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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Nov 2011

Vol. 747 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 30, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 31 to 55, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 56 to 66, inclusive, answered orally.

Job Creation

Mick Wallace

Question:

67 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs that will be created over the next two years as a result of the State’s enterprise strategy which will see a total spend of €1 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35990/11]

Mick Wallace

Question:

83 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs that will result from the State’s enterprise strategy in view of the fact that the Department allocation for 2012 is a record high of €514 million, to be followed by €458 million in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35991/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 83 together.

The Government published its Infrastructural and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework on the 10th of November last. The capital investment programme covers a broad range of critical areas including economic infrastructure, environmental infrastructure and social investment.

While acknowledging that over the medium-term, there will be a lower level of resources available for capital investment generally, I am delighted to say that supports to industry will be maintained at very significant levels. In total, €2.334 billion is provided for jobs, enterprise and innovation over the period from 2012 to 2016, with over €900 million also being invested by my colleagues in programmes related to tourism, agriculture, food and the marine, all of which deliver major economic and environmental benefits. This will be an increase in the annual allocation for enterprise support from €508 million in 2011 to its highest ever level of €514 million in 2012, reflecting the priority accorded to job creation by the Government.

In 2010, IDA Ireland clients created 10,897 new jobs while Enterprise Ireland clients created 8,193. Shannon Development clients created 362 while the 35 CEBs together created 5,901 when full and part-time jobs are included. It is vital that this level of job creation is maintained and enhanced in the years ahead and the capital allocation to my Department ensures that this will be the case. There will inevitably be some job losses also, however, improved competitiveness, a more benign trading environment and interventions by the enterprise agencies in support of existing jobs will ensure that losses will be minimised.

Under the new investment framework the funding of these key employment creating agencies will be protected or enhanced over the medium term. A number of new initiatives will also be funded including a Partial Loan Guarantee Scheme, Innovation Fund Ireland and there will be increased focus on accelerating High Potential Start-Ups. As a consequence I expect these enterprise-development Agencies to deliver on their ambitious jobs targets of over 110,000 gross new jobs over the five years of the programme to 2016 — or 22,000 per annum on average. Every new job is estimated to have a multiplier effect so the overall impact on job creation of these activities is estimated at 220,000 gross new direct and indirect jobs.

Continued investments in research, technological development and innovation have been and will remain a pivotal element of our enterprise development offering to 2016. These investments underpin both the quantum and quality of employment in enterprise today and into the medium term. The environment for business and job growth is of course affected by international economic conditions and our own competitiveness. In recognition of this I am conducting a review of our policies and I plan to publish a Jobs Strategy early in the new year to ensure that policies are adopted which maximise job opportunities.

County Enterprise Boards

Michael McGrath

Question:

68 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any county and city enterprise boards could be abolished or merged as part of the rationalisation of State agencies being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36038/11]

The issue of restructuring the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) is under consideration within my Department and various options have been considered. It is my intention, however, to ensure that any opportunity presented by CEB restructuring will not simply be about reducing or changing the numbers of CEBs in existence but will be used as an opportunity to fundamentally reform, streamline and revitalise the manner in which the State supports the valuable micro-enterprise sector.

In particular, I want to ensure that State support is delivered in a cohesive manner and that there is a targeted local delivery of enterprise support, driven by a national enterprise policy, in a manner which eliminates overlap and duplication and which makes it easier for the end-user to access the necessary supports and services which can help the sustainability and growth of his/her business. The micro-enterprise and small business sector will be central to the economic recovery and the future economic prosperity of this Country and it is vital that it is properly supported at State level.

Industrial Disputes

Joan Collins

Question:

69 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has responded to the letter handed to him recently by workers (details supplied) and members of Mandate in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, who have been on strike since April 2010 following their dismissal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36055/11]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

81 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has responded to the letter handed to him recently by workers (details supplied) and members of Mandate in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, who have been on strike since April 2010 following their dismissal and the failure of their employer to abide by Labour Court rulings or pay moneys owed to the sacked employees; if he intends to introduce legislation to prevent such treatment of workers by some employers in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36052/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 81 together.

This issue involves a dispute that resulted from a decision by the employer in 2010 to cut pay and working hours of the workers. The issues in dispute were referred to the Labour Relations Commission by the workers. Separate exploratory talks involving the Conciliation Service of the Labour Relations Commission and the employer and workers' representatives took place in June 2010, where all possibilities were explored with both parties in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement to settle the dispute. Unfortunately, the Conciliation Service determined that it was not in a position to assist the parties achieve a settlement of the issues in dispute.

I understand that the workers referred claims regarding alleged breaches of their employment rights under a number of different pieces of legislation to the Rights Commissioner Service and to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. I am advised that the Rights Commissioners and EAT found in favour of the workers in all cases, and made appropriate awards in favour of the workers concerned. I understand that the employer failed to attend at any of the hearings.

There is in place a comprehensive suite of employment rights legislation through which disputes can be pursued. In this context, all employment rights legislation provides for mechanisms through which the decisions of Rights Commissioners and the Employment Appeals Tribunal can be enforced through the Courts. I understand that the enforcement of some of the decisions made in relation to the claims arising from this dispute has already been put in train. In other related instances the specified date by which the decisions or determinations were to be carried out has not yet been exhausted.

The mechanisms provided to ensure compliance with the provisions of employment rights legislation have been shown to have been fully utilised in this instance and to have resulted in a series of decisions and determinations which can now be enforced in the appropriate way. Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce further legislation in this regard.

Employment Rights

Clare Daly

Question:

70 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide figures for the average waiting time for an applicant to have a rights commissioner hearing between 2005 and 2011; if he will provide figures for the average waiting time for an applicant to have an Employment Appeals Tribunal hearing between 2005 and 2011; if he will provide figures for the volume of applications for rights commissioner and Employment Appeals Tribunal hearings between 2005 and 2011; if he will provide figures for the staffing levels of the rights commissioner and Employment Appeals Tribunal between 2005 and 2011; and if he will provide the necessary resources to reduce current waiting times for rights commissioner and Employment Appeal Tribunal hearings from current levels to a maximum of one month. [35633/11]

The Rights Commissioner Service is part of the Labour Relations Commission, a statutory body independent of my Department in the performance of its functions. All operational matters relating to the Rights Commissioner Service, including the scheduling of hearings, is a matter for the Labour Relations Commission. Equally, it is a matter for the Commission to decide on the extent to which its administrative resources are allocated to the Rights Commissioner Service. I have forwarded your Question to the Chief Executive of the Commission and have asked that he respond directly to you on the matter. I can say that the number of rights commissioners assigned and administrative staff assigned to the Commission increased significantly since 2005. Details are provided at the end of this reply.

The Employment Appeals Tribunal has also seen a significant increase in its caseload in recent years. Between 2007 and 2009, the number of claims coming to the Tribunal trebled and this had a consequential impact on case processing timeframes. The waiting periods are set out in the table. In response to this increase, the Tribunal has been allocated some additional administrative staff in recent years while also improving the efficiencies of its own operations. As a result, there has been a large increase in the number of claims disposed of by the Tribunal in recent years with 6,064 cases disposed of in 2010 compared with 4,680 in 2009 — an increase of approximately 30%.

I would add however that the functions and outputs of both the Rights Commissioners Service and the Employment Appeals Tribunal are being addressed in the context of my planned reform of the State's employment rights and industrial relations structures and institutions. As part of this, I am chairing an Implementation Group charged with overseeing the restructuring of five existing bodies into a simplified two-tier structure. I expect this reform and streamlining project to deliver a measurable improvement in the quality of services provided to users of the State's employment rights/industrial relations dispute resolution services and reduce the burden of accessing such services for users and reduce costs to the State.

Number of rights commissioners 2005 to October 2011

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Oct 2011

7

8

14

15

15

15

15

Number of Labour Relations Commission staff 2005 to October 2011

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Oct 2011

40

45

48

48

50

44.53

44.53

Number of Claims to Employment Appeals Tribunal 2005 to October 2011

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Oct 2011

3,727

3,480

3,173

5,457

9,458

8,778

7,424

Average Waiting Period for Dublin 2005 to October 2011 (Weeks)

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Oct 2011

28

27

20

16

31

58

74

Average Waiting Period for Provincial Areas 2005 to October 2011 (Weeks)

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Oct 2011

41

44

51

31

32

55

76

Staffing in Employment Appeals Tribunal 2005 to October 2011

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Oct 2011

29.4

26.8

30

34.6

36.4

35.20

45.80

EU Funding

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

71 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which Irish enterprise has made contact through his Department or directly with the relevant EU Commissioner with the objective of accessing the appropriate funding for job creation, innovation and technology; the number of projects to date approved under such heading; the number of projects, if known, pending; the extent to which Irish projects continue to compete for such funding with other EU member states both inside and outside the eurozone; the degree to which he expects a major breakthrough in this area in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36017/11]

The Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP7), with a budget of over €50 billion for the period 2007 to 2013, is the EU's main instrument for funding research and development in Europe. In order to extract the maximum benefit from the opportunities available within FP7, a National Support Network has been put in place, headed by a National Director for FP7 based in Enterprise Ireland who leads a team of national contact points for various elements of the Programme. This support structure ensures that a coordinated and coherent approach is adopted towards FP7 across all of the Government Departments, agencies and other organisations involved. Through this support structure, a mix of guidance, advice and financial assistance is available to encourage researchers and companies, large and small, to avail of the opportunities within the Programme.

The latest available data in relation to participation by enterprise in FP7, from 2007 to April, 2011, illustrates the number of participations (applications), number of successful applications, number of specific companies and funding to those companies.

In the period from the beginning of 2007 when the Seventh Framework Programme began to April this year, 171 companies based in Ireland have had projects approved for funding under the programme. A number of companies are involved in more than one project and the total number of projects approved involving Irish companies in that period is 262. The total amount of funding to Irish based companies in these projects is €74.8 million. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for €55.5 million i.e. 74% of funding to Private Industry with 206 out of the 262 participations in projects. 22 Multinational companies (MNCs) based in Ireland have been approved funding and are involved in 56 approved projects.

Ireland's overall success rate in FP7 of 23% (percentage of successful Irish applications including industry and academic) remains above the European Member State average of 22.21%. The funding secured by Irish applicants at 21% (funding secured as percentage of funding requested) is also above the EU average of 20.68%. The high level of activity of Irish researchers and the Irish success rate ahead of the overall EU average are very positive indications of the prospects for Irish participation in FP7 and are broadly in line with our national targets.

With regard to the number of projects pending and prospects for a major breakthrough, it is not possible to provide details at this stage. All major FP7 Calls for 2012 opened in July, 2011 and will close sequentially from September, 2011 to March, 2012. The next information available from the European Commission with regard to these Calls will be in April, 2012. There will be one more series of Calls in respect of 2013, before the end of FP7, which is due to conclude at the end of 2013.

The Commission gives special consideration to the funding of SMEs within FP7, setting a target of at least 15% of the available funding. Ireland's SME participation remains in line with this target. Indeed, Ireland has the highest SME participation degree of the EU 27 Member States, with 104 per 100,000 SMEs participating in FP7 Themes.

EU support for innovation is also provided through the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) which runs from 2007 to 2013. It includes the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme which aims to improve the conditions for innovation, such as exchanges of best practices between Member States and actions to improve, encourage and promote innovation in enterprises. It also includes the ICT Policy Support Programme which aims to stimulate the new converging markets for electronic networks and services, media content and digital technologies. The CIP is administered through the Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry.

Enterprise Support Services

Dessie Ellis

Question:

72 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps taken by him to reform the enterprise development sector. [35958/11]

The Enterprise Development Agencies have served the economy well in recent years in terms of the many thousands of high-value and sustained jobs created across the regions, the significant contribution their clients make to tax receipts and spend in the Irish economy, as well as their contribution to our export success and continuing healthy balance of payments.

However, we are now presented with new challenges and changed economic circumstances, both domestically and across our main trading partners. We must ensure that our enterprise development supports and agencies are fit for purpose and well positioned to help move us out of the current downturn by creating sustainable jobs here in Ireland, continuing to grow exports in our traditional key markets, as well as targeting high-growth markets, such as the BRIC countries, for both exports and inward investment projects.

As part of our reviews of the effectiveness of our spending I am reviewing the structure of all agencies in the Department. In the recent paper on Restructuring Agencies I have indicated a number of changes under review. This includes the enterprise development sector and specifically a review of the role of Forfás, of Shannon Development in the context of the Mid West Task Force and of the County Enterprise Boards. I will bring proposals to Government when they are finalised. I am also developing a Jobs Strategy and it may be necessary to make changes within our agencies to implement the new strategy effectively.

EU Directives

Dessie Ellis

Question:

73 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions that he has had with regard to the transposition of the temporary agency workers directive. [35959/11]

The EU Directive on Temporary Agency Workers (2008/14/EC) is due to be transposed into Irish law by 5 December 2011. A central aim of the Directive is to ensure protection of temporary agency workers by applying the principle of equal treatment in their basic working and employment conditions. My Department initiated a public consultation on the national transposition of the Directive in October 2010. Observations were provided by a number of stakeholders and interested parties. As part of the consultation process a number of follow-up bilateral meetings were held between my Department and a number of respondents to further elaborate on positions. This informed the preparation of draft legislation by my Department.

Government approval for the draft Scheme of a Bill to give effect to the EU Directive in Irish law has been obtained and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel is proceeding with urgency to draft the Bill. I expect that the Bill will be published in early December 2011.

In tandem with the preparation of the necessary legislation to give effect to the Directive, my Department has been engaged in discussions with the national social partners, IBEC and ICTU, with the objective of facilitating agreement on the conclusion of a "Framework Agreement" under the terms of a derogation provided under Article 5.4 of the Directive. This would allow for a "qualifying period" before the principle of equal treatment would apply to agency workers in Ireland and would place us in a similar situation to that of the UK and Northern Ireland which has already obtained agreement on a 12-week qualifying period. In the absence of a "Framework Agreement" the default position is that equal treatment will apply from day 1 of the assignment of the agency worker to the hirer undertaking.

I met with IBEC and ICTU on 31st August, 2011 to facilitate discussions with the objective of concluding a framework agreement allowing for a qualifying period. At that time, I set in motion a series of bilateral discussions between officials of my Department and the national social partners to tease out the prospects for securing agreement and, while those discussions are ongoing, to date, no agreement has been reached on this issue.

Given the imminence of the date on which the Directive comes into effect i.e. 5 December 2011, there are considerable time pressures to conclude these discussions. In light of the extremely challenging labour market conditions with high unemployment and the need to do all in our power to sustain and grow employment, it is my sincere hope that agreement can be achieved between both sides. This would allow necessary leeway in terms of labour market flexibility and ensure that the labour market conditions in this jurisdiction align with those in Northern Ireland and in the UK.

Departmental Agencies

David Stanton

Question:

74 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of the agencies under the auspices of his Department; the amounts made available to each and their expenditure or indicative expenditure in 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35989/11]

A list of the agencies under the auspices of my Department and their financial allocations for 2010 and 2011 sought by the deputy are published under Vote 34 in the Revised Estimates Volumes for the Public Service 2010 and 2011 which are available in the Dáil Library. The outturn figures for 2011 will not be available until years end.

Job Creation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

75 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the relevant personnel within his Department have focused on the various issues affecting, impeding or obstructing job creation, enterprise and innovation; the extent to which positive intervention has been examined with a view to maximising opportunities in the areas for which he has responsibility; the extent to which the various stakeholders have been interviewed in this context; if it is expected that every possible opportunity for improvement is vigorously pursued; if he intends to take on board specific bold ventures with a view to utilising all possibilities in the context of national economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36016/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent that he and or his Department have examined the extent to which job creation is impeded by specific practices; the main issues that have emerged; the extent to which the large, small and/or medium sized sector is affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36328/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 231 together.

The main factors impacting on job creation, enterprise and innovation at present have been well flagged in reports from the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and include a lack of consumer demand, difficulties accessing certain business finance, cost competitiveness issues and the impact of the global economic downturn on the Irish economy. These issues impact on firms of all size and in all sectors. However, smaller companies are finding it particularly difficult to access finance at present.

The Government has taken decisive action in relation to recapitalising the banks and setting ambitious lending targets for them. The NCC's Costs of Doing Business in Ireland report for 2011 found that business costs in Ireland have reduced in relation to labour, property, utilities and business services in the last two years. The report made a number of recommendations to improve our cost competitiveness further and I have brought these recommendations to the attention of my Ministerial colleagues in Government.

With regard to my own Department's area of responsibility, I have been working on proposals for the introduction of a Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee scheme and a Microfinance Fund for small business start-ups and both are at an advanced stage. I am continuing to work on proposals to reform the statutory wage setting mechanisms, which will help to improve the competitiveness of businesses in certain sectors. My Department has identified potential savings of approximately €198 million per annum for businesses in Ireland arising from measures taken to reduce the administrative burden in the areas of Company Law, Employment Law and Health and Safety Law. My Department is also leading a cross-Government programme to further measure and reduce the administrative burden across all areas of regulation affecting business. A project to measure these burdens across seven Departments and the Offices of the Revenue Commissioners is due to be completed by mid-2012.

I am currently preparing a Jobs Strategy for the Government which will set out a series of clear, actionable measures across all Departments to support the creation and retention of jobs. The Strategy will focus on areas such as:

improving competitiveness and intensifying competition in sheltered sectors;

assisting indigenous business to grow;

supporting indigenous start ups;

attracting inward entrepreneurial start ups;

developing and deepening the impact of Foreign Direct Investment;

exploiting opportunities in new and emerging sectors; and

supporting employment initiatives within the community.

In preparing the Strategy, I have consulted with a wide range of stakeholders from the public, private and community sectors, to obtain their views on actions to support employment creation. I received over 600 individual ideas through this process, including some innovative proposals for job creation. My Department and Forfás, in consultation with officials in other Government Departments, have been analysing the proposals to identify those which are likely to have the greatest impact on job creation and retention. The objective is to publish the Jobs Strategy early in the New Year.

These measures will be underpinned by an allocation to my Department of €514 million for enterprise support from the Government's Capital investment budget for 2012. This is the highest ever Capital allocation to my Department, reflecting the priority accorded to job creation by the Government.

Units of Measurement

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

76 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the continued use of imperial size fittings in the plumbing trade and the unnecessary confusion and extra costs that imperial fittings cause especially in small scale and private work; if he will eliminate the use of imperial sized fittings; the steps he will take to bring the plumbing trade fully into the metric era; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33490/11]

Directive 80/181/EEC on Units of Measurement, transposed by European Communities (Units of Measurement) Regulations 1992 (S.I. No. 255 of 1992) as amended by Directive 2009/3/EC transposed by European Communities (Units of Measurement) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 89 of 2010) outline when metric measurements must be used and the extent to which imperial measures can continue to be used.

S.I. No. 255 of 1992 required that measurement should be indicated in metric units, but allowed the use of supplementary indications until the end of 2009. However, it became apparent that the 2009 cut-off date for the use of supplementary indications could cause problems in USA-EU trade. In order to avoid these obstacles the EU stepped back from an outright ban on the use of imperial measures and continues to allow their use on the proviso that in a retail context it is compulsory to display the equivalent metric measurement, even where the good is produced and packaged to imperial measures.

All dimensions in the Technical Guidance Documents that accompany the current Building Regulations are in metric. Those Building Regulations and associated Technical Guidance Documents are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The primary purpose of the Building Regulations is to safeguard the health and safety of people in and around buildings.

The Building Regulations apply to all new buildings, extensions and certain works to existing buildings and provision or replacement of certain services, fittings and equipment. However, the national building stock includes many existing buildings which predate the current Building Regulations and which may include services, fittings and equipment produced to imperial measures. Repair and renewal of such older services, fittings and equipment therefore gives rise to an ongoing market for imperial or dual measurement supplies.

Job Creation

Gerry Adams

Question:

77 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the targets he has set for job creation every year through the four year budget cycle outlined in the medium term fiscal statement. [35940/11]

The Medium Term Fiscal Statement was published by the Minister for Finance on 4 November and outlines macroeconomic projections for the period 2011 to 2015. The Government subsequently published its Medium Term Framework for Infrastructural and Capital Investment on 10 November, to cover the period 2012 to 2016. The Capital Investment Framework places a focus on economic growth and jobs, as well as addressing social cohesion and environmental sustainability. In total, €2.334 billion is being provided to my Department's Vote from the Capital Investment Framework to support jobs, enterprise and innovation over the period 2012 to 2016. A further €900 million is being invested by my colleagues in programmes related to tourism, agriculture, food and the marine, all of which deliver major economic and jobs benefits.

Capital funding for my Department's enterprise development agencies will be protected or enhanced over the medium-term. A number of new initiatives will also be funded, including a Partial Loan Guarantee Scheme and Innovation Fund Ireland. There will also be an increased focus on accelerating High Potential Start-Up companies. As a consequence, I expect the enterprise development agencies to deliver on their ambitious jobs targets of over 110,000 gross new jobs over the five years of the programme to 2016. This represents an average of 22,000 new jobs per annum.

Every new job is estimated to have a multiplier effect, so the overall impact on job creation of these activities is estimated at 220,000 gross new direct and indirect jobs. The environment for business and job growth is, of course, affected by international economic conditions and our own competitiveness. In recognition of this, I am conducting a review of our policies and I plan to publish a Jobs Strategy early in the New Year to ensure that policies are adopted which maximise job opportunities.

Consultancy Contracts

Clare Daly

Question:

78 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of public service jobs that have been outsourced since he took office; the Departments and bodies from which they were outsourced; the amount paid to those firms by the Exchequer who now undertake work previously performed by public servants. [35987/11]

No jobs in my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis have been outsourced since I took office.

Sick Pay Scheme

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

79 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he was consulted, and his view on the impact on employment, of the proposal to transfer responsibility for paying sick pay in the first month of illness from the Department of Social Protection to employers. [35953/11]

The introduction of a Statutory Sick Pay scheme, along the lines of those which operate in many other European countries, has been suggested for consideration by the Minister for Social Protection as part of the Government's pre-Budget preparations. No decision has been taken by Government on the proposal at this stage. I have, however, heard the views of business representatives first hand on the matter and I will reflect on their position. I have also asked Forfás to examine the potential impact on competitiveness and employment of Statutory Sick Pay, if such a scheme were to be introduced.

Enterprise Support Services

David Stanton

Question:

80 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the policy directives given to enterprise support services under the auspices of his Department, with reference to the possible need to encourage enterprise in provincial towns across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35988/11]

Job creation is at the core of Government policy and the creation and retention of sustainable jobs is central to the work of the enterprise development agencies — Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the County and City Enterprise Boards. Enterprise Ireland's primary objective is to drive the growth of Irish-owned companies in overseas markets. In so doing, jobs will be created and additional spend will be generated in their localities. Company growth means economic growth throughout all the regions. With well over half of the agency's client companies located outside the major urban centres of Dublin, Cork and Galway, working directly with new and established companies based in provincial towns and surrounding areas is a fundamental aspect of Enterprise Ireland's work.

Currently, EI client companies employ around 137,000 people and half are employed outside Dublin, Cork and Galway. Around €420 million, or 63%, of all funding allocated for "direct company development projects" since 2008 has been approved to companies outside the Dublin region. Enterprise Ireland also supports the Community Enterprise Centres (CECs) throughout the regions which provide a range of facilities that enable entrepreneurs to establish new businesses and provide employment in local and rural communities. Since the first CEC development scheme in 1989, €61.4 million has been approved for the building and expansion of 134 centres across the country. An estimated 4,300 are employed in these Centres.

The County and City Enterprise Boards have an excellent track record in tapping into local entrepreneurial potential and they currently support more than 38,000 jobs across the regions. Their focus has increasingly been on the development of sustainable growth-orientated local enterprise, which can deliver high quality job creation without displacement or deadweight. Through the provision of both financial and non-financial support the Boards have assisted many micro-enterprises in developing their growth and export potential right around the country.

At present, 45% of IDA Ireland client employment of over 125,000 is outside of the key urban centres of Dublin and Cork. The agency's strategy, "Horizon 2020" has set specific regional goals of securing 50% of all investments into locations outside of Dublin and Cork. The Government's Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016 announced on the 10th November last provides €2.334 billion for jobs, enterprise and innovation over the period. This investment will assist enterprises across the regions and deliver much needed jobs to the economy as a whole.

Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 69.

Job Protection

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

82 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the consideration he has given to developing a job retention scheme for viable business to keep workers in employment rather than join the live register. [35947/11]

The Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) was introduced in December 2008 to help vulnerable but viable businesses retain jobs during the most difficult period of the economic downturn. The scheme was approved by the European Commission under a Temporary Framework for State Aid measures. This Temporary Framework was limited to a two-year period and it expired at the end of 2010. There are no plans for a further scheme of this nature at present.

However, job creation and retention is a central objective of the Government. The Government's role is to ensure that we have the right policies in place to support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. The Jobs Initiative announced last May focused our resources on measures that offered the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy. Initiatives such as the reduction in the lower rate of VAT and the halving of employer's PRSI on earnings up to €356 per week have helped to retain people in employment and create new jobs, particularly in the hospitality industry.

Building on the Jobs Initiative, I am currently preparing a Jobs Strategy for the Government which will set out a series of clear, actionable measures to support the creation and retention of jobs in to the future. The Strategy will focus on areas such as:

improving competitiveness and intensifying competition in sheltered sectors;

assisting indigenous business to grow;

supporting indigenous start ups;

attracting inward entrepreneurial start ups;

developing and deepening the impact of Foreign Direct Investment;

exploiting opportunities in new and emerging sectors; and

supporting employment initiatives within the community.

Some of the actions in the Jobs Strategy will be delivered in the short term and will have an immediate impact, while others will be delivered in a longer timeframe. The objective is to publish the Strategy early in the New Year.

Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 67.

North-South Co-operation

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

84 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to develop the proposals for an all-Ireland approach to the development of the labour market with his colleagues in the Northern Executive. [35944/11]

My colleague Ruairí Quinn T.D., Minister for Education and Skills, has overall responsibility for the development of further education and skills training in the context of the current difficult and changing labour market and is assisted by the Minister of State with responsibility for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon T.D.

The Northern Ireland Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) has responsibility for further/vocational and higher education matters as well as employment matters and skills training in Northern Ireland. While the Department of Education and Skills does not formally engage with DEL within the structures of the NSMC, both Departments liaise on North South education and training cooperation issues as required. There is also good co-operation between third level institutions in both jurisdictions in relation to third level courses and research programmes.

My colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairí Quinn T.D., met with Minister Stephen Farry, M.L.A., the Northern Ireland Minister for Employment and Learning, on Wednesday, 28 September 2011. I am informed that, at their bilateral meeting, the Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest including Further and Higher Education and the drive to raise skills levels, as well as looking ahead to possible further areas of collaboration. The Ministers acknowledged that the need to raise the skills levels of the workforce is a challenge throughout the island. Both Departments have previously engaged constructively on this issue, with the production of an All-Island Skills Study and also the Management Matters report which highlighted the need for improvements in management and leadership skills in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

I understand from Forfás, the policy advisory board for enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation, that in recent years there have been many examples of both Forfás and the Northern Ireland Department for Employment and Learning working together to share information and to understand more fully the labour market on both parts of the island of Ireland. These include joint meetings of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and the (then) Northern Ireland Skills Expert Group, the production of the All Island Skills Report, the All Island Skills Conference in 2008 and the steering of research into management skills North and South.

A Comprehensive Study on the All-Island economy (2006) commissioned by the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, emphasised the benefits of working together in a co-ordinated way to ensure that the necessary skills are in place to encourage sustained growth. The two skills expert groups established North and South — the NI Skills Expert Group and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs — agreed to work together on an All-Island Skills Study to provide the evidence for delivering the required workforce skills across the island. This Study was completed in October 2008 and provides an evidence base for future partnership and effective working between the two skills expert groups by providing a comprehensive picture of skills demand on an All-Island basis.

