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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Nov 2011

Vol. 747 No. 1

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].

Performance Management Systems

John McGuinness

Question:

15 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on reports that senior civil servants are scared of judging staff and that just nine out of 17,728 civil servants who were assessed were given the lowest rating on a five point scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35132/11]

My Department carried out an extensive review of the effectiveness of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) during 2010 and 2011 and I am fully aware that there are serious deficiencies in how the system is being implemented in the Civil Service. My Department has developed a comprehensive approach to the reform of PMDS and is working closely with Civil Service management and unions to deliver this reform. We are committed under the Croke Park agreement and the reform plan to strengthening performance management.

Some of the key criticisms that emerged as part of our review of PMDS include:

the process is overly bureaucratic with an emphasis on form filling

there is a lack of consistency and fairness of standards for performance and ratings, with many staff getting a rating of 4 or 5 rating (ie perceived as too many high ratings)

there is a failure to deal with underperformance

The review of PMDS established that low numbers of staff are being given a rating of 1 or 2 (1% of staff in 2010), in other words, very few staff have their performance rated as not satisfactory. These statistics, taken with other feedback from the review, highlight that underperformance is not being managed effectively. In response, my Department has taken the initiative and is working with HR units to strengthen management capability across the Civil Service. Earlier this year my Department developed guidelines and training material on the ‘management of underperformance'. Over 100 staff from HR units were trained on the new guidelines and related HR policies such as the disciplinary policy. Departments are now expected to train their own line managers on the management of underperformance.

My Department is currently working with management and unions in the Civil Service to secure agreement on a number of changes to PMDS on a phased basis. As part of Phase 1 of the reform of PMDS, we undertook to:

streamline PMDS to make it a more useful tool for managing performance

make managers accountable for the performance management of their staff

automate the PMDS process.

There has been considerable progress on these goals. Agreement between management and unions was reached last week on a new simplified PMDS form which will streamline the process. Guidelines on the new form have also been agreed. My Department is preparing the roll-out of the new PMDS form to HR units for use during the 2012 PMDS cycle.

Management accountability has also been strengthened. From 2012 onwards a manager should not get a rating above 2 where they do not manage the performance of their staff effectively over the course of the year.

The final step in Phase 1 will be the automation of the new PMDS.

While the initial focus of the reform of PMDS has been on simplifying and streamlining the process, I accept that we need to do more. Phase 2 changes to PMDS will be focused on looking at how the distribution of ratings across Civil Service Departments can be improved and how fairness and consistency across Departments can be strengthened. We will be bringing forward proposals on how to address these issues in 2012.

My Department will continue to review the effectiveness of performance management and work with HR units across the Civil Service to strengthen management capability.

Job Creation

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

16 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his net projected employment gain from the capital and expenditure budget cuts year on year from 2012 to 2016 taking into account the recently announced medium-term fiscal and infrastructure/capital statements. [35191/11]

Mick Wallace

Question:

31 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the fact that, from the outset he has been insisting that facilitating the creation of jobs is one of the Government's top priorities yet the capital spending programme published last week does little to support this claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35202/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 31 together.

The Medium-Term Fiscal Statement published by the Government on 4 November detailed the budgetary parameters for the next four years including the revised current and capital envelopes. The Medium-Term Fiscal Statement also set out and discussed the economic and fiscal projections for the period ahead that are consistent with those budgetary parameters. As regards employment, the economy is expected to be creating jobs on a net basis by the end of next year, with the pace of hiring forecast to strengthen in subsequent years.

In considering the Capital envelope and the Government's detailed Capital Review that I published last week, it is first necessary to realise that most of the economy's key infrastructural deficits have been addressed through a massive capital investment of about €70bn over the last decade. In addition, the Budgetary situation requires spending to be prioritised and the Public Capital Programme to be scaled back.

There will be direct employment benefits in the delivery of the infrastructure proposed in the Medium Term Capital Investment Framework. However, the most important contribution capital investment can now make is in providing the capacity for the economy to grow, which will in turn create employment. The focus of the investment outlined in the plan is on creating the framework conditions in which the enterprise sector can thrive.

The Review made a point of protecting supports to the enterprise sector primarily through funding agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. This funding can foster sustainable and valuable employment in the exporting sectors of the economy which will be critical to recovery. While the overall capital envelope for 2012 has been reduced, we have actually held the level of capital allocation for the enterprise sector relative to the preceding period.

The State will be spending some €17 billion over the next five years on activities throughout the country and this will help support employment in many key areas. It is important to note that less expensive re-fit, refurbishment, and up-grade works can be more labour-intensive than larger capital-intensive projects that have been deferred.

Public Service Reform

Micheál Martin

Question:

17 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to protect key front-line services such as health, gardaí and fire services in order that they will not be decimated through early retirements; if he will prioritise protecting these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35125/11]

In the first instance, it is part of the day to day function of Ministers and Senior Management of all Departments within their budgetary allocation to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements including the identifying of key posts, service levels and the deployment of internal staff resources. This process is informed by a wide range of factors relevant to a Department's operating environment, including assessment of service needs and the impact of population changes.

Should a Department identify a potential exception to the moratorium on recruitment the sanction of my Department must then be sought. Exceptions to the Moratorium may be granted on the following basis:

a) statutory posts which have to be filled for legal reasons;

b) where failure to fill posts would result in a breach of EU/international regulations and impact upon exports etc.;

c) safety related posts — failure to fill them could leave the state open to potential legal liabilities or for security reasons;

d) specialist/technical posts to ensure continuity of operations e.g. legal officers; laboratory staff, maritime safety, etc.;

e) to ensure continuity of frontline services.

Redeployment must be the primary mechanism to fill posts which have been approved. In addition, in the case of the Education and Health Sector, a number of grades are exempted from the Moratorium in order to ensure that these vital services are maintained.

Departmental Staff

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

18 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions while currently employed in a public body and or State agency. [35185/11]

In response to the Deputy's Question, I have been made aware that 2 former Chairmen of the Revenue Commissioners are in receipt of public sector pensions and hold a position in public body or State agency.

One of these is Commissioner of Valuation in the Valuation Office and he undertakes this position on a pro-bono basis. The other Commissioner is currently the Non-Executive Chairman of the National Assets Management Agency.

In addition, I might also bring to the attention of the Deputy that, while not directly covered by the question, a former Secretary General of the Department is currently serving as a Public Interest Director at Bank of Ireland.

Ministerial Staff

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

19 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the number of public sector workers employed as constituency staff for each of the Government’s Ministers in tabular form. [35181/11]

The following table sets out the information as requested by the Deputy.

Department

Minister/Minister of State

Number of Civil Servants/Public Servants in Constituency Office FTE

Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Minister Coveney

3.3

MoS McEntee

1.0

Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht  Affairs

Minister Deenihan

1.0

Mos McGinley

1.0

Children & Youth Affairs

Minister Fitzgerald

2.0

Communications,Energy & Natural Resources

Minister Rabbitte

2.0

MoS O’Dowd

1.0

Education & Skills

Minister Ruairí Quinn

2.0

MoS Cannon

0.8

Environment, Community & Local Government

Minister Hogan*

2.0

MoS Penrose

1.0

Finance

Minister Noonan

2.4

Foreign Affairs & Trade

Minister Gilmore

1.0

MoS Creighton

2.0

MoS O’Sullivan

1.0

Health

Minister Reilly

1.4

MoS Lynch

1.0

MoS Shortall

1.0

Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation

Minister Bruton

1.0

MoS Sherlock

1.0

MoS Perry

0.0

Justice & Equality/Defence

Minister Shatter

1.6

Public Expenditure & Reform

Minister Howlin

1.4

MoS Hayes

1.0

Social Protection

Minister Burton

2.0

Taoiseach

Taoiseach Kenny

1.0

Chief Whip

Paul Kehoe

0.0

Transport, Tourism & Sport

Minister Varadkar

2.0

MoS Ring

1.0

MoS Kelly

1.0

39.9

*1 Civil Servant and 1 Public Servant - Seconded from Kilkenny County Council.

The table does not include Personal Assistants and Personal Secretaries

Croke Park Agreement

Michael McGrath

Question:

20 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the next review of the Croke Park agreement will be published; if this will be published before budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35130/11]

Paragraph 1.16 of the Public Service, or Croke Park, agreement provides for an annual review of the sustainable savings generated from the implementation of the Agreement and of the agreements in each sector.

As the Deputy will recall, the Implementation Body for the Agreement conducted the first such review last May. The Body's Report which was published last June reported that sustainable pay bill savings of €289m had been achieved in the first year of the Agreement, March 2010 to March 2011. It also reported that "solid and measurable" progress was being made on implementing the Action Plans in each sector, while pointing to certain issues that needed to be accelerated over the next reporting period.

The next annual review of the Agreement is scheduled to take place in Spring 2012 and I expect that the Report arising from that review will be published in May or June next year.

As an interim measure between annual reviews, the Implementation Body last month asked for a 6-monthly update from all sectors on the progress made in implementing sectoral Action Plans during the period April to September 2011. The Body has been considering these reports in recent weeks and is today publishing on its website a summary of the progress reported in each sector.

Capital Investment Programme

Billy Kelleher

Question:

21 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a regulatory impact assessment was carried out in relation to the infrastructure and capital investment plan 2012 to 2016; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35121/11]

As this document is part of the budgetary process there was no requirement to carry out a regulatory impact assessment on the infrastructure and capital investment plan 2012 to 2016.

Proposed Legislation

Pearse Doherty

Question:

22 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider, as an emergency measure, a legislative change to add two additional pension income bands and associated reduction rates of 20% above €80,000 and 41% above €100,000 to the public service pension reduction. [35179/11]

This Government has shown its determination to firmly address the serious long-term Exchequer affordability concerns which exist in relation to public service pensions.

The Government has started the reform process. I have recently announced significant changes to the departure terms for new Secretaries General and other senior appointments made by TLAC.

I also refer the Deputy to the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011, currently before the House which will provide for a new career average single pension scheme for all new entrants to the public service. This is a measure that will significantly reduce costs to the taxpayer while at the same time ensuring that public servants and their dependants continue to have a reasonable income in retirement.

As the Deputy will be aware, the pay reduction (and not the PSPR) will also reduce public service pensions coming into payment after the ending of the ‘grace period' (29 February 2012).

The PSPR, effective from 1 January 2011, is applied by reference to a set of rates and income bands as follows:—

Annualised Public Service Pension amount (€)

Reduction

First 12,000

Exempt

Between 12,000 and 24,000

6%

Between 24,000 and 60,000

9%

Balance above 60,000

12%

The savings associated with the PSPR are in the order of €100m in net public service pension expenditure of some €2,700m in 2010. The reduction applies to about 130,000 former public servants and their survivors, including former Presidents, former Oireachtas members and retired members of the Judiciary. Also these pensioner payments are, of course, subject to income tax as well as the Universal Social Charge.

With regard to the Deputy's request that I consider raising the current PSPR rates and bands, I can advise the Deputy that all aspects of Exchequer spending are under review in the context of the forthcoming Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. The Government will be deciding spending adjustments in the public interest and in the light of the need to achieve the required budgetary targets.

Job Losses

Brian Stanley

Question:

23 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he foresees job losses within the national lottery with the introduction of a profit line rather than a simple management fee as part of the new licence agreement to be awarded in January 2012 as outlined in the infrastructure and capital investment 2012-16 medium-term Exchequer framework launched by him. [35194/11]

Brian Stanley

Question:

27 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will reassure community groups that the current level of national lottery funding to good causes will be retained at 30% of annual national lottery sales following the new arrangements proposed by him in the infrastructure and capital investment 2012-16 medium-term Exchequer framework. [35192/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 27 together.

The existing licence to operate the National Lottery is due to expire shortly and my Department has been actively examining how best to maximise the return on the extension of the licence for the benefit of the people.

As an interim arrangement, the Government has decided to extend the current licence to mid-2013 in order to allow time for the holding of a competition for the awarding of a new licence. It has been the considered approach for some time that a competitive and transparent process is the best approach underpinning the issuance of a new licence and the precise arrangements for the competition are currently under consideration.

The expiry of the present licence to operate the National Lottery presents an opportunity for the State to review matters and to make sure that the structure of the new licence responds to our present and future needs. This could be achieved through acquiring a significant upfront fee or payment for the new licence, while retaining a condition for significant annual revenues to continue to be allocated towards good causes. It is the Government's desire to use the upfront payment to help fund the National Children's Hospital.

As I set out in my announcement on 10 November on the publication of the Capital Review, and again in this House yesterday in the Statements and debate on that Capital Programme, I will be bringing worked out proposals to Government in the New Year on how best we can approach this matter.

The staff and management of An Post National Lottery Company do excellent work in managing and promoting the National Lottery. They have played a key role in ensuring that the Lottery has been such a major success since its foundation in 1986. The extension of the current licence to mid-2013 means that there are no immediate implications for the Company or its staff as a result of the Government's recent announcement regarding the next Lottery licence.

Departmental Staff

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

24 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider permanently removing the appointment of Secretaries General to the top level appointment committee. [35180/11]

Pension Provisions

Pearse Doherty

Question:

25 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether it is acceptable for former Ministers to receive Oireachtas pensions while being employed by an EU institution or the State; and the legislative measures that he will take to end this practice. [35178/11]

The payment of a ministerial pension to former members of the Oireachtas who are employed by an EU institution or the State is in accordance with the rules of the relevant pension scheme.

A number of reforms have been introduced in relation to Public Service pension entitlements. The Deputy will be aware that under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 ministerial pensions will not be payable to new Oireachtas members before 65 years of age.

I should also point out that under the Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 2009 ministerial pensions are no longer payable to sitting members of the Oireachtas following the recent elections, or to Members of the European Parliament following the next elections to the Parliament.

Public service pensions for former Ministers retiring after February 2012 will be reduced in line with the substantial pay reductions applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts. I intend to publish very shortly the Bill which will set out the legislative basis for the additional reduction which the members of the new Government accepted on taking Office. For those who retire before the end of February next, the Public Service Pension Reduction will apply.

The Programme for Government commits the Government to further reforms in this whole area. The Deputy will know that I have recently announced significant changes to the pension arrangements for future Secretaries General appointed under TLAC terms. Furthermore, the new single pension scheme for the Public Service will, on its introduction, bring further significant changes to the pension arrangements of new entrants to the Public Service, including members of the Oireachtas.

Constitutional Amendments

Barry Cowen

Question:

26 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of the recently failed referendum on Oireachtas inquiries including costs incurred in relation to the draft scheme of legislation associated with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35116/11]

My Department does not have any direct responsibility in relation to the Referendum Commission, other than to sponsor the budgetary requirement. All financial commitments are authorised by the Commission and discharged by the Office of the Ombudsman.

I am advised by the Office of the Ombudsman that the budget allocated to the Referendum Commission in respect of the thirtieth amendment was €1.5 million. Expenditure to date has amounted to €352,653. Total estimated expenditure is expected to be in the region of €700,000.

No additional expenditure arose from the preparation of the draft legislation other than a reprioritisation of the work programmes of both my Department and the Office of the Attorney General. These customary costs were the normal administrative costs associated with the work of both organisations.

Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 23.

Flood Defence Managment

Denis Naughten

Question:

28 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to address flood risks within the Shannon basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34922/11]

The assessment and management of flood risk on the River Shannon and all the national river catchments is being addressed through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.

Details of this programme are available on www.cfram.ie and specific updates on the River Shannon CFRAM are available on www.shannoncframstudy.ie.

Under the requirements of the 2007 EU Floods Directive, the first of three reporting stages in the CFRAM Programme is the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA). The public consultation stage on the national PFRA finished on 01 November, 2011.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

29 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of the current Secretaries General who will benefit from added years and special severance payments on retirement. [35177/11]

Twenty Secretaries General or equivalent for the purpose of ‘TLAC terms' are entitled to these terms on foot of Government decisions at the time of their appointment. It is a matter for Government to decide which of the options, i.e. assignment to an alternative post or early retirement, will apply to any individual Secretary General on completion of his/her contract.

The Deputy will be aware that, for new appointments at this level, I recently announced significant reforms to these terms.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 13.
Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 16.

Public Service Appointments

Willie O'Dea

Question:

32 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the number of outstanding applications for public service appointment replacements when the post is deemed necessary; the number that have been deemed necessary to fill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35142/11]

As the Deputy is aware, in order to protect crucial services exceptions to the Moratorium may be granted for cases that come within the following limited circumstances:

a) statutory posts which have to be filled for legal reasons;

b) where failure to fill posts would result in a breach of EU/international regulations and impact upon exports etc.;

c) safety related posts — failure to fill them could leave the state open to potential legal liabilities or for security reasons;

d) specialist/technical posts to ensure continuity of operations e.g. legal officers; laboratory staff, maritime safety, etc.; or

e) to ensure continuity of frontline services.

Furthermore, in the case of the Education and Health Sector a number of grades are exempted from the Moratorium in order to ensure that these vital services are maintained. Decisions on the granting of Moratorium exceptions are made by my Department when a valid case is made by the relevant line Department. The most recent data on the number of moratorium exceptions, requested by the Deputy, has being compiled and will be forwarded to him.

Departmental Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

33 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has carried out or intends to carry out a cost benefit analysis of the use of agency staff and private contractors who provide services in the different Departments of the public sector or who are engaged for major State capital projects, and which includes a comparative analysis of the cost of those same services by directly employing civil or public service workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35199/11]

Joan Collins

Question:

36 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has carried out or intends to carry out a cost benefit analysis of the use of agency staff and private contractors which includes a comparative analysis of the cost of those same services being provided by public service workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35200/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 36 together.

The Government is committed to compliance with the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-14 (The Croke Park Agreement). In an Appendix to the Agreement on service delivery options, it is recognised that some new or existing services will be provided on an outsourced basis. The Appendix provides that, in advance of a decision being taken by management to proceed with outsourcing of an existing service, an evaluation will be undertaken with a view to determining whether the service can continue to be carried out in-house through service changes, having regard among other things to overall cost, quality of service, effectiveness and the public interest. In the event that management decide to proceed with outsourcing, commitments are given in relation to ongoing consultation with staff representatives and to job security and protection of employment terms of existing staff.

The Government's overall objective is to ensure that the cost of delivering public services is reduced further and that the public service becomes leaner, better integrated, more efficient and more effective. I am happy that the terms of the Appendix to the Croke Park Agreement will allow for efficient and effective delivery of public services, either directly or on an outsourced basis, while ensuring the concerns of public servants affected are taken into account.

This afternoon, I announced details of the Government's Public Service Reform Plan which provides the basis for delivering comprehensive and strategic reform of the Irish Public Service. It includes delivering actions across a range of issues including shared services, procurement, eGovernment and organisational reform. It also addresses the identification and evaluation of opportunities for external service delivery of non-core processes or services in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government.

In relation to major State capital projects, reflecting their scale and complexity, such projects typically require specialist advisory services. It may therefore be necessary for Departments to procure the services of private contractors cognisant of their particular expertise which their public service counterparts may not possess. Such a decision would however be subject to each Department's budgetary constraints, with private contractors engaged on fixed price contracts, following a competitive tendering process, addressing a specified scope of services.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's role in relation to capital investment projects is to set the overall capital investment framework and the basic principles to be observed for the appraisal, assessment, procurement and evaluation of projects. Every Government Department, Office and Agency is responsible for the roll out and delivery of projects in the capital programmes in the most cost effective way and in accordance with the principles and rules set out by my Department.

Pension Provisions

Dessie Ellis

Question:

34 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether an annual public service pension in excess of €100,000 is appropriate. [35193/11]

There is a process of significant reform of public service pensions.

I have recently introduced the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011, currently before the House. It will provide for a new single pension scheme for all new entrants to the public service. This is an initiative that will significantly reduce costs to the taxpayer while at the same time ensuring that public servants and their dependants continue to have a reasonable income in retirement.

The new single scheme will provide for the calculation of pensions on the basis of "career average" earnings this is a change from the current position where pension is based on “final salary”. This is considered a fairer and more equitable system and one which is progressive in application, i.e. it affects the pension paid to those who have high earnings especially in late career (e.g. a civil servant promoted to top management later in their career) more than the pension for those who may have a relatively ‘flat’ career progression (e.g. nurses, teachers).The new scheme will also link pension increases to CPI (and not pay as is currently the case).

The pension-related deduction (PRD) was legislated for in 2009, saving €1 billion a year on the public service pay-bill and, with effect from the start of this year, public service pensions themselves were reduced by 4% on average, by way of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR). The PSPR is a progressively structured reduction applied to public service pensions. It consists of an exemption for the first €12,000 of annual pension along with a set of increasing rates of reduction applied to higher income bands as follows:

Annualised Public Service Pension amount (€)

Reduction

First 12,000

Exempt

Between 12,000 and 24,000

6%

Between 24,000 and 60,000

9%

Balance above 60,000

12%

Also, with the conclusion of the pay cut ‘grace period' next February, pensions coming into payment will be cut by some 7% on average. In addition, I have recently announced significant changes to the departure terms for new Secretaries General and other senior appointments made by TLAC. These initiatives are important and equitable measures by this Government that will assist in putting age related costs in this sector on a more sustainable long term basis.

Martin Ferris

Question:

35 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an account of his ongoing engagement with private sector pension funds investors to explore public funding options; and the way in which he will step up efforts in this regard. [35189/11]

We are open to proposals from private sector investors to fund investment in Irish infrastructure on the right terms for the taxpayer. Accessing and directing other sources of private sector investment toward infrastructure could help to further boost Ireland's capital stock. There have been extensive discussions with a broad range of potential investors including Irish pension funds, international banks, investment and brokerage companies and representatives of private investment funds.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform continues to actively engage with the private sector in an effort to access potential new sources of finance to supplement our capital investment programme. Discussions this week with the representatives of institutional investment managers indicate that there is an interest in investing in Irish Infrastructure and I look forward to seeing how this might be realised. Officials also have ongoing engagement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and will be meeting EIB officials this week to discuss how Ireland might benefit from proposals arising to help secure funding for infrastructure projects.

Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 33.

Public Service Contracts

Denis Naughten

Question:

37 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to assist small business in obtaining public contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34884/11]

I am very aware that public procurement can be an important source of business for local enterprises. In general, SMEs' flexibility and ability to respond speedily to requirements can be advantageous in competing for local contracts. Current guidelines from my Department require public bodies to promote participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the award of public contracts.

The guidelines set out positive measures that contracting authorities are to take to promote SME involvement in a manner that is consistent with the principles and rules of the existing public procurement regulatory regime. The guidance also highlights practices that are to be avoided because they can unjustifiably hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts. The key provisions of the guidance include:

supplies and general services contracts with an estimated value of €25,000 or more to be advertised on the www.etenders.gov.ie website;

less use of "restrictive" tendering procedures and greater use of "open" tendering;

ensuring that the levels set by contracting authorities for suitability criteria are justified and proportionate to the needs of the contract;

sub-dividing larger requirements into lots where this is practical and can be done without compromising efficiency and value for money;

the needs and possibilities for small businesses to compete and supply to be taken into account when setting up panels/framework arrangements;

encouragement of small companies to combine with others to make a joint bid for a contract that they might not be in a position to perform on their own.

Measures such as these should increase the opportunities for SMEs to compete for public contracts and will reduce the up-front administration burden for them. The Government continues to review the situation in regard to SME participation in public procurement and where consistent with achieving value-for-money, probity and transparency, will seek to address any further issues that might be identified.

Sale of State Assets

Martin Ferris

Question:

38 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when will he begin the programme of commercial semi-State asset disposal and private investment. [35195/11]

As the Deputy is aware, under the EU/IMF Programme, the Government is committed to considering options for an ambitious programme of asset disposals, based on the Programme for Government and the report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, and to preparing a draft programme of asset disposals in this context to be discussed with the Troika in advance of taking final decisions on the programme to be pursued. As a signal of its intent in this regard, the Government has decided that it is prepared to dispose of a minority stake in ESB and has also agreed to consider the potential for further asset sales. Two inter-departmental groups have been established to progress these issues and are due to report back to Government in December 2011 in order that a programme of asset disposals can be finalised for discussion with the Troika by end 2011.

Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 13.

Departmental Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

40 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the names of agencies which provide staff for the public sector; the services they provide; the cost to the State of those services; the numbers of staff they provide and to break these details on a Department by Department basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35198/11]

My Department does not employ any agency staff. You may wish to contact my fellow Ministers to ascertain the information with regard to their respective Departments and bodies under their aegis.

Local Authority Remuneration

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

41 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider implementing a system to collate within his Department the annual pay and pension payments to local authority employees. [35188/11]

I am happy to inform the House that such a system has been in place since the beginning of 2011. As the Deputy is no doubt aware Ireland is committed under the EU-IMF programme to reducing the overall size of the public service pay bill. While the pay and pension payments of nearly 31,000 Local Authority employees are not funded directly from the Exchequer they are nonetheless a major cost factor and must be closely monitored.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is coordinating the collection of information on local authority payroll and superannuation costs on a quarterly basis. This information is provided to my Department. Over the last number of years, enhanced numbers monitoring systems and multi-annual employment frameworks have been put in place. These arrangements will be strengthened to ensure that effect is given to Government decisions on public service numbers and will aid Local Authorities in planning future staffing levels and costs.

Public Service Staff

Catherine Murphy

Question:

42 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the mechanism used to determine service needs in the context of the redeployment of public servants; if that is done by line Ministers or in conjunction with his Department; if the recent census of population will play any part in this process; if it is his aim to have guaranteed minimum levels of service throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35354/11]

In the first instance, it is part of the day to day function of Ministers and Senior Management of all Departments within their budgetary allocation to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements including the identifying of key posts, service levels and the deployment of internal staff resources. This process is informed by a wide range of factors relevant to a Department's operating environment, including assessment of service needs and the impact of population changes.

Should a Department identify a potential exception to the moratorium on recruitment the sanction of my Department must then be sought. Exceptions to the Moratorium may be granted on the following basis:

a) statutory posts which have to be filled for legal reasons;

b) where failure to fill posts would result in a breach of EU/international regulations and impact upon exports etc.;

c) safety related posts — failure to fill them could leave the State open to potential legal liabilities or for security reasons;

d) specialist/technical posts to ensure continuity of operations e.g. legal officers; laboratory staff, maritime safety, etc.;

e) to ensure continuity of frontline services.

Redeployment must be the primary mechanism to fill posts which have been approved. In addition, in the case of the Education and Health Sector, a number of grades are exempted from the Moratorium in order to ensure that these vital services are maintained.

