsibility for SCP and NEWB, together with their budgets have transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with effect from 2 June 2011. While responsibility for the future direction of Home School Community Liaison has also transferred, the allocation of HSCL coordinator posts will remain the responsibility of my Department as these are teaching posts in schools, deployed to undertake full time HSCL duties.

The current provision of Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Services, will remain in the 200 post primary and 345 urban primary schools participating in DEIS.

With regard to the filling of current HSCL coordinator vacancies in schools, officials of my Department are in contact with these schools in relation to the additional arrangements necessary this year to facilitate the redeployment of any remaining permanent and CID holding teachers on redeployment panels. My Department will not decide until later this week at the earliest in relation to giving schools authority to commence recruitment in any other manner.

Special Educational Needs

Finian McGrath

Question:

188 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a special needs assistant in respect of a person (details supplied). [14999/11]

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

The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and intend to inform schools of their annual SNA allocation as soon as possible, in advance of the coming school year.

However, while this process is ongoing it is not possible to predict the numbers of Special Needs Assistants that will be allocated to any school, including the school referred to by the Deputy in Beaumont.

Departmental Agencies

Michael McCarthy

Question:

189 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to restructure or reform FÁS. [15072/11]

As far as the training activities of FÁS are concerned, I am currently reviewing options regarding the provision of further education and training and the structures to support it.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Simon Harris

Question:

190 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider extending the institutional abuse compensation scheme to institutions and organisations run by non-Catholic religious groups and organisations in view of recently made allegations of abuse at an institution (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15184/11]

The Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002 established the Redress Board to make financial awards to people who, as children were resident in specified institutions and who have or have had injuries that are consistent with abuse received while resident in these institutions. The Schedule to the 2002 Act specified 128 institutions and the Act allowed for the inclusion of other specified institutions in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body had an inspection or regulatory function.

Religious ethos was not an eligibility criterion and while catholic religious orders ran the majority of specified institutions, others were either run by organisations having a protestant ethos or run on a non-denominational basis.

Following the publication of the Ryan Report in May 2009, there were a range of demands for the redress scheme to be extended, including demands to include specific institutions and categories of institutions. Having considered these demands, the Government announced its decision not to revise the arrangements in it press statement of 15th April, 2010.

The closing date for receipt of applications by the Redress Board was 15th December, 2005, although the Board can extend the period for receipt of applications where it considers that there are exceptional circumstances. Having processed 14,388 applications at the end of 2010, the Redress Board had some 550 applications to process and it continues to accept late applications in exceptional circumstances.

I have no plans to extend the scope of the Redress Act to include any further institutions.

Training and Education Programmes

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

191 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places in training and education opportunities that were in place in February 2011; and the number in place now. [15285/11]

At the beginning of this year the Department of Education and Skills was funding the provision of 148,500 Training places through FAS, Skillnets and the Labour Market Activation Fund, 168,000 Further Education places and 156,000 Higher Education places.

The additional places announced in May in the Jobs Initiative of which 15,900 will be provided by my Department brings total Training places available for the unemployed this year to 154,500. It also brings places which the unemployed may access in the Further Education sector to 172,000 and in the Higher Education sector to 161,900.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

192 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of the additional 15,000 places in training and education opportunities promised in the programme for Government that are currently on stream with a participant in place. [15286/11]

The Programme for Government promised that an additional 15,000 places would be provided in training, education and work experience opportunities within the Government's first 100 days of taking office. In last month's Jobs Initiative the Government delivered an additional 20,900 training, education and work experience places.

The Department is responsible for 5,000 of these additional places through the National Internship Scheme. As the scheme will not be launched until next month there are currently no participants in place.

The balance of the additional places is in the education and training sectors and as such is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills.

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

193 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures in place for retrospectively assessing a phase 3 assessment under a plumbing apprenticeship when the employer did not register the apprentice with FÁS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15026/11]

My Department understands from FÁS that the following procedure applies to applications from individuals who are not registered as apprentices with FÁS for an exemption from a phase of apprenticeship training. A person wishing to apply for a training phase exemption from an apprenticeship programme must secure employment as an apprentice with a FÁS approved employer for the relevant trade and his or her employer must register the apprentice with FÁS within two weeks of taking the person into his employment as an apprentice

An apprentice may then apply for a phase exemption from their apprenticeship by submitting a portfolio of evidence which must include a comprehensive record of relevant employment experience, including names and addresses of employer(s) and a detailed breakdown of work based duties and responsibilities.

A technical expert will review the portfolio of evidence submitted, and where the technical expert has deemed that the apprentice has reached the trade standard for the relevant trade and phase, the apprentice is granted an exemption, and will be permitted to progress to the next Phase of their apprenticeship.

Where the application is deemed not to provide sufficient evidence in their portfolio to support the application for an exemption, the applicant will be formally assessed (tested) both practically and theoretically by a technical expert against the apprenticeship standards for the relevant trade. The assessment report from the technical expert will be reviewed by FÁS and the applicant will be advised if a phase exemption has been granted.

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

194 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way a person (details supplied) in County Meath can progress an apprenticeship. [15027/11]

My Department has been in touch with FÁS about the case of the person in question. I understand from the information supplied by FÁS that, at present, this person is redundant. FÁS has also informed my Department that to date, the person's competency results for Phases 3 & 5 of his apprenticeship have not been submitted to FÁS by his previous employer. FÁS has advised that a FÁS Senior Training Adviser will be in contact with both the person and his previous employer regarding the outstanding competency results.

I understand that following the submission of his competency results and assuming those results are deemed satisfactory, this person's status will then become Phase 6W — waiting to be called to Phase 6.

School Enrolments

Brendan Griffin

Question:

195 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the restrictions that apply to the withdrawal of children from one school to enrol in another local school; if this is a problem in the school system in long-term planning and staffing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15037/11]

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the rights of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.

In certain circumstances a parent may wish to transfer a child from his/her existing school to another and it is open to any parent to seek to enrol a child in another school if the parent so wishes. However, my Department has no evidence of such school transfers occurring on a scale that impacts adversely on school planning or staffing. The Deputy may be aware that separately I have just launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent and I am inviting education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by the 28th of October.

Schools Building Projects

Billy Timmins

Question:

196 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/11]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and was assigned a band 1 rating. Enrolments at the school have remained fairly static over the past number of years and the school has not experienced the rapid increase in enrolments that was anticipated and that has occurred in other schools around the county. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme with due regard to the level of additional school provision which will be required at both primary and post primary level to meet demographic increases. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

Redundancy Payments

Clare Daly

Question:

197 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way the redundancy package at the Tallaght sports complex, Dublin, is being funded. [15053/11]

The staff at Tallaght Community School Sports Complex are employed directly by the management of the complex.

If the redundancy costs cannot be met from the complex's existing resources, my Department will make funding available to cover the employees' statutory entitlements.

Schools Building Projects

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

198 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on a school (details supplied) in County Dublin and the need for an extension to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15136/11]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

In February 2011 my Department authorised this project to complete Stage 2(b) — Detailed Design. The stage 2b was submitted to my Department this month and is currently under review. When that review is complete officials from my Department will be in contact with the Board of Management regarding the further progression of the project.

Training and Education Programmes

Finian McGrath

Question:

199 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a matter in respect of a person (details supplied). [15054/11]

My Department has been in contact with FÁS about the case of the person in question. FÁS has informed my Department that this person's application for the award of the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate — Craft is currently being reviewed by FÁS Service to Business.

FÁS has advised that it will be in contact with the person in the coming days to obtain clarification in relation to his application.

Special Educational Needs

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

200 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to parents in which they have been advised by the school in which their child is enrolled that the school cannot meet their child’s special educational needs; if, in such circumstances, it is the responsibility of the local special educational needs organiser to identify an alternative suitable school placement and in the absence of an alternative, if he is obliged to provide home or school tuition support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15065/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which assists parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will try to help parents to find an alternative school placement if their child has been unable to secure a placement to date. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General may direct a school to enrol a pupil. The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The SENOs co-ordinate special needs education provision at local level and arrange for the delivery of special educational services. They act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. In considering applications for teaching and SNA support for individual pupils, the SENOs take account of the needs identified in the professional reports and decide whether the circumstances come within the Department's criteria. They then consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupil from its current level of resources. Finally, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement. Home tuition support may therefore be made available for a child for whom there is no school place available, subject to the scheme's criteria.

Higher Education Grants

Timmy Dooley

Question:

201 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to retain the original non-adjacent rate of student support for all existing mature students who are currently on a course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15073/11]

Tom Fleming

Question:

216 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 12 May 2011, if he will reconsider and reverse the qualifying criteria for the non-adjacent rate for higher education grants in view of the fact that it directly impedes more than 600 students attending a college (details supplied) in County Kerry who are in receipt of the student grant. [15244/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

219 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 7 June 2011, if he will provide an estimate on the number of mature students who are not in receipt of the non-adjacent rate of grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15292/11]

Liam Twomey

Question:

227 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of mature students receiving third level grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15434/11]

Liam Twomey

Question:

228 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if cuts to higher level grants for mature students in the middle of their course will jeopardise their ability to finish their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15435/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 216, 219, 227 and 228 together.

I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government. These changes included the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant. It is estimated that some 30% of the student grant cohort or some 21,600, are mature students and all of these would currently be in receipt of the non-adjacent rate of grant. From next September, mature students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will continue to be eligible for the higher rate of grant. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of grant. In addition, third level students in difficult financial circumstances will have access to the Student Assistance Fund. I understand the concerns of students with regard to the changes to the student grant schemes for the 2011/12 academic year and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.

Employment Support Services

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

202 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount that has not been spent from the money allocated to the SR Technics EU Globalisation Fund; the amount of the remaining money that is uncommitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15079/11]

In December 2010 the European Commission approved the Irish application for European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) co-financing assistance in support of workers made redundant at the SR Technics aircraft maintenance facility at Dublin Airport in 2009. The EGF application was for a total of €11.46m, of which the approved EU contribution is €7.45m. Funding for the EGF programme measures is provided by my Department to relevant intermediate bodies and service providers who facilitate the delivery of the guidance, training, educational and enterprise supports as set out in the approved European Commission decision on the EGF application. Relevant service providers such as FÁS, City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBs), Vocational and Education Committees (VECs) and higher education institutions and colleges have, since March 2009, provided the former SR Technics workers with a range of occupational guidance, training, educational opportunities and enterprise supports.

To date these supports include the provision of:—

Almost 850 FÁS training places and a specialist FÁS redundant aircraft mechanic apprentice training programme in conjunction with the Department of Defence and Air Corps

Over 140 places higher education supports including almost 100 full-time courses as well as customised VEC courses

CEBs guidance and mentoring supports to almost 100 workers and grant support to 33 workers.

Ireland is required to use the EGF financial contribution received from the EU budgetary authorities before 9 October 2011 and must send its final report for the execution of the financial contribution to the European Commission not later than 9 March 2012. The full range of EGF co-financed services will continue to be provided to eligible participants until the EGF implementation period expires on 9 October 2011. In this context, it is not yet possible to provide a detailed breakdown of expenditure on the EGF programme in advance while new or additional claims from various service providers are still awaited or are being processed and any relevant reconciliations between national and EU funding still need to be assessed and verified. However, on foot of claims received from a certain number of these providers, my Department has paid out a total of €538,626 to date for enterprise supports and third level programmes under the SR Technics EGF programme. Further, the Department last week contracted with WRCsec consultants for administrative and technical support services in the preparation of the SR Technics EGF programme final report. Their work will focus on delivering the reporting requirements, inter alia, for financial and management information data across all service providers.

Schools Refurbishment

Tom Fleming

Question:

203 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in County Kerry which have applied for funding under the summer works scheme 2011; the schools that have been approved for funding to date; and if additional moneys will be made available in the current year. [15091/11]

A total of 90 schools from Kerry made an application under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that 24 primary and post primary schools were successful under this year's Scheme. Details of the successful applicants under the 2011 Summer Works Scheme were announced on 30th March 2011 and are published on the Department's website, www.education.ie. €41.2m will be made available under the scheme this year and will see major improvements in the 453 primary and post primary schools around the country, including Co. Kerry, that have been successful in their applications for funding. I am also pleased to inform the Deputy that a further 5 schools in County Kerry were successful under the Jobs Initiative announced on 10 May 2011, details of which are also published on the Department’s website. €40 million will be made available through the Jobs Initiative to fund 374 primary and post primary school building projects. These funds will allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works such as special needs access, toilet facilities, roof works and window replacements. It is envisaged that the investment will also create 2,400 direct and 480 indirect much needed jobs in the construction sector. My Department has no plans to allocate further additional funding in the current year. I have listed all successful applications for Co. Kerry under both Schemes for the Deputies’ convenience.

List of Schools who received funding under the SWS 2011

County

School

Scheme

KERRY

19917L

GAELSCOIL NAOMH AOGAIN BOTHAR LUIMNIGH

Mechanical

KERRY

19805A

BALLYDUFF CENTRAL BALLYDUFF

Electrical

KERRY

19547E

ST FRANCIS SPECIAL SCH BEAUFORT

Mechanical

KERRY

19487M

HOLY CROSS MERCY PRIMARY SCHOOL NEW ROAD

Electrical

KERRY

18325E

NAOMH CHARTHAIGH BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL

Electrical

KERRY

18283O

SCOIL MHUIRE SC MHUIRE BROSNACH

Mechanical

KERRY

18049G

MUIRE NA MAINISTREACH MUIRE NA MAINISTREACH

Electrical

KERRY

16871V

S N AN CHROI NAOFA TRAIGHLI

Mechanical

KERRY

16014A

ST FINIANS AN CORAIN

Mechanical

KERRY

13615L

SCOIL EOIN BALLOONAGH

Electrical

KERRY

12875J

DOUGLAS NATIONAL SCHOOL KILLORGLIN

Electrical

KERRY

12587E

COOLARD MXD N S LISTOWEL

Mechanical

KERRY

11363A

SCOIL ATHA NA MBLATH KILLARNEY

Mechanical

KERRY

10755M

SCOIL AN FHIRTEARAIGH TRA LI

Mechanical

KERRY

10501E

SCOIL EASA DHUIBHE LIOS TUAITHAIL

Mechanical

KERRY

09209B

CASTLEDRUM N S CASTLEMAINE

Mechanical

KERRY

08530W

LAURAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL KILLARNEY

Electrical

KERRY

07841L

KILGOBNET N S BEAUFORT

Electrical

KERRY

04062S

LISTOWEL PRESENTATION PRIMARY LISTOWEL

Mechanical

KERRY

70550H

TRALEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLASH

Mechanical

KERRY

70460G

COMMUNITY COLLEGE KILLORGLIN KILLORGLIN

Electrical

KERRY

61450C

PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL TRALEE

Electrical

KERRY

61360B

THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL IVERAGH ROAD

Mechanical

KERRY

61301I

COLÁISTE ÍDE BAILE AN GHÓILÍN

Electrical

List of Schools who received funding under the Jobs Initiative 2011

County

School

Scheme

Kerry

09209B

Castledrum National School

Access for all

Kerry

18702I

Spa National School

Access for all

Kerry

19376D

St Itas & St Josephs National School

Access for all

Kerry

61260U

Mean Scoil Naomh Ioseph

Windows

Kerry

70450D

Killarney Community College

Roofs

Higher Education Grants

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

204 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include the assets of farmers as well as their incomes when assessing farming families eligibility to avail of the higher education grant. [15114/11]

I have taken no decision in relation to the introduction of a capital assets test for student grant purposes. I have made it clear, however, that I want to ensure that the objective of the student grant schemes is met. This objective is the most equitable distribution of the available resources in favour of those who have the greatest level of need and who clearly comply with the terms of the student grant schemes. As the current system deals with income alone, it allows people with accumulated wealth — be they unemployed, employed, self-employed or retired — to obtain grants which were designed as a State support for those with insufficient means to ensure access to higher education for their children. It is intended that a single student grant awarding authority will be in place from 2012. This will enable fundamental reform of the student grants administration process and will allow for improvements to the way in which grant assessment is carried out. This development, together with improvements in the administration of means testing generally, will inform further consideration of the introduction of a capital assets test for student grants.

Schools Building Projects

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

205 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the need for a permanent school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15116/11]

It is the intention of my Department to provide the school to which the Deputy refers with a new building. In this regard, agreement has been reached to provide the new building on a V.E.C. owned site. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In this regard, the position with all applications for large scale capital funding may be viewed on my Department's website. In the meantime, my Department replaced all of the existing accommodation at the school and it is now operating from new temporary accommodation since September 2009.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

206 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Dublin and the need for a new school building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15117/11]

The acquisition of a site for the school to which the Deputy refers has reached pre-contract stage and outline Planning Permission has been received. The Office of Public Works on behalf of the Department are engaged in pre-contract enquiries in relation to the special conditions within the contract. Due to commercial sensitivities, I am not in a position to comment on the matter any further. Once the site acquisition is concluded, the proposed school building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Educational Disadvantage

Charles Flanagan

Question:

207 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures in place to address literacy and education disadvantage among members of the Traveller community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15130/11]

The Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy was launched in 2006, following wide ranging consultation with stakeholders including Traveller representatives. It covers all aspects of Traveller education from preschool to further and higher education. A core principle of the strategy is that allocation of resources is based on ‘individual educational need' rather than ‘Traveller identity'. My Department's aim is to prioritise the available resources to maximum effect across the education sector to enhance educational outcomes for all children and adults including Travellers. In the context of The National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 and in keeping with the report, the Government has taken a decision to provide educational teaching supports to Traveller students on the same basis as other students in schools. This means that Traveller students who require additional tuition will receive this tuition through the existing learning support provision in schools. All schools should select students for learning support on the basis of priority of need. Under the National Recovery Plan, the Resource Teaching posts for Travellers and the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers (VTST) will be withdrawn, effective from 31 August 2011. In order to assist schools, with high concentrations of Traveller pupils, limited alleviation or adjustment measures are being provided. As such, alleviation measures are being concentrated on schools which had 33 or more pupils supported by RTT posts. Furthermore Traveller enrolments have been included in the valid enrolment for the purpose of allocating additional staffing under DEIS from the 2011/12 school year. While responsibility for the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) has transferred to my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the two Departments will work together to ensure that the services in the NEWB, including the School Completion Programme, Home School Community Liaison and the Education Welfare Service will have a renewed focus to more effectively target and support all children at risk, including Traveller children. All Further Education programmes are open to Travellers and include both full time programmes (Post Leaving Certificate programme; Vocational Educational Opportunities Scheme; and Youthreach) and part time programmes (Back to Education Initiative; and Adult Literacy and Community Education).

Schools Building Projects

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

208 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new primary school at a location (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15156/11]

My officials are aware of the issues which have arisen in relation to this school building project and are liaising with the Board of Management and the Design team in relation to next steps. It is not possible at this stage to give an indicative timeline for the progression of the project; however my priority is to ensure that the project will be completed as soon as possible.

Ministerial Staff

John McGuinness

Question:

209 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15173/11]

Two civil servants work in my constituency Office which is located in the Department of Education and Skills, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. Their grades and salary scales are as follows: — 1 Higher Executive Officer (Civil Servant) (Salary Scale: €43,816 — €45,125 — €46,246 — €47,730 — €49,035 — €50,347 — €51,653 — €53,532 — €55,415) — 1 Staff Officer (Civil Servant) (Salary Scale: €33,070 — €34,481 — €35,751 — €36,894 — €38,043 — €39,199 — €40,359 — €41,473 — €42,530 — €43,906). The salaries paid to the Civil Servants are in accordance with the Department of Finance salary scales for the relevant grades. In addition the Department pays for a broadband connection to my home at a cost of €48.40 per month.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

210 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15192/11]

My Department has a number of initiatives in place to encourage the use of public transport by staff. Such initiatives include: Cycle-to-work scheme: The Cycle-to-work scheme for staff is in operation in my Department since 2009. To date 164 staff members have availed of this scheme. Travel pass scheme: The travel pass scheme for public transport is also available to Department staff. The Scheme allows staff to purchase an annual travel pass for bus, DART, train or Luas by tax free salary deductions. Currently 106 staff avail of this scheme. Business travel policy: My Department's policy in relation to the claiming of travel and subsistence expenses specify that all travel should be by the shortest practicable routes and by the cheapest practicable mode of transport. Officers are encouraged to use public transport whenever practicable, with private transport to be used only in limited circumstances, viz. (a) When there is no suitable public transport available;(b) Where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense; (c) Where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid. In addition, my Department promotes the annual European Mobility week and supports the ‘car free day' by encouraging staff who regularly drive to leave their cars at home.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

211 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average size of primary school classes when non-teaching staff are excluded from the calculation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15203/11]

My Department publishes extensive statistical information on it's website including figures in respect of average class sizes for primary schools. The most recently published figures relate to the 2009/10 school year and show that the average class size was 24.1 pupils (excluding integrated pupils) and 24.5 pupils (including integrated pupils). The calculation of average class size excludes non-teaching staff.

School Transport

Michael McCarthy

Question:

212 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed changes to the school bus system affecting a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [15216/11]

Changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme. It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR). The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport. The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date. This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for those pupils entering in September 2012, to pupils who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school.

Schools Building Projects

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

213 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the planning application for the renovation of a school (details supplied); if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the school will need to find temporary accommodation for the pupils while the renovation is happening; the band in which the school is placed according to the building unit; if funding is available for the renovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15219/11]

The project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. It was included in the 2011 school buildings work programme announced in January of this year and has a priority band rating of 2.1. An application for Planning Permission was lodged on 23 May 2011. Once the necessary statutory approvals have been secured design team will complete stage 2(b) of architectural planning and, assuming no issues arise, the project will then progress to tender and construction stage. The design team and Board of Management have proposed that the school re-locate on a temporary basis to a local premises during the construction stage of the project. This proposal was approved in principle by my Department in March of this year.

School Transport

Martin Ferris

Question:

214 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual cost of the school transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15226/11]

The 2011 estimate for school transport services is €180 million. Expenditure on school transport provision since 1998 is as follows:

Year

Outturn (millions)

1998

€51.201

1999

€57.978

2000

€65.082

2001

€77.058

2002

€95.986

2003

€101.733

2004

€109.846

2005

€122.157

2006

€159.685

2007

€172.106

2008

€185.725

2009

€177.567

2010

€181.409

Thomas Pringle

Question:

215 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will delay the introduction of the dropping of the central/closed school rule for school transport in view of the financial hardship it will cause and the difficulty in getting transport in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15235/11]

Changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme. Given the major financial constraints facing the country, I regret that I cannot reverse the changes to school transport as announced by the previous Government in Budget 2011. We all have to understand the legacy of economic mismanagement which the last Government gave to the country. It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR). The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport. The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date.

This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for those pupils entering in September 2012, to pupils who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school. Available statistics, based on sampling undertaken as part of the Value for Money Review, indicate that the impact of this change will be limited as the majority of pupils categorised under the CSR are in fact attending their nearest school and will not be affected by this change. Before implementing this second main change which is proposed for 2012, my Department has requested Bus Éireann to conduct a detailed analysis of the "on the ground" impact for individual schools and the rural communities they serve. This analysis will be based on the most up to date information available on current school transport usage patterns and I expect to have this information available to me this summer. I will then have an opportunity to carefully examine the likely affects of this change well in advance of the 2012 implementation date.

Question No. 216 answered with Question No. 201.

Schools Building Projects

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

217 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15262/11]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department seeking funding to provide additional accommodation. The application is currently being assessed and my Department will convey a decision on the application to the school authority as soon as the process has been completed.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

218 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a resource room by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15264/11]

The school to which the Deputy refers was approved funding in December 2010 to construct a resource room. The school subsequently submitted a revised proposal. This is currently being considered and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome in due course.

Question No. 219 answered with Question No. 201.

Brendan Smith

Question:

220 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he has issued instructions that the employment of an architect is necessary for building projects in excess of the value of €200,000 when, in many instances, boards of management have the support and assistance of other professionals involved in the construction sector such as engineers and quantity surveyors; if he will have the circular withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15308/11]

The circular the Deputy is referring to is "Technical Guidance Document 008 (Engaging Professional Consultants for Small Works)" which is available on my Department's website. The document is one of a large suite of guidance documents published by my Department. This particular document is provided to assist school authorities with the engagement of consultants and to ensure that any consultants employed are competent and qualified in the appropriate disciplines to carry out the works that they are appointed to do. This document also provides for the appointment of other consultants depending on the nature of the works to be grant aided. As these guidelines provide a balanced approach by allowing access for smaller firms while also ensuring that appropriate consultants are engaged for small works I do not propose to make any changes.

School Staffing

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the redress open or available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been in full-time teaching of multiple subjects at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare and whose position was terminated on the return to work of the teacher they replaced, whose case was subsequently referred to a rights commissioner, the hearing of which was not notified to them or the school authorities and the decision arrived at was not in their favour, they sought and received an appointment for a further hearing which has been granted but at a date too late to facilitate any other arrangements they may have to make, in essence the date available is in effect a predetermined negative response in respect of a process that has considerable status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15313/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the redress open or available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15426/11]

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

In accordance with the Education Act 1998, teachers are employed by boards of management or vocational educational committees in the case of schools established or maintained by VECs. I am not aware of the details of the case to which the Deputy refers. However, the legislation under which Rights Commissioners operate provide mechanisms for appeal and enforcement designed to cater for both employer and employee.

Higher Education Grants

Martin Heydon

Question:

222 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review an application for a higher education third level grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [15342/11]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for a student's grant awarding body. Where a grant awarding authority turns down an application and subsequently rejects an appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department. No appeal has been received by my Department from the student to date. A review of the case will be carried out as expeditiously as possible should an appeal be received.

School Transport

Joe McHugh

Question:

223 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will set out the terms of reference for the review that was agreed regarding schools affected by the proposed changes in the school transport scheme, including the terms of reference for the review of changes to school catchment boundaries; if he will provide a list in linear format of schools that are specifically affected by the changes to the closed school rule that were set out in the budget introduced by the previous Government in November 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15401/11]

Joe McHugh

Question:

226 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to the meeting of Deputies, Department of Education officials and the Minister of State on Thursday 7 April 2011 at Leinster House, the savings envisaged through the introduction of the new catchment boundaries for school transport services; the action that he will take to address the challenges that such changes may impose on rural schools and rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15432/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 226 together.

These changes derive from decisions of the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government to implement recommendations in the School Transport Value for Money review relating to the primary school transport system and the need to obtain savings under the four year national recovery plan.

The decisions announced cover the uniform application of the distance requirement, cessation of the Closed/Central School Rule (CSR), the minimum number of eligible children required to establish and retain services and the introduction of charges for eligible primary pupils.

In the case of the cessation of the Closed/Central School Rule (CSR) there are broadly two aspects to this change. The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the application of the distance eligibility criterion to all children travelling under the primary school transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This change to school transport provision means that the distance eligibility criterion will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis. The practical impact is that children categorised for transport under the CSR who reside less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of attendance and who are availing of free transport to that school will lose their transport eligibility. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport at an annual charge, currently of €200 per pupil, subject to a family maximum of €650 per annum. The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of children commencing their primary education from that date. This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for those children entering in September 2012, to children who meet the distance eligibility criterion and who are travelling to their nearest school. A sample survey undertaken as part of the Value for Money Review, on transport arrangements for pupils availing of transport under the CSR, showed that the majority of pupils are in fact attending their nearest open school, so this change will not have any practical impact on these pupils.

In relation to this second change scheduled to be implemented in September 2012, Bus Éireann is currently conducting a detailed analysis of the "on the ground" impact of this 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 and I expect to have this information available to me this summer. I will then have an opportunity to carefully examine the likely effects of this proposed change well in advance of the 2012 implementation date.

A further change which will take effect in September 2011 is the increase from 7 to 10 in the number of eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, required to retain or establish a school transport service. In general, this means that the minimum number required to establish or retain a service broadly represents a return to 2002 levels. As is currently the position, a Remote Area Grant is payable for eligible children for whom no transport service is available.

An annual charge for eligible primary pupils will be introduced from the commencement of the 2011/12 school year. This charge is set at €50 per pupil with a maximum family charge of €110 for primary pupils. The charge of €50 represents some 5% recoupment of the actual cost. Pupils with valid medical cards will be exempt from this charge. This charge is being introduced to ensure that school transport services are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner.

It is essential to stress that the wider context within which all these changes are taking place, is a situation of the most serious financial difficulties. Under the four year recovery plan, there is a requirement to deliver savings of €17 million on the school transport budget and these measures are an integral part of this.

School Staffing

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

224 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15406/11]

I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 10 May 2011.

The case to which the Deputy refers relates to the allocation of the 5% administration fee provided for in the supervision/substitution scheme, the arrangements for which are set out in my Department's Circular 26/2009. These arrangements were put in place following agreement with the relevant staffing and management interests and only apply with effect from the commencement of the 2008/09 school year.

The arrangements in place for the administration of the supervision/substitution scheme in VEC schools prior to the 2008/09 school year are a matter for individual VECs. In the case referred to by the Deputy, that is Co Kerry VEC (Kerry Education Service).

Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 221.
Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 223.
Questions Nos. 227 and 228 answered with Question No. 201.

Special Educational Needs

Catherine Byrne

Question:

229 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has taken a decision to close a special class in a school (details supplied); if this school will lose a resource teacher as a result; if he will commit to maintaining teacher numbers as they currently stand in this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15441/11]

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

249 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm if he will be in a position to grant the provision of a resource teacher for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [15619/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 249 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post-primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.

The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such supports.

In respect of special classes, schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children to these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meet the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. Schools are eligible for resources for special classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria.

Schools are required to liaise with their local SENO in the context of any proposed placements in such classes. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO.

In respect of resource teaching support, Circular 37/2011 provides information to schools regarding the arrangements which are being put in place for the 2011/12 school year for the allocation of Resource Teaching hours for children with assessed special educational needs. The NCSE are now in the process of notifying schools of their allocations for the coming school year.

Schools Building Projects

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

230 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider an appeal under the summer works scheme 2011 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Sligo. [15457/11]

A list of 453 successful schools was announced on 30 March 2011. Applications from primary and post-primary schools for gas, mechanical and electrical works were prioritised for Summer Works funding this year.

The Department has sought to prioritise the funds that are available towards works that are most relevant to the health and safety of staff and students alike in our schools.

In addition successful applicants under the Jobs Initiative were announced on 10 May 2011 and are published on the Department's website, www.education.ie.

€40 million will be made available through the Jobs Initiative to fund 374 primary and post-primary school building projects. These funds will allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works such as special needs access, toilet facilities, roof works at primary and post-primary level and window replacements at post-primary level.

Unfortunately the application from the school referred to by the Deputy was a category 7 project at primary school level and in the context of the numbers of applications for funding and the resources available it was not possible to fund any category 7 primary level projects.

School Accommodation

Catherine Murphy

Question:

231 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for accommodating post-primary students in Maynooth, County Kildare; if there is scope to expand the current school; if a new site has been purchased; and if so the details of same including the size of site, the location and the cost and the facilities that are intended for the new site; if he is satisfied with the approach being pursued by the vocational education committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15467/11]

Analysis by my Department of demographic data and enrolment trends in primary schools in the Maynooth catchment area has indicated that a new post-primary school will be required for Maynooth and its environs in the coming years.

The existing post-primary school, which has over 1000 pupils enrolled, is currently housed on a 5 acre site with no room for further expansion.

Following consultation with the Local Authority, County Kildare Vocational Education Committee submitted a proposal to my Department for the purchase of circa 40 acres of land at Mariavilla, Moyglare Road, Maynooth to meet the need for additional educational accommodation in Maynooth. The site was considered to be suitable for the development of a campus for two post-primary school buildings to accommodate the existing Maynooth Post-Primary school and the new post-primary school to be established in the town and, on that basis, my Department approved the proposed acquisition by the VEC of these lands. Due to commercial sensitivities pertaining to site acquisitions generally it is not my Department's policy to provide details of the purchase cost of sites recently acquired as it could jeopardise ongoing site acquisitions.

Training Programmes

Gerry Adams

Question:

232 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills in cases in which workers who had been made redundant from companies (details supplied) embarked on retraining courses funded by the European Globalisation Fund; if the fees were for the entirety of the course to be covered or just a part thereof; if he has been contacted by committees of former workers now students regarding this issue; if he has met with such a committee or their representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15469/11]

EGF co-financing for all relevant measures in support of redundant SR Technics workers is required by European Commission decision to be used by 9 October 2011 whether the measures in question are carried through to completion within that timeframe or are run on a modular basis as part of longer duration courses. This end-date has always been made clear to both the providers of supports to the redundant workers and to the representatives of those workers wishing to avail of those supports.

Over the course of the EGF programme to date, a number of meetings have been held by Department officials with a delegation of the redundant SR Technics workers to discuss various EGF related issues including certain third level courses. The most recent such meeting was held on 12 April 2011.

I have also written to a member of this delegation on this specific issue last month. As the full facts of the situation have already been conveyed to the delegation by the Department on a number of occasions, I do not propose to meet with representatives of these workers again at this stage.

Teaching Qualifications

Terence Flanagan

Question:

233 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that an organisation (details supplied) has a voice regarding the accreditation system on the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15498/11]

The Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS), which regulates the English language education sector, was integrated into the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) on 1 January 2010. In accordance with agreements made upon the transfer of ACELS functions and staff to the Authority, a Liaison Committee, comprising the CEO and Board members of the organisation referred to by the Deputy and Authority staff members, was established. This Liaison Committee meets four times a year for briefing and discussion of matters relating to English Language Teaching in Ireland.

School Staffing

Tom Fleming

Question:

234 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will investigate the request by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to retain the second English teacher as an additional language teacher [15512/11]

The school referred to by the Deputy, has lodged an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board for a review of its allocation for language support for the 2011-12 school year (Circular 15/2009). The appeal will be considered by the Board at its next meeting which is scheduled for the end of June 2011.

The school will be notified of the outcome within a few days thereafter.

The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Joe McHugh

Question:

235 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15520/11]

The main focus in the Teacher Allocation Section within my Department at present is the redeployment panels for permanent teachers.

The redeployment panels that have been published consist solely of surplus permanent/CID teachers who are fully registered with the Teaching Council.

The next stage of the redeployment panels will consist of fixed-term primary teachers who are fully registered with the Teaching Council and who have a minimum of five years service.

The supplementary panels consist of fixed-term teachers who are fully registered with the Teaching Council and who have between three and five years service.

The position of the teacher referred to by the Deputy, will be considered in this context. My officials will correspond with her in due course.

Higher Education Grants

Terence Flanagan

Question:

236 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance available for the unemployed who wish to study at postgraduate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15525/11]

Financial assistance is available under the student grant schemes for qualifying postgraduate students subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant scheme. The student grant schemes are administered on behalf of my Department by local grant awarding authorities — local authorities and VECs — and students should apply to the grant awarding authority in the area where they live to have their eligibility for a grant assessed.

While the student grant schemes do not extend to postgraduate study outside of Ireland, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries.

Schools Building Projects

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

237 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15533/11]

I can confirm that the construction of 12 classrooms has commenced in the school to which the Deputy refers.

I can also confirm that the school has recently made a further application for additional accommodation to cater for an increase in enrolments and for the provision of a Special Class for Autism.

This application is currently being assessed and officials in my Department will convey a decision on the application to the school authority shortly.

Teaching Qualifications

Paudie Coffey

Question:

238 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the teaching time that Irish trainee teachers in the UK must complete before they are fully qualified to teach here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15534/11]

Under EU and Irish law, persons wishing to apply for registration as a teacher here must be fully recognised/registered as teachers in another EEA Member State and provide certification thereof when applying for registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Persons (of Irish nationality or otherwise) commencing a teacher education qualification in another EEA Member State from 1 January 2011 onwards must also complete any required period of post-qualification professional practice (e.g. an induction year) to subsequently become registered with the Teaching Council.

I understand that the current post-qualification requirements in the UK range from one school year in England, Scotland and Wales to none in Northern Ireland.

Further information on this process is available on the Teaching Council website.

Employment Support Services

Paudie Coffey

Question:

239 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills due to high levels of unemployment amongst young teachers, his plans to review the process of teacher training in order that more time is allowed for trainees to complete their HDIP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15535/11]

I understand the question to relate to the probationary process for primary teachers.

The Teaching Council has been informed that the relevant sections of the Teaching Council Act 2001 will be commenced no later than 1 September 2012. The Council has begun to consider the procedures and criteria for the induction and probation of primary and post-primary teachers that the Council would wish to implement.

Transitional arrangements for probation of primary teachers were put in place by my Department last year. These were set out in Circular 58/2010.

If a registered teacher is unable to complete the requirements of a registration condition within the specified period, the teacher may apply to the Council for an extension to that period in the year in which it is due to expire. Information on this process is available on the Teaching Council website.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

240 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options FÁS is considering for the disposal of the Bannow Road, Cabra training centre site, Dublin 7. [15545/11]

FÁS is in the process of appointing agents to advise on the optimum way to dispose of this site. Following receipt of such advice, a recommendation will be brought to the Board of FÁS.

School Staffing

Catherine Murphy

Question:

241 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been taken to grant a school (details supplied) an additional special needs assistant to offer full-time assistance to a person; if not, when the decision will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that there has been no overall reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants in our education system.

The Deputy will be aware that it is necessary to ensure that educational services are delivered within the resources available due to the current fiscal position. I intend to prioritise and support special educational services. However, I cannot re-visit the previous Government's decision to place a cap on the number of posts available under the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme. This number is 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. It also represents continual increases in the number of SNAs over recent years. It is considered that with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources that there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with Departmental criteria.

The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools. The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18 March, 2011 and intends to inform schools of their annual SNA allocation as soon as possible, in advance of the coming school year. However, while this process is ongoing it is not possible to predict the numbers of Special Needs Assistants that will be allocated to any school, including the school referred to by the Deputy in Sallins.

Departmental Expenditure

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

242 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount he has spent on teacher payslips in 2010 and to date in 2011; his plans to change the system of payment whereby payslips are distributed electronically as in other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15553/11]

Details of the costs associated with the issuing of payslips to Primary, Post-Primary and Retired Teachers by my Department for 2010 and to date in 2011 are laid out in the following tabular statement.

Consideration was given by officials in my Department in 2010, to making payslips available electronically to serving and retired school employees on the Department's payrolls, using esinet (which is a portal for the delivery of online applications to schools and school staff). Following consideration of the issue, it was decided that it was not practical to proceed with the initiative at this stage, due to a number of practical and logistical issues including the initial set-up cost. However, my Department will keep this issue under review.

PQ 15553/11 — Costs associated with the issuing of payslips to Primary, Post-Primary and Retired Teachers in 2010 and to date in 2011

Production Costs

Printing Costs

Delivery Costs

Total Annual Cost

2010

€29,795

€97,043

€1,102,619

€1,229,457

Cost to date 2011

€13,751

€52,106

€510,456

€576,314

Departmental Correspondence

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

243 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has made any formal contact with publishers on a matter (details supplied) or have the publishers made contact with him with a view to discussing this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15556/11]

The Deputy is aware that I have undertaken to meet book publishers and parents' representatives to discuss the cost of school books and to explore any role that my Department can play in alleviating pressure on parents from the high cost of school books and the frequency of new editions.

I intend to arrange this at the earliest opportunity.

In the meantime, I continue to urge schools to use the funding provided by my Department to establish book rental schemes as the most effective means of lowering the cost of books for all students.

Schools Building Projects

Emmet Stagg

Question:

244 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way funding was provided for a schools complex (details supplied); if the funding from the sale of a school was used for that purpose; if the money from the sale of that school has been paid by the buyer to the county vocational education committee or to his Department; and if it has not been paid, if he will indicate when it is likely to be paid. [15558/11]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the permanent school buildings on the site to which he refers were funded through a combination of capital grant aid from my Department and a loan raised by the VEC.

The loan was raised by the VEC on foot of a contract for the sale of an existing school building. I understand that the contractual arrangement between the VEC and the purchaser provides for the payment of the purchase price in February 2012.

Special Educational Needs

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

245 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a special needs assistant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15559/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that there has been no overall reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants in our education system.

The Deputy will be aware that it is necessary to ensure that educational services are delivered within the resources available due to the current fiscal position. I intend to prioritise and support special educational services. However, I cannot re-visit the previous Government's decision to place a cap on the number of posts available under the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme. This number is 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number. It also represents continual increases in the number of SNAs over recent years. It is considered that with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources that there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with departmental criteria.

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

The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18 March 2011 and intends to inform schools of their annual SNA allocation as soon as possible, in advance of the coming school year. However, while this process is ongoing it is not possible to predict the numbers of Special Needs Assistants that will be allocated to any school, including in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy in County Meath.

Schools Building Projects

Michael McGrath

Question:

246 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a planned new school building project (details supplied) in County Cork; and if any consideration has been given to include an ASD unit as part of the development of the new school. [15564/11]

My Department has reached agreement, in principle, in relation to the proposed acquisition of a site for a permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy. Liaison with the Local Authority on the matter is ongoing and an outline planning application is currently being prepared and will be lodged in the coming months. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further at this time on issues relating to the site.

As there is adequate provision for ASD pupils in the area, my Department is not currently giving consideration to setting up an ASD Unit in the school referred to by the Deputy.

Higher Education Grants

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

247 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the student grant application forms for 2011-12 will be available; his views on whether the delay in publishing the application form for 2011-12 will cause unacceptable additional delays in the processing of applications and thus create additional financial hardship for students and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15579/11]

The Deputy will probably be aware that, currently, there are four student grant schemes administered by 66 grant awarding bodies (local authorities and VECs) on my Department's behalf. However, earlier this year, the Student Support Act became law. This enables the consolidation of the four existing schemes into a single unified scheme.

As a consequence, a fundamental review of the schemes was necessary together with the formulation of secondary legislation. This process is nearing completion and I expect to be able to publish the new scheme shortly.

While the publication of the scheme will be a number of weeks later than last year, this is still considerably ahead of the publication date in previous years. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that this was unavoidable in view of the considerable additional work that had to be undertaken beyond the norm this year. Despite earlier publication of the schemes, one of the principal reasons for delays in the processing of applications is that many students still wait until very late in the process, frequently only after a CAO offer is made, to apply for a grant. My Department will continue to use a range of channels such as the USI, Institute of Guidance Counsellors and CAO etc. to encourage students to apply early. Every effort will be made in the grant awarding authorities to process grant applications in a timely manner once they have been received.

Departmental Funding

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

248 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to decrease the current funding stream to Pobal now or during his term in office. [15617/11]

As an intermediary company, POBAL manages programmes on behalf of a number of Government Departments including the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Justice and Equality. The only area where my Department is working with POBAL is on a philanthropic project. There are no plans to cut my Department's allocation of funding to this philanthropic project.

Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 229.

School Curriculum

Nicky McFadden

Question:

250 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the decline in the number of students taking higher level maths for the leaving certificate and the measures that will be taken to increase those numbers. [15658/11]

The rate of entry for Higher Level Maths in the Leaving Certificate 2011 is 0.05% lower than that pertaining in 2010. While the overall trend is downwards, too much significance cannot be read into a change of this order. Normally, around 20% of students who apply to sit Mathematics at Higher Level in the Leaving Certificate actually sit the examination at a lower level.

A major programme of reform in Mathematics is under way in all second level schools since September last, building on the experience of 24 schools which began the programme in 2008. Project Maths is designed to encourage better understanding of mathematics, to reinforce its practical relevance to everyday life, and to ensure better curriculum continuity across the system. A key objective is to improve attainment levels in Maths and to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level. The programme is supported by a comprehensive investment in professional development for teachers which will run to at least 2013. Only students in the 24 schools will sit a Leaving Certificate examination in 2011 in the Project Maths programme. However, experience of these schools in the Leaving Certificate in 2010 showed a modest increase in the proportion who sat the subject at Higher Level, 18.7% compared with 16.0% nationally.

Higher education institutions have collectively agreed to operate a bonus points scheme for Higher Level Mathematics for a four year trial period from 2012 to 2015 inclusive, with a review in 2014. A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or above in LC Higher Level mathematics. This pilot scheme has been specifically designed with the objective of maximizing the numbers of Leaving Cert students who study for and sit the Higher Level maths examinations, and in particular of reducing the numbers of students who might drop down from Higher to Ordinary Level during the senior cycle.