The Study was launched at a conference held in Derry on 9th October 2008. The conference provided an opportunity to share good practice and maximise opportunities for future North/South cooperation. It discussed future challenges and opportunities facing economies North/South and potential responses to help sustain future economic and social development. Since then a number of meetings have been held between the chairperson of the EGFSN and the head of the Education, Skills and Labour Market Policy, Forfás and the Northern Ireland Adviser on Employment and Skills. The purpose of the meetings is to provide an exchange of information on the role, functions and work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and on the work of the Northern Ireland Adviser on Employment and Skills and the Employment & Skills Advisory Group and on respective research work being undertaken — such as on the demand for high-level ICT skills and the skills demand needs of the green economy.

I am informed that FÁS has continued its tradition of co-operating with the training authorities in Northern Ireland in the running of the Wider Horizons Programme (WHP). The programme aims to enhance employment opportunities by providing vocational training, work experience and personal development training both at home and overseas to disadvantaged people aged between 18 and 28 years. The Wider Horizons Programme is delivered on behalf of The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) by its joint managing agents, the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in Northern Ireland and FÁS in the Republic of Ireland. IFI funds the programme costs with FÁS and DEL contributing to the training allowance and travel and accommodation costs of participants. Last year approximately 570 young people participated in the Wider Horizons Programme across 29 projects.

In the sphere of social protection and the coordination of social security arrangements, the Department of Social Protection is represented at meetings of the inter-departmental North-South co-ordinators group, chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Secretariat of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) recently finalised a paper on Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility which, amongst a range of issues, highlights difficulties people who are regarded as frontier workers have in the social welfare and tax areas.

A Cross-Border Operational Forum has been established comprising of selected investigators from the Irish Department of Social Protection the Great Britain Department for Work and Pensions and the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency of the Department for Social Development. The Forum's remit is to liaise at an operational level, under the aegis of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland concerning Co-operation and Mutual Assistance in the Administration of Social Security Programmes (the MOU), in matters of mutual interest in the areas of fraud in their respective social security systems.

With regard to co-operation on issues relating to employment law, employment rights and industrial relations, officials of my Department maintain continuing liaison with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Department of Employment and Learning. These contacts are also complemented by continuing close working relationships between the Labour Relations Commission and its Northern Irelands counterpart, the Labour Relations Agency. Issues of mutual interest addressed at the most recent joint engagement at official level included the transposition of the EU Directive on temporary agency work and the parallel experience of public consultations conducted on the reform of individual employment rights dispute resolution mechanisms.

National Statistics

Seamus Healy

Question:

85 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the figures for net financial assets of households and non-profit institutions serving households for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36263/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table:

Net Financial Assets(€Billion)

2008

2009

2010

Households and Non-profit Institutions Serving Households

71,876

98,264

117,153

Notes:

1. Households consist of persons in their capacity as holders of financial assets or as borrowers. The business assets and liabilities of unincorporated self-employed persons are also mainly reflected in this sector.

2. Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households consist of bodies such as charities and non-commercial agencies not owned by the government (e.g. some schools and hospitals).

3. Net Financial Assets show the stock at the end of each year of the financial assets less the financial liabilities of the sector.

4. A change in the balance sheet position from year to year reflects not only the net transactions during that year — valuation changes, exchange rate changes and reclassifications can also impact on the balance sheet position.

Constitutional Convention

Clare Daly

Question:

86 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach if the proposed constitutional convention will be independent of the Oireachtas in the exercise of its function; if it will be open-ended in its remit and agenda; if it will contain a representative cross-section of citizens; if it will be citizen led and not be dominated by political parties and interest groups; if it will present its recommendations within 12 months of its formation; and if those recommendations, unaltered by the Government, will be put to a referendum of the people within a further six months. [35482/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

87 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the proposed timeline for work on the constitutional convention; and the way that participation in the convention will be structured. [35495/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

97 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the procedures he will put in place to ensure participation by communities and civic society in the constitutional convention. [36087/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

98 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the timeframe he envisages for the proposed constitutional convention. [36088/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

99 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach when the work of the proposed constitutional convention will commence. [36089/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

100 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the steps that have been taken to prepare for the setting up of the proposed constitutional convention. [36090/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

101 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the matters which will be under the remit of the constitutional convention. [36091/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 87 and 97 to 101, inclusive, together.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a Constitutional Convention and indicates areas for it to examine. The Programme says that the Convention will report within 12 months. I have previously indicated that, in order to give the Convention time to fully consider the matters which will be referred to it, the 12 month period should run from the date of its establishment, which it is intended will be in the Spring of next year. Work is proceeding in my Department on the preparation of proposals for the setting up of the Convention, including consideration of issues raised in the Deputies' questions. When these proposals are ready, they will be considered by the Government and I intend that they will be the subject of full consultation with the opposition parties.

Appointments to State Boards

Dara Calleary

Question:

88 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the names of all persons nominated by him or by a Minister of State at his Department to any State appointment since 9 March 2011. [35496/11]

Since entering office, in accordance with established practice, I appointed Martin Fraser, Secretary General of my Department as Chair of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) on 1 August. I also appointed the following independent nominees to the NESC in June:

Prof. Edgar Morgenroth, Economic and Social Research Institute

Prof. John McHale, National University of Ireland, Galway

Prof. Mary Daly, Queen's University Belfast

Prof. Anna Davis, Trinity College

Prof. Seán Ó Riain, National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Dr. Michael O'Sullivan, Credit Suisse — London

Ms Mary Walsh, Charted Accountant.

Dr. Michelle Morris, University College Dublin was appointed in July.

Departmental Properties

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

89 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach 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. [35498/11]

My Department has no private rented properties leased.

Official Engagements

Gerry Adams

Question:

90 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he has made any arrangements to meet with the family of human rights solicitor Pat Finucane. [35499/11]

I visited Belfast on Thursday and Friday 17th and 18th of November. On the Thursday I met with Geraldine Finucane, members of her family and their solicitor Peter Madden. Later that day I attended the annual Aisling Awards ceremony at which I had the privilege of presenting the Person of the Year Award to Geraldine Finucane. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and my own Department are in ongoing contact with the Finucane family.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

91 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35520/11]

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. There are no computer servers leased by either my Department or NESDO.

Denis Naughten

Question:

92 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35536/11]

The servers owned by the Department of the Taoiseach and their capacity are summarised in the table.

Server Type

Total Storage Capacity

RAM

Dell Power Edge 2850

140GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

140GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

68GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

140GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

140GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

140GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

140GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

560GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 1950

70GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 1950

75GB

1GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

135GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

480GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

200GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

200GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

200GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

200GB

4GB

HP Proliant DL380

70GB

1GB

HP DL380 g7

770GB

34GB

HP DL 380 g7

290GB

34GB

Dell Power Edge 2650

170GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2850

73GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

73GB

4GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

145GB

4GB

HP DL380 g6

75GB

60GB

HP DL 380 g6

75GB

60GB

HP DL380 g6

75GB

60GB

HP DL 380 g6

75GB

60GB

HP DL 380 g6

75GB

60GB

Maintenance of these servers is covered by an annual hardware maintenance contract awarded on foot of an open tendering competition. The current hardware maintenance contract covers not only servers but also covers maintenance of PCs and Printers. The hardware maintenance contract for 2011 cost my Department €8,712. During 2011 my Department has reduced the number of servers it operates through virtualisation and consolidation and is committed to further reducing server numbers wherever possible. My Department is also exploring the possibility of establishing an IT infrastructure shared service with a larger Government Department in an effort to reduce costs further.

NESDO SERVERS The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. The computer servers owned by NESDO and their capacity are summarised in the table.

Server Type

Total Storage Capacity

RAM

Dell Power Edge 860

73 GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 860

146 GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

146 GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2650

219 GB

2GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

600 GB

32 GB

Dell Power Edge 2950

600 GB

32 GB

In order to obtain best value for money, NESDO has issued a Request for Tender on www.etenders.gov.ie 4th November last, for the maintenance of its IT infrastructure, including the computer servers listed above. The closing date for receipt of tenders is 25th November 2011. In the circumstances, I do not propose to disclose the cost of maintenance while this process is underway.

National Statistics

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

93 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the levels of employment, total numbers employed at the end of the years 2008, 2009, 2010, first quarter of 2011, second quarter of 2011, third quarter of 2011 and end of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35081/11]

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The most recent figures available are for the second quarter of 2011. The data requested by the Deputy in relation to the numbers in employment and associated employment rates for the fourth quarters of 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as the first two quarters of 2011 are presented in tables 1 and 2.

The CSO does not forecast employment levels or related indicators; therefore data for the third and fourth quarters of 2011 are not available from the CSO. Employment forecasts are however, produced by the Department of Finance and the following information has been supplied by the Department:

Quarterly Irish economic data can be very volatile and reflecting this, the Department of Finance's labour market forecasts are based on annual averages rather than quarterly figures. On this basis, the Department of Finance anticipates that employment will decline by 1.8 per cent to 1.814 million this year. These forecasts are set out in the Medium Term Fiscal Statement, which was published by the Department of Finance on November 4th, 2011.

Table 1 Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by sex and quarter

Numbers in Employment

Males

Females

All persons‘000

Quarter 4 2008

1,143.4

911.2

2,054.6

Quarter 4 2009

1,016.2

871.6

1,887.7

Quarter 4 2010

973.0

850.2

1,823.2

Quarter 1 2011

962.1

842.1

1,804.2

Quarter 2 2011

970.0

851.3

1,821.3

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Table 2 Employment rates (ILO) for persons aged 15-64 years classified by sex and quarter

Employment rates

Males

Females

All persons%

Quarter 4 2008

72.6

59.3

66.0

Quarter 4 2009

65.3

57.0

61.1

Quarter 4 2010

63.1

55.7

59.4

Quarter 1 2011

62.6

55.3

58.9

Quarter 2 2011

63.3

56.0

59.6

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Appointments to State Boards

Sean Fleming

Question:

94 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the changes he has made to the system of appointments to State boards since coming to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35352/11]

The Government has made a number of changes to the system for making appointments to State boards since coming into office. These include:

Departments inviting expressions of interest in vacancies on the boards of bodies under their aegis on their websites. Ministers are not confined to considering those who make expressions of interest, but must ensure that all appointees have the relevant qualifications.

Those being proposed for appointment as Chairperson of State boards being required to make themselves available to the appropriate Oireachtas Committee to discuss the approach they will take to their role as Chairperson and their views about the future contribution of the body in question. Following that discussion, decisions are taken by the Minister or the Government, as appropriate, to confirm the nominee as Chairperson.

The Government will continue to keep the arrangements for appointments to State boards under review.

Civil Service Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

95 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the number of former Secretaries General in receipt of public sector pensions whilst currently employed in a public body and or State agency. [35791/11]

No former Secretaries General are employed by my Department or the State agency under the aegis of my Department.

Departmental Staff

Micheál Martin

Question:

96 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will detail the staff and other costs of the supports for the Tánaiste in place within his Department. [35982/11]

1.4 whole-time equivalent (wte) staff from my Department are assigned to the Tánaiste's Office which is located in my Department, comprising an Assistant Principal Officer at 0.8 (wte) and a Higher Executive Officer at 0.6 (wte). The total annual salary cost of these staff is €103,068, including employers' PRSI. Office accommodation and computer and telephone support are also provided for three Special Advisers and one Personal Administrator appointed by the Tánaiste.

Questions Nos. 97 to 101, inclusive, answered with Question No. 86.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

102 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36119/11]

No former holders of the office of Attorney General have been appointed by the current Government to a State board under the aegis of my Department. It would not be cost effective to ascertain the position regarding the appointment of former Attorneys General to such Boards by all previous Governments.

Economic and Monetary Union

Gerry Adams

Question:

103 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his reaction to comments from the French President, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, predicting that a two-speed Europe will emerge from the debt crisis, with some euro-zone states moving towards closer integration and the rest making up a looser confederation. [35500/11]

The question of the future direction of the Union is, of course, a matter for all 27 Member States. For its part, the Government has expressed its strong view that future arrangements must avoid fragmentation of the Union, including as regards the operation of the single market. Doing things together is what makes sense of the Union, while working together brings us closer and strengthens the ties that bind us. The key to our future is acting together and in solidarity.

At their meetings in October, the Heads of State or Government of the Euro Area agreed to reflect on further strengthening of economic convergence within the euro area, on improving fiscal discipline and on deepening economic union. They asked President Van Rompuy, in close cooperation with the President of the Commission and the President of the Eurogroup, to identify possible steps to this end, including exploring the possibility of limited treaty change. An interim report on this work will be presented to the European Council on 9 December. The Government looks forward to receiving President Van Rompuy's report and to giving it careful consideration.

Official Engagements

Catherine Murphy

Question:

104 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the civil society and human rights groups he met with during his recent visit to Moscow to chair a meeting of the Joint Economic Commission between Ireland and Russia; the issues that were discussed during each of these meetings; the issues or cases of concern expressed to him there by the representatives of these groups; the commitments or support he offered to each of these groups on behalf of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35454/11]

During my recent visit to Moscow, I had an opportunity for brief contact at events held in the Irish Embassy with representatives of a number of humanitarian groups, NGOs and academic institutions as well as religious figures, lawyers and media representatives. Due to time constraints, it was not possible to enter into detailed discussion with individual groups. I also attended a round-table session with leading Irish citizens in Moscow.

Through these various contacts, I obtained a good sense of the current situation in Russia, including matters of concern to civil society. I also signalled the availability of officials to meet representatives of human rights groups on the margins of my visit for fuller discussion. In addition, the Embassy in Moscow has regular contact with civil society and human rights groups in Russia and reports on issues of concern to the latter. In September, for example, representatives of a range of groups including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Memorial and the Moscow Helsinki Group were invited by the Ambassador to an event at the Embassy. The Government follows closely issues relating to the promotion and protection of human rights in Russia, both bilaterally and via the Council of Europe, and we will continue to do so.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

105 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35514/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

106 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35530/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.

My Department does not lease any computer servers. The 284 computer servers required to support the Department's ICT services are owned by the Department. Server capacity falls into the following ranges:

Up to 200 gigabytes — 101 servers.

Between 200 gigabytes and 1 terabyte — 160 servers.

In excess of 1 terabytes — 23 servers.

My Department's experience is that the most cost effective means of maintaining these servers is to include at the time of purchase manufacturers' warranty and maintenance services for the expected life time of the unit. At current costs this averages less than €800 per annum per unit, including VAT, for the level of service required.

My Department seeks to consolidate its ICT infrastructure and services where possible thereby reducing the number of servers required and containing and reducing costs. This is an on-going programme of work as equipment and services are replaced or upgraded or where new services are being introduced. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Human Rights Issues

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

107 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his policy with regard to the long-standing United Nations commitment to hold a referendum on the issue of self-determination for the non-self-governing territory of WesternSahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35589/11]

Ireland continues to support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, and the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in the territory based on the principle of self-determination. UN Secretary General Ban's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, has convened several rounds of informal talks most recently in July this year. Mr Ross reported to the Security Council last month that, while there had been some progress between the two sides, negotiations effectively remain at a standstill.

The major obstacle remains Morocco's refusal to allow a referendum in the territory which would include an option of independence for the people of the Western Sahara. This has been provided for in a number of UN peace plans, and it is difficult to see that there can be any genuine self-determination without such a referendum. In his most recent report to the Security Council on the situation in Western Sahara, the UN Secretary General has suggested that the parties find a means to include respected representatives of a wide cross-section of the population of Western Sahara inside and outside the territory in the discussion of issues related to self-determination. SG Ban also urged both parties to identify and discuss governance issues as many of these issues can be discussed without reference to the final status of the territory. A resolution of some governance issues such as the structure of judiciary, the conduct of elections, or the design of education could help build trust between the two parties. I would encourage both parties to implement the Secretary General's recommendations as a means of making progress.

I would also encourage Morocco and the Polisario to collaborate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the implementation of confidence building measures as progress on these issues could also help to improve the atmosphere for the political process. I welcome the parties' readiness to support the extension of the confidence-building measures programme by allowing people to travel overland for family visits and would encourage them to explore the possibility of enlarging the family flights visit programme further.

Ireland will continue its dialogue with both Morocco and the Polisario, through their representatives based here in Ireland, to encourage support for the UN Secretary General's good offices mission and the efforts of Personal Envoy Ross to achieve some measure of political progress and increased confidence between both sides.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

108 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to allegations that an Irish oil exploration company (details supplied) is working in Western Saharan territory; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, according to an opinion by United Nations legal counsel, mineral resource activities conducted in Western Sahara under Moroccan auspices, without regard for the needs and interests of the persons of Western Sahara, would be illegal; if he proposes to take any course of action on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35591/11]

The Government supports the right to self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara. Ireland has not taken a position on the future status of the territory, so long as that status is decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination. At present, the Western Sahara is a non-self governing territory. Under international law, the economic resources of a non-self governing territory may only be exploited for the benefit of the people of the territory, on their behalf or in consultation with their representatives.

The Government would expect that any Irish company operating abroad would have due regard to the principles of international law and the rights of the inhabitants of the territory. I am aware that an Irish registered company is engaged in exploration activities in Morocco and Western Sahara. These projects have not yet advanced to exploitation stage. I would expect any Irish company operating in the Western Sahara to ensure that any economic benefit derived from its activities benefited all the people concerned and should be in full accordance with the principles of international law.

Security of Aid Workers

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

109 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the kidnapping of one Italian and two Spanish aid workers from the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria on 23 October; if he has considered if Irish officials could offer any support to Spanish officials working on this case, in particular in view of the experience of officials dealing with the kidnapping of an Irish citizen in Sudan in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35592/11]

I am aware of the kidnapping of three European aid workers from the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria in October and hope that they will be re-united with their families very shortly. It is a traumatic and worrying time for their families, as we know from our experience of the kidnapping of aid workers with Irish NGOs, and my thoughts are with their families at this distressing time.

It is a perturbing and unfortunate reality that aid workers who devote their careers to trying to make a difference in the developing world are often targets for these types of attacks. Like many countries, Spain and Italy have direct experience of these types of incidents. The Spanish authorities successfully negotiated the release of three Spanish citizens held captive in Mauritania for nine months in 2010 and have themselves significant expertise in dealing with these types of hostage situations.

My Department has not received any request for assistance from the Spanish or Italian authorities. Both Spain and Italy have strong ties with North Africa, given their close geographic proximity. I believe Spanish and Italian officials are well equipped with the skills needed to secure the release of the aid workers and know that they are doing everything possible to guarantee the safety of their citizens.

Passport Applications

Brendan Griffin

Question:

110 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a passport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36111/11]

For data protection reasons, I am not in a position to advise on the receipt or otherwise of passport information from a third party. However, it should be noted that the Passports Act, 2008 requires that before issuing a passport to a person, the Minister for Foreign Affairs shall be satisfied as to the identity of each applicant and that the person is an Irish citizen. Documentary proof in respect of identity and entitlement to citizenship are required for all passport applications. These requirements are outlined in the passport application form notes that accompany each application form. Details are also available on the Department's website www.passport.ie.

Moreover, there are several citizenship categories in which a person, born outside Ireland, may be able to demonstrate her/his Irish citizenship. These are as follows:

Born abroad to a parent: If a person has a parent who was born in Ireland, s/he can demonstrate her/his citizenship by submitting her/his long-form birth certificate, her/his parent's long-form Irish birth certificate and if applicable in terms of any name change, the applicant's and her/his parents' marriage certificates. These documents should be submitted with a fully completed and properly witnessed passport application form.

Foreign Birth Registration: If a person has no Irish-born parents, s/he can still qualify for Irish citizenship through an Irish-born grandparent. This citizenship process is known as Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) and is administered by the Consular Section in my Department. FBR certificates are issued to those applicants who can successfully establish their family link to Irish-born grandparents. This certificate must be submitted with a passport application form to demonstrate the person's Irish citizenship. More information about this category of citizenship is available on the Department's website.

Naturalisation: It may be the case that a person has no Irish-born parents or grandparents. In this situation and on the basis of residence in the State, that person may be able to become a naturalised Irish citizen. To do this, s/he will have to apply to the Department of Justice and Equality, which is responsible for citizenship matters, and obtain a certificate of naturalisation. This certificate would have to be submitted with any future passport application as evidence of her/his Irish citizenship. More information about naturalisation is available on www.inis.gov.ie.

Departmental Staff

Seán Kenny

Question:

111 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons currently working in each of the passport offices by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/11]

The table contains details of the number of full-time-equivalent staff by grade assigned to the Passport Offices in Balbriggan, Cork and Molesworth Street.

Grade

Balbriggan

Cork

Molesworth Street

Total

Principal Officer

0

0

1

1

Assistant Principal Officer

1

1

0

2

Higher Executive Officer

5

1

4.6

10.6

Executive Officer

14.8

4.8

10.3

29.9

Staff Officer

3.6

7

8.9

19.5

Clerical Officer

100

65.1

75.5

240.6

Services Officer

3

0

3

6

Cleaner

0

0

4

4

Total

127.4

78.9

107.3

313.6

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

112 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36227/11]

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, from time to time, a small number of our Missions abroad engage agency staff for administrative roles. There are no state boards or state agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.

Human Rights Issues

Michael Creed

Question:

113 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the representations which he has made to the Iraqi authorities regarding Camp Ashraf; if he has been in contact with the EU High Representative, Baroness Ashton, on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36353/11]

I have made clear in answer to previous questions my deep concern about the residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq, in light of the serious violence which took place in the camp last April and the Iraqi Government's clear insistence that it wishes the camp to be closed by the end of 2011. Ireland and its EU partners are determined to seek a long-term and peaceful solution to the predicament of the residents of Camp Ashraf. The situation was discussed with High Representative Ashton at the Foreign Affairs Council last May. I welcome the fact that the High Representative has now appointed a Special Envoy, Ambassador Jean de Ruyt of Belgium, to work with the Iraqi authorities, the camp residents and other concerned international actors, including the UN and US, to achieve a peaceful resolution of this situation fully in line with international humanitarian and human rights principles.

A process to manage the closure of the camp, led by the UN, is now getting underway. The UNHCR is undertaking this process to register and determine the status of those in the camp, including whether residents hold nationality of third countries. I welcome the offer of UN envoy Martin Kobler to mediate between the government of Iraq and Camp Ashraf residents, and urge the Iraqi authorities to extend the deadline for the closure of Camp Ashraf to provide sufficient time to enable the UNHCR to explore resettlement options for camp residents that do not wish to return to Iran and do not have another nationality. It is also imperative that there should be no attempt at forced repatriation of any of those camp residents who do not wish to return to Iran.

Ireland fully recognises Iraqi sovereignty over the whole of its territory, including Camp Ashraf, but this sovereignty also carries with it responsibilities. The Iraqi Government has primary responsibility for the protection of all persons resident on its territory, including Camp Ashraf residents. Ireland, along with our EU partners, strongly condemned the violence which took place in Camp Ashraf last April and I call on the Iraqi government to refrain from the use of violence and to show full respect for the human rights of Camp Ashraf's residents in the period ahead while the UNHCR explores resettlement options.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

114 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36955/11]

There are no state boards operating under the aegis of my Department.

Interest Rates

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

115 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the efforts he has made to ensure that reductions in the ECB interest rate are passed on to the end user in the business community. [36215/11]

As I said in a reply to a question from Deputy Troy on 16 November last, the decisions financial institutions operating in Ireland make on the interest rates they charge to customers are commercial decisions for the institutions concerned. Interest rates are determined by a broad range of factors including ECB base rates, deposit rates, market funding costs, the competitive environment, and an institution's overall funding. I have no statutory function in relation to business interest rate decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time.

The Financial Regulator and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank stated in his response of 11 November 2011 to the Taoiseach on the issue of passing on mortgage interest rate adjustments following ECB actions, that the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank. Similar principles apply in relation to business interest rates. The Deputy Governor has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through suasion, engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard mortgage variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

He has indicated that experience of such controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Regulator indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.

In conclusion, it is vital that the banks continue to make credit available to support economic recovery. However, it is not in the interest of the banks, businesses or the economy for finance to be provided unless the business is viable and has the capacity to meet the interest payments and repay the sum borrowed.

Disabled Drivers

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

116 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance his plans, if any, to expand the medical criteria to include blind persons for a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35460/11]

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations. Some 13,500 people have benefited under the scheme in 2010 at an overall estimated cost of €55 million. I have no plans to widen the exemption qualification criteria.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

117 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35513/11]

Nil response. No servers are leased by either the Department of Finance or the NTMA.

Denis Naughten

Question:

118 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35529/11]

Sixty seven servers are owned by the Department of Finance1. The “capacity” of each server ranges from 1Gb to 32Gb RAM; 32Gb to 8Tb Hard Disk Drive; and 1 to 2 CPUs. The Department maintains its own servers and does not currently hold any server maintenance or support contracts with external ICT contractors. The Department has realized significant cost savings in terms of hardware and support by consolidating its server base through the use of virtualisation technology, this consolidation is ongoing. In relation to State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, I am advised that the number of physical computer servers owned by the NTMA is 112. The total capacity is 68,585 Gigabytes (Just under 67 Terabytes). There is no maintenance charge associated with these servers in 2011. The NTMA is migrating individual servers on a phased basis to a virtual server platform with Storage Area Network (SAN) which is currently under warranty.

Footnotes:

1. IT is now provided on a shared service basis between the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Tax Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

119 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if, as part of budget 2012, he will consider reducing the VAT rate applying to artisan makers of musical instruments here from the higher rate of VAT, consistent with other businesses that are highly labour intensive and are VAT rated at 13.5%. [35583/11]

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. The sale of artisan musical instruments is considered the sale of a good for VAT purposes and not the service that went into making the good. Annex III does not provide for a reduced rate of VAT to be applied to musical instruments, which are consequentially subject to the standard VAT rate of 21%.

National Asset Management Agency

Peter Mathews

Question:

120 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance if developers who are paid by the National Asset Management Agency to manage their property assets are treated as employees or contractors; if they have PAYE, PRSI and USC deducted from their earnings if they are treated as employees; if they have withholding tax deducted at source if they are treated as contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35707/11]

NAMA advises me that it does not employ or pay developers, whose loans have transferred to the agency, on a direct employee or on a contract basis. Each developer is responsible for ensuring that they are fully compliant as regards the payment of all taxes, PRSI or USC. NAMA only works with developers where it considers that this will provide the best return to the taxpayer. The agency informs me that the remuneration packages for developers who agree to co-operate with NAMA are authorised by NAMA within the budget for overheads, which is part of its business plan agreements with these debtors. The business plan process is designed to ensure that the return to the taxpayer is maximised.

Interest Rates

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

121 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his plans to make the mortgage rates of the various lenders in the financial market come out more to be in line with the ECB rate. [35820/11]

Credit institutions are not primarily or always funded from the ECB, but rather from a variety of sources. Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, have any statutory role in the setting of interest rates charged or paid by financial institutions regulated by the Central Bank.

Based on the advice received from the Central Bank, I have no plans to recommend to Government that legislation be introduced to compel lenders to reduce their standard variable rates. The question of how interest rates paid on deposits should be treated would also have to be considered in the context of such legislation. However, I will keep the matter under review. The Central Bank have also informed me that they will engage with lenders which appear to have standard variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

Banks Recapitalisation

Shane Ross

Question:

122 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Finance if the July 2011 stress tests carried out by the Central Bank of Ireland were compromised in the following respects: was the quality assurance and peer review process deficient and did it fall below accepted standards with the consequence that assurance cannot be given that the stress tests have been applied consistently in accordance with the standards advised by the European Banking Authority; and if the formulas applied by the Central Bank to analyse the data from the Irish banks were amended inappropriately outside normal protocols and procedures with the intent of ensuring that one of the Irish banks would meet the test requirements. [35901/11]

I am advised by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), that they assisted the European Banking Authority (EBA) in carrying out a European-wide bank solvency stress test in July 2011. The test was applied to three Irish banks in accordance with a methodology that was pre-agreed with the EBA. As a result of the significant restructuring underway in the Irish banking system at the time, the methodology applied by the EBA to the Irish banks differed in some respects to that prescribed to the other European banks participating in the exercise.