Public Service Reform

Catherine Murphy

Question:

43 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the avenues available to citizens and civil society groups into the reform of our public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35355/11]

This afternoon I announced a number of key developments in the Government's programme for public service reform including a detailed action oriented Public Service Reform Plan which sets the basis for the comprehensive and strategic reform of the Irish Public Service. This Government knows that all citizens and all stakeholders expect a modern Public Service to continually improve and deliver services faster, better and more cost effectively. Innovation, flexibility and the delivery of streamlined services must be at the heart of a reformed Public Service. Ireland has a long and proud tradition of service to the public and the State, and we must build on that to make it easier for citizens to access services and engage with Government.

The Plan, which was published today and is available on my Department's website, outlines the priority actions for reform in a broad range of areas such as business process improvement, eGovernment, customer service, shared services, procurement, public expenditure reform, etc. and a number of actions in these and other areas are already underway. It also focuses on actions to improve performance by organisations and individuals to ensure greater efficiency, effectiveness and economy.

The Plan sets out how implementation should be driven and monitored including by the establishment of a dedicated Reform and Delivery Office in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. We are taking an integrated approach to Public Service Reform which will align a number of key elements including the Programme for Government, the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, delivery of reform to frontline services within individual sectors, co-ordinated delivery of key cross-cutting reforms and the Public Service Agreement. Consultation with all stakeholders will be an important aspect of our approach to reform. As outlined in today's Government Statement on Public Service Reform, we will improve communications and engagement with customers, by greater utilisation of the Customer Charter initiative, customer satisfaction surveys and other feedback channels.

The Deputy will also wish to be aware that as part of the call for submissions from the public under the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE), a number of submissions that relate to Public Service Reform were received and these have informed our approach to reform. Additionally a number of submissions were separately received from various reform and change management organisations, some of whom have made tailored presentations to relevant officials. All relevant contributions are being carefully considered in our ongoing work.

Noxious Weeds

Nicky McFadden

Question:

44 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that large areas of the Phoenix Park, Dublin, are infested with ragwort; and if he will take immediate steps to remedy this situation to avoid an offence under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936. [34025/11]

The occurrence of Ragwort is an issue countrywide. The Phoenix Park at over 1700 acres can never be kept completely free of this plant which is endemic to all parts of Ireland and no comparable area is ragwort free. However, the Phoenix Park has an active programme of treatment in place for a number of years which involves the physical removal of ragwort by hand, the application of an organic herbicide and trials have recently been conducted in the Park with a new product to the market which is showing promising results.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

45 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35251/11]

All rent commitments relating to properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs are discharged by the Office of Public Works. In addition, 110 properties are rented by my Department outside the State for use primarily as offices and official residences.

Rental agreements vary from country to country in accordance with local law and practice. Leases are usually for a fixed period and many include rent review clauses. Rent increases on renewal of leases are generally in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the particular country. Rent levels abroad are reviewed each year. In addition, in the current economic climate, all our Missions are routinely instructed to explore the scope for negotiated reductions, having regard to local market conditions.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

46 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions whilst currently employed in a public body and/or State agency. [35787/11]

There are no State Agencies operating under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There are three advisory committees and one commission operating under the auspices of my Department. These are: the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission); the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group; and the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee. There are no former Secretaries General from Government Departments who are members of the above.

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

47 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the names of agencies which provide staff for the public sector; the services they provide; the cost to the State of those services; the numbers of staff they provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35796/11]

My Department has some contracts in place for services such as IT, cleaning and security. However it does not employ agency staff in Ireland. In addition, a small number of our Missions abroad engage agency staff for administrative roles. In the short time available, it is not possible to provide detailed information on these services.

Tax Code

Arthur Spring

Question:

48 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Finance if the introduction of a 21% VAT charge to the admission fee to visitor farms from 1 January 2012 will be abolished or reduced in order to promote the tourism industry. [35209/11]

Any changes to the VAT code will be determined in the context of the upcoming Budget. You will appreciate that it is not normal practice to comment on Budget matters in advance.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

49 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35250/11]

The OPW which is part of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform acts on behalf of the Department of Finance in relation to leasing of rental properties. The reply for my Department is included in the reply from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform under PQ reference number 35255/11.

Tax Reliefs

Clare Daly

Question:

50 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons availing of tax relief under section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation 1997 Act; and the cost to the Exchequer. [35291/11]

Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief for expenditure incurred on the repair, maintenance or restoration of approved buildings or gardens. For a building or garden to be approved it must:

be a building or garden which is intrinsically of significant scientific, historical, architectural or aesthetic interest, as determined by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A garden may also be determined as being intrinsically of significant horticultural interest, and

be reasonably accessible to members of the public, as determined by the Revenue Commissioners.

The most recent year for which the necessary detailed statistical information is available is 2009. The estimated cost of the scheme to the Exchequer for that year was €4.6 million and the number availing of it was 150. The Finance Act 2010 introduced changes to the scheme such that from the 2010 tax year passive investors would no longer qualify for the relief. At that time it was estimated that this measure would eventually reduce the cost of the scheme to €3 million per annum.

EU-IMF Programme

Michael McGrath

Question:

51 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of loans drawn down to date from each source under the EU-IMF programme of financial support for Ireland; the expected drawdown date, including the amount of each drawdown, for the remainder of the loans; a schedule of annual repayments and the applicable interest rate payable for all loans under the programme taking account of the various interest rate reductions; the way this compares to the original schedule for repayment and the net present value of savings achieved as a result of the interest rate reductions, fully taking account of any extension of the maturity of the loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35302/11]

The following table sets out the loans drawn down to date from each source under the EU-IMF programme of financial support for Ireland along with the interest rate for these loans. The interest rates reflect the interest rate margin reductions agreed recently in respect of loans from the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM).

Table 1: Loans drawn by Ireland under the EU/IMF Programme — as of 14th November 2011

Lender

Nominal Loan Amount

Date of Draw Down

Maturity Date

Term from Date of Drawdown

Interest Rate1

European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM)

€5.00 billion

12-Jan-11

04-Dec-15

4.9 yrs

2.50%

€3.40 billion

24-Mar-11

04-Apr-18

7 yrs

3.25%

€3.00 billion

31-May-11

04-Jun-21

10 yrs

3.50%

€2.00 billion

29-Sep-11

04-Sep-26

15yrs

3.00%

€0.50 billion

06-Oct-11

04-Oct-18

7yrs

2.375%

EFSM Total

€13.9 billion

8yrs weighted average life from drawdown

2.97%

European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF)

€4.2 billion2

01-Feb-11

5.5 yrs

2.75%

18-Jul-16

€3.0 billion

10-Nov-11

04-Feb-22

10.2yrs

3.50%

EFSF Total

€7.2 billion

7.5yrs weighted average life from drawdown

3.06%

United Kingdom Bilateral Loan

€0.46 billion

14-Oct-11

14-Apr-19

7.5 yrs

4.83%3

International Monetary Fund

€5.84 billion

18-Jan-11

18-Jan-21

Amortises from July 2015 to Jan 20214

(IMF)

€1.58 billion

18-May-11

18-May-21

Amortises from Nov 2015 to May 20214

€1.48 billion

07-Sep-11

07-Sep-21

Amortises from Mar 2016 to Sep 20214

IMF Total

€8.90 billion

7.5 yrs average life

€4.79%5

Overall Total

€30.46 billion

7.7 yrs; weighted average life

3.55%6

1. Headline interest rates charged on the nominal loan amounts. Does not include fees, adjustments, negative carry etc.

2. The disbursement from the EFSF was €3.59 billion after the retention of the General Cash Buffer which was the present value, at the time of disbursement, of the Margin of 247 basis points over the life of the loan. This credit enhancement measure was to ensure that the EFSF retains its top AAA credit rating and, thereby, minimize its cost of funds. Following the amendment to the EFSF Framework Agreement, the margin on Ireland's EFSF loans has been set at zero. This prepaid margin will therefore be the subject of a rebate to Ireland in July 2016 when the underlying bond has been fully redeemed.

3. The UK has announced that it will reduce the margin on the bilateral loan which is currently 2.29%. The amount of this reduction has yet to be decided. The interest rate is the euro annual equivalent at the date of drawdown.

4. The repayment schedule for IMF EFF loans consists of 12 semi-annual repayments until maturity that commence 4½ years after drawdown. Interest is paid quarterly on standard dates. The average life of these loans is 7.5 years.

5. The estimated euro equivalent rate on credit outstanding is 4.79% (pricing 7th September 2011) after hedging. IMF borrowings are denominated in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and are drawn under the IMF's Extended Fund Facility. SDR interest rates are reset weekly.

6. See note 5. A change in the margin will impact the overall weighted average interest rate.

Under Ireland's EU-IMF Programme a total of €67.5 billion in loans will be provided from EU facilities, bilateral loans and the IMF. Some €30.5 billion of this has already been disbursed. The schedule of future disbursements is kept under constant review and is the subject of discussion at each quarterly review. Disbursements take place following the completion of the review process, with the approval by EU Finance Ministers at Eurogroup and ECOFIN and the IMF's Executive Board, of the reports prepared, respectively, by the European Commission Services and IMF staff. The actual disbursements take place in the period following approval.

The latest published information from the Troika on the disbursement profile relates to the drawdown profile agreed. The annual amounts agreed are shown in table 2.

Table 2: Drawdown profile of EU / IMF funding

Source

2011 € bn

2012 € bn

2013 € bn

Total € bn

EU (incl. Bilaterals)

€25.6

€12.7

€6.6

€45.0

IMF

€12.5

€6.3

€3.6

€22.5

Total

€38.2

€19.0

€10.3

€67.5

As noted above, the disbursements set out in this table may be revised on foot of the quarterly review; furthermore, the timing of the final approval process may result in some of the disbursements envisaged following the 4th review, which are scheduled for December, taking place in early 2012.

The funds to be sourced from the EU in the course of the Programme 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 are to be disbursed in eight equal tranches with the first one having occurred in October 2011. For the Sweden and Denmark bilateral loans, it is assumed that the draw downs are spread evenly over 2012 and 2013.

The overall interest rate excluding fees, adjustments and negative carry on loans drawn down to date, is 3.55%. The interest rate on undrawn amounts will depend on the cost of funds to the EFSF and EFSM in the capital markets at the time of drawdown and this cannot be quantified as it depends on future capital market conditions. There is no interest rate margin on either EFSF or EFSM loans at this point. There is a Guarantee Commitment Fee for the EFSF Guarantor Countries of 0.10% per annum. The margin which was prepaid by Ireland on its EFSF loan drawn in February 2011 will be the subject of a rebate in July 2016, when the bond issued to raise funds for the loan is redeemed. Repayments on EFSF and EFSM loans are bullet and are made on the maturity dates shown in Table 1 where the structure of IMF repayments is also explained. In relation to IMF loans, the interest rate on undrawn amounts will depend on the hedged variable Special Drawing Rights interest rate and quota reform timing.

The NTMA estimates that interest payment savings as a result of interest rate margin reductions on the EFSF and EFSM and UK Bilateral (subject to confirmation) loans over the course of the 7.5 years originally agreed as the weighted average life of the programme will be over €9 billion. The expected impact of quota change in the IMF may bring this figure to over €10 billion. This amount represents the expected cash savings, which is the appropriate measure in considering the benefit to the future budgetary position.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Question:

52 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of income earners exempt from income tax in 2011. [35303/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated number of income earners who are exempt from income tax is of the order of 820,000 which represents 38% of the total number of income earners based on projected 2011 incomes. The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009, adjusted as necessary to take account of the most recent data available for income and employment trends for the year in question. They are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.

It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Michael McGrath

Question:

53 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money which would be raised by increasing the rate of deposit interest retention tax from 27% to 30%. [35307/11]

It is estimated that the yield to the Exchequer from increasing the Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) rate from 27% to 30% would be around €50 million in a full year. This projection assumes no significant behavioural change by depositors or a change in interest rates applied by financial institutions to savings.

Michael McGrath

Question:

54 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised in a full year by extending the universal social charge to all income including interest, dividends and rental income. [35311/11]

The principle of the Universal Social Charge (USC) is that it applies on a wide base with no special exemptions. The USC already applies to income from dividends and rental income and excludes Social Welfare payments. Therefore, the largest type of income not included would be income from interest. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer that would be raised by extending the Universal Social Charge to income from DIRT-based interest would be of the order of €130 million.

It should be noted that income from interest is currently subject to Deposit Interest Retention Tax of 27%.

Michael McGrath

Question:

55 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised by eliminating the exemption from PRSI of employee pension contributions made by their employers. [35312/11]

The exemption from employee PRSI of employee contributions to occupational pension schemes and other pension arrangements was removed in Budget 2011 with effect from 1 January 2011 and legislated for in the Social Welfare Act 2010. Relief from employer PRSI for employee contributions to occupational pension schemes and other pension arrangements was reduced by 50% in Budget 2011, also from 1 January 2011, and was provided for in the Social Welfare Act 2010. On the basis that the Deputy is referring to the removal of the remaining 50% employer PRSI relief on employee pension contributions, the estimated savings to the Exchequer would be about €90 million in a full year.

Michael McGrath

Question:

56 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised if rent relief was phased out over the next three years rather than the seven years currently proposed. [35313/11]

Section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides tax relief at the standard rate to individuals who pay for private rented accommodation that is used as their sole or main residence. The level of rent qualifying for rent relief depends on an individual's marital status and age. In Budget 2011, it was announced that rent relief was being withdrawn on a phased basis. No new claimants were allowed from 7 December 2010 but existing claimants will continue to receive the relief, on a reducing basis, with a complete cessation of the relief from 2018. The following table shows the levels of withdrawals as provided for in Finance Act 2011 and the associated yields:

Tax Year

Reduction %

Yield €M

2011

20%

19.4

2012

20%

38.8

2013

10%

48.5

2014

10%

58.2

2015

10%

67.9

2016

10%

77.6

2017

10%

87.3

2018

10% to 0

97

To phase out the relief over the next 3 years would result in the following yields based on the 2008 costs of the scheme. A standard level of reduction of 25% per annum on the remaining maximum levels of relief is assumed.

Tax Year

Reduction %

Yield €M

Increase over Existing Reduction €M

2012

25%

38.8

0

2013

25%

58.2

9.7

2014

25%

77.6

19.4

2015

25% to 0

97

29.1

Michael McGrath

Question:

57 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from reducing the ceiling on the tax exempt earning of artists from €40,000 to €35,000. [35314/11]

It is assumed that the imposition of a cap of €35,000 as mentioned in the question would have the effect of withdrawing the tax exemption from all qualifying income in excess of €35,000. The full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to the tax year 2009, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available, is approximately €0.6 million. However, this figure does not take account of the application of the high earner's restriction to the exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists and thus the actual yield could be significantly lower. The restriction was originally provided for in Finance Act 2006 and was significantly tightened in Finance Act 2010. Individuals are now subject to the restriction where they have adjusted income of €125,000 and claim specified tax reliefs of €80,000 or more. Those subject to the full restriction will pay an effective income tax rate of 30% in addition to PRSI and levies.

In addition, it must be stressed that this estimate assumes no significant behavioural change on the part of the affected taxpayers. Moreover, the application of income tax to this income source could also lead to additional claims being made for expenses and allowances by persons currently exempt.

Michael McGrath

Question:

58 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from reducing the annual earnings limit along with age related percentage limits for maximum tax relievable contributions for pension purposes from €115,000 to €100,000 and €80,000 respectively. [35315/11]

The current annual earnings cap of €115,000 acts, in conjunction with age-related percentage limits of annual earnings, to put a ceiling on the annual amount of tax relief an individual taxpayer can obtain on employee or personal pension contributions. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer arising from reducing the earnings cap to €100,000 and €80,000 is currently estimated to be of the order of €30 million and €95 million respectively. These figures are provisional and subject to revision.

A breakdown of the figures by reference to income levels is available only in respect of the tax relief for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) and to the extent that these contributions are included in the personal tax returns of tax payers. With regard to occupational pension schemes (schemes set up by employers), the figures in respect of employee contributions are available only in aggregate form. Information on such contributions is not captured in such a way as to make it possible to associate contributions with individual income levels. For that reason the estimated yield to the Exchequer in respect of these contributions is extremely tentative. The estimated yield is based on assuming that tax relief which would be affected by the changes mentioned in the question is currently allowed at the top income tax rate of 41% and at the maximum age-related percentage limit of earnings. The figure provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer yield in respect of those taxpayers.

Michael McGrath

Question:

59 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the rules currently in place to ensure that all income earners pay effective tax at a certain minimum rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35321/11]

The high earner's restriction for individuals on high incomes, who make significant use of certain specified tax reliefs, was announced in Budget 2006 and came into effect from 1 January 2007. The restriction works by limiting the total amount of specified reliefs that a high income individual can use to reduce his or her tax liability in any one tax year. Prior to the introduction of this restriction, such individuals, by means of the cumulative use of various tax incentive reliefs, had been able to reduce their tax liability to very low levels or to zero.

The restriction, as introduced, was designed to ensure that individuals with adjusted income exceeding €500,000 paid an effective rate of tax of approximately 20% on that income. That objective was achieved in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Where adjusted income was between €250,000 and €500,000, a tapering system ensured that there was a graduated introduction of the restriction, with the effective rate of tax increasing towards 20% as adjusted income increased towards €500,000.

In Budget 2010, changes to the restriction from the 2010 tax year were announced. Those individuals with adjusted income exceeding €400,000 will, as a result, now pay an effective income tax rate of approximately 30% on that income, while individuals will now become subject to the restriction and the associated taper, where adjusted income is €125,000 or greater and where they claim €80,000 or more in specified reliefs.

A comprehensive guidance document on the application of the high earner's restriction is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.

Banking Sector Regulation

Michael McGrath

Question:

60 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he or the Financial Regulator has had any contact with the covered institutions on incentivising tracker mortgage holders to make lump sum payments or accelerate the repayment of their mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35322/11]

The Central Bank has advised my Department that it cannot comment on their contacts, if any, with individual financial institutions on this issue. I can confirm that neither my Department, nor myself, have had any contact with AIB or Bank of Ireland in relation to this matter. I am advised that Irish Life and Permanent previously offered such a scheme and as a result the matter was discussed, as part of the regular interactions between Irish Life and Permanent and my Department to ensure that such schemes avoid any potentially adverse consequences for the bank and the State as majority shareholder. Issues such as these, are and must remain, a commercial matter for the Board and management of those institutions.

Ministerial Allowances

Michael McGrath

Question:

61 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the dual abode allowance for Ministers for each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will provide details of the way the allowance works in practice for Ministers who own a second property in Dublin and those who do not. [35324/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

77 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance if he will abolish the tax break for Government Ministers for second homes in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35372/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 77 together.

Section 836 of the Taxes Consolidation Act provides for a tax deduction under section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in respect of the cost of maintaining a second residence where, arising out of the performance of his or her duties, a Minister or a Minister of State is obliged to maintain that second residence in addition to his or her main residence

The allowance can be claimed for the annual mortgage/home loan interest actually paid on any loan taken out to purchase the second residence. In addition, Ministers are entitled to an allowance for the actual vouched costs expended in maintaining the second residence. The allowance is confined to office holders who represent constituencies outside the Dublin area and is known as the dual abode allowance.

The residence in respect of which the dual abode allowance can be claimed is the office holder's second residence. The dual abode allowance cannot be claimed in respect of the office holder's main residence.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of the dual abode allowance for the tax years 2008 and 2009 is €74,770 and €74,996 respectively. The figures for 2010 are not yet available as Returns of Income for 2010 are in the process of being submitted and processed.

It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

Question:

62 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money which would be raised in a full calendar year by raising the top rate of VAT by 1% and by 2%. [35326/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated yield in a full year by raising the top rate of VAT by 1% and by 2% is €335m and €670m respectively.

Michael McGrath

Question:

63 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised in a full calendar year from increasing the carbon tax to €22 per tonne of CO2 on fossil fuels; the impact this would have on the price of petrol, diesel, kerosene, marked gas oil for agricultural use, liquid petroleum gas, fuel oil and natural gas; if he has plans to extend the tax to coal and commercial peat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35327/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the revenue that would be raised in a full calendar year by increasing the carbon tax by €7 per tonne of CO2 on fossil fuels (excluding solid fuels) to €22 per tonne would yield approximately €146 million (VAT inclusive). The impact on the price of fuels is shown in the following table:

Fuel Type

Unit

Price

Carbon Tax per unit(VAT incl.)

% Price Increase

Auto-diesel

litre

1.459

0.02

1.4%

Petrol

litre

1.499

0.02

1.3%

Kerosene

k/litre

820

20.15

2.5%

Marked Gas Oil

k/litre

850

21.82

2.6%

LPG

k/litre

910

13.06

1.4%

Fuel Oil

k/litre

900

24.53

2.7%

Natural Gas

13,750 kwh*

746.90

20.21

2.7%

*Average annual household consumption

In relation to the implementation of the carbon tax in respect of coal and peat, this relates to a potential Budgetary measure. It is the usual practice for the Minister for Finance not to speculate or comment in advance of the Budget what it will contain and I do not propose to deviate from that practice.

Michael McGrath

Question:

64 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from reducing the level at which individuals and companies can claim interest repayments against tax for residential rental properties from 75% to 60%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35328/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a breakdown between rent received from residential property and other types of property is not sought or provided in tax returns. However based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and corporation tax returns filed by companies for the year 2009, the latest year for which this information is available, and making certain assumptions about the data it is estimated that the revenue that would be raised from reducing the level at which individuals can claim interest repayments against tax for residential rental properties from 75% to 60% could be in the region of €75m. Rental income of companies is returned as net of interest on borrowings the figures for interest are not separately distinguished in corporate tax returns. There is, therefore, no basis on which an estimate of the cost of reducing the tax relief involved could be provided.

The estimated cost of 2009 residential interest relief is based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 41% and the figure provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers. This figure is subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.

It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figure provided in this reply in respect of individuals.

The level at which interest repayments can be claimed against tax for residential rental properties was reduced from 100% to 75% in section 5 of the Finance Act 2009.

There is no specific proposal in the Programme for Government to decrease the amount of interest on borrowings that can be offset against rental income for tax purposes, however, as a matter of course all such taxation measures and reliefs are considered in the context of the budgetary process.

Michael McGrath

Question:

65 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from reducing the CAT category A threshold to €300,000 and €30,000 for all other categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35329/11]

The current group tax free threshold amounts for Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) are: €332,084 for group A (gifts/inheritances from parents to children), €33,208 for group B (gifts/inheritances from grandparents to grandchildren, from uncles/aunts to nieces/nephews, and between siblings) and €16,604 for group C (all other gifts/inheritances). I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the additional yield from reducing the thresholds for CAT to €300,000 for Group A and €30,000 for Group B, as compared with the current thresholds, is estimated to be of the order of €13 million.

The proposed group C threshold of €30,000 is higher than the current threshold. Implementing the proposed threshold would give rise to an Exchequer cost, not a yield, estimated to be of the order of €10 million.

The net effect of changing the thresholds as outlined in the question is therefore estimated to be an additional yield of €3 million.

All estimates are based on transactions recorded in 2010. Revenue do not receive information on gifts and inheritances which currently do not have to be declared so it is not possible to estimate the potential yield if such benefits were brought into the tax net. The estimates are also based on the rate of CAT remaining at 25%.

It should be noted that these estimates are based upon an assumption that there would be no behavioural impact of the suggested changes, which could lead to a less than expected result from a change to the tax base. In addition, the realisation of any estimated yield from an increase in taxation on assets relating to property is subject to movements in the value of such assets which are currently occurring in the economy.

Michael McGrath

Question:

66 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from increasing the rate of imputed withdrawals from approved retirement funds greater than €3 million to 7.5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35330/11]

I assume the Deputy is referring to an increase in the percentage deemed distribution rate of 5% that currently applies to approved retirement funds (ARFs) to 7.5% where the value of the assets in the ARFs exceed €3 million. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information provided to them in the context of the tax paid on these deemed or imputed distributions does not include information on the value of the ARFs out of which the distributions are deemed to arise. There is therefore no basis on which a definitive estimate of the impact on the Exchequer of the change mentioned in the question could be compiled.

As an exercise that might provide some indication of the scale of the additional tax yield involved, data made available to my Department from private sector sources provides a breakdown of ARFs by value in respect of a number of providers representing an estimated 40% of the ARF market.

Out of a total value of some €2.4 billion in ARFs under management by these providers where the average ARF value was just over €127,000, the total value of those ARFs representing individual funds of over €3m was €66 million. Based on a very rough extrapolation of this figure to arrive at a broad potential estimate for the total value of ARFs with assets in excess of €3 million, generally, the estimated additional tax yield from applying an increased imputed distribution of 7.5% to such ARFs would be less than €2 million in a full year.

It is important to note that the deemed or imputed distribution measure is designed to encourage draw downs from ARFs so that they are used, as intended, to fund a stream of income in retirement in the same way as a retirement annuity, for which ARFs are supposed to operate as a more flexible alternative. The measure, in itself, does not give rise to significant tax revenues as it does not apply to actual draw-downs from ARFs, which are taxed in the normal way.

Michael McGrath

Question:

67 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised by increasing the excise duty on petrol and diesel by 2 cent per litre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35331/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

68 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised by increasing the excise duty on beer and cider by 5 cent per pint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35332/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

69 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised by increasing the excise duty on spirits by 5 cent per half glass measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35333/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

70 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised by increasing the excise duty on wine by 50 cent per bottle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35334/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

71 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised by increasing the excise duty on cigarettes by 10 cent per pack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35335/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 to 71, inclusive, together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yields arising from the increases requested, inclusive of VAT, are as set out in the following table.

2c

5c

10c

50c

Petrol and Auto-diesel/litre

€72.7m

Beer and cider/pint

€41.9m

Spirits/half glass

€19.5m

Wine/75cl bottle

€35.2m

Cigarettes/packet of 20

€16.5m

Michael McGrath

Question:

72 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the approximate revenue that would be raised from abolishing the exemption from CAT of the residual value of approved retirement funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35336/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that figures are not captured in such a manner as to provide a dedicated basis for compiling an estimate of the impact on the Exchequer from the change mentioned in the question. Accordingly, the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Michael McGrath

Question:

73 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from abolishing the 100% capital gains tax and stamp duty exemption on the disposal of a site to a child and its replacement with a rate of 75% of the tax that would otherwise be charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35337/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as information on the value of the gain arising from the disposal of a site to a child is not required in Capital Gains Tax returns, there is no dedicated basis for separately identifying the yield that would arise from a rate of 75% of the tax that would be charged if there were no relief on such disposals. However, on the basis of indicative information on the relevant tax returns, it is unlikely that the yield from the Capital Gains Tax element of the question would exceed €1 million in a full year. The Stamp Duty relief on the transfer of a site to a child was abolished in Budget 2011 with effect from 8 December 2010.