I also intend to publish a National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy shortly which will provide a continuum of measures designed to improve performance in these critical areas. The NCCA will shortly advise me on reforms in junior cycle which are designed to address curriculum overload and rote learning, and promote creativity and innovation. In addition, I have also asked higher education institutions to examine the scope for reform of the CAO points system to overcome some of its negative backwash effects on senior cycle students' learning.

Taken together, these initiatives are intended to improve attainment in Mathematics and increase the numbers of students taking Higher Level.

Media Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

251 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has reviewed the findings of the advisory group on media mergers, published in June 2008; and if he intends to seek an update of the analysis within that review in the context of further media consolidation which has taken place in the period since the report was completed. [15678/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

257 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his view on the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ statement to the Advisory Group on Media Mergers 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15689/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 257 together.

The Advisory Group on Media Mergers, which was established in 2008, was requested to review the current legislative framework relating to the public interest aspects of media mergers in Ireland. The Group's Report, which was published in 2009, and the eleven recommendations contained therein were considered in the context of a wider review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002. I will be seeking Government approval shortly for legislation arising, inter alia, from this review.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

252 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the current structure of media ownership here; and his further views on whether there is sufficient diversity of ownership in the local newspaper market. [15679/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

253 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is satisfied with the current structure of media ownership; and his views on whether there is sufficient diversity of ownership in the national newspaper market. [15681/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

254 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the current structure of media ownership; and his further views on whether there is sufficient diversity of ownership in the national commercial radio market. [15683/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 to 254, inclusive, together.

Broadcasting media organisations, including undertakings involved in commercial radio, are subject to the licensing requirements of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, including in relation to issues such as diversity and plurality of ownership. Policy responsibility in this area lies with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I have no direct function in the matter.

Mergers between media undertakings, whether or not such undertakings are involved in print or broadcast media, are subject to regulatory control. The Competition Act 2002 requires that media mergers be notified to the Competition Authority (which is independent in the exercising of its statutory functions) to determine if the merger will result in a significant lessening of competition. The Competition Act also requires media mergers to be notified to me as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. If the Competition Authority decides that there will be a significant lessening of competition, then the merger cannot go ahead. If there is no significant lessening of competition, the Act requires that I, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, in deciding whether or not to approve such mergers, or to approve them subject to conditions, have to have regard to certain relevant criteria, including the impact of the merger on the extent to which ownership or control of media businesses in the State is spread amongst individuals and other undertakings.

The Advisory Group on Media Mergers, which was established in 2008, was requested to review the current legislative framework relating to the public interest aspects of media mergers in Ireland. The Group's Report, which was published in 2009, and the eleven recommendations contained therein were considered in the context of a wider review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002. I will be seeking Government approval shortly for legislation arising, inter alia, from this review.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

255 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to ensure adequate diversity of ownership in the emerging online media sector. [15685/11]

Broadcasting legislation regulates aspects of the ownership of broadcasting entities through the imposition of licensing requirements. Competition legislation imposes a public interest consideration in instances of mergers of media undertakings: however, these latter regulatory controls do not apply to media businesses involved in the provision of audio-visual material over the Internet.

The Advisory Group on Media Mergers, which was established in 2008, was requested to review the current legislative framework relating to the public interest aspects of media mergers in Ireland. The Group's Report, which was published in 2009, and the eleven recommendations contained therein were considered in the context of a wider review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002. Included in these recommendations was one recommending the removal of the exemption of undertakings involved in the provision of audio-visual material over the Internet from the media merger provisions of competition law.

I will be seeking Government approval shortly for legislation arising, inter alia, from this review, including the possibility of extending the public interest criteria for media mergers to certain aspects of the operations of undertakings involved in the provision of audio-visual material over the Internet as recommended by the Advisory Group on Media Mergers.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

256 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has been briefed on reports that a former director of the largest commercial media group here sought to intervene directly in the way one of that group’s newspapers reported on the Moriarty tribunal and sought to have a journalist removed from the story; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15687/11]

Michael Moynihan

Question:

258 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the appropriateness of the owners of media outlets seeking to influence the editorial output of those media outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15691/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 258 together.

The editorial strategies of media organisations and the manner in which they carry out such strategies are matters for the organisations themselves and I have no direct function in relation to such matters.

Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 251.
Question No. 258 answered with Question No. 256.

Consumer Prices

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

259 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to invigilate competition in the food, energy, retail, legal and medical sectors in view of recent unacceptable price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15739/11]

The Central Statistics Office publishes indices of consumer prices, including the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, which is accepted as the best method of comparing consumer prices across the European Union. The most recent Harmonised Index has shown that consumer prices in Ireland rose by 1.5% in the twelve months to April 2011 as compared with rises of 3.2% in the rest of the community and 4.5% in our nearest neighbour the UK for the same period. Indeed the Index has shown that prices continue to rise faster in every other country of the European Union than Ireland.

Insofar as the sectors mentioned in the question are concerned, the Deputy will be aware that the Competition Authority has published a number of reports resulting from studies it carried out on various sectors or professions since 2004. The reports usually contain a suite of recommendations, aimed at improving competition in the relevant area and are addressed to the responsible Government Department or body. Such reports have included the medical and legal professions.

Responsibility for any proposals aimed at ending apparent restrictions on competition in a particular sector rests with the Minister with responsibility for that particular policy area. For example, policy proposals concerning the legal and medical sectors are matters for my colleagues, the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Health respectively. I understand that both Ministers are working on proposals in respect of these sectors at present.

Given the responsibility of my Department for competition policy in general, I will be reporting to Government shortly on the progress achieved by a number of Government Departments in the implementation of the Competition Authority recommendations and I will continue to urge my Government colleagues to ensure that everything is done to help improve competitiveness in their areas of responsibility.

The Government is determined to ensure that the narrowing of differentials in prices with our competitors as evidenced in the CSO's recent returns will continue particularly in areas such as utility charges, professional fees, etc and thereby ensuring that the improvement in our relative cost competitiveness continues.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

260 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views that foreign food, clothing and furniture multiples are justified in describing the Irish Republic as treasure island in view of the lack of invigilation of their pricing policies which often place such companies Irish operations as their most profitable by far in the EU and OECD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15740/11]

The Central Statistics Office publishes indices of consumer prices, including the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, which is accepted as the best method of comparing consumer prices across the EU. The most recent Harmonised Index has shown that consumer prices in Ireland rose by 1.5% in the twelve months to April 2011 as compared with rises of 3.2% in the rest of the EU and 4.5% in our nearest neighbour the UK for the same period. Indeed the Index has shown that prices continue to rise faster in every other country of the EU than Ireland.

These consumer price trends, which show Irish prices rising at a slower rate than other EU countries, reflect the efforts that are being taken by this Government to restore our national competitiveness, which is helping to reduce costs for business, obtain better value for money and provide for greater opportunities for job creation. Notwithstanding the improvements in our relative competitiveness, costs continue to remain high in a number of areas. The Government is, therefore, determined to continue the drive to restore national competitiveness, including in the area of price competitiveness, thereby supporting the continued return to economic growth and job creation.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

261 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15760/11]

Internal audit work is carried out by Civil Servants employed by my Department in compliance with the Report of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers (known as the Mullarkey Report Department of Finance 2002). External audit services are provided by the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office.

Media Industry

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

262 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding legislation governing the ownership of all media based here; his plans to change current legislation and if there are any proposals to maintain a healthy diversity of ownership and opinion in our media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15803/11]

Broadcasting media organisations are subject to the licensing requirements of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, including in relation to issues such as diversity and plurality of ownership. Policy responsibility in this area lies with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I have no direct function in the matter.

Mergers between media undertakings, whether or not such undertakings are involved in print or broadcast media, are subject to regulatory control. The Competition Act 2002 requires that media mergers be notified to the Competition Authority (which is independent in the exercising of its statutory functions) to determine if the merger will result in a significant lessening of competition. The Competition Act also requires media mergers to be notified to me as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. If the Competition Authority decides that there will be a significant lessening of competition, then the merger cannot go ahead. If there is no significant lessening of competition, the Act requires that I, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, in deciding whether or not to approve such mergers, or to approve them subject to conditions, have to have regard to certain relevant criteria, including the impact of the merger on the extent to which ownership or control of media businesses in the State is spread amongst individuals and other undertakings.

The Advisory Group on Media Mergers, which was established in 2008, was requested to review the current legislative framework relating to the public interest aspects of media mergers in Ireland. The Group's Report, which was published in 2009, and the eleven recommendations contained therein were considered in the context of a wider review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002. I will be seeking Government approval shortly for legislation arising, inter alia, from this review.

Job Creation

Paudie Coffey

Question:

263 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in addition to the recent jobs initiative the plans he has in place to help tackle the south east region’s high unemployment rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15831/11]

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 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 Jobs Initiative includes measures designed to increase access to credit for viable SMEs through the introduction of a temporary partial loan guarantee scheme, as well as the development of a Microfinance Fund; lowering costs for employers by halving employers PRSI for jobs paying up to €356 per week; and providing a much needed boost for tourism and retail through the abolition of the travel tax and the reduction in targeted VAT from 13.5% to 9%. These measures will stimulate the business environment across all Regions, including the South-East.

In relation to the State Development agencies under the aegis of my Department — Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) are continuing to drive and promote enterprise development, and consequently employment creation in the South East Region. According to the latest figures available, there are more than 32,000 people employed in agency-assisted companies in the South East Region and almost 6,500 in companies supported by the CEBs operating in the Region.

In terms of facilitating job creation, Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and enhancing Ireland's innovation capability at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and Third Level institutions. So far this year, the agency has paid out almost €4.2m in support for companies, entrepreneurs and Third Level institutes in the South East Region.

Attracting investment and employment opportunities to the South East is a high priority for IDA Ireland. The agency is continuing to vigorously promote the region to potential new investors and there has been an increased level of interest expressed in the South East Region this year from potential investors. One announcement for the South East Region this year will create 50 new jobs in Waterford. Also, jobs announced for the Region over the past couple of years continue to come on stream. As well as marketing the region for new Greenfield investment, IDA continues to work with existing clients to broaden their mandate in Ireland and to continue to re-invest in their sites within the Region. While we are operating in a very difficult economic environment, there are still investment opportunities in global markets.

During 2010, the CEBs operating in the South East Region paid almost €1.8m in grant assistance to 196 clients. This year, the CEBs in the South East Region have continued to support enterprise development through the provision of direct financial assistance and indirect assistance, such as management development, capability support and the development and delivery of activities to highlight and promote enterprise.

Job Losses

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

264 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will intervene with a company (details supplied). [15038/11]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

268 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will intervene to try and save the 130 plus jobs at risk in a company (details supplied) by meeting the CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15155/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 268 together.

I am very concerned about the job losses that have been announced and of the impact that they have had on the workers concerned and their families as well as the communities affected.

I understand that Vodafone Ireland, which is not an IDA or EI client, has announced this as a part of a review of its European operations and which will also impact on its operations in other EU Member States. I am advised, as part of this process, that the company has been in discussions with unions and its Irish Call Centre contract partner, Rigney Dolphin. I am aware that Vodafone has decided that a portion of the existing contracted call centre operations in Dundalk and Dublin will be moved to other locations — Egypt and India — within the Vodafone Group and to other specialist contractors in Ireland.

This decision will impact 45 Vodafone roles and 139 in Rigney Dolphin — the 139 staff are employed by Rigney Dolphin but are in-sourced to Vodafone and are based at its sites in Dublin and Dundalk. I have been assured that Rigney Dolphin will work through the implications of the redundancies with their employees.

I also understand that all impacted Vodafone employees will be offered the opportunity to transfer to alternative roles within Vodafone Ireland, and voluntary redundancy packages will be offered. A consultation process is now underway with all Vodafone employees affected by the decision to finalise the alternatives available. The changes to Vodafone Call Centre operations will take place in late 2011 and early 2012.

Last week, my officials and Minister of State Sean Sherlock met with Vodafone. The company explained that in the current market environment, cost efficiencies are a prerequisite so as to ensure their continued ability to compete in the Irish market where they employ over 1,000 people. In particular, this includes being in a position to make major funding investments in Ireland that will be required in the future to compete in the market.

I can assure the Deputy that the State Development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, as well as the Louth County Enterprise Board will continue to promote Dundalk and the surrounding area for industrial projects and enterprise development.

Job creation is central to economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is 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 programmes supported by my Department and its agencies will be critical in achieving economic growth through promoting the export potential of enterprise in Ireland and driving our Smart Economy.

Employment Rights

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

265 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure any review that occurs through the correct channels and works will protect the wage rates and terms and conditions of low paid workers right across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15021/11]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

273 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to protect low paid workers; the way he proposes to reform the joint labour committees system which sets minimum pay and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15442/11]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

275 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the joint labour committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15523/11]

Finian McGrath

Question:

276 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will protect low paid workers’ rights under the joint labour committee system. [15662/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265, 273, 275 and 276 together.

The overall finding of the Report of the Review of Employment Regulations Orders and Registered Employment Agreement Wage Setting Mechanisms was that the basic framework of the current JLC/REA regulatory system requires radical overhaul so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions.

The report of the Independent Review does not recommend, nor have I proposed, specific adjustments in wage rates for the sectors covered by JLCs / REAs.

Together with the decision to restore the National Minimum Wage to €8.65 per hour, the decision to reform the Joint Labour Committee structure represents a significant commitment by the Government to the lowest paid and most vulnerable workers in the economy.

However, we need to ensure that statutory wage fixing mechanisms work effectively and efficiently and that they do not have a negative impact on economic performance and employment levels.

The sectors and occupations where the greatest job losses have occurred in the economy generally coincide with the sectors where the minimum wage/sectoral agreements are most prevalent. In the past three years, there has been a 60 per cent loss of employment in construction and 15 per cent in the retail and wholesale sectors. While demand in these sectors is clearly a key factor, labour costs represent a relatively high proportion of total output costs in these locally traded sectors.

I am convinced, however, that the JLC system must be made more responsive and become fit for purpose in the context of a modern economy. The benefits of retaining these sectoral wage-setting mechanisms cannot be outweighed by economic and competitiveness penalties incurred as a consequence of a lack of responsiveness, coherence and precision in both EROs and REAs. The report of the Independent Review, which was undertaken in line with the EU/ECB/IMF programme of support for Ireland, highlights the deficiencies in these mechanisms. It is now time to signal that decisive action will be taken to remove them.

The available evidence suggests that rates of pay in key sectors of the economy covered by JLCs have increased at a faster pace when compared to, for example, the National Minimum Wage. In many cases, JLCs cover the very sectors that are experiencing some of the greatest competitive pressures, including in the hospitality sector, which is central to our ambitions to regain Ireland's position as a top tourist destination. Comparable wage rates in the UK and Northern Ireland add further weight to the compelling case for reform.

I am anxious to pursue the agenda for radical overhaul of the ERO/ REA system as a matter of urgency, including proposals dealt with in the report and other issues raised by the report. To this end, I have set out an outline of my proposals for that agenda to the Social Partners, and these have already been the subject of discussion with the Construction Industry Federation, IBEC and ICTU. I have also heard the views of other stakeholder bodies whose members are covered by our statutory wage setting mechanisms.

In accordance with the terms of the EU/IMF programme, discussions have also taken place with the Commission Services in this regard.

These discussions afforded me the opportunity to hear at first hand the views of the main representative bodies of employers and trade unions on how a meaningful and overdue reform might be implemented in these wage-setting mechanisms, which affect key sectors of our economy, in order to protect existing jobs and encourage employment growth.

Discussions with relevant parties have concluded and I will be submitting a final action plan for consideration by Government before the end of the month.

The detailed plan will implement far-reaching reforms of the current system including making any legislative changes that may be necessary.

Clare Daly

Question:

266 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps that National Employment Rights Authority is taking to address the issue of exploitation of workers who are employed as au pairs and live-in childminders, many of whom are here on student visas and are more vulnerable to being exploited. [15070/11]

The commonly accepted position regarding "au pairs" is that of a young person who chooses to help look after the children of a host family and carry out light housekeeping duties. The au pair is given room and board and is typically paid weekly "pocket-money" and gains experience of a new culture while also improving his or her foreign language skills.

There is no specific regulatory framework covering "au pairs" in place in Ireland. Therefore, their legal status will depend on the circumstances of each individual Au Pair/Sponsor relationship. Au Pairs may or may not be considered as employees within the provisions of Irish employment law depending on the terms and conditions, which apply to the relationship with the sponsor family. The relationship could also be construed to be in the form of a house/family guest receiving out of pocket expenses, an internship or a work experience programme.

Any complaints received by NERA regarding "au pairs" will initially be examined using the provisions of the ‘Code of Practice Determining the Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals' in order to determine the employment status of the relationship. Where the employment status of such individuals cannot be clarified or is disputed, the employer or employee in dispute may be directed to make a request in writing for a ruling to Scope Section of the Dept. of Social Protection or this may be done by NERA.

Ireland's body of employment rights legislation protects all workers employed on an employer-employee basis in Ireland. The Protection of Employees (Part-Time) Work Act, 2001 provides that all employee protection legislation applies to a person, irrespective of his or her nationality or place of residence, who has entered into a contract of employment that provides for his or her being employed in the State or who works in the State under a contract of employment. Therefore, once it is clear that a person is working under a contract of employment in another person's home, on a full-time or part-time basis, that person has the same protection under law as all other workers.

There is a Code of Practice for Protecting Persons Employed in Other People's Homes. The code:

Sets out certain employment rights and protections for persons employed in other people's homes; and

Encourages good practice and compliance with the law concerning the employment of persons in other people's homes; and

Increases awareness of the application of relevant legislation and Codes of Practice with regard to the sector to which this Code applies.

NERA seeks to secure compliance with employment law in relation to domestic workers through the provision of education and awareness, inspection of employers and enforcement where necessary. NERA also investigates complaints received.

NERA is currently undertaking a focussed pilot programme examining the level of compliance in the domestic worker sector. A key element of this programme is the provision of information to both employers and employees and where breaches of employment legislation are detected, NERA assists the employer in question to become complaint. If employers refuse or fail to become compliant, the necessary enforcement activity, including prosecution will be initiated.

Where people have concerns that workers may be exploited or receiving less than their statutory entitlement the matter should be reported to NERA for investigation.

Job Creation

Frank Feighan

Question:

267 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the initiatives in place and the progress achieved in finding a replacement enterprise for a business (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [15140/11]

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 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. On a national basis, the Jobs Initiative announced on 10 May focuses our limited resources on measures that offer the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy. The Initiative has a significant focus on tourism, and the reduction in the VAT Rate along with the abolition of the travel tax will provide an important stimulus to tourism businesses in County Roscommon and the Country as a whole.

In terms of job creation, Enterprise Ireland (EI) activity is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and Third Level institutions. At present, there are over 60 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Roscommon, employing almost 1,200 people and in 2010 the agency approved over €1.5m for client companies in the county.

The agency has also approved financial support for a total of five community Enterprise Centres in Co. Roscommon. These centres are located in Arigna, Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Castlerea and Roscommon Town.

As regards the closure of the factory referred to, in 2006, I am informed that Enterprise Ireland has been monitoring the situation closely and even though this is a particularly difficult time for the food industry, the agency is continuing to actively pursue a replacement enterprise for these particular premises. I have been advised also that the company has advertised the premises for sale.

The creation of jobs in Roscommon is also supported by the activities of the Roscommon CEB through a series of programmes and both financial and non-financial assistance are available to a project promoter. In 2010, Roscommon CEB provided over €340,000 to 16 projects and assisted more than 500 people in their training and mentoring programmes. During 2011, the Board has continued to support enterprise development in Boyle and throughout the County and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development. In relation to potential Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) based job creation for the area, IDA Ireland's strategy for Roscommon is to promote the County as part of an integrated Midlands Region. In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA is committed to marketing the County town of Roscommon as a location for FDI. To this end, IDA Ireland works closely with educational institutions in the Region, in developing the best fit between their programs and the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county. At present, there are six IDA Ireland supported companies in Roscommon employing approximately 755 people.

Question No. 268 answered with Question No. 264.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

269 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15174/11]

My constituency office is located in the Department's Head Office in Kildare Street which is owned by the State. The Department meets the cost of my home telephone line and to date one such bill has been paid amounting to €50.84. The staff of the constituency office use equipment taken from a pool of equipment available to be used as and when required by staff of the Department and no specific equipment purchases were made for the constituency office. One civil servant (Clerical Officer) is currently assigned to the constituency office on the Clerical Officer salary scale (PPC rate) of €23,177 to €37,341.

Departmental Agencies

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

270 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of site visits made by Enterprise Ireland or the Industrial Development Agency to County Kerry in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of such visits in which he or Minister of State of his Department participated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15186/11]

Enterprise Ireland has the remit for visiting itineraries only in relation to Food and Natural Resources. In the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 there were no site visits to Co. Kerry.

I have been informed by IDA Ireland that the number of itineraries that have been hosted by them in County Kerry in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as set out in the tabular statement below: Site visits involve IDA staff and personnel from prospective client companies.

As such, there was no ministerial involvement in these visits.

County

2008

2009

2010

Kerry

4

3

2

In selecting locations to show companies, IDA Ireland seeks to include locations which have been affected by closures/job losses. However, while IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on location is taken in all cases by the promoting company.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

271 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15193/11]

My Department participates in the scheme known as the Travel Pass Scheme or Tax Saver Commuter Ticket Scheme, which encourages staff to use public transport. This scheme allows staff to purchase an annual travel pass for their preferred mode of public transport and to pay for the ticket over twelve months by salary sacrifice. Savings to staff arise because tickets are not subject to tax or PRSI. The Department advertises the scheme to all staff by office notice each year. Two hundred and five staff members availed of the scheme this year.

The Department also participates in the Cycle to Work Scheme, which, although not directly related to the use of public transport, does encourage staff to cycle to and from work. Apart from improved health and fitness levels, cycling helps to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.

The Department's policy on travel and subsistence recognizes that public transport is normally the most economic means of transport available and should be availed of by staff travelling on official business wherever possible. The Department is not obliged to pay mileage rates where an officer uses his/her car or motor cycle when public transport could have been used without detriment to the public interest for the same journey. Staff may be authorized to use their own cars on official business in the following circumstances:

(a) where no suitable public transport is available;

(b) where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense;

(c) where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time.

Departmental Agencies

Brendan Griffin

Question:

272 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he and State employment agencies are making efforts to attract research and development divisions of manufacturing companies previously located here but which have relocated manufacturing operations overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15205/11]

Many of the recent jobs losses which have occurred are as a result of the restructuring process which is going on in industry in Ireland and around the world. While some jobs in Ireland have been phased out as these activities become uneconomic in an Irish context, operations remain in Ireland and we hope that other higher-value jobs can be added as time goes on. Manufacturing is the bedrock on which the growth in Ireland's FDI was founded. While manufacturing is also in transition, it has been a significant segment of the IDA portfolio and it will continue to remain so. Higher technological investment and higher value products will be the hallmark of future manufacturing operations in Ireland. The sector will be characterised by increased international competition and enhanced output volumes due to investments in technology and automation. These operations will be knowledge, capital and skills intensive, characterised by a participative innovative culture where management and staff continuously collaborate to drive innovation, productivity, agility, learning and adaptability. Globally, manufacturing jobs, as a percentage of total employment, will continue to decrease, even in lower cost locations.

In March 2010, IDA published its strategy for the forthcoming decade, Horizon 2020. This presents their view of how the environment in which they operate will change over the next ten years, and the opportunities for FDI created by global trends. Horizon 2020 sets out IDA's targets for the 5-year period to 2014 as well as the direction IDA will take in the pursuit of these goals. The investment targets for this strategy include the creation of 105,000 new jobs in Ireland from the period 2010-2014 with 50% of these investments to be based in locations outside of Dublin and Cork.

IDA's strategy includes winning as many new jobs as possible each year and giving equal priority to maintaining existing jobs. The Agency recognises that jobs losses occur every year for a variety of reasons including changing competitiveness, competition from sister sites, product and technology lifecycles or global location rationalisation as a result of mergers and acquisitions.

To address the need to maintain jobs in Ireland, IDA is actively encouraging its clients to strongly engage in transformation initiatives, and is assisting them in programmes to improve company-wide competitiveness; enhance use of new technologies; grow the skills of the business; engage in research, development and innovation; develop new business processes; make company operations more energy efficient.

2010 saw IDA win a number of high-value RD&I projects for Ireland with over €500 million in new RD&I investment secured. RD&I plays a strategic role as part of Ireland's FDI landscape embedding existing employment and setting the groundwork for increased future employment. Some of the companies that announced RD&I investments in 2010 were: IBM (Smarter Cities) Dublin, United Technologies Cork, HP Galway, PAS Technologies Cork, Analog Limerick, Luminson Galway, and Covidien Galway.

Question No. 273 answered with Question No. 265.

Employment Rights

Joe McHugh

Question:

274 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the National Employment Rights Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15519/11]

Minister at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Mr. Bruton) The statutory minimum wage due to employees for certain employment sectors, including retail grocery, is set out in statutory instruments known as Employment Regulation Orders (EROs)

The Industrial Relations Acts 1946-1990 impose a statutory obligation on NERA inspectors to enforce the rates of pay and conditions of employment as set out in the EROs.

Section 49 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 provides that employers must keep records for a period 3 years to show compliance with the ERO. NERA undertakes inspections and associated enquiries to check compliance with minimum statutory employment rights entitlements.

Where an employer does not pay the minimum entitlement due to employees, NERA's primary objective is to seek compliance with the legislation and rectification of any breaches identified, and payment of any wages underpaid to employees.

Section 45(4) of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 provides that proceedings may be taken against an employer

"in respect of an offence consisting of a failure to pay a worker remuneration not less than the statutory minimum remuneration..."

Where such proceedings are taken, a Court

"may order the employer to pay to the worker...such sum as is found ...to represent the difference between the amount which ought to have been paid during that period to the worker...and the amount actually so paid"

It is on this basis that a NERA inspector would seek rectification and payments of arrears due.

Questions Nos. 275 and 276 answered with Question No. 265.

Social Welfare Benefits

Damien English

Question:

277 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for a decision on applications for disability allowance; if she will provide a breakdown on a county basis in tabular form; her plans to reduce the average waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15672/11]

The average number of weeks taken to award a disability allowance claim for the period January to April 2011 was 17 weeks. The department does not hold statistics on a county by county basis for processing times for disability allowance applications. To be eligible for disability allowance, a claimant must (inter alia) satisfy a medical assessment, a means test and be habitually resident in the state.

The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main criteria listed above. Certain claims have to be referred to social welfare inspectors for means investigation and this can add to the overall processing times. These claims are often complex and can take time to investigate. In addition, factors outside the department's control can have an impact, for example, the supply of relevant information by the customer, employers or other third parties.

The measures taken to improve processing times for disability allowance claims include increasing the number of claims which are desk assessed for means purposes and reducing the numbers being sent to Social Welfare Inspectors (SWIs). Since August 2009 all claims are being desk assessed by the Medical Assessors thus obviating the need to call claimants for in-person medical examinations. Since November 2010, all medical reports for new disability allowance claims are being scanned to make processing of medical assessments more efficient. The scheme is scheduled to go on a new IT platform later this year, as part of Department's business transformation programme which should improve processing times and further enhance customer service.

Customers waiting on a decision on their disability allowance claim, who have urgent income support needs, can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) from their local community welfare officer.

Question No. 278 withdrawn.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

279 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid arrears of payments of his contributory old age pension in view of the fact that he has been informed that he is entitled to a higher rate of pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15729/11]

The person concerned had an outstanding self-employment PRSI liability, which he fully discharged in May 2011. Following confirmation that his liability had been discharged, his pension entitlement was reviewed, and he was awarded an increase in his weekly rate, with effect from 28 January 2009.

Arrears of State pension (contributory) due in respect of this increase, have been authorised, and will issue this week.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

280 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when arrears of carer’s allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15751/11]

The application for carer's allowance from the person concerned was received on the 17 January 2011. He was awarded carer's allowance at the weekly personal rate of €204.00 from the 20 January 2011. He was notified of this decision. The arrears, less the amount paid in respect of another social welfare payment pending the decision to award carer's allowance, will issue to the person concerned in due course.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

281 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection the auditors currently employed by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15766/11]

There are ten internal audit staff employed by my Department, headed by a qualified accountant. The staff includes one information systems internal auditor. It also uses the services of an outsourced IT audit specialist.

The internal audit unit carries out a continuous programme of audits on financial and internal control issues across the many business units and payment schemes of the Department. The unit provides an independent opinion and reports to senior management, the management board and the Secretary General on the business controls and procedures of the business areas reviewed.

Social Welfare Appeals

Áine Collins

Question:

282 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [15779/11]

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.

Pension Provisions

Peter Mathews

Question:

283 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection if he plans to introduce a pension protection fund or a similar programme which would protect occupational pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15791/11]

The pension rights of scheme members are protected through trust law and by provisions in the Pensions Act 1990 as amended.

As supplementary pension schemes are usually established under irrevocable trust, the assets of the scheme are legally separate from the assets of the employer and are not available to any other creditors where the employer becomes insolvent. Under trust law, trustees of occupational pension schemes have the principal responsibility for ensuring that the entitlements of the members are adequately protected and that they receive the pensions due to them.

In addition to the safeguards provided by trust law, the Pensions Act 1990 provides for the regulation of pensions schemes in Ireland. Under the Pensions Act, defined benefit (DB) pension schemes must meet a minimum funding standard which requires that schemes maintain sufficient assets to enable them discharge accrued liabilities in the event of the scheme winding up.

Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard, the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within three years. The Pensions Board can allow a scheme up to ten years to meet the standard in certain circumstances.

Should a scheme be wound up by its trustees, the Pensions Act 1990 (as amended) specifies how scheme assets are prioritised. In short, schemes first prioritise benefits that have accrued to members by way of additional voluntary contribution or transfer of rights from another scheme. Benefits being paid to retired members come next in the priority list, followed by benefits to current and deferred members of the scheme.

The issue of guarantees and the security of pension funds was raised in the Green Paper on Pensions which was published in October 2007. A public consultation process followed the publication of the Green Paper and was completed in May 2008. In March 2010 the National Pensions Framework was launched. This framework set out plans for the reform of the Irish pensions system.

The issue of a pension protection type mechanism was considered as part of this process to provide protection for defined benefit pension scheme members in the event that their scheme is wound up with a shortfall. While both the UK and the US have such a mechanism, and these were examined, there are a number of reasons why a pension protection fund did not form part of the measures in the National Pensions Framework and why it is not intended to introduce such a measure. The relatively small size of the pensions industry in Ireland means that the risk-sharing and costs involved would be high, particularly at a time when pension schemes are already dealing with significant challenges. Imposing such additional costs could lead to DB closures. It imposes a retrospective penalty on employers who have set up a pension scheme on a voluntary basis and may confer a competitive advantage on those who have made no provision for their employees. It can lead to unintended consequences: e.g. under funding of pensions in advance of liquidation; riskier investment strategies; increasing pension benefits rather than wages in companies at risk; early retirement of directors taking substantial benefits. Stronger companies could end up cross-subsidising the weakest. It is prone to economic cycles: in a downturn, it is exposed to significant demands which it may not be able to meet. It imposes a high regulatory burden and is administratively complex and costly.

In a situation where a Pension Protection Fund was introduced and in the event of any shortfall, it is likely that the Government would be expected to intervene and bear the fund deficit.

However, the framework recognised the difficulties facing DB schemes and emphasised that "further measures must be put in place to ensure that regulatory provision underpins a realisable pension promise and provides that the funding levels required to achieve the core pension expectation of scheme members can be delivered”. More specifically, the framework committed to keep the funding standard under review and also suggested a new design for DB schemes.

An implementation group under the auspices of the steering group of the National Pensions Framework has been charged with the development of a new DB model. This work has included consultations with the pension industry, employers and trade unions. I will be bringing forward proposals for this new DB model shortly.

Community Employment Schemes

Michael Creed

Question:

284 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the future of FÁS and, in particular, community employment schemes; the role she has in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15795/11]

Responsibility for policy and funding of the employment and community services of FÁS transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. It is envisaged that the integration of FÁS staff into the Department will commence later this year.

Insofar as the training activities of FÁS are concerned, options regarding the provision of further education and training and the structures to support it are currently being reviewed by the Minister for Education and Skills.

Within the current budgetary constraints, the number of places on CE was increased to 23,300 in 2010. The budgetary provision for CE in 2011 will allow FÁS to continue the programme at the same level as 2010. In delivering these places, FÁS will continue to operate flexibly in the management of this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.

Social Welfare Benefits

Martin Ferris

Question:

285 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive domiciliary care allowance. [15797/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 17 February 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for domiciliary care allowance. A letter issued to the person concerned on 15 April 2011 advising her of the decision to refuse the allowance.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned submitted further medical information and an appeal was registered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 16 May 2011. As part of the appeals process this additional information is currently being reviewed by a Medical Assessor.

Martin Ferris

Question:

286 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection his views that the medical assessments supporting domiciliary care allowance should be the only criteria governing eligibility. [15799/11]

In order to qualify for domiciliary care allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

The application process operated by the Department involves the submission of a detailed statement by the parent or guardian of the child; a detailed medical assessment by the child's general practitioner; and any other relevant evidence available from qualified experts who have examined the child. This evidence is then assessed by designated Departmental Medical Assessors who have received special training in the area of child disability.

In reviewing the medical evidence and written reports the Medical Assessor is required to make a determination as to whether the information contained in the application demonstrates that the child requires substantial continuous additional care and attention. In this regard the medical evidence and supporting documentation are key to assisting the Medical Assessor to determine if the child meets the scheme qualifying criteria.

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

287 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if community welfare officers have ever given assistance for foreign holidays to families [15816/11]

Under the supplementary allowance scheme an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the HSE based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment.

Assistance for foreign holidays would not be considered an essential need.

Social Welfare Appeals

Paul Connaughton

Question:

288 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if the matter will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15835/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 April 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

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

Departmental Schemes

Robert Troy

Question:

289 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason unemployed single parents in receipt of one parent family allowance are ineligible to apply for any position on the new Tús programme. [15845/11]

The purpose of the Tús scheme 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. People already in employment are not eligible for these positions.

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 jobseeker's allowance, and

Be fully unemployed.

People in receipt of the one parent family payment are not eligible for the scheme. They do, however, have access to a range of other supports such as family income supplement, back to work enterprise allowance, back to education allowance and earnings disregards.

The operation of Tús, including the eligibility criteria, will be kept under review and will inform the evaluation process in due course.

Pension Provisions

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

290 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider introducing a requirement on pension fund managers to disclose their fees on a continual basis in order to encourage competition and cut costs. [15847/11]

The Government supports and encourages people to make provision for an adequate income in retirement. It does this through the provision of a State pension (contributory) which is currently 33% approx. of the gross average industrial earnings and through generous tax relief on supplementary pension savings.

It is important that an individual's pension savings is invested wisely and that charges incurred in the administration of a pension scheme are minimised. The Government recognises the difficulty that people can have in understanding the various charges that can arise and how these charges are applied. In this regard, I have requested the Implementation Group for the National Pensions Framework to examine options to bring simplification and transparency to the issue of pension charges. This group is chaired by my Department and includes a number of officials from the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Pensions Board. Following the outcome of this work, I will bring forward regulations to increase the transparency of pension charges, if appropriate.

Question No. 291 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Dan Neville

Question:

292 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review an application for mortgage interest relief in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15857/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the persons concerned were initially awarded mortgage interest supplement in May 2009. The HSE further advised that a review form issued to the persons concerned in September 2009 but when the form was not returned to the HSE their claim to mortgage interest supplement was suspended and subsequently closed.

The HSE further advised that a new application was made for mortgage interest supplement by the persons concerned in October 2010; this claim was refused as the couple had sufficient income at that time to meet their mortgage interest costs. This decision was upheld by the HSE Appeals Officer.

The persons concerned should contact their local community welfare officer if their circumstances have changed.

Dan Neville

Question:

293 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review an application for assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15862/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the persons concerned were refused mortgage interest supplement as they have sufficient income to meet their mortgage interest costs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the refusal of domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the actions taken or likely to be taken in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15540/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 16 March 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for domiciliary care allowance. A letter issued to the person concerned on 30 May 2011 advising her of the decision to refuse domiciliary care allowance.

Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days. As yet, no appeal has been registered in this case.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

295 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the action taken by her predecessor in response to calls from the Opposition at the time to provide, by way of redeployment, sufficient staff to meet the growing number of applications for social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15608/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

332 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of extra staff made available to her in each of the past five years to date in 2011 to enable expeditious process of various social welfare claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15609/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 332 together.

Since May 2008, some 825 posts have been assigned to the Department of Social Protection to fill critical staff vacancies and additional posts approved to deal with the significant increase in claims for the schemes operated by the Department.

The majority of these posts have been sourced through the lateral transfer and redeployment of staff from within the Department and from other Government Departments. Staffing needs are kept under constant review to ensure that best use is made of all available resources.

The table shows the number of posts assigned per year since May 2008.

Period

Number of Posts assigned

May 2008 — December 2008

192

January 2009 — December 2009

394

January 2010 — December 2010

208

January 2011 to date

31

Total

825

Redundancy Payments

Tom Fleming

Question:

296 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will process a redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [15247/11]

On 1 January 2011, the Department assumed responsibility for making redundancy payments from the Social Insurance Fund. There are two types of redundancy payment made from the fund i.e. rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned has been processed and payment has issued in the last week.

Departmental Schemes

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

297 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that the State calculates the average cost per person of providing free transport to the elderly and to the disabled with an assistant, the locations to which the savings accrued from the failure to provide this service in many rural areas, including Donegal, are redistributed. [15578/11]

The free travel scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services in all counties, Luas and a range of services offered by over 90 private operators in various parts of the country. There are 15 private operators based in county Donegal participating in the scheme. Free travel is also available on cross border journeys between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In addition, customers aged 66 years and over can travel for free on journeys within Northern Ireland.

The free travel scheme was provided at an annual cost to the exchequer of some €74 million in 2010. Expenditure on this scheme has been frozen at 2010 levels in line with the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. Payments under the scheme are made on the basis of fares foregone and are not calculated using average transport costs per customer.

In addition to the free travel scheme, the Department pays an annual contribution of €1.5 million to the Rural Transport Programme. The aim of this programme is to encourage innovative community based initiatives to provide transport services in rural areas with a view to addressing the issue of social exclusion caused by lack of access to transport. Route analysis and provision of transport services is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport.

Community Employment Schemes

Finian McGrath

Question:

298 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [15654/11]

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

I am advised by FÁS that extensions of a CE placement have to be requested a minimum of 8 weeks before the participant's proposed finish date by the CE Project Supervisor. Once an extension application is received by the local FÁS office, the FÁS Development Officer decides whether the extra year's placement is the most suitable and cost effective measure to assist the client in gaining employment. Clients who are deemed job-ready by the Supervisor are not extended in order to free up the place for another client. If no request for an extension is made then the person must leave the scheme and re-qualify under the published eligibility rules for any further participation on the CE scheme.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Ray Butler

Question:

299 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Social Protection if additional staff resources will be made available to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in County Meath as a result of the increase in demand they have been experiencing due to the economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15028/11]

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisors is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors.

There are 52 independent MABS companies operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country with national support provided by the MABS NDL. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie. Some 90% of clients presenting to MABS are assisted through the telephone helpline, which provides assisted self-help to ensure clients take steps to assess and address their situation.

The focus of MABS is in ensuring clients get the level of support they need and as such client assessments and effective case management are important components of the overall approach. During any waiting period, clients are assessed and those in need of immediate assistance are given a priority appointment, others are provided with assisted self-help to ensure that they have taken steps to assess their situation and if appropriate they are supported to take holding action with their creditors. In this context MABS highlights the importance of creditors proactively working with their customers to resolve arrears difficulties at an early stage.

The Citizens Information Board (CIB), who has responsibility for MABS, is aware of the increased client demand for MABS services and the growing complexity of cases being dealt with by money advisors, particularly in relation to mortgage debt and multiple debt situations. The CIB are currently reviewing the processes being used by MABS companies with a view to reducing waiting times, taking account of service capacity across the network of companies. The staffing issues for individual MABS companies are being considered in this context and in the context of the increased demand for services throughout the country, and the financial resources available.

In 2010, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) allocated a total budget of some €18.2m for the delivery of money advice and budgeting services and this figure was increased to €18.3m in 2011.

I am satisfied that the resources made available to the Citizens Information Board and the strong management support provided by CIB to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service will ensure that services are delivered effectively.

Registration of Births

Clare Daly

Question:

300 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will investigate the illegal birth registrations which allegedly took place in 42 mother and baby homes which were closed in 1972. [15052/11]

Any suspected illegality in relation to the registration of births should be reported to An Garda Síochána, as there is a number of offences provided for under Section 69 of the Civil Registration Act 2004. In particular, I would draw the Deputy's attention to section 69(3) which provides that a person who gives to a registrar particulars or information which he or she knows to be false or misleading is guilty of an offence. A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) of section 69 shall be liable (a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both, or (b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.

The position in relation to an investigation is that the Registrar General has powers of enquiry under section 65 of the Civil Registration Act 2004. Section 65 provides that the Registrar General may conduct enquiries to ascertain if a birth has occurred and if it has, whether it is registered and if it is registered, whether it is registered correctly. If the Deputy has information in relation to a specific birth, the matter should be referred to the Registrar General for consideration under these provisions. I would point out that, while the Registrar General has powers to investigate specific events which come to his attention, he does not have a general power of investigation under the Civil Registration Act 2004.

Question No. 301 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jack Wall

Question:

302 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made regarding travel expenses in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15086/11]

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payment.

As a result of a recent request for assistance towards travel costs the community welfare officer in the HSE wrote to the person concerned, enclosing an application form and requesting additional information in order that an assessment of entitlements could be made. The person has not yet returned the application form to the HSE.

Pension Provisions

Peter Mathews

Question:

303 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 157 and 158 of 31 May 2011, if she will provide a monetary figure for the estimated Irish holdings; the total value of Irish pension funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15123/11]

Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 157 and 158 of 31st May, industry sources have estimated that the total value of assets held by Irish Pension Funds is approximately €75 billion. It is further estimated that approximately €11 billion of these assets are invested in Irish holdings.

Social Welfare Appeals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

304 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the social welfare appeals office will hold an oral hearing in relation to the appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15125/11]

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 she 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.

Employment Support Services

Charles Flanagan

Question:

305 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection what, if any, outreach measures exist to increase Traveller participation in the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15131/11]

The FÁS Traveller Strategy aims to improve its labour market provision for travellers. Fundamental to the achievement of the recommendations of the Strategy is that networks be maintained or enhanced with representatives of travellers and FÁS to create links and manage expectations between cultures.

Under the Strategy FÁS Employment Services and the Local Employment Services (LES) are responsible for strengthening guidance provision for travellers. Travellers continue to be a priority target group for the LES and are specified as such in annual contracts. A total of 289 self — declared travellers registered with FÁS Employment Services in 2009. In addition under the Strategy with a view to strengthening the FÁS remit for responding to the training and employment needs of travellers, travellers continue to be a priority group for Community Employment participation. A total of 75 travellers availed of CE in 2010.

The FÁS Special Initiative for Travellers is an active labour market initiative which aims to deliver practical approaches to redressing the imbalance in traveller unemployment, supports travellers already engaged in the traveller economy, and provides a special training fund to address the training needs of adult travellers. The funding is used exclusively to support projects emerging from the County Development Boards (CDBs) Inter Agency Strategies for members of the travelling community, by seeking to enhance local implementation and delivery of employment support to travellers.

In 2010 13 projects were approved in CDB areas in Counties Meath, Monaghan, Waterford, Wicklow, Tipperary, Laois, Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Cork, Clare and Dublin. A total of 602 travellers engaged in the programme, 38 secured employment, 9 enterprises were established, and 66 travellers underwent training.

State Bodies

Gerald Nash

Question:

306 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the proposals to prohibit sitting public representatives form taking positions on certain State boards, if she is concerned at reports that a Deputy (details supplied) has refused to resign their position on the Citizens Information Board; if she has been in contact with the Deputy in respect of their position on the board; if she will provide an update regarding the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15137/11]

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) operates under the aegis of the Department and is responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services and for the Money, Advice and Budgeting Service. The board of the Citizens Information Board is also responsible for furnishing advice, information and assistance to me in relation to the development of any aspect of social services. In addition, and upon request, the Board is also required to design schemes relating to social services to address needs identified by me as Minister.