The differences in methodology were introduced to fully account for the Irish banks requirement to deleverage their balance sheets in the coming years and also to consider the detailed loan loss forecasts produced by BlackRock Solutions on behalf of the CBI earlier this year as part of the Irish PCAR stress tests. By taking account of the negative impact of the asset disposals and the losses forecast by BlackRock, the Irish banks were subject to a much tougher stress test than other banks participating in the European stress test.

In order to assure quality in the process and the outputs in the European stress test, the EBA assigned a team of independent peer reviewers to verify that methodologies were applied consistently and correctly. This team, which comprised of senior European stress testing experts, worked with the CBI to validate and verify the submissions made by the Irish banks. This iterative process resulted in many clarifications leading to instructions to each of the Irish banks. Once updated submissions were received from the banks, the CBI checked and subsequently forwarded them on to the EBA for further validation and review. The results/submissions made by the Irish Banks were not amended in any way before being forwarded on to the EBA peer review team.

I am further advised by the CBI, that one of their employees expressed a concern over the way in which the EBA stress testing procedure was applied in Ireland. In response, CBI management commissioned an investigation. This investigation was conducted by the CBI's Internal Audit Department under the CBI's ‘speak-up' policy. Based on the report of this investigation, which has been accepted by the employee, CBI Management are satisfied that, while the complaint was made in good faith, there is no reason for concern with the figures provided to the EBA.

Despite the additional conservatism applied to the Irish banks, all three Irish banks passed the European stress test. This is a direct result of applying a much tougher PCAR stress test earlier in 2011, as part of the Irish Financial Measures Programme, and requiring the banks to recapitalise based on the results of that stress test. The PCAR stress test was overseen by a series of independent observers, including the Troika, and was widely regarded by market participants as being credible and a benchmark on information disclosure that other supervisory authorities should follow.

Disabled Drivers

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

123 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Finance the reason a disabled person (details supplied) was refused vehicle registration tax exemption on the purchase of a car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35910/11]

The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Tobacco Smuggling

Robert Dowds

Question:

124 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider imposing a significant minimum fine of €10,000 for tobacco smuggling on the basis that in the second quarter of 2011, the average fine imposed was only €1,600. [35911/11]

The penalties for cigarette smuggling are laid down in section 119, as amended, of the Finance Act 2001. That provision sets out the various actions that constitute offences of evasion or attempted evasion of excise duty, as well as the penalties, by way of a fine or imprisonment, or both, that may be imposed for such offences. Where a conviction occurs following a summary prosecution, the fine that may be imposed is €5,000, and was last increased in 2008. For convictions following prosecution on indictment, the fine is an amount not exceeding €126,970 or, where the value of the excisable products concerned is greater than €250,000, not exceeding three times the value of the products. That fine was increased substantially by the Finance Act 2010. The 2010 Act also brought the penalty that applies where a case is dealt with under section 13 of the Criminal procedure Act 1967 into line with that for summary convictions.

The penalty to be imposed in any particular case is a matter for the Courts. Section 130(2) of the Finance Act 2001 permits a trial judge, in his or her discretion, to mitigate a fine incurred for an offence under excise law, provided that the amount so mitigated is not greater than 50 per cent of the amount of the fine. The need for further changes to the fines provisions will be kept under review, taking account, among other considerations, of experience of the operation of the increased fines provided for in the Finance Act 2010 as cases to which they apply come to Court.

Robert Dowds

Question:

125 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland will apply to the European Union Hercules Fund to help fund x-ray screening machines for detecting illegal tobacco imports in view of the fact that currently there are only two here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35912/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that the tackling of this illicit trade is a high priority area. The use of detection technologies, including x-ray container scanners and other scanning machines, is just one part of a multi-faceted strategy employed by Revenue to tackle the illicit trade in tobacco products. This strategy includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and deployment of detection technologies and optimum deployment of resources at points of importation and inland to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.

Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages.

Revenue consistently monitors ongoing developments in available x-ray and other technologies, and the selection and deployment of detection equipment is constantly reviewed. Revenue has made use of the European Union Hercules II Programme in the past to fund detection equipment and will apply for funding, when appropriate, in the future. The actual technology selected and the operational deployment of that technology is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.

Under the present rules of the EU Hercules II Programme, Ireland would have to fund a minimum of 50% of the capital costs and 100% of the on-going operational costs of a new container scanner. The capital cost of a new mobile X-ray container scanner is in the region of €3 million with annual running costs of approximately €320,000.

Revenue currently has two mobile X-ray container scanning systems, the second of which was commissioned in January 2010. One scanner is based in Dublin Port and the other at Rosslare Ferry Port. However, both scanners are available for deployment at other ports etc. as required. Revenue deploys the scanners on a risk assessment basis at various locations throughout the country. In addition to the container scanners, Revenue also uses smaller static baggage/ parcel scanners which are deployed at all major ports, airports and postal depots. Two new X-ray scanners were also purchased within the last 12 months for use in postal depots. Revenue also expects to procure a smaller mobile Scan Van in 2012 and has submitted an application for co-funding for this to the European Union Hercules II programme.

Tax Code

Robert Dowds

Question:

126 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider not imposing extra tax on cigarettes on the grounds that it may encourage further tobacco smuggling. [35914/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, taxes are considered in the context of the Budget process. It is the usual practice for the Minister for Finance not to speculate in advance of a Budget on what it will contain; and I do not propose to deviate from that practice.

Robert Dowds

Question:

127 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider eliminating the discrepancy that exists between the duty paid on different kinds of tobacco product, in particular cigarettes versus loose tobacco for hand-rolling, by imposing extra tax on products other than cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35915/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Tobacco Products Tax on cigarettes is expressed as a fixed amount per 1,000 cigarettes, together with a percentage of the retail price at which the cigarettes are sold. Tobacco products other than cigarettes, including fine-cut tobacco for the rolling of cigarettes, are taxed by reference to the weight of tobacco. When the tax rates for cigarettes and for other products are compared on the basis of the weight of tobacco, the taxation on cigarettes is higher than on the other products. I am aware of proposals from certain interests that the tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes should be increased relative to the tax on cigarettes. Any question of a change to the established relationship between the tax rates for the various products would fall to be considered in the Budget process.

Ministerial Staff

Pearse Doherty

Question:

128 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will detail the roles and responsibilities of the newly appointed special adviser (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35927/11]

The recently appointed Special Advisor to my Department will undertake any duties which may be assigned to him from time to time as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. The salary for this individual does not exceed the Government's special advisor pay scale as outlined in the Instructions regarding Ministerial Appointments (April 2011).

Fiscal Statement

Pearse Doherty

Question:

129 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the impact of half a per cent growth reduction in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 from the growth projections contained in the mid-term financial review and the impact this would have on our deficit to GDP ratio in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35965/11]

The Deputy should be aware that Chapter 5 of the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement sets out a range of different scenarios which show the estimated impact on the General Government balance/GDP ratio of both higher and lower nominal rates of economic growth. These are summarised in the table.

General Government Balance (% of GDP)

2012

2013

2014

2015

Base Case

-8.6

-7.5

-5.0

-2.9

Nominal GDP Growth 1% Lower

-9.1

-8.7

-6.7

-5.0

Nominal GDP Growth 2% Lower

-9.7

-9.9

-8.4

-7.3

Nominal GDP Growth 1% Higher

-8.0

-6.4

-3.4

-0.8

Nominal GDP Growth 2% Higher

-7.4

-5.3

-1.8

+1.3

Interest Rates

Dara Calleary

Question:

130 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if he has consulted the public interest directors in Bank of Ireland regarding the decision of the bank not to pass the ECB rate reductions on to mortgage holders; if so the outcome of those consultations; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35969/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the terms of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008, domestic credit institutions benefiting from the State guarantee were required at the direction of the Minister for Finance to appoint up to two non-executive directors to promote the public interest. The legal position is that any director appointed to the board of the covered institutions, whether under the CIFS scheme or otherwise, is subject to the requirements of company law in the discharge of his or her responsibilities as a company director. As such, the director is legally bound to act in what he or she believes are the interests of the separate legal entity that is the institution itself. These are the director's so-called fiduciary duties.

I understand that in addition to their other experiences, the public interest directors currently on the boards of the covered institutions were nominated by my predecessor on the basis of the Minister's assessment of their civic mindedness and sense of where the public interest lies to inform their view of what was in the institution's interest. I am advised that the Department of Finance held generic briefing sessions on the CIFS scheme in general and on the fiduciary duties of non-executive directors for individuals on the panel from which the covered institutions appointed public interest directors but that there was no job description or scope of work set out for them as this, as I have outlined, was determined under company law. In addition, for this reason public interest directors did not have a formal reporting relationship to the Minister or to the Department of Finance.

In light of the foregoing and the scope for actual and perceived conflicts between the fiduciary duties of the directors of financial institutions under company law and the wider public interest in circumstances that those institutions have received huge financial support from the State, it was essential to bring legal clarity not just to the role of the public interest directors but to that of the entire boards of those institutions. Section 48 of the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Act, therefore, provides that the overriding duty of directors of the covered institutions relates to the public interest as set out in the Act. As Minister for Finance, I am strongly committed to ensuring that the boards of the covered institutions act at all times in a manner fully consistent with key public interest objectives for the banking sector. This will be a major element of my assessment of the board renewal programme.

The primary duty and responsibility of the public interest directors, as well as all the other directors, is to ensure that the institution on whose board they serve is run properly and appropriately. As I have indicated, because it would be inappropriate to do so, they do not report to the Minister for Finance or to the Department of Finance. Their responsibility under company law is to the institution on whose board they serve. I work with these covered institutions through the chairpersons of the boards and that is my point of contact. If I want to see the board or individual directors, I will meet the board in its totality. I will not pick out individual directors and call them in for some kind of reprimand when I do not have a legal leg on which to stand to make any suggestion to them whatsoever.

The Government wants the lending institutions to pass on the interest rate cut for a number of reasons. In particular, the interest rate cut will be of assistance to those mortgage holders who are struggling to pay their mortgages. The Deputy will be aware that representatives of the banks were called in to discuss the situation in regard to passing on the ECB rate reduction to mortgage holders with the Economic Management Council, which comprises of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, myself as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I welcome the decision by the majority of lenders to reduce their standard variable rates following the recent announcement by the ECB. I would encourage all lenders to follow suit. Such a reduction will be of benefit to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments.

Following a request from the Taoiseach, Mr. Elderfield, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, forwarded a report regarding mortgage interest rates on 11 November 2011. The Deputy Governor acknowledges that the Government is not unjustified to have concerns for some particular banks regarding the widening of the spreads by which their standard variable rate (SVR) exceed their cost of funds and how they are still so far above the prevailing rates of their industry peers. However, the Deputy Governor states that the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank at this time. He has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through suasion use existing processes to engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

In his report, the Deputy Governor states that, while the standard variable rates (SVR) of mortgage interest from Irish banks reached historically low levels in early 2009, several forces have contributed to the subsequent increases in such rates. Firstly, the access of the Irish banks to wholesale funding from the market was sharply curtailed, especially from mid-2010 and there was a sharp increase in the interest cost (including the guarantee fee mandated by the EU Commission) of what market funding was secured. Secondly, while the ECB policy rate is only .25% higher now than it was in 2009, the total cost to the banks of some of the sizeable drawings they have made on central bank funding (inclusive of guarantee fee) is much higher than the policy rate. Thirdly, the banks appear to have increased — at different times and to different degrees, the spread by which the SVR exceeds their cost of funds.

The Deputy Governor goes on to say that the third issue is the one on which the current debate is focused. He has indicated in his report that a somewhat wider spread of new loans could be rationalised on the basis of the bank's belated realisation of the credit risk that may be involved in mortgage lending (even though this can be limited by prudent loan underwriting practices, risk reduction mechanisms such as low loan-to-value and loan-to-income ratios.). A significant widening of mortgage interest rate spreads has also been happening in other countries. The Deputy Governor comments that it is less clear that retroactively applying a risk-spread to existing loans is fully consistent with fair practice, given that standard variable rates have, in the past, generally moved broadly in line with the cost of funds, and given the current situation where most borrowers have limited alternatives such as refinancing or pre-paying.

In his report, the Deputy Governor states that the Central Bank has two concerns. The SVR contract has operated for decades during which the reasonable assumption has been established that it would generally track the cost of funds to the lender. The exercise of the currently heightened market power by some banks in increasing rates for existing SVR borrowers would be an abuse contrary to public policy. Secondly the Central Bank comments that from the point of view of prudential and consumer legislation, it is possible that the deleterious effect on the mortgage arrears situation arising from large increases in the SVR could result in a net worsening of the banks' prospective profitability, while at the same time adding to the financial difficulty of hard-pressed homeowners.

The Deputy Governor has indicated that experience of interest rate controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Deputy Governor indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.

I welcome the report from Mr. Elderfield which will be examined to see what further action, if any, is required. My initial reading of his report is that the Deputy Governor is not seeking emergency legislation. Taking into account the advice of the Central Bank, I do not intend to recommend to Government to introduce emergency legislation as requested by the Deputy. The Deputy Governor has also mentioned that competition policy issues may arise in this area. I will bring a copy of his letter to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, for any further requirement in this regard.

Dara Calleary

Question:

131 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the decision of Bank of Ireland to change its method of calculating interest rates on term lending facilities from the current Euribor-Euro interbank derived reference rates to a reference rate based on bank cost of funds; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this change will result in substantial interest rate increases for small business; if he has consulted the public interest directors regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35970/11]

As the Deputy may be aware, this issue was the subject of a topical issues debate in the Dáil put down by his colleague Deputy Niall Collins on 15 November last. As the Deputy is aware, in an effort to recoup some of its higher input funding costs, Bank of Ireland is changing the method of calculating its interest rate on its term lending facilities from the current EURIBOR derived reference rates to a reference rate based on "Bank Cost of Funds".

The decisions financial institutions operating in Ireland make on the interest rates they charge to customers are commercial decisions for the institutions concerned. Interest rates are determined by a broad range of factors including ECB base rates, deposit rates, market funding costs, the competitive environment, and an institution's overall funding. As in the case with mortgage interest rates, I have no statutory function in relation to business interest rate decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time.

I do appreciate that this increase will be difficult for some business customers to absorb. As I understand it, the Bank has written to its business customers inviting them to contact their respective Relationship Managers who will assist them in managing the impact of this change and look at potential solutions for their businesses.

On the general issue of interest rates, the Financial Regulator and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank stated in his report of 11 November 2011 to the Taoiseach on the issue of passing on mortgage interest rate adjustments following ECB actions, the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank. Similar principles apply in relation to business interest rates. The Deputy Governor has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through suasion, engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard mortgage variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

He has indicated that experience of such controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Regulator indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.

The public interest directors do not report to me or to the Department of Finance. Their responsibility under company law is to the institution on whose board they serve. I work with these covered institutions through the chairpersons of the boards and that is my point of contact. If I want to see the board or individual directors, I will meet the board in its totality.

Tax Code

Pearse Doherty

Question:

132 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will abolish the dual abode allowance for Ministers; the way the relief is availed of; the allowances that can be availed of; the way it is vouched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36073/11]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

133 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who availed of the dual abode allowance for Ministers in each year since it was introduced; the value of the allowance that was availed of each year; the Ministers who availed of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36074/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

The dual abode allowance is granted under Rule 3 of Schedule 2 of the Income Tax Act 1967 (now Section 114 of Taxes Consolidated Act 1997) and provides that where, arising out of his or her duties, a Minister (who is a member of Dáil Eireann for a constituency outside of Dublin) maintains a second residence in addition to his or her main residence, then that Minister may, by way of written claim to Revenue, claim a tax deduction in respect of that second residence.

The relief that can be availed of is as follows:

Where Ministers own a second property in Dublin, a tax deduction can be claimed in respect of the amount of the annual interest actually paid on any loan taken out to purchase the second residence. In addition, Ministers can claim a deduction for the actual vouched costs expended in maintaining the second residence. Examples of maintenance costs in such circumstances are lighting, heating, repairs and insurance. As an alternative to vouched maintenance expenses, a tax deduction may be claimed on an amount of €6,500 per annum.

If the second residence is rented accommodation, Ministers can claim for the actual cost of renting the accommodation (i.e. the annual rent). In addition, Ministers can claim a tax deduction for the actual vouched costs expended in maintaining the second residence. Examples of maintenance costs in such circumstances are lighting, heating and insurance of contents. As an alternative to vouched expenses, a tax deduction may be claimed on an amount of €4,500 per annum.

If Ministers use hotel or guesthouse accommodation as a second residence, they can claim for the actual cost of room rental (i.e. the annual hotel/guest house bill excluding meals, etc). In addition, they can claim for the actual vouched additional costs associated with maintaining a second residence in a hotel. Examples of maintenance costs in such circumstances are laundry, etc. As an alternative to vouched expenses, a tax deduction may be claimed on an amount of €3,500 per annum.

As to the vouching of claims, I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as with all tax reliefs and credits, from time to time, receipts are requested to substantiate claims. For reasons of confidentiality, the Revenue Commissioners cannot reveal the identities of the claimants or the amounts availed of by the individual claimants. The years for which statistics are available are set out in the tabular statement.

Year

Number of Claimants

Cost

1998/1999

19

€160,570

1999/2000

19

€142,134

2000/2001

10

€79,943

2001

Short tax year no details available

2002

18

€95,051

2003

19

€109,540

2004

13

€63,448

2005

18

€93,471

2006

18

€107298

2007

16

€88,335

2008

19

€74,770

2009

14

€74,996.

Figures for 2010 are not yet available as Returns of Income for 2010 are in the process of being submitted and processed. No doubt the Deputy is aware that overnight expenses are not paid to Office holders. Such expenses apply only to Deputies who are not Office holders. 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.

Financial Services Regulation

Terence Flanagan

Question:

134 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the mortgage market and particularly on the IBF PWC Mortgage Profile for Q3 2011 recently published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36083/11]

I have received the report of the IBF/PwC Market Profile for new lending for the quarter ending 30 September 2011. This report shows that 3,607 new mortgages to the value of 623 million euros were issued during that quarter. This represents an increase of 1.6% in the number of mortgage loans issued in the quarter compared to the previous quarter. It is the first time since the third quarter of 2006 that the number of new mortgages issued has increased in two consecutive quarters. However, this small gain must be considered in the context that the number of mortgage loans issued in the quarter is 50.3% less than in the same quarter in 2010. I welcome the indications that the number of mortgage loans being issued is gradually increasing in 2011. However, it should be borne in mind that it is ultimately a commercial decision for mortgage lenders to determine the number and amount of mortgage loans that they grant.

Departmental Responsibilities

Pearse Doherty

Question:

135 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [36092/11]

An organisational chart detailing the responsibilities of certain officials in my Department follows.

Department of Finance: Management Chart

22nd November 2011

Minister's Office

Press Office

Division

Senior Staff

Secretary General

Kevin Cardiff

Senior Economic Advisor

Jim O’Leary

Finance & Corporate Directorate

Paul Ryan

Human Resource Manager

Niall Ó Ceallaigh

Second Secretary General

Ann Nolan

Financial Services & Taxation Division

Aidan Carrigan, Derek Moran

Second Secretary General

Mr John Moran

Banking Division

Neil Ryan

Shareholding Management Unit

Michael Torpey

Second Secretary General

Jim O’Brien

Budget & Economic Division

Michael Mc Grath

Financial Services & Taxation Division

Second Secretary General — Ann Nolan

Senior Staff

Responsibilities

Aidan Carrigan

Reform of Financial Regulatory Structures, Credit Unions

Central Bank

Credit Unions

Financial Service Consumer Issues, Mortgage Arrears

Anti Money Laundering & Fin Sanctions & Asset Freezing, FATF

Consumer Credit Directive & Financial Ombudsman & Council, IFSAT

EU Financial Services Policy & Legislation,

Central Co-Ordination Unit

Investment Services & Securities, Funds, UCITS, EU Fin Supervision

Insurance, IFS

NAMA

Bank Legislation

Legal Advisor

Financial Services & Taxation Division

Second Secretary General — Ann Nolan (Continued)

Senior Staff Responsibilities

Senior Staff

Responsibilities

Derek Moran

Business tax team — EU & International

Business tax team — Tax Incentives

Business tax team — IFSC

Business tax team — Corporation Taxation

Income Tax Policy

Income tax Incentives

VAT

Excise Duty, VRT

Energy Tax Policy

Capital & saving Tax

Finance Bill, Tax Clearance

Pension Taxation

Banking Division

Second Secretary General — John Moran

Senior Staff Responsibilities

Senior Staff

Responsibilities

John Hogan

Credit & Lending Policy

Mortgage arrears

Neil Ryan

Systemwide Funding and Deleveraging, Bank Sector Balance Sheet Management

Bank Sector HR & IR Policy

D.G. Comp, State Aid

Stability Monitoring & Planning, ELG Operation

Michael Torpey

Shareholding Management Unit

Budget and Economic Division

Second Secretary General — Jim O'Brien

Senior Staff Responsibilities

Senior Staff

Responsibilities

Michael Mc Grath

EU Co-ordination/ Ecofin/Eurogroup/EFC/ EWGEU Economic Governance/ EU 2020/EU EPC/ NESC and NSB Liaison/ Budget and Economic Statistics/ Monthly Economic BulletinAnalysisInternational Economy/OECDCentral Budget OfficeStatistical IssuesNTMA Issues/Debt Management/ Funding/EIBDomestic Macroeconomic Analysis & ForecastsLabour Market/IncomesInternational Institutions —including IMF (SCIMF)/World Bank/ADBEU Budget/Financial Perspective/EBRD/CEBEU/IMF External Programme Compliance UnitEU Advisory Unit

EU Co-ordination/ Ecofin/Eurogroup/EFC/ EWG

EU Economic Governance/ EU 2020/EU EPC/ NESC and NSB Liaison/ Budget and Economic Statistics/ Monthly Economic Bulletin

Analysis

International Economy/OECD

Central Budget Office

Statistical Issues

NTMA Issues/Debt Management/ Funding/EIB

Domestic Macroeconomic Analysis & Forecasts

Labour Market/Incomes

International Institutions — including IMF (SCIMF)/World Bank/ADB

EU Budget/Financial Perspective/EBRD/CEB

EU/IMF External Programme Compliance Unit

EU Advisory Unit

Finance & Corporate Directorate (Shared Services)

Director: Paul Ryan

Director Responsibilities

Director

Responsibilities

Paul Ryan

PMG Pensions

PMG Banking

Control Unit

Accounts Section

Exchequer Section

Business Admin Unit

Finance Unit1

1Shared Service to Department of Public Expenditure & Reform

Corporate Services Division

Human Resource Manager: Niall O'Ceallaigh

HR Manager

Responsibilities

Niall O’Ceallaigh

Employee Relations/Performance

Workforce Planning/Resourcing

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Peter Mathews

Question:

136 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 15 November 2011, if he will provide details on the consultations between the Central Bank of Ireland and the ECB; if a two thirds majority of the board of the ECB is required to approve exceptional liquidity assistance by the Central Bank here; if a two thirds majority of the board of the ECB is required to veto ELA by the Central Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36093/11]

The Central Bank does not comment on its consultations with the ECB. The Central Bank Act 1942 provides the statutory basis for the Bank to provide emergency liquidity assistance. Section 5B(d) provides the Bank with a general power to lend against security to credit institutions, which power may be exercised in pursuit of the Bank's financial stability objective provided by Section 6A(2)(a) of the 1942 Act. Regarding the functions carried out by a NCB, other than those specified in the Statute, I would draw attention to Article 14.4 of the following: http://www.ecb.int/ecb/legal/pdf/en_statute_2.pdf

Peter Mathews

Question:

137 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 15 November 2011, if there is an agreed repayment schedule for IBRC’s exceptional liquidity assistance liabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36094/11]

Exceptional Liquidity Assistance or ELA helps fund a large portion of IBRC's balance sheet. IBRC submitted a formal restructuring plan to the European Commission which was approved on the 29th June this year. This plan sets out in detail how the bank will be wound-down over a period of 10 years. Since then the Authorities and the State have identified measures which are expected to further accelerate this wind down profile of IBRC. The plan assumes that IBRC's funding will decline in line with the bank's loan book. Further details in relation to the bank's Restructuring Plan can be found on the European Commission website at: http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/cases/239466/239466_1251121_21_1.pdf.

Tax Code

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

138 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have sought to apply the removal of benefit-in-kind in respect of the provision of crèche facilities for employees’ children announced in budget 2011; if so, which organisations have already removed it; and the number that have yet to do so. [36100/11]

The benefit in kind exemption in respect of the provision by employers of crèche facilities was provided for in section 120A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The removal of this exemption was announced in Budget 2011 and given effect to by section 7(1)(b) of Finance Act 2011. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a dedicated meeting with representatives of the payroll industry takes place immediately after each Budget. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that payroll systems are adjusted correctly to ensure compliance with all related measures announced in the Budget in advance of their deployment for the following tax year.

In addition, I am further informed that the ending of this exemption was publicised on the Revenue website immediately after the Budget announcement and at the same time details of this and other Budget changes were made available in leaflet form.

It is the responsibility of employers and their advisers to ensure their payroll systems take account of Budget changes and, in the case of the change in the rules on benefit in kind, there is no obligation on employers to formally report to Revenue that they have complied with the new requirements. Instead, issues of any such non-compliance will be discovered if a Revenue audit is carried out on the employer's business.

Where Revenue becomes aware of an employer who has not implemented the changes, the employer is immediately required to implement them and may become liable to interest and penalties for failure to correctly operate the PAYE system. If the Deputy is aware of such situations, he should advise Revenue.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Peter Mathews

Question:

139 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 15 November 2011, the frequency with which approval from the ECB for exceptional liquidity assistance must be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36159/11]

The Central Bank does not comment on its discussions with the ECB in relation to these matters.

Banking Sector Regulation

Seán Kenny

Question:

140 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the names all persons currently on the senior management teams in each of the State controlled banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36193/11]

Information regarding the composition of the management teams of the relevant credit institutions is available on the respective company's websites through annual reports and updated press releases. However, for completeness, the current status of the management teams of each institution is presented below.

The Executive Committee of AIB is currently comprised of the following individuals: David Hodgkinson, Executive Chairman; Stephen Bell, Acting CRO; Bernard Byrne, Director of Personal & Business Banking; John Conway, Human Relations Director; Keith Davies, Group Services & Transformation Director; Marcel McCann, Operations & Technology Director; Jerry McCrohan, Director of Corporate & Intuitional and Commercial Banking; Gerry McGinn, Managing Director, First Trust Bank; Fergus Murphy, Managing Director, EBS; Ronan O'Neill, Managing Director, AIB UK; Peter Spratt, Head of Non Core Unit; Paul Stanley, Acting CFO.

The Executive Committee of BoI is comprised of the following individuals: Richie Boucher, Group Chief Executive; Julie Sharp, Head of Group HR; Des Crowley, Chief Executive Officer — Retail (Ireland & UK); Denis Donovan, Head of Non-Core Division; Liam McLoughlin, Head of Group Manufacturing; Vincent Mulvey, Chief Credit & Market Risk Officer; Peter Morris, Chief Governance Risk Officer; John O'Donovan, Group Chief Financial Officer.