Michael McGrath

Question:

74 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from eliminating the exemption from PRSI of share based remuneration including share options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35338/11]

In the recent Jobs Initiative, I announced the abolition of the charge to employer PRSI on all share based remuneration that was introduced in Budget 2011. The employee PRSI charge and the universal social charge will continue to apply. At Budget time, it was estimated that the charge to employer PRSI would yield approximately €9.5 million in 2011 and €17.7 million in a full year.

As the charge was never intended to apply to share based remuneration that was subject to written agreement entered into before 1 January 2011, the 2011 figure was significantly over-estimated. Due to the nature of written agreements for share based remuneration, the full year yield from the imposition of the PRSI charges would not accrue until 2015 at the earliest. The estimated yield from the abolition of the employer PRSI exemption on share based remuneration would be approximately €2 million in the first year and would rise to approximately €17.7 million in a full year.

In addition, it must be stressed that these estimates assume no significant behavioural changes on the part of the remuneration practices of employers. Indeed, the removal of the exemption would impose additional costs on employers and could potentially deter companies from making investments and locating jobs in Ireland.

Michael McGrath

Question:

75 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be foregone from eliminating the stamp duty on share transactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35339/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer from elimination of Stamp Duty on share transactions, by reference to the expected 2011 outturn, is estimated to be in the region of €181 million.

Michael McGrath

Question:

76 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised from ending the exemption from PRSI and universal social charge for save as you earn schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35340/11]

In Budget 2011, a charge to PRSI and the universal social charge (USC) on share based remuneration was announced. In the recent Jobs Initiative, I announced the abolition of the charge to employer PRSI. The employee PRSI charge and the USC will continue to apply.

At Budget time, it was estimated that the charge to employer and employee PRSI on save-as-you-earn schemes would yield approximately €0.3 million in a full year. Based on this figure, ending the exemption from employer PRSI would yield approximately €220,000 in a full year.

Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 61.

School Accommodation

Brian Walsh

Question:

78 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding for a permanent additional classroom will be provided for a school (details supplied) in County Galway instead of the rental of a prefab classroom for an indefinite period, which has been approved, in view of the modest cost of construction compared to the long-term cost of the rented prefab. [35215/11]

My Department agreed in principle to an application by the school, referred to by the Deputy, for additional accommodation on the basis of an expected increase in enrolments and an associated increase in the teaching staffing numbers. However as the teaching post concerned has not been approved due to the projected increase in enrolments not materialising, the approval conveyed to the school in respect of the additional accommodation has been withdrawn. The school has been advised accordingly.

Higher Education Grants

Brian Walsh

Question:

79 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be approved for a student grant. [35218/11]

The processing of student grants is carried out by local grant awarding authorities — VECs and local authorities. In the circumstances, it will be necessary for the student in question to contact her grant awarding authority to ascertain the position regarding her grant application.

Schools Refurbishment

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

80 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35219/11]

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy recently made an application to my Department for Emergency Works. This application is being assessed by my Department and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome in due course.

Higher Education Grants

Brian Walsh

Question:

81 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of changes to both the economy and the jobs market which have required persons to retrain and adapt in accordance with demand, he will consider removing the qualification criterion for student grants that currently precludes applicants from receiving funding in respect of a degree at the same level of that which they have already attained. [35220/11]

In general, students who previously pursued a course of study are not eligible for grant assistance for a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. Subject to the conditions of the student grant scheme, grants are available where students are progressing to a course at a higher level. The objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one qualification at each level of study.

I have no plans to change the current arrangements. Any such proposal would have to be considered in light of existing resources and other competing demands in the education sector. However, the students to which the Deputy refers may be eligible for tax relief for their tuition fees. Details in relation to this are available on www.revenue.ie.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

82 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements that will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who has 12 weeks’ work experience to complete before qualifying as a carpenter and has completed all the necessary education components of the FÁS apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35237/11]

I am informed by FÁS that in order to qualify as a Carpenter/Joiner craftsperson, an apprentice must be employed by a FÁS approved employer and complete all seven alternating on-the-job and off-the-job phases of their apprenticeship, which is a minimum of four years (208 weeks) in duration from the date of registration, as well as achieving the qualifying standard throughout their apprenticeship.

I understand that according to FÁS apprenticeship records, the person in question requires another 22 weeks, including Phase 7 in employment with a FÁS approved employer in order to qualify as a craftsperson.

The person in question would be strongly advised to contact his FÁS Training Adviser, Ms Shirley Moran, Mobile Number: 057 9324515, to discuss the options available to him. FÁS will make every effort to assist him in his efforts to complete his apprenticeship.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

83 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35248/11]

My Department does not lease any office properties. The leasing of Government offices and properties is the responsibility of the Property Management Services in the Office of Public Works, which acts as an agent for all Government Departments. The number, terms and cost of the leases is a matter for the OPW.

Schools Building Projects

Brendan Smith

Question:

84 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provision for new schools and school building works for Dublin South West under the recently announced capital programme; if he will outline the projects to be assisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35270/11]

The Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework published on the 10th of November includes an allocation for education capital of just over €2.2bn over the five years of the plan — an average annual allocation of just over €440m.

Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 between now and 2018 (over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary) and will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary level.

The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place.

It is within this context that earlier this year I announced that up to 40 new schools are to be established nationally within the next six years, comprising of twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools. Of these, 18 will be in the Dublin area, 12 of which will be primary and 6 post primary schools.

I have previously committed to publishing details of the 2012 school building programme next month. Early in the new year, I will publish a five year plan outlining the projects to be constructed in that time.

Higher Education Grants

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

85 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on an application for a special maintenance grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35286/11]

The processing of student grants is carried out by local grant awarding authorities — VECs and local authorities. In the circumstances, it will be necessary for the student in question to contact his grant awarding authority to ascertain the position regarding his grant application.

Schools Building Projects

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

86 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed new secondary community school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35297/11]

The school referred to by the Deputy was included in the School Building Programme, announced early in 2011, for completion of the brief and subsequent appointment of a design team. The brief for the project will be concluded shortly and the tender process for the appointment of a design team will then commence. My Department has recently been in contact with the school regarding the progression of the project.

Departmental Staff

Michael McGrath

Question:

87 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of employees across the third level sector earning €100,000 or more; the number earning €125,000 or more; the number earning €150,000 or more; and the number earning €200,000 or more. [35318/11]

The information requested is being collated at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Higher Education Grants

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

88 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding postgraduate cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35342/11]

Brendan Smith

Question:

89 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that financial support for post-graduate students will continue to be available for students commencing courses in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35347/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.

The Deputies will appreciate that the preparation of the Estimates for any Budget is carried out on a strictly confidential basis. Therefore, I am unable to comment on the issue to which they refer.

However, in the context of the current economic circumstances, difficult choices will have to be made by Government to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. Changes to the student grant scheme cannot be ruled out on this basis.

Despite the need for major fiscal rectitude, I will try to protect, to the greatest extent possible, the most disadvantaged students in further and higher education.

Schools Building Projects

Timmy Dooley

Question:

90 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the list of new schools in County Clare to be constructed by 2017 as outlined in the recent review of capital spending published recently. [35373/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

91 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the list of schools in County Clare to be refurbished by 2017 as outlined in the review of capital spending published recently. [35374/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.

The Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10th November 2011, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years.

Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 between now and 2018 (over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary) and will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary level. The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools, including in Co Clare, to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place.

I have previously committed to publishing details next month of the school building projects, both new schools and extensions, to be constructed in 2012. Early in the new year, I will publish a five year plan outlining the projects, concerned, to be constructed in that time.

Bullying in Schools

Denis Naughten

Question:

92 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to facilitate the uptake of a programme (details supplied) within the school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35382/11]

Under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, all schools are required to have in place a Code of Behaviour and this code must be drawn up in accordance with the guidelines of the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). The NEWB guidelines were issued to schools in 2008 and make it clear that each school must have policies to prevent or address bullying and harassment and schools must make clear in their code of behaviour that bullying is unacceptable. The guidelines further state that as well as making explicit that bullying is prohibited in the school, and having an anti-bullying policy, the code of behaviour should indicate what action the school will take in relation to alleged breaches of the school's bullying policy.

Every school therefore must have in place a policy, within the framework of the school's overall school code of behaviour, which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools. Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address allegations of bullying.

My Department has issued Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.

As a further aid to post-primary schools my Department published in 2007 a template that can be used by post-primary schools in developing an anti-bullying policy. The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it also takes account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying. The Deputy will also be aware that the education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. Other measures in place include the Webwise Internet Safety Initiative, the EU Safer Internet Programme campaign and the establishment of the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) which is currently working with over 80 post-primary schools to promote and support positive student behaviour.

Individual schools have autonomy to determine whether they wish to supplement or support the school's work in the area of anti-bullying with other external resources/materials as appropriate.

Higher Education Grants

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if and when a higher education grant will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35433/11]

The processing and payment of student grants is carried out by local grant awarding authorities — VECs and local authorities. In the circumstances, it will be necessary for the student in question to contact his grant awarding authority to ascertain the position regarding his grant application.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

94 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions while currently employed in a public body or State agency or both. [35784/11]

I can confirm to the Deputy that there is one retired secretary general currently employed by a State agency under the aegis of my Department. The individual concerned took up a post in the Higher Education and Training Awards Council in January 2002 following open competition. The officer concerned has no entitlement to an additional public service pension in respect of this position with HETAC and standard pension-related abatement rules apply.

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

95 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the names of agencies which provide staff for the public sector; the services they provide; the cost to the State of those services; the numbers of staff they provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35795/11]

My Department does not have any contractual arrangements with employment agencies for staffing services. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is an independent body established under the Public Service Management Act 2004 to provide recruitment, assessment and selection services for the Civil Service. My Department engages PAS when required to recruit administrative and non-administrative staff for the Department.

In relation to State agencies that come within the remit of my Department this information is not readily available. I have requested officials at my Department to contact the bodies concerned in order to clarify the position. I will forward the information to the Deputy in due course.

Flood Relief

Michael McGrath

Question:

96 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a certain flood relief project (details supplied); and if he will confirm when a decision on funding is expected. [35277/11]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has met with Cork County Council to discuss the works proposed for Ballinhassig. On foot of this meeting, further information pertaining to the proposal is currently awaited from the Council.

When this information is received, the OPW will give further consideration to the proposal. A decision will be made on the application as soon as possible thereafter.

Tax Code

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

97 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the structural arrangements in place to facilitate Oireachtas Members not taking their full salary; the number of Oireachtas Members availing of any such arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35293/11]

The procedure for Members of the Oireachtas to waive all or part of their salary entitlements is facilitated under Section 483 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 which provides for a gift of the amount concerned to be made to the Minister for Finance for use for any purpose for or towards the cost of which public moneys are provided. There are currently 36 members of the Oireachtas who are availing of the waiver facility. This number includes those members affected by the Government Decision on taking office in March 2011 to reduce the salaries of An Taoiseach, Ministers and other senior Office holders. These reductions have been applied on an administrative basis pending passage of the necessary legislation giving statutory effect to the reductions. This legislation will be published shortly.

Departmental Funding

Michael McGrath

Question:

98 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected departmental receipts, appropriations-in-aid, for 2011 by Department and by category of receipt within each Department. [35305/11]

I would refer the Deputy to the table on pages 16 and 17 of the Revised Estimates Volume 2011 published in July this year which lists the 2011 estimate of appropriations in aid by Vote. Part III of each Vote's estimates for supply service contains more details in regard to the category of receipts.

National Lottery Licence

Timmy Dooley

Question:

99 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to hold an open contest for the national lottery licence in advance of the expiry of the current arrangement with An Post at the end of 2011. [35368/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

100 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide all details relating to the proposal to obtain an upfront payment as a condition of the issuance of the next national lottery licence, including written communications of all consultation between departmental officials and external advisers or consultants or personnel of, or agents on behalf of, the current licenceholder. [35369/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

101 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to permit the next licenceholder of the national lottery to offer a daily draw game as a component of the game offering. [35370/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

102 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to permit the next holder of the national lottery licence to offer lottery or bingo style games played at modern casinos and offered as a game by some State lotteries. [35371/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

103 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the legislative instrument he intends to use to ring-fence the upfront payment from the issuance of the national lottery licence to provide for the State’s contribution to the construction of the national children’s hospital. [35390/11]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

104 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual increase in the national lottery returns he is forecasting as a result of the proposed changes to the National Lottery licence scheme. [35391/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 104, inclusive, together.

The existing licence to operate the National Lottery is due to expire shortly and my Department has been actively examining how best to maximise the return on the next licence for the benefit of the people. As an interim arrangement, the Government has decided to extend the current licence to mid-2013 in order to allow time for the holding of a competition for the award of a new licence. It has been the considered approach for some time that a competitive and transparent process is the best approach underpinning the issuance of a new licence and the precise arrangements for the competition are currently under consideration.

The expiry of the present licence to operate the National Lottery presents an opportunity for the State to review matters and to make sure that the structure of the new licence responds to our present and future needs. This could be achieved through acquiring a significant upfront fee or payment for the new licence, while retaining a condition for significant annual revenues to continue to be allocated towards good causes. It is the Government's desire to use the upfront payment to help fund the National Children's Hospital.

As I set out in my announcement on 10 November on the publication of the Capital Review, and again in this House yesterday in the Statements and debate on that Capital Programme, I will be bringing worked out proposals to Government in the New Year on how best we can approach this matter.

At present, it is too early in the process to comment in detail on the structure of a new licence arrangement, the legislation needed, the expected future financial performance of the Lottery or the range of games that a future licence holder might offer.

Budgetary Measures

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

105 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policy measures he intends to put in place in tandem with the Department of Finance to tackle the competing budget components of significant expenditure cuts and the continuing decline in tax revenues arising from the current and previous Government’s austerity programmes. [35358/11]

Firstly, I would point out to the Deputy that tax revenues in the period to end-October are significantly ahead of the corresponding period last year by approximately €2 billion or an increase of 8%.

As regards the composition of consolidation, the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement published on 4 November set out the aggregate fiscal consolidation path on which the Government has decided, including the tax/spend mix over the period 2012 to 2015. Our approach balances the need to narrow the deficit with the need to support the emerging economic recovery. It is vital that the State continues to show the seriousness of its intent to tackle the deficit in the public finances. The adjustment required to reduce the deficit to below 3% of GDP over the four-year period to 2015 cannot be achieved by exclusive reliance on either tax increases or expenditure cuts. I am working closely with my colleague the Minister for Finance and indeed the whole of Government on these matters. We are guided by the lessons from our past as well as the experience of other countries. The specific measures to bring about the required adjustments are being considered by the Government and our decisions will be set out in detail in the first week of December.

Local Loans Fund

Peter Mathews

Question:

106 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works sourced Small Dwelling Act loans on the open market in 1984 or if this money was provided from the Exchequer; the rate of interest that the OPW is paying on the bonds if the money was sourced on the open markets; if the Office of Public Works or the local authority it advanced money to would bear a financial cost from reducing the interest rate of 12.5% on a local authority mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35210/11]

The Local Loans Fund, of which the Small Dwelling Act forms part, raised its finance from general Exchequer borrowings in 1984 and was not sourced on the open markets.

Any reduction in the interest rate on repayments from Local Authorities to the Local Loans Fund would bear a cost to the Exchequer.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

107 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35255/11]

The Office of Public Works manages some 560 payable leases and the information requested is scheduled in the following table:

County

Property/Building Name

Landlord

RentPA €

Y = Upward Review Clause Applies

CARLOW

Carlow CRO Storage

MEALEY MURPHY FLEMING PARTNER

50,000

CARLOW

Carlow Education Office

FRANCIS & MARTHA DUGGAN

27,500

CARLOW

Carlow Gov Off Church St

MR K & MR J MURNANE

37,500

CARLOW

Carlow Prob & Wel Service

ROBERT & MARY QUINN

18,030

CARLOW

Carlow Temp Decent Off (D/ETE)

MEALEY MURPHY FLEMING PARTNER

369,436

Y

CARLOW

Carlow Vehicle Reg Off

EDDIE ROBERTS

60,968

CARLOW

Tullow CWS

ROBERT CONNOLLY

13,008

CAVAN

Bailieboro SWO

MICHAEL GILES

13,250

CAVAN

Cavan CWS

DAVID McCORMACK

48,400

CAVAN

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

C & P PROPERTIES

24,684

CAVAN

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

CATHAL BRADY

21,313

CAVAN

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

CATHAL BRADY

34,188

CAVAN

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

THOMAS McDWYER

18,959

CAVAN

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

THOMAS McDWYER

38,750

CAVAN

Cavan Gov Off Newcourt Shop Ctre

NOEL&KATERINE ELLIOT

122,200

CAVAN

Cavan Rear 65 Main St

DECLAN YOUNG

21,000

CAVAN

Dowra GS Shannon Bridge

NOEL & BRIDIE KEEGAN

11,440

CLARE

Crusheen GS + MQ

JOHN & BREDA GALVIN

25,000

Y

CLARE

Ennis Education Office

AUSTIN SLATTERY

35,000

CLARE

Ennis Education Office

BRIAN McCARTHY

35,000

CLARE

Ennis Justice Welfare

ML & JOAN HOULIHAN

13,205

CLARE

Kilrush Decentral.Revenue Off.

BREW,QUELLY,REIDY KEATING & SFDC

85,050

Y

CLARE

Kilrush SWO

PATRICIA M McMAHON

1,651

CLARE

Shannon Customs & Excise

DUBLIN AIRPORT

19,692

CLARE

Shannon Driving Test Centre

MS ANN MAHER

4,950

CLARE

Westpark Bus.Camp Build 4000

WESTPARK SHANNON LTD

32,480

CORK

Ballycotton GS

PATRICK J ABERNETHY

8,888

CORK

Bandon School Inspectors Office

DESSI LIGHTNING

26,750

CORK

Bandon SWO

DESSI LIGHTNING

15,300

CORK

Bantry Customs and Excise

MARJORIE O’DWYER

28,000

CORK

Bantry SWO — 6 Main Street

BRENDAN & CATHERINE O’SULLIVAN

5,000

CORK

Bantry SWO — 7 Main Strret

MARK O’SULLIVAN

24,000

Y

CORK

Blarney GS

CHARLES ST J COLTHURST

26,750

Y

CORK

Carrigaline DSFA Office

MICHAEL O’CRUALAOI & JOHN ROBERT HILLIARD

103,940

Y

CORK

Carrigtwohill GS + MQ

MRS MARY BURCHILL

15,000

CORK

Castletownbere SWO

JAMES O’SULLIVAN

12,220

CORK

Clonakilty CWS

SEAMUS & CATHERINE O’BRIEN

10,200

CORK

Clonakilty SWO

SEAN AHERN

9,500

CORK

2B Drinan Street CWS

JOE McCARTHY

16,000

CORK

Cork Airport CSO

DUBLIN AIRPORT

2,295

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

THOMAS McCARTHY JNR & MICHELLE McCARTHY

11,700

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

THOMAS McCARTHY JNR & MICHELLE McCARTHY

41,400

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

THOMAS McCARTHY JNR & MICHELLE McCARTHY

43,940

Y

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

THOMAS McCARTHY JNR & MICHELLE McCARTHY

48,000

Y

CORK

Cork C&E Centre Park House

THOMAS McCARTHY JNR & MICHELLE McCARTHY

110,000

Y

CORK

Cork C&E Centrepoint

TEMPLEFORD LIMITED

3,500

CORK

Cork C&E Centrepoint

TEMPLEFORD LIMITED

39,875

CORK

Cork Crawford Hall Car Park

ANMOUNT INVESTMENTS LTD

57,000

CORK

Cork DAF Cityhall Carpark

Q-PARK MANAGEMENT

40,000

CORK

Cork Education Office

JOSEPH LANE HOLDINGS

240,000

CORK

Cork Eglinton St C/P

INTEGRIS MNGT SERVICES

3,951

CORK

Cork Environment Office

FOOD SAFETY

76,774

Y

CORK

Cork Gov Off Connolly Hall

SIPTU

17,000

CORK

Cork Gov Off Connolly Hall

SIPTU

28,000

CORK

Cork Gov Off Doughcloyne

P J & M A QUINN

42,158

Y

CORK

Cork Gov Off Hibernian House

AVIVA INSURANCE

20,677

CORK

Cork Gov Off Hibernian House

AVIVA INSURANCE

21,000

CORK

Cork Gov Off Hibernian House

AVIVA TRUSTEE COMPANY

321,500

CORK

Cork Gov Off Irish Life Bldg

DENIS & DANIEL O’FLYNN

14,250

CORK

Cork Gov Off Irish Life Bldg

DENIS & DANIEL O’FLYNN

61,448

Y

CORK

Cork Gov Off Irish Life Bldg

DENIS & DANIEL O’FLYNN

69,915

Y

CORK

Cork Gov Off Irish Life Bldg

DENIS & DANIEL O’FLYNN

190,800

CORK

Cork Gov Off Irish Life Bldg

DENIS & DANIEL O’FLYNN

205,933

CORK

Cork HIQA Decent Office

JOHN CLEARY DEVELOPMENTS

370,420

CORK

Cork Marine Office

ACORN TO OAK TREE BUSINESS FACILITIES LTD

41,478

CORK

Cork Marine Office

CADO SYSTEMS

53,320

Y

CORK

Cork Marine Office

CADO SYSTEMS

58,500

Y

CORK

Cork Marine Office

MINI STORAGE LTD

6,263

CORK

Cork Prob & Wel Serv Cove St

JOHN F SUPPLE AND JACK CALLAN

300,368

CORK

Cork Prob & Wel Serv Cove St

PROPCOM LTD

13,200

CORK

Cork Prob & Wel Serv Grattan St

CORK CORPORATION

9,523

CORK

Cork Rev Store Boland Ind Est

PUREFRESH FRUIT

73,750

CORK

Cork SWO — ESB Premises

E S B

120,000

Y

CORK

Cork Tivoli Gov Offices

PORT OF CORK COMPANY

1,650

CORK

Glanmire GS

MS MARIE McMANUS

21,000

CORK

Drimoleague GS + MQ

MS MARIE KINGSTON

6,500

CORK

Drinagh GS

ANNE O’DONOVAN

6,720

CORK

Dunmanway CWS

MARTIN & SHEILA MAYBURY

8,000

CORK

Dunmanway SWO/CSO Office

MRS EILEEN COAKLEY

15,250

CORK

Fermoy Education Office

AUDREY BAYLOR

3,500

CORK

Fermoy OPW Storage

DAVID RYAN

31,280

CORK

Fermoy SWO — Connolly Street

DR CHARLES & ANN

9,000

Y

CORK

Kinsale Old Head MES

MRS BRIGID O’REGAN

1,397

CORK

Macroom Bowl Road SWO

JOHN & CATH. WHITE

11,400

CORK

Mallow Farm Devopment Service

D K P HOLDINGS LTD

8,250

CORK

Mallow SWO (New)

DONAL McAULIFFE

79,422

CORK

Youghal SWO — Main Street

PAUL & ANNE MURRAY

12,000

DONEGAL

Ballybofey SWO

MS SUSAN McGONAGLE

15,000

DONEGAL

Ballybofey Temp GS

SEAMUS QUINN CONSTRUCTION LTD

25,178

DONEGAL

Ballintra GS + MQ

GEORGE HAMMOND

1,981

DONEGAL

Ballyshannon Marine Office

JOHN MURRAY

10,234

DONEGAL

Ballyshannon Maritime Office

DONAL KELLY

25,000

Y

DONEGAL

Ballyshannon Maritime Office

DONAL KELLY

3,380

DONEGAL

Bunbeg Temp G.S. Pagoda Building

ÚDARÁS NA GAELTACHTA

13,347

DONEGAL

Dunfanaghy SWO

WILLIAM ARNOLD

22,000

DONEGAL

Falcarragh CWS

MARY GALLAGHER

6,786

DONEGAL

Falcarragh SWO

MARY McGARVEY

10,400

DONEGAL

Glenties Marine Forestry Off

MARTIN REGAN

7,000

DONEGAL

Greencastle Marine Office

FOYLE FISHERMENS CO-OP SOCIETY LTD

2,311

DONEGAL

Gweedore Comm/Rural/Gae Affairs

ÚDARÁS NA GAELTACHTA

15,016

DONEGAL

Killybegs CWS

MICHAEL MURPHY

5,750

DONEGAL

Killybegs Government Office

SEAN & ANNE RODGERS

12,000

DONEGAL

Letterkenny HGV Facility

DROMORE DEVELOPMENTS

7,800

DONEGAL

Letterkenny Customs & Excise Store

GEORGE BOAL

17,827

DONEGAL

Letterkenny Driving Test Centre

P J DOHERTY &SON LTD

15,000

Y

DONEGAL

Letterkenny Education Office

P J DOHERTY &SON LTD

41,896

DONEGAL

Letterkenny Gov Off Car Park

LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL

10,158

DONEGAL

Letterkenny OPW Store

GEORGE BOAL

4,800

DONEGAL

Letterkenny Prob/Wel Main St

PATK & ANNE GALLAGHER

80,000

DONEGAL

Letterkenny Revenue Office

PATK & SALLY DUNION

58,000

DONEGAL

Moville Education Office

H & C McGUINNESS

9,500

DONEGAL

Ramelton GS + MQ

McLOUGHAN GUNN & CO

17,800

DUBLIN

Balbriggan DSP Office Temp

McENANEY CONSTRUCTION LTD

49,588

DUBLIN

Balbriggan Passport Office

SANDYMOUNT P’SHIP RECEIVER

390,000

Y

DUBLIN

Blackrock Trident House

ACTIVE FACILITIES & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

678,500

DUBLIN

Cabinteely GS

PATRICK CADDEN

34,000

Y

DUBLIN

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

LIAM & ROISIN CARROLL

211,542

Y

DUBLIN

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

LIAM & ROISIN CARROLL

672,176

Y

DUBLIN

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

LIAM & ROISIN CARROLL

994,570

Y

DUBLIN

Abbey Street Upper 26 — 30

LIAM & ROISIN CARROLL

1,206,097

Y

DUBLIN

Amiens Street (Gandon House)

GANDON PROPERTY LTD

68,751

DUBLIN

Amiens Street (Gandon House)

GANDON PROPERTY LTD

455,303

DUBLIN

Amiens Street (Gandon House)

GANDON PROPERTY LTD

596,447

DUBLIN

Arran Quay (Arran Court)