A member of the Dáil participates in the making of laws for the State. Those same laws govern the services which the Board provides to individuals and to me as Minister. I consider it inappropriate that these functions are carried out by a Board containing a member of the legislature. Such functions are essentially functions of the executive branch of government and their exercise by a member of the legislative branch is incompatible with the doctrine of the separation of powers.

Therefore, it is my view that the Deputy in question's simultaneous membership of the Board and as an elected representative of the Dáil compromises the effective performance of the Board. In addition, I also consider it inappropriate for a board member to be in receipt of remuneration in respect of board membership as well as remuneration in respect of membership of the Dáil.

I have sought to address my concerns in the governing legislation of the Citizens Information Board through amendments proposed in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 which will, in future, prohibit a person nominated as a candidate for election to either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament from being eligible to retain their position as a member of the Board. Such amendments reflect those already contained in other state body governing legislation.

I have written to the Deputy twice, outlining my concerns and seeking his resignation. The Deputy has responded stating that he will not be resigning from the board.

In view of this, I will now consider termination of the Deputy's membership of the Board invoking the provisions of the Comhairle Act 2000.

Social Welfare Benefits

John McGuinness

Question:

307 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for supplementary allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a response. [15157/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that an application for an exceptional needs payment made on 26 May 2011 was refused as the need was not established. The HSE further advised that the person concerned did receive an exceptional needs payment in April 2011 in respect of household bills.

John McGuinness

Question:

308 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if domiciliary care allowance has been or will be approved in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will expedite the matter. [15166/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that two appeals by the person concerned were registered in that office on 5 February 2011 and 10 March 2011 respectively. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 12 March 2011 and the appeals will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the cases can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list them for oral hearing.

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

John McGuinness

Question:

309 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a positive response relative to an appeal for disability allowance in respect f a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [15167/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 27 June 2011. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

310 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the costs that are borne by her Department relative to her constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by her Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for her based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15180/11]

My constituency office is based in the Department's premises in Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, Dublin 1. While it is not possible to apportion the costs of either the office accommodation or the provision of general IT services, utilities and related expenses, in respect of the constituency office, it is estimated that the cost of the specific IT system for the office, which includes the provision of equipment and direct support for the office in Áras Mhic Dhiarmada and for the Minister's home, is approximately €5,600 per annum. My constituency office staffing and relevant cost details are as follows:

Grade

Annual Salary Scale

1 Executive Officer

€30,516-€47,975

1 Clerical Officer

€23,177-€37,341

1 Personal Assistant

€43,715-€56,060

1 Personal Secretary

€23,820-€47,755

Departmental Staff

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

311 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the policies in place in her Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15199/11]

The Department operates a travel pass scheme encouraging staff members to use public transport in lieu of car transport. The travel pass scheme was introduced in 2002 under the terms and conditions set down by the Department of Finance and has been made available to the staff of my Department since then. Under arrangements agreed with the Revenue Commissioners, it allows employees to forego salary to the value of the travel pass, thus reducing individual liability for income tax and PRSI. Some 356 staff members currently avail of the scheme. Official travel by staff members is continually monitored to ensure that such travel is kept to the minimum commensurate with the need for them to effectively perform their functions. Where feasible, staff members use public transport when travelling on official business.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

312 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the latest support she has given to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in view of the concerns expressed by the organisation that it is being swamped with requests for advice; her views on the increasing levels of personal debt among families here and if the structures and organisation of MABS require reform to cope with these new circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15202/11]

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisers is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors.

There are 52 independent MABS companies operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country, with national support provided by the MABS NDL. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie. Some 90% of clients presenting to MABS are assisted through the telephone helpline, which provides assisted self-help to ensure clients take steps to assess and address their situation.

The focus of MABS is in ensuring clients get the level of support they need and as such client assessments and effective case management are important components of the overall approach. During any waiting period, clients are assessed and those in need of immediate assistance are given a priority appointment, others are provided with assisted self-help to ensure that they have taken steps to assess their situation and if appropriate they are supported to take holding action with their creditors. In this context MABS highlights the importance of creditors proactively working with their customers to resolve arrears difficulties at an early stage.

In 2010, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) allocated a total budget of some €18.2m for the delivery of money advice and budgeting services and this figure was increased to €18.3m in 2011. As well as funding, the CIB also provides management support to ensure services are delivered effectively. The Board, of which you are currently a member, is keenly aware of the increased client demand for money advice services and the growing complexity of cases being dealt with by money advisors, particularly in relation to mortgage debt and multiple debt situations.

As you will also be aware the Board are currently reviewing the processes being used by MABS companies with a view to reducing waiting times, taking account of service capacity across the network of companies. The staffing issues are being considered in this context and in the context of proposals in relation to non-judicial debt settlement arrangements. A position paper in relation to these proposals and their implications for MABS has been requested and is currently being finalised by the Board of CIB. On receipt, I will give due consideration to the Board's submission.

National Lottery Funding

Sean Fleming

Question:

313 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if community groups can apply for national lottery funding through her Department to open a community centre; if application forms are currently available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15214/11]

I have no funding of this nature available in the Department.

Departmental Expenditure

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

314 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the total budget allocated to the free travel pass scheme nationally; the private operators’ allocations per county; if she will provide clarification of the compensation awarded due to extreme remoteness and high level of deprivation, PSO, no train service, distance from the general hospital, distance from large towns, banking services, essential services, health clinics and so on; if a service is discontinued by the operator, the position regarding the awarded free travel pass allocation toward that service; if she will provide the results of the most recent value for money and performance audit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15217/11]

The free travel scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services in all counties, Luas and a range of services offered by over 90 private operators in various parts of the country. Free travel is also available on cross border journeys between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In addition, customers aged 66 years and over can travel for free on journeys within Northern Ireland. The free travel scheme was provided at an annual cost to the exchequer of some €74 million in 2010. Expenditure on this scheme has been frozen at 2010 levels in line with the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. The number of private operators based per county and details of the amounts paid under the free travel scheme are as follows.

County

Private Transport Operators

2010 Payments€

Cavan

3

75,339

Clare

3

37,734

Cork

13

152,648

Donegal

15

1,612,570

Dublin

5

605,831

Galway

13

1,050,660

Kerry

1

91,776

Kilkenny

6

1,546,978

Laois

2

384,383

Leitrim

2

12,558

Limerick

6

30,694

Longford

2

58,140

Louth

1

227,659

Mayo

8

173,260

Monaghan

3

798,232

Offaly

2

102,848

Roscommon

1

3,764

Sligo

1

11,612

Waterford

1

85,900

Wexford

7

474,675

Wicklow

1

47,604

In addition to the free travel scheme, the Department pays an annual contribution of €1.5 million to the Rural Transport Programme. The aim of this programme is to encourage innovative community based initiatives to provide transport services in rural areas with a view to addressing the issue of social exclusion caused by lack of access to transport. Route analysis and provision of transport services is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport. The free travel scheme is currently being reviewed in the context of the Government’s comprehensive expenditure review.

Social Welfare Appeals

Niall Collins

Question:

315 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15230/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23 February 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 11 May 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Anne Ferris

Question:

316 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for mortgage relief will be decided upon in view of the fact that the application has been under appeal for nearly a year and all documents have been provided by the banking institution; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that this family has received a 90-day warning letter of repossession from the bank mentioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15240/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was initially refused mortgage interest supplement in 2009 as, in the opinion of the Executive, the amount of mortgage interest payable exceeded the amount the Executive considered reasonable to meet her residential needs. The person concerned appealed the decision and the Social Welfare Appeals Office awarded mortgage interest supplement as an exceptional measure in December 2009 for a 12 month period.

The HSE further advised that on the 3rd November 2010 when the 12 month period expired the person concerned appealed to the HSE Appeals Office to continue payment of mortgage interest supplement. The HSE Appeals Office requested additional information from the person concerned on 1st March, 3rd May and again on the 17th May. The Appeals Office received a reply from the person concerned on the 30th May and has advised that no decision has been made on her appeal to date.

Pat Breen

Question:

317 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15242/11]

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

Social Insurance

James Bannon

Question:

318 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if all workers, including employees and the self-employed, will be on the same PRSI scheme, in view of the fact that any differential is a flaw in the current economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15274/11]

The range of benefits and pensions to which different groups of workers may establish entitlement reflects the risks associated with the nature of their work. This in turn reflects the rate of contribution payable. Self-employed people are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% and are consequently eligible for a narrower range of benefits than general employees who, together with their employers, pay a total social insurance contribution of 14.75%, under the full-rate PRSI Class A.

Self-employed workers are not insured for short-term benefits such as illness and jobseeker's payments — these are only available to persons covered by PRSI Classes A, E, H and P. This reflects the need for coverage for various contingencies, the rate of contributions that self-employed persons pay, the practicalities of administering and controlling access to short-term payments and the annualised system of contributions applicable to self-employed contributors. A system of separate arrangements for employed and self-employed workers within a social insurance context is common in other European social protection systems. There are no plans to extend cover for short-term benefits to this group of insured workers. Any such measure would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered within a budgetary context. Consideration would also have to be given to an appropriate increase in the rate of the PRSI Class S contribution.

Self-employed workers who do not qualify for an insurance-based benefit may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments such as Jobseeker's Allowance. They can apply for the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year. In the current climate account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. It is accepted that future earnings may be lower than those of previous years and this is factored in projecting future earnings, with account being taken of the potential for significant upward or downward variations in income from one year to the next.

Social Welfare Code

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

319 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if the winter free fuel allowance will be paid in a lump sum instead of a weekly basis. [15305/11]

The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Fuel allowance is now payable for 32 weeks and for the 2010/2011 season will benefit over 375,000 people at an aggregate cost of €255 million. The payment rate is now €20 per week or €23.90 for recipients living in designated smokeless areas. In addition, electricity and gas allowances under the household benefits package, are payable throughout the year to over 390,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households towards their heating, light and cooking costs at an estimated overall scheme cost of €382 m in 2011.

There would be a number of difficulties in paying the fuel allowance as a lump sum for some recipients while others receive it as part of their weekly payment. If the payment were given in advance as a lump sum, there could be significant over-payments if a recipient's circumstances were to change during the payment season. If it were paid in arrears, it obviously would create further budgeting difficulties. Many oil companies provide facilities for making payment by monthly instalment over a period of time which allows people to plan and budget for fuel expenses. I am satisfied that this arrangement is sufficient to meet the needs of our customers.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

320 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a claim for jobseeker’s allowance, now under appeal, will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied). [15407/11]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 29 June 2011. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements. 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.

John McGuinness

Question:

321 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for supplementary welfare allowance will be processed and approved as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [15413/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused an exceptional needs payment for assistance with an ESB bill. The HSE further advised that the person concerned has appealed the decision to the HSE Appeals Office but no decision has been made on his appeal. The HSE Appeals Office will contact the person concerned when a decision has been made on his appeal

Social Welfare Code

John McGuinness

Question:

322 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the schemes now available to part-time farmers who want to up-skill or simply boost their income by off-farm welfare schemes or employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15419/11]

The Department of Social Protection funds the rural social scheme (RSS) and the community employment programme (CE). The purpose of the 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. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 men and women and 130 supervisory staff. The scheme is delivered by local development companies in rural areas who will be able to advise on available and future opportunities. Part-time farmers may also be eligible to participate on CE if they meet the relevant criteria. FÁS is best placed to advise on individual circumstances and local opportunities that arise on CE schemes.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

323 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if in the meantime they will be approved for supplementary allowance. [15422/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 31 May 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

Paul Connaughton

Question:

324 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received rent allowance since February 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15424/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that there is no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement she should contact the community welfare officer at her local health centre.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Griffin

Question:

325 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15445/11]

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 she/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.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

326 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible to bring forward an oral hearing in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15453/11]

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 she/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 Benefits

Jack Wall

Question:

327 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15454/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned made an application for rent supplement on 17 May 2011. The HSE requested further information from the person concerned in order to process her application. The HSE will make a decision on her application when the requested information has been provided.

Departmental Schemes

Brian Walsh

Question:

328 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider including persons on lone parents allowance for consideration on the Tús initiative scheme and other such employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15504/11]

The purpose of the Tús scheme 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.

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 jobseeker's allowance, and

Be fully unemployed.

People in receipt of the one parent family payment are not eligible for the scheme. They do, however, have access to a range of other supports such as family income supplement, back to work enterprise allowance, back to education allowance and earnings disregards. The operation of Tús, including the eligibility criteria, will be kept under review and will inform the evaluation process in due course.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

329 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection when a date for an oral hearing will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite the matter. [15541/11]

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 she 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.

John McGuinness

Question:

330 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance will be expedited and approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [15542/11]

The community welfare service in the Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that they have not received a formal application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA). I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, has allowed the Jobseeker's Allowance appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits

John McGuinness

Question:

331 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be granted supplementary welfare allowance on a once-off basis to rectify a problem in their home which is a health hazard. [15561/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it was contacted by the person concerned seeking assistance with repair work on his house in May 2011. The HSE advised that no formal application for a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme was received. The person concerned was advised to contact Kilkenny County Council directly as he is a tenant in a shared ownership scheme.

Question No. 332 answered with Question No. 295.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

333 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for jobseeker’s allowance approved in each of the past three years to date in 2011; the numbers referred to appeal in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15611/11]

In 2010 there were 191,144 jobseeker's allowance claims awarded. 5,506 cases were appealed and of these 534 were either awarded or partially awarded by appeals officers. To date in 2011 there were 69,235 jobseeker's allowance claims awarded, 1,789 appeals and 453 awarded or partially awarded by appeals officers. These data show that over 99% of awards are made without referral to the appeals officers.

A more complete breakdown can be found in the following table:

Table 1: Number of Jobseeker's Allowance claims awarded

Awarded

2008

99,522

2009

176,912

2010

191,144

2011 (to May)

69,235

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

334 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the average length of time taken to process an application for contributory or non-contributory old age pension in each of the past five years to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15612/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Table: New claims average processing times in weeks: 2007 to (end-April) 2011.

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

State Pension (Contributory)

11

11

8

8

5

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

8

9

8

8

9

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. All scheme areas are subject to continuous business process improvement supported by modern technology. Claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme. The Department has already automated the State pension (contributory) scheme. Most recently, as part of the Department's programme of service delivery modernisation, the State pension (non-contributory) is being moved onto a new IT administration platform. This work has commenced and it is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to customers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

335 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for various social welfare payments refused on habitual residency grounds in each of the past five years to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15613/11]

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004.

All applicants — regardless of nationality — for the following payments are required to be habitually resident in the State:

Jobseeker's Allowance

State Pension (Non-Contributory for persons aged over 66)

Blind Pension

Widow's, Widower's and Orphan's Non-Contributory Pensions

One-parent Family Payment

Carer's Allowance

Disability Allowance

Supplementary Welfare Allowance (including Rent Supplement)

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Child Benefit

The number of applications that have been disallowed welfare payments, based on the failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition, from 1 January 2005 to the end of May 2011 is set out in the following table. Please note that figures for 2010 are incomplete due to industrial action when figures were not collected. Statistics in relation to the number of Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) claims that do not satisfy the habitual residence condition are not maintained by the various HSE areas.

Table: Claims disallowed under Habitual Residence Condition, 2005-2011

Scheme

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

*2010

2011

Jobseeker’s Allowance

2,865

3,404

4,016

4,535

7,484

3,401

1,336

State Pension (Non-Con)

33

147

N/avail

0

16

3

1

Blind Pension

1

0

N/avail

0

0

0

0

Widow’s, Widower’s & Orphan’s Non-Con Pensions

6

11

N/avail

0

7

0

0

One-Parent Family Payt.

382

179

289

295

381

165

84

Carer’s Allowance

105

66

45

87

192

257

116

Disability Allowance

389

203

196

278

570

576

197

Domiciliary Care Allce.

N/avail

14

16

10

Child Benefit

818

351

577

1,102

1,918

1,488

536

Total

4,599

4,361

5,123

6,297

10,582

5,906

2,280

*Figures for 2010 are incomplete due to industrial action.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

336 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to alleviate hardship caused arising from long delays associated with the processing of various social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15614/11]

Every effort is made to decide on the entitlement of any individual person as close to their eligibility date as possible. However, there are cases where delays will be experienced, this can occur because of a delay within the Department in processing the claims or a delay on behalf of the customer in submitting information.

Processing times vary across schemes because of both the volume of applications and the differing qualification criteria. For example, means assessments are required for all of the social assistance schemes; medical examinations are required for some of the illness related schemes and customers must also satisfy the habitual residence conditions. In the case of the insurance-based schemes, it may be necessary to ascertain details of foreign insurance records.

As the Deputy will be aware, one of the main impacts on current service delivery has been the increase in the Live Register. In this context, the Department has introduced a range of process improvement initiatives regarding claims for jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit. One of the most significant initiatives, aimed at reducing queuing times and waiting times, involves the customer attending their local office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and decided. Process improvements have resulted in a significant reduction in the number and proportion of all claims awaiting a decision. For example, there were 33,591 jobseeker claims awaiting a decision on 4 June 2011 equating to 7% of the total claim-load. This compares favourably to 5 June 2010 when 46,879 claims or 9% of claim-load were awaiting decision and 74,553 claims or 16% of claim-load in June 2009.

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. All scheme areas in the Department are subject to continuous business process improvement supported by modern technology, the potential of which is continuously harnessed and applied to maximum effect.

The plans to integrate the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive into my Department together with the employment and other services of FÁS, and functions transferred from other Departments represent significant milestones in business transformation and will provide the basis for a new model of service delivery in my Department. This will ensure that our services and resources are organised to deliver effective, more timely, case management based, income and employment support services to our customer base. In situations where customers find themselves suffering financial hardship while awaiting such a decision, the facility to receive Supplementary Welfare Allowance, funded by the Department and administered by the Community Welfare Service, is available. More than 95% of basic SWA applications are decided on and paid within a week.

Social Welfare Fraud

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

337 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent, if any, to which cross referencing exists with the Revenue Commissioners to deter the possibility of persons in full time employment receiving a social welfare payment to which they are not entitled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15616/11]

The Department has a broad-ranging and comprehensive control strategy. The emphasis is to minimise risks of fraud and eliminate incorrect payments. Ensuring that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department.

The Department has in the last number of years been engaged in data matching with other Government Departments and public bodies for control purposes. Data matching is viewed as a very efficient and effective mechanism to target control-related activity. Since 1997, the Department matches Revenue Commencement of Employment data against jobseekers data held by the Department on a monthly basis. Where matches exist employers are contacted and based on the information received from employers possible overlaps are identified and are referred for investigation.

In 2010 1,221,734 records of commencement of employment were received from the Revenue Commissioners and 74,961 were matched with data held by the Department.

Social Welfare Code

Catherine Murphy

Question:

338 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection when she plans to review the operation of the rent supplement scheme with a view to introducing a code of conduct for rent supplement eligibility similar to that which operates for local authority tenants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15618/11]

As the Deputy is aware there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to review the operation of the rent supplement scheme with a view to introducing a code of conduct for rent supplement eligibility similar to that which operates for local authority tenants.

The purpose of this review is to ensure that tenants who are receiving long term support from the State under the rent supplement scheme are subject to the same type of anti-social behaviour regime as local authority tenants. The most appropriate way for this to happen is for local authorities to take over responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of these individuals. My Department is currently working with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with a view to achieving this goal.

Social Welfare Fraud

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

339 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give consideration to a vetting system which can prevent fraud and at the same time ensure that hardship is not caused to the vulnerable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15653/11]

The Department has a broad-ranging and comprehensive control strategy. The emphasis is to minimise risks of fraud and eliminate incorrect payments. Ensuring that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department.

Control activity is focused on prevention of fraud and error from the very first point of contact with customers i.e. claim application stage. Vetting cases at this stage is the most cost effective mechanism of reducing losses through fraud and error in social welfare schemes. All staff involved in administering schemes are aware of and understand the Department's strategy in relation to control of fraud, abuse and error. Every staff member in the Department is responsible for the prevention of fraud and error.

Measures to control fraud and abuse include desk reviews of claim papers, home visits, the issue of mail-shots to selected customers, database checking, medical reviews in the case of illness payments etc. Controls are exercised at both the initial claim stage and at subsequent stages during the claim life cycle. Claims are reviewed on a regular and targeted basis. Means tested payments are reviewed at certain intervals or when there are indications that changes in circumstances have not been reported to the Department. Those in receipt of illness payments are called for a medical examination by the Department's Medical Assessors.

Customers in receipt of jobseeker payments are vetted and checked on an ongoing basis to verify continued compliance with such requirements as being available for and genuinely seeking employment. Social welfare schemes share many of the same eligibility and risk factors. For example, in many schemes entitlement is affected by proof of identity, income/ assets, residency or relationship /marital status. Risk profiling is an important vetting tool because it enables the Department to prioritise and focus resources on those areas that are most vulnerable to fraud or abuse.

This Department uses risk profiling and data matching to identify high-risk schemes and high-risk customers within schemes. Examples include fraud and error surveys, targeted control projects, links with Northern Ireland/ U.K. and extensive data-matching. Each tool is used to risk profile beneficiaries that need on-going review for continuing eligibility. The results impact on policies in place for targeting fraud and error in the schemes.

Additionally, in some schemes a control screening tool is used that scores cases, both at time of application and after review, for the likelihood of overpayments. Cases that score high for potential risk of overpayment are then referred for review or investigation on a regular basis. Preventing someone, who is not eligible for payment, from receiving payment is more advantageous than identifying them after the fact because resources do not need to be spent later trying to recover improper payments. Controls have been very focused on ensuring applications meet the requirements for the scheme and on-going training is given to all staff about the importance of control measures.

Training and Education Programmes

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

340 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of places in work experience that were in place in February 2011; and the number in place now. [15285/11]

The Department of Social Protection funds the provision of work experience and work placements under a number of different programmes and through a number of different agencies. The work placement programme has provision for 7,000 work experience places and is delivered by FÁS. Community employment provides 22,300 places, the majority of which are considered to be work experience and is delivered by FÁS through community based project promoters. The new Tús — community work placement initiatives — has begun to roll-out nationally and will be delivered through the network of local development companies. This initiative will provided 5,000 work placements and work experience places over the coming months. The position remains unchanged with respect to the number of placements available in February and today. Under the newly announced jobs' initiative, an additional 5,000 places will become available on a new internship programme from the 1st July.

For completeness, the number of places approved on the rural social scheme is 2,600 and an estimated 2,700 people are supported in employment under the community services programme. The FÁS Jobs Initiative programme, which is closed to new entrants provides full time employment support to 1,303 individuals who are over 35 years of age and have been unemployed for at least 5 years. While these latter measures do not provide work experience, they are important sources of income support and service supports funded by the Department.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

341 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of the additional 15,000 places in work experience opportunities promised in the programme for Government that are currently on stream with a participant in place. [15286/11]

The Programme for Government promised that an additional 15,000 places would be provided in training, education and work experience opportunities within the Government's first 100 days of taking office. In last month's Jobs Initiative the Government delivered an additional 20,900 training, education and work experience places. The Department is responsible for 5,000 of these additional places through the National Internship Scheme. As the scheme will not be launched until next month there are currently no participants in place.

The balance of the additional places is in the education and training sectors and as such is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills.

Question No. 342 answered with Question No. 60.

Social Welfare Benefits

Tom Fleming

Question:

343 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is committed in the next budget to reversing the cuts in payments to the blind, the disabled, home carers and widows and if she will reassure these persons that there will be no further cuts to their entitlements. [15460/11]

This Government is committed to tackling Ireland's economic crisis in a way that is fair, balanced, and which recognises the need for social solidarity. The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department will be considered in the context of Budget 2012 and subsequent Budgets. This consideration will be informed by the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain social welfare rates.

Sustainable public finances are a prerequisite for future economic stability and growth, as well as being a prerequisite for maintaining and developing our social protection system. To this end, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. This Government believes it is appropriate, in order to enhance international credibility, to stick to the aggregate adjustment as set out in the National Recovery Plan for the combined period 2011- 2012. Accordingly, there will be an ongoing requirement to curtail expenditure in 2012 and in later years. This is necessary for many reasons, not least so that we can continue to make social welfare payments at appropriate levels, sustaining social cohesion and treating people with dignity.

The priority of this Government is to get our economy moving, restore confidence, fix our banking system and support the protection and creation of jobs. The success of our economic plans will lay the foundation for the rest of our agenda for change. The recently announced Jobs Initiative is the first step in our recovery strategy and includes a number of initiatives which will be administered by my Department including the introduction of a new National Internship Scheme. In addition, the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, 2010, currently before the Dáil, provides for the halving of the lower rate of employer PRSI thereby making it cheaper for employers both to take on and retain workers and thereby reduce unemployment.

There are considerable challenges ahead including the need to protect, as far as possible, the key income supports and services operated by my Department, including the levels of support provided to the various groups mentioned by the Deputy. This process will be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which will be completed over the summer. The findings of the Review will then be available to the Government and will feed into its discussions on possible changes to schemes and services generally.

National Museum

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

344 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider re-housing the Fry Model Railway in Collins Barracks in view of the fact it is being moved out of Malahide Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15675/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Director and Head of Collections at the National Museum of Ireland have met with representatives of the owners of the collection, Dublin Tourism, to express the Museum's interest in acquiring the collection of models and other railway memorabilia. I understand that the National Museum's expression of interest is one of a number being considered by Dublin Tourism.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

345 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15756/11]

I assume to Deputy is referring to the internal audit arrangements that are in place in my Department. In this regard, I can confirm that my Department has an Internal Audit Unit, which is staffed by 3 members of staff of the Department.

In regard to audit matters generally, I should point out that I have no official responsibility to the Dáil in relation to this matter. Under Article 33 of the Constitution, the Comptroller and Auditor General is defined as the person who shall, on behalf of the State, control all disbursements and audit all accounts of moneys administered by or under the authority of the Oireachtas.

National Library

Frank Feighan

Question:

346 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will review his decision to put original Catholic records on microfilm on free access sites. [15883/11]

Brian Stanley

Question:

355 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans for the National Library to make all microfilm Catholic registers available online free of charge. [15660/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 355 together.

I have no statutory responsibility for this matter, which is for the Board of the National Library of Ireland.

Road Network

Brendan Griffin

Question:

347 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if repair and resurfacing works will be carried out on the National Park Road from Muckross House to Torc, Waterfall, Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15903/11]

The works referred to by the Deputy are included in the programme of capital works planned for Killarney National Park this year.

Architectural Heritage

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

348 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to provide funding to Killarney House, County Kerry; the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15211/11]

Killarney House is a building of architectural and historic importance which requires a programme of sensitive repair and refurbishment. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW), is implementing a programme of essential repair works to the external and internal fabric of Killarney House. Last year, some €40,000 was spent on these works and a further €0.5m is being provided by my Department in the current year. At the same time, and also in collaboration with OPW, my Department has been in consultation with Fáilte Ireland and local interests with a view to finalising proposals for the general refurbishment and future use of Killarney House. I am keeping the matter under review as these proposals are progressed.

Environmental Policy

Catherine Murphy

Question:

349 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he intends to publish a national landscape strategy; if so, when a draft strategy will be published for consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15513/11]

I expect to bring proposals to Government shortly in relation to a National Landscape Strategy following on from work in this area by an interdepartmental Steering Group chaired by the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Traveller Community

Charles Flanagan

Question:

350 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the recommendation of the all-Ireland Traveller health study in respect of mounting a national exhibition of Traveller crafts and traditions at the National Museum of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15135/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the All-Ireland Traveller Health Study, September 2010, was jointly funded by the Department of Health, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and the Health Services Executive. I understand that the study was conducted by University College Dublin with the participation of the Travelling community.

The National Museum of Ireland already has a display on the Tinsmith, one of the Traveller trades, as an integral part of its permanent exhibition. This exhibition is on display at the National Museum of Ireland's Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park, Co Mayo. In addition, to coincide with Traveller Focus Week in December 2007, the Museum unveiled a display on Traveller life in Ireland using a variety of objects from the Museum's collections. Initially conceived as a temporary display, this exhibition became part of the Museum's permanent exhibition. Included in this exhibition is a specially commissioned barrel top wagon, which went on display in the Museum grounds. This was the culmination of a two-year project undertaken by East Mayo Traveller Interagency Forum to make the wagon, providing Traveller men with trade and craft skills which were traditionally part of Traveller culture, in order to help lead to future employment. The National Museum continues to engage with the traveller community and I understand that representatives of Pavee Point Traveller Centre were involved as part of its focus group assisting in the development of the Museum's Access Policy.

The Deputy will appreciate that decisions on the exhibition programme at the National Museum are not within my statutory remit.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

351 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15171/11]

Costs relating to my constituency office in Dublin, which is staffed by 3 Departmental staff — an Executive Officer, a Clerical Officer and a Personal Secretary — are met by my Department.

I also maintain a constituency office in Listowel, Co Kerry, which is staffed by a Personal Assistant, whose salary is met by my Department. No rental/leasing or maintenance costs accrue to my Department from the maintenance of this office. In addition, no operating costs such as telephone, IT services, etc, have been paid to date by my Department in respect of this office.

The staff numbers in my constituency offices are in line with the recently issued guidelines on the staffing of Ministers' Offices and all staff are paid at the appropriate scales applicable to their grades.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

352 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15190/11]

Staff in my Department can avail of the Easi Travel Plan Scheme for 2011. This allows staff to purchase annual travel tickets for use on public transport. The scheme allows an employee to forego part of his/her annual salary in lieu of the provision of the annual travel pass by my Department. The deductions from salary are facilitated by my Department's payroll system.

In respect of staff who are required to travel on Departmental business, my Department's Travel Policy provides, inter alia, that officers should always travel by public transport insofar as is possible and practical.

Inland Waterways

Nicky McFadden

Question:

353 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide information on the person or body that decides to open or close sluice gates on the River Shannon; and the criteria that inform such decisions. [15562/11]

I am advised that water levels on the River Shannon are controlled by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Waterways Ireland. The ESB controls the outflows from Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg, as empowered by the various Electricity Supply Acts. The sluices at Athlone Lock, at the outfall of Lough Ree, are operated by Waterways Ireland staff under the direction of the ESB. I should also add that Waterways Ireland controls the intermediate weir and sluice controls at Jamestown, Roosky, Tarmonbarry and Meelick for navigation purposes.

The criteria for Waterways Ireland is to ensure a minimum level for navigation along each stretch of the Shannon Navigation and, once that level is attained, to operate the sluices to minimise the threat of flooding. When all sluices are open in the aftermath of large rainfall amounts, Waterways Ireland has no further control on water levels until they recede back to the minimum navigation requirement. I am advised that the ESB and Waterways Ireland fully co-operate and constantly exchange data on forecasts and levels in order to manage the system within their statutory parameters.

Natural Heritage Areas

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

354 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the names and locations of peat bogs in County Meath; the regulations surrounding their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15563/11]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to peat bogs in County Meath that have been designated for protection as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 or as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997. Six such bogs in County Meath have been designated and details are set out in the table below. The above-mentioned legislative provisions also regulate certain uses of these bogs, including turf extraction, where such extraction is not otherwise regulated under the Planning and Development Acts or subject to Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control licensing.

Name of Bog

Location

Designation

Killyconny Bog

Meath/Cavan

SAC

Moneybeg & Clareisland Bogs

Meath/Westmeath

SAC

Mount Hevey Bog

Meath/Westmeath

SAC

Jamestown Bog

Meath

NHA

Girley Bog

Meath

NHA

Molerick Bog

Meath

NHA

Question No. 355 answered with Question No. 346.

An Teanga Gaeilge

Robert Dowds

Question:

356 D’fhiafraigh Robert Dowds den Aire Gnóthaí Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon phlean aige comhoibriú a dhéanamh leis an Aire Stáit nua atá ag rialtas na hAlban, a bhfuil dualgas air Gàidhlig na hAlban a chur chun cinn, ionas gur féidir leis an dá rialtas oibriú le chéile chun caidreamh cultúrtha idir an dá thír a neartú agus an Ghaeilge agus an Ghàidhlig a chur chun cinn sa dá thír. [15527/11]

Tá obair leanúnach ar bun tríd an bhfóram Comhairle na Breataine-na hÉireann agus tríd an tionscadal Colmcille chun an caidreamh cultúrtha idir Éirinn, Tuaisceart Éireann agus Albain a neartú, mar aon le Gaeilge na hÉireann agus Gàidhlig na hAlban a chur chun cinn.

Mar is eol don Teachta, bunaíodh Comhairle na Breataine-na hÉireann sa bhliain 1999 faoi réir théarmaí Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta. Díríonn an Chomhairle ar roinnt réimsí éagsúla oibre, ina measc teangacha dúchais, mionlaigh agus neamhfhorleathana a labhraítear sa Bhreatain agus in Éirinn. Déantar comhdhálacha agus cruinnithe Aireachta a reáchtáil ó am go ham. Tá súil agam go n-aontófar go dtionólfar cruinniú Aireachta i réimse na dteangacha in Éirinn roimh dheireadh na bliana.

Faoi mar a thuigeann an Teachta, cuireadh Colmcille, nó Iomairt Cholm Cille mar a tugadh air ag an am, ar bun sa bhliain 1997, nuair a rinne Uachtarán na hÉireann agus Aire Oideachais na hAlban é a lainseáil ar mhaithe le ceiliúradh agus forbairt a dhéanamh ar an ngaol idir Éirinn agus Albain. Is tionscnamh trípháirteach atá i gceist, atá maoinithe ag mo Roinn féin, ag an Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta i dTuaisceart Éireann agus ag an Scottish Government Directorate for Culture, External Affairs and Tourism. Tá athbhreithniú ar siúl ag na páirtithe maoinithe ar Colmcille faoi láthair agus iad ag breathnú ar na bealaí chun an tionscadal a fheabhsú.

Tá tuilleadh eolais ar fáil faoin dea-obair atá ar siúl ag na heagrais seo ag na suíomhanna idirlín www.british-irishcouncil.com agus www.colmcille.net.

Táim ag súil go láidir go mbeidh ar mo chumas an dea-chaidreamh atá ann cheana féin le Rialtas na hAlban i réimsí na teanga agus an chultúir a neartú tuilleadh sa tréimhse atá amach romhainn.

Media Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

357 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the current structure of media ownership here and his further views on whether there is sufficient diversity of ownership in the local newspaper market. [15680/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

358 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied with the current structure of media ownership here and his viewson whether there is sufficient diversity of ownership in the national newspaper market. [15682/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

360 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to ensure adequate diversity of ownership in the emerging on-line media sector. [15686/11]

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

373 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding legislation governing the ownership of all media based here; his plans to change current legislation and if there are any proposals to maintain a healthy diversity of ownership and opinion in our media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15804/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357, 358, 360 and 373 together.

I have no function in the matters referred to in the Deputy's question. The Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out my legislative responsibilities in respect of broadcasting in this State.

In particular, the issue of general media ownership policy and media mergers does not fall within the remit of my Department. This is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

359 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the current structure of media ownership here and his further views on whether there is sufficient diversity of ownership in the national commercial radio market. [15684/11]

The issue of general media ownership policy and media mergers is a matter for the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation and I have no function in these matters.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is responsible for the regulation of the radio market and the granting of broadcasting licenses in this market. The Authority is an independent statutory body and accordingly I have no role in this regard.

Question No. 360 answered with Question No. 357.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

361 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his view on the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ statement to the Advisory Group on Media Mergers 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15690/11]

I have no function in the matters referred to in the Deputy's question. The Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out my legislative responsibilities in respect of broadcasting in this State.

In particular, the issue of general media ownership policy and media mergers does not fall within the remit of my Department. This is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

362 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied with the current structure of media ownership in this country and if he believes there is sufficient diversity of ownership in the local radio market. [15693/11]

The issue of general media ownership policy and media mergers is a matter for the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and I have no function in these matters.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is responsible for the regulation of the local radio market and the granting of broadcasting licences in this market. The Authority is an independent statutory body and I have no role in this matter.

Proposed Legislation

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

363 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the requirements for objectivity and impartiality in section 39(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 are sufficiently robust, adequately monitored and suitable for today’s media; and his plans to introduce legislation on the matter. [15694/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

364 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to review the Broadcasting Act 2009 to ensure that objectivity andimpartiality in current affairs broadcasting is properly protected in the context ofincreasing consolidation of media ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15695/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 together.

Section 39 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the duties of broadcasters and includes duties in relation to objectivity and impartiality in news and current affairs as referred to by the Deputy. In addition, Part 4 of the 2009 Act makes provision for the preparation and implementation of codes of practice in relation to complaints handling and for a complaints process for cases where, inter alia, a broadcaster is considered to have failed to have complied with one of its duties under the Act.

The Broadcasting Act 2009 assigns these functions to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, an independent regulatory body, including the role to investigate and adjudicate cases where complaints are made and, accordingly, I have no function in the matter.

I am satisfied with the robustness of these provisions and, as such, I have no plans to introduce new legislation in this area.

Policy matters regarding the consolidation of general media ownership in the context of mergers is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Michael Moynihan

Question:

365 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether there are sufficient controls in place to ensure editorial independence within the written, broadcast and on-line media here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15696/11]

Section 42 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides, inter alia, for codes governing the standards and practice of broadcasters, encompassing the issues raised by the Deputy concerning editorial independence within broadcast media. In addition, Part 4 of the 2009 Act makes provision for the preparation and implementation of codes of practice in relation to complaints handling and for a complaints process for cases where, inter alia, a broadcaster is considered to have failed to have complied with a Broadcasting Code.

The Broadcasting Act 2009 assigns these functions to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, an independent regulatory body, including the role to investigate and adjudicate cases where complaints are made and, accordingly, I have no function in the matter.

Additionally, the European Communities (Audiovisual Media Services) Regulations 2010 requires that on-demand audiovisual media services or programmes that are sponsored or contain product placement shall ensure that their content shall in no circumstances be influenced in such a way as to affect the editorial independence of the media service provider.

I am satisfied that this legislative framework is sufficient to provide the appropriate level of regulatory oversight in this area.

Editorial independence within written and online media, by which I mean newspapers and online news media, other than to the extent mentioned above, are not within the remit of my Department and accordingly I have no function in these matters.

Telecommunications Services

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

366 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or a Government colleague will bring forward proposals to end the practice of grossly excessive termination charges for mobile phone users which produces supernormal profits for dominant companies and unacceptable costs for our economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15742/11]

The regulation of the wholesale mobile voice call termination market is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

I am anxious to ensure that mobile termination rates (MTRs) charged by Irish service providers are in line with those charged elsewhere in Europe and that Irish citizens and businesses benefit from the lowest call costs possible. Following regulatory intervention by ComReg in this market, commitments have been obtained from the main Irish mobile network operators to reduce their MTRs such that maximum Irish MTRs would be approximate to the European average — details of these commitments are publicly available in Information Notice 10/82 published on ComReg's website.

Building on previous decreases, the latest reductions in MTRs take effect from 1 July next, with the blended average MTRs reducing by approximately 21% on the rates which applied in the previous six months. These latest reductions will continue to ensure that Irish average MTRs are in line with the European average.

I understand that a further review by ComReg of the wholesale mobile voice call termination market is currently underway and ComReg will consult on its preliminary findings later this year, including the imposition of any appropriate wholesale price control and other regulatory obligations.

Offshore Exploration

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

367 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will indicate current proposals for oil and gas exploration off the Irish coast in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15743/11]

There are twenty-one exploration licences and five licensing options active in the Irish offshore. Exploration activities under these authorisations are ongoing and subject to the performance of agreed work programmes including detailed reporting and the release of exploration data and evaluation reports to my Department.

My Department has approved two seismic surveys to date in 2011 and a decision on a third is expected shortly. In relation to drilling, my Department is aware that plans are being advanced for exploration/appraisal drilling in the Irish offshore, although no application for drilling approval has been received to date this year. I would expect that over the next few months greater certainty will emerge in relation to potential drilling in 2011 and 2012.

A total of 15 applications were received by the closing date for the 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round and evaluation of these applications is underway. The Round is deliberately structured to attract new exploration companies to Ireland and also aims to encourage companies to look at areas of the Irish offshore where little data currently exists and as a consequence, little is known of the potential prospectivity of these areas. The licensing round is expected to bring a new momentum to the level of exploration activity offshore Ireland.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

368 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is examining the current exploration licensing regime for oil and gas; his views on whether changes should be made to the most recent rules implemented by the former Minister, Eamon Ryan, to increase potential revenue for the State; if there is merit in reverting to the Justin Keating exploration regime to maximise benefits to the Irish people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15744/11]

The 1975 terms were introduced at a time of great optimism that Ireland had significant, undiscovered, reserves of oil and gas and would be the next North Sea. The terms reflected this optimism and provided for State participation, royalties, production bonuses and the then prevailing corporation tax rate of 50%. Unfortunately, with only four commercial finds of natural gas in Irish waters to date, the optimism of the 1970s has proved to be unfounded.

Ireland competes with other countries, both in Europe and much further afield, to attract mobile international exploration investment. The revisions to the licensing terms since 1975 have reflected this reality and have sought to incentivise exploration in the Irish offshore. While I will keep the licensing terms, both fiscal and non-fiscal, under review in light of relevant future developments, at this point in time I believe that the focus should be on attracting a larger share of mobile international exploration investment to Ireland, to increase the chances of new commercial discoveries being made.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

369 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he sees a key role for An Bord Gáis and ESB Electric Ireland in the exploration of Ireland’s onshore and offshore mineral resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15745/11]

The primary role of Bord Gáis Energy and ESB Electric Ireland is in electricity generation and in the supply of energy to end users. ESB and Bord Gáis Éireann also own the electricity and gas transmission and distribution networks. The Energy State Companies do not have nor is it envisaged that they would have any role in the exploration of Ireland's onshore and offshore mineral resources.

Alternative Energy Projects

Robert Troy

Question:

370 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm if formal approval for the biomass REFIT scheme has been submitted to the EU DG Competition; if not, if he will explain the delay in supporting the creation of biomass-based jobs; if he will commit to a date for the submission for approval to the DG Competition; and if he will give a firm commitment for the swift implementation of the biomass REFIT scheme once formal approval has been received from DG Competition to create jobs in the biomass sector. [15748/11]

State Aid clearance for the proposed REFIT support scheme for biomass technologies was submitted to DG Competition in the EU Commission in November 2010. This scheme, which is aimed at supporting the use of biomass in electricity generation and heat production, incorporates a proposed range of tariffs for different technologies and requires State Aid clearance before it can open for applications.

The final stages of the State Aid clearance process have now been reached and a decision on the application should be forthcoming from DG Competition within the next two months.

After approval has been received from Brussels, the scheme will be opened to market as soon as is practicable.

Tom Barry

Question:

371 Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of Germany’s intention to move away from nuclear power, which could lead to an increase in its draw from the UK, there are any plans in place to examine future energy requirements and production from renewable resources from within our own country, such as wind and wave technology. [15749/11]

Ireland has ambitious plans to increase the deployment of renewable energy technologies over the next decade with targets set to achieve 40% of our electricity, 12% of our heating and cooling requirements, and 10% of our transport fuels from renewable sources by 2020. These targets are commensurate with Ireland's binding EU target of 16% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Ireland submitted a National Renewable Energy Action Plan to the European Commission last year which sets out the overall roadmap for achieving the 2020 target. The plan was finalised after both an industry and a full public consultation.

Currently there is around 1,750 Mw of renewable capacity built and operational on the Irish electricity grid. There is a further 1,100 Mw of capacity with signed connection offers in place and the Gate 3 process, which contains the next batch of connections, some 4,000 Mw of capacity, is currently being processed by EirGrid and ESB Networks for Grid Connection offers. The latest EirGrid forecasts show that we need around 4,600 Mw of renewable capacity operational by 2020 to deliver our 40% target.

The vast majority of this capacity is onshore wind, with some 800 Mw of offshore wind contained in the Gate 3 process. Wave technology is still at the research, development and demonstration stage.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

372 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15758/11]

The Comptroller and Auditor General fulfils its statutory role in auditing my Department annually. In addition, the Department has an Internal Audit Unit, and an Internal Audit Committee. Their efforts support that of the Comptroller and Auditor General in providing independent assurance that public money is properly managed and spent to good effect and in contributing to improvements in public administration. No other auditors are currently employed by me.