The current members of the senior management team of IBRC are: Mike Aynsley, Group Chief Executive Officer; Jim Bradley, Chief Financial Officer; Gary Marshall, Chief Operating Officer; Peter Rossiter, Chief Risk Officer; Lizanne White, Chief Legal Officer; Tom Hunersen, Group Executive — Corporate & Institutional Recovery; Richard Woodhouse, Specialised Asset Management; Mark Layther, Recovery Management Ireland; Jim Brydie, Recovery Management UK; John McLoughlin, Group Executive — Investment & Loan Servicing

The Executive Committee of the IL&P is comprised of: Kevin Murphy, Group CEO; David McCarthy, Group Finance Director; Gerry Hassett, CEO Irish Life Retail; David Harney, CEO Irish Life Corporate Business; Gerry Keenan, CEO Irish Life Investment Managers; David Guinane, CEO permanent tsb; Tony Hession, Group Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development; Bill Hannan, Group Head of Risk & Compliance; Brendan Healy, Group Chief Information Officer.

Tax Reliefs

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

141 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his predecessor announced in budget 2010 that he would introduce a scheme to give standard tax relief for a list of approved works for home insulation separate from the home energy savings scheme; the date on which he will introduce this tax relief scheme; and if he will provide details of the way the scheme will operate. [36238/11]

Section 13 of Finance Act 2011 provided for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. The underpinning legislation for the scheme was subject to Commencement Order. However, that legislation, on review, was found to have flaws and would have required amendment before it could be implemented.

As part of the announcement in the recent Jobs Initiative, the Government undertook to provide further funding for the grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Because of these circumstances, I decided to review the requirement for a coexisting tax incentive for similar works and, following this review, I have decided not to proceed with the introduction of the tax relief scheme.

Tax Collection

Jack Wall

Question:

142 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a refund on their disability grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36288/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a claim under the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 15) Order 1981 was received on 15 November 2011 from the Deputy on behalf of the claimant. This claim was returned on 16 November 2011 with a request for the required supporting documentation. On receipt of this documentation, the claim will be processed without delay.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Peter Mathews

Question:

143 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 15 November 2011, if the Central Bank of Ireland needs approval from the ECB to write-off the ELA to Irish banks; if there would be any consequences to the Irish taxpayers of such a write-off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36340/11]

The Bank does not comment on ELA operations, other than what is contained in its Monthly Statistics update and its Annual Report. All ELA operations conducted by the Bank are fully collateralised. Appropriate haircuts/discounts are applied with a view to ensuring that the Bank would not suffer any loss in the event of default on the loan assistance. The Bank has received formal comfort from the Minister for Finance such that any shortfall on the liquidation of the collateral is made good.

Peter Mathews

Question:

144 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 15 November 2011, if the letter of formal comfort from the former Minister for Finance has any legal status whatsoever; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36341/11]

The legal basis for the aforementioned guarantees made in favour of the Central Bank of Ireland derive from the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008. Specifically the Minister for Finance is empowered under Section 6(1) of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 to provide financial support in respect of the borrowings, liabilities and obligations of any credit institution that the Minister may specify by order. This includes support by way of a guarantee.

Tax Code

John Lyons

Question:

145 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the betting levy to remote, on-line and phone betting operators; the way this extended levy will be collected; the amount he believes could be raised annually from such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36343/11]

The Finance Act 2011 contains legislation that, subject to a Ministerial Commencement Order, provides for the extension of betting duty to remote bookmakers and betting exchanges. The tax changes provided for in the Finance Act can only be implemented once the Betting (Amendment) Bill, which will provide for a regulatory and licensing regime, is enacted. The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2011 is currently at an advanced stage of drafting. The proposed licensing regime will make it a condition of the licence for the operator to collect the betting duty with the licensed operators being liable for payment of the duty.

It is expected that by including this high-growth area of the betting sector, particularly given the increasing prevalence of smart phones, the tax base from betting will be boosted significantly. In a full year it is expected that the tax yield could grow up to €20 million depending on the prevailing market conditions. Just as important is the positive signal this measure will convey to international betting operations that have expressed an interest in or have already invested in Ireland. A location with an appropriate licensing framework coupled with relatively low taxes provides real investment and employment opportunities in this sector.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

146 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36954/11]

In response to the Deputy's question Mr David Byrne was appointed Chairman of the National Treasury Management Agency Advisory Committee on 1 January 2008 for a period of 5 years. He receives a fee of €50,000 per annum. No other former Attorney General was appointed by me, or to my knowledge by any of my predecessors, to a State Board.

FÁS Training Programmes

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a further 12 weeks must be completed post-Christmas 2011 in respect of a FÁS course already undertaken by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in view of the fact that they have completed 272 weeks to date for same of which documentation can be provided by their employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35438/11]

I understand that in order to qualify as an electrical 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 am informed by FÁS that an examination of the apprenticeship records of the person in question indicates that he requires another 12 weeks in employment with a FÁS approved employer. If he can secure employment with a FÁS approved employer for the period of 12 weeks he will qualify as a craftsperson and he will be awarded his FETAC Craft Certificate, which will validate his competence.

Alternatively, he is eligible to participate on the Competency Determination Mechanism (CDM), which has been introduced by FÁS to enable eligible redundant apprentices to complete their apprenticeships if they are short of the minimum time requirements. Further information on the FÁS CDM initiative can be sourced on the FÁS website www.fas.ie. The person in question is advised to remain in contact with his assigned FÁS Training Adviser, Mr. Charlie Walsh, (0877444537) to discuss the options available to him.

Vocational Education Committees

Gerry Adams

Question:

148 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the institutions of the vocational education committee are exempt from freedom of information requests; if so, should a situation arise whereby the vocational education committee is requested to address an issue, and a satisfactory response is not received, without recourse to FOI the alternatives that are in place for those seeking recourse to questions remaining unanswered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35756/11]

Vocational Education Committees (VECs) are not currently covered by the Freedom of Information Act. However, the Programme for Government provide that the Government will legislate to extend its remit to other public bodies. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is carrying out preparatory work to implement the above commitment, which includes consideration of the extension of the Freedom of Information Acts to the VECs. As VECs are statutory bodies, any issue arising, such as that referred to by the Deputy, are a matter for the relevant VEC to address.

FÁS Training Programmes

Sandra McLellan

Question:

149 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the redundancy apprentice scheme to enable young apprentices to finish their trade and financed through FÁS has been abolished; if the scheme has been replaced with another similar scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36140/11]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

179 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the redundancy apprentice scheme to enable young apprentices to finish their trade and financed through FÁS has been abolished. [36128/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 179 together.

The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme (RAPS) was introduced in February 2011 to provide support to redundant apprentices to complete the minimum duration of on-the-job training with assessments at Phase 3, Phase 5 or Phase 7 of the Standards Based Apprenticeship Programme. This scheme has not been abolished. The budget allocation for the scheme for 2011 has been fully committed and consequently FÁS is not in a position to issue any further contracts at present. I understand however that FÁS is continuing to take applications for the scheme pending the allocation of the 2012 budget.

Sandra McLellan

Question:

150 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial options available to young apprentices to enable them to finish their apprenticeship when they do not meet the criteria for the internship scheme. [36141/11]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

180 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial options available to young apprentices to enable them to finish their apprenticeship when they do not meet the criteria for the internship scheme. [36129/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 180 together.

I understand from FÁS that redundant apprentices are paid a weekly training allowance when attending the following programmes to progress their apprenticeship training: Redundant Apprentices scheduled to off-the job training at Phase 2, Phase 4 or Phase 6 in a FÁS Training Centre, an Institute of Technology or a College of Further Education; Redundant Apprentices attending the FÁS Competency Determination Mechanism to complete their apprenticeships where they have not completed the minimum of 4 years in employment as an apprentice; Redundant Apprentices attending Phase 7 Equivalent Assessment in a FÁS Training Centre, where the apprentice is unable to source employment to complete Phase 7; Redundant Apprentices attending specific skills trade related training courses in a FÁS Training Centre; Redundant Apprentices attending Refresher Programme for Redundant Referred Apprentices in the Institutes of Technology; Redundant Apprentices attending the Certificate in Transferable Skills in the Institutes of Technology. In addition under a Fee Waiver Scheme, course fees will be waived for redundant apprentices who attend FÁS day and/or evening courses in order to enhance their employable skills.

Schools Building Projects

Dara Calleary

Question:

151 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Mayo; when it will be allowed to proceed to tender. [35450/11]

The project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. The Deputy will note that this project was not included in the 2011 school building work programme announced earlier this year. Although planning permission has already been secured, there are still outstanding elements of the architectural planning process which must be completed before the project would be in a position to be considered for progression to tender and construction. The Board of Management are currently in communication with each member of the Design Team regarding their continued involvement with the project and my Department awaits an update from the Board in this regard.

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

Schools Refurbishment

Pat Breen

Question:

152 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35472/11]

My Department introduced an energy efficiency scheme in 2009 to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in school buildings across the country. The scheme which was implemented with the help of Sustainable Energy Ireland, allowed schools to apply for funding on a once-off basis to upgrade the fabric insulation in attics and the external cavity walls of their buildings. The closing date for receipt of application under this scheme was November 2009.

As the Deputy may be aware I announced on the 10th November 2011 that my Department will be issuing the minor works grant for 2011/12 to primary school shortly and it is open to the school in question to prioritise the use of these funds to address such issues as referred to by the Deputy.

Higher Education Grants

Michael Lowry

Question:

153 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will verify the media reports that emerged over the weekend which stated that the grant scheme for postgraduate students will be scrapped for the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35503/11]

The Deputy will appreciate that the preparation of the Estimates for any Budget is carried out on a strictly confidential basis. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on media speculation or on specific issues or proposals, including those relating to student grants, in advance of the Budget announcement.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

154 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35511/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

155 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35527/11]

I propose to respond to Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.

My Department does not currently lease any computer servers. In order to reduce ongoing costs my Department is currently undergoing a storage and virtualisation project, which will reduce the number of servers from 125 to around 25. This project is due for completion by the end of 2012. Prior to the commencement of this project the total storage capacity of the servers was 59 terabytes, on the completion of the project the total storage capacity of the servers will be 50 terabytes. Hardware support costs for all servers currently amount to €52,300 approximately per annum.

The information sought in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is not readily available and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile. However, if the Deputy has any particular agency in mind I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to the Deputy.

Redundancy Payments

Brendan Smith

Question:

156 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a payment will issue to a former special needs assistant (details supplied) who is currently unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35545/11]

An application for redundancy from the person referred to by the Deputy was received by my Department on 9th September 2011. Applications are processed in date order of receipt and every effort is being made to process these applications as quickly as possible. Applications received in May/June 2011 are currently being processed.

Extra resources have been assigned to the Redundancy Unit to ensure that Special Needs Assistants that have been made redundant will have their claims for payment processed as quickly as possible. My Department is also now prioritising the processing of redundancy applications from those SNAs who have not obtained alternative employment in a non teaching capacity in primary, secondary or community/comprehensive schools in the current school year.

Special Educational Needs

Finian McGrath

Question:

157 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support the proposals for developing provision for students of post-primary age with multiple disability and visual impairment at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [35565/11]

I wish to confirm to the Deputy that a proposal in relation to provision for mobility training at the school referred to by the Deputy has recently been made to my Department. This proposal is currently under active consideration and my Department will reply to the school in relation to this proposal in the near future.

School Accommodation

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

158 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application made by a school (details supplied) in County Limerick for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35587/11]

The school in question was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a mainstream classroom under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme in 2010. The school subsequently requested further funding to have additional works carried out. In light of the competing demands on the available budget, it is not possible to approve additional funding to have the works referred to by the Deputy carried out at this time. The school authorities have been notified accordingly.

Schools Refurbishment

John McGuinness

Question:

159 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on an application for emergency works to be undertaken at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [35628/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently approved emergency funding for repairs to a gas leak at the school in question.

Higher Education Grants

Timmy Dooley

Question:

160 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an appeal application for a third level maintenance grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35699/11]

An appeal was received in my Department on 9 November 2011 from the student referred to by the Deputy. The appeal is appropriate to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board and a decision will issue from the Board within the timeframe set out in the Student Support Act 2011, which is 60 days from the making of the appeal.

Michael McCarthy

Question:

161 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is being asked to submit documents in respect of a student grant application when they have already submitted same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35710/11]

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, particularly if she is of the view that she has already supplied the information now being sought by the grant awarding authority.

Skills Development

Alan Farrell

Question:

162 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to ensure that graduates of non-performing industries have the option of returning to education for further graduate or undergraduate studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35721/11]

It is open to any individual to apply for a place on an undergraduate or postgraduate higher education programme in the publicly funded higher education sector and, depending on their previous level of educational attainment and personal circumstances they may be eligible for support under the Free Fees Scheme or the Student Grant Scheme. In general, students who previously pursued a course of study are not eligible for free fees support or grant assistance for a second period of study at the same level. Such students may, however, be eligible for tax relief for their tuition fees, as are students who undertake courses of study on a part time basis. Full details of all supports available to students who wish to return to education are available at www.studentfinance.ie. Information on available tax reliefs for tuition fees can be accessed on www.revenue.ie.

Under the Springboard initiative, 5,800 free part-time higher education places have also been offered to unemployed people to re-skill in areas where there are identified skills needs. Programmes range from level 6 to Masters level and are targeted at participants who have lost their jobs in sectors where employment levels are not likely to recover, even as the economy recovers. Further information is available on www.bluebrick.ie. The HEA has also just issued a tender for the provision of new graduate skills conversion programmes to be delivered in 2012 to address the specific needs of the ICT sector.

FÁS Training Programmes

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

163 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the FÁS training centre at Baldoyle, Dublin, will be in a position to organise repeat examinations for phase 2 of the construction plant fitting apprenticeship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35728/11]

I understand from FÁS that with the closure of the Cabra Training Centre in December 2010, the Construction Plant Facility Course was transferred to Baldoyle Training Centre. I also understand there was a delay in calling referred learners for re-sit assessments. This delay is regretted and I understand from FÁS that it occurred for two principal reasons. Firstly, significant building works had to be undertaken to facilitate the course transfer. Secondly, unforeseen technical IT issues relating to the apprenticeship results system needed to be identified and resolved. However, I understand that FÁS Baldoyle is now in the process of calling the referred learners for their re-sit assessments. In addition, to compensate the learners for the delay, FÁS is prepared to provide refresher tuition for the referred learners.

School Closures

Tom Fleming

Question:

164 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/11]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

190 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36270/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 190 together.

Last week, the Department was advised by the Patron's office that it is the Bishop's intention to close the school in question with immediate effect. The Patron's office has confirmed that this decision is being taken as a result of demographic changes in the area and that demand no longer exists to support the viability of the school. Arrangements are being made for the redeployment of the school principal to a teaching post in a neighbouring school following completion of administrative work associated with the school's closure.

Schools Building Projects

Tom Fleming

Question:

165 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of May 2011, when he will address the health and safety issues pertaining to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry in which 120 students have to cross a very busy regional road every 40 minutes to attend class by providing the necessary funding for a new school. [35769/11]

A major project for the school to which the Deputy refers was included on the work programme for 2011, where an accommodation brief will be formulated and the appointment of a Design Team will commence. The accommodation brief for the project is currently being finalised and the next step, following completion of this process, involves the appointment of a Design Team. My Department has recently been in contact with the school regarding the progression of the project.

Tom Fleming

Question:

166 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 12 May 2011, when he will provide a replacement school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [35771/11]

The Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10 November 2011, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. In this context, the school referred to by the Deputy has made a major capital application to my Department for the provision of a replacement school building to meet the demographic needs of the area. This application is being assessed by my Department and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome shortly.

Higher Education Policy

John Paul Phelan

Question:

167 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is planning on establishing a national academy for the enhancement of teaching and learning in third level education; the role this organisation will have; the staff levels required to operate same; the budget that would be allocated to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35808/11]

As part of the implementation process for the National Strategy for Higher Education, the HEA issued a consultation document to higher education institutions on 4 October in relation to proposals to establish a National Academy for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. This document is available on the HEA website, and submissions are being accepted until the 2nd December. I understand that the HEA also intends to hold a consultation event in early 2012.

The consultation document proposes that the National Academy will assume a leading role in implementing the vision for teaching and learning outlined in the National Strategy and will provide a forum for driving innovations in teaching and learning across the sector. However, no decisions have been made in relation to the structure and remit of the Academy, and final proposals will be informed by the current consultation process.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

168 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35828/11]

The Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10 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 necessity to ensure sufficient school places arising from increasing demographics and involving both new school buildings and extensions, will continue to be the priority for schools capital expenditure. I have previously committed to publishing details next month of the school building projects 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.

In relation to the Higher Education sector, I can confirm that my Department will be funding a science facilities extension project at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. This project consists of the construction of new science laboratories within a new third storey extension to the existing Science Building at an overall cost of €3.86m. Construction work began on this project earlier this year and it is targeted for completion in mid-2012.

School Staffing

Gerald Nash

Question:

169 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of absentee rates for primary and secondary school teachers for the past ten years; and, if known, the amount of that absenteeism caused by stress related illness. [35877/11]

The information that is available in my Department relating to the issues raised by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him.

Special Educational Needs

Michael Creed

Question:

170 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the monitoring he conducts on the effective use of resource hours for individual students; if he is satisfied with the structures in place in his Department and at individual school level to ensure maximum return for these hours, and compliance with the psychological report on individual students’ needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35905/11]

Approximately 9,950 whole time equivalent learning support/resource teacher posts, including those allocated under the General Allocation model, are being provided this year in primary and post-primary schools in order to provide additional teaching support to pupils with special educational needs or learning support requirements. This represents a significant investment in resource teaching supports and an increase of approximately 350 whole time equivalent posts over last year's allocation.

My Department's circular SP ED 02/05 provides guidance to schools on the deployment and organisation of teaching resources allocated to them either under the General Allocation Model or in relation to individual resource allocations for pupils with low incidence disabilities.

Once resource teaching allocations have been made to them, schools have responsibility to monitor and utilise these resources to best support the needs of individual qualifying pupils, in accordance with my Departments guidance. Support for students, including resource teaching support, is one of five areas that inspectors report on in Whole School Evaluations. A schools management of its learning supports for students therefore forms part of a Whole School Evaluation.

In relation to psychological reports, the Deputy will be aware that the EPSEN and Disability Acts set out clearly the role and functions of the NCSE and the HSE and their staff in carrying out assessments and with regard to the provision of services for children with special educational needs. Responsibility for deciding on the quantum of educational supports and resources to be allocated to schools, or to individual pupils, rests with the NCSE in accordance with DES policy.

The consideration of professional reports is an integral part of determining the extent of supports to be provided for pupils with special educational needs. However, whereas health reports provide valuable assistance to education providers in identifying a diagnosis or identifying appropriate interventions, health staff are asked not to include references to the specific quantum of educational resources in their reports, but should state the outcome of tests carried out and the range of needs of the child as clearly as possible.

The NCSE circular 03/08 clarifies the respective roles and functions of the NCSE and the HSE and their respective personnel in carrying out assessments and sanctioning resources to support children with special educational needs.

Schools Building Projects

Michael Creed

Question:

171 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an over-run of costs for a school building project (details supplied); if he accepts the detailed engineering evidence submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35908/11]

The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a mainstream classroom and a resource room under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme in 2010. The school authorities recently sought additional funding towards this building project. My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently examining the application and has written to the school authorities seeking additional information relating to the request. As soon as the information is received a final decision will be communicated to the school authority.

Departmental Schemes

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

172 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expand the eligibility criteria for the Springboard initiative to include persons in receipt of the back to work enterprise allowance. [35932/11]

To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course an applicant must have a previous history of employment, and at the time of starting a Springboard course must be unemployed and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or One Parent Family Payment or be signing for contribution credits. As all applicants must be available for and actively seeking employment, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is not one of the eligible payments.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA), which is managing Springboard on behalf of my Department, has commenced an evaluation of all aspects of the roll-out of Springboard in 2011. The outcome of this evaluation will inform decisions in relation to the further development of the Springboard initiative in the future.

Redundancy Payments

Michael Lowry

Question:

173 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a redundancy payment was not paid in respect of an employee (details supplied) of his Department; if said employee can now apply for redundancy; if they are entitled to redundancy in view of the extraordinary circumstances in this individual case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35986/11]

An application for compensation for loss of hours (partial redundancy) was received on 28th June 2011 by my Department from the person referred to by the Deputy. Under the terms of my Department's circular on redundancy arrangements for Special Needs Assistants, this person is not entitled to a partial redundancy payment as the time limit for submitting an application (52 weeks after the date on which the hours were lost) had expired. My Department has been in touch with the person referred to by the Deputy on a number of occasions informing her of the position.

My Department's circular on redundancy arrangements for Special Needs Assistants (circular 0058/2006) was posted to all schools in 2006 for the attention of Boards of Management, Principal Teachers and Special Needs Assistants. This circular was also placed on the Department's website at that time. These arrangements, including the time limit for submitting an application, were agreed at national level and were agreed at the Labour Relations Commission.

Persons making enquiries regarding redundancy are referred by my Department's officials to the relevant circular and application forms on my Department's website. As the SNA's employer, the Board of Management is responsible for following correct procedure in recruitment and any other matters regarding that person's contract.

School Transport

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

174 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills, following the transfer of the role of transport liaison officer from the vocational education committees to Bus Éireann, if he will confirm which body is now responsible for setting the annual fare for the school transport system. [36084/11]

Decisions on school transport charges are made by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance as part of the annual budgetary process. The cessation of the role of the Transport Liaison Officer will have no impact on the matter.

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

175 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students negatively affected by changes to the rules for transport catchment areas. [36085/11]

From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, the use of the Catchment Boundary Area (CB) System as a means of determining eligibility will cease for all pupils newly entering post primary school. This means that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for all pupils newly entering a post primary school will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.

This change was announced as part of Budget 2011 but is not being introduced until the 2012/13 school year in order to allow parents of children newly entering post primary school ample time to consider their school choice options, taking account of the revised school transport eligibility arrangements. At post-primary level, the evidence is, as set out in the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Schemes, that the majority of children are attending their nearest post primary school/centre.

Schools Refurbishment

Timmy Dooley

Question:

176 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for emergency works at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36086/11]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the application by the school in question for funding to provide roof insulation. My Department introduced an energy efficiency scheme in 2009 to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in school buildings across the country. The scheme which was implemented with the help of Sustainable Energy Ireland, allowed schools to apply for funding on a once-off basis to upgrade the fabric insulation in attics and the external cavity walls of their buildings. The closing date for receipt of application under this scheme was November 2009.

I announced on 10 November 2011 that my Department will be issuing the minor works grant for 2011/12 to primary schools shortly and it is open to the school in question to prioritise the use of these funds to address such issues as referred to by the Deputy.

Disadvantaged Status

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

177 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the pupils of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo are being discriminated against due to the fact that he has not granted their school DEIS status despite its location in one of the areas of highest educational disadvantage in the country and despite the fact that all other schools in Erris have been so designated. [36105/11]

The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005. The analysis of the survey returns from primary schools by the ERC identified the socio-economic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in DEIS. Notwithstanding repeated communications to the school on the matter a completed survey form was not received from Inver National School and therefore it could not be assessed for participation in DEIS.

An ongoing evaluation of DEIS has been under way since the roll-out of supports commenced in 2006. My Department commissioned the Educational Research Centre to undertake this evaluation, the aim of which is to monitor the implementation of the programme and assess its impact on students and schools at primary and post primary levels. An evaluation report, the second in a series of reports, is currently being finalised.

In addition, the Inspectorate of my Department conducted evaluations of planning in a sample of 36 DEIS schools, 18 primary and 18 post-primary. A national composite report on the effectiveness of DEIS planning in primary and post primary schools has been completed and is expected to be available shortly. The Department will fully consider these evaluation reports before any decisions can be made regarding the future of DEIS.

The Deputy will be aware that a Comprehensive Expenditure Review is ongoing in all government Departments at the request of the Minister of Public Service Expenditure and Reform. Furthermore the current economic climate and the challenge to meet significant targets on reducing public expenditure limits opportunities and means that there is no capacity to provide for additionality to the DEIS programme.

School Transport

Tom Fleming

Question:

178 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will extend the existing primary school bus service to persons (details supplied). [36125/11]

Under the terms of the Primary School Transport scheme pupils are eligible for school transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from and are attending their nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Schemes on behalf of my Department, has advised that not all the pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied are eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme. Furthermore, Bus Éireann has advised that an extension to the existing service is not feasible as the road in question is unsuitable for the vehicle operating the service to this school. I understand that the families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no school transport service available, have been offered a remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.

Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 149.
Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 150.

FÁS Training Programmes

Sandra McLellan

Question:

181 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial help currently available to a young person (details supplied) with family commitments to enable them to take up a position offered to them to finish their apprenticeship. [36130/11]

I understand from FÁS that the person in question is recorded on the FÁS Apprenticeship Database as a non-active apprenticeship. However, I understand that he has successfully completed Phase 2 off-the-job training and successfully completed Phase 4 off-the-job training on 11th June 2011, when he was redundant. The person should contact his Senior Training Adviser to progress his apprenticeship as I am informed that FÁS has not been able to contact him or his previous employer.

I understand that redundant apprentices are paid a FÁS weekly training allowance when attending the following programmes to progress their apprenticeship training:

Redundant Apprentices scheduled for off-the job training at Phase 2, Phase 4 or Phase 6 in a FÁS Training Centre, an Institute of Technology or a College of Further Education.

Redundant Apprentices attending specific skills/trade-related training courses in a FÁS Training Centre.

Fee Waiver Scheme course fees will be waived for redundant apprentices who attend FÁS day and/or evening courses in order to enhance their employable skills.

Pension Provisions

Catherine Byrne

Question:

182 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36149/11]

Details of the pension entitlements of the person in question are being sent directly to her by the Pension Section of my Department.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Terence Flanagan

Question:

183 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding the statutory trust fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36158/11]

The details provided by the Deputy relate to the proposed Residential Institutions Statutory Fund. The Government agreed to the drafting of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill to provide for the establishment of a Statutory Fund to support the needs of victims of residential institutional abuse, as endorsed by Dáil Éireann in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan Report in 2009. The legislative proposals followed extensive consultations with survivors of residential abuse and the groups which support them, together with a public consultation process. In this context, the report on the consultation process and the General Scheme of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill are available on my Department's website.

It is the case that some former residents advocated a simple distribution of the available money rather than the establishment of the Statutory Fund. However, as I outlined when I published the legislative proposals, I believe that the Fund should target resources at services to support former residents' needs. The General Scheme outlines the range of services proposed.

I had a very constructive meeting with groups representing survivors of residential institutional abuse on 22nd July last, when we discussed the Government's approach to the proposed Statutory Fund. Attendees at that meeting raised a number of issues regarding aspects of the proposed approach as set out in the General Scheme of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill. I have also received a number of submissions from groups and individuals in relation to the proposed legislation. Work is progressing on the drafting of the Bill and the various views expressed to date are being considered as the drafting process continues.

Higher Education Grants

Pat Breen

Question:

184 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36178/11]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form it would not be possible for me to say why a particular rate of grant was applied by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision of the grant awarding authority to its appeals officer. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate. No appeal has been received in my Department to date.

Departmental Agencies

Seán Kenny

Question:

185 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons employed by the Higher Education Authority by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36187/11]

There are 61.9 full time equivalent (FTE) staff currently employed by the HEA. This includes staffing for two research councils — Irish Research Councils for Science, Engineering and Technology and the Irish Research Council for Humanitarian and Social Services. The breakdown of grades is as follows: 1 Chief Executive Officer 6.5 Principal Officers 13.8 Assistant Principal Officers 14.8 Higher Executive Officers 17.4 Executive Officers 6.8 Clerical Officers 1.6 Service Attendants. 5 staff currently on career breaks are not included in the breakdown.

Third Level Courses

Seán Kenny

Question:

186 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Irish students, UK students, EU students excluding the UK and non-EU students currently enrolled in each of the third level institutions for the years 2006 to 2010, inclusive, and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36188/11]

A comprehensive range of statistics in relation to students attending higher education institutions are compiled and published by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on their website www.hea.ie. The enrolment data requested may be viewed in the table which has been provided by the HEA based on the published information.