LINDERS OF SMITHFIELD LTD

165,337

Y

DUBLIN

Bond Road Revenue Warehouse

HENRY A CROSBIE (CONTAINERS) LTD

733,092

DUBLIN

Capel Street 89 -94

ALEXION (PROPCO) LIMITED

689,322

Y

DUBLIN

Custom House Dublin Port

DUBLIN PORT COMPANY

80,000

DUBLIN

Dublin Port Garda Car Park

DUBLIN PORT COMPANY

12,740

DUBLIN

Frederick St North Frederick Crt

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

702,000

DUBLIN

Gardiner Street Upper 77

DAVE WALSH

201,190

Y

DUBLIN

Great Strand St Millennium Hse

LIAM & ROISIN CARROLL

265,675

Y

DUBLIN

Irish Life Centre Block 1

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

215,000

DUBLIN

Irish Life Centre Block 1

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

970,000

DUBLIN

Irish Life Centre Block 2

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

1,335,000

Y

DUBLIN

Irish Life Centre Block 5/7

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

1,110,000

Y

DUBLIN

Irish Life Centre Block D E & F

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

900,000

Y

DUBLIN

Kings Inn House SWO

VAULT CMBS NOMINEE LTD (IN RECE)

208,275

Y

DUBLIN

Kings Inn House SWO

VAULT CMBS NOMINEE LTD (IN RECE)

558,200

Y

DUBLIN

Marlborough St Car Park Educat

Q-PARK MANAGEMENT

306,963

DUBLIN

O’Connell St 29-32

TURSON LIMITED

345,000

DUBLIN

Parnell Sq 13-15 Parnell House

ALSTEAD SECURITIES

1,830,000

DUBLIN

Parnell Sq 16

ALSTEAD SECURITIES

1,493,645

Y

DUBLIN

Parnell St Parnell Busines Cntr

PASCAL CONROY

45,802

DUBLIN

Parnell St Parnell Cntr Car Pk

PARK RITE LIMITED

54,720

DUBLIN

Parnell St Parnell Cntr Car Pk

PARK RITE LIMITED

53,352

DUBLIN

Revenue Scanner Store

HENRY A CROSBIE (CONTAINERS LTD)

18,000

DUBLIN

Talbot Street 37 Car Pk

RIPLEY COURT HOTEL

50,000

DUBLIN

Adelaide Rd 65A (Davitt House)

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

1,680,000

DUBLIN

Adelaide Rd Earl Court Car Par

EARL COURT MANAGEMENT

20,316

DUBLIN

Adelaide Road 29-31

ANGLO IRISH ASSURANCE CO LTD

2,970,000

Y

DUBLIN

Andrew St 10-12

MICHAEL MULLERY

340,000

DUBLIN

Bishops Square

BELLTRAP LTD

1,120,000

Y

DUBLIN

Bishops Square

BELLTRAP LTD

1,495,500

Y

DUBLIN

Bishops Square

BELLTRAP LTD

1,525,000

Y

DUBLIN

Charlemont Street CWS

JOHN MEAGHER

50,000

DUBLIN

Clare Street 12

THOMAS H BACON

112,500

Y

DUBLIN

Clonmel Street [Clonmel Place]

ASPENWAY PROPERTIES LTD

804,500

Y

DUBLIN

Corn Exchange CWS

MICHAEL LAVELLE & DAVID COLEMAN

85,000

DUBLIN

Dawson St 18A Royal Irish Acad

REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF CHURCH OF IRELAND

41,900

DUBLIN

D’Olier Street (D’Olier House)

DUBLIN CITY ESTATES

1,085,626

DUBLIN

Drury Street Car Park

ERASER PARTNERSHIP

112,000

DUBLIN

Earlsfort Tce St Steph Gr Hse

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

205,270

DUBLIN

Earlsfort Tce St Steph Gr Hse

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

365,000

DUBLIN

Earlsfort Tce St Steph Gr Hse

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

1,024,229

DUBLIN

Earlsfort Terrace Earl Ctr Blk

AVIVA LIFE & PENSIONS IRELAND

150,000

Y

DUBLIN

Earlsfort Terrace Earl Ctr Blk C

CANADA LIFE

1,210,000

DUBLIN

East Essex Street Dolphin House

DOLPHIN PROPERTY

655,000

Y

DUBLIN

Ely Place 7-8 Ely Court

KNIGHTS OF SAINT COLUMBANUS

711,323

Y

DUBLIN

Fenian Street Car Park

DELVIEW LTD

32,750

DUBLIN

Frederick St South Frederick Hse

NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE CO LTD

197,200

DUBLIN

Harcourt Road 4-5

HALFPIPE LIMITED

1,260,000

DUBLIN

Harcourt Road Dun Sceine

ALCOVE PROPERTIES LIMITED

850,000

Y

DUBLIN

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 1

PECAN PROPERTIES LTD

1,300,000

Y

DUBLIN

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 2

ALVERGOLD LIMITED

1,832,500

Y

DUBLIN

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 3

PECAN PROPERTIES LTD

1,278,800

Y

DUBLIN

Harcourt Sq Garda Block 4

VALUE EQUIPMENT LTD

417,250

Y

DUBLIN

Harcourt St Harcourt Cntre Blk 2

IRISH AIRLINES

228,500

Y

DUBLIN

Harcourt Street 75-78

HAZELDALE LIMITED

1,010,000

DUBLIN

Hatch Street 13-15

BAVARIAN IMPORT LTD

460,000

DUBLIN

Holles Street Holbrook House

HOLBROOK HOUSE PROPERTIES LTD.

174,000

Y

DUBLIN

Kildare Street 43-44

SETANTA CENTRE

1,174,500

DUBLIN

Leeson Street Lower Ossory House

AVIVA LIFE & PENSIONS IRELAND

900,000

Y

DUBLIN

Leinster St Sth 6-9 Phoenix Hse

TRINITY COLLEGE

218,000

DUBLIN

Lombard St East 8-11 Joyce Hse

DERMOT KING

560,000

Y

DUBLIN

Merrion Row 2-4

ROYAL LIVER

472,500

Y

DUBLIN

Merrion Square 24

MARTIN & VERA KEANE

269,000

DUBLIN

Mespil Road 43-49

F A S

1,637,756

DUBLIN

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

IRISH AIRLINES

1,145,000

Y

DUBLIN

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

JONES LANG LASALLE

114,388

Y

DUBLIN

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

Q PARK

55,041

DUBLIN

Molesworth St Gov Publications

SHELBOURNE PROPERTIES LTD

80,000

DUBLIN

Mount St Lr 73-79 Ballaugh House

IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST

933,500

Y

DUBLIN

Mount St Lr 79-83 Timberlay Hse

IRISH PROPERTY UNIT TRUST

1,149,616

DUBLIN

Mount St Upr 36

CHARLES & IMELDA KELLY

200,000

Y

DUBLIN

Mount Street Lower 85-93

LOCHLANN QUINN

1,743,000

DUBLIN

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

SETANTA CENTRE

278,600

DUBLIN

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

SETANTA CENTRE

469,680

Y

DUBLIN

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

SETANTA CENTRE

716,000

DUBLIN

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

SETANTA CENTRE

792,144

DUBLIN

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

SETANTA CENTRE

797,940

DUBLIN

Nassau St Special Olympics

DEREK SHARKEY

87,622

DUBLIN

Pearse St 212-213 Oisín House

THE PROVOST FELLOWS

1,120,000

DUBLIN

Revenue Castleview Georges st

DUNNES STORES

105,000

DUBLIN

Revenue Castleview Georges st

SILVERWOOD DEVELOPMENTS LTD

1,827,522

Y

DUBLIN

St Stephens Gr 67-71Hainault Hse

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

600,000

DUBLIN

St Stephens Gr 94

HELEN & JAMES CORMICAN

408,000

Y

DUBLIN

St Stephens Gr 94

HELEN & JAMES CORMICAN

612,000

Y

DUBLIN

St Stephens Gr Car Park

Q PARK

41,152

DUBLIN

Statoil Building

MASONIC TRUST COMPANY

9,523

DUBLIN

Statoil Building

MASONIC TRUST COMPANY

215,000

DUBLIN

Tara Street Apollo House

CUPRUM PROPERTIES LTD

185,600

DUBLIN

Tara Street Apollo House

CUPRUM PROPERTIES LTD

453,120

Y

DUBLIN

Tara Street Apollo House

CUPRUM PROPERTIES LTD

560,750

Y

DUBLIN

Townsend St College Hse Car Pk

COLLEGE HOLDING & PROPERTY CO LIMITED

97,500

DUBLIN

Townsend St College Hse Car Pk

R I C PROPERTY MGT LTD

53,964

DUBLIN

Wilton Place Fitzwilton House

IRISH PROPERTY UNIT

205,500

DUBLIN

Dublin Port Crosbies Yard DAF

CROSBIE PROPERTY

71,800

DUBLIN

East Wall PVII

MOLLOY & SHERRY EIRFREEZE LTD

278,000

DUBLIN

Claremont Road Revenue Office

MANDON LIMITED

655,000

DUBLIN

Shelbourne Rd 21Shelbourne Hse

J FRANK & MYLES & JASON O’MALLEY

1,018,000

Y

DUBLIN

Waterloo Road St Martins House

FRIENDS FIRST LIFE

570,000

Y

DUBLIN

Kilbarrack SWO

MARK WALTERS

145,500

DUBLIN

Raheny DTC

ASSETS OF S.SLOYAN(IN RECEIVER)

60,000

Y

DUBLIN

Canal Road (Canal House)

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS PENSION SCH

370,000

Y

DUBLIN

Rathgar Driving Test Centre

REDEMPTORIST FATHERS

78,500

DUBLIN

Rathmines CSO Car Park

LEINSTER CRICKET CLUB

32,000

DUBLIN

Blackhall Plce Smithwick Tribu

NDMG PROPERTIES LTD

333,000

DUBLIN

Bow Street Gov Office

DANNINGER (RECEIVERSHIP)

450,000

Y

DUBLIN

Lighthouse Cinema

THE LIGHTHOUSE CINEMA

72,600

DUBLIN

Navan Road Ashtowngate

FRIENDS FIRST LIFE

1,550,000

DUBLIN

Navan Road Ashtowngate Block B

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

254,401

Y

DUBLIN

North Circular Road Park House

SOLDUS REALTY LTD

92,778

Y

DUBLIN

North Circular Road Park House

SOLDUS REALTY LTD

340,000

DUBLIN

Nth King St 90 Georges Court

DANNINGER (RECEIVERSHIP)

655,940

Y

DUBLIN

Nth King St 90 Georges Court

DANNINGER (RECEIVERSHIP)

1,353,509

Y

DUBLIN

Ormond Quay Ormond House

NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE CO LTD

282,750

Y

DUBLIN

Ormond Quay Upper 19

ROBIN A PEILOW

99,000

DUBLIN

Smithfield Off of Film Class

JOSEPH & PATRICK LINDERS

255,955

Y

DUBLIN

Smithfield Probation Service

LINDERS OF SMITHFIELD LTD

1,207,670

DUBLIN

Christchurch Car Park

PARK RITE LIMITED

56,392

DUBLIN

Christchurch Car Park

PARK RITE LIMITED

62,328

DUBLIN

Conyngham Road Phoenix House

RYANAIR LIMITED

365,000

Y

DUBLIN

Garden Lane Prob/Welfare Off

DANNINGER (RECEIVERSHIP)

55,980

Y

DUBLIN

Mountshannon Rd Fur Br Off Block

SHARKEY & MAHER

460,000

Y

DUBLIN

Ph/Pk Garda HQ Portacabins

VIVIDALE LIMITED

11,984

DUBLIN

South Circular Road CWS

ELIZABETH MCARDLE

35,000

DUBLIN

The Chancery Building

GRAHAM QUINN, JOHN FLEMING & TOM PHILLIPS

543,880

Y

DUBLIN

Thomas Street 126 — 7

THE BUCKLEY PARTNERSHIP

244,000

DUBLIN

Whitefriar Street Car Park

CARMELITE PRIORY

60,750

DUBLIN

Airways Industrial Estate

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

290,000

Y

DUBLIN

Santry Revenue Warehouse/Office

ANTHONY DUFFY

400,000

DUBLIN

Ballyfermot Prob & Wel Service

MARY McGRATH

39,500

Y

DUBLIN

Ballymun GS + RAX

DUBLIN CORPORATION

3,175

DUBLIN

Finglas Driv Test Ctr+Rev Store

MARSHALSEA PROPERTY

42,480

DUBLIN

Finglas Driv Test Ctr+Rev Store

MARSHALSEA PROPERTY

45,520

Y

DUBLIN

Finglas Driving Test Yard

MARSHALSEA PROPERTY

120,000

Y

DUBLIN

Finglas Finance Storage

B & M MURPHY

72,500

Y

DUBLIN

Finglas Prob&Welfare Service

MARUMBA PROPS LTD

66,000

Y

DUBLIN

Finglas Shopping Centre FÁS

MARUMBA PROPS LTD

39,500

DUBLIN

Jamestown Business Park Unit 38

MARSHALSEA PROPERTY

231,000

Y

DUBLIN

Park West Business Park Block 43

AIRSCAPE LIMITED

7,111

DUBLIN

Park West Business Park Block 43

AIRSCAPE LIMITED

212,586

Y

DUBLIN

Park West Ind Est Unit 4

LEAMORE LIMITED

180,000

Y

DUBLIN

Donaghmede Prob/Welfare Service

LINDAT LIMITED

160,000

DUBLIN

Churchtown Driving Test Centre

KIERAN, FEHAN & BARRY FLOOD

13,800

DUBLIN

Clonskeagh Belfield Office Park

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

1,160,000

DUBLIN

Nutgrove SWO

PERCY NOMINEES LTD

144,480

DUBLIN

Blanchardstown Gov Off

COSGRAVE PROPERTY

638,678

Y

DUBLIN

Blanchardstown Gov Office

HALTHEM LIMITED

157,907

DUBLIN

Blanchardstown Gov Office

HALTHEM LIMITED

157,907

DUBLIN

Blanchardstown Marine W/hse/Off

IBI PROPERTY NOMINEES LIMITED

250,000

DUBLIN

Sandyford Furze Road

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

255,000

Y

DUBLIN

Sandyford Ind Est Geolog W/house

SANDYFORD PROPERTIES LTD

260,000

DUBLIN

Clondalkin Education Office

FRANK HEGARTY

25,000

DUBLIN

Clondalkin Education Office

P MANGAN

25,000

DUBLIN

Clondalkin SWO Ninth Lock Rd

MARSULE CONSTRUCTION LTD

215,000

Y

DUBLIN

City West CWS

GERARD & ANNE O’MALLEY

42,350

DUBLIN

Tallaght DTC Broomhill

PREMIER HOTEL MNGT LTD

91,334

DUBLIN

Tallaght DTC Broomhill

IRISH LIFE ASSURANCE

144,248

DUBLIN

Tallaght Education Office

STH DUBLIN CO CO

113,658

DUBLIN

Tallaght Gov Off Plaza Complex

THE PLAZA HOTEL

66,372

DUBLIN

Tallaght Gov Off Plaza Complex

DECLAN TAITE RECEIVER

380,000

DUBLIN

Tallaght Gov Off Plaza Complex

DECLAN TAITE RECEIVER

500,000

DUBLIN

Tallaght Gov Off St Johns Hse

WINGMOUNT TRADING LTD

722,501

DUBLIN

Tallaght PIAB

BREYDON DEVELOPMENTS (RECEIVER)

188,554

Y

DUBLIN

Tallaght PIAB

JAMES MORRISSEY

15,200

DUBLIN

Tallaght Prob and Welf Service

LESLIE & ANTONIO KERTESZ

92,057

DUBLIN

Tallaght Revenue Commissioners

ANGATON PROPERTIES LTD

107,500

DUBLIN

Tallaght Vehicle Pound Off/W/hse

TABMAZ PARTNERSHIP

1,000,000

Y

DUBLIN

Dublin Airport International Hse

DUBLIN AIRPORT

11,308

DUBLIN

Dublin Airport Pier B

AER RIANTA

14,599

DUBLIN

Dublin Airport Pier B

DUBLIN AIRPORT

1,904

DUBLIN

Dublin Airport Terminal Building

DUBLIN AIRPORT

14,340

DUBLIN

Dublin Airport Terminal Building

DUBLIN AIRPORT

16,086

DUBLIN

Dublin Airport Transaer House

DUBLIN AIRPORT

565,235

DUBLIN

Dun Laoghaire Bloomfield C.P.

Q PARK

6,000

DUBLIN

Dun Laoghaire Garda Car Park

JOHN GLYNN

20,000

DUBLIN

Dun Laoghaire Garda Control

DUN LAOGHAIRE

10,500

DUBLIN

Dun Laoghaire Prob&Welfare Serv

DAVID PHILLIPS

85,999

Y

DUBLIN

Dun Laoghaire Vehicle Reg Off

MICHAEL C HALPENNY

47,500

DUBLIN

Lucan SWO — Chapel Hill

SEAN TOUHY

16,672

DUBLIN

Lucan SWO — Main Street

MRS GRACE O’HARA

12,697

DUBLIN

Malahide SWO

OWEN P OWENS

15,872

Y

DUBLIN

Swords Agricultural Inspectors

LINMORE PROPERTY CO LTD

8,253

Y

DUBLIN

Swords Business Campus Unit 4

CANADA LIFE

634,853

Y

DUBLIN

Swords Business Campus Unit 5/6A

CANADA LIFE ASS. (IRL)

231,444

Y

DUBLIN

Swords Business Campus Unit 5/6C

CANADA LIFE ASS. (IRL)

173,227

Y

DUBLIN

Swords Business Campus Unit 5/6D

CANADA LIFE

181,491

Y

DUBLIN

Swords Nat Mus Storage

GERARD GANNON

1,000,000

DUBLIN

Swords Temp DSFA Office

SWORDS AND DIST CREDIT UNION

30,000

GALWAY

Ballinasloe Gov Office

GODFREY GIBBONS

14,196

GALWAY

Clifden Driving Test Centre

SHARON PRENDERGAST

6,032

GALWAY

Clifden Environment Office

J MAGEE & J DUGGAN

27,500

GALWAY

Ballybane Gda Community Office

GALWAY CITY COUNCIL

6,500

GALWAY

Galway DAF Dockgate

J HUGHES & T BROWNE

922,250

Y

GALWAY

Galway Driving Test Centre

COLM O’DONNELLAN & GERRY PURCELL

31,500

GALWAY

Galway Education Office

G & M BRENNAN

90,000

GALWAY

Galway Environment Office

D FARRELL & M GILLEN

48,000

GALWAY

Galway Garda Office

PETER MELVILLE

76,000

GALWAY

Galway Garda Training

PATRICK & BRENDAN CONROY

31,420

GALWAY

Galway Gov Off Hynes Building

O’MALLEY PROPERTY LTD

222,425

Y

GALWAY

Galway Gov Off Hynes Building

O’MALLEY PROPERTY LTD

235,000

GALWAY

Galway Gov Off Ross House

EQUITY HOLDINGS

55,000

GALWAY

Galway Hynes Yard Car Park

ERASER PARTNERSHIP

5,059

GALWAY

Galway Hynes Yard Car Park

ERASER PARTNERSHIP

13,650

GALWAY

Galway Irish Water Safety

JOHN COYLE

41,722

Y

GALWAY

Galway Liosbaun Garda Unit 1B

SHAUN & PATRICK HENNELLY

25,988

Y

GALWAY

Galway Prob & Wel Serv

COLM O’DONNELLAN

27,068

Y

GALWAY

Galway Prob & Wel Serv

D & M DUNCAN

9,595

GALWAY

Galway Prob & Wel Serv

D & M DUNCAN

34,274

Y

GALWAY

Galway Revenue Fairgreen

J HUGHES & T BROWNE

1,214,221

GALWAY

Galway SWO — Island House

FAS

15,768

GALWAY

Gort SWO

TOMMY O’DONNELL

8,735

GALWAY

Kilrickle GS

DESSIE & THERESE O’BRIEN

5,200

GALWAY

Lettermore GS Temp

NICHOLAS O’CONNOR

13,000

GALWAY

Galway Millenium House

PATRICK SWEENEY

19,408

Y

GALWAY

Loughrea Agriculture Offices

SEAN KELLY & VALERIE DOLAN

26,600

GALWAY

Loughrea Agriculture Offices

VALERIE DOLAN

13,866

GALWAY

Loughrea DSFA Office

DENIS TIERNEY

20,800

GALWAY

Loughrea SWO — PMPA Building

ZACCIO LIMITED

23,000

GALWAY

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

GALWAY COUNTY CO

13,500

GALWAY

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

PATRICK SWEENEY & GABRIEL KELLY

31,225

Y

GALWAY

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

PATRICK SWEENEY & GABRIEL KELLY

51,838

Y

GALWAY

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

PATRICK SWEENEY & GABRIEL KELLY

56,188

Y

GALWAY

Maam GS Temporary

COISTE FORBARTHA AN MHAMA

4,500

GALWAY

Milltown GS + MQ

RICHARD BARRY & VERONICA MEAGAN

8,100

GALWAY

Moylough GS + MQ

PATRICK BURKE

6,603

GALWAY

Oughterard Environ Office

DESMOND WALSH

6,500

GALWAY

An Coimisinéir Teanga

ÚDARÁS NA GAELTACHTA

45,981

GALWAY

Tuam DTC

PAT & MAURICE BURKE

10,500

GALWAY

Tuam Government Offices

SEAN & MARY RHATIGAN

29,500

GALWAY

Tuam Ordnance Survey Office

MARY KEATING

22,000

KERRY

Castleisland Temp GS

MR & MRS DENIS ROCHE

7,680

KERRY

Kenmare SWO

RODGER O’SULLIVAN

19,000

KERRY

Killarney D.T.C.

KILLARNEY RACE CO LTD

40,000

Y

KERRY

Killarney Park Court

HAMPTONCOVE HLDS LTD

76,369

KERRY

Killarney Park Court

HAMPTONCOVE HOLDINGS LTD

40,000

KERRY

Killarney Park Court

HAMPTONCOVE HOLDINGS LTD

61,200

KERRY

Listowel Revenue Office

CILLDARRIG ENTERPRISES

244,924

Y

KERRY

Listowel SWO

KEVIN BARRY

81,263

KERRY

Blennerville Agri Eng Off

BRANDON BAY PROPERTIES

55,800

KERRY

Tralee Agric Warehouse

J DILLON PROPERTIES

18,325

Y

KERRY

Tralee CSO (Temp)