Question No. 373 answered with Question No. 357.

Alternative Energy Projects

Simon Harris

Question:

374 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current feed-in tariffs in connection with wind turbines here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15852/11]

The Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff scheme known as REFIT was introduced in 2006 for certain categories of renewable energy, including onshore wind. Since then the tariffs have been increasing, where applicable, by the annual consumer price index. REFIT is based around 15 year Power Purchase Agreements between generators and suppliers which provide developers with the necessary certainty required to finance their projects. The scheme is funded through a Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy, which is paid for by all electricity consumers. Adjustments are by way of indexation annually, by the annual increase, if any, in the consumer price index in Ireland. The resulting reference prices for 2010 and 2011 per megawatt hour are provided, for information, in the following table.

2010

2011

Large Wind

€66.353

€66.353

Small Wind

€68.681

€68.681

Officials from my Department are currently in negotiation with the European Commission on State Aid clearance to continue to offer REFIT for the new renewable energy projects in Gate 3. The rates of tariff it is proposed to offer are the same as for the original scheme.

The sector shows strong interest from developers willing to invest in renewable electricity in Ireland and developers continue to participate in REFIT. I have no plans to increase the REFIT rates.

As regards the 15 year Power Purchase Agreements, the timeframe involved is a deliberate design feature, which was put in place so that developers could recoup their investment over 15 years. Given that the scheme is funded through the PSO, a shorter payback time would lead to increased upfront pressure on electricity consumers. I therefore have no plans to change this feature of the scheme.

Onshore Exploration

Clare Daly

Question:

375 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the process of fracking or hydraulic fracturing is being allowed to happen in the Shannon basin or in other areas in the west; if his attention has been drawn to the dangers and the environmental damage caused by fracking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15068/11]

Earlier this year, following an open competition, my Department granted onshore Petroleum Licensing Options to three companies over parts of the North West Carboniferous Basin and the Clare Basin. The Licensing Options are designed to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of the acreage largely based on desktop studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. The Licensing Options specifically exclude exploration drilling but may include shallow geological sampling.

Exploration activity under these authorisations is at an early stage and there is no certainty that it will lead to applications for follow-on exploration licences that would be required before exploration wells could be drilled. In the event hydraulic fracturing was envisaged as part of a possible future exploration or production programme, then that activity would be subject to an environmental impact assessment, including an appropriate public consultation phase.

Energy Resources

Paudie Coffey

Question:

376 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the development of a contingency strategy for the allocation of energy resources in the event of a serious disruption due to international factors outside our control of oil or gas supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15022/11]

Energy security is currently high on the international and EU agenda as the global energy market becomes subject to volatility and high prices as a result of geo-political events and natural disasters. While Ireland is a peripheral energy market, we remained largely insulated from the shocks of the Russia/Ukraine gas crisis of 2009 and have not experienced supply disruption as a result of the recent tragic events in Japan and the ongoing turmoil in North Africa. Ireland is nonetheless working within the EU and the International Energy Agency (IEA) to ensure energy security of supply.

Energy emergency planning is a priority for my Department, the Commission for Energy Regulation and the energy industry. In the context also of overall national emergency planning, arrangements have been put in place to deal with a serious disruption to energy supplies, working also with Northern Ireland, the UK and with the EU and IEA.

With regard to electricity and gas, there are well established emergency plans in place. Given the importance of gas for Ireland's electricity generation, the Commission for Energy Regulation and my Department work closely together with EirGrid, ESB Networks, Bord Gáis Éireann Networks and the power generation sector to ensure that these emergency plans are fully coordinated. Joint electricity and gas emergency exercises are carried out on an annual basis. This is in addition to the routine testing of plans and emergency training that is done by the electricity and gas system operators on an ongoing basis.

The focus of these plans is, first and foremost, to maintain the safety and integrity of the networks in the event of a serious disruption. They are also designed to ensure that supply is maintained for as long as possible and that hardship to domestic and vulnerable customers is, to the extent possible, minimised.

In respect of a possible disruption of oil supplies, Ireland through the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), maintains its national strategic oil reserves fully in accordance with the IEA and European Union 90 day obligations. The IEA, of which Ireland is a founding member, stands ready, as always, to take actions to maintain energy security of supply in the event of a major disruption.

My Department and NORA work together on an ongoing basis with all the relevant stakeholders in developing contingency arrangements in the event of a major oil disruption.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

377 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs that are born by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, information technology services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15172/11]

I do not have an office in my constituency. In line with normal practice for Ministers, constituency staff working on constituency matters share office space with other staff in my Department's building on Adelaide Road.

It is not possible to disaggregate the costs for elements such as telephone, IT services, energy, maintenance, furniture and lease of the building. These costs are invoiced and recorded for the building in its entirety and it is not possible to separate out costs for a small number of staff in one area who are carrying out certain functions. No additional equipment was purchased by the Department to service constituency requirements. The lease costs of the Adelaide Road building are met from the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

My Department has not incurred any costs in relation to my home. There are two civil servants engaged on constituency matters within my Department at a cumulative salary cost of €73,799 per annum.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

378 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15191/11]

All official travel undertaken by staff in my Department is in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines. This requires staff to use the shortest practicable route and to travel by the cheapest mode of conveyance. Only essential travel is undertaken and public transport is regularly used by staff when travelling.

A number of staff in my Department also avail of the Travel Pass Scheme and the Cycle to Work Scheme, which provide a financial incentive to staff to use either public transport or to cycle to work.

Electricity Generation

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

379 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the single electricity market is of the type known as a regulatory requirement market in which labour and energy costs are treated as expenses and passed on to consumers without markup and in which generators make profits from investment in capital equipment such as fossil fuel-flexible generation plant and grid infrastructure. [15224/11]

The Single Electricity Market (SEM) is the wholesale electricity market for the island of Ireland, regulated by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the Utility Regulator in Belfast. It has been operational since November 2007, when the trading of wholesale electricity in Ireland and Northern Ireland on an All-Island basis commenced, underpinned by parallel legislation in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The decision making body which governs the market is the SEM Committee, consisting of the CER, the Utility Regulator as well as an independent member (who also has a deputy), with each entity having one vote.

The type of market in place in Ireland under SEM is a gross pool market. Accordingly, generation costs are set in the SEM by means of the gross pool market into which all electricity generated or imported onto the island of Ireland must be sold, and from which all wholesale electricity for consumption or export from the island of Ireland must be purchased. In general, conventional generators bid their short run marginal costs into the SEM on a half hourly basis in accordance with the SEM Bidding Code of Practice.

These costs include operating, fuel and carbon costs. These costs may vary on a half hourly basis for each generator and will vary between generators, even those using the same generating method and/or fuel. Fixed labour costs are generally not bid into the pool but are paid for through the gross profits that generators receive in the market. Fluctuations in the internationally traded price of fossil fuels have a particular impact on costs for fossil fuel generators.

The bidding structure of the gross pool market provides an incentive to generators to invest in more efficient generation technology. All generators in SEM, regardless of generation method or fuel type, also receive capacity payments which are designed to cover generators' long run costs as well as to encourage new investment in capacity for security of supply. A background to SEM, how it works and how it benefits customers across the island is provided in a factsheet by CER, which is available on its website, www.cer.ie.

Investment in grid infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid in respect of the transmission network and ESB Networks in the case of the distribution network. Generators only own their own connection assets. The extent of allowable costs, which may be passed onto electricity consumers in respect of grid investment and maintenance, is regulated and rigorously overseen by the CER and subject to a full scale review every five years.

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

380 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total amount of fossil fuel generating capacity in the single electricity market; the amount of fossil fuel-flexible generation plant in the SEM and in the Gate 3 licensing programme; the amount of fossil fuel-flexible generation capacity in the least cost portfolio of the all-island grid study in megawatts and as a percentage of total fossil fuel generation; the amount of electricity fossil fuel-flexible plant is predicted to produce in the modelling scenario that best reflects our current economic situation; the average number of hours per year fossil fuel-flexible generation plant is predicted to generate electricity and the predicted mean cost of a megawatt hour of electricity produced by fossil fuel-flexible generation as well as unit costs of production from other sources. [15225/11]

The oversight and operation of the Single Electricity Market is the statutory responsibility of the Single Electricity Market Committee (which comprises the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator as well as an independent Member) and the Single Market Operator EirGrid and SONI.

I would refer the Deputy to a selection of data in the public domain in response to the detailed technical questions raised. The total amount of fossil fuel generating capacity in the Single Electricity Market (SEM) together with the amount of fossil fuel flexible generation is outlined in the SONI/Eirgrid All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 2011-2020 . The amount of the fossil fuel flexible plant in the Gate 3 licensing programme is available in the CER Direction on Conventional Offer Issuance Criteria and Matters Related to Gate 3 (CER/09/191). Further detail about Gate 3 is available on the CER website: www.cer.ie.

The amount of fossil fuel generation capacity, whether flexible or non-flexible, in the least cost portfolio of the All Island Grid Study is contained in that document. The study contains the results of various scenarios, including the amount of electricity generated from fossil fuel plant. The economic assumptions underlying these scenarios can be compared with the current economic situation. Forecasts for electricity outputs from various conventional fuel types and from renewable generation are modelled and analysed for the years up to and including 2020 in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) publication Energy Forecasts for Ireland to 2020 .

Apart from the SEAI forecasts above, other reports have also estimated electricity generation output from fossil fuels and the mean or unit cost of electricity produced from fossil fuel and other sources, for years up to 2035 at the latest. They include the documents referenced above, recent ESRI studies, the 2010 Pöyry report for EirGrid on Low Carbon Generation Options for the All-Island Market and the all-island TSO Facilitation of Renewables Studies. All reports referred to above are available through the links above and on the relevant Agencies’ websites.

Alternative Energy Projects

Billy Timmins

Question:

381 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding feed-in tariffs in respect of turbine investment; his plans and developments on this topic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15500/11]

The Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff scheme known as REFIT was introduced in 2006 for certain categories of renewable energy, including onshore wind. REFIT is based around 15 year Power Purchase Agreements between generators and suppliers which provide developers with the necessary certainty required to finance their projects. The scheme is funded through a Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy, which is paid for by all electricity consumers.

Officials from my Department are currently finalising negotiations with the European Commission in relation to State Aid clearance for continuation of the REFIT Scheme for the new renewable energy projects in Gate 3. The objective is to continue the REFIT Scheme on the same basis as the existing REFIT scheme. There are no plans to increase the rate of REFIT.

As regards the 15 year Power Purchase Agreements, the timeframe was established so that developers could have the certainty of recouping their investment over 15 years. Given that the scheme is funded through the PSO, any shorter payback time could lead to increased costs on electricity consumers and no change is proposed.

Energy Resources

Catherine Murphy

Question:

382 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to undertake a risk assessment of the impacts of peak oil; how they might affect Ireland; if he intends to create an associated short-term and long-term crisis management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15529/11]

Ireland remains critically dependent on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas. This dependency underlines the immediate and long term imperatives of enhancing energy security, mitigation of price volatility and increasing energy sustainability. National energy policy objectives are in line with overall EU policy objectives and are informed by the ongoing analytical work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) on all aspects of energy supply including the Agency's short, medium and long term prognoses for global oil and gas supply.

In line with the Programme for Government I am committed to delivering on national energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes which are aimed at moving the economy away from reliance on imported, carbon intensive fossil fuels, which increasingly display significant price volatility and working spikes in prices. Delivery on these commitments will support energy competitiveness and security as well as employment and economic activity. The Biofuel Obligation Scheme and the Electric Vehicle Programme are both designed to reduce the over reliance of the transport sector on imported oil in the longer term.

In respect of short term oil crisis measures Ireland maintains its national strategic oil reserves fully in accordance with its IEA and EU obligations. The IEA, of which Ireland is a founding member, has recently affirmed that in the event of a major oil supply disruption it stands ready, as always, to take actions to maintain supplies for its Member Countries.

Fisheries Protection

Pearse Doherty

Question:

383 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the relationship between the State and the ESB with regard to the operation of the salmon hatchery at Ballyshannon, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15530/11]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

384 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider permitting the catching of the hatchery fin-clipped salmon released as hatchery-reared smolts from the salmon hatchery at Ballyshannon, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15531/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 384 together.

I receive a report from the ESB under Section 10 of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 1961 (No 2 of 1961) on an annual basis, which advises me on the management of fisheries under its jurisdiction, including the Ballyshannon Hatchery. As is the case with all ESB Fisheries, the Ballyshannon Hatchery is managed in consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute and my Department. ESB propagates salmon in the hatchery to support the restoration of the wild salmon in the Erne system whose migratory patterns may be interrupted by the dams at Cathleen's Fall and Cliff power stations.

On the matter of catching hatchery reared (fin-clipped) salmon to which the Deputy is referring, I understand that according to scientific advice tendered by the Standing Scientific Committee, hatchery-bred and wild fish could not be safely separated using draft nets without unsustainable mortality to wild stocks. It would not therefore be possible to allow the harvest proposal suggested by the Deputy.

Onshore Exploration

Michael McNamara

Question:

385 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an exploration licence was granted in the last days of the last Dáil; if it allows for fracking; and, if so, the precautions required of these companies to mitigate the environmental damage that could arise from this practice. [15567/11]

In February of this year, following a detailed evaluation of applications received in the 2010 onshore licensing competition, my Department offered onshore Petroleum Licensing Options to three companies over parts of the North West Carboniferous Basin and the Clare Basin. The Licensing Options are designed to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of their acreage largely based on desktop studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. The Licensing Options specifically exclude exploration drilling but may include shallow geological sampling.

Exploration activity under these authorisations is at an early stage and there is no certainty that it will lead to applications for follow-on exploration licences that would be required before exploration wells could be drilled. In the event hydraulic fracturing was envisaged as part of a possible future exploration or production programme, then that activity would be subject to an environmental impact assessment, including an appropriate public consultation phase.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

386 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate his position on the inclusion of air transport in the EU emissions trading system; if he or any Government colleague has discussed this matter with the Irish airlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15736/11]

Aviation was included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) by virtue of the Aviation Directive 2008/101/EC which was adopted in November 2008 following very strong backing by the European Parliament and unanimous support by EU Member States. This Directive has been transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading) (Aviation) Regulations 2010.

The Aviation Directive extends the EU ETS to aviation activities and applies to all flights arriving at and departing from EU airports from 2012 onwards. There are some exemptions and these are identified in the Annex to the Directive and in Schedule 1 to the Regulations. The Regulations were drafted in consultation with aircraft operators assigned to Ireland, including Irish airlines. The EPA is the competent authority in the State for the purposes of the Regulations and the Directive. I understand that the EPA has had discussions on an ongoing basis with aircraft operators, including Irish airlines on implementation of the Regulations.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

387 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15761/11]

At the end of May 2011, there were 36.40 full-time equivalent auditors employed in my Department in the Local Government Audit Service.

Homelessness Strategy

Peter Mathews

Question:

388 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to tackle homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15790/11]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 35 of 17 May 2011 which outlined my intention to complete the homeless strategy review and introduce an updated strategy this autumn, including clear performance targets and associated timelines.

There is a comprehensive range of measures in place to underpin the role of housing authorities and approved housing bodies towards achieving the ambitious objective of eliminating long term homelessness and the need to sleep rough. My Department's funding provision for running costs of homeless accommodation and related services for 2011 is €53.413 million, which together with 10% provided from local authorities own resources, brings the total funding to €58.75m in 2011. This level of funding will enable the provision of sufficient bed capacity on a nightly basis to accommodate all those in need of emergency accommodation, including related outreach services, delivering on the commitment to eliminate the need for homeless persons to sleep rough. This funding also means that there will be no reduction in the provision of front-line accommodation and support services in 2011 and that the delivery of homeless action plans under the auspices of the nine regional homeless fora across the country can be maintained.

On the supply side, the key elements of the local authority housing programme, including local authority social lettings, housing acquisitions and remedial works/upgrading for vacant local authority housing stock; Capital Assistance Scheme funding to the voluntary and cooperative housing sector; the leasing programme; and the Rental Accommodation Scheme are contributing to the supply of units to meet the needs of those moving from long term homeless accommodation to mainstream housing.

Local Authority Housing

Dessie Ellis

Question:

389 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will decide on funding for an area (details supplied) as per proposals on preferred options for regeneration submitted by Dublin City Council. [15805/11]

In response to the downturn in the housing market and the prevailing economic climate in 2008, Dublin City Council suspended its PPP programme, which included a proposal for the regeneration of 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 Taskforce to examine all options with regard to the future regeneration of the six former PPP projects, which included St. Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens, Dominick Street, St. Teresa's Gardens, Croke Villas, and Dolphin House and, in particular, to examine options to fast-track the relocation of households to facilitate future regeneration.

The Special Housing Taskforce initially prioritised three areas for regeneration — St. Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street. Last autumn, my Department approved the City Council's first phase redevelopment at St Michael's Estate, with Exchequer funding of €5.8 million being provided for the social housing element. Outline proposals for O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street have also been agreed with my Department.

A preliminary report outlining possible options for the redevelopment of St. Teresa's Gardens was received in my Department in March 2011 and my Department is currently working with the City Council to progress this and other regeneration proposals. In order to advance this project in accordance with the criteria laid down for regeneration funding, the City Council will be required to prepare a master plan that gives consideration to social and economic regeneration in addition to physical improvements. This holistic approach is fundamental in building and supporting sustainable, stable communities.

To date, my Department has provided funding of some €4.44 million to support the City Council's planning and relocation initiatives at St. Teresa's Gardens. Future funding will be made available within the context of City Council's overall regeneration programme and the Exchequer provision for regeneration.

Dessie Ellis

Question:

390 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to change the policy of local authorities whereby single fathers with joint custody are only considered for one-bed accommodation as in the case of a person (details supplied) who has joint custody of his teenage daughters and is being denied a two-bed unit. [15806/11]

It is a matter for individual housing authorities to decide on the type and size of dwellings to be allocated to applicants on their waiting lists. This policy is decided in their Allocation Schemes, the making of which is a reserved function of the housing authority. I understand, however, that some authorities make provision for an extra bedroom space when making an allocation to single or separated parents with a child or children for whom they have joint custody.

Social and Affordable Housing

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

391 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application for a housing scheme (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15817/11]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 208 of 19 April 2011, which sets out the position in relation to this matter.

Water Charges

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

392 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 8 June 2011, if he will confirm that persons with private wells who do not receive water from the public mains system will not have to pay any charges for water under the new water metering scheme. [15844/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

409 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the outcome of the cost-benefit analysis of the funding options for the metering programme carried out by him. [15290/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 409 together.

In order to address a commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is preparing proposals for the installation of meters on households connected to a public water supply, including consideration of the costs and benefits of the various options for the metering programme. Proposals on the matter will be submitted to the Government for consideration as soon as possible and further details will be made available at that stage subject to their approval by Government. The Government's objective is to deliver the metering programme in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

Planning Issues

Catherine Murphy

Question:

393 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the responsibility that falls to local authorities in the case of apartment developments which will be managed by a management company to ensure they are fully completed in accordance with the planning permission; in the case of mixed developments, the obligation the local authorities have to take such estates in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15899/11]

The developer of any development, including a residential development, is statutorily required to complete the development in accordance with the terms of the planning permission. A development which has not been completed in accordance with the planning permission is unauthorised development. Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authorities, who have substantial enforcement powers and obligations under the legislation.

A planning authority may issue an enforcement notice, non-compliance with which is an offence, in connection with an unauthorised development, requiring such steps as the authority considers necessary to be taken within a specified period. If an enforcement notice is not complied with the planning authority may itself take the specified steps and recover the expense incurred in doing so. A planning authority may seek a court order requiring any particular action to be done or not to be done. A planning authority may also refuse permission to any developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission.

The Planning Acts also place clear statutory obligations on planning authorities in relation to unauthorised development. A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development, or in relation to any other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). There is also a statutory obligation to carry out an investigation and expeditiously decide whether an enforcement notice should be issued or a court order should be sought, under section 160 of the 2000 Act. Where a planning authority establishes, following an investigation, that unauthorised development (other than development that is of a trivial or minor nature) has been or is being carried out, and the person who has carried out the development has not proceeded to remedy the position, then the planning authority must issue an enforcement notice or seek a court order, unless there are compelling reasons for not doing so. The above provisions apply to all residential developments, whether or not they are to be managed by a management company.

Insofar as the taking in charge of residential developments is concerned, Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that, where an estate is completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the planning permission (and any conditions attached to the permission), the planning authority must initiate taking in charge procedures as soon as possible following a request to do so by the developer or by the majority of the owners. Similarly, where an estate has not been completed to the standard outlined in the planning permission and the planning authority has not taken enforcement action within the appropriate period, section 180 also provides that the planning authority must initiate taking in charge procedures if requested to do so by the owners of the units concerned. The decision as whether an estate should be taken in charge is ultimately one for the elected members of the planning authority.

Section 180 was amended in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to provide that a planning authority may take in charge an unfinished estate at any time after the expiration of the planning permission, in situations where enforcement actions have failed or the planning authority has not taken enforcement action. Planning authorities were also specifically empowered in 2010 Act to take in charge part of an estate, or some but not all of the facilities in an estate.

Local Authority Staff

Joan Collins

Question:

394 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the salary of each county and city manager by local authority; his plans to reduce the number of county and city managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15000/11]

The information requested regarding the salaries of County and City Managers is provided in the following table. The Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group recommended the creation of ten joint administrative areas across twenty county and city councils with each joint administrative area under the responsibility of a single manager. This recommendation would require careful consideration by me and by the Government. Should a decision be taken to implement the recommendation, legislation would be required.

Local Authority Manager

Salary (with effect from 1 January 2010)

Dublin City Council

€189,301

Cork County CouncilFingal County CouncilSouth Dublin County Council

€162,062

Cork City CouncilDun Laoghaire-Rathdown County CouncilKildare County CouncilMeath County Council

€153,260

Limerick City CouncilClare County CouncilDonegal County CouncilGalway County CouncilKerry County CouncilKilkenny County CouncilLimerick County CouncilLouth County CouncilMayo County CouncilSouth Tipperary County CouncilWestmeath County CouncilWexford County CouncilWicklow County Council

€142,469

Galway City CouncilWaterford City CouncilCarlow County CouncilCavan County CouncilLaois County CouncilLeitrim County CouncilLongford County CouncilMonaghan County CouncilOffaly County CouncilRoscommon County CouncilSligo County CouncilNorth Tipperary County CouncilWaterford County Council

€132,511

Joan Collins

Question:

395 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the salary of each director of services by local authority; his plans to reduce the number of directors of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15001/11]

Directors of Service, under the direction of the County or City Manager, play an important role as the heads of significant service areas across the full range of public services provided by local government. The salary scale for Directors of Service, with effect from 1 January 2010, ranges from €90,453 to €106,900.

The Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group recommended that over time the number of Directors of Service in local authorities be reduced by at least 20%. In the period from 1 January, 2010 to March 2011 the number of Directors has reduced by 4.5%. The reduction in the period from December 2008 to March 2011 is 14.5%. I am satisfied that the number of Directors of Service is reducing in line with the Group's recommendation and I will be keeping the matter under review.

Local Authority Housing

David Stanton

Question:

396 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider the possibility of allowing persons who are at risk of losing their homes or who have lost their homes due to the current economic downturn to be considered for local authority housing and to be allowed to be placed on local authority housing lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15040/11]

New regulations and guidance have been developed by my Department in the context of the social housing reform programme to provide that housing authorities can disregard a household's current accommodation for the purposes of determining eligibility for social housing support where that household's current accommodation has been deemed unsustainable for economic reasons. Local authorities have been provided with clear guidance on the treatment of applicants for social housing support in such circumstances.

Local Authority Charges

Michael Creed

Question:

397 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider an amendment to the relevant legislation to facilitate a system of payment by instalments for persons liable for the non-principal private residence tax in view of the difficult financial circumstances many households now find themselves in and which are likely to be exacerbated by the introduction of a household tax in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15046/11]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 144 of 8 June 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.

Proposed Legislation

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

398 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in view of the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, published in July 2010, which recognised that legislation promoting female candidates as a condition of public funding might prove constitutionally frail, if he has held any discussions or received advice in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15055/11]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

411 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the implementation of gender quotas by political parties for the selection of candidates will in practice mean that persons may, on the sole grounds of the gender they hold, be prevented from running for Dáil Éireann for a political party and that if legislation were to provide for such discrimination, such legislation would appear to conflict with Article 16(3) of the Constitution which states that no law shall be enacted placing any citizen under disability or incapacity for membership of Dáil Éireann on the ground of sex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15410/11]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

423 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding women candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15539/11]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

424 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received advice as to whether his proposed legislation to link State funding of parties to the gender of candidates run by them would fall foul of the right of association under Article 40.6.1 of the Constitution as suggested by the fourth report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15655/11]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

425 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in view of a statement in the fourth report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution that any form of preferential funding of candidates using public money is prima facie unconstitutional, how he proposes to ensure his proposed legislation linking party funding to the gender of candidates will be constitutional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15656/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398, 411 and 423 to 425, inclusive, together.

On 8 June 2011, I published the General Scheme of the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill 2011. In line with the Government's commitment significantly to reform political funding in Ireland, this Bill will implement commitments in the Programme for Government and recommendations made in the Moriarty Tribunal Report Into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters. The Programme for Government contains a commitment that: "Public funding for political parties will be tied to the level of participation by women as candidates those parties achieve".

The General Scheme includes provision for a requirement that to qualify for full State funding under Part III of the Electoral Act 1997 a qualified political party will have to have at least 30% women candidates and at least 30% men candidates at the next General Election. This is to rise to 40% after seven years. Half of every payment to a qualified political party is to be made contingent on meeting these new requirements. The relevant draft Heads of the Bill to provide for these new arrangements are set out in Part 5 of the General Scheme, as published.

Section 18 of the Electoral Act 1997 specifies the purposes to which the funding provided to a qualified political party under Part III of the Act shall be used, and provides that payments shall not be applied to expenses incurred at an election. The funding is applied, inter alia , to the general conduct and management of the party’s affairs and the lawful pursuit by it of any of its objectives.

I have received the advice of the Attorney General in respect of the provisions in Part 5 of the General Scheme of the Bill and I do not envisage constitutional difficulties arising.

Election Management System

Regina Doherty

Question:

399 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money that has been spent on the storage of the e-voting machines to date; the person who is benefiting from the storage of these machines; the tendering and procurement process that was in place for the contract to store e-voting machines; the relationship the person awarded the contract has to any political party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15076/11]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

421 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to scrap the e-voting machines as soon as possible; if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15505/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 421 together.

In addressing the legacy of the electronic voting project, my priority is to see that the equipment is disposed of as soon as possible.

I have asked the Task Force that was established to oversee the cessation of the project to consider proposals for the disposal of the equipment, with a view towards immediately progressing arrangements. The Task Force met on 12 April 2011, and the necessary preliminary and background work to enable the disposal of the equipment to proceed is currently underway. This is to be completed as soon as possible.

In considering options for disposal of the equipment, the priority is to pursue the most economically advantageous approach, with a view to achieving the maximum recovery of cost possible in the circumstances, consistent with environmental and other obligations.

The detailed contractual and other arrangements for the storage of the electronic voting equipment were put in place by Returning Officers. Responsibility for the security and safe storage of manual voting electoral materials (such as ballot boxes, stamping instruments and stationery) has been and continues to be a matter for the Returning Officers, who are statutorily responsible for conducting the polls. Accordingly, similar responsibility was assigned to Returning Officers to make the necessary arrangements in relation to the storage of the electronic voting machines and equipment. Electronic voting equipment was originally stored at 25 local premises. In 2007, over 60% of the machines (4,762 in total) were moved from 12 local storage locations to a central facility at Gormanston Army Camp. One-off costs associated with the movement of these machines were €328,363.21. There are no ongoing rental costs in respect of the use of this property. Costs of €552.83 were incurred in 2009 in respect of equipment to monitor the environmental storage conditions at the Gormanston premises. A further 14 machines are held in the Custom House.

The remaining machines are stored at 13 local premises that were originally identified by Returning Officers for this purpose. It is intended that all machines will be removed from their present locations when arrangements for disposal are implemented. Work on termination of local lease arrangements is proceeding in this context.

Based on the figures received in my Department from Returning Officers, the total costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment (including the cost of rent, insurance, service charges, rates, heating, etc.) are set out in the following table.

Table 1: Storage Costs for the Electronic Voting Equipment 2004-2010

Year

Local Storage

National Storage (Gormanston)

2004

€658,228.94

2005

€696,281.94

2006

€705,995.08

2007

€488,703.74

€328,363.21

2008

€204,225.21

2009

€182,523.14

€552.83

2010

€144,320

The total annual rental cost for storage of the electronic voting equipment for each of the storage locations is set out in the following table, which also includes ownership details provided by Returning Officers in respect of each premises.

Table 2: Electronic Voting Storage Locations, Owners of Premises and Annual Rental Costs

County/City

Storage Location of Machines

Owner of Premises

Rental Cost (incl. VAT)2004

Rental Cost (incl. VAT)2005

Rental Cost (incl. VAT)2006

Rental Cost (incl. VAT)2007

Rental Cost (incl. VAT)2008

Rental Cost (incl. VAT)2009

Rental Cost (incl. VAT)2010

Carlow-Kilkenny

Mortarstown*

Matthew and Teresa Cleary

€22,506.00

€23,595.00

€25,047.00

€23,595.00

Cavan-Monaghan

Monaghan Town

Martin Duffy

€20,328.00

€20,328.00

€16,800.00

€16,800.00

€16,800.00

€16,800

€16,800

Clare

Ennis

Voting machines stored in courthouse. Premises for ancillary equipment owned by Tony Mulqueen.

€10,800.00

€3,600.00

€3,600.00

€3,600.00

€3,600.00

€3,600

€3,600

Cork City

Togher*

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Harvey

€15,200.00

€30,492.00

€30,492.00

€30,492.00

Cork County

Ballygarvan*

Michael O’Driscoll

€19,360.00

€19,360.00

€24,200.00

€24,200.00

Donegal

Letterkenny

Niall McIvors, Secure Storage

€9,293.00

€10,564.00

€11,470.80

€9,292.80

€9,331.20

€8,310.60

€7,260

Dublin City

Ballycoolin*

Brendan and Cara Walsh

€35,000.00

€42,350.00

€42,348.00

€4,830.00

Dublin County

Finglas*

John Fitzpatrick and Kevin McGarry

€33,880.00

€33,880.00

€28,000.00

€0.00

Galway

Galway City / Castlebar

Voting machines stored in Galway courthouse until March 2009[i]

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

Kerry

Tralee

John Dillane

€21,175.00

€21,175.00

€22,624.96

€21,175.00

€21,175.00

€22,712.44

€22,690.57

Kildare

Clane*

J & D O’Brien

€19,360.00

€19,360.00

€19,360.00

€19,360.00

€19,360.00

Laois-Offaly

Portaoise

KG Warehousing Ltd.

€24,200.00

€24,200.00

€24,200.00

€24,200.00

€24,200.00

€24,250

€16,940

Limerick

Limerick City*

Ashling Microsystems

€51,188.00

€51,188.00

€51,188.52

€17,062.84

Longford

Longford Town

Returning Officer has requested that this information not be released publicly for security reasons

€0.00

€12,100.00

€12,100.00

€12,100.00

12,100.00

€12,150

€12,100

Roscommon

Roscommon Town

Gerry Kelly

€6,000.00

€6,000.00

€6,000.00

€6,000.00

€6,000

€6,000

€6,000

Louth

Dundalk

Dundalk Town Council

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

Mayo

Castlebar*

Joseph Togher

€25,410.00

€25,410.00

€25,410.00

€25,410.00

Meath

Navan

Paul McDonnell

€14,496.00

€14,496.00

€14,496.00

€18,600.00

€18,600.00

€18,600

€18,600

Sligo

Sligo Town

Voting machines stored in courthouse

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

Leitrim

Carrick-on-Shannon

Voting machines stored in courthouse. Premises for ancillary equipment owned by Drumshanbo Enterprise Centre

€0.00

€3,000.00

€3,150.00

€3,200.00

€3,200.00

€3,200.00

€3,200.00

Tipperary (N&S)

Clonmel*

Nicholas Delehanty

€24,200.00

€24,200.00

€20,000.00

€25,000.00

Waterford

Waterford City*

Johnstown Properties Ltd.

€50,820.00

€50,820.00

€52,525.36

€30,639.67

Westmeath

Mullingar*

Peadar Conlon

€15,972.00

€15,972.00

€15,972.00

€15,972.00

Wexford

Drinagh

McGuinness Enterprises Ltd.

€12,095.00

€12,096.00

€12,095.16

€12,095.16

€18,150.00

€18,150.00

€18,150.00

Wicklow

Kilcoole*

Telhurst Ltd.

€38,000.00

€38,000.00

€38,000.00

€0.00

* machines moved to Gormanston in 2007

[i] Machines moved from Galway Courthouse to Castlebar in 2009. Now stored at previously existing facility for Manual equipment at no additional cost.

Local Authority Funding

Regina Doherty

Question:

400 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of the communications expenses for the 34 local authorities in Ireland for the year 2009/2010. [15077/11]

I presume the question refers to the 34 County and City Councils.

The Annual Financial Statement of each local authority provides an analysis of their current expenditure. Local authorities incur a range of communications expenses including, but not limited to, telephone, postage, internet and email, SCATS traffic control systems, and telemetry.

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 2009 is set out in the following table.

AFS 2009 — Communications Expenses

Carlow County Council

347,006

Cavan County Council

335,770

Clare County Council

744,066

Cork County Council

2,233,605

Donegal County Council

1,123,464

Fingal County Council

1,303,211

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

1,262,231

Galway County Council

914,520

Kerry County Council

839,537

Kildare County Council

762,697

Kilkenny County Council

424,513

Laois County Council

579,241

Leitrim County Council

408,843

Limerick County Council

668,451

Longford County Council

387,959

Louth County Council

454,779

Mayo County Council

1,193,014

Meath County Council

638,550

Monaghan County Council

564,160

North Tipperary County Council

500,745

Offaly County Council

376,959

Roscommon County Council

403,625

Sligo County Council

463,659

South Dublin County Council

1,268,558

South Tipperary County Council

536,231

Waterford County Council

566,191

Westmeath County Council

528,666

Wexford County Council

907,324

Wicklow County Council

711,005

Cork City Council

1,432,081

Dublin City Council

7,802,098

Galway City Council

518,257

Limerick City Council

545,691

Waterford City Council

512,119

Total

32,258,828

Traveller Accommodation

Charles Flanagan

Question:

401 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an outline of the work of the national Traveller accommodation consultative committees and the Traveller accommodation unit within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15128/11]

The National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (NTACC) was established, on a statutory basis, on 29 April 1999 under sections 19 and 20 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998. The fourth NTACC was appointed on 22 April 2010 for a period of three years.

The terms of reference of the Committee are to advise the Minister in relation to:

any general matter concerning accommodation for Travellers;

any matter referred to it by the Minister;

the most appropriate measures for improving, at local level, consultation with, and participation of, Travellers in the provision and management of accommodation;

general matters concerning the preparation, adequacy, implementation and co-ordination of Traveller accommodation programmes.

The work of the NTACC is detailed in its annual reports, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The NTACC Annual Report for 2010 is currently being finalised.

The Traveller Accommodation Unit (TAU) of my Department is responsible for maintaining an effective framework of policy and legislation in relation to Traveller accommodation. The unit is also tasked with overseeing the implementation, through local authorities, of effective Traveller accommodation programmes and providing funding for appropriate and high-quality Traveller specific accommodation. The TAU provides executive and secretarial support for the NTACC, engages with a number of cross-Departmental groups addressing Traveller issues and fulfils various reporting requirements to United Nations and European Union fora.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

402 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied with implementation of legal provisions by local authorities in respect of unauthorised Traveller encampments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15129/11]

Local authorities have a wide and effective range of powers to deal with unauthorised Traveller encampments. The principal powers of local authorities to deal with the unauthorised placing of temporary dwellings on public property, under legislation coming within the ambit of my Department, are contained in the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1948 and Section 10 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, as amended by Section 32 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 and Section 21 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002. The initiation of action under these pieces of legislation is a matter for each local authority.

The relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 concerning entering and occupying land without consent or the bringing of any object onto such land are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.

While I have no current plans to amend the aforementioned powers available to local authorities, I will continue to keep the effectiveness of these powers under review.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

403 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15175/11]

My Department does not pay any costs in relation to the leasing of my constituency office in Kilkenny.

In relation to IT services, my Department has an agreement with the Houses of the Oireachtas for Managed Support Services for IT hardware and a connection to the Houses of Oireachtas database for my constituency office based on the model of the service currently provided to Deputies and Senators. The 2011 cost is estimated at €5,878.

Arrangements for the staffing of my constituency office are not yet finalised. However, the office will be staffed in accordance with the agreed reduced staffing limits decided by the Government. At present a Clerical Officer from my Department is assigned to work in my constituency office at the appropriate salary point.

Local Authority Housing

Billy Timmins

Question:

404 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding new regulations on social housing in local authorities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15189/11]

Sections of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009 dealing with social housing support, and related Social Housing Assessment Regulations, 2011, were commenced on 1 April 2011. A new standard procedure for assessing applicants for social housing was introduced in every housing authority.

One of the important provisions of the new regulations is that a household need only apply to one housing authority for the purpose of determining whether or not they have a housing need. The idea behind the new arrangements is to streamline the process of applying for social housing support, both for the applicant and the local authority, while at the same time allowing a reasonable level of choice to households as to the areas in which they would like to receive social housing support.

A household may apply to the housing authority for the functional area

where it normally resides — this would include a household residing in rented accommodation, or

where it has a local connection.

In accordance with the Regulations a local connection can be established if the applicant or a member of the household;

has lived in the area for a continuous 5 year period previously;

is employed in the area or within 15 km of the area;

is in full-time education, or attending specialist medical care in the area;

has a relative living in the area for 2 years or longer.

"Relative" of a member of the household is defined in the Regulations as a parent, adult child or sibling and may include another relative, such as a step-parent, grandparent, grandchild, aunt or uncle, who has close links with the household member in the form of commitment or dependence.

A household may then specify up to three areas of choice in any housing authority in the county. At least one of these choices must be in the functional area of the housing authority of application. Therefore, a household living in, or having a local connection with, a town council area, may make a single application to that town council for housing support in the town, but on that application may also express its choice to live in areas within the wider administrative county council area. Alternatively, a household living in, or having a local connection with, the county area may choose to apply to the county council, but also express areas of choice within the town council areas in the county. Eligible households will appear on the waiting lists of each of the authorities where they have expressed areas of choice.

The four Dublin housing authorities of Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin are considered as one county for this purpose, as are North and South Tipperary. I have previously announced my intention of extending this single support application area arrangement to the other four city/county areas of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, and will be making Regulations shortly in this regard.

A housing authority may also decide at its discretion to accept a household who does not meet these residence or local connection criteria. In this case, the household may only express areas of choice within the functional area of that particular housing authority.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

405 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15194/11]

Since October 2008, my Department has participated in the Workplace Travel Plan as part of the Dublin Transportation Office's One Small Step campaign, with the aim of encouraging greater staff use of sustainable transport options when travelling to and from work, and ensuring that, where practicable, staff opt for sustainable transport options when conducting business on behalf of the Department.

Under the Plan, the Department is committed to:

encouraging a change of attitudes and behaviours, where possible, around travel options to and from work;

reducing the reliance on the car as a means of transport to and from work and promoting, where possible, the healthier, sustainable options of walking or cycling for all or part of the journey;

reducing the carbon footprint of the Department by reducing carbon emissions from staff car usage in the context of their work;

promoting the use of public transport to cut down on emissions and traffic.

To help achieve these aims, my Department has implemented the Cycle-to-Work Scheme and the Travel Pass Scheme whereby staff can obtain a bicycle and/or safety equipment or an annual bus/rail pass, respectively. The Department has also participated in the "In Town without My Car Day" event on 22 September each year, with the car park at my Department's offices in the Custom House closed to all but disabled staff.

In the context of official travel, it is Departmental policy that public transport should be used wherever possible, where it is deemed necessary to travel for business purposes. Staff are only permitted to hire taxies or to use their cars to travel to and from meetings where no suitable public transport (e.g., train or bus) is available, where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense or where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid. Staff travelling between Departmental offices, where public transport options are available, may claim the costs of travel on the basis of public transport rates (bus/train) only.

National Lottery Funding

Sean Fleming

Question:

406 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if community groups can apply for national lottery funding through his Department to open a community centre; if application forms are currently available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15215/11]

There is no specific scheme operating in my Department to which a community group can apply for National Lottery funding to support a community centre.

My Department currently operates two Programmes which have a National Lottery funded element; these are the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) and the Scheme for National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector. Both provide for current funding only and do not, therefore, provide for the type of initiative in question.

However, under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 funding of €427m is available for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. One of the objectives of the RDP is to identify and provide appropriate amenity and leisure facilities to local communities not otherwise available to them. Accordingly, in this context it may be possible to obtain funding for a project of the nature referred to in the question under the RDP.

For 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.

There are 36 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with Departmental operating rules and EU regulations. Contact details for these groups can be found on the website of the National Rural Network at www.nrn.ie.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Thomas Pringle

Question:

407 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the situation regarding the Glenties and Dungloe waste water schemes, County Donegal; and when he expects they may go to construction. [15236/11]

The Dungloe and Glenties Sewerage Schemes, which are to advance jointly, are included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 among the list of contracts in Donegal to start in the period 2010 -2012. My Department has approved the tender documents for the scheme and it is now a matter for Donegal County Council to advance the scheme through the tender process.

Local Authority Housing

Brian Stanley

Question:

408 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that new application forms for local authority housing require applications based on medical conditions to provide a consultant’s report; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many persons who are applying for social housing do not have the means to see a consultant privately leaving them on long waiting lists in the public system further delaying their application and that many consultants are unwilling to provide letters of this nature in view of the fact that they do not see it as part of their role; and the steps he will take to address this. [15283/11]

My Department is aware that the wording on the new application form may give rise to difficulties in some cases and I propose to amend the prescribed form to address this as soon as possible. I have advised local authorities that a consultant's report is not essential in all cases where applicants have a medical condition or disability which impacts on their housing needs. However, an appropriate written report from a qualified medical or paramedical professional must always be submitted. This is required both to identify and certify the medical condition or disability involved and also to ensure that suitable accommodation is provided for the household concerned.

Question No. 409 answered with Question No. 392.

Urban Renewal Schemes

Joan Collins

Question:

410 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the portion, if any, of the €2 million funding approved in respect of the Cranmore regeneration project in County Sligo, in the current year that will be used for the repair or refurbishment of houses in the estate. [15378/11]

My Department recently approved a proposal by Sligo Borough Council to refurbish up to 53 houses in the Cranmore estate. The Council estimates the cost of these works at €445,000. Expenditure incurred this year will be met from the €2 million allocation for regeneration.

Question No. 411 answered with Question No. 398.

Water Quality

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

412 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to harmonise water pressure and quality for all domestic users across the country. [15411/11]

The EPA has statutory responsibility for supervising the quality of drinking water supplies in Ireland. Its latest report, The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland; a report for the Years 2008-2009, indicates that the overall quality of water supplies in Ireland is high and continues to improve.

The improvement in the quality of drinking water continues to be a key element of my Department's water services capital programme. Over €5.1 billion has been invested in water services since 2000, including just over €2 billion on drinking water. My Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the commencement of contracts with a value of over €800m in relation to water supply infrastructure. This includes contracts to address deficiencies in the quality of supply, to improve the overall capacity of the system and an accelerated programme of mains rehabilitation.

The bulk of expenditure under the Rural Water Programme is targeted at improvements in the drinking water quality infrastructure in the group water sector and in minor works required to address deficiencies in public water supplies highlighted by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Pension Provisions

Finian McGrath

Question:

413 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is correct that the chairman of An Bord Pleánala is receiving a multimillion euro pension. [15429/11]

The Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála holds office on such terms and conditions as are determined by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with the consent of the Minister for Finance and in accordance with section 106(14) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010.

The pay of the Chairperson of the Board of An Bord Pleanála is currently linked to the pay of a judge of the High Court. The pension arrangements of the Chairperson are set out in the An Bord Pleanála (Chairman and Members) Superannuation Scheme 1986 to 2009, which is available in the Oireachtas library.