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2011

Country of Origin

UCD

UCC

NUIG

TCD

NUIM

DCU

UL

MIC

SPD

MDEI

NCAD

RCSI

St. Angela’s

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

7,912

8,597

6,187

8,231

5,355

6,392

5,087

7,650

3,107

3,847

3,569

3,839

5,356

4,367

702

2,132

443

1,537

142

292

292

611

827

912

15

421

38,994

48,828

87,822

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

156

174

12

25

169

224

204

218

2

0

12

10

20

19

2

1

0

0

2

0

1

1

15

24

0

0

595

696

1,291

Europe (EU)

281

427

61

84

84

166

202

248

22

24

135

172

54

54

1

3

0

1

0

2

3

2

10

10

0

0

853

1,193

2,046

Non-EU

861

1,046

515

864

466

877

390

563

68

70

268

206

182

142

2

2

0

0

3

1

3

5

211

183

0

0

2,969

3,959

6,928

Total

9,210

10,244

6,775

9,204

6,074

7,659

5,883

8,679

3,199

3,941

3,984

4,227

5,612

4,582

707

2,138

443

1,538

147

295

299

619

1,063

1,129

15

421

43,411

54,676

98,087

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2010

Country of Origin

UCD

UCC

NUIG

TCD

NUIM

DCU

UL

MIC

SPD

MDEI

NCAD

RCSI

St. Angela’s

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

7,779

8,431

6,040

8,199

5,124

6,470

4,894

7,714

2,894

3,592

3,510

3,820

4,947

4,398

646

2,203

405

1,658

119

290

303

617

715

810

16

432

37,392

48,634

86,026

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

168

193

16

16

154

212

190

227

4

0

12

13

22

21

2

2

0

0

1

1

0

1

19

15

0

0

588

701

1,289

Europe (EU)

289

444

53

86

90

166

178

236

29

22

125

143

59

64

3

2

0

1

0

0

2

3

5

10

0

0

833

1,177

2,010

Non-EU

905

1,149

549

821

455

798

387

564

54

52

310

225

171

139

3

3

0

0

1

1

3

3

268

250

0

0

3,106

4,005

7,111

Total

9,141

10,217

6,658

9,122

5,823

7,646

5,649

8,741

2,981

3,666

3,957

4,201

5,199

4,622

654

2,210

405

1,659

121

292

308

624

1,007

1,085

16

432

41,919

54,517

96,436

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2009

Country of Origin

UCD

UCC

NUIG

TCD

NUIM

DCU

UL

MIC

SPD

MDEI

NCAD

RCSI

St. Angela’s

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

7,142

8,098

5,503

7,991

4,563

6,229

4,460

7,408

2,484

3,442

3,112

3,537

4,585

4,285

595

2,300

390

1,854

99

260

266

595

245

503

23

471

33,467

46,973

80,440

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

148

186

19

21

137

187

172

221

6

0

13

17

18

26

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

1

19

13

0

1

533

675

1,208

Europe (EU)

273

397

49

87

92

160

169

221

31

20

156

206

63

87

2

5

0

1

0

3

0

1

10

26

0

0

845

1,214

2,059

Non-EU

831

1,029

573

833

421

760

351

504

62

55

345

232

145

136

2

3

0

0

3

0

0

2

561

671

0

0

3,294

4,225

7,519

Total

8,394

9,710

6,144

8,932

5,213

7,336

5,152

8,354

2,583

3,517

3,626

3,992

4,811

4,534

599

2,310

390

1,855

103

263

266

599

835

1,213

23

472

38,139

53,087

91,226

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2008

Country of Origin

UCD

UCC

NUIG

TCD

NUIM

DCU

UL

MIC

SPD

MDEI

NCAD

RCSI

St Angela’s

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

6,899

7,943

5,188

7,874

4,163

5,928

4,227

7,201

2,268

3,183

2,915

3,406

4,263

4,118

549

2,253

346

1,788

81

237

244

569

346

461

16

503

31,505

45,464

76,969

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

129

172

19

17

146

188

171

226

5

1

16

21

21

20

0

1

0

0

1

0

1

7

34

30

0

3

543

686

1,229

Europe (EU)

235

319

52

78

74

103

147

201

25

32

160

190

51

84

1

4

0

1

0

0

1

7

2

6

0

1

748

1,026

1,774

Non-EU

782

964

550

781

475

773

372

492

47

47

362

210

128

115

2

4

0

0

3

1

1

0

478

473

1

0

3,201

3,860

7,061

Total

8,045

9,398

5,809

8,750

4,858

6,992

4,917

8,120

2,345

3,263

3,453

3,827

4,463

4,337

552

2,262

346

1,789

85

238

247

583

860

970

17

507

35,997

51,036

87,033

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2007

Country of Origin

UCD

UCC

NUIG

TCD

NUIM

DCU

UL

MIC

SPD

MDEI

NCAD

RCSI

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Total

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

6,790

7,901

5,000

7,724

4,211

5,981

4,207

7,108

2,068

3,118

2,773

3,100

313

1,716

4,118

4,108

481

2,201

91

265

269

585

211

364

30,532

44,171

74,703

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

113

156

18

15

96

132

192

229

3

2

19

25

0

0

17

17

0

1

0

2

0

5

17

6

475

590

1,065

Europe (EU)

208

249

54

69

91

118

155

176

22

25

211

221

0

0

47

58

0

3

0

0

1

12

14

13

803

944

1,747

Non-EU

679

779

511

774

457

667

363

482

53

52

289

246

0

0

121

106

1

6

4

1

1

6

599

551

3,078

3,670

6,748

Total

7,790

9,085

5,583

8,582

4,855

6,898

4,917

7,995

2,146

3,197

3,292

3,592

313

1,716

4,303

4,289

482

2,211

95

268

271

608

841

934

34,888

49,375

84,263

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2006

Country of Origin

UCD

UCC

NUIG

TCD

NUIM

DCU

UL

MIC

SPD

MDEI

NCAD

RCSI

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

6,609

8,015

4,855

7,599

4,347

6,330

4,121

7,034

2,044

3,138

2,678

2,880

300

1,690

4,143

3,987

442

2,121

85

261

246

578

170

287

30,040

43,920

73,960

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

109

155

20

21

20

32

217

229

4

2

27

21

0

0

15

21

0

0

0

1

0

5

12

25

424

512

936

Europe (EU)

165

201

46

69

37

48

215

304

18

17

174

186

0

0

40

59

0

3

0

0

4

9

9

10

708

906

1,614

Non-EU

543

625

445

711

328

597

364

455

57

44

238

186

0

0

105

87

1

4

4

3

1

6

628

580

2,714

3,298

6,012

Total

7,426

8,996

5,366

8,400

4,732

7,007

4,917

8,022

2,123

3,201

3,117

3,273

300

1,690

4,303

4,154

443

2,128

89

265

251

598

819

902

33,886

48,636

82,522

The HEA took over responsibility for the collection of data from St Angela's College in 2007. Therefore the first year of data available to the HEA is for the academic year 2007/08.

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2011

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,626

1,842

4,319

2,671

6,768

4,725

1,032

1,013

2,254

2,063

3,257

2,170

1,104

811

1,851

1,494

1,940

1,879

1,691

1,114

1,174

1,204

1,260

1,230

2,309

1,799

376

292

3,299

3,117

34,260

27,424

61,684

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

2

2

9

6

0

0

2

3

2

0

0

0

0

0

4

1

0

0

1

1

18

18

0

0

0

0

3

1

41

32

73

Europe (EU)

102

53

123

78

18

21

3

5

1

3

8

14

1

2

7

8

13

7

0

2

2

5

7

10

3

5

0

1

9

28

297

242

539

Non-EU

42

30

38

3

125

61

2

2

17

10

47

19

2

1

5

1

4

7

0

2

10

2

11

14

6

3

1

1

80

43

390

199

589

Total

1,770

1,925

4,482

2,754

6,920

4,813

1,037

1,020

2,274

2,079

3,314

2,203

1,107

814

1,863

1,503

1,961

1,894

1,691

1,118

1,187

1,212

1,296

1,272

2,318

1,807

377

294

3,391

3,189

34,988

27,897

62,885

Domicillary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2010

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,433

1,855

4,331

2,736

6,424

4,578

1,016

942

2,047

2,032

3,079

2,060

895

661

1,754

1,348

1,850

1,864

1,469

947

1,096

1,147

1,207

1,196

2,290

1,726

264

215

3,217

3,027

32,372

26,334

58,706

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

2

0

15

8

0

0

1

4

0

0

0

0

1

0

4

1

0

0

1

1

38

35

0

1

0

0

0

2

62

52

114

Europe (EU)

16

11

112

78

19

25

3

3

0

1

6

11

0

2

6

2

14

14

0

1

1

3

15

17

3

5

1

0

10

4

206

177

383

Non-EU

33

16

51

3

144

88

4

5

34

29

8

5

1

1

6

3

3

4

1

2

11

20

21

11

6

1

0

75

41

403

226

629

Total

1,482

1,882

4,496

2,817

6,602

4,699

1,023

950

2,082

2,066

3,093

2,076

896

664

1,767

1,353

1,871

1,883

1,470

950

1,109

1,153

1,280

1,269

2,304

1,738

266

215

3,302

3,074

33,043

26,789

59,832

Domicillary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2009

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,108

1,760

3,866

2,498

5,597

4,406

858

850

1,803

1,845

2,779

2,007

690

542

1,638

1,293

1,656

1,720

1,265

784

892

1,083

1,005

1,135

2,077

1,557

187

141

2,996

3141

28,417

24,762

53,179

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

2

1

14

18

0

3

1

2

2

1

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

0

22

26

0

1

1

0

1

2

46

55

101

Europe (EU)

49

37

35

22

46

51

2

5

2

2

10

14

4

2

30

27

20

38

0

1

5

4

20

25

4

8

0

1

5

3

232

240

472

Non-EU

54

22

37

0

179

98

2

4

47

30

3

4

0

1

6

2

2

0

1

2

11

4

26

27

11

15

2

0

83

39

464

248

712

Total

1,211

1,819

3,940

2,521

5,836

4,573

862

862

1,853

1,879

2,794

2,026

694

545

1,675

1,322

1,679

1,759

1,266

787

909

1,091

1,073

1,213

2,092

1,581

190

142

3,085

3,185

29,159

25,305

54,464

Domicillary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2008

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,024

1,732

3,637

2,512

5,327

4,283

787

789

1,618

1,707

2,739

2,089

573

456

1,564

1,260

1,528

1,786

1,169

726

809

1,060

859

985

1,869

1,335

157

127

2,731

3,231

26,391

24,078

50,469

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

0

1

17

10

0

0

2

2

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

3

0

0

2

0

26

37

0

0

0

0

1

0

50

54

104

Europe (EU)

22

23

49

38

39

31

1

2

0

3

4

6

0

0

8

6

19

15

1

2

4

5

4

13

3

11

2

0

5

3

161

158

319

Non-EU

19

17

13

4

162

92

1

1

66

47

4

3

0

0

3

4

0

2

1

0

6

5

25

24

23

19

0

0

94

45

417

263

680

Total

1,065

1,772

3,699

2,555

5,545

4,416

789

792

1,686

1,759

2,748

2,099

573

456

1,575

1,270

1,548

1,806

1171

728

821

1,070

914

1,059

1,895

1,365

159

127

2,831

3,279

27,019

24,553

51,572

The HEA took over responsibility for the collection of data from the Institute of Technology sector in 2007. Therefore the first year of data available to the HEA is for the academic year 2007/08.

Domicillary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2011

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,626

1,842

4,319

2,671

6,768

4,725

1,032

1,013

2,254

2,063

3,257

2,170

1,104

811

1,851

1,494

1,940

1,879

1,691

1,114

1,174

1,204

1,260

1,230

2,309

1,799

376

292

3,299

3117

34,260

27,424

61,684

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

2

2

9

6

0

0

2

3

2

0

0

0

0

0

4

1

0

0

1

1

18

18

0

0

0

0

3

1

41

32

73

Europe (EU)

102

53

123

78

18

21

3

5

1

3

8

14

1

2

7

8

13

7

0

2

2

5

7

10

3

5

0

1

9

28

297

242

539

Non-EU

42

30

38

3

125

61

2

2

17

10

47

19

2

1

5

1

4

7

0

2

10

2

11

14

6

3

1

1

80

43

390

199

589

Total

1,770

1,925

4,482

2,754

6,920

4,813

1,037

1,020

2,274

2,079

3,314

2,203

1,107

814

1,863

1,503

1,961

1,894

1,691

1,118

1,187

1,212

1,296

1,272

2,318

1,807

377

294

3,391

3,189

34,988

27,897

62,885

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2010

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,433

1,855

4,331

2,736

6,424

4,578

1,016

942

2,047

2,032

3,079

2,060

895

661

1,754

1,348

1,850

1,864

1,469

947

1,096

1,147

1,207

1,196

2,290

1,726

264

215

3,217

3,027

32,372

26,334

58,706

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

2

0

15

8

0

0

1

4

0

0

0

0

1

0

4

1

0

0

1

1

38

35

0

1

0

0

0

2

62

52

114

Europe (EU)

16

11

112

78

19

25

3

3

0

1

6

11

0

2

6

2

14

14

0

1

1

3

15

17

3

5

1

0

10

4

206

177

383

Non-EU

33

16

51

3

144

88

4

5

34

29

8

5

1

1

6

3

3

4

1

2

11

2

20

21

11

6

1

0

75

41

403

226

629

Total

1,482

1,882

4,496

2,817

6,602

4,699

1,023

950

2,082

2,066

3,093

2,076

896

664

1,767

1,353

1,871

1,883

1,470

950

1,109

1,153

1,280

1,269

2,304

1,738

266

215

3,302

3,074

33,043

26,789

59,832

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2009

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,108

1,760

3,866

2,498

5,597

4,406

858

850

1,803

1,845

2,779

2,007

690

542

1,638

1,293

1,656

1,720

1,265

784

892

1,083

1,005

1,135

2,077

1,557

187

141

2,996

3,141

28,417

24,762

53,179

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

2

1

14

18

0

3

1

2

2

1

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

0

22

26

0

1

1

0

1

2

46

55

101

Europe (EU)

49

37

35

22

46

51

2

5

2

2

10

14

4

2

30

27

20

38

0

1

5

4

20

25

4

8

0

1

5

3

232

240

472

Non-EU

54

22

37

0

179

98

2

4

47

30

3

4

0

1

6

2

2

0

1

2

11

4

26

27

11

15

2

0

83

39

464

248

712

Total

1,211

1,819

3,940

2,521

5,836

4,573

862

862

1,853

1,879

2,794

2,026

694

545

1,675

1,322

1,679

1,759

1,266

787

909

1,091

1,073

1,213

2,092

1,581

190

142

3,085

3,185

29,159

25,305

54,464

Domiciliary of Origin of All Full Time Students at 1 March 2008

Country of Origin

AIT

CIT

DIT

DLIADT

DKIT

GMIT

ITB

ITC

ITS

ITT

ITTRA

LYIT

LIT

TI

WIT

Totals

Grand Total

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

1,024

1,732

3,637

2,512

5,327

4,283

787

789

1,618

1,707

2,739

2,089

573

456

1,564

1,260

1,528

1,786

1,169

726

809

1,060

859

985

1,869

1,335

157

127

2,731

3,231

26,391

24,078

50,469

Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

0

0

0

1

17

10

0

0

2

2

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

3

0

0

2

0

26

37

0

0

0

0

1

0

50

54

104

Europe (EU)

22

23

49

38

39

31

1

2

0

3

4

6

0

0

8

6

19

15

1

2

4

5

4

13

3

11

2

0

5

3

161

158

319

Non-EU

19

17

13

4

162

92

1

1

66

47

4

3

0

0

3

4

0

2

1

0

6

5

25

24

23

19

0

0

94

45

417

263

680

Total

1,065

1,772

3,699

2,555

5,545

4,416

789

792

1,686

1,759

2,748

2,099

573

456

1,575

1,270

1,548

1,806

1171

728

821

1,070

914

1,059

1,895

1,365

159

127

2,831

3,279

27,019

24,553

51,572

The HEA took over responsibility for the collection of data from the Institute of Technology sector in 2007. Therefore the first year of data available to the HEA is for the academic year 2007/08.

Third Level Fees

Seán Kenny

Question:

187 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of tuition fees received by each third level institution for the years 2006 to 2010, inclusive, and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36189/11]

Details on funding provided in respect of free fees for the years 2006 to 2011 (to date) are set out in the tables. Figures in respect of 2011 are provisional as all claims have not been received yet.

Total Fees Paid

Institution

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011*

UCD

€46,600,984.00

€49,016,559.00

€49,736,444.00

€49,899,530.00

€58,454,342.00

€51,956,756.00

UCC

€38,723,388.00

€42,397,043.00

€47,680,516.00

€41,369,734.00

€49,371,437.00

€45,299,521.00

NUIG

€31,613,760.00

€33,126,661.00

€34,404,814.00

€34,581,093.00

€41,588,367.00

€37,743,892.00

NUIM

€17,646,026.00

€16,863,070.00

€20,552,585.00

€20,781,596.00

€24,600,813.00

€23,263,265.00

TCD

€31,607,581.00

€35,177,312.00

€33,253,291.00

€35,105,600.00

€41,456,996.00

€37,567,230.00

UL

€26,682,614.00

€27,726,584.00

€30,780,246.00

€30,021,549.00

€35,293,504.00

€32,053,497.00

Mary Immaculate College

€7,887,394.00

€7,995,804.00

€8,901,860.00

€8,508,315.00

€9,767,640.00

€8,622,232.00

DCU

€16,271,943.00

€17,622,720.00

€21,339,887.00

€18,513,530.00

€23,194,556.00

€20,923,262.00

St Patrick’s Drumcondra

€5,727,687.00

€6,256,732.00

€6,849,028.00

€6,402,542.00

€7,154,930.00

€6,448,205.00

Mater Dei

€1,038,745.00

€1,165,023.00

€1,288,631.00

€1,130,480.00

€1,439,272.00

€1,247,560.00

NCAD

€2,189,575.00

€2,433,064.00

€2,961,900.00

€2,786,700.00

€2,959,000.00

€2,985,400.00

St Angela’s College

€557,000.00

€595,228.00

€940,190.00

€733,750.00

€1,008,295.00

€1,028,356.00

RCSI

€1,698,275.00

€1,841,200.00

€2,055,070.00

€2,179,581.00

€2,320,848.00

€2,332,506.00

*Figures in respect of 2011 are provisional as not all claims in respect of free fees funding are paid

Total Fees Paid

Institution

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011*

Athlone IoT

€4,113,533

€3,811,658

€3,949,591

€3,505,742

€4,736,491

€4,346,432

IoT Blanchardstown

€1,353,198

€1,566,517

€1,951,192

€1,820,847

€2,720,340

€2,949,290

IoT Carlow

€3,174,381

€4,262,495

€4,178,050

€3,709,969

€5,443,281

€5,614,084

Cork IoT

€8,185,563

€8,290,413

€9,449,825

€8,388,454

€12,067,597

€10,453,531

Dundalk IoT

€3,934,663

€4,329,153

€4,238,713

€3,750,993

€6,265,154

€5,144,025

Dun Laoghaire IAD&T

€3,095,641

€3,211,999

€3,414,061

€3,034,731

€4,791,174

€4,165,247

Galway-Mayo IoT

€6,265,387

€6,720,870

€7,302,327

€6,463,016

€7,146,943

€7,435,183

Letterkenny IoT

€2,170,572

€2,287,036

€2,714,029

€2,414,155

€3,824,876

€3,502,894

Limerick IoT

€5,925,005

€5,645,361

€6,883,020

€6,115,206

€7,182,832

€7,163,394

IoT Sligo

€5,480,700

€5,410,226

€6,115,641

€5,460,610

€6,698,642

€6,397,667

IoT Tallaght

€2,586,955

€2,843,397

€3,119,804

€2,772,667

€3,730,441

€4,450,725

IOT Tralee

€2,687,574

€2,816,413

€2,309,260

€2,038,699

€3,608,175

€3,438,540

Waterford IoT

€8,492,911

€9,661,257

€10,203,660

€9,069,804

€9,798,336

€10,403,871

D.I.T.

€15,792,390

€17,493,435

€18,117,538

€16,078,613

€19,661,838

€19,535,117

*Figures in respect of 2011 are provisional as not all claims in respect of free fees funding are paid

Total Fees Paid

Institution

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011*

Church of Ireland College of Education

€315,276

€337,788

€359,198

€373,888

€434,848

€461,494

Froebel College of Education

€667,215

€825,645

€882,080

€838,097

€926,592

€988,512

Marino College of Education

€1,085,302

€1,150,059

€1,237,046

€1,259,840

€1,467,104

€1,568,054

National College of Ireland

€3,548,833

€3,894,980

€4,280,917

€4,393,793

€4,426,271

€4,478,000

St Patrick’s College, Maynooth

€686,078

€678,389

€690,941

€701,930

€706,059

€724,000

Milltown Institute

€239,060

€238,740

€205,070

€144,933

€84,123

€46,000

Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute

€531,783

€395,686

€436,202

€702,900

€1,014,960

€950,000

All Hallows

€451,009

€497,082

€517,958

€511,168

€533,988

€519,744

St Patrick’s College, Carlow

€1,549,465

€1,714,128

€1,959,942

€2,261,392

€2,748,157

€2,957,190

Shannon College

€717,325

€818,623

€943,651

€1,011,500

€966,875

€933,300

St Patrick’s College, Thurles

€422,375

€559,480

€634,951

€755,592

€877,389

€936,931

*Figures in respect of 2011 are provisional as not all claims in respect of free fees funding are paid

Redundancy Payments

Pearse Doherty

Question:

188 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills whether the portion of the interventions funded by the European Globalisation Fund programme for 9,000 workers made redundant in the NACE 41 Construction of Buildings, NACE 43 Specialised Construction Activities and NACE 71 Architectural Services construction sub-sectors between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010 will be complementary to existing interventions provided by the State; the portion of the funds secured under this application that will be used to defray costs of existing State interventions accessed by any of the individual construction workers named in the original application since the application was submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36218/11]

A number of measures, for which EGF co-financing assistance is being sought for almost 9,000 workers made redundant in the NACE 41 Construction of Buildings, NACE 43 Specialised Construction Activities and NACE 71 Architectural Services construction sub-sectors between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010, have been, and continue to be, provided by relevant service providers.

Interventions being funded under existing budgetary provision include career guidance, full, part-time and evening further education and training courses, apprenticeship on-and off-the-job training, full and part-time third level education programmes, enterprise start-up advisory and financial supports and related training and education allowances where appropriate. In the absence of EGF funding to date, although in anticipation of such funding, all relevant measures must in the interim be provided through national funding.

That a suite of measures, or the types of measures, as outlined above, may be provided to redundant workers in the normal course of events, or to other redundant persons, does not make those measures any less valuable in terms of upskilling, providing education opportunities and keeping the particular redundant persons in question in closer contact with the labour market. The provision of EGF funding will permit these measures to have been provided as a complement to normal provision, the measures having been directed specifically at the eligible cohort of redundant workers. Moreover, the reimbursement of up to 65% of validated expenditure on these measures in due course allows for greater national funding to be targeted at the generality of activation measures at a time of significant constraints on the public finances.

My Department in conjunction with other Government Departments and Agencies is currently seeking to put in place certain new measures to assist these particular redundant workers in the period to the end of the EGF programmes, when approved by the EU, next June. The precise breakdown of expenditure as between different EGF related measures throughout the full period of these EGF programmes is not yet known and is unlikely to be known with finality until the programmes are duly completed.

Vocational Education Committees

Seán Crowe

Question:

189 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of vocational education committees that own their office buildings; and the expiry dates on leases of VEC buildings that are currently being rented. [36235/11]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): In November 2010, officials of my Department issued a questionnaire to each VEC. Information provided by the VECs in response to this questionnaire indicates that 13 of the 33 VECs own their headquarter premises, while 20 rent or lease their premises. The following information sets out the position regarding the remaining term of the leases as advised by the relevant VECs.

VEC

Term remaining

Co. Wexford

4 years and 6 months

Co. Wicklow

Two separate leases (i) 8 years and (ii) 3 years and 8 months

Co. Kilkenny

16 years and 6 months

Co. Kildare

5 years

Dún Laoghaire

11 years

Co. Dublin

14 years

City of Galway

5 years and 2 months

Co. Longford

20 years

Co. Limerick

18 years and 1 month

Co. Kerry

4 years

Co. Waterford

16 years and 6 months

City of Waterford

4 years

South Tipperary

8 years

Co. Offaly

15 years and 5 months

Co. Westmeath

13 years and 3 months

Co. Cavan

33 years

Co. Monaghan

13 years

City of Cork

19 years and 3 months

Co. Cork

15 years and 8 months

City of Dublin

68 years

Question No. 190 taken with question No. 164.

FÁS Training Programmes

John Lyons

Question:

191 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who is seeking to be granted recognition of completing an apprenticeship with FÁS; if he will grant the person their apprenticeship in view of the fact that they have completed all necessary components of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36290/11]

I understand from FÁS that the person in question is recorded on the FÁS Apprenticeship Database as a non active apprenticeship. However, I also understand that this person has successfully completed Phase 2 off-the-job training and has successfully completed Phase 4 off-the-job training on 11th June 2011, when he was redundant.

The person should contact his Senior Training Adviser to progress his apprenticeship as I am informed that FÁS has not been able to contact him or his previous employer. I understand that redundant apprentices are paid a FÁS weekly training allowance when attending the following programmes to progress their apprenticeship training:

Redundant Apprentices scheduled to off-the job training at Phase 2, Phase 4 or Phase 6 in a FÁS Training Centre, an Institute of Technology or a College of Further Education;

Redundant Apprentices attending specific skills trade related training courses in a FÁS Training Centre; and

Fee Waiver Scheme Course fees will be waived for redundant apprentices who attend FÁS day and/or evening courses in order to enhance their employable skills.

School Transport

Jack Wall

Question:

192 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason school transport arrangements are being altered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the reason this pupil cannot be facilitated with their existing transport arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36339/11]

One of the Department's objectives is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for eligible pupils to and from school. Bus Eireann, which manages school transport services on behalf of the Department, is responsible for the establishment, contracting and operation of those services in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The school transport service which was in place for the pupil referred to by the Deputy was not considered a reasonable level of service as it resulted in a reduced school day for the pupil in question. Bus Éireann has now confirmed that new arrangements have been put in place which allows the pupil attend a full school day.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

193 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will approve an application for school transport for children with special needs (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36349/11]

Under the terms of my Department's School Transport scheme, a pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if he or she is attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class, special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria. My Department was recently made aware of the change of address for the children in question and is liaising with the Special Education Needs Organiser and Bus Éireann with a view to reorganising transport arrangements.

Schools Building Projects

Billy Timmins

Question:

194 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow for a site and building works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36362/11]

My Department has sought the assistance of the Local Authority in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable site for the provision of permanent accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy. Once a suitable site has been identified and acquired, the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Billy Timmins

Question:

195 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the application he currently has for accommodation works in respect of primary and post-primary schools in County Wicklow and County Carlow. [36363/11]

The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including those in Counties Carlow and Wicklow, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year. For the Deputy’s convenience, however, I am attaching details of the 55 applications for building works from schools in the Counties in question that are on hand.

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. In conjunction with this, I indicated that I will publish details next month of the school building projects to be constructed in 2012.