DECLAN O’SULLIVAN

20,500

KERRY

Tralee Education Office

DONAL & ARTHUR SPRING

69,000

KERRY

Tralee Garda Training Centre

PUREFRESH FRUIT

18,000

KERRY

Tralee Prob and Wel Service

COLM V CURNEEN

35,000

KILDARE

Athy Revenue Temp Decent Off

BERNARD BURKE JAMES MCCALL

231,554

KILDARE

Athy Social Protection Office

PATRICK O’TOOLE & EAMONN ESMONDE

32,000

KILDARE

Athy SWO

CIARAN CULLETON

12,500

KILDARE

Ballymore Eustace GS + MQ + RAX

GERARD O’NEILL

14,000

KILDARE

Enfield Jessbrook Furn. Store

FRANCIS H CASSIDY

65,000

KILDARE

Kildare Heritage Office

JOHN CONWAY

20,761

KILDARE

Naas Agric Off — Poplar House

NAVSCAN LTD

4,050

KILDARE

Naas Agric Off — Poplar House

NAVSCAN LTD

95,696

Y

KILDARE

Naas Agric Off Spring Garden Hse

THOMAS & KAY MCKENNA

41,000

KILDARE

Naas Driving Test Centre

BRIAN HIGGINS

11,000

KILDARE

Naas Gov Office

GOLDSTATE LIMITED

254,034

KILDARE

Naas SWO — Rathasker Square

GROVEWORTH

23,000

Y

KILDARE

Naas Vehicle Registration Office

THOMAS & KAY McKENNA

38,000

KILDARE

Willow Hse Millennium Pk Block 6

THOMAS CONSIDINE & PATRICK SWEENEY

119,163

Y

KILDARE

Newbridge SWO — Henry Street

PETER O’ CONNELL

20,500

KILKENNY

Ballyragget CWS

DONAL O’REGAN

10,400

KILKENNY

Thomastown CWS

DECLAN CAREY

8,400

LAOIS

Portarlington Decentral Office

PLUMHEAT LTD

73,500

Y

LAOIS

Portlaoise Agri Gandon Court

PAT & SEAN FLANAGAN

67,245

LAOIS

Portlaoise Agri Gandon Court

PAT & SEAN FLANAGAN

70,500

LAOIS

Portlaoise Agri Gandon Court

PAT & SEAN FLANAGAN

76,050

LAOIS

Portlaoise Agri Records

D DUNNE & L + M DAVIS

98,133

Y

LAOIS

Portlaoise Agric Office Eircom

EIRCOM LTD

118,000

LAOIS

Portlaoise Agric Warehouse

SEAMUS McCUSKER

107,919

Y

LAOIS

Portlaoise DAF Appeals Office

KILMINCHY HOLDINGS

84,051

Y

LAOIS

Portlaoise Environment Office

EVELYN PHELAN

9,945

LAOIS

Portlaoise Furniture Store

JOHN EGAN

1,800

LAOIS

Portlaoise Grattan Business Cent

JOHN GRACE & OTHERS C/O GL INVESTMENTS

264,640

LAOIS

Portlaoise Grattan House

JOHN GRACE / MICHAEL LALOR

46,860

LAOIS

Portlaoise Grattan House

JOHN GRACE/MICHAEL LALOR

75,000

LAOIS

Portlaoise NCCA & Equality Temp

PADDY SWEENY & THOMAS CONSIDINE

60,962

LEITRIM

Ballinamore SWO

MS MARY WRYNN

12,220

LEITRIM

Carrick-on-Shannon Dcnt SWO

LIS CARA PARTNERSHIP

800,000

Y

LIMERICK

Kilmallock SWO

A & J O’CONNELL

12,000

LIMERICK

Limerick Decent Off DFA

EVERGREEN HOTELS LTD

900,000

Y

LIMERICK

Limerick Driving Test Centre

GER & JACINTA RODAHAN

15,000

LIMERICK

Limerick DTC Dock Road

MICHAEL McMANUS

138,097

LIMERICK

Limerick Education Office

GERARD ENRIGHT

255,000

LIMERICK

Limerick Gov Off Houston Hall

PATRICK J NOONAN

373,568

Y

LIMERICK

Limerick Henry Street Garda

NOEL GALLIVAN

197,000

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

PEADAR O DUINAN

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

RORY WILLIAM O’DOWD

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

BRENDAN T HARRISON SOLR

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

COLM KENNEDY

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

ESTUARY HOUSE CONSORTIUM

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

ESTUARY HOUSE CONSORTIUM

LIMERICK

Limerick Henry Street Garda Car Pk

BRENDAN T HARRISON SOLR

13,000

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

COLM KENNEDY

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

ESTUARY HOUSE CONSORTIUM

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

ESTUARY HOUSE CONSORTIUM

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

NOEL GALLIVAN

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

PEADAR O DUINAN

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

RORY WILLIAM O’DOWD

LIMERICK

Limerick Prob/Welfare Service

O’CONNOR MURPHY GUBBINS LIMITED

45,262

LIMERICK

Limerick Prob/Welfare Service

O’CONNOR MURPHY GUBBINS LIMITED

45,262

LIMERICK

Limerick Revenue Drugs Team

LIMERICK BUSINESS SYSTEMS LTD

23,970

LIMERICK

Limerick Revenue Office

BABA EXPORTS LIMITED

615,000

LIMERICK

Limerick Revenue Warehouses

LIMERICK FRUIT SUPPLIERS HOLDINGS

38,570

LIMERICK

Limerick Revenue Warehouses

LIMERICK FRUIT SUPPLIERS HOLDINGS

39,900

LIMERICK

Limerick SWO — Plassey

SHANNON DEVELOPMENT

42,050

LIMERICK

Moyross Garda Clinic

MOYROSS COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE CNTR LTD

1,270

LIMERICK

Newcastlewest Prob/Wel Office

MARTIN MULCAHY

39,613

Y

LONGFORD

Longford CWS

JOHN & LORRAINE DENNANY

4,680

LONGFORD

Granard SWO

MAUREEN AND JOHN McNERNEY

6,603

LONGFORD

Moyne Wildlife Office

JOE DWYER

9,500

LOUTH

Ardee SWO

WILLIAM BOYLAN

14,000

LOUTH

Drogheda Agriculture Car Pk

TASIK LTD

18,150

LOUTH

Drogheda Education Office

ATLANTIC INDUSTRIES

62,000

LOUTH

Drogheda Prob & Wel Serv

ROBERT & AUDREY MURPHY

66,000

Y

LOUTH

Drogheda Prob & Wel Serv

TASIK LTD

10,588

LOUTH

Drogheda SWO Singleton House

MESTIKA LIMITED

70,533

Y

LOUTH

Drogheda SWO Car Pk Haymarket

JONS CIVIL ENGINEERING

8,800

LOUTH

Block 1 Finnabair Bus Park

THOMAS LYNCH & TIMOTHY BOLAND

82,486

LOUTH

Dundalk CWS

EASTERN PROPERTIES LTD

59,592

LOUTH

Dundalk Education Office

REGIONAL DEV. CENTRE DUNDALK INST TECH

14,544

LOUTH

Dundalk Garda Office

C I E GROUP

2,800

LOUTH

Dundalk Revenue Warehouse

PORTWAY TRAILERS LTD

130,000

MAYO

Ballina Road Safety HQ Unit 2

PATRICK KELLY &

151,641

MAYO

Ballina Road Safety HQ Unit 3

TRACY ARMSTRONG

121,250

Y

MAYO

Ballina Road Safety HQ Unit 4

PATK & VIV ARMSTRONG

121,938

Y

MAYO

Ballina Road Safety HQ Unit 5

PATRICK KELLY &

48,000

MAYO

Ballyhaunis SWO

D H BURKE GROUP

4,571

MAYO

New Ballyvary GS

ANN MARIE MALONEY

3,120

MAYO

Castlebar DTC

CASTLEBAR MITCHELS

11,500

MAYO

Castlebar Nat Ed Physch Serv

MR DAVID O’MALLEY

23,000

MAYO

Castlebar Prob/Welfare Service

PATRICK M FLANNELLY

38,260

Y

MAYO

Castlebar SWO — Humbert Mall

BRIDGE DEVELOPMENT CO LTD

38,000

MAYO

Claremorris Agriculture Office

ST COLMANS CREDIT UNION

37,000

MAYO

Claremorris SWO

MICHAEL & MAURA JOYCE

5,000

MAYO

Claremorris Temp Decent Off

JOSEPH KELLY PAUL HUNT

40,000

MAYO

Swinford DSFA Office

VINCENT GAVIN

18,840

Y

MEATH

Kells CWS

FRANCIS MULLEN

8,320

MEATH

Kells SWO

CON SWEENEY

18,500

MEATH

Cannon Row CWS 1

FRANCIS CASSERLY

32,252

MEATH

Cannon Row CWS 2

JOSEPH & SUSAN CUNNINGHAM

44,804

MEATH

Navan Athlumney House

THOMAS LYNCH & TIMOTHY BOLAND

439,921

Y

MEATH

Navan Gov Off Kilcairn

JAMES RING & GERRY O’CONNOR

573,700

Y

MEATH

Navan Revenue Abbey Mall

McLOUGHLIN ABBEY ROAD PARTNERSHIP

575,360

Y

MEATH

Navan SWO

MARIE CUSACK

230,000

Y

MEATH

Oldcastle GS + MQ

JAMES NAPER

22,000

MEATH

Trim NCSE

MEATH CO COUNCIL

87,646

MONAGHAN

Ballybay Dist Veterinary Office

GRAY BROTHERS LTD

11,428

MONAGHAN

Ballybay Livestock Office

PETER SHARPE

42,000

MONAGHAN

Carrickmacross SWO

OLIVER MARTIN

27,000

MONAGHAN

Castleblaney Credit Union House

CASTLEBLAYNEY CU LTD

14,250

MONAGHAN

Castleblayney SWO

JOHN DALY FURNITURE SALES LIMITED

9,904

MONAGHAN

Monaghan CWS

PETER DEERY

23,750

MONAGHAN

Monaghan Drainage Workshops

BERNADETTE MCNALLY

32,500

Y

MONAGHAN

Monaghan Revenue MTEK

MONAGHAN COUNTY ENTERPRISE

181,830

MONAGHAN

Scotstown GS

MISS K McKENNA

6,031

MONAGHAN

Shantonagh GS

DAVID MITCHELL

5,200

OFFALY

Birr Forestry Office

TOM AND RITA ENRIGHT

4,952

OFFALY

Birr Government Offices

CAMPBELL PROPERTIES

6,900

OFFALY

Birr Government Offices

PASCHAL CAMPBELL & ELEANOR CAMPBELL

5,577

OFFALY

Tullamore Gov Warehouse

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

10,656

OFFALY

Tullamore Gov Warehouse

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

15,984

OFFALY

Tullamore Gov Warehouse

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

15,999

OFFALY

Tullamore Gov Warehouse

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

18,000

OFFALY

Tullamore Gov Warehouse

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

20,869

OFFALY

Tullamore Gov Warehouse

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

23,976

OFFALY

Tullamore Gov Warehouse

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

25,365

OFFALY

Tullamore Prob/Welfare Serv

FLANAGAN SECURITIES LTD

8,863

OFFALY

Tullamore SWO Castle Buildings

SEAMUS KANE & LUKE CARBERRY

204,045

Y

ROSCOMMON

Ballaghaderreen GS

ROSCOMMON CO COUNCIL

3,633

ROSCOMMON

Dillon House CRAGA Office

ROSCOMMON CO COUNCIL

3,174

ROSCOMMON

Boyle Education Office

MICHAEL O’DOWD T/A O’DOWD GALLAGHER PTNRS

5,760

ROSCOMMON

Boyle SWO

MICHAEL DURKIN

9,063

ROSCOMMON

Castlerea SWO

MRS MAURA MORAN

2,750

ROSCOMMON

Elphin GS

MR MICHAEL CONNELLAN & MRS MARY LYSTER

7,700

SLIGO

Bunninadden GS + MQ

MRS K McDERMOTT

3,174

SLIGO

Beulah Building

BEULAH PROPERTIES LTD

124,448

SLIGO

Lough Arrow Field Study Centre

ARROW COMMUNITY

33,430

Y

SLIGO

Marino House

MICHAEL McGOLDRICK

57,640

Y

SLIGO

Marino House

MICHAEL McGOLDRICK

57,642

Y

SLIGO

Sligo Customs and Excise Store

RHODAVILLE PROPERTIES LTD

24,000

Y

SLIGO

Sligo Driving Test Centre

TERRY GANNON

109,220

SLIGO

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cntr

WESTWARD (SLIGO) LTD

31,000

SLIGO

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cntr

WESTWARD (SLIGO) LTD

42,260

Y

SLIGO

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cntr

WESTWARD (SLIGO) LTD

53,250

Y

SLIGO

Sligo Pensions & SWO

KEVINSFORT LIMITED

48,750

SLIGO

Sligo Pensions & SWO

KEVINSFORT LIMITED

105,000

SLIGO

Sligo Pensions & SWO

KEVINSFORT LIMITED

123,750

SLIGO

Tubbercurry Temp CRGA Office

MICHAEL LEONARD AND ANGELA LEONARD

86,755

SLIGO

Tubbercurry Temp CRGA Office 2

MICHAEL LEONARD AND ANGELA LEONARD

88,138

TIPPERARY

Ballyporeen GS + MQ

AIB BANK

6,603

TIPPERARY

Borrisokane GS

VINCENTIAN FATHERS

14,000

Y

TIPPERARY

Carrick-on-Suir SWO

IMELDA FITZPATRICK

7,800

TIPPERARY

Clonmel Gov Off Harbour Hse

BRID CAREW

275,000

TIPPERARY

Nenagh Gov Office Temp

WATTSAVER LIMITED

16,000

TIPPERARY

Nenagh Justice Office

B & D KELLER

36,270

Y

TIPPERARY

Rear Cross GS

MS JOAN CAREY

4,000

TIPPERARY

Roscrea Civil Defence Office

ENTERPRISE ROSCREA

25,000

Y

TIPPERARY

Roscrea Civil Defence Office

ENTERPRISE ROSCREA

178,825

Y

TIPPERARY

Roscrea GS

FAWCETT HOLDINGS LTD

36,315

TIPPERARY

Roscrea SWO

T P CAMPION

16,507

TIPPERARY

Roscrea Temp Decent Office

ROCKTOP HOLDINGS

152,000

TIPPERARY

Templemore SWO

J & L FITZPATRICK

8,253

TIPPERARY

Terryglass GS

MR & MRS M COMERFORD

12,000

TIPPERARY

Thurles Garda Fines Office

GERALD STAKELUM LTD

186,186

TIPPERARY

Thurles Gov Offices — ACC House

SEAN FERGUS & THOS MOORE

6,984

TIPPERARY

Thurles Gov Offices — ACC House

SEAN FERGUS & THOS MOORE

14,400

TIPPERARY

Tipp Technology Park Unit A6

SHANNON DEVELOPMENT

1,519

TIPPERARY

Tipp Technology ParkUnit F2

SHANNON DEVELOPMENT

5,244

TIPPERARY

Tipp Technology ParkUnit F2

SHANNON DEVELOPMENT

64,736

TIPPERARY

Tipp Technology ParkUnit F2

SHANNON DEVELOPMENT

71,313

TIPPERARY

Tipperary Driving Test Centre

CANON HAYES

5,200

TIPPERARY

Tipperary Justice Office

TIPPERARY TECH PK LTD

81,150

TIPPERARY

Tipperary Temp Decent Off

GAULE HAYES O’KANE PARTNERSHIP

103,958

Y

TIPPERARY

Toomevara GS + MQ

JAMES O’MEARA

2,539

WATERFORD

Dungarvan Gov Off Civic Bldgs

WATERFORD CO COUNCIL

81,807

WATERFORD

Ferrybank GS

THE MAJOR ALDERMEN & BURGESSES OF WATERFORD

2,233

WATERFORD

Lismore SWO

D MURPHY & G DOWD

6,480

WATERFORD

Stradbally GS + MQ

MRS NICOLA MINIHAN

6,800

WATERFORD

Waterford Gov Off-Johnstown

M & M CAHILLANE & J & B ROHAN T/A JOHNSTOWN

117,968

WATERFORD

Waterford Agri Belview

L DALTON & E MCKENNA

13,220

Y

WATERFORD

Waterford Customs Store

D FLYNN PROPERTIES

14,761

WATERFORD

Waterford Customs Store 1

D FLYNN PROPERTIES

32,505

WATERFORD

Waterford Harbour Warehouse

STORE-ALL WAREHOUSING LTD

60,750

WATERFORD

Waterford RSA Test Centre

MARTIN & MATT O’SHEA

40,000

Y

WATERFORD

Waterford RSA Test Centre

MARTIN & MATT O’SHEA

156,000

Y

WESTMEATH

Athlone DSP/Prob & Wel

MMM PARTNERSHIP

359,577

WESTMEATH

Athlone DTC

MIDLAND PROPERTIES

21,600

WESTMEATH

Athlone GS

EIRCOM LIMITED

25,900

WESTMEATH

Athlone Store Ed & GDA Water Un

NIALL McCORMACK

9,516

WESTMEATH

Athlone Store Ed & GDA Water Un

NIALL McCORMACK

13,205

WESTMEATH

Athlone Store Ed & GDA Water Un

NIALL McCORMACK

14,665

WESTMEATH

Mullingar Gov Offices

PEARSE CORROON

186,309

WESTMEATH

Mullingar Gov Storage

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

16,278

WESTMEATH

Mullingar Gov Storage

MID FREIGHT SHIPPING

28,012

WESTMEATH

Mullingar Prob & Wel Serv

DAVID MULVANY

26,665

WEXFORD

Enniscorthy SWO Portsmouth Hse

VINCENT CLARKE

25,000

Y

WEXFORD

Gorey Government Offices

PAT FUNGE

11,000

WEXFORD

Rosslare Harbour Government Off

C I E

10,860

Y

WEXFORD

Rosslare Harbour Government Off

C I E

79,206

Y

WEXFORD

Rosslare Harbour Government Off

C I E

1,500

WEXFORD

Rosslare Harbour Veh Reg Office

DEVEREUX ENTERPRISES

90,000

WEXFORD

Wexford DTC

PHILLIP & EMMA JAFFARES

30,000

WEXFORD

Wexford Education Office

T & B WRIGHT

95,317

WEXFORD

Wexford Paul Quay Car Park

DRINAGH CAR PARK LTD

98,600

WICKLOW

Arklow Prob & Welfare Serv

PATRICK O’TOOLE

19,046

Y

WICKLOW

Ashford GS-Temporary

C & A BOLAND

21,000

WICKLOW

Baltinglass SWO

DES & ANN McNAMARA

26,000

WICKLOW

Block D Bray Civic Centre

CHRISTOPHER DOWLING

471,541

Y

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

GEORGE JAMES McGARRY

Multiple Landlords to above Lease

ROBERT KEHOE

WICKLOW

Dunlavin GS + MQ

MRS A B TYNTE-IRVINE

10,500

Y

WICKLOW

Rathnew CWS

MARY JACOB

8,840

WICKLOW

Wicklow Gov Off Murrough

SHADOW PROPERTIES

123,926

Electronic Invoicing

Denis Naughten

Question:

108 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of using paper invoices; the timetable for implementing e-invoicing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35287/11]

The National Procurement Service (NPS), under its responsibility for e-Procurement, has been tasked with supporting procurement-related savings across the public service. An area with potential for achieving savings for buyers and suppliers in the whole procure-to-pay process is the widespread adoption of electronic invoicing for public sector bodies and for business to business transactions in Ireland.

At the request of the European Commission a National Multi-Stakeholder Forum on eInvoicing was established by the NPS on 30 May 2011.

The aim of the European Commission is to have all member states using e-invoicing by 2020. Following the initiation and evaluation of pilot projects, Ireland may be in a position to have e-invoicing rolled out towards the end of 2013.

In terms of savings achievable through the widespread adoption of e-Invoicing, research at a European level has shown that:

Currently, the lack of basic interoperability between trading partners in the supply chain is costing up to €60 per trade between them i.e. €60 per invoice (Source: School of Management, Politecnico di Milano).

On the invoicing process alone this equates to €40 billion loss per annum in the EU.

There is no centrally held information in regard to the administrative cost of processing invoices in each department and there is no accurate assessment of the potential savings associated with the introduction of e-invoicing. However, on the basis of European studies, Ireland as a whole could save between €240-400 million over a 6-year period following the roll out of e-invoicing. There is a European initiative in relation to e-invoicing which aims to have all member states using it in the public and private sectors by 2020. In that context, and at the request of the European Commission, a National Multi-Stakeholder Forum on invoicing was established by the National Procurement Service on 30 May 2011.

In examining the potential for the implementation of electronic invoicing, the NPS has met with a number of public sector bodies which are considering implementing this technology, or which have already commenced pilot projects. The NPS has also met with a number of service providers in the marketplace and looked at the implementation in other EU Member states (Denmark) and has been in contact with the European Commission in relation to the current projects under way in this area.

Capital Expenditure

Michael McGrath

Question:

109 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the significant under-spend in capital projects up to end of October, the current expected out-turn in capital spending for 2011. [35306/11]

It is a matter for line Departments to manage their expenditure within their allocations and in line with the sanction arrangements issued by my Department.

The end-October Exchequer returns show that capital expenditure by line Departments is running at about 12% behind profile overall so far this year. However, a variance of between 10 and 12% at this stage is not unusual. Based on information supplied by Departments, there may be some small underspends in a number of areas but I expect most areas to be on profile at year end.

National Lottery Licence

Michael McGrath

Question:

110 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of the arrangements that applied when the existing national lottery licence was awarded to An Post; in particular, if he will provide details of the tendering arrangements and the nature of the terms and conditions that applied to the licence; if he plans to publicly tender the licence when it falls for due for renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35325/11]

The National Lottery was established in 1986 and its legislative basis is the National Lottery Act of that year. An Post was awarded the first ten year licence to operate the National Lottery in 1986 and it established a subsidiary company, An Post National Lottery Company, for this purpose. The first licence was originally due to expire in 1996 but in 1993 the then Minister for Finance issued a new licence which ran from 1994 until 2000 and was subsequently extended to the end of 2001.

The Department of Finance held a competition for a new licence between 1999 and 2001. This competition consisted of two stages. The first stage commenced with the publication of a notice in the national press in July 1999 seeking expressions of interest from interested parties. Three applications were received and all three applicants were subsequently deemed suitable to participate in the second and substantive stage of the competition. Two of these applicants subsequently withdrew leaving the existing licence holder, An Post National Lottery Company, as the sole remaining applicant. The licence was awarded to An Post National Lottery Company in June 2001 with the final licence being signed on behalf of the Minister for Finance in December 2001. This new licence commenced on 1 January 2002 and was due to expire at the end of 2008. It was subsequently extended until the end 2011.

The Government recently announced that the licence is to be extended by a further eighteen months, until the end of June 2013, to allow for the holding of a competition for a new licence. The precise arrangements for this competition are currently under consideration and I expect to be in a position to bring a proposal to Government early in 2012.

The current licence was drawn up pursuant to the provisions of the National Lottery Act 1986. It is operated by An Post National Lottery Company on a cost recovery basis and in return for an annual management fee which is paid to An Post. The management fee may not exceed €2.993 million. The licence provides a regulatory framework for the holding of the Lottery by the Company and covers areas such as advertisement, security, equipment and systems, and payments by the Company to the Exchequer.

Flood Relief

Finian McGrath

Question:

111 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the required appropriate assessment was not undertaken, and in order to avoid a breach of the habitats directive, if he will request the Office of Public Works not to release the required funding until such time as this breach has been rectified. [35385/11]

Dublin City Council are the contracting Authority for the Clontarf Flood Relief Scheme, which is being undertaken by the Council as part of an overall project for the area that includes the North City Water Supply Scheme. Compliance with all planning issues associated with the project, including environmental requirements, is a matter for the Council. The provision of funding by the Office of Public Works for the flood defence elements of the project will be conditional on confirmation by the Council of compliance with these requirements.

Legislative Programme

Micheál Martin

Question:

112 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the register for lobbyists and rules concerning the practice of lobbying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34358/11]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a statutory register of lobbyists and rules concerning the practice of lobbying. This commitment forms an important part of the Government's proposed programme of political reform. Work has commenced in my Department on the regulatory approach adopted in other jurisdictions to inform the development of detailed proposals in this area.

Constitutional Amendments

Micheál Martin

Question:

113 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ask an all-party Oireachtas committee to review the outcome of the recent referendum on Oireachtas inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34357/11]

I believe that it is important that the Government and the wider political system now reflect on the result of the recent Referendum on Houses of the Oireachtas Inquiries, and on the views put forward during the Referendum campaign. Collectively, we need to seek to understand the reasons the proposal was not accepted. We also need to take the time to analyse these, and consider options for the way forward drawing on consultations with interested parties and further information that might be available on the reasons for the electorate's decision making on the proposed constitutional change.

I am consulting with the Office of the Attorney General as to possible options including the scope that exists to provide by statute for an inquiry role for committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas, consistent with the existing constitutional position.

Pending the conclusion of this work and the identification of the different options for advancing this issue, it is not my intention to embark upon the course of action suggested by the Deputy.

Public Service Contracts

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he had examined ways and means of reducing costs to the Exchequer arising from public procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35400/11]

The Public Service Reform Plan, which I announced today, includes measures aimed at driving better value in public procurement through increased capability, increased aggregation of requirements, more measurement and analysis and innovative use of technology.

The National Public Procurement Policy Unit in my Department and the National Procurement Service have been developing a strategic approach to procurement across the Public Sector. This has a focus on achieving value for money, simplifying the tender process to make it more accessible for business (with particular reference to SMEs), promoting economic development and encouraging innovation. The strategy will be underpinned by new structures set out in the Reform Plan, greater expenditure analysis, and target setting with performance and savings indicators.

Public Service Reform

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which adequate sources of reform have been identified to reduce costs to the Exchequer in line with commitments arising from the EU-IMF bailout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35401/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the particular Departments that have shown greatest potential for reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35406/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent of the public sector reform, if any, undertaken over the past ten years, year by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35410/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 119 and 123 together.

As indicated to the Deputy in a similar PQ on 11 October, the Public Service Reform agenda has been pursued both centrally and by individual public bodies for many years, and there have been many notable achievements in this regard. However, it is clear that significant Public Service reforms are required to meet the challenges we face and the Programme for Government sets out a range of commitments in this regard. I do not wish to single out any Department as having shown the greatest potential for reform as all Ministers and Departments clearly have a key role to play. It is clear that we need a particular focus on the large sectors such as Health, Education, Local Government and Justice.

It would be very time consuming to break down the progress made on a year by year basis, but certain key developments stand out.

Under the Strategic Management Initiative of the mid 1990s, a series of changes were introduced in areas such as Human Resource Management and the Performance Management and Development System, Quality Customer Service and the creation of Customer Service Charters, better financial management, regulatory reform (particularly the introduction of Regularly Impact Analysis), Strategy Statements and Output Statements, and initiatives to improve openness and transparency.

More recently, the OECD Review of the Irish Public Service, commenced in 2006 and published in 2008, benchmarked the Public Service in Ireland against other comparable countries, and made recommendations as to the future direction of public service reform. On foot of the OECD Review, the Transforming Public Services programme was launched in November 2008 and set out an agenda for transformation across the Public Service.

During 2010, the Public Service Agreement was concluded with the public service unions and includes a significant number of commitments to Public Service reform. The first review by the Implementation Body set up under the Agreement has since concluded that solid and measurable progress is being made in its implementation and a summary of progress for the most recent reporting period, April to September 2011, was published by the Body earlier today, which again outlines welcome progress.

We have now entered a new phase of Public Service reform. We are committed to a major fiscal consolidation to reduce our deficit to a level of 8.6% of GDP in 2012 and to below 3% of GDP by 2015. Future economic growth will only come from a solid and sustainable fiscal position and far reaching Public Service Reform is central to this. It is in this context that, this afternoon, I announced a number of key developments in the Government's Public Service reform programme including a detailed action oriented Public Service Reform Plan which provides the basis for delivering comprehensive and strategic reform of the Irish Public Service, and which addresses many of the commitments in the Programme for Government.

The Plan is available on my Department's website and has been circulated to all Deputies, and outlines the priority actions and timelines for reform in a broad range of areas such as public service numbers, business process improvement, eGovernment and customer service, shared services, procurement, public expenditure reform, etc. and a number of actions in these and other areas are already underway. It also focuses on actions to improve performance by organisations and individuals to ensure greater efficiency, effectiveness and economy as we work our way through our current difficulties. I look forward to working with all stakeholders, including Oireachtas Committees, as we undertake the most ambitious and important programme of Public Service reform since the foundation of the State.

Departmental Expenditure

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied regarding the extent to which waste has been eliminated throughout each Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35402/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government made a commitment to conduct a comprehensive review of expenditure (CRE) to examine all areas of public spending and to assess effectiveness of spending programmes and value for money.

The results of the Review process, including a comprehensive set of decision options and an assessment of the cost effectiveness of all expenditure programmes, are now being considered by Government in the context of framing decisions on the Budget and Estimates for 2012 and subsequent years. The high-level outcomes of the CRE along with the multi-annual expenditure ceilings for each Department for 2012-2015 and the Budget Estimates for 2012 will be announced in the first week of December.

In addition, as one element of the Public Service Reform Plan that I am announcing today, my Department is currently undertaking a major review and strengthening of the Value-for-Money (VFM) framework so that it is more effective in facilitating Departments in allocating scarce resources across competing priorities, and eliminating waste and inefficiency. I will be announcing further details of this initiative in the coming weeks.

Overall, the CRE process coupled with the VFM reforms outlined will be instrumental in ensuring, insofar as possible, that the Government gets value for money in all public expenditure.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the areas of expenditure that have to date been the subject of the greatest reduction over the past five years; the way this compares with such reductions in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35403/11]

I would refer the Deputy to the Functional Classification of Gross Current Expenditure table set out on page 25, of the Revised Estimates Volume 2011 which, was printed in July of this year and replicated as follows.

TABLE 8

FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF GROSS CURRENT EXPENDITURE (a) 2007-2011

2007

2008

2009

2010 Provisional Outturn

2011 Estimate

Change 2011 over 2010

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

%

Economic Services

Industry and Labour

1,499

1,547

1,451

1,011

907

-10.2%

Agriculture

1,363

1,446

1,406

1,014

1,118

10.2%

Fisheries and Forestry

60

102

149

140

134

-4.3%

Tourism

154

165

208

154

157

2.0%

Subtotal

3,076

3,261

3,213

2,319

2,317

-0.1%

Social Services

Education

7,891

8,465

8,588

8,170

8,257

1.1%

Health

14,281

15,356

15,238

14,775

14,082

-4.7%

Housing

143

195

313

312

350

12.1%

Social Protection

15,498

17,807

20,754

21,326

20,533

-3.7%

Subsidies

327

331

317

289

276

-4.5%

Subtotal

38,140

42,155

45,210

44,872

43,498

-3.1%

Security

Defence

976

1,053

999

947

922

-2.7%

Garda

1,454

1,568

1,582

1,497

1,506

0.6%

Prisons

393

416

382

356

354

-0.4%

Legal, etc.

652

707

502

481

459

-4.5%

Subtotal

3,475

3,746

3,465

3,281

3,242

-1.2%

Other

3,916

4,223

3,831

3,792

3,798

0.1%

Gross Voted Current Expenditure

48,607

53,384

55,719

54,265

52,854

-2.6%

Exchequer pay and pensions included above

18,157

19,339

20,072

18,665

18,642

-0.1%

(a) Includes gross expenditure on Departmental estimates which are voted by the Dáil, expenditure from the Social Insurance Fund and expenditure from the National Training Fund. Expenditure on Central Fund Services (mainly debt servicing) is not included.