Waste Disposal

Michael McNamara

Question:

414 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way both the Litter Pollution Act and Waste Management Act are working with particular emphasis on the number of prosecutions; the difficulties, if any, being notified; and the reported findings and results of local authority litter operational plans or national results or both. [15438/11]

In 2008, there were 8,151 waste enforcement notices issued and 695 prosecutions initiated under the Waste Management Acts. Overall, this represents a very significant quantum of enforcement, consistent with the findings of the Office of Environmental Enforcement's report Focus on Environmental Enforcement in Ireland, covering the period 2006 to 2008, which indicates that the handling of waste-related complaints has significantly improved. More up-to-date information in relation to numbers of enforcement actions may be available from individual local authorities.

The most recently available statistics in respect of the Litter Pollution Act indicate that in 2009, 3,074 prosecutions were initiated and 22,830 on-the-spot fines were issued. The Litter Pollution Act also requires that local authorities have in place litter management plans, which must be reviewed every three years, and sets out a range of matters which must be incorporated into these plans. These individual plans are available on the local authorities' websites. The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report for 2009, which is available on my Department's website and on www.litter.ie , indicated an ongoing improvement in litter levels across the country; I intend to publish the 2010 report shortly.

In general, I am satisfied with the adequacy and appropriateness of the enforcement powers available under the Waste Management Acts and the maximum penalties of a fine of up to €15m and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years for waste-related offences. The Litter Pollution Act provides for penalties for offences ranging from an on-the-spot fine of €150, to a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction, to a maximum fine of €130,000 on conviction on indictment. While I have no immediate plans for legislative change in these matters I am keeping the performance in both areas under regular review, particularly in terms of the effectiveness of enforcement. In that context, I will also be considering the relevant recommendations in the report of the EPA Review Group which I have recently published and which is available on my Department's website www.environ.ie .

Local Government Reform

Brian Stanley

Question:

415 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he will publish his policy statement on local government reform. [15451/11]

I propose to publish a policy statement on local government that will outline Government policy for an action programme to renew and develop the local government system in line with the Programme for Government. In this regard, I intend to bring proposals to Government in the autumn on the measures needed to develop and enhance the local government system, improve its capacity to meet current and future challenges and make a substantial contribution to the national recovery effort.

Departmental Correspondence

Terence Flanagan

Question:

416 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding a property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15456/11]

The correspondence in question has been received; a comprehensive response is being prepared by my Department and will issue to the correspondent as soon as possible.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

417 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects to make a decision on the approval of sewerage schemes at locations (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15473/11]

A comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure has been approved for County Limerick in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The total value of contracts underway and those proposed for commencement during the period of the Programme in County Limerick is some €23 million.

The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 provides for the commencement of contracts relating to the Askeaton and Dromcollogher Sewerage Schemes in the lifetime of the Programme.

My Department is examining Preliminary Reports for the Askeaton and Drumcollogher Sewerage Schemes and a decision on the Preliminary Reports will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.

Proposed Legislation

Catherine Murphy

Question:

418 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he considers there is an urgent need to enact domestic climate change legislation in view of the fact that the Labour Party introduced the Climate Change Bill, which had cross-party support at the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, into the Oireachtas on 16 December 2010 and that the former Government published a Climate Change Response Bill on 23 December 2010; if he intends to bring forward either of these Bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15491/11]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 56 of 17 May 2011, which outlines the position regarding the preparation of climate legislation. The position is unchanged.

Fire Services

Seán Kenny

Question:

419 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding provided towards the refurbishment of the Dublin fire brigade training centre, Marino, Dublin 3; if the refurbishment works are still ongoing; the amount of funding allocated to date; and when he expects the refurbishment works to be completed. [15495/11]

The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981.

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

Since 1982, the O'Brien Institute in Marino has been used as a training centre for Dublin Fire Brigade. It is the largest fire training facility in Ireland and provides an extensive range of courses for Dublin Fire Brigade. Courses are also provided for staff of other fire brigades, as well as for other public and private sector organisations.

My Department has recouped a total of €3,003,967 to date to Dublin City Council in support of the phased renovation of the training facility. In the latest phases, the City Council has undertaken restoration work on the main building, and has converted and restored the former Chapel, which is now being used as the main auditorium and training facility. The Council has also recently completed enabling/demolition works on the site.

Further development proposed by Dublin City Council at the O'Brien Institute includes an upgrade of the student and instructor facilities, and the provision of modern canteen facilities on the site. The City Council also plans to design and build a further purpose-built training building on the site. Other works proposed include provision of enhanced energy conservation measures and the upgrade of the electrical system.

In common with other capital programmes, my Department has commenced a Capital Expenditure Review of the fire services capital programme to include all projects in receipt of funding under the programme. Further investment to support the redevelopment of the O'Brien Institute will be considered within the current constraints on the fire services capital programme and will have regard to the Capital Expenditure Review, the priorities of Dublin City Council, the level of investment to date and the totality of demands from fire authorities countrywide for the limited funding available.

Water Charges

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

420 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the percentage and total value of non-domestic water charges that were outstanding for each of the years 2007 to 2010, inclusive, and had not been collected by the local authorities at the end of those years. [15499/11]

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 2007, 2008 and 2009 is set out in the following table.

%

2007

41%

100,730,378

2008

46%

138,547,148

2009

48%

151,744,709

Question No. 421 answered with Question No. 399.

Local Authority Funding

John Lyons

Question:

422 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details on his precinct improvements scheme; the current budget for the scheme; the amount currently committed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15517/11]

As part of the Housing Management Initiative, from 1 January 2007 local authorities were given delegated sanction for the delivery of their annual improvement works programmes subject to specific conditions and overall programme approval from my Department. Funding for these programmes was provided from the authority's own internal capital receipts from the sale of local authority dwellings.

However, the decrease in the level of internal capital receipts available to the local authorities in recent years resulted in improvement works projects being funded directly by my Department where a lack of internal capital receipts in the authority could be demonstrated and a clear need for such works identified.

In the case of precinct improvements, which are particular to Dublin City, the following table sets out the Exchequer funding provided for such works since 2007. In addition, Dublin City Council invested €9.85m of ICR's on its Precinct Improvement works programme in 2007 and 2008.

Project Description

Approved Budget€

Exchequer funding to date€

Henrietta House PIP

1,876,290

1,782,476

Beech Hill Villas PIP

2,419,239

2,298,277

Rutland Avenue PIP

1,841,178

1,749,025

Chancery House PIP*

1,149,974

225,994

George Reynolds House PIP*

3,500,344

3,103,435

Whelan/O’Rahilly House PIP*

4,564,626

3,812,516

St Audeons House PIP*

1,297,958

233,575

Total

€13,205,298

*Funded through Internal Capital Receipts up to end 2008.

Not including the capital allocation provided to support the regeneration of Ballymun, allocations totalling almost €28 million have been notified to Dublin City Council in respect of their social housing improvement programmes for 2011. It is a matter for Dublin City Council, within their capital allocation, to determine their improvements works programme. There is no specific allocation provided for precinct improvement works within the overall improvement works programme.

Questions Nos. 423 to 425, inclusive, answered with Question No. 398.

Nuclear Plants

Gerry Adams

Question:

426 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has raised the issue of Sellafield with the British Government and the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron. [14504/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

429 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he raised the issue of the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in his recent contacts with the British Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron. [15480/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

430 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant will be subject to EU wide stress tests.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15750/11]

I propose the take Questions Nos. 426, 429 and 430 together.

Ireland recognises the right of States to determine their own energy mix, including whether or not to develop nuclear power. It is our expectation that, where a State chooses to develop a nuclear power industry, this will be done in line with the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection. Safety must be the first priority for all existing or planned nuclear facilities.

With regard to Sellafield, the Government continues to bring pressure to bear on the UK authorities through a number of channels to decommission and close the existing Sellafield reprocessing plant on the basis that it poses an unacceptable risk. In addition to the reprocessing activities conducted there, Sellafield is the location of a large inventory of radioactive waste which will require active management by the UK authorities for many years into the future. From Ireland's perspective, it is important that this waste inventory be managed as safely as possible and that any hazard or risk it poses be reduced as a matter of priority.

I took the opportunity to raise Irish concerns in relation to Sellafield with the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, when I met him on 26 March 2011 in the margins of an Informal Council of EU Environment Ministers. In our discussion, while I acknowledged the ongoing constructive dialogue between the Irish and UK authorities on nuclear safety issues, I re-iterated the concerns of the Irish Government in relation to Sellafield. Against the background of recent events at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, I emphasised the importance of the Ireland/UK Bilateral Notification Agreement in place for the early notification of nuclear accidents or incidents. I also expressed the view that Sellafield should be covered by the "stress testing" arrangements for nuclear plants in the EU which were agreed by EU leaders at the European Council on the 24/25 March.

Secretary of State Huhne acknowledged the Irish Government's concerns and indicated his Government's continued support for the ongoing constructive engagement between Ireland and the UK on nuclear-related matters. He also confirmed that the UK will be participating in the development of the proposed ‘stress test' to ensure that the robustness of the safety arrangements at nuclear facilities, including Sellafield, are challenged and improved where necessary in light of events in Japan.

This commitment to apply the stress testing regime to Sellafield was recently reconfirmed by the UK after the European Commission and the European Nuclear Safety Regulators' Group (ENSREG) announced their agreement on 25 May 2011 on the scope and modalities for a comprehensive risk and safety assessment of EU nuclear power plants.

Local Authority Charges

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

427 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider introducing a differential rates scheme for all local authorities that will ensure profitable multinationals will pay considerable more in rates than small local businesses as part of a job creation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/11]

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.

I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and I will continue to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department. However, I have no immediate plans to conduct a review of the rating system generally.

Local authorities play a central role in supporting economic development and enterprise at local level. They do this in a number of ways including through their capital and current budgets, economic planning and development and the provision of goods and services as well as community infrastructure.

Business Support Units or similar arrangements have been put in place in all county and city councils. These Units provide a dedicated one-stop-shop approach for businesses in areas such as planning, water services and roads. In addition, the local government led County/City Development Boards are engaged in economic development and the promotion of enterprise in their areas.

The Programme for Government provides for an expanded role for local authorities in local enterprise and community development. This in turn will assist in maximising the impact of investment to produce jobs at local level.

Recycling Policy

Michael Colreavy

Question:

428 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason farmers who buy plastics for silage and pay the levy for recycling when buying are being charged again when the plastic is being picked up for recycling. [12613/11]

A successful Producer Responsibility Initiative has been in operation since 1997 in relation to farm film/silage bale wrap. Producers — manufacturers and importers — pay a levy of €127 per tonne of farm plastic placed on the market to a compliance scheme, the Irish Farm Films Producers Group (IFFPG), who in turn have been required to meet targets for the recovery and recycling of farm plastic. IFFPG members placed 13,262 tonnes of farm film/silage bale wrap on the market during 2010 while 19,864 tonnes was collected by IFFPG for recycling.

In the period up to 2005, demand for the service provided by IFFPG grew to exceed the capacity of the scheme. Consideration was given in early 2006, by my Department, in consultation with various stakeholders including farming organisations, to various mechanisms to address the need to ensure that sufficient resources were available to the scheme to meet future demand for collections while at the same time dealing fairly with accumulations of farm plastics on farms across the country. Following these consultations, the then Minister announced in May 2006 that IFFPG could derive an additional income from weight-based collection charges.

This was aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the scheme by incentivising the presentation of clean, dry plastic by farmers. The effect of the introduction of a charge has been to ensure that the availability of collections of farm plastics can match demand on an ongoing basis and to improve the quality of the material being collected. In addition, IFFPG also introduced a labelling system to improve traceability of levied plastic which supports compliance with the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, with each label bearing a unique number.

In order to address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic on farms in 2005, designated facilities were provided on a temporary basis by local authorities where farmers could deposit stockpiled farm plastic free of charge. These once-off free collections allowed farmers the opportunity to deposit any accumulated plastic purchased under the terms of the original scheme, which was based upon free collections.

The operation of temporary bring facilities proved popular with farmers and, in consultation with stakeholders, the IFFPG have now developed a calendar of collections nationwide where farmers can deposit bale wrap and silage wrap. These collections have been in operation since 2008. Farmyard collections are still available from IFFPG but as they are more expensive to operate they involve a higher charge.

While farm plastics deposited at temporary bring sites are weight-based they are subsidised through the levy on producers where evidence is produced by the farmer that the levy has been paid (i.e. on production of a valid label code). Higher collection fees apply to farmers who cannot provide a unique label reference; consequently, any farmer who sources farm film/silage bale wrap from outside the State or from non-compliant producers has to pay higher waste management costs.

The enhancements to the scheme, including the use of temporary collection points, the introduction of weight based charges and the development of a new labelling system to support compliance, were introduced at the behest of the scheme and with the support of farmers and the Irish Farmers Association.

Questions Nos. 429 and 430 answered with Question No. 426.

Waste Management

Brian Stanley

Question:

431 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give a commitment that his new waste management policy statement will not contain plans for incinerators or other thermal treatment plants. [15917/11]

The Programme for Government commits to the development of a coherent national waste policy, adhering to the waste hierarchy, which will aim to minimise waste disposal in landfill and maximise recovery. I am prioritising this commitment, as I am anxious to provide early regulatory certainty, in the form of both policy and legislation, to ensure that the necessary actions and investments are progressed to achieve those aims.

While the issue of appropriate waste infrastructure is a matter, in the first instance, for determination by local authorities through their Regional Waste Management Plans, we must ensure that a range of infrastructure is available to treat the waste we generate in an environmentally appropriate manner. That process of infrastructural diversification must be guided not by a fixation in favour of or against any particular process or technology, but by a policy approach, consistent with the waste hierarchy, which creates the space within which the range of appropriate infrastructure that we need can be brought forward. It is my intention to complete the policy development process by the end of this year.

Garda Disciplinary Proceedings

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

432 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the recent decision by the courts to suspend a sentence of imprisonment on a member of An Garda Síochána found guilty of a serious assault charge; and if he proposes any legislative changes to reinforce in practice the principle of equality of all citizens before the law, including in terms of sentencing policy. [15673/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that judges are independent in the matter of sentencing as they are in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. Therefore, I cannot comment or intervene in any way on the conduct or decision of any individual case which is a matter entirely for the presiding judge.

I should add that the Criminal Justice Act 1993 (as amended by section 23 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006) provides that the Director of Public Prosecutions may, where it appears to him that a sentence imposed by a court for a crime on indictment is unduly lenient, apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal to review the sentence. The Director of Public Prosecutions is, of course, independent in the carrying out of his functions.

Magdalene Laundries

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

433 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has contacted the Attorney General since taking office to request a date by which the latter will conclude his review of the Irish Human Rights Commission assessment on Magdalene laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15697/11]

As the Deputy is aware, it is the role of the Office of the Attorney General to provide legal advice to the Government. In preparing the memorandum for the Government on the matter of the Magdalen institutions, my Department consulted with the Attorney General.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

434 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the State was aware of the nature and function of the Magdalene laundries during the period from 1922 and as recently as 1996. [15698/11]

It is my understanding that ten institutions were operated by four religious congregations during the period referred to by the Deputy. They were established to provide a "refuge" or place of asylum for vulnerable women. The laundries were established within the institutions to provide the funding for the operation of the refuges. They were privately run institutions and publically available records do not provide any type of comprehensive account of the conditions in which they operated. One such institution was used for a period for female remand prisoners pursuant to the 1960 Criminal Justice Act.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

435 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the State was aware that there was no statutory basis for the Irish Courts use of the Magdalene laundries. [15699/11]

The Criminal Justice Act 1960 provided that a person between 16 and 21 years of age who had been charged with criminal offences may be committed to custody to a remand institution (other than a prison) whose use for this purpose has been approved by the Minister. One Magdalen Institution was approved as a remand centre for young women who were aged between 16 and 21 years of age. That was St Mary Magdalen's Asylum, Lower Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1.The use by the courts of this institution for remand had therefore a statutory basis. Prior to 1960, the only option to the courts was to remand women to Mountjoy female prison.

The Probation of Offenders Act, 1907 allows a court to discharge conditionally a person found to have committed a crime in lieu of imposing a prison sentence. Such a person if not of good behaviour within a period not exceeding 3 years may be recalled for sentencing. It is understood that courts did on occasion impose a condition that a person reside in a particular place or institution for the duration of the probation order.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

436 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the State was aware that it had enacted legislation to enable the use of one Magdalene laundry as a remand home. [15700/11]

I can confirm that the Oireachtas approved the enactment of legislation which provided that a person between 16 and 21 years of age who had been charged with criminal offences may be committed to custody to a remand institution, other than a prison, whose use for this purpose has been approved by the Minister. This was provided for in the Criminal Justice Act, 1960.

One Magdalen institution was approved as a remand centre for young women who were aged between 16 and 21 years of age. That was St Mary Magdalen's Asylum, Lower Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. Prior to the 1960 Act, the only option open to the courts was to remand women to Mountjoy female prison.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

437 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the state was aware that children and adolescent girls were confined in the Magdalene laundries as late as 1970. [15701/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

438 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the State maintained a special provision whereby women giving birth to a second child outside marriage at a mother and baby home could be transferred directly to a Magdalene laundry. [15702/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

443 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures his Department has taken to protect the constitutional rights of the women and children held in the Magdalene laundries. [15723/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 437, 438 and 443 together.

It is my understanding that ten institutions were operated by four religious congregations. They were established to provide a "refuge" or place of asylum for vulnerable women. The laundries were established within the institutions to provide the funding for the operation of the refuges. They were privately run institutions and publicly available records do not provide any type of comprehensive account of the conditions in which they operated.

One such institution was used for a period for female remand prisoners pursuant to the 1960 Criminal Justice Act. While I have no information at this time of a provision whereby women giving birth to a second child outside marriage at a mother and baby home could be transferred directly to a Magdalen institution, I believe however that it is essential to fully establish the true facts and circumstances relating to these institutions. To this end, the Deputy will be aware that the Government decided on a number of actions following its meeting yesterday.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

439 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the State paid capitation grants to Magdalene laundries for the confinement of problem girls. [15703/11]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

440 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the State never inspected, licensed or certified the Magdalene laundries as approved institutions despite providing public moneys in the form of capitation grants to the institutions. [15704/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 440 together.

The Department of Justice and Equality did not pay any general capitation grants to Magdalen laundries for the confinement of problem girls. An arrangement was made with one institution, St Mary Magdalen's Asylum, Lower Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1., pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act 1960 for its use as a remand centre for young women who were aged between 16 and 21 years of age who were charged with criminal offences. Arrangements were made to ensure that those remanded were to have the same rights and privileges as provided for remand prisoners in the 1947 Prison Rules Part III, and that they would be visited from time to time by a Probation Officer and by the Superintendent of Prisons. However I cannot confirm what visits were made. From the limited records available, I understand that payments were made in respect of persons so remanded. It appears that as regards this institution payments were also made for persons referred there under the Probation of Offenders Act 1907. An inter Departmental committee is being set up to establish the full extent of State involvement with Magdalen institutions.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

441 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the State has yet to produce records for the women it referred to the Magdalene laundries. [15705/11]

Research has indicated that a small proportion of entrants to Magdalen institutions came through the State's criminal justice system.

My Department does not hold records that would identify the number of women who were sent to Magdalen institutions since the foundation of the State. However, my Department and the National Archives have some limited records relating to payments made in respect of persons remanded to St. Mary Magdalen's Asylum. My Department's willingness to provide access to these incomplete records in the normal way has been stated previously. Any records available to the Department have also been made available to the representative group, Justice for Magdalenes.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

442 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the State’s role in referring women and children to the Magdalene laundries. [15706/11]

The information available to me to date suggests that the vast majority of women who entered Magdalen institutions were not referred by the State but by family, others or entered on their own initiative.

There were a number of women found to have committed criminal offences referred to a variety of institutions including Magdalen institutions as a condition of an order under the Probation of Offenders Act 1907. In addition the Criminal Justice Act 1960 provided that a person between 16 and 21 years of age who had been charged with criminal offences may be committed to custody to a remand institution (other than a prison) whose use for this purpose has been approved by the Minister. One Magdalen Institution was approved as a remand centre for young women who were aged between 16 and 21 years of age. That was St Mary Magdalen's Asylum, Lower Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. The Government has established an inter Departmental committee chaired by an independent person to establish the full extent of State involvement.

Question No. 443 answered with Question No. 437

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

444 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is his view that the State’s refusal to apologise for its role in referring women to the Magdalene laundries has impeded restorative justice for survivors of the laundries. [15727/11]

Following its consideration of the matter yesterday, the Government has decided to discuss the putting in place of a restorative and reconciliation process and the structure that might be utilised to facilitate such a process. Along with my colleague, the Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, I will now be following up on this Government decision with the relevant parties.

Proposed Legislation

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

445 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he intends to introduce legislation to carry out a root and branch reform of the auctioneering profession in view of the role of auctioneers in promoting the property bubble and the continuation of many business practices banned in other EU jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15738/11]

The position is that the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009 provides for the establishment of the Property Services Regulatory Authority to control and supervise providers of property services, including auctioneers, and to improve standards in the provision of those services.

The statutory powers of the new Authority will include:

issuing and renewing licences for property services providers;

specifying and enforcing qualification requirements, including levels of education, training and experience, and other requirements such as minimum levels of professional indemnity insurance, for the issue and renewal of licences;

specifying and enforcing ethical standards to be observed in the provision of property services;

publishing codes of practice, or approving codes drawn up by other bodies, for the purpose of setting standards for the provision of property services;

investigating complaints against licensees and imposing a range of sanctions in cases of improper conduct.

The Bill will also prohibit licensees from quoting estimated sales prices which are less than the advised market value of the property, i.e. the reasonable estimate, at the time of the valuation, of the amount that would be paid by a willing buyer in an arm's length transaction after proper marketing where both parties act knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. Where the advised market value is expressed as a price range, the difference between the upper and lower limits of the price range cannot exceed 10 percent. It may however be adjusted with the written consent of the vendor to take account of prevailing market conditions.

The Bill provides that it will be an offence in future for a person who offers property for sale by auction to bid at the auction or to procure, authorise or permit another person to bid on his or her behalf. It will also be improper conduct for a licensee knowingly to accept such a bid. Where it is established that a vendor has bid for his or her own property, or arranged for another person to do so, the purchaser may refuse to complete the contract for sale without incurring any civil liability. Where property is sold by private treaty rather than by auction, the licensee will be required to keep a record of all offers received including conditional acceptances.

Finally, the Bill provides that a licensee acting for a vendor may not provide a financial service to an intending purchaser of the property without the prior written consent of both parties. The Bill has already been passed by the Seanad and is currently awaiting Dáil Committee Stage.

Citizenship Applications

Sandra McLellan

Question:

446 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will issue regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [15747/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August, 2010. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

In that context, as I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. These new arrangements will be publicly announced in the coming days. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

447 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/11]

My Department is audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. There is an Internal Audit Unit within my Department and there are currently 3 full time and 1 contract Auditor employed in this Unit. There is an external audit contract in place and audit services are drawn down as and when required to carry out technical/specialised audits.

Organised Crime

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

448 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional steps being taken to deal with the recent increase in serious organised crime particularly in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15773/11]

Tackling serious and organised crime, and bringing those involved in such activities to justice, is a key ongoing priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána are utilising all available legislation to target organised crime, including the provisions contained in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 aimed at the combating of organised crime.

In addition, An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement strategies to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, and use advanced analytical and intelligence methods to facilitate targeted operations to enable early intervention and prevention of such crimes. An Garda Síochána use a multi-agency approach, whereby the National Units from National Support Services such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Garda Technical Bureau are used to combat serious crime. The National Units are supported by the Security and Intelligence Section who assist with intelligence briefings and timely information. This integrated approach adopts best practice in implementing a co-ordinated use of Garda resources and using available criminal legislation to its fullest extent.

I am further informed that An Garda Síochána have put in place initiatives, particularly in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, to prevent any escalation of gang-related violence. These initiatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure their continued effectiveness. More generally, the Deputy will be aware that I have indicated to the House that I am keeping under review the question of whether any improvements could be made to the legislation targeting organised crime, in particular, the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, which would render that legislation more effective.

Garda Stations

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

449 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the list of Garda stations in the Dublin region that have been approved for refurbishment or extension works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15774/11]

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is progressed by the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Since August 2008 new Garda Stations have been provided in the Dublin Region at Irishtown, Finglas and Ballymun. Significant refurbishment works are currently underway at a number of Garda premises in the Dublin region, including Mountjoy, Ronanstown, Kilmainham and Blanchardstown Garda Stations. In addition, significant refurbishment works have been completed since 2010 at a number of Garda premises, including Harcourt Square, Dublin Castle, Clontarf, Whitehall and O'Connell St. The future Garda accommodation requirements in the Dublin Metropolitan Region will be pursued in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and in the light of available resources.

Courts Service

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

450 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies currently at the District Court, Circuit Court and the High Court; his plans to fill these positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15775/11]

There are four judicial vacancies at present; two in the High Court and two in the District Court. The current procedures are set out in the Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995. In accordance with the provisions of section 16(2) of that Act, I have requested the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board to furnish me with the names of those persons it considers suitable for the current vacancies together with the name of each person who has informed the Board of his/her wish to be considered for appointment.

Following receipt of the lists from the Board, the Government will nominate persons for appointment by the President. I should mention that I have asked my Department to examine the judicial appointment procedure and this review is currently in train.

Organised Crime

Dara Murphy

Question:

451 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support a common European policy on organised crime. [15783/11]

Combating serious and organised crime continues to be a key priority of the European Union in the development of an area of freedom, security and justice.

The Stockholm Programme — An Open and Secure Europe Serving and Protecting Citizens, is the key strategic document setting out guidelines for legislative and operational planning within the area of freedom, security and justice for the period 2010-2014. The Programme includes a number of strategic goals in combating serious and organised crime including the adoption of an organised crime strategy, within the framework of the Internal Security Strategy, and the setting of priorities in crime policy against which the Union will deploy the tools available to it.

Ireland welcomed the Stockholm Programme at the time of its adoption and continues to support the implementation of this five year work programme for the Justice and Home Affairs area. In 2010 the Internal Security Strategy was adopted setting out the challenges, principles and guidelines for how to deal with emerging threats and to increase Europe's security. The Strategy called upon the Commission to propose actions for implementing the Strategy and a Commission communication, the EU Internal Security Strategy in Action, was published at the end of 2010. Included in the Commission communication are a number of actions aimed at disrupting international crime networks together with a timeframe for their development during the period 2010 to 2014.

At the most recent Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting, my European colleagues and I, adopted Council Conclusions on setting the European Union's priorities for the fight against organised crime between 2011 and 2013. These Conclusions facilitate further work on the creation and implementation of an EU policy cycle for organised and serious international crime for the period 2011 to 2013. The policy cycle will allow the Union to focus on those threats and challenges that need specific attention and to develop an approach to tackle and monitor these threats and challenges.

All of these measures represent significant progress in implementing the priorities set out in the Stockholm Programme. That said, there remains a significant body of work to be progressed and significant challenges to be met in tackling organised crime at European Union level. These matters are reflected in the various work programmes and action plans of the EU institutions which outline further initiatives to be developed in the coming years.

I am fully supportive of the strategy that the European Union has adopted in the Stockholm Programme and of the practical measures for international cooperation arising from that Programme which provide real and added value to the Community in tackling international serious and organised crime. In representing Ireland at European level I will continue to support and, where the opportunity arises, advance initiatives that will serve the Union well in its fight against organised crime.

From an Irish perspective, I am particularly mindful of the success that we have had in this jurisdiction in tackling the proceeds of crime through the setting up of the Criminal Assets Bureau. I strongly believe that the Union can build on this type of model to ensure effective co-operation on the confiscation of assets within the Union and I propose to do all I can to advance that with my European colleagues.

Extremist Groups

Dara Murphy

Question:

452 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures in place to prevent a rise in the growth of extremist and radical groups in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15785/11]

Dara Murphy

Question:

453 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if measures are in place to prevent this country being used as a base by extremist groups to attack another nation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15787/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they continue to be actively involved in monitoring potential radical elements and engaging with communities in order to prevent a rise in extremism. The Garda maintain close and regular contact with their EU and other international counterparts in this regard.

The prevention of violent extremism is an important aspect of ongoing work taking place at EU level, both in the context of the EU's Counter Terrorism Strategy and in the context of the EU's legal framework to combat racism and xenophobia. Ireland plays a full and active role, in co-operation with our EU counterparts, in the range of actions taking place. In addition the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 contains significant legislative measures to counter the threat posed by terrorist groups. In particular, the Act contains provision for the imposition of enhanced sentences for persons found guilty of terrorist offences.

There are other, community based, initiatives which are designed to promote positive communication with various groups in our society. An important aspect of the Garda approach is a community policing engagement with minority communities. The Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office oversees the implementation of the Garda Diversity Strategy 2009 — 2012. The Intercultural and Diversity Office consults at a national and local level with minority communities. This constant consultation with minority communities is a key strategy to building trust within those communities and ensuring that communication is facilitated.

This consultation is monitored through the Garda Ethnic Liaison Officer network. The role of the Ethnic Liaison Officers includes interacting on a regular basis with representatives from ethnic minority groups and hard to reach groups. Each Garda Division has a number of appointed Ethnic Liaison Officers, who receive targeted training for the role.

Citizenship Applications

John Lyons

Question:

454 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the average time it takes the Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service to process applications for asylum and citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15788/11]

In respect of citizenship, as I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications for citizenship to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale which currently averages 25 months. These new arrangements will be publicly announced in the coming days.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. In relation to applications for refugee status in the State these are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice and Equality on whether such status should be granted.

During 2010, the median processing time for asylum applications by the ORAC was 6 to 7 weeks from the date of application in the case of prioritised applications, and 9 weeks from the date of application in the case of non-prioritised applications. The median processing times for RAT appeals in 2010 was 33 weeks in the case of substantive appeals (cases involving an oral hearing) and 9 weeks in the case of accelerated appeals (appeals on the papers). I would point out that some cases can take significantly longer to complete due to, for example, delays arising from medical issues, non-availability of interpreters or because of judicial review proceedings.

All asylum applications and appeals are processed in accordance with the Refugee Act 1996 and high quality and fair decision-making in all cases continues to be a key priority at all stages of the asylum process. For the sake of completeness, I should also state that persons who are refused a declaration under Section 17 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) enter what is commonly referred to as the "leave to remain" process which generally has two elements to it; an application for subsidiary protection and further consideration to be given under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This is separate to the asylum or refugee status determination process.

The processing of cases at this point is also complex and extremely resource intensive given that where an application for subsidiary protection is lodged in addition to representations for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the subsidiary protection application must be considered first to assess whether the applicant has an identifiable need for international protection. The investigation of such applications requires a fresh examination of the entire asylum file, the documentation and country of origin information submitted in support of the application, as well as an examination of objective, reputable, up to date country of origin information before a conclusion can be arrived at as to whether or not the applicant is likely to be exposed to ‘serious harm' if returned to his/her country of origin.

Where such an application is refused, consideration must then be given to the case in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), at which point the Minister must make a decision whether or not to make a deportation order in respect of the person. All of this must be done in strict compliance with the Constitution, together with relevant international law including the European Convention on Human Rights. It will be seen that these are not quick or easy decisions to make and, given the life changing consequences for the persons involved, these are decisions which must be taken with the most scrupulous care and attention.

I have taken steps to speed up the processing of these applications by redeploying staff from the refugee determination bodies primarily. The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010 which provides for the introduction of a single procedure to determine applications for protection and other reasons to remain in the State, should substantially simplify and streamline the existing arrangements. This re-organisation of the protection application processing framework will remove the current multi-layered processes and provide applicants with a final decision on their application in a more ‘straight forward' and timely fashion. The Deputy is probably aware that I am currently developing a number of amendments to the Bill before commencing Committee Stage which I hope to be in a position to do in the near future.

EU Strategies

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

455 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality as EU governments will have to submit national Roma strategies by the end of 2011, his plans for developing this strategy and the consultation process he will use. [15801/11]

The matter of an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies has been a priority of the Hungarian Presidency of the EU. A decision has been taken that all Member States are to produce a National Roma Integration Strategy by the end of 2011. The Communication from the Commission includes a definition of the term ‘Roma', similar to other political documents of the EU Parliament and the European Council, and reads: "an umbrella which includes groups of people who have more or less similar cultural characteristics, such as Sinti, Travellers, Kalé, Gens du voyage, etc. whether sedentary or not".

The Framework, as it applies to Ireland, will deal in the main with the Irish Traveller population. We already have policies in place for Travellers in relation to the areas mentioned in the Strategy — education, employment, health care and housing. I am satisfied, therefore, that we already have measures in place to meet the requirements of the proposed Framework. Consultation in relation to the Strategy has already begun in my Department through the High Level Group on Travellers.

Citizenship Applications

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

456 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the registration certificate fee payable under the Immigration Act 2004 can be waived or reduced when a person (details supplied) is in receipt of disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15809/11]

The Immigration Act, 2004 (Registration Certificate Fee) Regulations 2008, S.I. 336 of 2008, sets out the fee payable for obtaining a certificate of registration under the Immigration Act, 2004 and the categories of persons for whom no fee is applicable. The current fee is €150. The Regulations provide that the following categories of persons are exempt from payment of the fee:

Persons in respect of whom a declaration of refugee status under section 17 of the Refugee Act 1996 is in force (Convention Refugees);

Persons who have been reunified with such refugees under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996;

Programme refugees within the meaning of section 24 of the Refugee Act 1996;

Persons who are under 18 years of age at the time of registration;

Spouses of Irish citizens.

In addition, I am in the process of introducing a Statutory Instrument, to add, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, two further categories to the list of those persons who are exempt from paying the fee. These are certain persons comprehended by the Civil Partnership and Certain Obligations of Cohabitants Act, 2010 as well as persons granted temporary residence permission under the administrative arrangements for victims of trafficking. There are no plans at the present time to exempt other categories of persons from paying the fee for obtaining a certificate of registration.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

457 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will issue on an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied); if the outstanding Garda report will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15820/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May, 2008. The application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be finalised as expeditiously as possible. As I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. These new arrangements will be publicly announced in the coming days.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Proposed Legislation

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

458 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider the introduction of legislation to compel management companies of private multi-housing developments to include the views of all tenants both renting and buying when drafting or amending rules governing the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15848/11]

The position is that section 23 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 provides that an owners' management company may, as respects the multi-unit development for which that company has responsibility, make house rules relating to the effective operation and maintenance of the development. These rules must be consistent with any covenants or conditions contained in the title documents and be made in a manner consistent with the objective of advancing the quiet and peaceful occupation of residential units in the development and the fair and equitable balancing of the rights and obligations of the occupiers and unit owners.

Except where house rules are made prior to the sale of the first residential unit in new developments, such rules shall not be made unless they have been considered and approved by a meeting of unit owners. Notice of any such meeting must be given to each unit owner not less than 21 days in advance and the notice must be accompanied by a draft of the proposed rules. If the rules are approved, the owners' management company must provide a copy to each unit owner. The same procedure applies to any changes in rules. Section 23 also provides that it shall be a term of every letting of a residential unit in a multi-unit development that the letting is subject to observance of the house rules by all those occupying the property.

Garda Investigations

Sean Fleming

Question:

459 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that he stated on 19 April 2011 that the Garda investigation file remains open in regard to the bombing in Belturbet, County Cavan, on the 28 December 1972, and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda were not given hand torches on the night of the bombing, the reason the Garda stated that the car involved had disintegrated into dust which was not the case; the reason photofits were not sent to the press; the reason the Garda did not contact or tell the families of the fatal atrocity; the reason the Garda did not question a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/11]

The bombing at Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was a senseless act of violence which tragically ended the lives of two innocent teenagers, Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a thorough investigation into the bombing was carried out at the time by local Gardaí, assisted by experts from Garda Headquarters and from the Army. There was also liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland. Although, every avenue of inquiry was pursued at the time, there was, however, no evidence to allow the perpetrators be brought before the Courts.

The Garda authorities indicate that the investigation would have been conducted in accordance with normal procedures in place at that time and that it is not possible at this remove to comment on the rationale of decisions made as part of the investigative process by the investigation team at that time. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into these murders remains open and should any new evidence emerge from any source, it will be actively pursued by An Garda Síochána.

Citizenship Applications

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

460 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15901/11]

Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question. Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:

be of full age;

be of good character;

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

intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation;

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

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

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

periods granted for the purposes of study;

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

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Garda Operations

Joe McHugh

Question:

461 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his strategy for addressing a matter (details supplied); if he will consider developing and implementing a relevant strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15185/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they maintain liaison with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the requirements for the movement of animals, particularly along the border. Liaison in also maintained with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

I am further informed that each of the Garda Divisions comprising the Northern Region has an information campaign in place, whereby Divisional Crime Prevention Officers provide appropriate crime prevention information to local farming communities in relation to farm and animal security, to prevent this type of criminality and reduce the opportunity for such criminality along the border. Any incidents of this nature reported to An Garda Síochána are fully investigated.

Courts Service

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

462 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expedite the family breakdown and dispute mediation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15050/11]

Last month I formally launched the Dolphin House Family Mediation Initiative which is a joint initiative by the Legal Aid Board, the Family Mediation Service and the Courts Service. This pilot initiative provides the availability of both mediation and legal aid services within the one location with a view to encouraging more people to avail of mediation when seeking to resolve disputes relating to custody and access. I am pleased to say that since commencement on 21st March 2011, the initial indications of its uptake are encouraging and I hope that it will prove to be a blueprint for such services in the future.

I welcome the fact that the Legal Aid Board has in recent years taken a very active role in encouraging and facilitating the greater use by its own solicitors of mediation and other options to help resolve marital disputes and that its chairperson, Anne Colley, is also acting as chair of a working group on the Dolphin House initiative. As indicated in the Government's Legislative Programme, my Department is in the process of developing proposals for a Mediation and Conciliation Bill to provide a framework for the better operation of alternative dispute resolution in our legal system.

Asylum Support Services

Jack Wall

Question:

463 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied); if any action has taken place in regards to same; if not, when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15051/11]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. Persons in the asylum process are not entitled to access social welfare supports, including rent supplement, and are therefore not entitled to State-funded private accommodation. The basic needs of such persons are met through the direct provision system which provides full board accommodation and certain ancillary services.

The family referred to in the details supplied are currently availing of direct provision accommodation at Eyre Powell accommodation centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. It is open to the family to seek a transfer to alternative direct provision accommodation. This family did make such a transfer application in January 2010 to RIA but turned down the offer of alternative accommodation. If they wish to apply again for a transfer, they may do so using the transfer request form available from the accommodation centre manager which should be sent to RIA, PO Box 11487, Dublin 2.

In the interest of completeness, I will outline the residency positions of the four members of this family i.e. the father, mother and two young children. All were the subject of individual asylum applications. Arising from the refusal of their individual asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the father, mother and older child were notified by letters dated 14th August, 2008 and 27th July, 2008, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them.

They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them. In addition, they were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. The same three family members submitted applications for Subsidiary Protection and, following consideration of these applications, it was determined that the persons concerned were not eligible for Subsidiary Protection. The persons concerned were notified of these decisions by separate letters dated 23rd February, 2010.

The cases of these three family members were then examined under 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 and all representations made were considered before decisions were arrived at. Deportation Orders were made in respect of these three family members and these Orders were served by registered post dated 1st March, 2010. These communications advised the three family members of the legal requirement that they ‘present' at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on a specified date in order to make arrangements for their deportation from the State. As persons subject of a Deportation Order, these three family members are required to adhere to any residency or reporting requirements placed on them by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

The fourth family member, an infant born in February 2009, had an application for asylum made on her behalf in May, 2009. Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, she was, by letter dated 4th November, 2010, advised of the options open to her, to be exercised within 15 working days, which were to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. Such an application was made on her behalf. Following consideration of this application, it was determined that she was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection and she was notified to this effect by letter dated 3rd January, 2011.

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

Drug Courts

Joe Costello

Question:

464 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will develop the drugs court as an alternative to prison. [15056/11]

Drug treatment courts can make an important contribution as a restorative justice measure but international studies also indicate that they need to evolve and develop on an ongoing basis. My Department carried out a review of the Dublin Drug Treatment Court which was published in May 2010 and identified particular issues to be addressed in terms of the court's management and operation. As a result of that review an Advisory Committee was established which has met regularly to progress matters and to monitor the implementation of the recommendations in the Report with the aim of improving the programme's throughput and effectiveness.

The aim is to develop the potential of the Drug Treatment Court but to do so in line with the international experience by continually reviewing the effectiveness of the programme to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and, if it is doing so, to continue to expand the use of the Drug Treatment Court as an alternative to prison. A further review of the Drug Treatment Court is to be conducted in 2012.

Departmental Bodies

Charles Flanagan

Question:

465 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the role and function of the national Traveller monitoring advisory committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15127/11]

The National Traveller Monitoring & Advisory Committee (NTMAC) was established in March 2007 following a commitment in Towards 2016 from all social partners to give concentrated attention to developing a more integrated approach towards the provision of services for the Traveller community, and to improve communication between Travellers and the settled community.

Membership of the NTMAC includes individuals drawn from different sectors, such as Traveller organisations, individual Traveller nominees, Government Departments and state bodies, and the social partners and other interests. The Committee has a specific remit to advise on policy in relation to the Traveller Community.

The First Advisory Report of the NTMAC was submitted to Government for information in April 2010 and is available on my Department's website.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Seán Kenny

Question:

466 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a certificate of character for the purpose of employment will be issued from the Garda central vetting unit in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [15141/11]

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

Citizenship Applications

Denis Naughten

Question:

467 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 290 of 5 April 2010 the current backlog in processing applications for naturalisation; when applications currently being processed were originally received by the Immigration Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15149/11]

Further to Parliamentary Question No 290 of 5 April 2011, I am informed by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in late 2009.

As I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications for citizenship to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. These new arrangements will be publicly announced in the coming days. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

I am informed by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2009.

The average processing time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation is currently 25 months and this has been maintained despite the substantial increases in the volume of applications received in recent years.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour not an entitlement. Applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government I have requested my officials to explore options for the more efficient processing and determination of citizenship applications within a reasonable time. My intention is to reduce the processing time in this area to the greatest possible extent within the resource envelope available for this work.

Departmental Funding

John McGuinness

Question:

468 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15179/11]

I can inform the Deputy that since my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality my Department has borne no costs relative to my Constituency Office and home in respect of telephones, IT services, office lease or rent, etc.

The staff numbers currently assigned to my Constituency Office are as follows: 2 Clerical Officers (salary scale applicable: €23,177 — €37,341) and 1 Personal Secretary (salary scale applicable €23,820 — €47,755).

Visa Applications

Brendan Griffin

Question:

469 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a holiday visa will be extended in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15187/11]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that there is no record of the person referred to by the Deputy as having contacted them. In general, a person who enters the State as a visitor may be given permission by an immigration officer to remain for a period of up to 90 days. If the person concerned wishes to seek an extension to their period of permission to remain in the State she should contact the General Immigration Division, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. All applications are dealt with in chronological order.

I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service 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.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

470 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15198/11]

My Department and agencies staffed by it, administer a number of schemes which promote the use of sustainable transport to and from the workplace. For example there are currently 286 people participating in the Travel Pass Scheme. This scheme was introduced as part of Government policy to encourage greater use of public transport. Under arrangements agreed with the Revenue Commissioners, it allows staff to forego salary to the value of the travel pass, thus reducing individual liability for income tax and PRSI. The recently introduced ‘Cycle to Work' Scheme has also proven very popular, with 241 people already participating.

In relation to official travel, my Department acts in accordance with the instructions governing the payment of travelling and subsistence allowances in the civil service as a whole. In so doing officials in my Department are encouraged to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business. For example, in the case of an officer who uses his own car where public transport could have been used, without detriment to the public interest, the amount allowed for the officer's own car in respect of mileage allowance must not exceed the cost of public transport (including that of passengers whose travelling expenses would be payable from public funds).

Proposed Legislation

Ciara Conway

Question:

471 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation governing the issue of disclosure and the sharing of soft information on potential child abusers between the Health Service Executive and the Garda with a view to ensuring best practice in child protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15208/11]

Under the Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children the HSE are required to inform an Garda Síochána if there is evidence of abuse of a child and to agree with An Garda Síochána how any inquiry or investigation will be conducted.