Application Stage — List of projects in Carlow and Wicklow

County

Roll Number

School

Current status

Project

Band Rating

Carlow

01116A

Baile An Chuilinn N S Muinebeag (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

00977B

Ballyconnell NS

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

01415K

Rathoe Ns Rathoe (Carlow)

Application

New School

Band 1

Carlow

02124E

Scoil Nais Molaise Old Leighlin (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

04077I

Scoil Nais Bhride Grange (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

13607M

St Columbas N S Tullow (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 4

Carlow

17053P

Bishop Foley Memorial School Carlow (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

17462J

Scoil Nais Mhichil Baile Nua (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Carlow

17514C

S N Cluain Na Gall Clonegal (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Carlow

18424G

Scoil Nais Iosef Naofa Carlow (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

18510W

Ballymurphy NS, Borris (Carlow)

Application

Extension/refurb

Band 2

Carlow

19477J

Holy Family Boy’s N.S, Askea, (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

19784S

St Laserians Mxd Ns Leighlinbridge (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

61120E

St Mary’S Academy C.B.S. Station Rd (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo’S College Convent Of Mercy (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

61150N

Presentation / De La Salle College Royal Oak Road (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Carlow

PPC1002

Traveller Training Centre Carlow (Carlow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

00973Q

Grange Con N S Grange (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Wicklow

01782O

S N Naomh Padraig Bearna Chle (Wicklow)

Application

New School

Band 2

Wicklow

10131U

Moin An Bhealaigh N S Moin An Bhealaigh (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Wicklow

11372B

Brittas Bay Mxd N S Brittas Bay (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

12529N

St Saviours N S Rathdrum (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

14045B

Carysfort Mixed National School, Arklow

Design Team to be appointed

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

14398L

The Glebe Ns Wicklow (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

15676S

Padraig Naofa B N S St Patricks Road (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Wicklow

16027J

S N Muire Stratford On Slaney (Wicklow)

Application

New School

Band 2

Wicklow

16573N

St Brigids School (Wicklow)

Application

Refurb

Band 3

Wicklow

17181B

St Josephs N S Templerainey (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

17223O

S N Muire Is Gearard Enniskerry (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Wicklow

17265H

Rathdrum Boys N S Rathdrum (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Wicklow

17500O

S N Muire Mxd Barndarrig (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

17826V

Na Coroine Muire Mxd Ashford (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

18054W

Hollywood N S Hollywood (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

18118W

Coolfancy N S Cul Fhasaigh (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 3

Wicklow

18242A

Carnew N S Carnew (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

18470N

Naomh Brid N S Cnoc An Eanaigh (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

18489L

Tinahely N S (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurbishment

Band 2

Wicklow

18502A

S N Naomh Brid Talbotstown (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

19339U

Stratford Lodge Ns Baltinglass (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

19573F

St Laurences N S St Laurences N S (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 1

Wicklow

19734D

St Francis N S Newcastle (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

20039P

Scoil Naomh Iosaf Baltinglass (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin An Casadh Meidhreach (Wicklow)

Application

New School

Band 2

Wicklow

20080M

Gaelscoil An Inbhir Mhoir Fernbank Park (Wicklow)

Application

New School

Band 2

Wicklow

20178G

Wicklow Educate Together Ns Marine House (Wicklow)

Application

New School

Band 2

Wicklow

20207K

St Philomenas St Peters (Wicklow)

Application

New School

Band 1

Wicklow

20278K

Newmountkennedy N.S, (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

61820J

Loreto Secondary School Vevay Rd (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

61860V

Dominican College Wicklow (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 4

Wicklow

70760S

Blessington Community College Naas Rd (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

70770V

St Thomas’ Community College Novara Avenue (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

70790E

Coláiste Bhríde Carnew Carnew (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

70821M

Colaiste Raithin, Bray

Application

New School

Band 2

Wicklow

81016V

East Glendalough School Station Road (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Wicklow

91376L

St. Killian’S Community School Ballywaltrim (Wicklow)

Application

Extension/Refurb

Band 2

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

196 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits, including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36952/11]

There are no former holders of the Office of Attorney General currently on the board of a State body under the aegis of my Department.

National Lottery

Gerry Adams

Question:

197 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration has been given to allowing shops or newsagents in the North to sell tickets for the national lottery of Ireland. [35456/11]

The National Lottery Act 1986 and the National Lottery licence only permit the sale of National Lottery tickets in the State. The sale of National Lottery tickets elsewhere raises obvious legal and regulatory issues.

Proposed Legislation

Michael Creed

Question:

198 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the re-introduction of the Construction Contracts Bill; if the revised Bill will address the concerns of small contractors who were excluded from redress under the terms of the previous draft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35470/11]

You will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In this regard, my colleague Minister of State Mr Brian Hayes has been working with Senator Quinn to develop the Construction Contracts Bill, which is now before the Dáil, into a robust piece of legislation. In order to address a number of issues that were raised during the consultation on the Bill a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was carried out. The RIA was completed and published on 27 September. The Report is available on my Department's website: www.per.gov.ie/reports.

The RIA examined issues relating to payment practices in the construction sector and assessed the need for legislative intervention. It found that legislation is desirable to improve payment practices and to allow swift resolution of payment disputes by way of adjudication, allowing projects to be completed without wasting time and money in litigation. In addition, the RIA examined the main proposals to amend the Bill that were raised during the Seanad debate and subsequent consultation. It found that there were merits to considering amending the Bill in a number of respects e.g. to bring lower value contracts within its scope and to make the adjudicators award binding in payment dispute cases. It concluded that any such amendments should be formulated in such a manner that would protect the taxpayer.

Minister Hayes is now reflecting on the findings of the RIA and is preparing legislative proposals which will be brought to Government shortly for approval. It is essential that the solution to this issue needs to be balanced so as to avoid imposing regulatory or cost burdens on parties in dispute, the State or others.

Election Management System

Niall Collins

Question:

199 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total costs in wages paid to polling clerks for Dáil, local, European and presidential elections, broken down per election from 2002 to date in 2011. [35604/11]

Niall Collins

Question:

200 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total costs in wages paid to returning officers. [35606/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.

Returning Officers are required to submit accounts to the Department of Finance within six months of holding an election. While the accounts for the recent General Election have not yet been completed, we have included estimated figures. The accounts for the Presidential election and Dublin West bye-election have not yet been submitted and an accurate break down of costs will not be available until that time for those events. A detailed breakdown of the election/referendum costs was not recorded until 2007. Therefore it is not possible to provide the details required before 2007. The following table provides the information requested for elections and referendums since 2007. Wages for the Returning Officers relates to the services of the Returning Officer.

All Elections Held from 07-11 — Summary of Election Expenses by Constituency

Constituency

General Election May 07

Lisbon Treaty Jun 08

European & Local Election Jun 09

Dublin South/Central By Election Jun 09

Lisbon Treaty (2) Oct 09

Donegal South/West By-Election Nov 10

*General Election Feb 11

Carlow/ Kilkenny

€22,196.67

€16,057.69

€15,793.40

€19,947.84

Carlow

€9,826.82

Kilkenny

€10,367.77

Cavan/ Monaghan

€19,869.00

€15,799.38

€15,387.36

€18,947.78

Cavan

€9,929.74

Clare

€13,698.50

€9,777.45

€10,680.38

€9,445.92

€12,407.16

Cork East.Cork North/ South West

€24,917.00

€17,933.35

€28,607.09

€13,759.70

€22,712.97

Cork North/ South Central

€20,763.00

€14,033.52

€25,673.36

€16,675.64

€18,812.00

Donegal North East/ South West

€17,321.00

€12,104.94

€13,453.15

€11,828.24

€9,985.99

€15,417.76

Dublin Central

€41,553.00

€27,917.96

€34,577.51

€26,735.81

€37,518.84

Dublin Central By-Election

€14,815.83

Dublin County

€47,009.37

€31,573.83

€53,867.79

€30,478.95

€39,098.02

Dublin South By-Election

€17,216.05

Galway East & West

€21,125.92

€14,449.35

€16,483.14

€13,811.35

€23,111.03

Kerry North/ South

€16,680.50

€11,565.54

€11,333.09

€11,265.16

€15,827.52

Kildare North/ South

€18,199.50

€12,974.69

€31,646.46

€12,587.08

€16,394.93

Laois/Offaly

€21,418.00

€16,206.34

€15,413.14

€21,749.64

Laois

€9,555.68

Offaly

€10,233.35

Limerick East/West

€18,353.96

€12,864.04

€13,895.22

€12,944.03

€15,946.25

Longford/ Westmeath

€21,592.50

€16,041.72

€15,461.53

€19,009.68

Longford

€10,017.17

Westmeath

€10,625.58

Louth

€13,772.00

€9,894.07

€11,210.18

€9,569.76

€13,080.33

Mayo

€14,744.50

€10,379.61

€11,766.58

€10,103.68

€13,019.53

Meath East/West

€17,667.50

€12,391.00

€13,950.18

€13,234.81

€15,732.65

Monaghan

€10,522.32

Roscommon/ South Leitrim

€16,109.00

€12,039.90

€11,709.50

€10,567.65

Roscommon

€10,033.18

Sligo

€20,735.02

Sligo/North Leitrim

€16,117.00

€11,730.45

€11,225.50

€18,334.36

Leitrim

€9,828.38

Tipperary North/ South

€17,401.90

€12,209.04

€13,270.15

€12,037.20

€15,958.20

Waterford

€13,079.00

€9,358.85

€10,332.32

€9,049.28

€15,566.59

Wexford

€14,593.50

€10,635.05

€12,325.43

€10,204.00

€13,270.83

Wicklow

€14,315.04

€10,106.42

€10,924.36

€9,612.18

€15,486.01

Referendum Returning Officer

€4,200.00

€4,200.00

Total Cost Returning Officers

€462,497.36

€332,244.19

€445,671.40

€32,031.88

€322,533.22

€9,985.99

€427,917.57

Total Cost Polling Clerks

€2,743,010.78

€2,852,011.17

€3,251,482.14

€126,432.17

€2,739,333.75

€36,247.24

€2,417,745.01

*The costs of the General Election 2011 have not yet been finalised.

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

Question:

201 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 4 October 2011, if he will confirm the whereabouts of the bronze sheet; if the research has been put to use by Leinster House; if the research is available in the Oireachtas Library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35621/11]

The prototype bronze sheet was dismantled and the pieces are held in OPW stores in Dublin. The research material was put to use by Leinster House and it is currently available on the Oireachtas website. It can be accessed by searching the Members Database under the title ‘Chronology of Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas 1919-2011'.

Flood Relief

Catherine Byrne

Question:

202 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans in place to implement a long-term strategy to prevent future flood damage in Dublin city, particularly in areas affected recently when the Camac and Poddle rivers burst their banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35738/11]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently undertaking the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme which is designed to identify and assess areas, both coastal and inland, at risk of significant flooding. The purpose of the Programme is to:

produce detailed flood mapping in order to identify and map the existing and potential future flood hazard and risk areas;

build the strategic information base necessary for making informed decisions in relation to managing flood risk; and

identify viable structural and non-structural measures and options for managing the flood risks for localised high-risk areas both coastal and inland.

There are three main stages in the Programme and a suite of documents will be produced for public consultation at each stage:

2011 — Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (The public consultation stage of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment was concluded on 1st November, 2011);

2013 — Flood Hazard Mapping; and

2015 — Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans.

Engineering Consultants RPS have been engaged to undertake the Eastern CFRAM Study. This is currently under way and will cover the rivers Camac and Poddle. Dublin City area will be covered by this CFRAM study in conjunction with the Dodder CFRAM study, which is nearing completion.

Pluvial flooding due to blocked or under capacity urban storm water drains is the responsibility of Dublin City Council. The OPW, in association with Dublin City Council, has undertaken a number of flood relief works in Dublin in the last number of years. This has included such major schemes as the completed River Tolka Flood Relief Scheme and the ongoing works on the River Dodder. OPW has also funded the development of several other schemes including the Clontarf Flood Defence Scheme and the proposed South Campshire works.

It is open to Dublin City Council to submit a funding application to this Office under the Minor Flood Mitigation works Scheme. Any application received will be considered having regard to the scheme eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

Pension Provisions

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

203 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he would consider advancing the lump sum payment to those who took advantage of the early retirement scheme, particularly for those whose personal circumstances mean they are in financial difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35903/11]

The scheme to which the Deputy refers is the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement as promulgated in Circular 12/09. The terms of the scheme provide that the balance of the retirement lump sum will be payable upon the retiree reaching his/her normal preserved pension age. There is no provision in the scheme to allow payment to be brought forward.

Flood Relief

Question:

204 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding improvement works on the Dunkellin river, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36068/11]

Galway County Council has appointed consultants to carry out an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed flood relief scheme for the Dunkellin River (from Craughwell to Kilcolgan) and the Aggard Stream, and to complete the detailed design of the scheme to enable the necessary statutory consents to be obtained. In order to further the consultative process, another Public Information Event is being arranged by the Council for early in 2012.

The Council is progressing the scheme through An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act. The Office of Public Works (OPW) understands that due to the complexity of the environmental issues involved, the Council expects that the EIS will be completed in Spring 2012. The OPW also understands that An Bord Pleanála will formally consider the scheme on completion of the EIS.

Garda Stations

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

205 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money allocated to building a new Garda station at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; if this is included in the capital expenditure budget; the date on which this building will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36184/11]

Tender documentation for the fit-out of premises being acquired for An Garda Síochána in Glanmire is currently in preparation. Subject to a satisfactory outcome to the planning application process, it is expected that tenders for the works will be invited in the first quarter of 2012. To ensure competitive tendering, it is not proposed to disclose the project budget prior to requesting tenders.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

206 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35518/11]

No servers are leased by either the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform or the Special EU Programmes Body.

Denis Naughten

Question:

207 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35534/11]

IT is now provided on a shared service basis between the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No servers are currently owned by this Department.

In relation to State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, I am advised that the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is fully committed to reducing server maintenance time and cost. The SEUPB maintains its own servers and does not currently hold any server maintenance or support contracts with external ICT contractors. In order to reduce server maintenance costs the SEUPB recently upgraded 3 servers in its Belfast office, at a cost of £7,669.76, rather than replacing its existing stock.

By implementing ‘virtualisation' technologies on the 3 upgraded servers the SEUPB is able to utilize each server in a much more efficient manner, getting improved return on investment (estimated at 70% increased usage per server). For a modest amount of investment the SEUPB has significantly improved performance in these 3 servers, allowing them to become virtual host servers which will provide a greater platform for applications. It will also serve to ‘future proof' the existing server stock.

Total SEUPB Servers: 17

Location/Server No.

Disk Capacity (in Gigabytes)

BELFAST/SERVER1

270

BELFAST/SERVER2

270

BELFAST/SERVER3

420

BELFAST/SERVER4

680

BELFAST/SERVER5

200

BELFAST/SERVER6

140

BELFAST/SERVER7

75

BELFAST/SERVER8

135

BELFAST/SERVER9

820

BELFAST/SERVER10

820

BELFAST/SERVER11

140

BELFAST/SERVER12

140

OMAGH/SERVER1

280

OMAGH/SERVER2

280

OMAGH/SERVER3

820 (DR FOR Belfast)

MONAGHAN/SERVER1

280

MONAGHAN/SERVER2

280

Footnotes:

1. IT is now provided on a shared service basis between the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform.

Ministerial Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

208 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual salary awarded to a person (details supplied) recently appointed special adviser to the Minister for Finance; if the salary exceeds the special adviser pay cap; and if so, did he sign off on the salary. [35723/11]

The recently appointed Special Advisor to the Minister for Finance will undertake any duties which may be assigned to him from time to time as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. The salary for this individual does not exceed the Government's special advisor pay scale as outlined in the Instructions regarding Ministerial Appointments (April 2011).

Public Procurement

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

209 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of public tenders for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [35797/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

210 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of public tenders awarded to Irish companies for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. [35798/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

211 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of public tenders awarded to non-Irish companies for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. [35799/11]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

212 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of public tenders to small, medium and large Irish companies for the years 2009 and 2010. [35801/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 212, inclusive, together.

The table answers Questions Nos. 209 to 211, inclusive. Information on contract placement is available currently for the years 2008-2010 relates to above-EU threshold contracts only and is contained in the tabular statement below. Data in respect of 2011 will not be available until the third quarter 2012 as this data is collated a year in arrears. The Deputy should be aware that the figures contained in the table relates to the number of contracts placed which were above the EU Threshold for the year in question and must not be interpreted as indicative statistics for the overall procurement spend. It must also be borne in mind that these statistics relate only to above threshold procurements, where contract award notices were published, and where the nationality of the winning tenderer was disclosed.

For example, when considering the year 2009, €2.8 billion worth of expenditure was advertised in the Official Journal, out of the €15 billion public procurement spend in that year. The National Procurement Service estimates that less than 5% of the overall spend went to non-domestic suppliers, as a significant proportion of the overall procurement spend is below the EU threshold and is also below the threshold for advertising on eTenders (the eTenders threshold was €50,000 in 2009).

It should be noted also that all the statistics relating to non-domestic suppliers relate to suppliers with an address in countries other than Ireland and do not distinguish between European and non-European suppliers.

Above Threshold Contracts awarded to Irish and non-domestic suppliers 2008-2010

2008

2008

No. of Contracts

Value €000

Irish Suppliers

1,016

4,217,564

Non-Domestic Suppliers

296

568,338

Total

1,312

4,785,902

2009

2009

No. of Contracts

Value €000

Irish Suppliers

777

2,537,622

Non-Domestic Suppliers

170

347,137

Total

947

2,884,759

2010

2010

No. of Contracts

Value €000

Irish Suppliers

690

3,001,218

Non-Domestic Suppliers

102

285,183

Total

792

3,286,401

For Question 212, information on the size of Irish companies winning tenders is not available, as it is not collected centrally. As the majority of Irish companies fall into the SME bracket, it can be assumed that the majority of tenders are in fact going to SMEs. The new eTenders system, when implemented in the new-year, will collect data on the size of companies winning tenders and it will then be possible to provide this information in respect of all future contracts.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

213 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the infrastructure and capital investment plan 2012-16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35833/11]

My Department's capital allocation is very small consisting of only €0.5 million per annum. This is primarily used for Peace Programme, INTERREG and IT-related expenditure. The cross-border PEACE and INTERREG programmes are administered by the Special EU Programmes Body and provide funding for eligible projects in border counties. Information in relation to the potential for funding for projects in Donegal can be obtained from that body. The allocation of capital to particular projects in other Ministerial areas is a matter for the individual Ministers in question.

Constitutional Referendums

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

214 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total cost, including an itemised breakdown, of the Referendum Commission in respect of the thirtieth amendment to the Constitution; the amount paid to date; if he will detail any further anticipated costs and expenses; the costs and expenses expected to be incurred in the period provided for the commission to report to him and in the period between reporting and dissolution of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35981/11]

My Department does not have any direct responsibility in relation to the Referendum Commission, other than to sponsor the budgetary requirement. All financial commitments will be authorised by the Referendum Commission and discharged by the Office of the Ombudsman. I am advised by the Office of the Ombudsman that the total budget for the Referendum Commission established in respect of the thirtieth amendment is 1.5 million euro.

Communications

Consultancy Fees and costs up to 11 November 2011 — 46,471 euro

TV production, photography and fees — 201,061 euro

Distribution Leaflet distribution — 96,909 euro

Legal fees — 5,747 euro

Translation services — 914 euro

Miscellaneous — 1,549 euro

Total expenditure — 352,651 euro

The Commission is required to report to the Minister within 6 months of the date of the referendum and total expenditure within that period is estimated to amount to 0.7 million euro. The Commission expects that the bulk of the estimated expenditure will occur before the end of 2011. Anticipated costs after the report date will comprise the cost of production of the Commission's report which is not available at this stage.

Public Sector Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

215 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a full breakdown by sector, health, education, local authority and so on, of the numbers of employees currently in the public sector; and the way this compares to March 2009, the beginning of the moratorium on public sector recruitment. [36101/11]

The breakdown of Public Service numbers by Sector for March 2009 and September 2011 is set out in the table. This data is available on my Department's Website.

2009

2011

Variance

% Decrease

Qtr1

Qtr3

Defence Sector

11,169.00

10,168.60

-1,000.4

-9.0%

Education Sector

95,253.24

90,577.81

-4,675.4

-4.9%

Health Sector

111,769.97

104,286.88

-7,483.1

-6.7%

Civil Service *

38,658.91

36,571.33

-2,087.6

-5.4%

Justice Sector

15,664.00

14,477.23

-1,186.8

-7.6%

Local Authorities

34,178.86

30,089.40

-4,089.5

-12.0%

NCSA Total

12,980.73

11,709.44

-1,271.3

-9.8%

Total

319,674.71

297,880.69

-21,794.0

-6.8%

*The full impact of 957 Community Welfare Officers moving from HSE to Department of Social Protection has been factored in during Q3 2011. The Total figure does not include Civil Servants who work for the Oireachtas, which is directly funded by the Central Fund and where the relevant staff numbers are projected to be 457 by end 2011.

Pension Provisions

Gerry Adams

Question:

216 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 15 November 2011, in respect of former holders of the Office of Attorney General currently in receipt of pensions, the names of the recipients; the amount of money they receive from the pensions on an annual basis; if these persons receive additional pensions for their roles as Deputies, Senators or Ministers, as former judges or former members of the European Commission; and the total pension they receive. [36118/11]

The data in respect of Attorney General, Ministerial, TDs' and Judges' pensions requested by the Deputy are in the tabular statement. The figures were provided by the Office of Paymaster General in respect of Attorney General, Ministerial and Judges' pensions, and from the Houses of the Oireachtas Service in respect of TD pensions. Former Members of the European Commission are entitled to a monthly pension according to EU Regulation N° 422/67/EEC. The pension is based on the number of years spent in office and the type of mandate held. The pension is paid by the European Commission.

Forename And Surname

Annual Amount of AG’s Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction

Annual Amount of Ministerial Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction

Annual Amount of TD’s/Senator’s Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction

Annual Amount of Judge’s Pension less Public Service Pension Reduction

Total

Anthony Hederman

€60,611

€0.00

€0.00

€92,195

€152,806

John Murray

€67,686

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€67,686

Harry Whelehan

€54,025

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€54,025

David Byrne

€43,061

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€43,061

Dermot Gleeson

€47,918

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€47,918

John Rogers

€44,905

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€44,905

Peter D Sutherland

€49,500

€0.00

€0.00

€0.00

€49,500

Michael McDowell* (See Note Below)

€74,281

€30,245

€0.00

€104,526

*The Pension of €74,281 is in respect of his service as a Minister, Tánaiste and the Attorney General.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

217 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36231/11]

In the timeframe involved it has not been possible to collate the data requested by the Deputy. As soon as the data is collated it will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

218 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36958/11]

In response to the Deputy's Question I am not aware of any former Attorney General having been appointed to any board under the aegis of my Department by the current Government or former Government.

Third Level Institutions

Brendan Smith

Question:

219 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the programme for research in third level institutions will proceed as announced last July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35807/11]

Cycle 5 of the Programme for Research in Third level Institutions (PRTLI) was launched July 2010 with awards totalling €359m comprising €296m in exchequer funding and €63m from private non-Exchequer sources. The PRTLI investment is in strategic areas of science and technology, including environment, marine and sustainable energy; material sciences and platform technology; biosciences translational research, biomedical research and arts, humanities and social sciences. The PRTLI is administered on behalf of the Department by the Higher Education Authority.

In order to satisfy the requirements of the National Recovery Plan, which requires all Departments to secure current expenditure savings over the period to 2014, earlier this year a decision was made to defer the commencement of three PRTLI Cycle 5 projects until the 2013/14 academic year at the earliest. In announcing my Department's capital budget allocation for 2012-2016, I indicated that the PRTLI would be maintained. Resources available on an annual basis will be less than originally projected and will require management over a longer period of time to deliver.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products

Robert Dowds

Question:

220 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he would review the Casual Trading Act in regard to the sale of illegal cigarettes as the current fine for selling them at markets is only €63. [35913/11]

The Casual Trading Act, 1995 is the legislation which establishes the regime for the regulation of selling goods in public places. Section 2(1) of the Act defines casual trading as "selling goods at a place (including a public road) to which the public have access as of right or any other place that is a casual trading area". Casual trading is regulated by the 88 local authorities who have the legal capacity to make bye laws under the Act. I, as Minister, have no role in the day to day regulation of casual trading by local authorities.

The enforcement of casual trading bye laws is a function of the local authority in the place where the selling of goods is taking place through their authorised officers for the purposes of the Act and through An Garda Síochána. The authorised officers of the local authorities have the usual powers to enter, inspect and examine any place where they have reasonable cause to believe that casual trading is taking place and to require information from traders etc. Also, An Garda Síochána have additional powers. An Garda Síochána can arrest without warrant a person they believe to be contravening the provisions of the Act and can seize and remove any goods which that person is selling or has possession for sale.

The sale of tobacco products has its own regulatory regime established under the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts, 2002 and 2004. Under this legislation it is an offence to sell tobacco products without being registered with the National Tobacco Control Office which is part of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Therefore anyone selling tobacco products without being registered is committing an offence. The penalties for not being registered to sell tobacco are on summary conviction a fine not exceeding € 1,900 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both or on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding € 125,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not exceeding 2 years or to both. There is another aspect of the sale of tobacco products and this is the payment of excise duty. The non-payment of excise duty is, I understand, an offence and subject to prosecution by Customs and Excise.

While I agree that there is a need to review the penalties under the Casual Trading Act, 1995 I would not propose to introduce a new offence under that Act for the sale of tobacco products for which excise duty has not been paid. I do, however, recognise the harm caused to the economy both in terms of lost revenue for the State and the adverse consequences for legitimate traders from the sale of tobacco on which duty has not been paid. Much of this activity is connected to criminal conduct and as such the competent authorities best suited to address this are An Garda Síochána and Customs and Excise. This would be in addition to the enforcement activities of the National Tobacco Control Office of the HSE. I do not feel that casual trading regulation is suited to address what is essentially a criminal enterprise.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

221 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35516/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

222 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35532/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.

My Department does not lease computer servers. The current number of servers owned by and in operation in my Department and its Offices is 210 with an average of 4GB memory per server. The disk capacity of each server varies depending on the application involved and the data stored by users of each application and this can change depending on business requirements. The approximate total capacity of the servers is 80 terabytes.

It should be noted that storage capacity is just one of a number of determinants of server performance, and that the relative importance of each of these determinants is dependent on the use to which the server is put. There are no ongoing maintenance costs associated with these servers; the servers are supplied with a five year break fix warranty which is embedded in the initial capital outlay. The ICT Unit in my Department has informed me that it is in the early planning stage for the formulation of a server consolidation and virtualization strategy.

Server specifications for servers owned by the agencies under the aegis of my Department are day-to-day operational matters for the agencies involved and not ones in which I have any function. However, I am referring the specific question to each of the Agencies under my remit with a request to respond to you directly.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

223 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the infrastructure and capital investment plan 2012-16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35831/11]

The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies to support enterprise and innovation so that quality employment opportunities can be grown and maintained. Strong, balanced regional development and thriving entrepreneurship in all parts of Ireland are fundamental to the country's economic growth and to job creation. To support this my Department has secured an increase in its capital budget, from €508m to its highest ever level of €514m in 2012, which reflects the high priority accorded to job creation by this Government.

Specifically in relation to Donegal, there are currently 12 IDA Ireland supported companies employing over 1,800 people in Software Development, Systems Development and the Medical Technology sectors. Donegal's industry base has moved from clothing and textile activities to other high tech activities as outlined above. A key part of IDA's strategy, Horizon 2020 is to work closely with its client companies to retain and grow their business in Ireland. Companies such as Pramerica and UnitedHealth (PacifiCare), which have located in Donegal are continuously growing and recruiting. Currently, the three largest employers in Letterkenny — Pramerica, UnitedHealth (PacifiCare) and Medisize employ in excess of 1,300 people.