*Rounding may affect totals.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which it is anticipated that staff reductions throughout the public sector will yield the economies anticipated without substantially affecting the performance of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35405/11]

As outlined today in the announcement of the Public Sector Reform Programme, the Government is committed to delivering better value in the public sector in order to reduce the deficit and protect front-line services.

Numbers reduction will be a driver for public service wide reform. This includes reforms to the manner in which front-line and back office services are delivered across the public service. Staffing resources will be refocused on delivering priority services and programmes as set out in the Programme for Government and non-priority programmes and services will be rationalised, outsourced or indeed eliminated. There is scope for re-deploying resources which managers must seek to use.

Over the last number of years, enhanced numbers monitoring systems and multi-annual employment frameworks have been put in place. These arrangements will be strengthened to ensure that effect is given to Government decisions on public service numbers and will aid public bodies in adjusting to future staffing levels without sacrificing services. It is part of the day to day function of the Boards and Management of all public bodies to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements within necessarily reduced resources.

In order to protect crucial services exceptions to the Moratorium may be granted for cases in the following limited circumstances:

a) statutory posts which have to be filled for legal reasons;

b) where failure to fill posts would result in a breach of EU/international regulations and impact upon exports etc.;

c) safety related posts — failure to fill them could leave the state open to potential legal liabilities or for security reasons;

d) specialist/technical posts to ensure continuity of operations e.g. legal officers; laboratory staff, maritime safety, etc.;

e) to ensure continuity of front-line services.

In addition, in the case of the Health Sector a number of grades are exempted from the Moratorium in order to ensure that these vital services are maintained.

Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 115.

Insurance Industry

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reforms in the insurance sector including health insurance is likely to facilitate reductions in expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35407/11]

Reform in the insurance sector and in health insurance are matters for the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health, respectively.

EU-IMF Programme

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet targets set in conjunction with the EU-IMF bailout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35408/11]

The Medium Term Fiscal Statement, published on 4 November, reiterated the Government's commitment to reducing the deficit to below 3 per cent of GDP by 2015 and set out the year-by-year path that we are following to achieve this. It is vital that the State continues to show the seriousness of its intent to tackle the deficit in the public finances. Moving towards a balanced budgetary position is a key condition for restoring confidence, returning the economy to a path of sustained growth and supporting job creation. Through continuing to deliver upon our targets we can limit the risks of contagion, continue to rebuild confidence in this economy and return to a path of solid growth. This will result in Ireland regaining access to market funding at reasonable rates.

Departmental Expenditure

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which the optimum balance is likely to be achieved between capital and current expenditure in order to meet targets arising from the ongoing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35409/11]

Given the magnitude of the adjustment required to meet our obligations of reducing the deficit below 3% of GDP by 2015, we have had to significantly scale back and reprioritise public expenditure in order to meet the terms of the Programme of Financial Support. A full and thorough evaluation of both Capital and Current expenditure has been carried out along with the development of the Public Service Reform programme. The Medium-Term Fiscal Statement published on 4 November set out the year-by-year targets to which the Government is now committed for taxation and for expenditure, both Current and Capital. We are satisfied that these targets represent the best balance for the Irish economy and society. The precise measures by which we will deliver on these targets for 2012 will be set out with the publication of the Budget and Estimates in the first week of December.

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 115.

Job Creation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is satisfied that costs affecting the economic situation here have been adequately addressed over the past five years; the extent to which obstacles to job creation in this regard have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35411/11]

The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) monitors business cost and competitiveness issues facing the Irish economy and offers recommendations on policy actions required to enhance Ireland's position in these areas. The NCC's 2011 report on the "Costs of Doing Business in Ireland", which was published last June, notes that between February 2002 and April 2008, Ireland experienced a 31% loss in cost competitiveness based on Harmonised Competitiveness Indicators. Since 2008, Ireland has regained some of its lost competitiveness. However, deeper structural improvements are necessary to ensure that costs do not rise again as the economy recovers.

Improving our cost competitiveness is a key to creating the right environment to support job creation. The Costs of Doing Business report analyses Ireland's cost competitiveness across five key business inputs: Labour costs, Property costs, Utility costs, Business and Professional Services costs and Indirect business costs such as consumer prices. The 2011 report made a number of recommendations in relation to each of these areas. I have brought these recommendations to the attention of my Ministerial colleagues in Government and I will continue to work with them to identify further actions that can be taken to improve our competitiveness, reduce costs to business and remove obstacles to employment creation.

The National Competitiveness Council also publishes, each year, "Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge", which outlines the main challenges to Ireland's competitiveness and the policy responses required to meet them. The 2011 report will be submitted to the Government in the coming weeks for consideration. I have asked the NCC to ensure that the report focuses on specific actionable proposals that will drive Ireland's continued economic recovery.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

125 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35253/11]

My Department and the 8 Offices of my Department do not currently rent or lease any properties. All of the properties occupied by the Department and its Offices are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) without any cost to the Department or the Offices concerned. In many of those cases, the properties are rented or leased by the OPW and the information requested by the Deputy, in relation the location of each property, the annual value of each lease, if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form, could only be supplied by the Office of Public Works.

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

Question:

126 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the introduction of a partial loan guarantee scheme; if he will provide details of the work he has done on the introduction of such a scheme since he was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35319/11]

The design phase of a Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme is nearing completion and I will be bringing formal proposals to Cabinet shortly. Once a suitable scheme design has been finalised and approved by the Government, there will then be a further Request for Tender published at the end of November to select an operator to allow for the roll out of the scheme over the coming months.

In parallel with the work taking place on the design of the Scheme, the Department is preparing primary legislation to make the necessary statutory provision for such a scheme.

The Scheme will provide a level of guarantee to banks against losses on qualifying loans to job-creating firms to get banks lending again to industry and entrepreneurs.

This Scheme will be closely targeted at commercially viable, well performing companies that have a solid business plan and a defined market for their products or services which can demonstrate repayment capacity for the additional credit facilities but which cannot secure credit facilities due to the following two market failures:

Insufficient collateral for the additional facilities or,

Growth / expansionary SMEs which due to their sectors, markets or business model are perceived higher risk under current credit risk evaluation practices.

The Government's commitment will be for an initial period of one year. Specific performance criteria will be set down that allow for review and revision of the scheme at the end of that initial period before any commitment to a roll-over of the scheme for subsequent years. The temporary partial credit guarantee scheme will complement the Government plans on the restructuring and recapitalisation of the banking system which seek to secure an adequate flow of credit into the economy to support economic recovery.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

127 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions while currently employed in a public body and-or State agency. [35789/11]

There are no former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions currently employed in any Public body or State agency under the aegis of my Department.

A former secretary general of the Department of Transport is currently Chair of my Department's audit committee. In line with centrally agreed procedures for external members of audit committees in the civil service, payment is a fee of €450 per meeting, subject to a maximum of €1,800 per annum. Fees are subject to Schedule E tax, USC, PRSI and pension-related deduction where appropriate.

Pension Provisions

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

128 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reverse her rejection of the pension claim of community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors, which claim was supported by Labour Court recommendation LCR19293, 22 July 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35229/11]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

130 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the most recent position and the engagement to date by her with unions on introducing a pension scheme for community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors, as recommended by the Labour Court on 22 July 2008 in LCR19293; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35216/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

133 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that she and FÁS comply with Labour Court recommendation LCR19293, 22 July 2008 and negotiate an agreed pension scheme for community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35228/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 130 and 133 together.

The Labour Court recommended in July 2008 that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced for community employment (CE) scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors, and that such a scheme should be adequately funded by FÁS. Notwithstanding the positions of the Department in rejecting that liability for these costs falls to be met from public funds, this matter has been the subject of discussions between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department, and the unions representing CE supervisors. In the event that funding was required from FÁS, the implementation of the claim is not considered sustainable in light of the current and ongoing fiscal environment and the requirement to contain and reduce public expenditure. The costs of the introduction of any scheme are likely to be of the order of €3m with retrospective costs of the order of at least €30m. The Deputy should also note that FÁS is not the employer of CE supervisors and such employees are not public servants. Neither was FÁS a party to the Labour Court dispute on this matter. The responsibilities of the sponsoring organisations and the individuals concerned must also be recognised when considering pension provision arrangements.

Michael McGrath

Question:

129 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the publication by the Pensions Board of guidelines for revised funding deadlines for pension schemes returning to solvency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35323/11]

Defined benefit (DB) pension schemes are a very important element of pension provision in Ireland and we want them to survive for the future. While pension schemes are voluntary and a matter for negotiation between employers and employees, a strong regulatory structure is also needed to protect members. It is in that context that I recently announced changes to the funding standard as part of a package of measures including sovereign annuities.

The existing Funding Standard (amended to give credit for the purchase of sovereign annuities or bonds) will be restored for a three year period. The Funding Standard will be reformed and member' security strengthened by requiring DB pension schemes to hold a risk reserve as a protection against future volatility in the financial markets. Ultimately, schemes will need to be able to meet the requirements of the new Funding Standard in 11 years (by approximately 2022). There will also be changes to the way in which pension scheme accrued benefits are re-valued and the priority given to pensions in a wind-up situation.

The Pensions Board expect to publish updated guidance by the end of the year. The updated guidelines will take account of the changes I announced and will inform trustees of schemes which are not in compliance with the Funding Standard of the dates by which recovery plans must be submitted to the Pensions Board. As the first such date will be no earlier than 1 July 2012, I am satisfied that trustees will have substantial time to prepare their proposals.

In the meantime, recovery plans submitted to The Pensions Board by 12 noon Friday 16 December 2011 will continue to be considered by the Board under the current funding standard and guidance.

Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 128.

Social Welfare Appeals

Tom Hayes

Question:

131 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a carer’s allowance appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35222/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 12 November 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. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing is appropriate in this case. 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.

Redundancy Payments

Brian Walsh

Question:

132 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be paid statutory redundancy in respect of their service with a company (details supplied) from 20 February 1989 to 22 October 2010. [35227/11]

A rebate was awarded to the employer of the person detailed in 2005 in respect of employment from May 1999 to May 2003.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 128.
Question No. 134 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sandra McLellan

Question:

135 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for illness benefit will be processed and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35233/11]

Payment of illness benefit to the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 20 October 2011 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed. 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 Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

136 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by her; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35256/11]

My Department is not involved in the leasing of private rental property. In some instances, the Health Service Executive makes premises available to my Department to facilitate the administration of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme but in general, responsibility for the acquisition of office accommodation for the Department rests with the Office of Public Works.

Question No. 137 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Appeals

Pat Breen

Question:

138 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35299/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 05 October 2011 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Seán Kenny

Question:

139 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the practice of refusing to accept rent allowance payment from a person who wishes to rent a property where the property owner is a shared ownership purchaser who themselves were compelled to rent elsewhere due to family circumstances. [35300/11]

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

Shared Ownership is a scheme which was aimed at people who could not afford to purchase their home at the initial stage. The applicant acquires a minimum share of 40% of the cost of the house and pays rent to the local authority for the remainder called the Council's Equity. Ownership of the property is shared by the local authority and the applicant. The applicant pays a mortgage on their share of the property and also pays rent to the local authority for the other part. In general the granting of a shared ownership lease requires the applicant not to assign, sub-let or otherwise part with or share possession of the property or any part thereof without the prior consent in writing of the local authority.

I understand from the question that the shared owner in this case wishes to rent out the house to a rent supplement supported tenant and pass this money onto the local authority in the form of the shared owner's rental payment under the terms of the shared ownership scheme. This would not be an appropriate use of public monies given that one of the conditions of the rent supplement scheme is that it is not payable to a housing authority which is what is effectively being proposed in this case.

Social Welfare Appeals

Pat Breen

Question:

140 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35301/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30 August 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 in due course 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.

Social Welfare Code

Michael McGrath

Question:

141 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if a more effective online system can be developed to allow persons engaging in short-term work to sign off the live register, and then subsequently reactivate their claim and view their employment and welfare record, without inordinate delays to receiving their welfare entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35304/11]

In cases where a jobseeker customer takes up temporary work for periods up to 4 weeks, or avails of a training course of up to 8 weeks, arrangements are in place to suspend temporarily the claim so that it can be re-instated without delay when the work or training finishes. My Department operates an online sign-off facility for jobseeker customers who are closing their claim. Further development of online services for customers will be examined in 2012.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McGrath

Question:

142 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the impact of the cost of the rent supplement scheme from an addition €5 per week contribution by beneficiaries of the scheme. [35316/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

143 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the impact on the cost of the rent supplement scheme from changing the basis of contribution by recipients from a flat €24 per week to a 10% of their household income in line with the rental accommodation scheme. [35317/11]

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

There are currently 95,904 recipients of rent supplement at an annual cost to the Exchequer of €516m in 2010. Based on the current number of recipients, an increase in the minimum contribution of €5 per week would result in a scheme saving of approximately €25m. It is not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of changing the minimum contribution from €24 per week to 10% of household income as electronic information is not available in relation to the household income of all rent supplement recipients.

Social Welfare Appeals

Paul Connaughton

Question:

144 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer’s allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35363/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a carer's allowance appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 29 July 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 08 November 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Pat Breen

Question:

145 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35379/11]

The Person concerned applied for basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance on 27 October 2011. The Designated Officer decided that the she was not entitled to the allowance as she failed to establish that she is habitually resident in the State. She has the right to appeal this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. A form for this purpose has been issued to her.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

146 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit in 2010; the number of applications refused; the numbers of these refusals in which the decision was appealed to the social welfare appeals office; the number of appeals upheld; the corresponding figures to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35396/11]

The figures you request in respect of carer's allowance are as follows:

In 2010, 16,629 new carer's allowance claims were processed and 6,972 (or just under42%) were refused in the year. 10,497 new claims were processed to the end of September 2011, of which 3,921 (or just over 37%) were refused. These figures relate to the initial decision made on each application.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that 2,969 carer's allowance appeals were received in 2010 and that 1,838 carer's allowance appeals were received between 1 January 2011 and 31 October 2011.

During 2010 a total 2,154 appeals were concluded, of which 1,215 (56%) had a successful outcome for the appellant. The relevant figures for 2011 (to end October) are 2,602 appeals concluded, of which 1,288 (49.5%) had a successful outcome.

While roughly 52.5% of the combined totals (2,503) had a successful outcome for appellants, over half of these decisions (1,283) were in fact revised decisions made by deciding officers in carer's allowance section, who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. These revised decisions arose primarily as a result of new facts or fresh evidence produced by the claimant after the initial decision on his/her claim. In such cases an appeals officer's decision was not necessary.

Of the 1,459 carer's appeals determined by appeals officers in 2010, 520 were allowed or partially allowed (35.64%). In 2011, the relevant number allowed by appeals officers was 700 (just under 35%).

The figures you request in respect of carer's benefit are as follows:

In 2010, 2,095 new carer's benefit claims were processed and 713 (or just over 34%) were refused in the year. 1,849 new claims were received to the 14 November 2011, of which 668 (or just over 36%) were refused.

These figures relate to the initial decision made on each application.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that 180 carer's benefit appeals were received in 2010 and 140 carer's benefit appeals have been received in 2011 (to 31 October 2011).

During 2010 a total 178 appeals were determined of which 98 (55%) had a successful outcome for the appellant. The relevant figures for 2011 are 146 appeals determined, of which 100 (68.49%) had a successful outcome.

While roughly 61% of the combined totals (324) had a successful outcome for appellants, 131 of these decisions (40.43%) were in fact revised decisions made by deciding officers in the carer's benefit section of the Department, who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. These revised decisions arose as a result, in many cases, of new facts or fresh evidence produced by the claimant after the original decision on his/her claim. In such cases an appeals officers's decision was not necessary.

Of the 109 carer's benefit appeals determined by appeals officers in 2010, 29 were allowed or partially allowed (26.61%), while in 2011 the relevant number allowed or partially allowed by appeals officers was 38 (45.24%).

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent support has been disallowed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35425/11]

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP. The person concerned was disallowed rent supplement on the 9th of November 2011. The person concerned was requested to provide a housing needs assessment from his local Authority, a request which was never complied with. The person concerned was also not in a position to afford the rent at the commencement of the tenancy. The person concerned has been informed of his right to appeal this decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection having regard to whether all documentation requested has been received by her in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, if qualification for rent support now only applies in the case of the parent with sole custody; if payment will now issue in the case of this applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35427/11]

The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP.

The person concerned applied for rent supplement for a 2 bed roomed accommodation. He is a single person with access to his child for 1- 2 nights per week. The person concerned failed to provide any evidence he was involved in the care of the child prior to moving into private rented accommodation. Based on the circumstances of this case, the person concerned was deemed to have a 1 bedroom accommodation need and was advised of his right to appeal to the Chief Appeals Office.

Special Areas of Conservation

Thomas Pringle

Question:

149 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a derogation was sought and granted in the past ten or 15 years for works carried out in Broadhaven Bay and Sruwaddacon Bay in County Mayo by a company (details supplied) in view of the fact that it has in place a special area of conservation, special protection area, bird directive and is a national heritage area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35213/11]

Derogation licences may be issued by my Department pursuant to Article 16 of the EU Habitats Directive, for any works causing the deterioration or destruction of the breeding and resting places of species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. This includes bats, otters and cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). No such derogation licences have been issued by my Department to the company in question in relation to works carried out or proposed to be carried out in Broadhaven or Sruwaddacon Bays. I understand that the Environmental Impact Assessments undertaken by the relevant consent authorities in this case addressed the potential impacts of proposed works on Annex IV species and mitigation measures were included as conditions of consent to avoid adverse impacts on these species and their habitats.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

150 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if maps exist for national heritage areas, special areas of conservation and special protected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35214/11]

Maps for these sites may be viewed on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at www.npws.ie.

Where paper copies of maps are needed, they can be requested by phone on the Helpline at 1-800-405000, through contact with the local Conservation Ranger (whose details are also available on the website), or alternatively by writing to Site Designations and Plans Unit, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 7, Ely Place, Dublin 2.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

151 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35244/11]

Details in relation to properties leased by my Department are contained in the following table.

Location

Annual value of lease

Upward only rent clause — Yes/No

Name of the landlord

Shanacloon, Ballymakeera, Co Cork

€21,780

No

RM Diving Services

For completeness, I should add that my Department, as then configured, made a payment of €105,000 in 2010 to avail of storage facilities for archive material relating to the National Monument Service. The premises in Swords, Co. Dublin, is leased from the Office of Public Works by the National Museum of Ireland. It is being used to establish a centralised collection resource centre to provide appropriate accommodation for the management and care of the National Museum's reserve collections. A share (c. 14%) of this accommodation is provided to the National Monument Service. A one year rent free period arose for the facility in 2011 and rent will become payable again from mid-2012.

Departmental Correspondence

Denis Naughten

Question:

152 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will furnish a reply to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35349/11]

My Department has no record of receiving correspondence of the nature referred to in the Deputy's Question. However, on foot of the Deputy's representation, I have asked officials from my Department to contact the individual concerned in relation to the matter.

Flood Relief

Finian McGrath

Question:

153 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will confirm if an appropriate assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive was undertaken by An Bord Pleanála in respect of the Clontarf flood defence scheme and arterial watermain project. [35387/11]

It is a matter for An Bord Pleanála to ensure that the requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive are adhered to in its consideration of development applications or appeals.

Under the Planning and Development Acts, I am a statutory consultee for applications that may affect nature conservation sites. My Department issued its observations to An Bord Pleanála in regard to the potential impacts of this application on 25 February 2008.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

154 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions while employed in a public body and or State agency. [35782/11]

I am advised that there are currently no former secretaries general in receipt of public sector pensions whilst employed in a body or agency under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

155 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35246/11]

My Department has accommodation in a number of buildings, which are leased via the Office of Public Works (OPW) as follows;

Department Headquarters, 29/31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2

Geological Survey of Ireland Core Store, Sandyford, County Dublin

Elm House, Cavan. This building is shared with multiple tenants.

My Department is not involved in any direct lease of accommodation and all details in relation to the leases are a matter for the OPW.

Telecommunications Services

Jim Daly

Question:

156 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the broadband scheme; the available speeds; the future upgrades in Bandon, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35279/11]

Telecommunications services in Ireland including broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. ComReg's website www.callcosts.ie provides detailed information on the various private sector telecommunications products and services available on a county by county basis, including County Cork

In line with State Aid rules, the Government can only intervene in cases where the market has failed to deliver and the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is an example of such an intervention. The roll out of the NBS network was completed in October 2010 and broadband services are now available to persons with a fixed residence or fixed business in each of the 1,028 designated electoral divisions (EDs) of the NBS Coverage Area, including the 96 EDs covered in County Cork. Bandon town, County Cork, could not be covered by the NBS, as it was deemed to already have a basic broadband service.

The Government's other intervention, namely the Rural Broadband Scheme, which will be rolled out next year, is aimed at making broadband services available to individual unserved premises in rural non-NBS areas. This could include individual premises in the Bandon region.

The advances in the provision of private sector broadband alongside the completion of the roll-out phase of the NBS and the individual connections likely to feature in the Rural Broadband Scheme, means that Ireland will reach the EU Commission's "Digital Agenda for Europe" target of having basic broadband available to everybody in advance of the 2013 deadline.

The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. With basic broadband services now available across Ireland, the challenge now is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services.

Under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband customer access to every home and business in the State.

In June of this year I established the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce, which I chair and which also comprises the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies currently operating in the Irish market and the CEOs of some Internet Service Provider companies. The purpose of the Taskforce is to discuss the optimal policy environment required to facilitate the investment in and provision of high speed broadband across Ireland.

The Taskforce, and four Working Groups reporting to it, are considering issues such as appropriate targets in terms of speed and service, potential barriers to investment, spectrum policy issues and possible demand stimulation measures aimed at increasing overall Internet usage.

The Taskforce is scheduled to complete its work next month and I hope to be in a position to bring forward proposals to Government in early 2012 aimed at ensuring the timely investment in next generation high speed broadband across Ireland.

Local Authority Housing

Peter Mathews

Question:

157 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he or legislation prevents local authorities from reducing the interest rate of 12.5% charged on loans drawn down under the Small Dwellings Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35211/11]

The applicable interest rate paid by local authority borrowers on fixed rates is set by reference to prevailing fixed interest rates at the time of loan draw down. While there is no legislative provision that prevents local authorities from reducing these rates, the rates were contractually fixed at the time of drawdown and they remain so. Charging a new rate would not be possible without a new mortgage agreement. However, this would affect only the borrowers' cost of funds. The local authority's cost of funds would remain at the higher rate as fixed in the 1980s. This would impose significant ongoing costs on local authorities when resources are already under considerable pressure and when the borrowers in question are already permitted to redeem such loans without any interest rate penalty and refinance them in the private sector. This represents a significant concession, having regard to the redemption penalties (of up to six months interest or more), applied by commercial lending agencies in the event of early redemption of such mortgages.

The loans in respect of which interest rates in excess of 10% apply were issued by local authorities prior to 1991 and reflect the long-term costs of the funds to the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and the Local Loans Fund prevailing at the time these loans were advanced. Rates were fixed for the life of the loan (generally 25-30 years). The introduction of variable interest rates for local authority mortgages provided borrowers with increased flexibility and choice.

The standing policy position regarding high fixed interest rates on local authority loans, following review in consultation with the Department of Finance, has been that a State subsidy to reduce such interest rates would not be appropriate.

Local Authority Charges

Michael McGrath

Question:

158 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the expected revenue from a €100 household charge on all residences here; and the effect on the revenue raised if homeowners in receipt of social welfare are exempt from the charge. [35308/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

159 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the exemptions envisaged in 2012 to the €100 household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35309/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.

The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland commits the Government to the introduction of a property tax for 2012. The Programme reflects the need, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services.

In light of the complex issues involved, a property tax, requiring a comprehensive property valuation system, would take time to introduce and accordingly, to meet the requirements in the EU/IMF Programme, the Government has decided to introduce a household charge in 2012. The household charge is an interim measure and proposals for a full property tax will be considered by the Government in due course.

It is estimated that there are some 1.6 million residential properties potentially liable to the household charge. As such, if collected in full, the household charge has the potential to raise €160 million annually.

From information provided by the Department of Social Protection, there were 372,827 persons in receipt of the job seekers allowance and the job seekers benefit at 30 October 2011. There are no data available on the number of such persons who are homeowners and it is therefore not possible to provide the figure requested.

The legislation to underpin the household charge will contain the details of the range of exemptions and waivers which will apply. The legislation will be published and brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

160 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35249/11]

In general, premises and sites occupied by my Department are rented or leased by the OPW, rather than directly by my Department. The location, costs and landlord of the premises and sites currently rented directly by my Department are set out in the following table:

Location

Full Year Rental Cost For 2011

Landlord

Office space — Met Éireann, Dublin Airport

€73,629.12

Dublin Airport Authority

Office space — Met Éireann, Shannon Airport

€154,564.91

Dublin Airport Authority

Office space — Met Eireann, Cork Airport

Nil

Dublin Airport Authority

Land — Met Éireann, Valentia

€500

Private landowner

In relation to the office space at Cork Airport, rent for 2009, 2010 and 2011 is yet to be paid, pending the finalisation of discussions with the Dublin Airport Authority which manages the airport.

The contracts do not contain upward-only rent review clauses.

My Department also shares with other Government Departments the rent and ancillary costs of a premises occupied by Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. My Department's share of rental costs associated with this office is set by the Department of Foreign Affairs at €17,574 for 2011.

Waste Management

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

161 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered the effects on the viability of existing businesses in the waste collection industry once the tendering of waste collection services commences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35262/11]

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, whereby service providers would bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service. This system is known as franchise bidding.

A public consultation designed to inform the policy development process concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received, including many from the waste collection industry which raise points similar to those mentioned in the correspondence referred to, such as the potentially adverse impact of franchise bidding on waste collection firms and the benefits of ongoing competition in the current system of side-by-side competition. Other responses point to the possible significant savings for householders and the potential for improved environmental outcomes if franchise bidding were to be introduced. I intend to publish all of the responses received on my Department's website shortly.

The responses are currently being examined and I intend to conclude examination of the issue before the end of the year. All policy proposals will be carefully considered by Government and will take account of the full range of issues and perspectives.