I plan to seek Government approval in the next month or two for drafting of a National Vetting Bureau Bill which will place existing vetting procedures on a statutory basis and which will also make provision for the use of "soft" information.

The definition of "soft" information in the Bill will have to be very precisely defined. The use of "soft" information will also have to strike an appropriate balance between the need to protect children or vulnerable adults and the need to adhere to principles of natural justice. Furthermore, the Bill will have to have due regard to a person's constitutional right to protection of their good name from unjust attack.

Garda Ombudsman Commission

Joan Collins

Question:

472 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality since the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission’s inception, the number of successful prosecutions that have been initiated by GSOC against gardaí that were not overturned on appeal; and the most senior rank of Garda successfully prosecuted. [15231/11]

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the role of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in relation to any allegation of misconduct by a member of the Garda Síochána is investigative only. Section 101 of that Act provides that if the Ombudsman Commission is of the opinion that the conduct under investigation may constitute an offence by a member of the Garda Síochána it shall send a copy of the investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP ) together with any recommendations that appear to it to be appropriate. The decision as to whether a prosecution should be brought is a matter for the DPP who is, by law, independent in the exercise of his functions.

Since commencement of its operations in May 2007, seven members of An Garda Síochána have been found guilty of offences by the Courts arising from investigations by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. Of these, two members had their verdicts reduced to a sanction under the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 (as amended).

In a further case, in the District Court, the Judge found that while the Garda in question had assaulted a complainant it was a minor assault at the lower end of the scale and he decided that he would deal with it other than by imposing a conviction and so struck out the summons.

All of these eight members were of Garda rank.

UN Committee Against Torture

Joe Costello

Question:

473 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the findings and recommendations of the UN Committee Against Torture in regard to prison facilities and Magdalene Laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15243/11]

As the Deputy is aware, the UN Committee against Torture (UNCAT) issued its concluding observations on Monday 6 June following Ireland's first examination in Geneva last month under Article 19 of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The Committee in its statement acknowledged Ireland's commitment to engage with them in a constructive manner and indeed commended Ireland for significant progress in recent years in a number of areas such as the prevention of domestic violence and human trafficking. Its concluding observations cover a wide range of areas from prison conditions to the total prohibition of corporal punishment, the Magdalen Laundries, the follow up to the Ryan Report and the processing of applications for refugee status, all of which impact on the remit of several Government Departments.

In conjunction with my cabinet colleagues, the Deputy can be assured that I will closely examine the concluding observations and recommendations of the Committee. The Government will also in due course communicate with the Committee about the points raised.

As regards the Committee's observations on prison facilities, I might add that measures are already being taken to address these issues and improve conditions in our prisons. The Programme for Government contains several commitments aimed at alleviating overcrowding, upgrading and improving facilities including in-cell sanitation, and to consider alternatives to custody which are available and can be used. On taking up office, I established a committee to review the Thornton project, to examine the need for adequate prison accommodation and to consider alternatives to custody. The Committee is due to report by 1 July and I look forward to considering their views.

Moreover, I previously informed the House that I intend to bring forward amendments to the Prison Rules, 2007 which will address issues raised by the Committee and the Inspector of Prisons in the areas of complaint investigation, health care and deaths in custody.

One of the first Bills I brought before this House was the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Bill. It will require judges to consider imposing Community Service in any case where the appropriate sentence would otherwise be a custodial one of up to 12 months imprisonment. I have also asked my officials to look at a scheme where suitable long term prisoners might have the last period of their custodial sentence replaced by a form of Community Service.

On the Magdalen Laundries, the Committee "recommended that the State should institute prompt, independent, and thorough investigations into all allegations of torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment that were allegedly committed in the Magdalen Laundries and, in appropriate cases, prosecute and punish the perpetrators with penalties commensurate with the gravity of the offences committed, and ensure that all victims obtain redress and have an enforceable right to compensation including the means for as full rehabilitation as possible".

You will be aware that the Government made an announcement in relation to this matter yesterday.

Garda Recruitment

Charles Flanagan

Question:

474 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the upper age limit for entry to An Garda Síochána; if he will provide an age exemption to members of the Garda Reserve force who wish to apply for membership of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15254/11]

Recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by Statutory Regulations, namely the Garda Síochána (Admission & Appointments) Regulations 1988/2005. The recruitment age was considered as recently as 2004 when, on the recommendation of the Garda Commissioner, the maximum recruitment age was increased from 26 to 35 years.

This upper age limit of 35 was set having regard to equality legislation and also took into account the following criteria:

(1) The cost of training

(2) The need for recruits to serve for a sufficient period of time as full members of the service to recoup this cost.

(3) The operational requirements of the service in terms of having an age profile appropriate to the physical demands placed on members in the course of their duty.

Consideration is being given to changing the upper age limit, in limited circumstances, in a way which would be beneficial to An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 already allow the Public Appointments Service to give due recognition to any satisfactory service by a person as a reserve member of the Garda Síochána.

Departmental Reports

Brian Stanley

Question:

475 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he will publish his report on the cash for gold trade here. [15284/11]

My Department is currently finalising a report on the Cash for Gold trade and, in this context, has been in close contact with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána with a view to monitoring the position.

I can inform the Deputy that the Commissioner has recently reported that all Cash for Gold premises in the State have been visited by An Garda Síochána and the operators have been made aware of their responsibilities and obligations with regard to purchasing gold and jewellery. In addition, contact information provided to operators will facilitate the reporting to An Garda Síochána of any suspicious activity. The Commissioner has also indicated that any new premises that may be identified will be visited by An Garda Síochána.

Let me assure the Deputy that as soon as the report I have referred to is finalised and submitted to me, I will make an assessment as to what, if any, further action, legislative or otherwise, may be required. I will make its findings and any proposals which I may have known in due course.

Proposed Legislation

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

476 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which legislation will be published to give effect to the programme for Government commitment to require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in the carrying out of their functions. [15291/11]

I should clarify that the Programme for Government commitment to require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions does not refer to the introduction of new legislation.

Public bodies are already under clear statutory and constitutional obligations in relation to the treatment of individuals from a human rights and equality perspective.

The existing legislative framework includes the Equal Status Acts, the Employment Equality Acts, the Human Rights Commission Acts and the European Convention on Human Rights Act.

In so far as proposals for significant legislative are put to Government there is also an obligation to conduct a Regulatory Impact assessment with a specific requirement within that to address gender equality and poverty proofing issues.

What is now required is a focus on ensuring that these issues are centre stage in the public sector reform process under way in the context of the Croke Park Agreement. One specific initiative which the Deputy might be interested in is the launch of a Human Rights Guide for Civil and Public Servants by the Irish Human Rights Commission. In addition, the Diversity & Equality Law Division of my Department and the Irish Human Rights Commission have piloted human rights training for civil and public servants. I strongly support this initiative and wish to see this training made available more widely over time within Government Departments and the wider public service.

I will be reviewing progress in this matter, together with colleagues, to see what additional measures need to be taken.

Garda Strength

Dara Calleary

Question:

477 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of serving gardaí on 31 May 2011 excluding the Garda Reserve. [15295/11]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of the 31 May 2011, there were 14,262 serving Gardaí.

Dara Calleary

Question:

478 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of the Garda Reserve on 31 May 2011. [15296/11]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total strength of the Garda Reserve, on the 31 May 2011, was 761 with a further 181 in training.

UN Committee Against Torture

Dara Calleary

Question:

479 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the findings of the UN Committee against Torture concluding observation and recommendations regarding those involuntarily confined in the Magdalene Laundries; if he will outline his plans for dealing with the findings. [15297/11]

The UN Committee against Torture (UNCAT) issued its concluding observations on Monday 6 June following Ireland's first examination in Geneva last month under Article 19 of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Committee in its statement acknowledged Ireland's commitment to engage with them in a constructive manner and indeed commended Ireland for significant progress in recent years in a number of areas such as the prevention of domestic violence and human trafficking. Its concluding observations cover a wide range of areas from prison conditions to the total prohibition of corporal punishment, the Magdalen Laundries, the follow-up of the Ryan Report and the processing of applications for refugee status, all of which impact on the remit of several Government Departments.

Specifically, in relation to the Magdalen Laundries, the Committee "recommended that the State should institute prompt, independent, and thorough investigations into all allegations of torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment that were allegedly committed in the Magdalen Laundries and, in appropriate cases, prosecute and punish the perpetrators with penalties commensurate with the gravity of the offences committed, and ensure that all victims obtain redress and have an enforceable right to compensation including the means for as full rehabilitation as possible".

You will be aware that the Government made an announcement relevant to this matter yesterday.

Proposed Legislation

Brendan Griffin

Question:

480 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding right of way law under the Land and Conveyancing Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15306/11]

The position is that Part 8 (Chapter 1) of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 has updated the law concerning the acquisition of easements based on recommendations of the Law Reform Commission. Section 35 of the Act, which entered into operation on 1 December 2009, provides that easements shall be acquired at law by prescription only on registration in the Land Registry or the Registry of Deeds of a court order under that section.

Late last year the Law Society made a submission to my Department containing proposals to amend the 2009 Act with a view to simplifying the procedures for registering easements acquired by prescription. During subsequent discussions involving my Department, the Law Society and the Property Registration Authority, agreement was reached on the outline of a draft scheme whereby the Authority would be empowered to register such easements without a court order under section 35 of the 2009 Act on being satisfied that the claim had been substantiated.

In order to give statutory effect to the proposed scheme, amendments to the Registration of Title Act 1964 and the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 will be required. I intend therefore to include the necessary amendments to both Acts in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which, subject to Government approval, will be published shortly.

Crime Levels

Jack Wall

Question:

481 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recorded cases of the crime of card skimming here for the past year; if there has been an increase in the number compared to previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15379/11]

Nicky McFadden

Question:

488 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the prevalence nationwide of skimming devices at ATMs for fraud purposes; and the measures being taken to overcome the problem. [15659/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 488 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the use of a skimming device in relation to debit and credit cards or ATM cards will amount to offences under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. In addition, a person who uses a credit or debit card which has been skimmed may be committing a number of offences under the 2001 Act.

The number of incidents involving card skimming recorded on the Garda PULSE system for the period 2007 to 9 June 2011 is set out in the table below. These figures do indicate an increase in the number of recorded incidents for the year 2011 (up to 9 June 2011) when compared with the previous two years.

In January this year An Garda Síochána put the crime reduction/prevention initiative ‘Operation ‘Glint' into place, under the direction and control of the Assistant Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Region. While the principal aim of Operation Glint is to disrupt the activities of those involved in ATM fraud, it also serves to alert the public to the use of skimming devices by criminals.

Following the roll-out of this initiative, a large number of skimming devices were seized resulting in a number of arrests and, in particular, the arrest of a number of transient organised criminals whose cases are currently before the courts.

This initiative has since been introduced in other Garda Regions nationwide.

I am also advised that the increase in ATM fraud is also being addressed by the introduction of security measures by the financial institutions. Incidents of so-called ‘skimming' are reported to the Irish Payment Card Services Organisation by relevant financial institutions. These incidents are then reported to, and circulated by, An Garda Síochána.

This type of criminal activity is also being addressed through several forums including the Hi-Tech Crime Forum and the ATM Fraud Forum. The Hi-Tech Crime Forum is comprised of representatives of the banking institutions, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, internet service providers, the Irish Payment Card Services Organisation and other stakeholders as deemed appropriate. The ATM Fraud Forum, which is comprised of representatives of the various financial institutions and An Garda Síochána, is chaired by the Irish Payment Card Services Organisation.

Recorded Incidents each year from 2007 to 9 June 2011*

Year

Number of Recorded Incidents

2011

245

2010

233

2009

208

2008

439

2007

1,166

*the figures provided are operational and liable to change.

Departmental Bodies

Catherine Murphy

Question:

482 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures that the Legal Aid Board has in place to ensure persons in custody who require legal representation in family law cases receive such representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15381/11]

I can inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board (LAB) has general procedures in place for applying for legal services and a person wishing to apply for legal services must complete an application form and submit it to a Law Centre. While an applicant is generally required to vouch his or her income this should not be necessary in the case of persons in custody. The Law Centre, on receipt of the application, then determines whether the case falls within its categories of prioritised matters, and if it does, a solicitor is appointed to take instructions from the applicant as a matter of urgency. An applicant who does not fall within a prioritised category is placed on what is effectively a waiting list and is dealt with in due course.

In the case of an applicant who is serving time in prison, the solicitor normally attends the prison for the purpose of taking instruction. An applicant is required to pay a legal advice contribution and this is €10 in the case of one who is serving time in prison. In the event that court representation is required, the applicant is generally required to pay an additional €40. However, the contribution can be waived on the basis of hardship and the €40 fee is generally waived in certain types of case, e.g. the defence of proceedings on foot of Part IV of the Child Care Act 1991, for persons imprisoned.

The Deputy might also wish to note that in response to concerns expressed about the capacity of applicants serving time in prison to speedily access legal services for the purpose of defending proceedings on foot of Part IV of the Child Care Act 1991 (one of the priority categories as referred to above), the LAB recently wrote to prison governors outlining the process of applying for legal aid and enclosing legal aid application forms.

Crime Levels

Finian McGrath

Question:

483 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [15430/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Raheny Garda Sub-District. While local Garda management is aware of a number of burglaries in the area, the number of burglaries to date in 2011 is less than the number during the same period last year, and the detection rate is higher in 2011. Incidents which are not yet detected remain under investigation.

A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated specifically to the area and regularly meets local residents to address any issues of concern raised.

The area is subject to regular patrols by uniformed and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the local Detective and Drugs Units, 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 policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of public order offences and the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property.

Prison Medical Service

Gerry Adams

Question:

484 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of doctors employed to work in prisons here; the number of hours per week doctors are on duty at the various prisons; and the total cost to the State of the salaries of doctors who work at prisons. [15492/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that there are 17 doctors employed by the Irish Prison Service to work in prisons on a full-time and part-time basis.

The contracted hours of attendance vary from prison to prison from 10 hours to 39 hours per week per doctor.

The total cost to the State of the salaries of doctors employed in 2010 amounted to €1,023,956.10.

The table sets out the situation pertaining in each of the prisons.

Institution/Prison

Number of contracted hours per week

Arbour Hill

12

Castlerea

15

Cloverhill

39

Cork

15

Limerick

15

Loughan House

10

Midlands

39

Mountjoy Female

22.5

Mountjoy Male

70

Portlaoise

34

Shelton Abbey

10

St. Patrick’s Institution

15

Training Unit

12.5

Wheatfield

39

Total

348

Parking Regulations

Seán Kenny

Question:

485 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding illegal parking throughout an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [15493/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within Coolock Garda District. Local Garda management is not aware of any difficulties of the nature outlined by the Deputy being experienced by residents in the area. Any breaches of the law, including of the Road Traffic Acts, detected by or reported to An Garda Síochána are investigated.

The area is the subject of regular patrols by uniformed 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.

Crime Levels

Seán Kenny

Question:

486 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested during the recent visit of Queen Elizabeth II and the US President; the number of persons charged and pending court appearances; and the number of persons convicted to date. [15494/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were 62 arrests made nationwide during and relating to the recent State visits, resulting in 47 persons being charged. Seven persons were released without charge pending the submission of a file to the DPP, two others are to be dealt with under the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and two others are to be dealt with under the Garda Adult Caution Referral Programme. A number of other incidents remain under investigation.

Closed Circuit Television Systems

John Lyons

Question:

487 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expand the closed circuit television network at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15516/11]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is currently a Garda CCTV scheme in operation at the location referred to by the Deputy, consisting of 9 cameras. Any proposals to further extend the system are a matter for the Garda Commissioner within the framework of his identified operational requirements and priorities.

In that context I understand that the Garda CCTV requirements at the location in question are being kept under ongoing review.

Question No. 488 answered with Question No. 481.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

489 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Defence the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15768/11]

No auditors are currently employed by my Department. The Comptroller and Auditor General audits the Appropriation Accounts for the Defence and Army Pensions Votes under Section 3 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993. He is not employed by the Department to do so; rather he is discharging his statutory responsibility. My Department has a dedicated Internal Audit Unit which carries out a range of audits each year in order to provide assurance on the adequacy of controls in operation in the various areas of activity of the Department. The Internal Audit Unit is staffed by civil servants whom, while they have received appropriate training to carry out their work, are not qualified auditors.

Pension Provisions

Pearse Doherty

Question:

490 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Defence when paperwork requested from him will be sent to the State pension office regarding an application for State contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [15121/11]

My Department issued a reply to the Department of Social Protection on 8 February 2011 to enable them to consider the application in question. A copy of the reply was sent to the Department of Social Protection on 13 June 2011.

Departmental Expenditure

Dara Calleary

Question:

491 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the cost that has been incurred by the change and purchase of new berets under way within the Reserve Defence Forces; the reason for such a change; if his attention has been drawn to concerns within the RDF over the change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15294/11]

This matter relates to a minor alteration to Reserve Defence Force Military Police (RDF MP) Headdress and involves the introduction of a green patch behind the cap badge on the Red Beret to distinguish them from their Permanent Defence Force (PDF) counterparts. This will ensure, at a cost of €1,052 (incl VAT), that there is a clear differentiation between RDF and PDF MP.

I am advised that the General Secretary of the RDFRA made a submission to Military Conciliation and Arbitration Section of the Defence Forces highlighting their concerns. Under Defence Force Regulation (DFR) R5, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Sp) can issue Administrative Instructions laying down the procedures and administrative arrangements regarding dress for members of the Reserve. This is a matter for the military authorities in the first instance.

Overseas Missions

Seán Kenny

Question:

492 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Defence Forces currently serving overseas; and the number by location. [15496/11]

Ireland is currently contributing 218 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.

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

With regard to the deployment to UNIFIL, an advance party of 47 personnel of the 104th Infantry Battalion, together with a work party of 42 personnel, deployed to southern Lebanon on 30 May 2011. The main body of the Battalion is scheduled to deploy to UNIFIL at the end of this month when the work party will return. In July 2011, Ireland's contribution to Operation ALTHEA will reduce from 44 personnel to 7 personnel.

When the UNIFIL contingent is fully deployed and the reduction in Ireland's contribution to Operation ALTHEA takes effect, the total number of personnel deployed overseas will amount to approximately 540. This represents a significant contribution to international peacekeeping operations and the obligations Ireland has assumed through its membership of the UN.

Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas as of 1 June 2011

1.

UN Missions

(i)

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ

9

UNIFIL 104 Infantry Battalion Advance Party*

89

(ii)

UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon

11

(iii)

MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)

3

(iv)

MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)

3

(v)

UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)

2

TOTAL

117

UN Mandated Missions

(vi)

EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

44

(vii)

EUTM Somalia (EU-led Training Mission in Uganda)

5

(viii)

KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) — HQ

12

(ix)

ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan)

7

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS

185

*UNIFIL Advance Party includes a Work Party of 42 personnel, which deployed with the advance party of the Battalion (47 personnel) on 30 May 2011. The Work Party will return to Ireland when the Main Body of the 104 Battalion deploys at the end of June 2011.

2.

Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

(i)

OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina

2

(ii)

OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia

1

(iii)

Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna

1

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE

4

3.

EU Military Staff

Brussels

6

4.

Nordic Battlegroup HQ Staff — Sweden

13

5.

Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff

(i)

Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York

1

(ii)

Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna

1

(iii)

Staff Appointments, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna

1

(iv)

Military Representative to EU (Brussels)

4

(v)

Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)

2

(vi)

Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium

1

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS

218

Air Corps Investigations

Joe Higgins

Question:

493 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number of complaints against commanding officers in the Irish Air Corps submitted since 2006 under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954 and covered by Defence Force Regulation A7. [15546/11]

Joe Higgins

Question:

494 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the action taken by him and the general staff in the Irish Air Corps to implement the recommendations of a 2006 report of an investigator appointed to investigate complaints against senior officers in the Air Corps made under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954. [15547/11]

Joe Higgins

Question:

495 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact there have been a number of instances in which serious complaints against commanding officers in the Irish Air Corps were sent for investigation to the commanding officers who were the subject of the complaints and that these investigations consisted of those commanding officers conducting one to one interviews with the members who made the complaints thus negating the independence and fairness of an investigation carried out under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954. [15548/11]

Joe Higgins

Question:

496 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact there have been unacceptable instances of reports on investigations into complaints submitted under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954 being returned to the investigating officer who submitted the report with a direction to substantially change the findings of the reports which is a serious interference with the independence and fairness of such investigations. [15549/11]

Joe Higgins

Question:

497 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if there are any commanding officers in the Air Corps selected for promotion while a series of complaints against them under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954 remain outstanding; and if such promotions will be not confirmed until such complaints are dealt with. [15550/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 to 497, inclusive, together.

Section 114 of the Defence Act provides that any member of the Defence Forces, who considers himself to have been wronged in any matter, may make a complaint and have it investigated and redressed. Where the wrong is proven, redress is offered to the complainant. In the event that the complainant is unhappy with the result of an investigation or with the proposed redress, the matter is referred to the General Officer Commanding and, if that does not resolve the issue, to the Chief of Staff. If the complainant is still unhappy then they can have their complaint forwarded to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.

I am advised by the military authorities that in the period since 2006, 187 complaints were made by two individual members of the Air Corps against superior officers. No other complaints were made against superior officers in the Air Corps. The military authorities have further advised that all complaints made under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954 are dealt with in accordance with the complaints procedures laid down under Chapter 2 of Administrative Instructions A7.

In relation to the suggestion that reports of investigations into complaints being returned to the investigating officer, the military authorities advise that in and around 2003 the then Complaints Investigation Officer reported on such an incident but that no further such incidents have been reported in the intervening period.

I understand that complaints have been submitted against one Unit Commander who has been selected for promotion. Such promotions are dealt with in accordance with standard agreed procedures and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in such matters.

Finally, the Deputy refers to a report from 2006; if the Deputy provides me with the specific details of the case in question I will be happy to provide him with details of the action taken on foot of the report.

Pension Provisions

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

498 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the number of former cadets from the Defence Forces currently receiving pensions while also employed in various State and semi-State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15584/11]

I presume the Deputy is referring to retired commissioned officers of the Permanent Defence Force who are in receipt of occupational pensions from my Department while currently in public sector employment. The specific information as to the total number involved is not available in my Department. Holders of Defence Forces pensions are not required to inform my Department of any employment, public sector or otherwise, obtained subsequent to leaving the Defence Forces. In these respects, my understanding is that they are treated no differently to other public service pensioners generally.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton

Question:

499 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason 25% of a REP scheme payment has not been paid in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15730/11]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and has received full payment in respect of year 1.

A 75% payment in respect of year 2 was issued on 31 March 2011. Payment of the final 25% cannot be made until outstanding checks are finalised and compliance with the scheme conditions has been fully established. Payment will issue at the earliest possible date once all checks have been completed.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

500 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15755/11]

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food employs seventeen staff within its Internal Audit Unit. The role of the Internal Audit Unit is to give assurance to the Secretary General, the Audit Committee and senior management as to the adequacy of the Department's risk management, control and governance processes. The Unit also carries out an audit programme in accordance with a number of EU Regulations in respect of EU Funds. Audit work is carried out in accordance with the standards and guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and best practice of organisations such as the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

Grant Payments

Paul Connaughton

Question:

501 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application for suckler cow welfare scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [15837/11]

The person named registered thirty seven animals under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has issued in respect of twenty two animals, as they are clear for payment. During the validation process, errors were established in the case of three animals and a letter was issued by my Department to the person named seeking clarification on these errors. The person named has not submitted details of the required measures under the Suckler Welfare Scheme for the remaining animals. Therefore, no payment can be made to the applicant until this information is submitted to my Department and has been found, during validation checks, to comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

502 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way the grant aid figure was calculated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; if this person received the 40% grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15061/11]

The person named was an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant-aid is calculated on the basis of the standard costs applicable at the date of issue of approval to commence works or on the total amount of eligible receipts, whichever is the lesser. The rates of grant-aid applied in this case were 20% for mobile equipment and 40% for all other works.

Food Safety

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

503 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the contacts he has had with his European counterparts in relation to the mutant E. coli outbreak, which has caused numerous deaths and serious illness in Germany; the progress that has been made in identifying the source of this problem; the actions he will take to prevent the spread of the bacteria here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15064/11]

The E. coli outbreak in Germany was discussed at the Informal Council of Agriculture Ministers in Hungary on 31 May. I also attended an emergency meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg on Tuesday 7 June. The meeting was called to deal with the food safety and market implications resulting from the E. coli outbreak.

Since that meeting, I, and my Department officials, have continued to maintain close contact with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and with our European counterparts to review the situation.

On Friday 10 June, the German authorities confirmed that they had identified "with great probability" sprouts, grown in Germany, as the source of the virulent EHEC infection. Furthermore, they announced that, as a consequence, the warning against the consumption of tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce was being rescinded.

The German authorities confirmed on Sunday 12 June, that laboratory results of sprouts tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli (VTEC) O104:H4. Last week, the German authorities had closed down the production plant in question and the sprouts from the plant were withdrawn from the market. Following the sampling of sprouts obtained from a household infected with the E. Coli strain, the German authorities are of the opinion that it can be assumed with a very high probability that the E. coli outbreak is attributable, more particularly to the consumption of sprouts.

None of the sprouts from this production plant were exported from Germany.

The German Federal Minister for Health, Daniel Bahr, believes there is optimism that the epidemic may soon be over as the number of E. coli cases has now, it is believed peaked.

In Ireland, there have been no reported cases of human illness associated with the German outbreak strain of E. coli (VTEC) O104:H4.

I, and my Department officials, are maintaining regular contact with our European counterparts and are continuing to review the situation. In addition, we are in constant contact with the FSAI, which is responsible for protecting public health and consumer interests in the area of food safety and hygiene, and which also continues to monitor the situation.

Grant Payments

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

504 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 315 of 24 May 2011, if he will clarify the position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15082/11]

Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 315 of 24 May 2011, in assessing eligibility for payment under the Income Supplement scheme, the eligibility criterion which requires that more than 10% of animals must be removed under the scheme is calculated by reference to the total number of animals, including calves, presented by the herdowner at the herd test. In the letter notifying him to test, the herdowner was advised of the age profile of animals which must be presented for testing and the onus is on him to follow those instructions. Any calves presented for the test, regardless of age, were included in the calculation. Animals deceased prior to the date of the relevant test were not included in the calculation.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

505 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the delay in payments to 2010 applicants under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will give reassurances that these delays will not be repeated in 2011. [15107/11]

Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. I expect that payments to participants in the scheme in respect of the first year will commence in August and that payments in respect of year two will commence in October. I am working with my officials to bring the payments forward if at all possible as I can understand the need for expediency.

Departmental Schemes

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

506 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to further resource or restructure the agri-environment options scheme in line with recommendations from farming associations. [15108/11]

The Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) was introduced to give farmers the opportunity to participate in a scheme which rewards actions that benefit the environment. The AEOS scheme that I announced on April 6 was launched following an extensive review of the previous year's scheme involving both internal and external stakeholders. The 2011 scheme closed to applications on 17 May. The applications received are being assessed at present and the level of participation will be determined by the aggregate cost of the plans submitted and the number of applications that can be accommodated within the funding available. Any further participation in the scheme in future years and any adjustment to the existing scheme will be considered in the context of the Expenditure Review and Estimates process.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

507 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to reinstate the early retirement grant for farmers. [15109/11]

Following the suspension of the Early Retirement Scheme on 14 October, 2008 due to budgetary constraints it became apparent that there was a number of farmers who had their preparations to apply for the Scheme completed or close to completion at that point. A decision was taken to re-open the Scheme temporarily on 23 September 2009 with limited additional funding with a view to accepting as many as possible of the applications that fell into this category. My Department received a further 175 applications up to the closing date of 30 October 2009. I have no plans to reopen the Scheme at this time.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

508 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to reinstate the installation aid assistance for farmers. [15110/11]

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008 and I have no plans to consider applications received after that date or to reopen the Scheme at this time. An allocation of almost €1 million is provided in 2011 to meet the remaining commitments under both the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the preceding equivalent schemes.

Departmental Expenditure

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

509 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the areas to which the money collected from penalties applied under the single farm payment scheme is reallocated. [15111/11]

Under EU Regulations amounts arising from reductions and exclusions from payment as a result of non-compliance with the cross-compliance regime shall be credited to the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) however Member States may retain 25% of those amounts. The amounts retained are accounted for in the annual EU clearance of accounts decision and are shown as Appropriations in Aid in my Department's Vote. They are surrendered to the Exchequer through the vote on an annual basis and are not re-allocated in any way. Reductions and exclusions applied as a result of land eligibility issues are simply not charged to the EAGF.

Grant Payments

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

510 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to examine the stringent criteria attached to the single farm payment; and if there is room for a less harsh compliance regime. [15112/11]

My Department, in the context of delivering the Direct Payment Schemes, is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme, compliance with EU legislation in the areas of the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition.

A minimum of 5% of Scheme applicants are required to be inspected under the eligibility rule. These checks are carried out to verify that the actual area claimed in the application form corresponds to the area held by the farmer and to ensure there are no overlapping claims or duplicate claims. Up to two-thirds of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit and using the technique of remote sensing.

The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements or GAEC apply. However, at least 3% of producers must be inspected under the Bovine and Ovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements. For Bovine checks in 2011 this constitutes a reduction of 2% from previous years.

My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission with a view to simplification of the Direct Payments Scheme requirements. In this connection the European Commission, in consultation with Member States, undertook a full review of the cross-compliance regime. The following issues were covered in the conclusions:

Tolerance for minor non-compliance

Introduction of a "de minimis" rule for penalties

Harmonisation of control rates

Advance notice of Inspections

Reviewing the "10 month rule"

Making better use of the results of existing controls in the context of risk analysis for cross-compliance.

Phasing in of cross-compliance for new Member States operating the SAPS

Council and Commission Regulations are now in place implementing these new arrangements.

In tandem with this my Department carried out a full review of the inspection arrangements for the Single Payment Scheme with a view to simplification of the arrangements (including paperwork) where possible while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements.

While all inspections should be unannounced, the Department can give up to 14 days notice for land eligibility and cross-compliance inspections involving SMRs other than those related to animal identification and registration, food, feed, and animal welfare. For checks involving cattle identification and registration the maximum advance notice is 48 hours provided the Department is satisfied that the purpose of the inspection is not jeopardised. For SMRs dealing with feed, food and animal welfare no advance notice may be given.

My Department is required to ensure that the control environment established under cross-compliance is robust and meets with regulatory and audit requirements.

Pat Breen

Question:

511 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15124/11]

The person named has been approved into the AEOS scheme with a start date of 1 November 2010.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. I expect that payments to participants in the scheme in respect of the first year will commence in August and that payments in respect of year two will commence in October. I am working with my officials to bring the payments forward if at all possible as I can understand the need for expediency.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

512 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for cattle and sheep discussion groups to be incentivised with the same support as dairy groups, that is €1,000 per participant. [15152/11]

I recognise the merits of discussion groups as a vehicle for transferring technology. In this regard, I would urge all farmers to avail of the extremely valuable information emerging from Teagasc, ICBF and from the Teagasc / IFJ Better Farm Beef Programme and to participate where possible in discussion groups or other collaborative initiatives which can assist farmers in making their enterprises more efficient and in improving margins.

Insofar as providing a financial stimulus to encourage participation in beef or sheep discussion groups is concerned, the realities of the public finances mean that difficult choices will have to be made when it comes to allocating scarce Exchequer resources. Like other Ministers, I am faced with a number of financial challenges at present but I can assure the deputy that my approach to determining spending priorities will be informed by the need to ensure that scarce public resources are utilised to best effect to facilitate the development of the beef, sheep and other agri-food sectors.

There has, of course, been significant public investment in the beef and sheep sector in recent years through the Farm Waste Management Scheme, the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme and the Capital Investment Scheme for the beef and sheepmeat processing industry.

I am fully aware of the significant benefits of the current discussion group mechanism in the dairy sector. However, I should point out that this scheme is funded entirely from unspent EU Single Farm Payment Funds, which have been fully allocated at this stage.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

513 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for a dairy grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15154/11]

The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Dairy Equipment Scheme which has been temporarily closed for new applications since 8 June 2011. Processing of the applications received prior to the date of suspension of the Scheme is continuing within my Department and the applications concerned will be processed up to the financial ceiling of the tranche which was open on the date of suspension of the Scheme. In the case of the Dairy Equipment Scheme, this amounts to €10.38 million. Applicants that are approved for funding will be notified as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

514 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15170/11]

The costs borne by the Department in relation to my constituency office are as follows:

Telephone costs including line rental and call charges for both fixed and mobile phones;

IT services including Data link rental, Personal Computer and printer provision. (These services are based on a shared service model for the provision of Managed IT support service for constituency based offices of Ministers and Ministers of State delivered by the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.)

The following table summarises the relevant costs to date since my appointment:

Constituency Office

Fixed Line Costs

€478.14

Mobile Costs*

€303.05

IT Services**

€1,114.12

*These include Minister Coveney's own mobile phone costs as well as that of a Constituency office member of staff.

**Estimate based on 3 months in office at an average monthly cost of €371.37. These services have yet to be billed. The figure for full year costs for year one of this service as outlined in the schedule of costs associated with it will be €4,456.49.

No costs have been incurred in relation to services to my home.

There are 3.3 (full time equivalent) civil servants engaged in constituency work at a cost of €109,764.90. No rent or lease is paid by my Department in respect of any constituencyoffices.

Milk Quota

Andrew Doyle

Question:

515 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for additional milk quota in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15183/11]

My Department has not received an application from the person named for additional quota under any of the schemes operated in respect of the 2011-12 milk quota year to date.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

516 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15188/11]

Given its geographically dispersed nature, my Department has no specific policy on the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work. Nevertheless, my Department will continue to facilitate the uptake of wider initiatives, such as the travel pass scheme or the cycle to work scheme, to encourage staff, where this is possible, not to use private transport to travel to and from their place of work.

With regard to the Deputy's query on using public transport when travelling on official business, my Department has very substantially reduced the cost of travel for official purposes despite the fact that due to the nature and geographical spread of the work of the Department travel is a necessary element in the performance of duties. Guidelines on Travel and Subsistence have been once again reviewed and staff are being reminded that all official travel should be by the shortest practicable route and by the cheapest practicable mode of conveyance, i.e. public transport; that return tickets, contract, season or other cheap tickets should be used; and, that private cars should only be used where no suitable public transport is available. Where this is not possible an explanation must be provided and where it is clear that public transport could have been used, the amount to be allowed for private vehicle use must not exceed the cost of public transport.

Food Industry

Joe McHugh

Question:

517 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a list (details supplied) in linear format in respect of all meat processing plants here approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15210/11]

The full list of meat establishments approved by my Department under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009) may be found in the appendix to this reply. It is also available at this link on my Department's website:

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodsafetyconsumerissues/daffapprovedestablishments/

The list on the website includes details of the approved activities and species for each plant.

Animal identification systems in place differ, depending on the species of animal, and the methodology of checks at each slaughter establishment will vary accordingly. Electronic scanners are used in bovine slaughtering establishments to scan passports. They may also be used in establishments slaughtering other species. However, their use is not a legal requirement for approval and visual checks are widely carried out. Commercial matters can be a factor in the decision as to which method is used.

The role of the Department's veterinary staff at each type of slaughterhouse includes a range of checks to ensure that animals accepted for slaughter for human consumption are properly identified. Animals whose identity is not reasonably ascertainable are killed separately and declared unfit for human consumption.

Under Regulation (EC) 853/2004, and in addition to the general traceability requirements of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, food business operators responsible for establishments that are subject to approval must ensure that all products of animal origin that they place on the market bear either a health mark or an identification mark.

Additional information on the requirements and practices for identification of individual species is set out below.

The bovine identification system comprises four elements — tagging; bovine passport; on-farm bovine herd registers; and a computerised database, the Animal Identification and Movement system (AIM). When a bovine animal is presented at a slaughter plant, the food business operator (FBO) electronically scans the passport of each animal and reads each ear tag. Department staff then carry out verification checks on a proportion of animals, ensuring correlation of the cards and the bovine animals. The tag number of each animal is submitted electronically to the AIM system prior to slaughter, to verify the origin and identity of the animal before it enters the food chain.

Checks on sheep identity at meat plants are mostly visual, although some use is made of scanners. Sheep slaughterings are input to the AIM system.

The National Pig Identification and Tracing System (NPITS) records all movements of pigs to factories. Identity checks on pigs at meat plants are usually done by visual examination of the slap mark on the skin of the animals, and identification is by herd basis rather than by individual pig.

Each equine destined for slaughter must be accompanied by its horse passport. FBOs carry out checks on the horse against the markings on the passport to correlate the information. Department staff carry out additional checks prior to slaughter of the horse. Each horse is checked by scanner to ascertain if it has been microchipped and if so checks are carried out to ensure that the passport is valid for that horse.

In the case of poultry, it is not a requirement to individually identify every bird, or to health mark the carcase. However, there remains a general requirement for the FBO and Department staff to be satisfied as to the origin of the flock before allowing slaughter of birds for human consumption.

List of Meat Establishments Approved by the Department under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009)

EU No.

Name

Town

County

351

AIBP Bandon

Bandon

Cork

300

AIBP Cahir

Cahir

Tipperary

378

AIBP Clones

Clones

Monaghan

290

AIBP Nenagh

Nenagh

Tipperary

354

AIBP Rathkeale Ltd

Rathkeale

Limerick

344

AIBP Waterford

Waterford

Waterford

406

Arthur Mallon Foods Ltd

Monaghan

Monaghan

2034

Ashbourne Coldstore

Naas

Kildare

382

Ashbourne Meat Processors

Roscrea

Tipperary

512

Ashbourne Meat Processors

Naas

Kildare

371

B & F Meats Ltd

Thomastown

Kilkenny

395

Ballaghadereen Bacon Factory Ltd

Ballaghdereen

Roscommon

792

Ballineen Fine Foods Ltd

Bandon

Cork

392

Ballon Meats Ltd

Ballon

Carlow

2012

Boyne Valley Meats Ltd.

Garristown

Meath

2016

Bralca Cold Stores

Newbridge

Kildare

568

Branagan’s Quality Meat Processors

Ballycoolin

Dublin

70

C & M ColdStores Ltd

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

79

C.G.I. Coldstores

Blanchardstown

Dublin

84

C.G.I. Food Park

Midleton

Cork

528

Callan Bacon Company

Callan

Kilkenny

2024

Capital Coldstore & Logistics

Ballycoolin

Dublin

806

Cappoquin Chickens

Cappoquin

Waterford

783

Cargill Integra (Ireland) Ltd

Castleblayney

Monaghan

741

Carroll Cuisine Ltd.

Tullamore

Offaly

803

Carton Brothers

Shercock

Cavan

71

Castlecool Ltd

Castleblayney

Monaghan

368

Charleville Foods

Charleville

Cork

780

Clonakilty Food Co.

Clonakilty

Cork

2002

Coldmove Galway Ltd

Oranmore

Galway

12

Colso Cahir Depot

Cahir

Tipperary

16

Colso Enterprises Ltd

Togher

Cork

795

Connolly Meats Ltd

Scotstown

Monaghan

821

Cootehill Farms

Cootehill

Cavan

836

Curragh Meats Ltd

Kildare

Kildare

364

Dawn Ballyhaunis

Ballyhaunis

Mayo

734

Dawn Farm Foods Ltd

Naas

Kildare

2009

Dawn Farm Foods Ltd

Nenagh

Tipperary

706

Dawn Fresh Foods Ltd

Fethard

Tipperary

350

Dawn Meats (Exports) Ltd

Grannagh

Waterford

318

Dawn Meats Ltd.

Kilmacthomas

Waterford

753

Dew Valley Foods Ltd

Thurles

Tipperary

576

Divilly’s Ltd.

Oranmore

Galway

292

Donegal Meat Processors

Carrigans

Donegal

846

Dromoland Wild Game

Raheen

Limerick

546

Drover Foods Ltd

Wexford

Wexford

501

Duffy Meats Ltd

Shillelagh

Wicklow

574

Dunbia Kilbeggan

Kilbeggan

Westmeath

384

Dunbia Slane

Navan

Meath

798

Dunhill Cuisine

Dunhill

Waterford

407

Dunleavy Meats Ltd.

Ballina

Mayo

411

Edenmore Farm Meats Ltd.

Liford

Donegal

553

Edenmore Farm Meats Ltd.

St. Johnston

Donegal

297

Euro Farm Foods

Duleek

Meath

854

Faughan Foods Ltd

Athboy

Meath

738

Feldhues Gmbh Fleischwaren Production

Clones

Monaghan

842

Fia Fheoil Éireann

Claremorris

Mayo

369

Finns Meats

Mitchelstown

Cork

408

Garbally Meats

Kellysgrove

Galway

764

German Salami Co. (Dundalk) Ltd

Dundalk

Louth

564

Glen Aine Foods Ltd

Knocklong

Limerick

830

Glenhaven Foods (Arklow) Ltd

Arklow

Wicklow

550

Glenside Bacon Co.

Glenties

Donegal

779

Granby Ltd.

Dublin 1

Dublin

838

Green Farm Foods

Rathowen

Westmeath

789

Green Isle Foods (Longford) Ltd.

Longford

Longford

761

Green Isle Foods Ltd

Portumna

Galway

2008

Green Isle Foods Ltd

Naas

Kildare

381

Green Pasture Food Processors Ltd.

Drumlish

Longford

807

Grove Turkeys

Smithboro

Monaghan

782

H&D Meats Ltd

Chapelizod

Dublin

853

H.J. Heinz European Frozen & Chilled Foods Ltd

Dundalk

Louth

409

Hilton Foods (Irl) Ltd.

Drogheda

Louth

827

Hogan's Turkeys

Kells

Meath

775

Horgan’s Delicatessen Supplies Ltd.

Mitchelstown

Cork

855

IGWT Poultry Services Ltd

Castleblayney

Monaghan

156

Iman Casing’s Ireland Ltd

Ballyhaunis

Mayo

757

International Meat Ingredients (IMI Ltd)

Naas

Kildare

560

Irish Bacon Slicers Ltd

Ballincollig

Cork

701

Irish Casing Company Ltd

Tullamore

Offaly

363

Irish Country Meats

Navan

Meath

367

Irish Country Meats Camolin

Camolin

Wexford

404

Kavanagh Meats Ltd

Enniscorthy

Wexford

83

Kells Cold Stores

Kells

Meath

317

Kepak (Clonee) Ltd

Clonee

Meath

313

Kepak Athleague

Athleague

Roscommon

329

Kepak Cork

Watergrasshill

Cork

2007

Kepak Kilbeggan

Kilbeggan

Westmeath

533

Kepak Longford

Ballymahon

Longford

346

Kepak Ltd.

Hacketstown

Carlow

559

Kiely Meats (Waterford) Ltd

Kilmacow

Kilkenny

268

Kildare Chilling Company

Kildare

Kildare

325

Liffey Meats Ltd

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

2003

Liffey Meats Ltd

Hacketstown

Carlow

75

Listside Ltd

Castleblayney

Monaghan

756

Lundy Foods Ltd

Ballina

Mayo

33

Lyonara Coldstores

Portlaoise

Laois

790

Malone Food Products

Castleblayney

Monaghan

372

Martin Jennings Wholesale

Ballinrobe

Mayo

224

McCarren & Co. Ltd

Cavan

Cavan

575

McCaughey Foods

Castleblayney

Monaghan

2023

McGee Foods Manufacturing Ltd

Castleblayney

Monaghan

311

Meadow Meats Ltd.

Rathdowney

Laois

58

Metroplex Ireland Ltd

Clondalkin

Dublin

844

Mill Road Larder

Killarney

Kerry

74

Molloy & Sherry (Eirfreeze)

Dublin 3

Dublin

370

Moyvalley Meats

Broadford

Kildare

797

Nature’s Best Ltd

Drogheda

Louth

754

Newbridge Foods Ltd

Newbridge

Kildare

570

Newbridge Meats Ltd

Newbridge

Kildare

39

O.C. Coldstores

Clondalkin

Dublin

513

Oakpark Foods

Cahir

Tipperary

73

O’Connell Warehousing (Ireland) Ltd.

Glanmire

Cork

2011

O’Farrell Meats Ltd

Midleton

Cork

2019

O’S Cold Storage Limited

Ballincollig

Cork

2004

Olhausens Ltd

Castleblayney

Monaghan

784

Oliver Carthy Ltd.