At present, 45% of IDA Ireland's client company employment is outside the key urban centres of Dublin and Cork and the agency's strategy, "Horizon 2020" has set a specific goal of securing 50% of all its investments in locations outside of Dublin and Cork. There are currently 182 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Donegal employing more than 2,600 people. So far this year, the agency has paid out almost €2m in funding to its client companies in the County. In addition, Enterprise Ireland has paid out almost €300,000 to Third Level colleges in Co. Donegal between Innovation Partnership and Research funding and Innovation Vouchers awarded to companies in the County.

Donegal County Enterprise Board as part of the nationwide Network of CEBs provides supports to the micro-enterprise sector throughout the County of Donegal. Subject to eligibility criteria new and developing micro-enterprises may qualify for financial support from Donegal CEB as well as availing of a range of non-financial supports. Capital funding for my Department's enterprise development agencies will be protected or enhanced over the medium term as a consequence, I expect the enterprise development agencies to deliver on their ambitious jobs targets of over 110,000 gross new jobs over the 5 years of the programme to 2016. This represents an average of 22,000 new jobs per annum.

Every new agency job is estimated to have a multiplier effect, so the overall impact on job creation of the enterprise agencies activities is estimated at 220,000 gross new direct and indirect jobs. All parts of Ireland including Donegal will benefit from this investment.

Competition Law

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

224 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ask the Competition Authority to undertake an investigation into the operation of the cement industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35924/11]

The Competition Act 2002 provides that the Competition Authority, the statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law in the State, is independent in the performance of its functions. Under section 30(1)(b) of that Act, the Competition Authority is responsible for investigating breaches of the Act. Investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Authority. I have no direct function in such matters.

Job Protection

Denis Naughten

Question:

225 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress made to date on protecting employment at a company (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36059/11]

Covidien, which has been operating in Athlone for 30 years, is undertaking a transformation of its operations to improve efficiency and future proof its facility. As part of this, one of its basic products, a low value respiratory line will transfer, over the next two years to Thailand, and the company will be offering a voluntary redundancy programme. It is too early for the company to state how many job numbers will be impacted as they are looking at bringing in new products and technologies to the site which will affect the final number.

Investment in technologies and facilities are currently and will continue to be made by the company to improve efficiency and the longer term viability of Covidien's Athlone facility. The company remains very committed to maintaining a significant presence in Athlone and across their six Irish sites. Athlone is the global centre of excellence for Covidien's airways R&D business and will continue to be an important site for Covidien. Only last week, the company announced an investment of some €25M in a number of R&D projects to be undertaken in Ireland, including at its Athlone facility. These projects are being supported by the Government through IDA.

Job Creation

Micheál Martin

Question:

226 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on how the innovation fund is contributing to job creation; and how the fund is currently being used. [32728/11]

Innovation Fund Ireland is an important element of enterprise policy as investments through the Fund facilitate job creation in innovative export focused sectors as well as proving a return to the exchequer over time. The Fund has up to €250 million available to make commitments. This funding runs along two parallel tracks.

The first comprises a €125 million pool of funds provided by the Exchequer and managed by Enterprise Ireland. Successful applicants who receive an investment from Enterprise Ireland will have to commit to investing an equivalent amount in Irish companies or companies with substantial Irish operations over the lifetime of their fund. The second is for a similar amount and designed to allow Ireland's National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) to make a similar level of commercial investments assuming its criteria are met.

Over the lifetime of the funds, it is envisaged that the State will make a return on its investment. In terms of economic growth where the Funds invest in Irish start-up, scaling companies or companies with operations in Ireland, the State can expect to see:

an increase in employment;

an increase in the number of high potential start-ups;

the attraction of high potential start up and scaling European technology and life science companies requiring growth capital investment to Ireland;

increased commercialisation of the ideas and R&D coming out of the Universities and Institutes of Technology and

the persistence of Ireland as a centre for technology, life sciences and venture capital investment within Europe through multiple fund iterations.

Following the first call for expressions of interest in September 2010, a large number of responses were received from a sectorally and geographically diverse group of companies. To date the NPRF have made three investments. The first investments were in DJF Esprit and DFJ Venture Capital resulting in a partner being hired on the ground in Ireland to invest in Irish companies. The other NPRF investment is in Polaris which has resulted in the establishment of the first Dogpatch Incubator Lab outside of the United States.

The first round of commitments out of the €125m of Enterprise Ireland managed funds are expected to be to be formalised in the near term. As you will be aware I issued a statement on October 5th indicating my intention to issue a second call for expressions of interest for the balance of the €125m fund, when the first of the new Irish offices associated with these new investments is established. The operation of the Innovation Fund will continue to be managed by EI in ongoing co-operation with the NPRF.

I am committed to increasing the number and scale of innovation driven and high-growth businesses in Ireland and a dynamic and progressive venture capital market is a prerequisite in this endeavour. This Fund is further evidence of the Government's continued commitment to generate high quality jobs in Ireland. Apart from the tangible benefits this brings to the domestic economy, the message that is sent out to the international market is that Ireland is open for business.

Trade Relations

Seán Kenny

Question:

227 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of trade between Japan and Ireland for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36198/11]

Details of Ireland's trade with Japan, for the years 2007 to 2010 are set out in the table.

Merchandise Imports (€million)

Merchandise Exports (€million)

Services Imports (€million)

Services Exports (€million)

Total Imports (€million)

Total Exports (€million)

Balance of Trade (€million)

2007

1,630.63

1,738.06

561

897

2,191.63

2,635.06

+443.43

2008

1,144.41

1,708.24

500

1,152.

1,644.41

2,860.24

+1,215.83

2009

654.49

1,701.90

452

1,035.

1,106.49

2,736.90

+1,630.41

2010

796.70

1,754.16

615

1,323.

1,411.70

3,077.16

+1,665.46

Seán Kenny

Question:

228 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of trade between India and Ireland for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36199/11]

Details of Ireland's trade with India, for the years 2007 to 2010, are set out in the table.

Merchandise Imports (€million)

Merchandise Exports (€million)

Service Imports (€million)

Service Exports (€million)

Total Imports (€million)

Total Exports (€million)

Balance of Trade (€million)

2007

279.93

168.34

103

374

382.93

542.34

+159.41

2008

265.16

160.98

88

423

353.16

583.98

+230.82

2009

280.93

158.50

116

582

396.93

740.50

+343.57

2010

301.14

161.69

113

788

414.14

949.69

+535.55

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

229 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; how this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36229/11]

The Public Appointments Service undertakes all recruitment to posts in my Department, with the exception of cleaning staff who are recruited through FÁS. The recruitment of staff by the State bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies concerned. While I retain responsibility for policy issues, I am not responsible and have no involvement in the day-to-day operational activities of these bodies, which are statutorily independent.

Job Creation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he has evaluated the potential for job creation on an annual basis over the next five years through innovation; how this is likely to be manifested through small and medium-sized businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36327/11]

The use of technology and innovation has a crucial role to play in supporting economic recovery and in driving sustainable employment in the current environment. Strategic investments in Research, Development and Innovation have led to the creation and application of new knowledge and technology across the enterprise spectrum and so have contributed significantly to the competitiveness of indigenous enterprise and to securing the Foreign Direct Investment base in Ireland. There is evidence that research performing companies have weathered the recession better, have suffered less job losses and have generated better levels of growth and exports than those not so involved.

The Government published its Infrastructural and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework on the 10th of November last. The capital investment programme covers a broad range of critical areas including economic infrastructure, environmental infrastructure and social investment. This framework has protected and prioritised the State's support to enterprise and innovation. The framework makes provision for the following technology and innovation related investment:

A 4% increase in the Enterprise Ireland capital budget in 2012

A 10% increase in the number of high potential start-up Irish companies supported in 2012

A 20% increase in the number of Innovation Partnerships

€18million spend on Innovation Fund Ireland in 2012 to further improve the Irish venture capital industry

New technology centres in Cloud, E-learning and Financial Services to be commenced in 2012

Full support in 2012 for the SFI research community of over 3,000 researchers, including research teams working with over 500 industry partners

Maintenance of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions

Full protection of the IDA capital budget over the period of the programme, to enable delivery of the "Horizon 2020" strategy

Doubling the number of Technology Innovation Development Awards to 200 in 2012

While acknowledging that over the medium-term, there will be a lower level of resources available for capital investment generally, I am delighted to say that supports to industry will be maintained at very significant levels. In total, €2.334 billion is provided for jobs, enterprise and innovation over the period from 2012 to 2016, with over €900 million also being invested by my colleagues in programmes related to tourism, agriculture, food and the marine, all of which deliver major economic and environmental benefits. This will be an increase in the annual allocation for enterprise support from €508 million in 2011 to its highest ever level of €514 million in 2012, reflecting the priority accorded to job-creation by the Government.

In 2010, IDA Ireland clients created 10,897 new jobs while Enterprise Ireland clients created 8,193. Shannon Development clients created 362 while the 35 CEBs together created 5,901 when full and part-time jobs are included. It is vital that this level of job creation is maintained and enhanced in the years ahead and the capital allocation to my Department ensures that this will be the case.

Under the new investment framework, supports through IDA Ireland will be fully protected to enable delivery of the "Horizon 2020" strategy. Enterprise Ireland will be protected over the medium-term and a number of new initiatives will be funded including a Partial Loan Guarantee Scheme, Innovation Fund Ireland and there will be increased focus on accelerating High Potential Start-Ups. As a consequence I expect these enterprise-development Agencies to deliver on their ambitious jobs targets of some 110,000 gross new jobs over the five years of the programme to 2016 — or 22,000 per annum on average. When additional indirect employment supported through multiplier effects in the local economy are included, we expect over 220,000 gross new direct and indirect jobs will be created or supported as a result of the significant investment made in enterprise alone over the period to 2016.

Continued investments in research, technological development and innovation have been and will remain a pivotal element of our enterprise development offering to 2016. These investments underpin both the quantum and quality of employment in enterprise today and into the medium term. In addition to supporting the enterprise sector through the provision of funding, I am also continuing to work with my Government colleagues on other measures which will provide further support job creation in the economy. All of these measures — and others across Government — underpin the capital investment which is being made by my Department to support job creation.

Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 75.

Economic Competitiveness

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which he has identified issues that might impede competitiveness in the areas for which his Department has responsibility; the action taken or proposed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36329/11]

The issues that impact on competitiveness cut across a range of Government Departments and include factors such as business costs, fiscal policies, the quality of our education and training systems, and economic infrastructure. I am working with my Ministerial colleagues, through the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs, to address many of these issues and to identify actions that can be taken to improve our competitiveness and support job creation.

In relation to my own Department, the key competitiveness issues which I am seeking to address at present relate to access to finance for businesses, reducing administrative burdens and costs on enterprises, and reforming the statutory wage setting mechanisms. With regard to access to finance, my Department is currently finalising proposals for a Microfinance Fund for small business start-ups, and a Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee scheme to encourage banks to lend to commercially viable SMEs engaged in new sectors, technologies and markets.

In relation to reducing the administrative burden on business, my Department has identified potential savings of approximately €198 million per annum for businesses in Ireland arising from measures taken to reduce the administrative burden in the areas of Company Law, Employment Law and Health and Safety Law. My Department is also leading a cross-Government programme to further measure and reduce the administrative burden across all areas of regulation affecting business. A project to measure these burdens across seven Departments and the Offices of the Revenue Commissioners is due to be completed by mid-2012.

I am continuing to work on the preparation of legislation to give effect to the proposals to reform the statutory wage setting mechanisms which I announced on 28 July this year. This will help to improve the competitiveness of businesses in certain sectors. Besides addressing issues that may impede competitiveness, my Department and its agencies are pursuing many other measures to improve the competitiveness of business by supporting enterprise research, development and innovation, improvements in company productivity and standards, and the expansion of exports.

Job Creation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created in each of the past three years and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36330/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created in each of the past three years and to date in 2011 in the manufacturing sector in small or large-scale business locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36331/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created in the service area in each of the past three years to date in 2011; the number that were created in small to medium-sized enterprises or in large corporations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36332/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 235, inclusive, together.

Figures in respect of the number of jobs created or lost in firms assisted by the industrial development agencies, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development, are compiled annually in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey. As the information is compiled on an annualised basis, the figures in respect of 2011 will not be available until 2012. Details of the number of jobs created in agency-assisted companies on an annual basis over the last three years are set out in Table A accompanying this reply. Details of jobs created in those companies by sector are set out in Table B.

My Department does not collect or retain information on the number of jobs that have been created or lost in County and City Enterprise Board assisted companies. However, statistical information in relation to details of jobs existing in companies assisted by the County and City Enterprise Boards is collated annually and is set out in Table C in respect of the last three years. Figures in respect of 2011 will be available in the early part of 2012.

Table A

Year

2008

2009

2010

Full Time Jobs created in Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development assisted companies

23,508

14,272

17,582

Table B — Jobs Created in Agency-assisted Companies by Sector

Sector

2008

2009

2010

Manufacturing

10,329

7,043

7,408

International Services

8,889

5,196

7,999

Financial Services

2,646

998

1,235

Other

1,644

1,035

940

Total

23,508

14,272

17,582

Table C

Year

2008

2009

2010

Jobs existing in CEBs. Based on CEB Annual Employment Survey

33,811

30,726.5

32,910

Job Initiative

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of positions filled arising from the job initiative; the degree to which this can be enhanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36333/11]

The Government's Jobs Initiative, which was announced last May, was aimed at building confidence to encourage consumers to spend, providing opportunities for re-skilling for those who have lost their jobs and assisting in getting people back to work. It is a cross-Government initiative and the impacts are being seen across a range of sectors.

It is not possible to indicate the exact number of positions which have been filled as a result of the measures which were taken in the Jobs Initiative, as there are indirect as well as direct impacts arising from the Initiative. However, there are some data available in relation to some of the measures taken. The Jobs Initiative introduced a 9% VAT rate from 1 July on a range of services, including hotels and restaurants. The Government also halved employer's PRSI for those on modest wages. These measures are of considerable benefit to tourism and hospitality businesses, lowering their cost base, and allowing them to offer a more competitive product to overseas tourists and domestic consumers.

These measures were credited by the Restaurant Association of Ireland for the creation of 490 new jobs in that sector within the first two months of the implementation of the Jobs Initiative. These measures have also helped in making Irish hotels rooms the cheapest in Europe at present, which has been a factor in boosting Irish tourism numbers. The Government has also brought in a visa-waiver scheme, which was announced in the Jobs Initiative, to further support tourism.

The Jobs Initiative targeted Capital spending at labour-intensive local projects, focussing on school works, local roads, energy efficiency and smarter travel projects. Work undertaken between May and October on sustainable travel projects has created over 14,000 days of employment for local contractors around the country.

The level of take-up and activity under the domestic retrofitting schemes to date is demonstrably supporting employment, given the labour intensive nature of energy efficiency upgrades. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) advises that over 5,800 full time jobs are being supported in 2011. This represents an increase of some 2,000 jobs this year over the 3,800 jobs already being supported under the Schemes.

The JobBridge National Internship Programme was launched on 1 July last, and has already seen 2,082 interns start with host organisations up to 18 November, as well as a further 630 who transferred to JobBridge from the Work Placement Programme. A further 2,591 internship opportunities were available on the JobBridge website last week.

Applications for the 5,885 Springboard training places opened on 25 May 2011 through the online applications facility on the Bluebrick.ie. web portal. To date, 4,473 applicants have been accepted and are enrolled on courses and 1,144 applications are currently being processed. The majority of Springboard programmes have commenced within the last 2 months and 70% of all programmes will be completed by June 2012. In relation to other training places, the 3,000 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) and 1,000 Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) places were allocated in September.

Building on the Jobs Initiative, I am currently preparing a Jobs Strategy for the Government to be launched early in the new year and which will set out a series of clear, actionable measures to support the creation and retention of jobs.

Job Losses

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he has further examined precise reasons for the relocation of various enterprises from this to other European or further afield jurisdictions in both the manufacturing and service sectors; the extent to which such relocation has been attributed to specific causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36334/11]

Recent jobs losses which have occurred in the FDI sector in Ireland are largely the result of the continuing restructuring process that is ongoing in Ireland and other developed economies driven by competitive pressures and technological change. This results in jobs at the lower end of the value added scale being either phased out completely or relocated to lower cost locations. Some of the job losses are due to cyclical factors and will recover. An analysis of job losses in companies in the IDA portfolio that closed over the period 2005 -2010 shows that the majority of closures were in areas such as Metals and Engineering, Print and Packaging, Textiles and Plastics & Rubber. The remainder of closures were spread across more vulnerable parts of sub sectors such as ICT, Services, and Chemicals that are growing overall.

Job losses occur for a variety of reasons including changing competitiveness, competition from sister sites, product and technology lifecycles, global location rationalisation as a result of mergers and acquisitions, or an amalgam of these factors. In the majority of the cases involving relocation, the shift is to lower cost emerging economies with a smaller number of cases relocating to other developed country locations, largely in Eastern Europe.

IDA's strategy (Horizon 2020) is focussed on winning as many new jobs as possible each year and giving equal priority to maintaining existing jobs. To address the need to maintain jobs in Ireland, IDA is encouraging its client companies to strongly engage in transformation initiatives, and is assisting them in programmes to:

Improve company-wide competitiveness.

Enhance use of new technologies.

Grow the skills of the business.

Engage in Research, Development and Innovation.

Develop new business processes.

Make company operations more energy efficient.

There is a requirement for IDA to have a constant agenda to support clients to improve and invest to transform their Irish operations to ensure jobs can be maintained and losses minimised.

Research Funding

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he has had recent discussions with the EU Commissioner with responsibility for research, innovation and science with a view to maximising the benefit to this economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36335/11]

Both I and the Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock, TD, continue to engage with the EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn on a regular basis including at meetings of the EU Competitiveness Council with a view to ensuring that Ireland maximises its return from the EU Framework Programme in terms of funding and increased research and technological knowledge for Irish enterprise, with a view to increasing the opportunities for job creation in the Irish economy.

The current Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) running from 2007 to 2013 offers Ireland's SMEs, multinationals, and research institutions valuable opportunities to participate in high-calibre research collaborations with our European counterparts. Based on the latest data, Ireland is participating in the Framework Programme from a far stronger position than ever before. A critical mass of research activity has developed in both the public and private sectors. A target of €600 million in research funding to Irish researchers and enterprises has been set for the period 2007 to 2013.

Job Creation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he is focused on job creation in the manufacturing and service sectors with particular reference to small and medium-sized enterprises and major corporations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36336/11]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he can set precise objectives for job creation in both manufacturing and services over the next five years; if precise targets have been set out and tested for viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36338/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 241 together.

The manufacturing and internationally-traded services sectors in Ireland have begun to recover in the last two years, based on a relative improvement in Ireland's competitiveness, and their exports have performed strongly. In spite of the weak global economic climate, Ireland has many strengths which gives it a competitive edge and which we can build on to create more jobs. We have established strong clusters in manufacturing and services sectors such as Medical Devices, ICT, Pharmaceuticals and Financial services, which continue to perform well. Ireland is also well placed to exploit opportunities in new sectors such as Cloud Computing and Digital Gaming, Life Sciences and Clean-tech, through the quality and skills of our workforce.

The Government published its Medium Term Framework for Infrastructural and Capital Investment on 10 November, to cover the period 2012 to 2016. The Capital Investment Framework places a focus on economic growth and jobs, as well as addressing social cohesion and environmental sustainability. In total, €2.334 billion is being provided to my Department's Vote from the Capital Investment Framework to support jobs, enterprise and innovation over the period 2012 to 2016. A further €900 million is being invested by my colleagues in programmes related to tourism, agriculture, food and the marine, all of which deliver major economic and jobs benefits.

Capital funding for my Department's enterprise development agencies will be protected or enhanced over the medium-term. A number of new initiatives will also be funded which will support job creation, including a Partial Loan Guarantee Scheme and Innovation Fund Ireland. There will also be an increased focus on accelerating High Potential Start-Up companies. As a consequence, I expect the enterprise development agencies to deliver on their ambitious jobs targets of over 110,000 gross new jobs over the five years of the programme to 2016. This represents an average of 22,000 new jobs per annum. Every new job is estimated to have a multiplier effect, so the overall impact on job creation of these activities is estimated at 220,000 gross new direct and indirect jobs.

The environment for business and jobs growth is, of course, affected by international economic conditions and our own competitiveness. In recognition of this, I am conducting a review of our policies and I plan to publish a Jobs Strategy early in the New Year to ensure that policies are adopted which maximise job opportunities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he has had discussion with representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises and major corporations with a view to identifying the most likely job creation opportunities; the extent to which the precise job creation has been determined in the short and medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36337/11]

As Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, I have had many meetings with business representative organisations, chambers of commerce and individual business leaders from both the SME section and large enterprises. In his role as Minister for Small Business, my colleague, Minister John Perry has also met with a wide range of business people and business representatives to hear at first hand their views and suggestions on what measures could be taken by Government to support business and job creation.

The Small Business Advisory Group was launched in June of this year and is chaired by Minister Perry. The Group includes entrepreneurs and representatives from the main small business representative bodies and membership is focused on business people with direct experience in running a business. The mandate of the Group is to identify what issues need to be addressed as a priority and make recommendations on what measures can be considered to further support small business to sustain and create jobs. The Small Business Advisory Group has recently finalised its report, identifying priority issues to be considered by Government. The output of this group will inform Government actions in relation to helping small businesses create jobs.

The High Level Group on Business Regulation, also chaired by Minister Perry, was set up to provide a fast-track mechanism for business to communicate specific red tape issues to Government and follow through on their implementation. The Group works to identify the administrative burdens placed on businesses, particularly SMEs, arising from regulation and to determine ways to reduce and simplify these or eliminate them where they are unnecessary. The Group has already processed a range of red tape issues and continues to seek practical solutions to further concerns. In addition to this work, the High Level Group was involved in validating the administrative burdens identified with my Department in 2009 and 2010 as part of the target to reduce administrative burdens by 25% by 2012.

As the Deputy is aware, I have begun preparation of a comprehensive Jobs Strategy, at the request of the Taoiseach and Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs, which I hope to publish in the New Year. As part of this process, I have consulted very widely across the public and private sectors and have received several hundred separate recommendations. I am examining proposals together with Government colleagues and officials and they will inform the Jobs Strategy. The strategy will cover both short and medium term actions that will contribute to job creation across the economy over the coming months and years.

Question No. 241 answered with Question No. 239.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

242 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36957/11]

No former holders of the office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards under the Aegis of my Department by the current or former Governments.

Social Welfare Benefits

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

243 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify if the commitments made by her in relation to older persons through the recent universal periodic review process mean that basic State supports and safeguards against poverty, including the State pension and free travel, will be retained at their current rates in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35562/11]

I am very conscious of the needs of people on social welfare and fully understand that a wide range of groups depend on the welfare budget for vital support. In the context of a very tough budgetary environment, I will do my utmost to protect the most vulnerable people in Irish society, including retired and older people in receipt of social welfare pensions and the free travel scheme.

The social protection budget grew dramatically during the years of the Celtic tiger. In 2001 spending on social protection stood at €7.84 billion and the 2010 outturn stands at €21.35 billion. This is an increase of 272% which is way above the increase in inflation of around 30% during the same period. Spending on schemes, services and administration in 2011 is estimated at €20.62bn. Pensions and other supports for retired and older people accounts for almost 30% of overall expenditure at just over €6 billion. My Department will spend over €77 million in 2011 on the free travel scheme which will benefit over 700,000 people, some 520,000 of whom are aged over 66.

In relation to poverty, I am overseeing a comprehensive review of the national poverty target. This review will enable the Government to adopt appropriate and achievable national poverty targets to meet Ireland's contribution to the EU poverty target in the Europe 2020 Strategy and the commitments in the Programme for Government. I will present the outcome of the review for the consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy when it has been finalised.

I recognize that there is a need to safeguard, as far as possible, the key income supports and services operated by the Department. However, sustainable public finances are a prerequisite for maintaining an adequate system of social protection as well as for achieving future economic stability and growth. For these reasons, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure and prioritise resources in my Department and in all other Departments, in 2012 and in later years.

In this regard, my Department has completed a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. The purpose of the Review is to assess the effectiveness and value for money of spending programmes across all Departments and agencies. All spending lines are being examined without exception and possible ways of reducing spending are being considered in every area of expenditure. The intention behind the methodology being followed is to provide the Government with a set of decision options to enable it to meet three objectives. These objectives are firstly to achieve overall fiscal consolidation outcomes, both as regards spending and numbers reduction targets, secondly to re-align spending with the Programme for Government priorities and thirdly, to consider new ways of implementing Government policy in the context of public sector reform.

In my discussions with my colleagues in Government I will have regard to any views expressed by the UN and by welfare representative organisations. In this regard, I held a Pre-Budget Forum on 16 September last. This was attended by 34 organisations and I and my officials had the opportunity to listen carefully to their proposals relating to the next Budget. Decisions in relation to welfare funding will be made in due course after full consideration by the Government and will be announced on Budget day.

Proposed Legislation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

244 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection the date on which she will introduce gender recognition legislation. [35668/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

245 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to ensure transgender persons can obtain a birth certificate that reflects their actual gender. [35678/11]

Jack Wall

Question:

263 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding legislation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35586/11]

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

265 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is proposed to introduce legislation to recognise legally the acquired gender of transgender persons, given that it is four years since the High Court ruled that Irish law in this area is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. [35594/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244, 245, 263 and 265 together.

Last July, I published the report of the Gender Recognition Advisory Group which set out detailed recommendations for legislation to give recognition, including birth registration, to the acquired gender of transgender people. Since then my Department has been working on developing draft Heads of a Bill which I intend to bring to Government in quarter 1, 2012.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

246 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of small holders in receipt of farm assistance. [35817/11]

The number of farmers in receipt of Farm Assist from the Department of Social Protection in October 2011 was 11,239. In addition to the personal rate that was paid in all those cases, increases were also paid in respect of 5,180 qualified adults and 10,055 children.

Social Welfare Schemes

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

247 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of places available on the rural social scheme at present. [35818/11]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

248 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the number of places available in the rural social scheme. [35819/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.

The purpose of the rural social scheme (RSS) is to provide income support for farmers and fisherpersons who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. Persons are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff. The funds allocated for 2011 amount to just over €46m. These funds meet the pay costs of participants and supervisors, provision of materials, insurance, health and safety, training and related operational costs. I have no plans to increase the number of places available on this scheme. The funding position for the RSS in 2012 will be determined in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

Pension Provisions

Michael Creed

Question:

249 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors and their claim for a pension scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the Labour Court recommendation on this matter contained in LCR19293 of the 22 July 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35906/11]

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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

250 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the proposed transfer of all housing related matters, including the management and payment of rent allowances or supplements from the Health Service Executive to local authorities. [36152/11]

There are two main initiatives currently being pursued by the Department to transfer long term rent supplement recipients into housing solutions supported by local authorities. The two initiatives are the Rental Accommodation Scheme and the new Housing Policy Initiative launched in June of this year.

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which was introduced in 2004, gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Local authorities meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, the RAS. Since 2004, over 36,500 households have transferred from rent supplement to a local authority provided housing solution.

On 16th June 2011, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Housing & Planning published a new housing policy framework statement. This framework statement reflects the content of the Programme for Government and sets out the principles to underpin the development of housing policy into the medium term. Specifically, it contains the announcement for the transfer of responsibility in providing housing needs for long term rent supplement recipients to housing authorities on a phased basis. The focus of this approach is to achieve a key Government commitment of removing barriers to employment and at the same time returning rent supplement to its original purpose of a short-term income support.

A multi-agency steering group has been established by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to give effect to this initiative and this group are currently developing proposals and operational protocols for the transfer of responsibility from the Department of Social Protection to housing authorities of persons who have long term housing requirements.