Local Authority Housing

Michael McGrath

Question:

162 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of residential units here owned by local authorities or voluntary housing partnerships. [35310/11]

Data in relation to local authority housing stock are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. Completion figures for the voluntary and cooperative housing programmes funded by my Department are also available on the website. Data for 2010 will be available shortly.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

163 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding local authorities have in total, and for each authority, in their capital accounts relating to their housing functions in tabular form; if he has issued any directive relating to this funding; if it can be expended by local authorities to either purchase or build social houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35348/11]

Table 1 below gives details of allocations notified earlier this year to local authorities under certain housing programmes namely, social housing capital, Traveller accommodation, regeneration/remedial works, energy efficiency and private housing grants. Funding so allocated may include the construction or acquisition of social housing within the overall funding now available. Table 2 below outlines the total available under the Capital Assistance Scheme, communal facilities, mortgage allowance and site subsidies programmes where allocations are not made on an individual local authority basis but rather an overall allocation is set and recoupment is made to individual local authorities on the basis of demand.

Table 1

County Council

Allocation (€)

Carlow

2,289,211

Cavan

3,496,194

Clare

6,915,905

Cork City

24,030,696

Cork County

12,239,974

Donegal

8,161,239

Dublin

103,566,888

Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown

6,651,872

Fingal

5,187,007

Galway

5,418,535

Galway City

3,454,309

Kerry

12,400,753

Kildare

7,332,371

Kilkenny

5,869,000

Laois

2,680,383

Leitrim

2,047,676

Limerick

6,030,931

Limerick City

40,120,000

Longford

2,445,000

Louth

10,942,032

Mayo

5,756,977

Meath

6,648,296

Monaghan

3,984,832

North Tipperary

5,018,410

Offaly

4,972,450

Roscommon

4,269,131

Sligo

6,238,926

South Dublin

12,356,507

South Tipperary

7,023,265

Waterford

2,165,659

Waterford City

7,923,397

Westmeath

2,893,148

Wexford

5,375,723

Table 2

Programme

2011 Allocation (€)

Capital Assistance Scheme

90,000,000

Communal Facilities in Housing Projects

2,000,000

Site Subsidies

1,000,000

Mortgage Allowance

3,000,000

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

164 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions while currently employed in a public body and-or State agency. [35785/11]

A retired Secretary General is currently in receipt of a fee of €9,450 in respect of his Chairmanship of the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.

No former Secretary General serves on the Board of any Agency under the Department's aegis. The Department is not aware of any former Secretary General being employed by any of its Agencies.

Garda Deployment

Clare Daly

Question:

165 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to provide security for retired taoisigh and Presidents; the total cost of this measure; and if there are any plans to remove this security. [35292/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not the practice to make comment on security arrangements of this nature.

Rent Reviews

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

166 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Landlord and Tenant (Business Leases Review) Bill, which is a programme for Government commitment, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35346/11]

Michael McGrath

Question:

173 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the abolition of upward only rent reviews; when he expects to publish the necessary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35320/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 173 together.

Consideration of this matter is ongoing in the context of recent advices received from the Attorney General in relation to proposals which had been forwarded to her earlier this year. I hope that I will shortly be in a position to provide some additional clarity as to my legislative intent.

Visa Applications

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

167 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the current campaign regarding timed-out students, that is, overseas students whose seven year student visa has run out; his plans to introduce a special immigration stamp rather than the current provision of a six month extension stamp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35232/11]

The ‘New Immigration Regime for Full Time Non-EEA Students' was published in September 2010 and has been in operation since 1 January 2011. The New Regime introduced maximum periods for residence in the State on a student permission and provided for a differentiated approach between "Degree Programme" courses and those at the "Language or Non-Degree Programme" level. In facilitating the transition to the New Regime, I understand that more than 3200 queries, from students, colleges and other stakeholders have been answered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service since the beginning of this year.

Existing students who exceed the new seven year time limit are regarded as "timed-out" students. However, to ensure a smooth transition to the New Regime, special transitional arrangements were made available to those students already in the State. For example, all students were permitted to complete any course they had commenced prior to the introduction of the new rules. Students who finish an honours degree course (or higher) are permitted to remain in Ireland for a further year during which they can work, engage in internship or, if they wish to stay for a longer period, seek an employment permit.

As a special concession, "timed out students" were entitled to a six month extension of their immigration permission to allow those students to address their immigration status in the State. During the six month concession period, "timed out students" can work full time and can apply for an employment permit or green card without having to return to their country of origin. The availability of this six month concession expired on 30 September 2011. However, a further 3 month extension is available to relevant students, whose permission expires between 1 October and 31 December 2011 in order to permit them to finalise their status in the State.

While I am keeping the situation under review, I am satisfied that significant measures have been put in place to ensure that non-EEA students resident in Ireland prior to 1 January 2011 have been treated fairly with the introduction of the New Regime. The transitional measures provide ample opportunity for students to seek an alternative permission to be in the State.

Residency Permits

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

168 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will examine the possible implementation of an earned regularisation scheme to deal with the undocumented migrants living and working here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35236/11]

I am aware that there have been proposals of this nature and of course my Department will give due consideration to the issue. However great caution should be exercised before embarking on such a project. A proposal of this nature could give rise to very large, unpredictable and potentially very costly impacts across the full range of public and social services.

At EU level, the Member States, in agreeing the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum at the European Council in October 2008, made specific commitments "to use only case-by-case regularisation, rather than generalised regularisation, under national law, for humanitarian or economic reasons". While the Pact is not legally binding, the political commitment among the Member States, then and now, is clearly against any form of process that would in any way legitimise the status of those unlawfully present without first examining the merits of their individual case.

Any possible implication for the operation of the Common Travel Area would also have to be very carefully considered.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

169 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35254/11]

The details of the private rental properties leased in the name of the Minister for Justice are as follows:-

Property

Location

Annual Rent

Upward Only Rent Clause

Name of Landlord(s)

Department of Justice Montague Court

Dublin 2

€513,000

Yes

New Ireland Assurance Company Plc

Department of Justice Montague Court

Dublin 2

€178,080

Yes

New Ireland Assurance Company Plc

Forensic Science Laboratory Trinity Enterprise Centre

Trinity College, Dublin 2

€31,905.28

N/A

Trinity College

Garda Interview Facilities Unit 25, Northwood Court, Santry

Dublin 9

€52,181.10

Yes

Clive Kilmurray

Garda Interview Facilities Unit at Collooney Business Park

Sligo

€12,000.00

Yes

Jarlath Gantley

Garda Interview Facilities 2H and 2J, North Valley Business Centre, Mallow Road

Cork

€23,424.00

Yes

John Cleary, Colin Cleary and John Cleary Jnr. trading as John Cleary Developments

Garda Interview Facilities Unit B/l2-10 Letterkenny Town Centre, Letterkenny

Co. Donegal

€32,007.50

Yes

Noel McGinley, Seamus McGinley, Patrick McGinley and Noreen McGinley

Probation Service Ground floor, 25 Wolfe Tone Street

Dublin 1

€309,140.00

Yes

Liam Carroll and Roisin Carroll

Garda Interview Facilities Unit 4 First Floor, The Callan Centre, National Technological Park

Limerick

€25,563.00

No

SQT Training Limited

Garda Interview Facilities Railway Square

Waterford

€30,525.00

No

James Burke, Deirdre Burke, Gerard Sexton and Annette Sexton

Garda Interview Facilities Units 203 — 204, Q House, Furze Road, Sandyford

Dublin 18

€43,590.38

Yes

Robert McCarthy, Michael McCarthy, Stephen McCarthy, Mark O’Brien, John Lombard and David Arnold

Garda Síochána Inspectorate, 87 St Stephen’s Green

Dublin 2

€107,200

No

David Daly

Probation Service Community organisation at Courthouse Square, Westpark, Tallaght

Dublin 24

€373,335

Yes

Kertez, McCarron, Walsh

Probation Service Community Organisation at Parnell Street

Dublin 1

€125,000

No

Pascal Conroy dealing through McCormack Estates

Probation Service Community organisation at Unit A3 Santry Industrial Estate PACE

Dublin 9

€58,500

Yes

Edward Byrne

Probation Service Office

Cavan Town

€19,723

No.Current rent negotiated by OPW this year down from €24,200.

Ciaran Brady

Probation Service Office, Athy

Co. Kildare

€20,400

No

Athy Community Council

Irish Prisons Service Building Services Division Unit 2, Airways Industrial Estate, Santry

Dublin 9

€388,000

Yes

Aramark/Irish Estates Management Ltd

Child Protection

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

170 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his position on fake allegations of child sexual abuse in the family courts regarding child custody; if legislation will be introduced to curtail such allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35264/11]

I would draw the Deputy's attention to my previous responses to Questions No. 409 and 421 on 25 October, 93 on 26 October, 341 on 2 November and 142 on 10 November in which I set out the position in this matter and stated that under the law as it stands the giving of false evidence in any court proceedings, including family law proceedings, is an offence punishable by imprisonment. I also indicated that while I have no specific proposals for reform at present, I will keep operation of the law in family cases under review.

State Visits

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

171 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 408 of the 19 July 2011 (details supplied) regarding the impact on the budget for Garda in crime investigation and action in front line policing and in view of the November 2011 statement (details further supplied), his views on the fact that there appears to be two different versions of whether the cost of the visits will impact on our delivery of a proper service to the public by members of An Garda Síochana; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35266/11]

I can assure the Deputy that there is no divergence of view between myself and any of my Government colleagues on the significance of the costs that have arisen from the State visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama earlier this year.

The Deputy will appreciate that funding for the State visits was not provided for in the Garda Vote for 2011 because the visits had not been planned when this year's Estimates were finalised. Consequently, a significant unanticipated body of expenditure has arisen and all Ministers are aware of this situation.

I am currently finalising discussions with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in connection with the financial arrangements to be made to cover the expenditure involved in the context of overall funding for the Garda Síochána this year.

Garda Transport

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

172 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if in view of the fact that there is a shortage of up to ten squad cars in the Kerry division of An Garda Síochána, his plans to deal with this deficiency as to police, rural areas in particular, adequate transport for our gardaí is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35298/11]

The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. In that context I am advised by the Garda authorities that the policing requirements of the Kerry Garda Division are subject to regular review by local Garda management and that appropriate policing strategies are in place to ensure the continued delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.

I am further advised that the Garda authorities are satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered within the Kerry Division and that the current policing arrangements for the Division make the best use of available resources.

Question No. 173 answered with Question No. 166.

Dara Calleary

Question:

174 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles decommissioned in 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 upon reaching 300,000 miles or km equivalent; the number of these vehicles replaced with new vehicles; the number of Garda vehicles scheduled to be decommissioned between now and year end; and if he intends to allocate funding to allow the Garda to upgrade the fleet in line with the recommendations from the Garda Inspectorate in 2012. [35345/11]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda vehicles are retired from the fleet for a variety of reasons. I am further informed that it is not possible to isolate the number of vehicles which have been decommissioned upon reaching 300,000 kilometres, nor is it possible to give a precise figure as to the number of vehicles likely to be decommissioned by the end of 2011.

The numbers of Garda vehicles purchased and all vehicles retired from the Garda fleet in the period concerned are outlined in the table:

Year

Vehicles Decommissioned

Vehicles Commissioned

2008

428

190

2009

47

0

2010

124

165

2011 (November — Y.T.D.)

220

10

The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including transport, are matters for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified policing priorities and the availability of finance.

Garda Recruitment

Dara Calleary

Question:

175 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give a guarantee that the 150 persons who were offered training places in An Garda Síochána in the most recent recruitment programme and who were not allowed to proceed due to the suspension of Garda training, will be given priority in any future recruitment programme; and if there are any specific steps envisaged for this group. [35366/11]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is a Garda recruitment panel currently in place consisting of applicants selected by the Public Appointments Service as part of a 2008 recruitment campaign. However, no offers of employment have been made to applicants since the introduction of the public service moratorium on recruitment in 2009.

The moratorium on recruitment remains in place in furtherance of the objective, set in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, to reduce the numbers of public servants. While successful applicants on this panel currently remain eligible to be offered positions as trainee Gardaí, the lifetime of the panel, and the position of applicants on it, will be kept under review in the light of when Garda recruitment might recommence.

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No 202 of the 20 of October 2011, the way it can be suggested that the person concerned arrived in the State on 24 January 2008 when in fact they arrived in the State on 1 August 2002; if as seems to be case this applicant is confused with some other person, if he will re-examine this file; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35412/11]

In relation to Parliamentary Question Number 202 of 20/10/2011, referred to by the Deputy, there was an error in that reply in relation to the date that the person arrived in the State. The individual concerned entered the State on 02/08/2002 and claimed asylum. His application for asylum was refused by the Refugee Applications Commissioner and this decision was upheld on appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

His case was then considered in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and under Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended. A Deportation Order was made against the individual concerned on 28/06/04. Since that date, the individual concerned has remained in the State in breach of his Deportation Order. In the interim, he has applied for a right to apply for Subsidiary Protection, which was refused on 23/02/2009 and has also applied to have the Deportation Order against him revoked, which was refused on 28/10/2009.

The current position is as set out in the replies to Parliamentary Questions number 215 of 07/07/2011 and number 680 of 14/09/2011. The position is unchanged since the latter reply, set out below.

I refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 7th July, 2011. The position is unchanged since then.

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy is the subject of a Deportation Order, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State. He has been evading his deportation since 3 November 2009 and should he come to the notice of the Garda authorities, he would be liable to arrest and detention. He should, therefore, present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without any further delay.

As a general matter of policy, it would be logistically inconsistent to reward persons who have failed a very fair and comprehensive asylum process, and who have thereafter proceeded to evade their deportation for several years, by granting such persons residency in the State.

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

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status and further requirements if any to facilitate regularisation of status and-or naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35413/11]

The persons concerned, a husband and wife, entered the State on 27th July, 2004, the husband on student conditions and his wife as his dependant, and they were granted permission to remain in the State on those bases until 10th May, 2007. They were subsequently granted extensions of their respective permissions to remain up to 13th January, 2010, to enable a prospective employer to apply for a Work Permit on behalf of the husband. My Department's records indicate that his efforts to obtain a Work Permit at that time were unsuccessful.

Given that the persons concerned had no legal basis to remain in the State beyond 13th May, 2010, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), they were notified, by separate letters dated 16th June, 2011, of the proposal to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against them.

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

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when it might be possible to regularise residency and or naturalisation to facilitate employment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35414/11]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply — copied beneath — to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 686 of 14th September, 2011, in this matter. The position is unchanged since then.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 9 October 2009, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

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

The Deputy should note that as the person concerned has not established a right of legal residency in the State, the issue of an application for naturalisation does not arise at this time.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35415/11]

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

The first, second, third and fourth persons concerned submitted individual 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 individual letters dated 22nd June, 2011.

The position in the State of the first, second, third and fourth persons concerned now fall to be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted, including those of a medical nature, will be considered before final decisions are made. Once decisions have been made, these decisions, and the consequences of the decisions, will be conveyed in writing to the first, second, third and fourth persons concerned.

The fifth person concerned, an infant, is the subject of a separate asylum application, lodged on 12th July, 2010. The Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on individual asylum applications where a final decision has not been made.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35416/11]

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 16th March, 2011, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the then Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

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

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the determination of the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35417/11]

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 27th March, 2009, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

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

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when Stamp 4 will be updated to facilitate continuation of employment in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35418/11]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the status of the individual in question is currently under review and a decision will issue in due course.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Asylum Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35419/11]

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 22nd February, 2010, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the then Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

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

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the determination of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35420/11]

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 13th January, 2006, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the then Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. He was subsequently notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

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

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Travel Documents

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if emergency travel documents will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35421/11]

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informs me that the person concerned recently sought the renewal of an Irish Travel Document. His application was returned in full as it was not accompanied with his expired Travel Document. The person concerned subsequently submitted a report of its loss/theft from An Garda Síochaná.

I understand that the application form was deemed incomplete at that stage again and was returned to the person concerned on 11 November 2011.

It remains open to the person concerned to resubmit his Travel Document application form with supporting documentation including the Garda Report to the Travel Document Unit of INIS.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Citizenship Applications

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when an application for naturalisation will be deemed valid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35422/11]

A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person concerned in August 2008 and my predecessor decided in his absolute discretion to refuse the application. The person concerned was informed of that decision in a letter issued to him in May 2010.

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.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when consideration may be given to a valid application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35423/11]

Officials in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) 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

have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows—

(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and

(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.

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.

Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, waive some or all of the statutory conditions in certain circumstances i.e. where an applicant is of Irish descent or of Irish associations; where an applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; or where an applicant is a Stateless person within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons.

A foreign national who is married to, or is the Civil Partner of, an Irish citizen for at least three years may apply for naturalisation under section 15A of the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, where they have been continuously resident in the island of Ireland for the year immediately prior to the date of their application and for two out of the four years prior to that year. The marriage or civil partnership must be subsisting and recognised under Irish law.

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.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Departmental Reviews

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 27 September 2011, if all of the circumstances normally taken into account were fully examined in accordance with due process; if any issues arising warranted a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35424/11]

The details provided by the Deputy in his Question do not correspond with any Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Justice and Equality laid down for answer on 27 September 2011. My Department has been in contact with the Deputy's Office seeking clarification and I will write to the Deputy in the near future.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

189 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of former Secretaries General who are in receipt of public sector pensions while employed in a public body or State agency. [35790/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the following former Secretaries General are currently engaged in various roles within public bodies/agencies falling within the remit of my Department. The Deputy may wish to note that with the exception of the Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) none of the positions listed below are in an employment relationship with the public body concerned. Furthermore the roles are, with the exception of the Chairperson of GSOC, part-time in nature.

Mr. Kevin Bonner

Mr. Bonner, former Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is the Chairperson of the National Traveller Monitoring and Advisory Committee (NTMAC).

Mr. Jimmy Farrelly

Mr. Farrelly, former Secretary General of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is the Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Audit Committee.

Mr. Tim Dalton

Mr. Dalton, former Secretary General of the then Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform chairs the Implementation Group to assist in the establishment of the new Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). The legislation which will establish it as a State Agency is at present before the Dáil and the PSRA will not become a State Agency until the legislation is enacted.

Mr. Frank Murray

Mr. Murray, former Secretary General to the Government, was appointed by the Irish and British Governments as Irish Commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains in 2006. The Commission, established in 1999 by Treaty between the two Governments, is an independent body.

Mr. Dermot Gallagher

Mr. Gallagher, former Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs is the Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

The Deputy will appreciate that the participation of the above persons brings an invaluable amount of high level experience and skills which would otherwise not be available to my Department.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

190 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward-only rent clause; and the names of the landlords in tabular form. [35247/11]

Part of the information sought by the Deputy is set out in the attached tabular statement. Rents are reviewed on a regular basis and amounts are determined by a number of factors, including size, location and quality of the facility. Information regarding the specific rents paid in respect of each premises is commercially sensitive and I cannot therefore provide this information. However the amounts of rent payable in 2011 range from approx €60 to approx €13,300 for the year.

Private rental properties leased by Minister for Defence

Full Time rentals — Reserve Defence Force

COUNTY

ADDRESS

Clare

Kilrush Creek Marina, Kilrush

Cork

Weir St., Bandon

Donegal

Unit 4, Court Place, Cardonagh (1st Floor Unit)

Galway

Hut Site, Tuam

Leitrim

8 Park Lane, Carrick-on-Shannon

Mayo

Foxford, Ballina

Monaghan

Cross St., Carrickmacross

Monaghan

Drumgoask, Monaghan

Offaly

Kilcruttin, Tullamore. Ground Floor Unit

Sligo

Unit 12B, Cleveragh Business Centre

Part Time rentals — Reserve Defence Force

COUNTY

ADDRESS

Carlow

Hut Site, Carlow Workhouse

Cork

Town Hall, Bandon — 2 rooms.

Cork

Parochial Hall, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry

Cork

Beara Sports Hall, Castletownbere

Cork

Community Hall, Chapel St., Charleville

Cork

GAA Club, Macroom

Cork

Industrial Hall, Clonakilty

Cork

St. Patrick’s Hall, Dunmanway

Cork

Scoil Mhuire Hall, Kanturk

Cork

Community Centre, Kilworth

Cork

Parish Hall, Roscarbery

Cork

GAA Club, Millstreet

Cork

Scoil Phadraig, New Road, Mallow

Galway

Hall Einne, Carraroe

Galway

Community Hall, Portumna

Limerick

Community Centre, Abbeyfeale

Limerick

Community Hall, Boher

Limerick

Muintir Na Tire Hall, Hospital

Limerick

Hut Site, Newcastlewest

Limerick

Community Hall, Pallas Green

Mayo

Scouts Den, Ballina

Mayo

Community Hall, Swinford

Meath

Gilsen Boys School, Oldcastle

Tipperary

St. Patrick’s Parochial Hall, Ballymacarberry

Tipperary

Hut Site, Tipperary Town

Waterford

Community Centre, Capoquin, Villierstown

Wexford

Community Hall, Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy

Wexford

Parish Hall, Cushinstown

Wexford

Scout Hall, Gorey

Wicklow

Parochial Hall, Tinahealy

Army Barracks

Brendan Smith

Question:

191 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm without further delay that there will be no change to the status of Dún Uí Neill Barracks, Cavan, due to its importance as a key military installation centrally situated in the mid-Border area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35343/11]

Brendan Smith

Question:

192 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence his views on the importance and necessity of retaining Dún Uí Neill Barracks, Cavan, as a key military installation, as outlined in Private Members’ debates in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann and as outlined in detail by the representative group comprising the deputation he met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

As the House is aware, on Tuesday, 15 November the Government approved a proposal from me to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Force personnel into fewer locations with the closure of four barracks. The barracks being closed are Kickham Barracks Clonmel, Columb Barracks Mullingar, O'Neill Barracks Cavan and Castlebar Barracks. It is proposed to have the personnel transferred and the barracks closed down no later than Friday, 30 March 2012.

The purpose of the Government's decision is to maximise the effectiveness of the Defence Forces by removing the burden imposed by manning and maintaining unnecessary installations.

The consolidation of the Defence Forces Formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the ongoing Defence modernisation programme in order to maximise the effectiveness of the Defence Forces and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years.

As in the case of previous barrack consolidation programmes the proceeds from the sale of the barracks will be used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure. Since 1998 a total of ten barracks have been closed under two barrack consolidation programmes. To-date a total €85 million has been realised from the disposal of six of these barracks and part of another.

In recent weeks I have met with individual members of the Oireachtas and a delegation from the Cavan area. I have reflected carefully and at length on the sincere and genuine concerns raised by the delegation who put forward very strongly held views as to why the barracks should be retained. I wish to acknowledge the sincerity and courtesy with which these views were conveyed. However, I am obliged to take a broader view and must consider the overall needs and organisation of the Defence Forces not just for today but in the years ahead. It is in that context that the consolidation of the Defence Forces into a smaller number of locations is being addressed. I am especially concerned to protect the strength of the Defence Forces being also mindful of the difficult economic situation facing the country.

Arising from the Government decision I have asked my Department to enter into discussions with other Government Departments, Local Authorities and State Agencies regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

193 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the number of former Secretaries General who are in receipt of public sector pensions while employed in a public body or State agency. [35783/11]

There are no former Secretaries General employed by my Department or by any bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

194 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide the names of agencies that provide staff for the public sector; the services they provide; the cost to the State of those services; the number of staff they provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35794/11]

The Department sources its staff through the Public Appointments Service. There is no cost to the Department for using this service.

Noxious Weeds

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

195 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the enforcement of fines and penalties on landowners who do not comply with the regulation in respect of the cutting of noxious weeds such as ragwort and ragweed on their properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35235/11]

The Noxious Weeds Act 1936, as amended, provides for the control of the spread of six noxious weeds, namely, Thistle, Ragwort, Dock, Common Barberry, Male Wild Hop Plant and the Wild Oat.

Under the Act, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of these noxious weeds. The owner, occupier, user or managers of lands on which these weeds are present are subject to the provisions of the Act, including a fine of up to €1,000 on conviction.

While the last prosecution under the Act was taken in 1988, the Department actively seeks to enforce the provisions of the Act by issuing Notices to Destroy in all instances where it is becomes aware of the presence of noxious weeds.

A total of 26 such Notices were issued in 2010 with a further 35 having been issued to date in 2011. These notices are issued as a result of inspections carried out by Department Field Officers or on receipt of complaints made by the public.

Follow-up action may be undertaken by my officials with the land owner to ensure that the notifications are acted upon and that the particular weeds have been dealt with as stipulated in the Notice to Destroy. In all such instances, my officials have at their disposal the option of initiating proceedings under the Noxious Weeds Act against a landowner who fails to comply with such an instruction.

Additionally, under the EU Single Farm Payment Scheme, farmers are obliged to keep their lands free from noxious weeds under the cross compliance measures of the scheme. Failure to do so may result in a reduction of their payment entitlements. In the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 penalties under the Single Payment were applied to 27, 31 and 46 farmers, respectively, for failure to take appropriate measures to prevent the proliferation of noxious weeds.

Grant Payments

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

196 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35240/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

197 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35241/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 6 April 2011. However, following processing, over-claims were identified on four of the parcels declared by the person named. The person named has been written to in this regard and, on receipt of a satisfactory reply, the application will then be further processed with a view to the appropriate payments issuing shortly thereafter.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

198 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; whether each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35243/11]

In general, all issues in relation to leases for Government Departments / Offices, including my Department, are a matter for the Office of Public Works. There is one building in Portlaoise which is leased directly by my Department and the following are the details requested:

Location of Property

Annual Value of Lease

Rent subject to upward review?

Name of Landlord

Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the MarineUnit 5Kealew Business ParkMountrath RoadPortlaoiseCo. Laois

€39, 999.96

No

Thomas Keane

Grant Payments

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

199 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an appeal against a decision to not consider a single farm payment under the national reserve scheme 2011 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [35265/11]

The person named submitted an application under Category B of the 2011 National Reserve which caters for farmers who commenced farming after 15 May 2009. In addition, applicants under this category are also required to meet certain criteria with regard to income limits and farming qualifications. The application from the person named was deemed ineligible as he commenced farming prior to the 15th May, 2009. The person named appealed this decision and his case has been forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who will be meeting next Monday 21st November 2011 and the appeal for the person named will be discussed. The Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review.

Patrick Deering

Question:

200 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive their single farm payment; and if he will expedite a response. [35272/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2011. The application has now been fully processed and the appropriate payment will issue shortly.

Patrick Deering

Question:

201 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive their single farm payment; and if he will expedite a response. [35273/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 4th May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection. This inspection was completed and the results are now being processed.

In the vast majority of inspected cases, including this case, amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. This work is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the processing of those who were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection without undue delay.

Michael Moynihan

Question:

202 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an outstanding single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35278/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2011, processing of which should be finalised in the coming days, following which payment will issue immediately thereafter.