Athlone

Westmeath

794

Pasta Concepts Ltd.

Naas

Kildare

153

Pie Company International Ltd.

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

157

Prestige Foods Ltd

Listowel

Kerry

10

Q.K. Cold Stores Ltd.

Kilmacthomas

Waterford

19

Q.K. Cold Stores Ltd.

Naas

Kildare

32

Q.K. Cold Stores Ltd.

Grannagh

Waterford

552

Q.K. Meats Ltd.

Naas

Kildare

152

Quality Irish Foods Ltd.

Mullingar

Westmeath

332

Queally Pig Slaughtering Ltd

Grannagh

Waterford

717

Rangeland Foods

Castleblayney

Monaghan

2015

Rathcoole Cold Stores

Rathcoole

Dublin

799

Rib World

Clonmel

Tipperary

356

Rosderra Irish Meats Group, Edenderry

Edenderry

Offaly

355

Rosderra Irish Meats Group, Roscrea

Roscrea

Tipperary

306

Rosderra Irish Meats Group, Clara

Clara

Offaly

151

Rosderra Irish Meats Group, Jamestown

Jamestown

Leitrim

2014

Rosderra Irish Meats Group, Stradone

Stradone

Cavan

800

Rudd’s Fine Foods Ltd

Birr

Offaly

747

Rye Valley Foods Ltd

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

551

Sean Loughnane (Galway) Ltd

Tuam

Galway

834

Shalveys Poultry Ltd

Cootehill

Cavan

2020

Shannonside Foods Ltd.

Straffan

Kildare

59

Showbrook Ltd

Mallow

Cork

801

Silver Hill Foods

Emyvale

Monaghan

565

Silvercrest Foods

Ballybay

Monaghan

2005

Simply Soups Ltd

Naas

Kildare

296

Slaney Foods International

Bunclody

Wexford

785

Sleedagh Farms Ltd

Murrintown

Wexford

2021

Sligo Freeze Chill Ltd

Collooney

Sligo

380

Staunton Foods Ltd.

Timoleague

Cork

814

Shannon Vale Foods

Clonakilty

Cork

40

Temperature Controlled Logistics

Roscrea

Tipperary

538

Tender Meats Ltd.

Clondalkin

Dublin

8

Transtock Warehousing & Cold Storage Ltd.

Waterford

Waterford

769

Walsh Family Foods Ltd.

Finglas

Dublin

818

Western Brand Group Ltd.

Ballyhaunis

Mayo

840

Wild Irish Game Ltd

Rathdrum

Wicklow

Veterinary Licences

Anne Ferris

Question:

518 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason there is a delay regarding veterinary practices acquiring licences for medicines to treat livestock, in some cases it is taking a practice more than six months to obtain a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15218/11]

There are no delays in terms of issuing exceptional licences for veterinary medicines by my Department in respect of its area of competence. I understand that the medicine in question is for treatment of fish and that it already has, in fact, a marketing authorisation from the Irish Medicines Board and as such there is no prohibition on it being placed on the Irish market.

Commonage Division

Arthur Spring

Question:

519 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if ownership of the commonage at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry can be transferred to a group of persons who have had long-term rights to the commonage.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15229/11]

I understand that this parcel of land is subject to a trust set up in 1907 between the then landlord and trustees, one of whom was the landlord himself, to permit various persons to cut, make, spread and save, turf and depasture cattle sheep and horses on the trust estate.

Provision was made in the trust document for the ongoing appointment of new trustees by the surviving or continuing trustees or trustee and where there was no surviving or continuing trustee competent or willing to act, trustees may be appointed by the Irish Land Commission. This is the only power given to the Commission by the trust deed.

As successor to the Irish Land Commission, if there are no surviving or continuing trustees or trustee, I would be prepared to appoint trustees if agreed persons willing to act were nominated to my Department.

This trust was not set up under the Land Purchase Acts. Other trusts, particularly sports fields trusts were set up under the provisions of the 1903 Land Act, as extended, and in many cases in recent years these properties were transferred, at the trustees' request, to GAA Clubs for the benefit of the community.

Grant Payments

Joe Carey

Question:

520 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the manner in which Irish modulation moneys have been used to date; the way they are to be used in the future; if a mart (details supplied) could be facilitated by these moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15245/11]

Under the EU regulatory requirements modulation funds must be spent exclusively on what are referred to as the new challenges. This means that Member States are limited in spending these funds to operations and activities relating to (a) climate change, (b) renewable energies, (c) water management, (d) biodiversity, (e) restructuring of the dairy sector and (f) innovation linked to activities under points (a) to (d). The effects to be achieved by the spending of modulation funds is also prescribed and must be directly connected with these areas.

All Irish modulation funds have been allocated to the AEOS Scheme and this utilisation of the funds has been approved by the EU Commission. Even if modulation funds were available it would not be possible to fund a livestock mart having regard to the limitations on their use.

Fishing Industry

Tom Fleming

Question:

521 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request his EU ministerial colleagues to address the wasteful practice of fish quota discards. [15250/11]

I am very concerned about the unacceptable practice of discarding fish at sea and I am fully committed to working both nationally and internationally to bring about an end to this practice. Commissioner Damanaki has placed discarding of fish high on her agenda for the Common Fisheries Policy reform and at my meeting with her on the 14 of April made clear that I was committed to giving Ireland's support to assisting the Commissioner in identifying and implementing the appropriate measures to effectively address discards.

At home I have taken a number of opportunities to discuss this complex subject with the Irish fishing industry. I am happy to say that it is also grappling with ways to reduce and ultimately eliminate discards and is currently engaging in trials on selective gears in the Celtic Sea haddock and whiting fisheries, with a view to bringing proposals to me in the next few weeks. As soon as I receive these proposals from industry, I intend to bring these proposals to my French counterpart as a possible joint approach to the EU Commission as France and Ireland are the main players in these fisheries. If we are successful in agreeing new measures with France and secure EU Commission support, I would be prepared to promote their introduction at national level in both jurisdictions pending their adoption at EU level.

Discarding has been receiving huge exposure across various international media, setting a negative picture of the global fishing industry. Decisive action is required in the short term, however, the problem is complex with many and at times disconnected factors impacting on it. This level of complexity requires an approach, which recognises the multifaceted issues, the different dynamics of individual fisheries and areas and delivers real policies and change on a number of fronts.

Any resolution will require the buy in of our fishermen and a significant behavioural shift will be required from them to successfully eliminate discards. Without this change in operational patterns there will be a real danger that whatever new legislation is introduced will only succeed in pushing discarding further "underground" and this would worsen the current data situation and not deal with the problem. Discards were a high priority in Ireland's formal submission on the CFP Review forwarded last year, which argued for a fishery specific approach involving remedial actions to reduce or eliminate discards involving changes to fishing gear and fishing practices. It focused on the development of a strong industry, science and gear technology partnership to best equip our fleets for their specific needs. It also promoted the development of a Code of Practice to incentivise best practice.

My preference is for a clear policy to eliminate discards, backed up by unambiguous and appropriate technical measures and supports which can demonstrably achieve the stated policy goal. To my mind, there has been little elaboration on the suite of measures and supports that will be necessary. This is undermining the discussion to date.

One of the possible measures being looked at is the concept of catch quota management which involves landing all catches of targeted stocks and recording the landings against quota. There are pilot schemes up and running in some Member States and I await the outcome of those, though it is already clear to me that any move in this direction would have to be over a reasonable timeframe, provide some adjustment in quota to take account of the increased landings and be on a voluntary basis in the first instance. This approach is technical and requires a significant capital investment in equipment and human resources which will have to be facilitated by financial support from the EU if it is to become a reality.

From an national perspective in addition to the industry led trials in the Celtic Sea already mentioned, Ireland is preparing a project proposal for the Biologically Sensitive Area (BSA) of the South and West coasts of Ireland, with a view to developing clear management objectives for the area, with a strong focus on the elimination of discards in the key Hake, Monk and Megrim fisheries. I hope to submit this project to Commissioner Damanaki as soon as possible. If acceptable it will require further negotiations with my colleagues in the UK, Spain and France. The overall objective is to develop a regionalised plan agreed by ourselves, France, the UK and Spain setting out appropriate measures to meet stringent conservation objectives for the area. It could be a roadmap for other programmes to deal with the discard issue across Europe.

On discussions and moves to address the discards problem generally, I fully intend, over the course of the negotiations on CFP reform to engage with my EU Ministerial Colleagues to bring this wasteful practice to an end.

Grant Payments

Frank Feighan

Question:

522 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a outstanding payment under the REP scheme. [15256/11]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in December 2007 and has received full payment in respect of years 1 to 3.

A 75 % payment in respect of year 4 was issued on 31 December 2010. Payment of the final 25% cannot be made until outstanding checks are finalised and compliance with the scheme conditions has been fully established. Payment will issue at the earliest possible date once all checks have been completed.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

523 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the results of a appeal on a grassland sheep scheme application will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15258/11]

An application under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on the 12 May 2010 and was fully processed. In accordance with the provisions of the Scheme, the payment, which issued on 1 February 2011, was based on the original Sheep Census return received from the person named, which indicated that the person named had twenty seven breeding ewes. An appeal was received in respect of the numbers of breeding ewes on the holding. This appeal is currently under consideration and the person named will be notified directly of the outcome of the appeal.

Dara Calleary

Question:

524 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total amount of envisaged savings from cuts to agri-environment options scheme payments for disadvantaged areas and in designated areas in 2011 and in 2012; and if in view of the lower than forecasted take up of the AEOS scheme for 2011 he will re-examine the decision. [15298/11]

There are no cuts in Agri-Environment Option Scheme (AEOS) payments to farmers in disadvantaged area or designated areas in 2011 or 2012.

At the time of the launch of AEOS in 2010, a commitment was made to seek Commission approval for a number of amendments to the scheme, including an increase in the rate of payment for Natura land from €75/ha, which was announced for the scheme, to €150/ha. The Department sought the increase and was in negotiations with the Commission on this issue.

On 6 April 2011, I announced the opening of AEOS for receipt of applications in 2011 with an overall funding allocation of €25 million per annum and a maximum payment to farmers of €4,000 per annum. The funding for the scheme had to be found within the expenditure ceilings for my Department as set out in the National Recovery Plan, 2011-2014 and I was faced with very difficult choices in deciding between competing priorities in the allocation funds to AEOS and on the terms and conditions of the scheme. In the circumstances and in order to maximise the number of applicants who could be accommodated in the scheme, I decided that the rate of payment for Natura or designated land would be €75/ha.

The AEOS application received are being evaluated at present and the numbers of participants that can be accepted and the overall cost of the scheme in 2011 and subsequent years have yet to be determined. Irrespective of the final outcome in relation to the 2011 applications, the budgetary constraints and pressures remain and, in aggregate terms, the demands will continue to exceed the funds available. Accordingly, the question of savings on AEOS does not arise. Nevertheless, I am conducting an extensive review of all expenditure by my Department and once this is completed, I will review issues associated with AEOS, including the matter of the payments to farmers with designated land.

Animal Diseases

Denis Naughten

Question:

525 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in view of the minuscule incidence of scrapie within sheep for slaughter, if he intends to seek a review of the current EU conditions on testing; if he will seek a review of the fee regime at meat factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15309/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

528 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 271 of 31 May 2011, the amount contributed to the cost of scrapie testing by factories since the testing began; the plans he has to address the issue of factory contributions to the cost of scrapie testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15526/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 528 together.

Regulation (EC) 999/2001 as amended by regulation (EC) 727/2007 requires the annual testing of both sheep presented for human consumption and fallen sheep over 18 months of age.

In 2007 the Commission adopted a level of testing for future years at a minimum annual sample of 10,000 sheep slaughtered for human consumption and 10,000 fallen sheep aged over 18 months.

This testing regime was directed at Countries where the population of ewes and ewe lambs put to the ram exceeds 750,000. This change substantially reduced the testing requirement from previous years when 41,677 and 26,970 healthy sheep were tested respectively in 2006 and 2007.

The testing requirements as set down by the EU are kept under review.

The scrapie surveillance programme is financed by my Department. In turn this expenditure is recouped almost in its entirety from the EU. With regard to the fee imposed at meat factories my Department does not levy any charges against processors in respect of scrapie testing and any such charges that may be levied by the processors for such testing is a commercial matter between the processor and the farmer.

Grant Payments

Brendan Griffin

Question:

526 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the results of an appeal of a grassland sheep scheme application will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15312/11]

An application under the 2010 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on the 14 May 2010 and was fully processed. In accordance with the provisions of the Scheme, the payment which issued on 1 February 2011, was based on the original Sheep Census return received from the person named, which indicated that the person named had ten breeding ewes. An appeal was received on 7 June 2011 in respect of the numbers of breeding ewes on the holding. This appeal is currently under consideration and the person named will be notified directly of the outcome of the appeal.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

527 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the income supplement scheme application submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15511/11]

EU Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme introduced in 2005 provided that payment was to be based on the three-year average payments received under the EU Livestock and Arable aid scheme for the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Under the Force Majeure provision a farmer whose production was adversely affected during the reference period by a case of force majeure or exceptional circumstance occurring before or during the reference period was entitled to request that the reference amount be calculated on the basis of the calendar year or years within the reference period not affected by force majeure or exceptional circumstance.

The person named applied and qualified for the exclusion of scheme years 2000 and 2002 in the calculation of his entitlements.

There is no provision under the regulations to calculate entitlements using payment made under the 2003 and/or 2004 scheme year.

Question No. 528 answered with Question No. 525.

Tax Code

Michael Moynihan

Question:

529 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider the current implementation of the thoroughbred foal levy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15565/11]

The Foal Levy Scheme was introduced in 2000 on a statutory basis. The Levy is payable by all breeders whose foals are born and registered in Ireland. The rate of the levy is calculated by reference to the advertised value of the nomination fee of the stallion. There are six levy rate bands. The setting of the rates of the levy and the distribution of the funds is decided by the Board of Horse Racing Ireland based on the advice of its Foal Levy Committee which includes representatives of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) and the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA).

The proceeds of the levy are used by Horse racing Ireland to help fund the Irish Equine Centre, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. These organisations provide key support structures to the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry.

Grant Payments

John O'Mahony

Question:

530 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 18 May 2011, the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a payment; if he will provide an exact date on which payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15663/11]

Further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 18 May 2011, the administrative checks on the payment application uncovered a discrepancy between the area claimed on Single Payment application by the person named and the area claimed on their REPS application.

This discrepancy has now been resolved and payment will issue within 10 working days.

Departmental Expenditure

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

531 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the auditors currently employed by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15757/11]

Currently there are no auditors employed by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs which was formally established on 2 June last. However the Deputy might wish to note that the Accounting Officer for my Department is currently examining the establishment of an internal audit function within the Department and it is expected that staff will be assigned to perform this role in the near future.

As is the case for all other Departments of State, my Department's accounts will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

School Absenteeism

Robert Dowds

Question:

532 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the figures on the absentee rate of 20 days or more at secondary schools (details supplied). [15709/11]

Robert Dowds

Question:

533 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the figures on the absentee rate of 20 days or more at primary schools (details supplied). [15710/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 together.

It is not the policy of the National Education Welfare Board or my Department to make available data on absenteeism in individual schools or in schools in a particular local area due to concerns about the way such information may be used to create school league tables.

The underlying problems that militate against children and young people benefiting from education and reaching their potential are multifaceted and diverse and often the first indicator to these problems can be poor attendance and participation in school. Early interventions are key to reversing many of the underlying issues. Efforts have been greatly intensified in recent years to support and keep more young people in school so that they gain real benefits from their education experience.

The NEWB has a responsibility to promote regular attendance at school and has adopted a multifaceted approach to meet this obligation, including raising awareness of the importance of school attendance among the community, providing information to parents, families and schools, commissioning research and disseminating findings, organising local and national campaigns in cooperation with schools and statutory and non-statutory agencies and contributing to policy formulation on education and related matters.

While responsibility for the NEWB has transferred to my Department, the two Departments will work together to ensure that the services in the NEWB, including the SCP, HSCL and the EWS will have a renewed focus to more effectively target and support all children at risk.

Departmental Agencies

Paudie Coffey

Question:

534 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of rents the family mediation service pay in each of its local services for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15830/11]

The Family Support Agency is responsible for the provision of family mediation to separating couples in Ireland. The Family Mediation Service is a free service which enables couples, married and non-married, who have decided to separate or divorce to negotiate the terms of their separation or divorce with the help of a trained mediator. The Family Mediation Service currently has 16 offices countrywide.

A decision has been made, in principle, that the Family Mediation Service (FMS) will transfer from the Agency to the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence. This is in line with the Government's commitment to facilitate the use of mediation in family disputes in order to speed up the legal process, reduce costs and ameliorate the stress of contested court proceedings. The detailed arrangements for the transfer of the FMS will be progressed in consultation with the Agency and other stakeholders.

I have asked the Family Support Agency to compile the detailed information on rents paid in respect of the Family Mediation Service offices for each of the years requested and to forward it directly to the Deputy.

School Absenteeism

John Lyons

Question:

535 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the absentee rate of 20 days or more per annum for the past three school years for each of the first level schools in the Dublin North-West constituency. [15842/11]

John Lyons

Question:

536 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the absentee rate of 20 days or more per annum for the past three school years for each of the second level schools in the Dublin North-West constituency. [15843/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 535 and 536 together.

The National Educational Welfare Board is the statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The Board compiles statistics based on attendance returns, at the end of each school year. The findings from these reports help to identify trends in school attendance.

In relation to the Deputy's specific question on student absenteeism in the Dublin North-West constituency, I am informed that data in the format requested are not available on the basis of constituency breakdown. There are, however, data available for Co. Dublin in respect of the 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09 school years.

Analysis of these data indicates that 13.9%, 14.8% and 16.3% of primary pupils were absent for more than 20 days during the 2006/07, 2007/08, and 2008/09 school years respectively. The figure for post-primary pupils was 18.3%, 19.6% and 18.8% for 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09 respectively.

The NEWB has issued information leaflets to parents, and run public awareness campaigns to raise the profile of school attendance. It also operates an Education Helpline to provide information on attendance and related matters.

To provide for a single, more focussed structure at local, regional, and national levels, the remit of the National Educational Welfare Board was expanded to bring the Home School Community Liaison, the School Completion Programme, the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers and National Educational Welfare Service under one common management team.

The School Completion Programme includes attendance tracking as one of its main preventative strategies. HSCL Coordinators work with parents to promote school attendance. These services are available to all schools participating in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Action Plan for educational inclusion.

This integrated approach is part of the government's overall approach to Transforming Public Services and will significantly benefit service delivery to children and their families and assist schools in meeting the challenges they face in tackling poor attendance and early school leaving.

Grant Payments

Tom Fleming

Question:

537 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide necessary funding to an organisation (details supplied). [15882/11]

I understand that the Deputy is seeking to have capital grant funding made available to the service in question to enable it to enhance its existing premises.

I have responsibility for the implementation of the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) which included a capital grant programme to develop childcare facilities. Under the NCIP capital funding was made available to community and commercial mainstream childcare providers for the development and refurbishment of childcare facilities. I regret to advise the Deputy that, due to the economic downturn, it was necessary for a review of capital expenditure to be undertaken in early 2009. As a result, the programme was closed to capital grant applications at that time.

While capital funding continues to be available to my Department in 2011, this funding is required to meet existing NCIP capital grant commitments. I regret, therefore, that funding is not available under the programme at this time.

Child Care Services

John McGuinness

Question:

538 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of money allocated to the child care facility at a centre (details supplied); the number of staff suported by the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15909/11]

The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010, have been implemented by the Childcare Directorate which is now part of my Department. St. Canice's Community Action Ltd./The Learning Tree Childcare Centre, which is located in the Fr McGrath Centre, has been supported under both EOCP and NCIP initiatives.

Under the EOCP the service was approved a total of €428,440 in capital grant funding for the development of its childcare facility. An EOCP staffing grant approved for the service from May 2001 and amounted to €661,987. In January 2008, with the conclusion of the EOCP, the staffing grant scheme was replaced by the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) under the NCIP.

Under the CCSS, community services were required to make an annual return to the Childcare Directorate which recorded the actual level of disadvantage among parents using the service and the level of service being used. The funding provided to services was passed on to qualifying parents in the form of reduced childcare fees. To assist services to adapt to the new funding arrangements, transitional arrangements were put in place which guaranteed minimum payments, at gradually reducing levels, during 2008-2010. In addition to subvention funding under the CCSS, the service in question received transitional funding of €58,414 in 2008. During 2008-2010, the service received subvention funding amounting to €501,211.

In September 2010, the transitional provisions under the CCSS ended and the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme was introduced in its place. The CCS continues to provide support to community childcare services to enable them to charge reduced childcare fees to qualifying parents. I understand that the service in question has been approved CCS funding of €263,354 for the period September 2010 to August 2011.

In addition, the service is participating in the Community Education and Training Support (CETS) programme which was introduced in September 2010, replacing two previous childcare support schemes implemented by FAS and the VECs. Under this programme, the Childcare Directorate of this Department pays a weekly capitation fee of €170 to services for each contracted place and qualifying students and trainees can avail of these as free childcare places. I understand that the Learning Tree was approved funding of €40,280 in December 2010 under this programme.

My Department also has responsibility for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme which provides a free pre-school year for eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. The service in question is also participating in this programme and has received a total of €19,285 in funding for the school year which commenced in September 2010.

Information relating to the number of staff employed in childcare facilities is not available to my Department.

Departmental Agencies

John McGuinness

Question:

539 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff supported by her as part of an overall project (details supplied); the funding granted since its inception through men's groups, women's groups and others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15910/11]

The Family Support Agency has a statutory role in relation to support services for families. The Agency operates the Family Resource Centre Programme and there are 107 Family Resource Centres nationwide, including the Family Resource Centre referred to by the Deputy.

The purpose of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to harness local community support to promote family well-being. Family Resource Centres assess the needs of their local communities and aim to ensure that there are supports in place for families to address these needs. Services such as childcare, education and training, parenting supports and information provision are targeted at the most disadvantaged families.

Details of the funding allocated by the Family Support Agency to the Family Resource Centre in question since its inclusion in the Family Resource Centre Programme in 1998, up until the end of 2010, are set out in the table below. The allocation provided by the Family Support Agency funds three posts in this Family Resource Centre.

Family Resource Centres avail of a variety of sources of funding, in addition to their Family Support Agency allocation, to meet the cost of different programmes that they run to meet local needs. I have asked the Family Support Agency to arrange for the more detailed information on funding received by this Family Resource Centre for specific projects in recent years to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Table: St Canice's Community Action (Fr McGrath Centre),St Joseph’s Rd, Kilkenny — FSA funding received since 1998

Year

FSA Funding (€)

1998

47,298

1999

59,906

2000

49,690

2001

85,662

2002

82,617

2003

82,400

2004

159,560

2005

158,725

2006

164,328

2007

277,405

2008

272,506

2009

183,060

2010

183,060

Note : The above amounts are the total amounts allocated by the Family Support Agency over the years, including core funding (covering staff and overheads), capital grants and grants for training, equipment and renovations.

School Completion Programme

John McGuinness

Question:

540 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of funding granted to the homework club or to the three university projects located at a centre (details supplied) since its inception; if this project is now guaranteed the yearly allocation for 2012 onwards; if it is now included in mainstream funding for the future. [15912/11]

I will supply the information in relation to the level of funding granted to the project directly to the Deputy.

Following an evaluation in 2009 of the project to which the Deputy refers, it was decided to integrate the project with the School Completion Programme, as both projects share the same objectives and aims. Agreed arrangements are now in place for the integration of the project with Kilkenny School Completion Programme from September 2011.

As the Deputy may be aware, the School Completion Programme is managed by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) alongside Home School Community Liason (HSCL) and the Education Welfare Service (EWS) as part of the Integration of Education Services Project. The aim and rationale for the Integrated Service is to provide more effective services for children who have difficulties participating in school; improved engagement with other agencies and services working with children and families; more effective policy making with an increased emphasis on planning, outcome measurement and the gathering of evidence on the impact of interventions.

A number of children's services, from various sectors, including the National Education Welfare Board, are being brought together under the responsibility of my Department. Responsibility for SCP and NEWB, together with their budgets have transferred to my Department with effect from 2 June 2011.

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

541 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the policies in place in her Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15622/11]

Staff engaged on official travel are required to avail of public transport where possible and to use taxis and private transport only where no suitable public transport is available. My Department will encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to work by facilitating the Travel Pass Scheme (through which staff purchase annual public transport tickets, paid for by salary deductions) which is available to all staff who wish to avail of it. We also encourage staff to cycle to work by facilitating the purchase of suitable bicycles under the ‘Cycle to Work' Scheme.

Foster Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

542 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of relatives caring for children who are in receipt of foster care allowance. [15375/11]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

543 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the definition of “private arrangement” used by the Health Service Executive in respect of the placing of children in the care of relatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15374/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

544 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in each local health office area that have been placed with a person as a private arrangement by the Health Service Executive social workers during each year since 1998; the number of these persons who are relatives of the child or children in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15373/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 543 and 544 together.

As previously advised to the Deputy in answer to his PQ dated the 7th of June 2011, under the Children Act, 2001 a "private foster care arrangement" means any arrangement or undertaking whereby a child is for more than 14 days in the full time care, for reward or otherwise, of a person other than his or her parent or guardian, a person cohabiting with a parent or guardian or a relative. The person arranging or undertaking a private foster care arrangement shall give notice to the HSE not less than thirty days before the placement or in cases of an unforeseen emergency, by both the person making the arrangement and the person undertaking the arrangement as soon as practicable and not more than 14 days after the placement. These children are not in the care of the State and the HSE does not make these private foster care arrangements with relatives.

The HSE ensures that the person undertaking the arrangement is complying with his or her duty to take all reasonable measures to safeguard the child's health, safety and welfare. In cases where the HSE believes that such measures are not being taken, it may apply to the District Court for a supervision order, to take the child into the care of the State or the return of the child to his or her parents or guardian, as appropriate.

Where a child is in the care of the State, the HSE will, where possible, place a child in foster care. In the first instance, the HSE will seek a suitable relative or person known to the child to provide relative care. Relative carers go through an assessment and approval, in a similar way to general foster carers. The child is allocated a social worker who visits regularly and a Care Plan is developed and reviewed regularly based on the needs and wishes of the child. Currently foster/relative care services are provided directly by the HSE or by private foster care agencies on behalf of the HSE.

My Office has asked the HSE to provide the information in relation to notifications received on private foster care arrangements directly to the Deputy.

Missing Persons

Denis Naughten

Question:

545 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of unaccompanied minors claiming asylum who have been reported missing in each month since 1 January 2009; and of these, the number that have been located by the Garda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15310/11]

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

Ciara Conway

Question:

546 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for establishing a 24-hour 116 000 freephone hotline for missing children here, in line with EU telecoms rules; if she will be willing to help fund this initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15206/11]

The purpose of the 116000 phone number is to provide a contact number to families if children go missing. While the Office of the Minister for Children is involved in ongoing discussions with other Departments in relation to the development of a hotline for missing children, the establishment of the hotline for missing children is not a matter for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The issue of missing children is a matter for the Garda Síochána

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

547 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the costs that are borne by her Department relative to her constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by her Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for her based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15178/11]

There are currently no costs for telephone, IT services, lease or rent for my constituency office borne by my Department. One civil servant at clerical officer level is currently assigned to my constituency office in my Department on an annual salary rate of €36,267 per annum. There are no costs to my Department for telephone or IT services in my home.

Departmental Agencies

Gerald Nash

Question:

548 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reasons organisations in the town of Drogheda, County Louth, are not permitted to apply for funding under the young persons services and facilities fund; her plans to reverse same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15083/11]

The Young People's Facilities and Services Funding (YPFSF) of my Department was established in 1998 to assist in the development of preventative strategies/initiatives in a targeted manner through the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop.

To date, the focus of the YPFSF has been on the areas worst affected by drugs, that is the 14 Local Drugs Task Force Areas (12 in Dublin, Bray and Cork) and in Galway, Limerick and Waterford Cities and Carlow Town. Since 1998, nearly €180m has been allocated under the Fund for both capital and services projects. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, in March 2008 it was announced that the Fund was being expanded to 4 additional towns — Arklow, Athlone, Dundalk and Wexford.

The intention to expand the Fund to further areas would bring with it a requirement for capital funding. Given the uncertainty surrounding the fiscal environment, coupled with the fact that capital funding for the YPFSF has dropped from €4.92 million in 2008 to an allocation of €0.8 million for 2011, any further plans for expansion are currently on hold. In this context, it is unlikely that there will be scope to expand the Fund to cover additional towns for the foreseeable future.

Disabled Drivers

James Bannon

Question:

549 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a primary care certificate to enable a person (details supplied) to change their car and have it adapted to allow for their disability and the reasons they were refused same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15667/11]

I understand that the Health Service Executive replied to the Deputy's previous question on the matter on 16th February last. However, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for an update and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Cards

Finian McGrath

Question:

550 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied). [15711/11]

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

Departmental Programmes

Catherine Murphy

Question:

551 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to implement, in whole or in part, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland ten-point action plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15724/11]

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

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

The second programme deals with epilepsy services and aims to introduce rapid access clinics to assist with admission avoidance and reduce the number of attendances to emergency departments.

The third programme deals with stroke services and aims to establish robust clinical governance systems for stroke care, including local stroke teams and regional stroke networks.

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

Furthermore, the HSE has emphasised to my Department that all national programmes, including those concentrating on neurology, will have a focus on patient advocacy. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. I believe that the clinical programmes being developed by the HSE are vital to ensuring the most appropriate organisation of acute services.

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

In addition the HSE's National Service Plan for 2011 includes a commitment to target people waiting for a neurology out-patient appointment, appoint a national clinical lead for neuro-rehabilitation and establish an implementation structure and develop an implementation plan for neuro-rehabilitation.

Health Services

Catherine Murphy

Question:

552 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons by county, currently being treated for acute neurological conditions; the average time it takes, by county, for persons with sudden onset neurological conditions to access specialist treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15726/11]

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.

Medical Cards

John Deasy

Question:

553 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the service that doctors are contracted to provide to medical card patients under the general medical scheme contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15728/11]

There is a standard form of agreement between individual General Practitioners (GPs) and the HSE for the provision of services to medical card and GP visit card holders. Such agreements are contingent upon an agreement between the Minister and the Irish Medical Organisation which has itself been varied on a number of occasions over the years, by agreement between the parties.

In summary, the agreement requires GPs to provide all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a GP and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which GPs cannot reasonably be expected to possess. Under the Programme for Government, it is intended to develop a new contractual framework which will be more suited to current needs and will facilitate the planned development of Primary Care Services.

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

554 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/11]

One Assistant Principal Officer, one Higher Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer are currently assigned to my Department's Internal Audit Unit. As is the case for other Departments of State, my Department's accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Departmental Expenditure

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

555 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the budget allocated to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the actual amount spent by the hospital in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15772/11]

I have referred this matter to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

556 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15815/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

557 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding staffing levels, particularly the use of agency nurses at a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15818/11]

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

558 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if the signed service level agreement for 2010 for an organisation (details supplied) included a value for money audit; and the date on which he expects to receive the requested report on the chief executive’s remuneration package. [15819/11]

To ensure that resources available for specialist disability services are used in the most effective manner possible, service level agreements between organisations and the Health Service Executive (HSE) contain detailed information on the quantum and nature of the services provided by the organisation and the level of funding provided by the HSE. They do not, as a general rule, include or provide for a value for money audit.

However, as part of the Government's Programme of Value for Money Reviews, a Review of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Disability Services in Ireland is being undertaken in my Department. This in-depth review of Disability Services will assess how well current services for people with disabilities meet their objectives and support the future planning and development of services.

As you are aware, Minister Reilly wrote to the Chairperson of the Rehab Group regarding the remuneration of the Group's Chief Executive on 20th May last. A reply was received on 13th June, enclosing a copy of the Press Statement issued by the Rehab Group on the 15th April.

Proposed Legislation

Paudie Coffey

Question:

559 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Health Act 2004, in order that supported care homes would be excluded from the definition of a designated centre in a way similar to that of institutions that are registered with the Health Commission, such as institutions that provide palliative care or mental health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15828/11]

Paudie Coffey

Question:

560 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Health (Nursing Home) Act 1990 in order that the definition of a “nursing home” would be changed to exclude supported care homes from its definition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15829/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 559 and 560 together.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that the welfare of residents is our primary concern. This Government places great importance on the policies and practical reforms we are implementing to ensure patient safety and quality-assured health services. Quality care and patient safety comes first for all residents of nursing homes, no matter what type of home. In this regard, it is important to have effective mechanisms to maintain and enhance public confidence in the delivery of quality residential care. The Health Act, 2007 provides this, with a regime designed to protect residents through an independent inspection and registration system. The primary legislation also defines what a designated centre is and the definition includes the care homes the Deputy refers to.

All nursing homes for older people are subject to the same core standards in relation to quality and safety. I am sure the Deputy will agree lessons have to be learned from the well publicised incidents in nursing homes.

The Minister has no plans, at present, to amend the definition of nursing homes as set out in primary legislation. However, the Department is currently reviewing the Health Act, 2007 (Care and Welfare Regulations of Residents in Designated Centres) Regulations 2009. These regulations set out detailed requirements regarding, amongst other things, staffing and environmental considerations for all nursing homes. The nature and status of the care homes the Deputy is referring to will be borne in mind in the context of the review.

Departmental Funding

Billy Timmins

Question:

561 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding for the Rape Crisis Network Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15832/11]

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 national data collection programme. The review of these changes is on-going.

Health Services

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

562 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a case of a person (details supplied) whereby a processing error on the part of the Health Service Executive has altered the situation of a recipient on the fair care scheme. [15849/11]

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Denis Naughten

Question:

563 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the recommendations of a review by a person (details supplied) into section 38 and 39 agencies in 2010; the savings to date; the projected further savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15856/11]

My Department is currently engaged in a Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services as part of the Government's Value for Money Reviews for 2009-2011. The Steering Group is chaired by an independent chairperson, Mr. Laurence Crowley, and has two other independent members, as well as members drawn from the Disability Sector, Department of Health and Children, the Department of Finance and the HSE. The review is still in progress and has not yet reached the stage of making recommendations.

The focus of the review is on an assessment of how well current services for people with disabilities are meeting their objectives and how best to support the future planning and development of services within the appropriate policy framework.

The objectives of the Review are to:

Examine disability services in Ireland funded by the HSE, including the statutory and non-statutory sectors.

Deliver a comprehensive analysis of data in relation to services and service providers.

Review current policy objectives and provide policy objectives for future service provision.

Based on current estimates of the work remaining to complete the review, I expect the report to be finalised in November, 2011 after which it will be submitted to the Government for its consideration and publication in due course.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

564 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, will be prioritised and approved. [15877/11]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

Question:

565 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 25 May, 2011, if he will arrange an outpatient clinic appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [15904/11]

While the management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned, the Special Delivery Unit, which is now being established, will have a major role in addressing this issue. In the interim, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for reply.

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.

John McGuinness

Question:

566 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has not been admitted to hospital as arranged; if the equipment they urgently require will be provided at the hospital as a matter of urgency as agreed; if he will confirm that this person was not accepted by the hospital in view of the fact that they do not reside in Dublin; and if he will clarify the matter and take immediate action to rectify this urgent case. [15905/11]

While the management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned, the Special Delivery Unit, which is now being established, will have a major role in addressing this issue. In the interim, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for reply.

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

567 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a more extensive care plan and home care hours will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite an early response. [15908/11]

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

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

Question:

568 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if funding will be approved, without further delay in respect of a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15002/11]

In 2010, a grant of almost €172,000 was approved from the Department's allocation of National Lottery funds to Dignity 4 Patients. This was given towards the cost of providing information and support to victims of abuse wishing to attend the Drogheda Review which completed its work last year.

An application for funding for the current year has been received by my Department from Dignity 4 Patients. The HSE has also received applications for funding. Both I and my Department have been in contact with the group regarding their application and further information from the group is currently being awaited. I will respond to Dignity 4 Patients' application, as soon as I have had an opportunity to examine the matter fully in light of the additional information sought and also having regard to the services that the HSE already provides for victims of abuse.

Pension Provisions

Nicky McFadden

Question:

569 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health his views on measures being taken to address payroll errors in the Health Service Executive that allow staff to receive pensions while still working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15657/11]

The purpose of the HSE's internal audit function is to provide assurance that controls and procedures are operated in accordance with best practice and the appropriate regulations. This is part of the normal governance arrangements required in any corporate body, public or private.

The HSE has indicated that where deficiencies in payroll processes have been identified, processes have been revised to guard against overpayments in the future. In addition, action has been taken or is in the process of being taken to recoup overpaid amounts. Steps are also being taken to ensure that the lessons learned are applied across the health service nationally.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

570 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved. [15590/11]

There are no costs for telephone, IT services, lease or rent for my current constituency office borne by the Department. However, as per standard practice when my new constituency office opens shortly the Department will meet the cost of the telephone and IT services. One civil servant at Executive Officer level is currently assigned to my constituency office in the Department on a basic annual salary rate of €42,760 per annum (exclusive of Employer's PRSI). There are no costs to the Department for telephone or IT services in my home.

Health Service Staff

Brendan Griffin

Question:

571 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the full-time psychologist post under the auspices of a group (details supplied) to a school in County Kerry will be enabled to work their full sanctioned hours in the school, instead of the current situation, in which they only work half the hours in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15573/11]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

640 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a full-time psychologist post will be granted to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15036/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 640 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have referred these questions to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Infectious Disease Control

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

572 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health in the interests of infection control within the hospital network, if he will consider the implementation of “bare below the elbow” practices as is the case within UK hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15544/11]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

573 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health in the interests of infection control within the hospital network, if he will consider the discontinuation of the wearing of white coats and neck ties by hospital personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15543/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 573 together.

Health care Association Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for health care systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs here continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Good infection control practices includes adherence to standard precautions when caring for all patients and using transmission based precautions when appropriate (for example, if a patient has diarrhoea, the patient should be cared for with contact precautions). Standard precautions includes hand hygiene (using alcohol hand rub or antiseptic soap) as specified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) 5 moments of hand hygiene and appropriate environmental and equipment cleaning/decontamination.

The professional advice received by officials of my Department is that the wearing of white coats and ties are personal rather than infection control matters. Standard professional practice includes regular laundering of white coats as with any item of personal clothing and if wearing a neck tie, when examining a patient to tuck the tie into the shirt (between buttons) to avoid it draping over the patient.

Recently published reports indicate that there is no scientific evidence that a bare below the elbows policy reduces contamination on health care workers hands. However, common sense would dictate that hands are easier to clean if sleeves are shorter rather than longer (rolled up or short sleeves).

Irish hand hygiene guidelines recommend that in preparation for hand hygiene, all wrist and hand jewellery (except plain wedding bands) must be removed and that shirts should have short or turn up sleeves. Standard practice is that if a person is wearing long sleeves, in order for hands to be effectively decontaminated the sleeves must be rolled up before hand hygiene. The recent WHO Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May built on the successful "WHO Clean Care is Safer Care" campaign to galvanise hand hygiene at the point of patient care, thus helping to reduce the spread of HCAIs. As part of the day’s actions, health care facilities world wide demonstrated their continued commitment by signing up to the global movement and undertaking and sharing locally driven activities on hand hygiene improvements at the point of patient care. I am pleased to state that as of 3rd May, some 85 HSE health care facilities had signed up to the initiative which demonstrates Irish health care personnel’s commitment to the control and eradication of HCAIs.

I note the decrease of 40% in the number of MRSA cases reported between 2006 and 2009, and the fact that preliminary figures for 2010 indicate that this downward trend is continuing. I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of health care Associated Infections and to treat them promptly when they occur.

Health Services

Tom Fleming

Question:

574 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will immediately allocate additional home help hours to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [15538/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Catherine Murphy

Question:

575 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the numbers of permanent and temporary, whole-time equivalent, staff employed in the Health Service Executive for 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15522/11]

The numbers of staff employed in the public health service by contract classification for the relevant years, are as follows:
Numbers employed by contract classification (source: Health Service Personnel Census)

Date

WTE Permanent

WTE Job-Sharing

WTE Temporary

WTE Locum

WTE Part-Time

WTE Sessional

WTE Training

TotalWTE

Dec-08

71,388

3,123

14,084

3,061

14,393

470

4,508

111,025

Dec-09

75,307

3,002

11,103

2,523

12,776

359

4,683

109,753

Dec-10

76,033

2,533

9,777

1,328

14,009

209

4,083

107,972

Note: The HSE has advised that up to December 2010, the Health Service Personnel Census used the contract classifications as shown in the table above. Since 2011, updated (in line with current employment legislation) contract classifications have been used.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

John Lyons

Question:

576 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15518/11]

The Minister for Health directed that the Nursing Homes Support Scheme be re-commenced from Monday, 13 June 2011. If the application is in order and complete, approval will issue in the near future.

As this query relates to an individual case, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

577 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15514/11]

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

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

578 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if, under the national diabetes programme, it is intended to increase the number of diabetes treatment centres available in the Dublin and mid-Leinster area in view of the fact that the existing services are unable to cope with demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15510/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Brian Walsh

Question:

579 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital consultants who are understood to have treated a higher ratio of private patients at public hospitals than is permitted under the terms of their contracts; the total number of instances in which financial penalties have been imposed against hospital consultants who have breached their ratio; the amount of each fine; the way the Health Service Executive is addressing this problem; if he will provide a breakdown for each of these figures according to HSE administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/11]

The 2008 consultants' contract includes measures to strengthen the management, monitoring and control of activity in hospitals with a view to ensuring that the level of consultant private practice within public hospitals does not exceed the permitted ratio — 20% for new consultants, up to 30% for those who had such a level previously. The HSE in conjunction with the ESRI has introduced a range of new measurement systems in order to meet the requirements of the contract.

Since January 2009 each consultant is issued with a monthly public/private mix measurement report. This documents the consultant's activity in relation to inpatient, daycase, outpatient and diagnostic activity over the previous three months. The contract provides that the employer may require the consultant to remit monies in respect of any private practice excess to a research and study fund.

At this juncture the focus of the HSE is on consultants who have been identified as engaging in as much as 50% private activity despite the passing of both the 9 month period allowed for resolution of the issue in the Contract and substantial additional periods of time for remittance of private fees. In January the HSE wrote to these consultants informing them that if they did not remit the required amount they would be required to cease private practice in respect of any segment of practice where they are in excess of the ratio specified in their contracts. It also advised them that as employer it would reserve the right to invoke the Disciplinary Procedure specified at Appendix II of the Contract. The more detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

580 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if appropriate levels of speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied); if the specialised equipment they urgently require will be provided without delay by the Health Service Executive; if the programme of early intervention required, as recommended by professionals, will be put in place by the HSE in consultation with their parents; if he will explain the lack of proactive engagements to date by the HSE and the unacceptable waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15483/11]

John McGuinness

Question:

581 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a place will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if he will expedite a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15482/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have referred these questions to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

National Lottery Funding

John McGuinness

Question:

582 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the grants available to assist active retirement groups to provide sports activity for their members as part of better health maintenance programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15420/11]

The Department of Health has a National Lottery Discretionary fund in place which provides once-off grants to organisations providing a range of health related services.

Applications come primarily from community groups and voluntary organisations with an involvement in the provision of health services to specific client groups, national groups providing information, and support, for example, to various organisations supporting older people. Application forms, and other relevant information concerning an application, can be acquired from www.doh.ie, or direct from the Finance Unit, Department of Health, Hawkins House, Hawkins Street, Dublin 2 — Tel: (01) 6354281. National Lottery allocation is at the discretion of the Minister and dependant on the availability of resources.

The Health Services Executive (HSE) also fund a range of non-statutory organisations that support health and personal social services. Details of such grants is available at www.hse.ie, or at Local Health Office in the area for which the grant is sought.

Treatment Centres for Juveniles

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

583 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of dedicated treatment centres there are for young adults under 18 years of age who have problems with drink and drugs or mental health issues; and the location of same. [15476/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by the HSE. I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy in the next few days.

Consultancy Contracts

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

584 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the number of retired Health Service Executive personnel on full pensions who are now in consultancy contracts with the HSE or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15471/11]

I wish to advise that Mr Pat Harvey (former CEO of the North Western Health Board) is employed on a consultancy basis by my Department in his capacity as Chair of the Health Sector Implementation Body on the Public Service Agreement.

In relation to retired personnel in consultancy contracts with the HSE, 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 will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Service Staff

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

585 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason for the rise in administration levels (details supplied) in the Health Service Executive prior to and following the 2004 reform to the present day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15470/11]

Our health services, as with all health systems, require managers and administrators to run effectively and staff in the grades mentioned are essential in this regard. As well as senior managers, there are a large number of staff in the Management/Administrative category who are of direct service to the public including consultants' secretaries, out-patient department personnel and medical records staff as well as other essential non-front-line staff in payroll, human resource management, IT, staff fulfilling legislative and information requirements and service managers. However we need to maintain a tight control on the number of managers and administrative staff in the health service. This is necessary to ensure that we have streamlined and effective structures and also to enable staffing resources to be focused to the maximum extent on front-line patient care.

The establishment of the Health Service Executive involved the abolition of the health boards, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and a number of other statutory bodies in the health sector and the transfer of functions and staff into the new national organisation. Certain functions and staff also transferred from the Department of Health and Children to the HSE. The HSE has absorbed a further eight bodies since 2005, as part of the continued rationalisation of State bodies.

After the HSE's establishment it was necessary to ensure that services continued to be provided and that necessary management and administrative functions were discharged while new regional and national structures were developed and put in place. As the HSE established new national-level functions and the regional structures underpinning these, appointments were made to the senior management positions involved.

One of the objectives of the Employment Control Frameworks in the health sector has been to limit the number of staff in management and administration posts. However the focus is not just on limiting numbers; the current Framework specifically provides for the creation of a range of front-line posts in different professions, such as social workers, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists, notwithstanding the general moratorium in recruitment across the public services. It is important to note that the recent Voluntary Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy schemes resulted in a reduction of 2,025 staff or 1,626 WTE in health employment from the beginning of 2011. These targeted schemes resulted in 1,348 (1,079 WTE) fewer staff in the management/administration category.

However I note that the CEO of the HSE has indicated in the HSE's Annual Report 2010 that significant challenges remain in terms of achieving integrated and cohesive management in the HSE. It continues to be my view that, in addressing these issues, the numbers of senior management posts and administrative posts in the health sector generally need to be kept under review and that front-line services are protected as far as possible. Consideration is being given to a new voluntary scheme.

Medical Cards

Niall Collins

Question:

586 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when a medical card application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15468/11]

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

Cancer Screening Programme

Simon Harris

Question:

587 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the final report by the expert group on the hereditary cancer risk, established by the National Cancer Screening Service; if the findings will be made public; and the way they will be integrated into the future and existing screening programmes being provided by the NCSS. [15466/11]

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) commissioned two reports in early 2010 on the framework for the delivery of family risk assessment clinics and associated genetic services for patients at risk of hereditary breast and colorectal cancer. The reports are intended to assist with the organisation and development of an integrated cancer control and screening service for those with an inherited familial predisposition to these cancers and were submitted to the National Cancer Control Programme in February, 2010.

The NCSS was subsumed into the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in April, 2010. The NCCP is examining the reports in the context of developing an appropriate service to manage familial and hereditary cancer. The NCCP will prioritise familial cancer in its Corporate Plan 2011 — 2013. In the meantime, anyone with concerns about cancer should contact their GP, who will advise on the most appropriate action to be taken.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

588 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15465/11]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

589 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application under the fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15452/11]

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

Unfair Dismissals

Simon Harris

Question:

590 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a case of unfair dismissal successfully taken by a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow against an agency under his remit; the implication of this ruling and the fact that the ruling, given by both the Employment Appeals Tribunal and then the court, has yet to be actioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15443/11]

I am advised that the case referred to by the Deputy concerns a complaint to the Employment Appeals Tribunal under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977 to 2007 against an organisation which was allocated funding by the East Coast Regional Drugs Task Force to deliver addiction services in Wicklow until the end of December 2010. The implementation of the findings of the Tribunal are a matter for the organisation concerned, which is an independent company limited by guarantee and not an agency of my Department.

Health Services

Catherine Byrne

Question:

591 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to improve services for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, in view of the huge pressure on these services at present, particularly in the Dublin-mid-Leinster area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15440/11]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

592 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if all the supports and equipment required by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be provided as a matter of urgency by the Health Service Executive; and if he will expedite a response. [15481/11]

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

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

593 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if he will expedite the matter. [15416/11]

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

Community Care

John McGuinness

Question:

594 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if there is a consistency in the provision of home support hours in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford; if cuts to these hours have been applied in a similar manner in each of these counties; if he will explain the reason eight hours of home support was granted in the case a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny only to be cut to four hours days later; his plans to bring some consistency to the hours allocated in view of the fact that vulnerable families attempt to plan their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15414/11]

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

Health Services

Brian Stanley

Question:

595 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure robust psychological and social work supports are provided to regional diabetes networks. [15400/11]

Brian Stanley

Question:

596 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that each hospital providing paediatric diabetes care will allocate a paediatric nurse to care for paediatric patients who will be supported by paediatric diabetes nurse specialists within the local paediatric diabetes network. [15399/11]

Brian Stanley

Question:

597 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that each regional paediatric diabetes network is headed up by one whole-time equivalent paediatric endocrinologist or a paediatrician with an interest in diabetes and that each network will provide a 24-hour emergency service for the children and adolescents with diabetes. [15398/11]

Brian Stanley

Question:

598 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health his plans to resource paediatric diabetes nurse specialists, ring-fenced diabetes dietetic support and nursing resources to support the delivery of optimal care for persons with diabetes. [15397/11]

Brian Stanley

Question:

600 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will establish between seven and ten regional diabetes paediatric networks to deliver care to children with diabetes. [15395/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 595 to 598, inclusive, and 600 together.

The working group is made up of a multidisciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs etc. The Diabetes Federation of Ireland is also a member of this working group.

The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives. The National Clinical Programme's key deliverables for 2011 for the programme are the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multidisciplinary Footcare package for patients with diabetes.

The National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which is working on care for children and adolescents with diabetes to be considered for inclusion in the 2012 HSE Service Plan — is also actively designing an Integrated Care solution, for inclusion within the Chronic Disease Watch process in collaboration with the Primary Care National Clinical Programme. With a newly established National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents with diabetes will be examined in detail and solutions worked through.

Brian Stanley

Question:

599 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health his plans for the provision of services to persons with diabetes in counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15396/11]

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

Question No. 600 answered with Question No. 595.

Seán Kenny

Question:

601 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychologists employed at the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7. [15307/11]

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

National Disability Strategy

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

602 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans to put in place a scheme to help disabled persons who have to avail of specialised taxi or hackney services for their transport. [15304/11]

Government policy, through the National Disability Strategy, aims to improve access to mainstream public services, including transport, for people with a disability. The Strategy is a programme of action to support and reinforce equal participation in society by people with a disability. This equal participation will be brought about by integration in the mainstream wherever possible, and minimum segregation. The successful achievement of mainstreaming will be when people with a disability are supported to access all the services and supports available to their peers.

There are a number of public service supports in place for people with a disability in respect of their transport and mobility needs, including

tax concessions

the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant

free public transport for people with disabilities and a companion through the Department of Social Protection

improved accessibility of public transport

Rural Transport Programme and

transport provided by specialist disability service providers and charities.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

603 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will sanction the accepted application for the fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15303/11]

The Minister for Health directed that the Nursing Homes Support Scheme be re-commenced from Monday, 13 June 2011. If the application is in order and complete, approval will issue in the near future.

As this query relates to an individual case, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services

Michael McGrath

Question:

604 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding services for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (details supplied) in County Cork. [15302/11]

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

Brian Stanley

Question:

605 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that referrals from 2009 for orthodontic treatments in County Laois are only being reached now; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that when a person gets to see a consultant they must wait a further year for treatment, leading to a three year wait it total; and the steps he is taking to address this. [15281/11]

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

Brian Stanley

Question:

606 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to plans to close Clouchan House on the campus of Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly; his views on whether this is a suitable location for a residential respite care unit; and the steps he is taking to ensure that the services there will be protected. [15280/11]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has informed my Department that it has decided to contract out the residential respite services for people with a disability currently provided at Clouchan House, Tullamore Co. Offaly. The HSE has invited expressions of interest from a number of voluntary organisations to provide the service from September 2011.

The HSE held a consultation meeting in May. The local manager was available to discuss the concerns of families and service users and to reassure people that the respite service will continue to be provided in Tullamore and the quantum and quality of the service will remain the same. The HSE plans to meet with families further when the future provider is identified.

Brian Stanley

Question:

607 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that more than 21 long stay beds are out of use in Ofalia House, Edenderry, County Offaly, leaving only 38 out of 59 beds in use; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a shortage of public nursing home beds; his plans to reopen these beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15279/11]

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

Brian Stanley

Question:

608 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the date on which the new equipment purchased four years ago for the cancer unit in Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly, will be put into use; the cost of having this stored to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15278/11]

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

Brian Stanley

Question:

609 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the date on which the medical assessment unit at Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly, will be opened. [15277/11]

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

Medical Cards

James Bannon

Question:

610 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who had been refused renewal of a medical card, will be assessed for post traumatic stress disorder payment due to the nature of his work prior to the onset of his illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15276/11]

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

James Bannon

Question:

611 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not had a 2010 medical card renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15275/11]

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

Health Services

Gerald Nash

Question:

612 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop a national strategy on Parkinson’s disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15266/11]

My Department does not have plans to develop a national strategy on Parkinson's Disease. From a disability perspective, the focus of any health or personal social service support is to facilitate full participation in the social and economic life of the community. The extent and description of the supports required must be consistent with the person's individual needs. The focus of health service provision for people with a disability is not a medical diagnosis. The Disability Act 2005 provides for, among other things, an individual assessment of need, a person centred service statement and the provision of individualised supports. This policy moves away from the provision of segregated, health-based, group services for people with a disability.

As such, when policies, strategies and action plans are in development in relation to persons with a disability, people with many conditions, including Parkinson's, are included.

Proposed Legislation

Joe Costello

Question:

613 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment Act 2009 to bring it into line with more flexible arrangements operating in duty free areas in United Kingdom and Northern Ireland airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15255/11]

Prior to the introduction of the point of sale advertising prohibitions provided for under the Public Health Tobacco Acts 2002 -2004, representatives of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) sought a meeting with the Department to explore the possibilities of an exemption from the advertising ban. Following the meeting, the DAA submitted a proposal to the then Minister that they believed was still within the spirit of the legislation. The DAA, in their submission to the Minister, cited competition from UK airports as one of the reasons why an exemption should be considered for duty free premises. The proposal was considered by the then Minister and on foot of this, a proposal was put to the Government to amend the legislation.

Section 33 of the Public Health Tobacco Acts 2002-2004 originally prohibited the advertisement of tobacco products in all retail premises; however, the legislation was amended in 2009 to provide an exemption for "duty free premises" whereby they would be allowed to have on permanent display, a pictorial list of the tobacco products sold in their outlets. The exemption from the point of sale retail prohibition requested by the DAA was provided for in respect of all duty free premises.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

614 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15252/11]

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

Medicinal Products

Joe Costello

Question:

615 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the regulation of medical cannabis for the treatment of patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15246/11]

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 prescribed 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 to permit them to be prescribed and dispensed in Ireland.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Finian McGrath

Question:

616 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6. [15222/11]

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

Medical Cards

Seán Kenny

Question:

617 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the feasibility of automatic renewal of medical cards for adults with life-long physical or intellectual disabilities in the interest of saving the time and cost of renewal of medical cards for persons in these circumstances every year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15209/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Billy Timmins

Question:

618 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding blood tests for persons with medical cards in view of the fact that there seems to be a charge for same which is causing concern particularly for families when there are more than one having blood tests on a regular basis; his plans to provide this service free in view of the fact that the person qualified for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15207/11]

Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, a general practitioner (GP) is expected to provide his/her patients who hold medical cards or GP visit cards with all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP. Where blood tests form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients' symptoms or conditions, these should be provided free of charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The HSE also points out that, in many GP surgeries, it is the practice nurse who takes blood samples. The HSE significantly subsidises the cost of employing practice nurses.

The HSE has recently reported to my officials that it has received approximately 30 formal complaints regarding GPs charging GMS patients for blood tests and there have also been a significant number of queries to the HSE's National Information Line about this issue. Formal complaints will be dealt with through the HSE's Consumer Affairs Service.

I have requested the HSE to write to GPs pointing out their obligations under their contract in this regard. In the meantime, I would invite patients to follow up with the HSE if they believe they are being wrongly charged.

Hospital Services

Billy Timmins

Question:

619 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding surgery in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15204/11]

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

Official Travel

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

620 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15197/11]

Staff engaged on official travel are required to avail of public transport where possible and to use taxis and private transport only where no suitable public transport is available. My Department directly encourages the use of public transport by staff travelling to work by facilitating the Travel Pass Scheme (through which staff purchase annual public transport tickets, paid for by salary deductions) which is available to all staff who wish to avail of it.

We also encourage staff to cycle to work by facilitating the purchase of suitable bicycles under the ‘Cycle to Work' Scheme.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

621 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [15168/11]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

Question:

622 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an earlier appointment will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; the reason for the delay in making this appointment; if the matter will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15165/11]

While the management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned, the Special Delivery Unit, which is now being established, will have a major role in addressing this issue. In the interim, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for reply.

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

623 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Question No. 83 of 7 April 2011 if an application for a medical card had been assessed yet in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a full card will be issued as a matter of urgency. [15164/11]

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

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

624 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he has read the submission made by a person (details supplied) regarding a proposal to introduce a nursing-led screening and brief intervention programme in patients admitted in general practices and hospital settings here; if he intends to act on any part of this proposal; if he intends to meet the author or if his senior officials will meet them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15163/11]

My Department has noted the proposal and referred it to the Health Service Executive for consideration and my adviser has made contact with the Author with a view to setting up a meeting to discuss the proposal.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

John McGuinness

Question:

625 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the fair deal scheme; if he will address the concerns being expressed by elderly persons relative to those seeking residential care and those in care; if the commercial concerns of the service providers will be addressed; if he will meet with the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15162/11]

My colleague, the Minister for Health, met with Nursing Homes Ireland, whose members account for over 70% of all long-term care beds nationally, on the 3 June 2011 to discuss the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

The Minister directed that the Nursing Homes Support Scheme be re-commenced from Monday, 13 June 2011. Approvals will be issued to those applicants processed to final stage in the chronological order in which they were received in the Central Office in Tullamore.

The Minister has also identified savings, from other non-service related spending, which will be used to facilitate the payment of financial support to a net additional 1,700 people between now and year end.

Departmental Properties

John McGuinness

Question:

626 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of private houses purchased by the Department or the Health Service Executive as part of community care initiatives in Kilkenny city and county; the cost of this property purchase over the past five years; if all properties are in use; if not, the number of vacant properties and the cost of same; if such projects have been successful in the context of the support of the wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15158/11]

My Department has not purchased property in Kilkenny city and county in the past five years.

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

Mental Health Services

Billy Kelleher

Question:

627 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of the 100 psychiatric nursing posts that were granted exemption from the recruitment moratorium that have been appointed; and the locations of same. [15151/11]

The Employment Control Framework for the health service allows for the filling of up to 100 psychiatric nurse vacancies where they were required to support the implementation of A Vision for Change.

Of the 100 posts exempted from the moratorium on recruitment in 2010, the Health Service Executive has advised that, to date, 56.91 (in wholetime equivalent terms) psychiatric nurses have been recruited and 43.09 (in wholetime equivalent terms) are currently in the recruitment process.

The position regarding the filling of these posts is as follows:

Location

Total number of approved

WTE Value filled to date

Total WTE not filled

Dublin North East

22

10

12

Dublin Mid Leinster

28

25

3

South

29

17.91

11.09

West

21

4

17

Total

100

56.91

43.09

Billy Kelleher

Question:

628 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the allocated budget for mental health services for each super catchment area in 2011 compared to 2010. [15150/11]

The 2010 provisional outturn for mental health on a national basis as set out in the 2011 Revised Estimates is €963 million and the estimate for 2011 is €920 million. The allocation of mental health funding at catchment area level is a matter for the HSE and I have referred that part of the question to the Executive for direct reply.

Tax Code

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

629 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health the revenue from the health levy for each month in 2010. [15148/11]

The amount received by the Health Service Executive in respect of health contributions in 2010 was €2,017,656,784, as detailed in the following table.

Month

Amount

2010

January

2,471,353

February

220,000,000

March

137,000,000

April

146,000,000

May

130,000,000

June

140,000,000

July

129,000,000

August

136,076,901

September

186,000,000

October

195,000,000

November

389,166,530

December

206,942,000

Total

2,017,656,784

Magdalene Laundries

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

630 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Question No. 632 of 3 May 2011 the status of the Health Service Executive’s reply. [15139/11]

I have received the information requested by the Deputy, from the Health Service Executive, and it is set out in the following tables.

Revenue Funding

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

Sisters of Mercy

309

521

595

582

511

Sisters of Our Lady of Charity

Sisters of Charity

2,632

15,714

16,489

17,219

16,568

Good Shepherd Sisters

2,885

3,453

3,006

2,661

2,602

Total

5,826

19,688

20,090

20,462

19,681

Capital Funding

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

€000’s

Sisters of Mercy

Sisters of Our Lady of Charity

Sisters of Charity

863

529

200

Good Shepherd Sisters

Total

863

529

200

Health Promotion

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

631 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Question No. 627 of 3 May 2011 the status of the Health Service Executive’s reply. [15138/11]

My Department together with the Department of Education and Skills recently convened a meeting of the SPHE Inter-Departmental Group to review overall progress and models for partnership working. My Department has requested the HSE to submit a report on the matter and I anticipate that this will be completed shortly. Once received this issue will be further considered.

Traveller Community

Charles Flanagan

Question:

632 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the progress made in improving interagency work in respect of the health of members of the Traveller community, subsequent to the publication of the all-Ireland Traveller health study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15133/11]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

634 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to implement the recommendations of the all-Ireland Traveller health study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15126/11]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

636 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views on the recommendation of the all-Ireland Traveller health study in respect of the need for a national multilevel campaign to break down stereotypes about Travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15134/11]

I propose to take Question Nos. 632, 634 and 636 together.

Arising from the findings of the Study a sub-group of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee met and agreed priority areas for action. These are: Mental Health; Suicide; Men's Health; Addiction/Alcohol; Domestic Violence; Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health. Existing resources allocated to Traveller health will be focused towards addressing these priority areas.

The recommendations in the Study also identify that the poor health status of Travellers is the result of the various social determinants which impact on health outcomes; for example education and environment which may in turn be further impacted on by stereotypes which surround Travellers. Addressing these challenges will require cross sectoral action in addition to the health sector to address. The National Traveller Monitoring and Advisory Committee and the High Level Group on Traveller Issues are the cross sectoral groups which will have a primary role to play in facilitating these issues going forward.

The Equality Authority, as part of its remit to promote equality, has been working with community and voluntary organisations to implement a strategy to combat stereotyping. In this context, the Authority is supporting Galway Traveller Movement to implement a project to facilitate dialogue between key decision-makers and representatives of the Traveller community on challenging stereotypical attitudes towards each other with a view to improving service delivery to Travellers.

Health Strategy

Charles Flanagan

Question:

633 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the progress of the HSE National Intercultural Health Strategy 2007-2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15132/11]

The HSE National Intercultural Health Strategy 2007-2012 provides a framework within which the health and care needs of people from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds are addressed, while staff are supported in delivering responsive, culturally competent services.

The implementation of the recommendations of the strategy are taking place on a prioritised phased basis over the 5 year time frame of the Strategy. This implementation comes under the auspices of the HSE National Social Inclusion Governance Group and its associated National Governance Group on Intercultural Health.

Notable achievements to date include the development of the HSE Emergency Multilingual Aid and an Intercultural Guide, while a resource aimed at supporting staff to effect translation of health related material is currently being produced.

Specific work continues around a range of areas including interpretation, gender based violence among minority ethnic women and issues around the health of asylum seekers and refugees. Within these areas, the approach taken is one of mainstreaming, where actions are aimed at enhancing access for all service users on an equal basis.

Question No. 634 answered with Question No. 632.

Health Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

635 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the percentage of the diabetes health budget that is spent on complications as opposed to preventative measures. [15120/11]

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

Question No. 636 answered with Question No. 632.

Water Fluoridation

Paudie Coffey

Question:

637 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health his plans to cease fluoridation of public water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15537/11]

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which operates under the aegis of my Department, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.

Question No. 638 withdrawn.

Medical Cards

Tom Fleming

Question:

639 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the medical card renewal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [15024/11]

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

Question No. 640 answered with Question No. 571.

European Court Judgments

Anne Ferris

Question:

641 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health in view of the obligations to the Council of Europe on the way he intends to execute the findings of the ABC v. Ireland judgement the actions he will take; if an action plan on this issue will be submitted to the Council of Europe by the 16 June 2011 deadline; when the expert group, that is due under the programme for Government to examine this issue, will be established; the persons that will serve on this expert group; the timeframe for when recommendations to him will fall due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15042/11]

Ireland is committed to submitting its Action Plan by 16 June as expected. The Department is in the process of carrying out the preliminary work to facilitate the establishment of an Expert Group. This Expert Group will examine the judgement with a view to making recommendations to Government on how this matter should be properly addressed; however, the details of this Group have not been finalised.

Food Safety Standards

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

642 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the contact he has had with his European counterparts in relation to the mutant E. coli outbreak, which has caused numerous deaths and serious illness in Germany; the role he will play in preventing the spread of the bacteria here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15062/11]

Ireland was represented by the Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU and by the Health Attaché at the EPSCO Health Council in Luxembourg on 6 June, at which the E-coli outbreak was discussed. Commissioner Dalli provided an update on the situation and reported that the Commission was in daily communication with food safety and public health authorities and outlined that a priority was to identify the source of the contamination. The importance of strong coordination at EU level was also stressed. Member States expressed solidarity with Germany and the other countries affected by the outbreak. There was a call for better coordination of messages to the public. The importance of basing alert statements on evidence was stressed though it was acknowledged that it is not always easy to choose between acting as soon as possible, at the risk of spreading mistaken information, or waiting to have reliable information before taking action, at the risk of seeing the epidemic spread still further. There was also an extraordinary meeting of Agriculture Council on 7 June which dealt exclusively with the E-coli situation.

The recent E-coli outbreak in Germany continues to be the subject of meetings between the food control authorities in all the EU Member States including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Commission and the World Health Organisation Office for Europe. These meetings have been taking place on an almost daily basis since the outbreak was declared. In addition detailed information is circulated through the EU's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, for which the FSAI is the national contact point in Ireland.

An important aspect of this outbreak is that those who were ill or tragically died were in Germany or had a history of recent travel to Germany. There have been no cases in Ireland and the specific strain of E-coli has not been found here. The problem was clearly one relating to contamination of food in Germany and this has since been confirmed by the Authorities in Germany, who have traced the contamination to a local producer of organic sprouted seeds, and linked consumption of those sprouts to those who fell ill. Laboratory tests have since isolated the outbreak strain of E. coli (VTEC) O104:H4 in the sprouts from the implicated local producer. The implicated production plant is now closed and none of the organic seed sprouts from this plant were exported from Germany.

The FSAI are providing regular briefings to my Department and are providing public information on its website and are dealing with numerous queries from the print press and other media. I am satisfied that they have managed the incident and are continuing to do so in an effective and proportionate manner.

The FSAI are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates to my Department as necessary.

Water Quality

Clare Daly

Question:

643 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the fluoridation of drinking water, which is an issue of health and safety concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15069/11]

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which operates under the aegis of my Department, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.

Health Services

David Stanton

Question:

644 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health when orthodontic treatment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15075/11]

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

Regina Doherty

Question:

645 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the process by which medical equipment is distributed in Ireland to persons who are discharged from hospital following operations; if he will provide an account in tabular form, of the number of wheelchairs, orthopaedic chairs, crutches and zimmer frames that have been distributed by the Health Service Executive to post-operative patients in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 and the number of these pieces of equipment that have been recouped by the HSE following their use. [15078/11]

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

Child Abuse

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

646 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding talks between him and the Rape Crisis Network Ireland and Health Service Executive about the continuance of funding beyond August for the RCNI national data collection programme on child sexual abuse and rape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15094/11]

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 national data collection programme. The review of these changes is ongoing.

Care of the Elderly

Anne Ferris

Question:

647 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the national positive aging strategy; the timeframe for the implementation of this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15099/11]

The Programme for Government published in March 2011 has committed to completing and implementing the National Positive Aging Strategy so that older people are recognised, supported and enabled to live independent full lives. It is being developed within the constraints posed by the present fiscal situation. It is not the intention that it will propose new service developments; rather it will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It is envisaged that the Strategy will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by Government Departments clearly setting out their objectives relating to older people, as well as the development of ongoing mechanisms designed to monitor progress and identify challenges facing older people in the future.

Development of the Strategy is being assisted by a Cross-Departmental Group (CDG), comprised of officials from 11 Government Departments, the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Síochána, and is chaired by the Director of the Office for Older People. An NGO Liaison Group comprising representatives of twelve national-level non-governmental organisations with an interest in older people's issues has been established under an independent chair.

Research has been commissioned on national strategies for older people in other jurisdictions. The Strategy will also take cognisance of other strategies and policy documents developed in Ireland over the past decade, and the strategy will be underpinned by the UN Principles for Older Persons, the World Health Organisation’s Active Aging: A Policy Framework (2002), and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging (2002).

The development of the Strategy will also be informed by information gained through a public consultation process. A call for written submissions was issued in June 2009 and 190 submissions were received from a broad range of stakeholders. Following the written consultation process, a series of nine consultation meetings was held from March to May 2010. These meetings, attended by approx 1200 people, were held in Cork, Sligo, Galway, Kildare, Wexford, Newcastle West, Dundalk, Dublin and Athlone. Meetings were also held in April 2010 with groups representing vulnerable and marginalised older people. A round-table meeting was also held with stakeholders involved in the Louth Age Friendly County Initiative with a view to learning more about the approaches taken in relation to older people's issues in County Louth.

A report on the consultation process to highlight issues which older people and service providers raised was finalised and published on 22 November 2010. The report also outlines other relevant background information.

Work on the preparation of the Strategy and the development of monitoring and review structures and processes are on-going in consultation with the groups listed above. The publication of the Strategy is expected in the latter half of 2011.

Nursing Home Support Scheme

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

648 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health his plans to change the nursing home scheme to ensure that the same participation criteria applies to elderly members of the farming community as to other citizens in terms of financial contribution from the value of their family home. [15113/11]

Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, individuals contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 5% of the value of any assets per annum towards their cost of care. The first €36,000 of an individual's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The scheme includes a safeguard that nobody will pay more than the actual cost of care.

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

The three year cap also extends to farms and businesses in circumstances where:

i. the person has suffered a sudden illness or disability which causes them to need long-term nursing home care, and

ii. the person or their partner was actively engaged in the daily management of the farm or business up until the time of the sudden illness or disability,

and

iii. a family successor certifies that he or she will continue the management of the farm or business.

In the case of couples, the measure applies where the applicant suffered a sudden and unforeseen illness and either or both members of the couple have been engaged in the running of the family farm or business. This stipulation is in keeping with the key principle of joint assessment of couples.

The three year cap was extended to farms and businesses at Report Stage in the Dáil because a number of Deputies and farming interest groups, expressed concern, at both Second and Committee Stages, about the treatment of farms under the legislation. In particular, there was concern about the potential impact of the 5% annual contribution on the sustainability of family farms and businesses, specifically, in situations where care is required from an early age and for a prolonged period.

This measure is intended to ensure the financial sustainability of farms and businesses in cases where a person suffered a sudden illness and did not have an opportunity to put appropriate succession arrangements in place. It affords additional protection because it ensures that a person's maximum contribution is fully quantifiable.

If a farm or business has been transferred more than five years prior to an individual's application for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, the asset will not be taken into account at all in the course of the financial assessment. The Minister for Health does not propose to review the legislation at present. Individuals in possession of such assets may already avail of the three year cap where they have not had an opportunity to put succession arrangements in place. In contrast, the 5% contribution based on assets other than the principal residence or farms and businesses that meet the criteria outlined above is ongoing for the duration of the individual's time in long-term nursing home care.

Health Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

649 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that the Diabetes Expert Advisory Group recommended one paediatrics diabetic nurse specialist per 100 children with diabetes, the date on which this recommendation will be implemented at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal. [15119/11]

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

Road Network

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

650 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that the National Roads Authority has not prioritised support for the N56 Bonagee link bypassing Letterkenny; his further views that this decision is consistent with ensuring the people of north and west Donegal enjoy the full benefits of the A5 dual carriageway project connecting County Donegal to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15733/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

651 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with the National Roads Authority to establish if it is synchronising plans for the N56 Bonagee link bypassing Letterkenny and a dual carriageway on the N14 from Manorcunningham roundabout to Lifford with the schedule laid out for the completion of the A5 dual carriageway project connecting Donegal to Dublin to ensure the maximum benefits for the people of Donegal. [15734/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 651 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects, including the N14 and the N56 roads, are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

652 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will indicate his position in relation to the inclusion of air transport in the EU emissions trading system; if he or any Government colleague has discussed this matter with the Irish airlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15737/11]

The decision taken in 2008 to include the aviation sector in the EU emissions trading system followed an extensive process of discussion, widespread consultation and negotiation. EU Directive 2008/101/EC, which entered into force on 2 February 2009, has since been transposed into Irish law and the Environmental Protection Agency is now at an advanced stage of preparation, in consultation with Irish airlines, for the application of the emissions trading system to aviation from the beginning of next year.

Harbours and Piers

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

653 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is currently considering any plans or proposals for an area (details supplied). [15752/11]

Foynes Port is owned and operated by Shannon Foynes Port Company, a commercial State company established under the Harbours Act 1996. Under the Act the company is responsible for planning and developing the port.

I am not currently in receipt of any specific plan or proposal concerning the port or surrounding lands

Departmental Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

654 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the auditors currently employed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15767/11]

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has no role in relation to the appointment of auditors.

Under Article 33 of the Constitution, the Comptroller and Auditor General is defined as the person who shall, on behalf of the State, control all disbursements and audit all accounts of moneys administered by or under the authority of the Oireachtas.

Taxi Regulations

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

655 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of drivers who have been refused a public service vehicle licence for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15770/11]

The regulation of the taxi industry, including the issuing of small public service vehicle (SPSV) licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA).

I have referred the Deputy's Question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Public Transport

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

656 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times Luas, Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have applied for permission to increase their fares for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the reason for each fare request; if each request was either approved or refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15771/11]

Prior to 3 December, 2009, Ministerial approval was sought for increases in standard single fares by CIE and by the Railway Procurement Agency(RPA) in the case of Luas fares.

In October 2007, the CIE companies applied for a fares increase of 8-10% to cover increased operating costs and the provision of additional services. The RPA sought an increase of 4.15% in Luas fares to cover additional costs and to offset the cost of their asset renewals programme. Ministerial approval was granted for an average 5% increase in CIE fares and 4.15% increase in Luas fares with effect from 1 January, 2008.

In September, 2008 CIE submitted an application for a 20% fare increase due to a decline in the Group's finances as a result of increasing fuel, labour and other costs, the loss of fuel duty rebate and changing demand for services. The RPA also applied for an average 6.1% increase in fares in the light of declining passenger numbers and to provide for longer term assets replacement costs. In December, 2008 an average 10% fare increase was approved for CIE and an average 6% increase was approved in respect of Luas fares, with immediate effect.

There were no fare increases sought or granted in 2009.

Since December, 2009, decisions in relation to increases in public transport fares on subvented services are subject to the approval of the National Transport Authority(NTA) and I have no role in the matter. I have requested the NTA to furnish details of fare increases since December 2009 directly to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Network

Dessie Ellis

Question:

657 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the progress of and funding being made available for the N11 upgrade works, which are to provide road widening between Rathnew and Arklow, County Wicklow, and link both towns’ bypasses. [15778/11]

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 the N11, 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 in relation to national roads. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Tourism Promotion

Paudie Coffey

Question:

658 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop Waterford and the south east region to enable it to maximise its potential to attract more tourists to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15827/11]

The matter raised is an operational matter 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.

Rural Transport Services

Robert Troy

Question:

659 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the increasing uncertainty to the rural transport service if he will make a firm commitment on the future of same. [15853/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

660 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that this State rightly provides free transport to the elderly and the disabled with an assistant and further in view of the fact that this State subsidises private companies to provide the service when no public transport is available, the reason a situation is arising whereby not for profit operators under the rural transport scheme have to charge disabled passengers due to cutbacks. [15577/11]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

663 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide proper and adequate funding to ensure the future of the rural transport programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15472/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

665 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will maintain funding to all 36 rural transport programme companies beyond the end of June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15265/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 659, 660, 663 and 665 together.

As the Deputies may be aware, there is a recognition within the Programme for Government of the importance of the Rural Transport Programme. Specifically the Programme states that "the rural transport network is vital for rural communities as a reliable and sustainable transport service. We will maintain and extend the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) with other local transport services as much as is practicable."

With regard to the current position, over €10 million is being provided for RTP in 2011. Thirty-six rural community transport groups around the country are being funded under the Programme and are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources. The Free Travel Scheme of the Department of Social Protection applies to all services operated under the Rural Transport Programme.

However, I understand that charges are being applied to certain rural transport services in County Donegal which are not open to the general public. Those services are not provided under my Department's Rural Transport Programme but are operated under contract with the Health Services Executive (HSE).

Pobal administers the RTP on behalf of my Department and is responsible, among other things, for allocating funds to individual rural community transport groups from funding provided by my Department. Neither I nor my Department have any role in relation to the day-to-day management issues pertaining to the Programme or in allocating funds to particular groups.

A Value for Money and Policy Review of the Rural Transport Programme was commissioned by the previous government and has now been completed. I have just received a copy of the Review Report which I intend to publish later this year following consideration by Government.

Tourism Promotion

Terence Flanagan

Question:

661 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount given by him to Fáilte Ireland over the past five years to encourage international students to study here; the markets that were targeted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15030/11]

Fáilte Ireland is only responsible for strategic development and promotion of the English-language education sector, supported by Tourism Ireland through its offices overseas. Enterprise Ireland, which falls under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, has the lead role in the development, promotion and marketing of international higher education generally. The allocation of funding by Fáilte Ireland for the development of particular product niches is an operational matter 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.

The work of the agencies in promoting international education is complemented by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, which falls under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills, and has responsibility for quality assurance, including for English-language programmes.

I understand that, in that capacity, some funding was also provided from the Department of Education and Skills last year to Fáilte Ireland for the development of curricular material for the English-language sector.

Taxi Regulations

Paudie Coffey

Question:

662 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the rules in which a taxi driver seeking renewal of his licence requires a vehicle that is less than nine years old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15536/11]

The NTA is currently reviewing appropriate small public service vehicle standards for consumers. The NTA will start a public consultation on proposed measures this year with a view to advancing new regulations to come into force in early 2012.

As part of the review of the taxi sector announced by me on 8 June last, the current NTA examination of appropriate vehicle standards including the nine year rule will be taken into account in the course of the wide ranging issues to be addressed in the taxi sector review.

Question No. 663 answered with Question No. 659.

Access to Sporting Facilities

John McGuinness

Question:

664 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants available to assist active retirement groups to provide sports activity for their members as part of a better health maintenance programs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15421/11]

In respect of funding for capital items it is open to any organisation, with a suitable project, to apply for funding under any future round of the sports capital programme. Information on the sports capital programme, including the most recently used application form and guidelines, are available on the Department's website, www.dttas.ie. As regards funding for current expenditure 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

Question No. 665 answered with Question No. 659.

Tourism Promotion

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

666 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will meet directly with the promoters of the project to familiarise himself with same or will he arrange for Fáilte Ireland to meet with this group. [15260/11]

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

Taxi Regulations

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

667 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will explain the role of the National Transport Authority in the strategic development, maintenance and control of a network of taxi ranks by local authorities; if the NTA has any role in this element of taxi infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15259/11]

Decisions regarding the location and operation of taxi ranks on public roads, as well as funding for the provision of taxi ranks, are primarily matters for the relevant local authority. Under section 84 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, a local authority is empowered to make by-laws in respect of the places at which taxis may stand for hire. The making of such by-laws is a reserved function of a local authority. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is a statutory body responsible for the regulation of the taxi sector under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. With regard to taxi ranks, the NTA's responsibility relates to the issue of guidance on the planning, design and provision of taxi ranks aimed at improving taxi services to the public, better designed pick-up locations for taxi operators and greater integration of taxi services with the wider public transport system.

Airport Development Projects

Thomas Pringle

Question:

668 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the upgrading of Donegal International Airport; and if he will continue the public service order for the operators at the airport. [15237/11]

Grant aid for urgently required safety works at Donegal Airport including replacement of the airport's localiser system (instrument landing system) and the reconfiguration and overlay of the airport's runway is currently being provided by my Department to the airport. I understand this work is well under way and should be completed within the next few months. As Donegal Airport is a private company, any future plans for the further upgrading of the airport are a matter for the airport management. As decided by Government last week, in the light of the current financial crisis, capital funding will only be provided for necessary safety and security related work at the regional airports in the coming years. A tender process for the renewal of the PSO air services contracts for the Donegal to Dublin and Kerry to Dublin routes was launched on 3 May 2011. It is anticipated that new contracts for a period of three years will be put in place by the end of the year.

Public Transport

Martin Ferris

Question:

669 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the financial details of Bus Éireann’s expressway services; and if this service is making a profit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15228/11]

The audited 2010 Annual Report and Financial Statements for Bus Éireann have recently been placed in the Oireachtas Library and are also available on the CIÉ website, www.cie.ie. The annual accounts include details in the notes to the Accounts (Note 17) of revenue and costs broken down by commercial, including Expressway, and public service obligation services.

Rail Network

Gerald Nash

Question:

670 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will implement the plan to extend the DART to Drogheda as announced in 2009 under the Transport 21 initiative. [15223/11]

As the Deputy is aware, the Government recently announced a comprehensive review of capital spending which is now under way. The review will examine capital proposals across all sectors of the economy to establish a set of priority projects and programmes that will support economic recovery and provide new employment opportunities. The results will form the basis of a new National Development Plan. The preparation of the new framework requires my Department to review all existing projects and programmes. The review will also take account of new funding realities. A major priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards. This will of necessity restrict the funding for new projects, with only those offering the highest return having any prospect of being prioritised. As part of the review process, all agencies funded by my Department have been asked to make submissions supporting their programmes and setting priorities in a scenario of reduced allocations. Submissions have recently been received from the National Transport Authority, the Railway Procurement Agency and Iarnród Éireann in relation to public transport projects. These submissions are being examined by my officials and they will inform my Department's conclusions on the capital review. I will not speculate on the outcome of the review. However, I have already said that, given the funding constraints and the uncertainty about the available of private funding for major Irish infrastructure projects, it is likely that only one of the major Dublin area projects can proceed in the period to 2016. I will be seeking to try and secure that outcome if possible.

Sport and Recreational Development

John Lyons

Question:

671 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bring sports policy formation back to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15221/11]

The formulation of sports policy is a matter for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Irish Sports Council was established by the Irish Sports Council Act 1999 and its functions are set out in section 6 of that Act. The Irish Sports Council, in performing its functions, shall as provided by section 9 of the Act, have regard to Government policy and shall comply with any general policy directives which may from time to time be given to it by the Minister. The Irish Sports Council works closely with me in my role as Minister of State with special responsibility for Tourism and Sport.

John Lyons

Question:

672 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will publish the national sports facilities strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15220/11]

A five-year draft National Sports Facilities Strategy was completed in my Department last year. The draft strategy is being updated to take account of developments since then. 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.

Community Development

Sean Fleming

Question:

673 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if community groups can apply for national lottery funding through his Department to open a community centre; if application forms are currently available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15213/11]

The Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. To date, over 7,400 projects have benefitted from the Sports Capital Programme, with over €739 million paid out to fund essential sports facilities at national, regional and local level. While no new round of the programme has been advertised since 2008, the programme is still very active with €33 million being provided in the Estimates to fund the programme for 2011. It is open to any organisation with a suitable project to apply for funding under any future round of the sports capital programme. Information on the sports capital programme, including the most recently used application form and guidelines, are available on the Department's, website www.dttas.ie. No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the programme.

Taxi Regulations

Jack Wall

Question:

674 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding a submission on small public service vehicles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15212/11]

The regulation of the taxi industry, including fees payable in respect of licensing, is a matter for the National Transport Authority as provided for under Section 34 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. I recently announced the Terms of Reference of a review of the taxi sector in line with the Programme for Government commitment. This review will examine a range of matters including the current regulatory policy and practices and the administration of taxi licences.

Public Transport

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

675 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15200/11]

My Department has a range of policies in place to encourage the use of public transport, walking and cycling by staff travelling to and from work. I understand that 79% of my Department's staff travel to work either on foot, by bicycle or by public transport. My Department's Workplace Travel Plan includes provision of information to staff on timetabling of public transport services and promotion of the tax saver scheme for public transport travel passes. The Department's policy statement on staff travel for official business also encourages the use of public transport.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

676 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs that are borne by his Department relative to his constituency office and home such as telephone, IT services and so on; if the lease or rent of a constituency office is paid or part paid for by his Department; the number of civil servants appointed to carry out constituency work for him based in the Department or in the constituency office; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15181/11]

The Department pays €116.97 per month rental for telecommunication services in respect of my constituency office. To date, no bill for usage charges has been received. The Houses of the Oireachtas provides a managed IT service for Ministers' constituency offices, which my Department has availed of. The charge for 2011 is expected to be €4,500. Two civil servants (clerical officers) carry out constituency work for me in the Department. The clerical officer pay scale ranges from €22,015 to €35,515. The cost associated with the provision of office accommodation for my constituency office is not borne by my Department.

Road Signage

John McGuinness

Question:

677 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ask the National Roads Authority to provide directional signs for a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15161/11]

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 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. I draw the Deputy's attention to section 19 of the principal Act. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Network

John McGuinness

Question:

678 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding to deal with the road traffic issues at Johnstown, County Kilkenny, arising from the completion of the M8 Cullahill to Cashel road improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15160/11]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on such roads are matters for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the council. If excess traffic in a particular location is deemed to be a safety issue, such as speed in the area of a school, the relevant local authority may apply speed restrictions, traffic calming, or other measures it deems appropriate. It may also restrict HGVs from using certain roads other than for the purposes of essential access.

John McGuinness

Question:

679 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if is satisfied with the way Kilkenny County Council has spent the funding granted to date by him for the roads project at a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will confirm the amount spent to date on this scheme; the amount he intends to allocate for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15159/11]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national roads projects are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within ten working days.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

680 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the future plans for the upgrading of the Killarney to Cork road, particularly via Baile Bhuirne and Macroom, in view of the fact that it is of paramount importance to have proper access coming into County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15098/11]

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 (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 don't receive a reply within ten working days.

Railway Stations

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

681 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that Killarney, County Kerry, is the tourism capital of Ireland, the steps he will take to ensure that staffing levels are kept at a level in the train station there to recognise the amount of visitors that come here through this station and that Iarnród Éireann takes this matter seriously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15097/11]

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Air Services

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

682 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Air Asia is looking for tenders (details provided) from airports for a route network expansion in Europe; if he will engage with the tender process with a view to bringing jobs and investment from Asia into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15067/11]

The matter raised by the Deputy falls within the operational responsibilities of Dublin Airport Authority. I have referred the question to the company for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten working days.

Tourism Promotion

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

683 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of all the organisations offered funding in 2011 by the festivals and participate events unit within Fáilte Ireland, including all organisations funded under the national and regional programme and special projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/11]

The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Traffic Regulations

Anne Ferris

Question:

684 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when legislation, due under the programme for Government, will be forthcoming to regulate the vehicle clamping industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15034/11]

The programme for Government contains a commitment that this government "will legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry." In fulfilment of this commitment, my Department is considering the various aspects involved in such legislation. I would welcome any input the Deputy may wish to offer on the shape this legislation should take. I hope to be in a position to publish a Bill before the end of this year.

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