Departmental Expenditure

Michael Moynihan

Question:

203 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific programmes funded under the 2011 capital allocation heading of development of agriculture and food and other; and if he will provide a breakdown of the funds allocated to each specific programme. [35280/11]

The capital budget for my Department for 2011 is €269 million. The details are outlined and set out in the following table:

Significant Items of Capital Expenditure

Total

Afforestation

€104m

Farm Waste Management Scheme

€36m

Marketing and Processing

€35m

Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes

€19m

Fisheries Harbours

€10.18m

Marine Institute — capital allocation

€9.35m

NDP Support measures (forestry)

€8m

Farm Improvement Scheme

€7m

Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund

€6m

Aquaculture

€5m

BIM — capital allocation

€4.13m

Horticulture Grants Scheme

€4m

Department’s Laboratories

€2.2m

Bio-energy Schemes

€2.1m

Sea Fisheries Protection Authority — capital allocation

€2m

Organic Sector Grant Scheme

€1.9m

Waste Processing Facilities Scheme

€1.6m

Animal Welfare (pig welfare)

€1.5m

Livestock Breeding

€1.5m

Fish processing

€1.5m

Dairy Hygiene Scheme

€1.3m

Equine Infrastructures (Breeding/Quality)

€1m

Young Farmer Installation Schemes

€0.960m

Other

€3.56m

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

204 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 435 of 20 September 2011, if he will provide an update on a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35285/11]

The appeal in the case of the person named has now been determined and his appeal allowed subject to conditions. My Department will be in touch with him shortly with formal notification of the decision and the conditions under which it is being granted.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

205 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35365/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment and the Disadvantaged Areas payment to issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

206 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set down the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions while currently employed in a public body or State agency. [35781/11]

A former Secretary General of this Department, John Malone, is employed by the Irish National Stud as Chairman of its Audit Committee for which he is paid an annual fee of €4,050. He is not an employee of the National Stud.

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

207 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the names of agencies which provide staff for the public sector; the services they provide; the cost to the State of those services; the numbers of staff they provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35793/11]

It is not possible to provide this information in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Health Service Staff

Brian Stanley

Question:

208 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her position and that of the Health Service Executive in relation to recruitment of the 60 extra social workers for 2011; and if she will clarify the reason no offers have yet to be made [35275/11]

In line with the Programme for Government I am committed to delivering on the Ryan Report Implementation Plan which committed to the recruitment of an additional 270 social workers. 200 of these new posts were in place by the end of 2010. The HSE National Service Plan includes financial provision for the recruitment of a further 60 social workers this year. I have been assured by the HSE that it plans to have these additional staff in place by the end of the year and, in this context, I expect that the HSE will take the necessary steps to meet this commitment within the stated timescale. My Department will continue to closely monitor the position with regard to the recruitment of the additional personnel.

Inter-Country Adoptions

Patrick Nulty

Question:

209 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps that have been taken to authorise the Adoption Authority to commence negotiations with the Ethiopian authorities in order to create a bilateral agreement which would allow Irish persons to adopt from Ethiopia. [35212/11]

The Adoption Act 2010, commenced on 1 November 2010. This coincided with Ireland's formal ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The purpose of the Adoption Act, 2010, is to improve standards in both domestic and inter-country adoption. The regulatory framework governing adoption has been strengthened in an attempt to ensure that the best interests of children are protected at every step throughout the adoption process. With effect from 1 November 2010, inter-country adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention or with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy. It has a quasi-judicial role and is independent in its decision-making functions.

As provided for in Section 72 of the Adoption Act, 2010, the Authority may establish administrative arrangements concerning the processing of applications with other Hague countries in relation to inter-country adoptions. The Authority has already travelled to a number of jurisdictions in order to make contact with the Central Authorities; advise of our processes and procedures, assess the need for additional administrative arrangements or agreements; and to glean as much information as possible of relevance to prospective adopters from those countries. The visits also provide opportunities to streamline processes on both sides and get up to date information for prospective adopters on developments in these countries. AAI delegations will shortly travel to Mexico and the United States to discuss possible administrative agreements. It is envisaged that the AAI will visit Vietnam in the near future as that country has recently ratified the Hague Convention and entry into force of the Convention is 1 February 2012. The Authority has also commenced a review of the adoption laws of Lithuania, Panama, Kenya and Kazakhstan as prospective countries for adoption into Ireland, and said it would look at other Hague countries as appropriate.

As the Hague Convention is designed to ensure a minimum set of standards in inter-country adoption, the Adoption Authority have indicated that their first priority is to reach agreements on arrangements with other Hague countries. The negotiation of bilateral agreements on inter-country adoption with non-contracting states is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010 which states that "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State." Ethiopia, as it is not a signatory of Hague, is covered by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010. Ireland has no bilateral agreement with non Hague countries

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

210 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding changes made to the adoption process following the difficulties prospective Irish parents experience while attempting to adopt children from Vietnam, Russia and other countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35226/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

213 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are adequate resources to the Adoption Authority of Ireland to progress bilateral adoption agreements with countries that have not ratified the Hague Convention; if she is confident that progress is being made regarding these arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35261/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 213 together.

The Adoption Act 2010, commenced on 1 November 2010. This coincided with Ireland's formal ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The purpose of the Adoption Act 2010, is to improve standards in both domestic and inter-country adoption. The regulatory framework governing adoption has been strengthened in an attempt to ensure that the best interests of children are protected at every step throughout the adoption process. Inter-country adoptions can only be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention or with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy. It has a quasi-judicial role and is independent in its decision-making functions.

Hague Countries

As provided for in Section 72 of the Adoption Act 2010, the Authority may establish administrative arrangements concerning the processing of applications with other Hague countries in relation to inter-country adoptions. The Authority has already travelled to a number of jurisdictions in order to make contact with the Central Authorities; advise of our processes and procedures, assess the need for additional administrative arrangements or agreements; and to glean as much information as possible of relevance to prospective adopters from those countries. The visits also provide opportunities to streamline processes on both sides and get up to date information for prospective adopters on developments in these countries. AAI delegations will shortly travel to Mexico and the United States to discuss possible administrative agreements. The Authority has also commenced a review of the adoption laws of Lithuania, Panama, Kenya and Kazakhstan as prospective countries for adoption into Ireland, and has indicated it would look at other Hague countries as appropriate.

Vietnam

The Vietnamese authorities deposited the instrument of ratification of the Hague Convention on 8 November. Therefore, the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption will enter into force for Vietnam on 1 February 2012. Preliminary discussions have taken place regarding official visits and exchange of information between Ireland and Vietnam with a view to putting in place administrative arrangements under Section 72 of the 2010 Act.

Non-Hague Countries

As the Hague Convention is designed to ensure a minimum set of standards in inter-country adoption, the Adoption Authority have indicated that their current priority is to reach agreements on arrangements with other countries that have ratified the Hague Convention.

The negotiation of bilateral agreements on inter-country adoption with non-contracting states is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act, 2010 which states that "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State."

The situation in relation to Russia is complex. My Department is currently in discussion with the AAI on the appropriateness and feasibility of exploratory discussions with the Russians authorities concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State. It is envisaged that Irish officials will visit Moscow in December on this matter.

Ethiopia, as it is not a signatory of Hague, is also covered by Section 73 of the Adoption Act, 2010. Ireland currently has no bilateral agreement with non Hague countries.

Resources

The issue of resources, staffing and funding for the AAI is a matter of continuous review by my Department. However, as the Deputy will be aware, there are currently significant ongoing constraints on public expenditure to which the Adoption Authority is subject, including the Employment Control Frameworks which provide for progressive and permanent reductions in the numbers employed across the public service. The Authority has submitted specific proposals relating to staffing and these are currently under review by my Department. In addition, the post of CEO of the Authority has been advertised and I expect will be filled shortly.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

211 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by her; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35245/11]

My Department does not directly lease any property. The details of the leasing arrangements for my Department's office location at Mespil Road, Dublin 4, are dealt with directly by the Office of Public Works.

Missing Persons

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

212 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding has been made available to the Health Service Executive to meet the cost of the 116000 hotline for missing children; if there is a limit of this funding; if the funding will be made available to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children to run same; and the timeframe she envisages [35259/11]

Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. In a recent debate on this issue in Seanad Éireann, on 12th October last, I gave a commitment to work with relevant Departments and agencies to establish this Hotline in Ireland in 2012. I also announced my intention to establish a cross-sectoral Project Team to include representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána. The final nominee to the project team has just been received and the team is now in a position to commence its work.

In June 2011, ComReg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, sought expressions of interest to run the Hotline and no substantive responses were received. However; I am aware of and have met with Irish NGOs who may be interested, but their estimated costings vary significantly. The Project Team will examine how best to operate the Hotline, in the context of the demand for the service, and to establish the extent to which services, including Garda and victim support services, which are already in existence and receiving Government funding, can be mobilised to meet Ireland's commitments in relation to the Hotline.

I want to emphasise that the investigation of a child's disappearance is the responsibility of the Garda. Their structures in this regard include not only the local gardaí, who will have primary responsibility for the investigation, but also the Missing Persons Bureau. It is of paramount importance that any arrangements which are put in place to establish the 116000 Hotline in Ireland do not compromise the requirement that the first and most important contact to be made, is to notify the Garda of the fact that a child is missing, so the investigation can commence without delay. However the implementation of a dedicated missing children hotline is intended to provide a further level of support in such situations.

Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 210.

Denis Naughten

Question:

214 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 2011; of these, the number who have been located by the Garda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35380/11]

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive for the information in question which I will forward to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

215 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of times that the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána have reviewed their protocol on unaccompanied minors going missing since it was first put in place in April 2009; the date on which this operation was last reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35381/11]

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive for the information in question which I will forward to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Brian Walsh

Question:

216 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a fair deal application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35208/11]

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive for the information in question which I will forward to the Deputy.

Crisis Pregnancy Services

Brian Walsh

Question:

217 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of service providers in receipt of funding through the crisis pregnancy programme based in County Galway; and the amount received this year by each. [35238/11]

Brian Walsh

Question:

218 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if service providers funded by the crisis pregnancy programme in County Galway are operating at capacity; if there is additional demand for these services; and if funding is available to support another such service provider. [35239/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

In total, five services are in receipt of funding through the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme in County Galway. Three of these are national crisis pregnancy counselling service providers with a centre in Galway City; in addition the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme funds a crisis pregnancy counselling and support service through Portiuncula Hospital, and on an outreach basis in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

Details of the funding provided to each are outlined in the following table.

Service Provider

Grant Allocation 2011 to Service Provider

Contractual Commitment to Galway Area

Ballinasloe Crisis Pregnancy Support Service

€135,492.51

Availability 25 Hrs Per Week Crisis Pregnancy and Post Termination Counselling

CURA [National Service]

€676,964.00*

Availability 30 Hrs Per Week As Above

CURA [National Service]

€26,400.00*

Post Natal Support Service [as part of above Crisis Pregnancy Counselling Service]

Irish Family Planning Association [National Service]

€333,550.61*

Availability 20 Hrs Per Week Crisis Pregnancy and Post Termination Counselling

LIFE Pregnancy Care [National Service]

€182,457.62

Availability 4 Hrs Per Week As Above

*Note: The grant allocations specified above represent the core counselling allocations made to these services in 2011. These allocations include costs relating to over 35 Centres nationwide operated by the service providers listed above and include costs relating to staffing; both administrative and counselling, training, rent, IT, supervision and all other overheads associated with service delivery across all centres nationwide.

A review of County Galway service providers funded by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme would indicate capacity in services to take additional clients at various times through the year. The Crisis Pregnancy Programme has informed my Department that there has been no additional demand for services. Based on current availability of Crisis Pregnancy and Post Termination Counselling hours in the Galway area, the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme would not see a requirement for funding any additional hours at this juncture. There is no evidence that further services are required and services locations are well placed to respond to existing need.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Arthur Spring

Question:

219 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for a medical card holder to receive an appointment with an ophthalmic surgeon at Kerry General Hospital; and if the Health Service Executive has any plans to reduce this waiting time. [35242/11]

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

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

220 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will set out, in tabular form, the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward-only rent clause and the name of the landlord in each case. [35252/11]

The sourcing of property on behalf of Government Departments is a matter for the Office of Public Works. There are two leases currently held by my Department. These leases are not upward-only rent review contracts. My Department is actively seeking an alternative use for these premises for the remainder of their lease.

The following are details of location, landlords and value of leases.

Premises

Landlord

Annual Value of Lease

Irish Life Building, Block D, Abbey Court, Dublin 1

Aramark Ireland

€98,500

1 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

Joan Burke

€48,000

Health Services

Emmet Stagg

Question:

221 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health the reason a plan has not been put in place to assist a stroke victim (details supplied) with speech therapy and physiotherapy. [35258/11]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Charles Flanagan

Question:

222 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be given a date to have an operation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35263/11]

I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Terence Flanagan

Question:

223 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding for disability services in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35271/11]

The Health Service Executive has advised me that expenditure on health services for people with a disability in 2011 will be approximately €1.5 billion. Special consideration was given to disability and mental health in Budget 2011 through a maximum reduction of just 1.8% in the allocation for the two sectors. The relatively lower reduction of 1.8%, compared to other areas of the health budget that saw reductions of up to 5%, recognises that these services are provided to vulnerable groups and should help to ensure that existing services are maintained and that priority is given to the delivery of frontline services.

I recognise and appreciate the valuable contribution that Prosper Fingal makes to the provision of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in North Dublin through a range of community-based day, respite, and residential services on behalf of the Health Service Executive. The HSE has advised that Prosper Fingal will receive approximately €6.55 million in funding from them in 2011. Taking the reduction in the overall HSE disability budget for 2011 into account, the HSE was asked to manage the additional resources and engage with service providers including Prosper Fingal, to ensure that existing support needs, and demands for additional places and supports, are managed effectively within the overall allocation.

Budget 2012

With regard to the level of funding for the Disability sector next year, this is being considered as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and Estimates process for 2012 which is currently underway. Deliberations on the expenditure allocations for 2012 are likely to continue up until Budget time and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of those deliberations. As you are aware, the very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure.

Value for Money & Policy Review of Disability Services

A major priority for the Government in the coming months will be to finalise the current Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services to ensure that existing funding for people with disabilities is spent to best effect. It is now more important than ever that large scale spending programmes of this nature are subject to detailed periodic review. The VFM Efficiency and Effectiveness Review will make recommendations that will ensure that the very substantial funding of €1.5 billion provided to the specialist disability health sector is used to maximum benefit for persons with disability, having regard to overall resource constraints which affect all sectors at this time.

Hospital Closures

Brian Stanley

Question:

224 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a copy of the full report outlining the reasons and the case made to justify the closure of Abbeyleix hospital, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35274/11]

I appreciate that the Deputy wishes to understand the rationale behind the closure of Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit. The Unit provides continuing care, day care and respite services to people in Laois/Offaly and bordering areas of Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary and Kildare. The Health Service Executive has advised that the reducing funding allocation being experienced across all HSE services, together with staff losses as a result of the Public Sector Moratorium, combined with the anticipated losses of staff between now and the end of the year make it essential that it now moves to consolidate the overall provision of long stay care within the Dublin Mid- Leinster Region.

An inspection report published by HIQA in February 2011 concluded that the ratio of staff to residents at the Abbeyleix Unit was not adequate to meet the needs of the mainly maximum dependency residents. It also noted that the building is old and has a number of multi occupancy bedrooms which do not meet the requirements of the National Standards. Taking all these factors together, the HSE took the decision to proceed with the closure of Abbeyleix CNU. It will continue to consult and communicate with residents families, staff, public representatives and key people in the wider community including Friends of the Hospital, Age Action, and local GPs, clergy and gardaí. It is intended that the residents will be transferred to public units where appropriate, and that the remaining residents will be transferred to private nursing homes. Staff from Abbeyleix CNU will be transferred to reopen closed beds and/or prevent the closure of other public beds resulting from moratorium losses in the area.

In relation to the other services provided at Abbeyleix CNU, I can confirm that the day care services will continue to cater for the needs of the 90 clients — approximately 24 per day — who use the service, and there are plans to further enhance this service in the future. Respite service for the current 8 clients will continue; however, it is intended that this service will transfer to a private provider following consultation with the families concerned. I can also assure the House that the Primary Care Centre located on the grounds of the facility will also continue in line with the HSE Primary Care Strategy.

If the Deputy wishes to examine the documentation relating to this decision, the proper channel for this is through a request under the Freedom of Information Act and he should contact the Freedom of Information Unit of the Department or alternatively the HSE.

Medical Cards

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

225 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [35282/11]

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

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

226 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if the application will be expedited. [35283/11]

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

Health Services

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

227 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the aftercare services provided to persons who have suffered a stroke, once discharged from hospital; if these services include counselling to deal with the physical and psychological consequences of their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35284/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which it might be possible to offer backup counselling and support services for stroke patients when they leave hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35431/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 237 together.

The information requested by the Deputies is not readily available in my Department. Therefore I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply the necessary information to me and I will forward it to the Deputies as soon as possible.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

228 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. [35362/11]

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

Hospitals Building Programme

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

229 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he remains committed to co-funding the new radiotherapy centre at Altnagalvin Hospital in Derry together with the Northern Executive in view of the publication of the Capital Investment Programme 2012 to 2016; the total level of funding that he will be making available to this project; the payment schedule by which it will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35378/11]

The Government is committed to ensuring a high-quality radiotherapy service for the entire population of Ireland, including close collaboration with Northern Ireland, for services in the North West. I am happy to reaffirm the Government's commitment to this vital radiotherapy project at Altnagelvin, which will benefit cancer patients on both sides of the border, and earlier this year I confirmed the Irish Government's commitment to providing one third of the capital costs (up to €19 million) for the development of the radiotherapy services. This project is included in the Capital Programme.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Denis Naughten

Question:

230 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the specific services for clients which are covered by the fair deal nursing home scheme; his plans to review the level of cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35383/11]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care. The services which fall within the scope of long-term residential care are:

nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person,

basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living,

bed and board, and

laundry service.

Incontinence wear, where required, is provided free of charge by the HSE to all Nursing Homes Support Scheme residents that possess a Medical Card.

There are no immediate plans to review the services which fall within the scope of the scheme. However, the scheme is due for formal review in 2012. The Scheme will be three years in operation at that stage. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform this work. The review will look at, amongst other issues, the ongoing sustainability of the scheme, the relative costs of public versus private provision and the balance of funding between residential and community care.

National Lottery Funding

Seán Kenny

Question:

231 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is processing a grant application by an organisation (details supplied) in County Dublin for respite care. [35384/11]

My Department has received an application for funding from the 2011 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department, and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.

Hospitals Building Programme

Martin Heydon

Question:

232 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the works to be carried out by the Health Service Executive at St. Vincents Hospital, Athy, County Kildare following an inspection on 9 November 2010 and as set out in the providers responses of 20 December 2010 regarding Action 1, if all such work is now completed; the amount spent on the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35388/11]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the management and delivery of the health capital programme. I have, accordingly, referred the Deputy's question in relation to the hospital concerned to the Executive for attention and direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

233 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assurance that any cuts to health in Budget 2012 will not affect services provided by St. Michael’s House, Ballymun Road, Dublin 9. [35397/11]

The Health Service Executive has advised me that expenditure on health services for people with a disability in 2011 will be approximately €1.5 billion. Special consideration was given to disability and mental health in Budget 2011 through a maximum reduction of just 1.8% in the allocation for the two sectors. The relatively lower reduction of 1.8%, compared to other areas of the health budget that saw reductions of up to 5%, recognises that these services are provided to vulnerable groups and should help to ensure that existing services are maintained and that priority is given to the delivery of frontline services.

I recognise and appreciate the valuable contribution that St. Michael's House makes to the provision of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Dublin and Navan through a range of community-based day, respite, and residential services on behalf of the Health Service Executive. The HSE has advised that St. Michael's House will receive approximately €72 million in funding from them in 2011. Taking the reduction in the overall HSE disability budget for 2011 into account, the HSE was asked to manage the additional resources and engage with service providers including St. Michael's House, to ensure that existing support needs, and demands for additional places and supports, are managed effectively within the overall allocation.

Budget 2012

With regard to the level of funding for the Disability sector next year, this is being considered as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and Estimates process for 2012 which is currently underway. Deliberations on the expenditure allocations for 2012 are likely to continue up until Budget time and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of those deliberations. As you are aware, the very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure.

Value for Money & Policy Review of Disability Services

A major priority for the Government in the coming months will be to finalise the current Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services to ensure that existing funding for people with disabilities is spent to best effect. It is now more important than ever that large scale spending programmes of this nature are subject to detailed periodic review. The VFM Efficiency and Effectiveness Review will make recommendations that will ensure that the very substantial funding of €1.5 billion provided to the specialist disability health sector is used to maximum benefit for persons with disability, having regard to overall resource constraints which affect all sectors at this time.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

234 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35399/11]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35429/11]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when it is expected the terms of the fair deal scheme will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35430/11]

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

Question No. 237 answered with Question No. 227.

Medical Cards

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35432/11]

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

Sports Capital Programme

Billy Timmins

Question:

239 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assistance available to a club (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35207/11]

Under the Sports Capital Programme an allocation of €30,000 was made to the organisation referred to by the Deputy in 2006 towards the costs of floodlighting, ball-stop netting and the redevelopment of toilet facilities. All of this funding has been drawn down.

The club might consider contacting the Sustainability Energy Authority of Ireland who provide information and grants relating to energy efficiency.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

240 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of the private rental properties leased by him; the location of each property; the annual value of each lease; if each lease is subject to an upward only rent clause; and the name of the landlord in tabular form. [35257/11]

Two of the three buildings occupied by my Department in Dublin are State owned. Where State owned accommodation is not available, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the procurement of office accommodation for all Government Departments in Dublin and provincial locations.

The OPW have the responsibility for any rental or leasing issues arising in relation to rented office accommodation.

Public Transport

Jack Wall

Question:

241 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Bus Éireann has removed routes from areas that have been bypassed by motorways (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35290/11]

The issue raised is an operational matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

242 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of money spent subsidising Dublin Bus in the greater Dublin area for the period from October 2010 to October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35294/11]

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the subvention of public service obligation services operated by contract with Dublin Bus. The subvention payments to Dublin Bus, which are funded by the exchequer, amounted to €78.8 million for the period from October 2010 to October 2011.

Light Rail Project

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

243 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of money put into subsidising the running of the Luas rail system in the greater Dublin area between October 2010 to October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35295/11]

No subsidy was paid from the Exchequer for the running of the Luas rail system in the Greater Dublin area between October 2010 and October 2011.

Road Network

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

244 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the initial agreement between him, the British Government and Northern Ireland Assembly regarding the commitment to allocate £400 million as match funding towards the building of the A5 Derry to Aughnacloy dual carriageway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35359/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

245 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the manner in which he was to pay over instalments of £400 million match funding towards the building of the A5 Derry top Aughnacloy dual carriageway; the timelines or milestones agreed for the making of such payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35360/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

246 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with his Northern Ireland counterparts in advance of the announcement in the infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan not to continue with the commitment to provide £400 million towards the A5 Derry to Aughnacloy dual carriageway in order to have it competed by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35361/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 to 246, inclusive, together.

Arising from the St Andrew's Agreement, the Irish Government gave a commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 through Northern Ireland to Derry thus improving access to Letterkenny and North Donegal. The Government's commitment to a contribution of £400 million for investment in roads infrastructure in Northern Ireland was included in a joint infrastructure investment package announced in March 2007 by the British and Irish Governments in the lead up to the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Drawdown of funding is based on the achievement of agreed project milestones as reported by the Cross-Border Roads Steering Group leading to approval by the North South Ministerial Council. The A5 project milestone and payment schedule was formally approved by the NSMC Plenary in January 2011. To date funding of £19 million (sterling) has been paid by the Irish Government towards the planning of the project with a further £3 million (sterling) due to be paid in 2012 in relation to the completion of the Public Inquiry on the project.

It had been envisaged, subject to the outcome of the planning process, that the balance of the Irish Government's contribution would have been paid over the period 2013 to 2016 according as specified milestones were achieved during the construction phase of the project. However, it is important to stress that no provision was made by the outgoing Fianna Fáil led Government within either the Infrastructure Investment Priorities Plan 2010-2016 or the Four Year Plan for this project beyond the payments already made and the payments due in 2012.

Following an extensive Capital Investment Review conducted in 2011 by this Government and having regard to the current economic position which the Deputy will appreciate was inherited from the previous Fianna Fáil led Government, it has proved necessary to defer the funding commitment to the A5.

In early November, in advance of the announcement of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, and I met with our Northern Ireland Ministerial counterparts, Sammy Wilson MP MLA and Danny Kennedy MLA to discuss the position in relation to the A5 project. This matter will be discussed further at the North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting which is being held tomorrow.

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

247 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline what the £50 million being made available to the Northern Ireland Government towards the A5 dual carriageway will achieve in terms of progress in the building of the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35367/11]

As referred to within my answer to the Deputy's questions yesterday, contributions towards the A5 roads project of £25m will be made in 2015 and a further £25m in 2016 subject to the agreement at the North South Ministerial Council. This will be met from the Government's unallocated reserves and not from the vote of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

I would remind the Deputy that the previous Fianna Fáil led Government made no provision to meet the costs of the A5 post 2012 in either the Four Year Plan or the Infrastructure Investment Priorities Plan 2010 to 2016.

With regard to what can be achieved by this funding, this will be discussed at tomorrow's North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting and follow-up by the relevant authorities thereafter. I do not want to pre-empt the outcome of this discussion.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

248 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the objective criteria that was used not to include funding in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment programme 2012-2016 for the Killaloe/Ballina bypass between County Clare and County Tipperary. [35375/11]

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 a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The Infrastructure and Capital Investment programme (2012 to 2016) made no mention of the inclusion or exclusion of any regional or local road improvement scheme. The 2012 allocations will be announced early in the New Year, and will have regard to the current financial circumstances and competing demands from other local authorities for funding for such strategic schemes.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

249 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the objective criteria that was used not to include funding in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment programme for the northern relief road between Limerick city and County Clare. [35376/11]

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 a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.

The Infrastructure and Capital Investment programme (2012 to 2016) made no mention of the inclusion or exclusion of any regional or local road improvement scheme. The 2012 allocations will be announced early in the New Year, and will have regard to the current financial circumstances and competing demands from local authorities in respect of such strategic schemes.

Coast Guard Service

Timmy Dooley

Question:

250 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if adequate funding has been provided in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012 to 2016 to carry out the construction of a purpose built facility for the Irish Coast Guard at Doolin in County Clare. [35377/11]

Providing a suitable building for the Irish Coast Guard volunteer unit in Doolin to enable it to operate in a safe and efficient manner remains a priority for my Department. Every effort will be made within the context of the funding provided to the Department in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012 to 2016 to complete the development.

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

251 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions whilst currently employed in a public body and or State agency. [35792/11]

There are no former secretary generals currently working in my Department. The information in respect of the agencies is an operational matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to those agencies for which I have responsibility for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my private office.

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