Social Welfare Appeals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

251 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal in relation to the decision to find a person (details supplied) in County Cavan ineligible for jobseeker’s allowance under the habitual residence condition. [35461/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Creed

Question:

252 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the manner in which she discriminates against children born through surrogacy who are legally resident in this country with regard to their entitlement to child benefit and their parents’ entitlement to maternity leave or benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35464/11]

Issues relating to maternity leave are a matter for my colleague, Alan Shatter T.D., Minister for Justice and Law Reform. The legislative provisions relating to maternity benefit and child benefit are contained in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 and Statutory Instrument No. 142/2007 (as amended). Entitlement to maternity benefit is subject to the following provisions: It being certified by a registered medical practitioner that it is expected that the woman will be confined in a week specified in the certificate; In the case of an employed person, it is certified by the woman's employer that she is entitled to maternity leave under the provisions contained in the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004; and that she meets certain PRSI and employment conditions.

With regards to child benefit, payments are made to a single adult with whom a child normally resides and in situations where the qualified child normally resides with both parents, the payment is paid to the child's mother.

In situations other than where the qualified child is normally residing with his/her parents or step-parents or is residing in a household other than where one of his/her parents resides and one of the parents is entitled to the child's custody, child benefit can be paid to the woman who has care and charge of the qualified child in the household in which the child normally resides. If there is no such woman in that household, child benefit can be paid to the head of that household. If the Deputy has a particular case that he wishes to have considered, he should provide details and my officials will be in a position to review the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which a medical officer could determine that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was refused invalidity pension; if she accepts this question as a basis of notice of appeal; if she will clarify the reason the community welfare office has indicated that medical evidence which has already been supplied to her Department must also be supplied to the community welfare section; if such duplication is necessary or in accordance with requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35466/11]

Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

This department received a claim for invalidity pension from the person concerned. The department requested medical evidence in support of this application from the person concerned and a medical diagnostic report was submitted. This report was then examined by a medical assessor who found that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. Accordingly, the application for invalidity pension was disallowed by a deciding officer. He was notified of this decision on 10 November 2011 and was advised of his right to request a review of the decision and also of his right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office.

If the person concerned wishes to request a review of the decision he may provide further medical evidence in support of his application. This should be sent directly to invalidity pension section. Any further medical evidence will be evaluated by a medical assessor and a decision on the review will issue to the applicant. The applicant will be notified of his right to appeal this decision if he is still not satisfied.

Unfortunately, this question cannot be accepted as a formal notification of appeal. If the person concerned wishes to lodge an appeal they should forward a letter detailing the grounds of their appeal to the social welfare appeals office. Instructions on how to request a review and/or appeal a decision are set out in the decision letter which issued to the person in question.

The person concerned applied for and was awarded supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) as an interim payment while he awaited a decision on his claim for invalidity pension. His claim for invalidity pension was disallowed. At this point there were a number of options open to him:

Apply for jobseekers allowance if capable of work

Apply for disability allowance if he was not capable of work in the longer term

Appeal against the disallowance of invalidity pension

Continue to claim SWA while any of the above was being processed.

In the interest of maintaining an income for the person concerned, assisting him to decide which social welfare scheme would be most appropriate to his needs and determining his ongoing eligibility for SWA, the community welfare service staff requested that he supply evidence of his medical circumstances. This is in accordance with normal procedure and there was no interruption to his payment while this evidence was being sought.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which it was decided by a medical officer that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was not unfit for work despite the existence of conclusive medical evidence and hospitalisation to the contrary; if the medical assessor purports to reject the opinion of their consultant; if she will arrange for expeditious review of this case which is now a subject of an appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35467/11]

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 he was capable of work.

An appeal was registered on 3rd November 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.

Social Welfare Code

Simon Harris

Question:

255 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the income guideline criteria she sets for carer’s allowance applications; if she takes into account existing fixed outgoings of applicants, that is, mortgage payments, when at the assessment stage; if not, if the deciding officer has any discretion in this regard or if she intends to reform this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35483/11]

Carers allowance is a means-tested payment for people living in Ireland who are looking after someone who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental illness. It is mainly aimed at carers on low incomes who live with and look after certain people who need full-time care and attention.

By its nature the means test takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property (other than the home) and capital; it does not take account of a person's expenditure. The combination of means test and awarding of differentiated rates of payment is premised on ensuring that social welfare payments are paid to those most in need.

The means test for carers allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €35,400 and qualify for the maximum rate of carers allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €59,300 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits package.

The actual income from investments and money in a savings account is not taken as means. Instead, investment items such as money in a savings account, cash-in-hand or money in a current account and the cash value of investments and property are taken into account for the means assessment. If the carer is getting a social welfare payment from another State an amount up to the maximum rate of the Irish State pension (contributory) is exempt from the means test. Any foreign social welfare payment above the maximum State pension (contributory) is treated as income for the means test.

Mortgage payments or other fixed payments are not taken into account for carers allowance when assessing the means. Where a person who is applying for the carers allowance has a second mortgage, any outstanding mortgage against the capital value of the property is taken into account. On payslips, the following items are exempt when calculating the means — union subscriptions, PRSI, pension, PRSAs, AVCs, pension levy, travel expenses (max €15). The deciding officer has no discretion in this matter. I have no plans to change the current procedures.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 20 October 2011, if she will set out the factual position in respect of entitlement to a payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35484/11]

The community welfare service and the community welfare officers providing it, transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection from 1 October 2011. The service and staff are now part of the Department. The factual position is that there is no current claim for supplementary welfare allowance in respect of the person concerned. The person concerned should contact the Department's local representative who is administering the supplementary welfare allowance scheme if he wishes to have his entitlement examined.

Question No. 257 withdrawn.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

258 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of computer servers that are owned by her Department and each State agency under her aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35535/11]

For its internal IT operations, the Department utilises 344 servers with total memory of 4,271 gigabytes. The annual maintenance cost for these servers is EUR60,000. The maintenance contract is due for renewal in 2012 and in that context the Department will be seeking to reduce the costs of server maintenance.

Three statutory bodies operate under the aegis of the Department; they are the Pensions Board, the Social Welfare Tribunal and the Citizens Information Board. In addition, the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department.

The Pensions Board

The Pensions Board owns 19 servers with a combined memory capacity of 76 Gigabytes. The cost of maintaining servers falls under the annual maintenance and support charge of €7,995 (ex VAT). The Board intends to review and consider the upgrade of ICT hardware and supporting software infrastructure during 2012.

Citizens Information Board

The Citizens Information Board own 17 computer servers. The capacities of the servers and associated maintenance costs are presently being compiled and will be forwarded to the deputy in due course.

The Social Welfare Tribunal

The Social Welfare Tribunal does not own any computer servers.

Office of the Pensions Ombudsman

There is one server on the premises of the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman and it supports the IT applications of the Office. This server is owned by the Department and is included under the Department's internal IT Operations figures above.

Brendan Ryan

Question:

259 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the make and model of a scanner used in her Department’s document, record and information management programme; the number of scanners being used; if she is satisfied that those resources are equipped to meet capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35547/11]

The Document, Record and Information Management (DRIM) programme is a key part of my Department's ongoing change and modernisation programme. An objective of the DRIM programme is to eliminate, as far as possible, all paper from the administrative process and to store, retrieve and process records in an electronic format. By scanning documentation, certificates and customer application forms, the scanned images are made available online to staff and, where appropriate, data are captured to facilitate automation of business processes.

Since 2007 new automated business processes have been developed under the Department's Service Delivery Modernisation (SDM) programme utilising large-scale scanning and data capture in headquarter offices in Letterkenny, Sligo, Longford and Dublin. It is also planned to deploy scanners to local officers in support of the improved registration process. In addition, some smaller-scale scanning of administrative papers also takes place in other locations. Details of the make and model of the scanner equipment currently in use in these areas are set out in the table.

Scanning and data capture has facilitated automation of business processes with consequent improvements in service delivery for customers. I am satisfied that the current equipment and level of resources is sufficient to meet scanning volumes being processed and is kept under review by business areas to ensure a high level of service.

Table

Office Location

Scheme Area

Scanner Make/Model

Letterkenny,Co. Donegal (Decentralised Office )

Child Benefit

1 x Bell & Howell NGenuity 9125DC2 x Panasonic KVS 7065C

Sligo (Decentralised Office )

Pensions & Household Benefits

1 x Bell & Howell NGenuity 9125DC1 x Panasonic KVS 7065C1 x Fujitsu FI 6770

Longford (Decentralised Office )

Carers Allowance

1 x Fujitsu FI 62302 x Fujitsu FI 6770

Dundalk, Co. Louth (Decentralised Office )

Salaries (admin)

1 x Fujitsu FI 6230

Aras Mhic Diarmaida, Dublin 1 (Dublin HQ)

Illness Benefit

3 x Bell & Howell NGenuity 9125DC

Oisin House, Dublin 2 (Dublin HQ)

Medical Referral & Assessment Service

2 x Fujitsu FI 6230

Gandon House, Dublin 1 (Dublin HQ)

Respite Care Grant

1 x Fujitsu FI 6230

Social Welfare Code

Sandra McLellan

Question:

260 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the realistic alternatives available to persons when their illness benefit runs out and who are refused invalidity pension as the Department deem them suitable for work even though their doctors do not (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35553/11]

Illness Benefit is an income support payment for people of working age who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain social insurance conditions. The scheme is intended to provide income replacement for insured persons during short spells of incapacity or illness, while other payments are available to people who are unable to work long-term because of a disability or a medical condition.

Prior to the introduction of changes provided for in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008, there was no limit on the amount of time for which Illness Benefit could be paid to people who had more than 260 social insurance contributions. An OECD review entitled "Sickness, Disability and Work: breaking the Barriers" noted that paying illness or sickness benefit without a time limitation was very unusual across the OECD, and pointed to the risk that people in such circumstances will never return to the labour market. Against that background, the legislation now provides that entitlement to Illness Benefit is limited to two years (or 624 days) duration for claims arising after the 5th January, 2009.

Where a person's eligibility for Illness Benefit ceases on the expiry of this two year time limit they can apply for entry to one of the long-term illness/disability schemes, namely invalidity pension (social insurance contribution based) or Disability Allowance (means based) and their claim will be considered by the Department taking advice from its own medical assessors.

The Department's medical assessors are fully qualified and experienced practitioners who provide a second opinion to that of the person's own doctor for the guidance of deciding officers. Their assessments conform to the ethical conduct and behavioural guidelines of the Medical Council. Medical assessors are required to be medical practitioners who are on the general register of medical practitioners while holding an appointment. They must have at least six years' satisfactory experience in the practice of medicine since registration. Many of the medical assessors have specialist post-graduate qualifications. They also have special training in eligibility assessment and disability evaluation.

Every effort is made to ensure that the interests of persons called for assessment are fully safeguarded. Their own certifiers are advised of the scheduled assessments and invited to submit any appropriate medical reports including references to any recent assessments by consultants. In addition it is open to a certifier to attend an assessment if he or she so wishes. A Nurse Attendant is always present during assessments. In carrying out assessments the Medical Assessor considers all medical evidence presented and expresses an opinion based on findings. All assessments are carried out in accordance with the accepted guidelines of the Irish Medical Council.

The Medical Assessor does not dispute the existence of the certified cause of incapacity but rather assesses the degree to which the loss of function in work-related activities, resulting from disease or injury, affects the person's ability to perform either their own job or alternative types of work. Assessments are conducted in a fair, equitable, impartial and independent manner to the highest standards in accordance with accepted medical practice and ethics.

If a decision, based on the opinion of a Medical Advisor, is unfavourable to a customer, the customer has a right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. Before an appeal is heard by an Appeals Officer, the customer is afforded a second medical assessment by a different Medical Assessor to the one who gave the original unfavourable opinion.

Where a claimant fails to qualify for Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance, either on first application or appeal, and if they are unable to secure suitable employment, taking account of their medical condition, they can seek recourse to Jobseeker Allowance payments or to the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.

Social Welfare Benefits

Noel Coonan

Question:

261 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for domiciliary care allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35554/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 19th October 2011. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Upon receipt of this opinion a decision will issue to the customer. The Deputy should note that it currently take up to nine weeks to process an application.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Question:

262 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for a carer’s allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35566/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26 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 26 October 2011 and the appeal will be assigned in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

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

Question No. 263 answered with Question No. 244.

Civil Registration

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

264 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for new birth certificates that have been received by the General Register Office or local offices from transgender persons since the decision of the High Court in the Lydia Foy case in October 2007 to the effect that the State must make provision for the legal recognition of transgender persons in their acquired gender [35593/11]

The administration of the system of civil registration in the State is the responsibility of an tÁrd Chlaraitheoir (Registrar General). I have made enquiries of the Registrar General and he informs me that six individuals have applied to have new birth certificates issued to them, since the judgment referred to by the Deputy.

Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 244.

Social Welfare Code

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

266 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the entitlements and procedures applying to self-employed persons whose business has collapsed and who need social assistance; the difference between these entitlements and those applying to former PAYE workers who are now unemployed; if she will consider bringing these entitlements into parity; if she is considering any other changes in policy in this area; if there are any supports available for a small business that is struggling and on the brink of collapse, in order to help it avoid collapse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35595/11]

Self-employed persons are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social insurance benefits, including jobseeker's benefit, pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition, their employers make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. (For employees earning less than €356 per week, the rate of employer's PRSI is 4.25%).

In this context it may be noted that self-employed workers generally achieve better value for money by paying social insurance compared to employees. In terms of benefits, the 2005 Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund found that the self-employed contributor can expect to receive over 10 times what he contributes to the social insurance fund compared to the employee who only gets 3 times what he and his employer contribute — despite the fact that the range of benefits available to employees is greater.

Any changes to the PRSI system in order to provide access to short-term benefits such as jobseeker's benefit would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable. I have established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare earlier this year to meet the commitment made in the Programme for Government. The Advisory Group will, inter alia, examine and report on issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable.

The Deputy should be aware that self-employed persons may establish eligibility to assistance-based payments including payments such as jobseeker's allowance. In general, in assessment of means account will be taken of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year. In the current climate account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. The provision of supports to small business is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Social Welfare Benefits

John McGuinness

Question:

267 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for back to school assistance will be approved under review in view of the hardship of the case in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [35629/11]

Following a review of the means of the person concerned, a back to school clothing and footwear allowance has been awarded in this case. Payment will issue to the person concerned shortly.

Social Welfare Appeals

John McGuinness

Question:

268 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm the status of an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if this claim will be approved in view of the evidence provided and the hardship of the case. [35630/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 June 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 2 August 2011 and the appeal has been 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.

Sean Fleming

Question:

269 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be held in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35700/11]

Sean Fleming

Question:

270 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be held for a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35703/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

On foot of correspondence submitted in respect of this case, the Deputy Chief Appeals Officer wrote to the accountant of the person concerned on 17th August 2011 seeking clarification on a number of issues. To date, no response has been forthcoming. 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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will indicate the progress to date in the determination of entitlement to an increase of illness benefit payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has provided all the requested supporting documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35706/11]

The person concerned has been in receipt of illness benefit since 13 October 2006. She is in receipt of the maximum personal weekly rate less a deduction of €20 towards the recovery of an overpayment. She has applied for a qualified adult increase in respect of her spouse and for qualified child increases in respect of two children. In order for it to be decided whether these increases are payable to her it is necessary to establish the income of her spouse who has a history of self-employment. This matter was investigated by a social welfare inspector who reported in September 2011 that the person concerned had failed to provide the necessary documentary evidence.

It is understood that the Deputy's office has indicated that bank statements relating to the person concerned and her spouse were posted to this Department's PO Box no. 1650 on 25 October 2011. However, despite an extensive search, there is no trace of the documents. The Deputy's office have been advised accordingly and given an assurance that, once the documents are available (whether original or duplicates), they will be considered as a matter of urgency.

Public Procurement

Gerald Nash

Question:

272 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital construction project contracts awarded by her to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively; if she will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital construction project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35724/11]

The Department of Social Protection has not awarded any construction project contracts to companies registered within or outside the State in the period 2009-2011. Responsibility for the acquisition of office accommodation for the Department rests with the Office of Public Works.

Social Welfare Appeals

Billy Timmins

Question:

273 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35729/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department made 9 additional appointments to the office earlier this year.

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

Social Welfare Benefits

Ciara Conway

Question:

274 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any plans to reinstate a Christmas bonus for persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments after 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35744/11]

Payment of a bonus this December would cost in the region of €230 million. The 2011 Estimates for my Department do not include such a provision and, given the need to control Government expenditure generally, it will not be possible to re-introduce a bonus payment this year.

Departmental Expenditure

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

275 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that, in information literature from her, the net social welfare spend is not emphasised in view of the fact that the social insurance fund disburses accrued benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35762/11]

The estimates for Department are published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services each year. The section on the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) shows income from contributions, expenditure on SIF schemes and administration and the overall net position (difference between expenditure over income) of the Social Insurance Fund.

The section on total expenditure on Social Protection shows the overall expenditure of the Department, including schemes and services, funded from Vote 38 as well as the Social Insurance Fund. The accounts of the Social Insurance Fund published following audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General shows similar information. I am satisfied that, taken together, this information clearly shows the amount of social welfare spending that is funded from general taxation and the amount that is funded by social insurance contributions.

Employment Support Services

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

276 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the review of JobBridge will include an examination of measures that would allow single parents to participate in the scheme while allowing for their children to be in child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35766/11]

My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme, including its eligibility, on an ongoing basis. However, there are no plans to amend the following participant eligibility criteria:

Currently be in receipt of a live claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/Signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits) on the Live Register,and

Have been in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 78 days or more in the last 6 months.

Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, one of the key objectives of labour market policy is to keep those on the Live Register close to the labour market and prevent their drift into long-term unemployment. For these reasons, the eligibility for the JobBridge scheme is confined to those whose primary payment is a Jobseekers payment and who are on the Live Register. In so designing the scheme, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it and ensure a reduction in exchequer costs over time.

Individuals in receipt of One Parent Family Payment may access a wide range of activation supports including the FÁS Work Placement Programme, which is designed to provide participants with valuable work experience, thereby improving their prospects of securing employment.

Social Welfare Appeals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

277 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the appeal will be finalised in relation to the denial of State pension transition in respect of a person (details supplied). [35802/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th September 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 19th October 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 9th November 2011 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.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

278 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the specific projects that she plans for County Donegal arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35834/11]

My Department has no specific projects for County Donegal arising from the Government's Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016.

Social Welfare Appeals

Patrick Nulty

Question:

279 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award illness benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35863/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3rd 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. 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

John O'Mahony

Question:

280 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35873/11]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 23 September 2011. Redundancy lump sum claims received at the beginning of May 2011 are currently being processed.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Ryan

Question:

281 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award disability allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason in the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35878/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was received in that office on 18 October 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 15 November 2011 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing of the case is warranted.

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

Billy Kelleher

Question:

282 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection the protection that will be given to welfare recipients who are forced to refuse FÁS courses following the cessation of funding for child care employment and training support leaving them without child care; if she will guarantee that their welfare payments will not be affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35882/11]

The funding for Childcare Employment and Training Support is not a matter for my Department. However, it should be noted that domestic commitments may be a restriction on a person's availability for full-time work and may thus affect their eligibility for a jobseeker's payment. To qualify for a jobseeker's payment, a person must satisfy certain conditions which includes being available for full-time work. They must be in a position to take up any reasonable offer of employment or accept training offers that are deemed suitable in order to improve their employment chances.

Individual circumstances, including childcare arrangements, may affect a customer's ability to satisfy these conditions and could have an impact on the customer's continued entitlement to payment, if they affect availability for work or result in a refusal of a suitable offer of training.

Question No. 283 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Jack Wall

Question:

284 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35891/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 3rd November 2011. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Upon receipt of this opinion a decision will issue to the customer. The Deputy should note that it currently takes up to nine weeks to process an application.

Social Welfare Appeals

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

285 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an oral hearing on an appeal against a decision in respect of an application for carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35902/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

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

Paul Connaughton

Question:

286 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused back to school allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35918/11]

The Department will review the entitlement to back to school clothing and footwear allowance in this case and advise the person concerned of its decision in due course.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

287 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision on an appeal has been made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35926/11]

The person concerned applied for a back to school clothing and footwear allowance in respect of two children and has received the correct amount payable with respect to his family composition.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

288 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) will be made homeless due to the delay in dealing with their rent allowance application which was submitted in early September. [35930/11]

An application for rent supplement was received from the person concerned on 7th September 2011. Two separate requests for further information were made on 27th September and 25th October, 2011. The full necessary documentation was received on 4th November 2011. The application has now been processed and rent supplement is in payment.

Social Welfare Appeals

Jack Wall

Question:

289 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35968/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 28th October 2010. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on 11th January 2011 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and she was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 25th June 2011 that the appeal had been disallowed. The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete. If the person concerned has additional information which was not made available to the deciding officer and appeals officer when they made their decision, it is open to her to re-apply.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

290 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment will issue in respect of an application for carer’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35985/11]

I confirm that an application for carer's allowance has been received from the person in question. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Redundancy Payments

Dara Calleary

Question:

291 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a redundancy application in respect of a person (details supplied). [36071/11]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 6 July 2011. Redundancy lump sum claims received in May 2011 are currently being processed.

Social Welfare Code

Pearse Doherty

Question:

292 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has decided to cut the half-rate carer’s allowance received by more than 21,000 family carers by 40% in budget 2012; if not, if she will make a public commitment not to cut this important support for carers in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36076/11]

The Estimate for my Department in 2011 provides for expenditure of over €762 million on carer's allowance (including half rate carer's allowance), carer's benefit, domiciliary care allowance and respite care grant schemes. Recipients of carer's allowance may also be entitled to the household benefits package and free travel. There are considerable challenges ahead including the need to protect, as far as possible, the key income supports and services operated by my Department, including those for carers. This process is being informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which has been completed by my Department, with the key decisions being made in the context of framing the Budget for 2012.

Social Welfare Appeals

Paul Connaughton

Question:

293 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in regard to an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36080/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an 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 was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 16 November 2011 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.

Question No. 294 withdrawn.

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

295 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36123/11]

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 13 September 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.

Redundancy Payments

Dara Calleary

Question:

296 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection when redundancy payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [36124/11]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 8 November 2011. Redundancy lump sum claims received in May 2011 are currently being processed.

Social Welfare Fraud

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

297 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if PPS numbers of the seller or purchaser are required as part of the sale, purchase or registration of land, and if they are not, if she will consider introducing same as a measure to combat social welfare fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36157/11]

The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. The Department processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and it makes payments to over one million people every week. The vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them.

Fraud detection measures are continuously reviewed by my Department to ensure that resources are prioritised at achieving results, whilst adhering to data protection legislation. I understand that the Property Registration Authority (PRA) does not, at present, have any legal authority to require applicants to provide PPS numbers as part of the registration process. Any proposal to enter the PPS number of the applicant on the face of the register — or to require such information to be provided but not appear on the face of the register — would raise data protections issues for consideration.

The legislation governing the allocation and use of the PPS Number is contained in the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005. Only specified bodies named in the Social Welfare Acts can use the PPS Number. At present, the PRA is not a "specified body". The PRA has confirmed that details of property and land ownership is publicly available on a read-only access basis. Staff in my Department who work in specified control areas have access to this information which enables them to check and confirm the ownership of land and other property for social welfare control purposes.

The Deputy should also note that legislation permits data sharing between government departments and agencies for control purposes. Section 261(2) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 permits the Minister for Social Protection to share data with another Minister or specified body for control purposes in the administration of the Social Welfare Acts.

In this context, my Department has obtained a data match of property transfers from the Revenue Commissioners which has been matched against our computer databases. Data was received on sales, purchases and transfers of properties for three years. While the data contained almost one million records, just over 40,000 records related to social welfare customers.

In the majority of those matched cases, the property in question was transferred to a close family member and comprised of a family holding or a site being part of the family holding. In most cases, the customer had already notified the Department and a copy of the deed of transfer was attached to the customer's file.

In a small number of cases, my Department had not been notified of the property transfers which would have affected their payment rate. In those cases, their means were re-assessed and claims were reduced or terminated, as appropriate. My Department will continue to use data matching as an effective tool to curb abuse of the social welfare system.

Social Welfare Appeals

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

298 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for carer’s benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36176/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 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 04 August 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 06 October 2011 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 Code

Catherine Murphy

Question:

299 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to any cross-checking between the Health Service Executive and her Department regarding information contained about social welfare claimants on the integrated short term schemes database; if such cross-checking is utilised to verify claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36177/11]

My Department exchanges information with other Government Departments and agencies for the purpose of the control of schemes. This is provided for under both the Social Welfare Acts and the Data Protection Act. For this purpose, and under agreed protocols, specified staff in the HSE carry out cross-checks with my Department's systems in order to verify specific claims.

Cross-checking and controls have always been exercised in my Department, both at initial claim stage and at subsequent stages during the claim life cycle. Claims are reviewed on a regular and targeted basis. Means tested payments are reviewed at certain intervals or when there are indications that changes in circumstances have not been reported to the Department.

Those in receipt of illness payments are called for a medical examination by the Department's medical assessors. Customers in receipt of unemployment payments are checked on an on- going basis to verify continued compliance with such requirements as being available for and genuinely seeking employment.

Following the re-organisation of Departmental responsibilities, my Department now has a much wider role in relation to the provision of activation, employment, community services and income support. The addition of almost 2,000 Community Welfare Service (CWS) and FÁS employment services staff, together with responsibility for a wide range of activation programmes at local level, will enhance our ability to interact directly with all our customers of working age in more effective ways. The transfer of functions will bring together employment supports and associated income support services in one service — the National Employment and Entitlements Service. Arising from this, a more integrated approach to fraud control will be realised and will result in the creation of a single customer view for control purposes.

Recently, my Department received specific data from the HSE in relation to participants of the Fair Deal Scheme. This data was requested for the prevention and detection of fraud as provided for under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 and the Data Protection Act, 1988. Participants of the Scheme were matched against the Department's payment systems and mutual customers who were also in receipt of Living Alone Allowance were identified. Reviews have been initiated into these cases.

Social welfare fraud undermines public confidence in the entire system as well as being unfair to other recipients of social welfare payments and taxpayers. As Minister, I am very conscious of the need to protect public money and I am determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

300 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the names of agencies which provide staff for her Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36232/11]

Prior to the introduction, in April 2009, of a moratorium on recruitment to the civil and public service, all permanent staff for my Department were recruited, by way of a competitive process, through the Public Appointments Service. There is limited sanction available to the Department for recruitment of temporary clerical officers and medical assessors. Whether in respect of permanent or temporary staff, there is no direct cost to my Department in relation to those recruited through the Public Appointments Service. This delivers efficiency gains to my Department who might otherwise have to be engaged in recruitment.

The Agencies that operate under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board and the Citizens Information Board (CIB). Prior to the moratorium mentioned earlier, the agencies recruited their own staff directly by way of advertising on their website and on www.publicjobs.ie which is the website for the Public Appointments Service. As an exception to the moratorium, the Pensions Board received sanction to recruit an additional 12 staff. The positions were advertised internally within the Department’s intranet site, on the Board’s website and on www.publicjobs.ie.

Since the moratorium, the CIB occasionally used temporary staff to cover a receptionist post. The temporary receptionists have been recruited from Griffin Personnel/Irish Recruitment Consultants and Top People/HRM. Cover has been provided so far this year for 19 days which amounts to a charge from the recruitment agencies of €2,896.74. The cost for 19 days for the equivalent post in CIB is €2,221.29.

Question No. 301 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

302 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the IBEC proposal to use a smart card for the payment of child benefit; if she will detail the pros and cons of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36264/11]

According to a document submitted to my Department, IBEC propose to reform the administration of the child benefit scheme by offering a card payment option to customers and incentivising households to opt for this approach by reducing the value of child benefit payment by 25% if households do not opt to receive their payment in this way.

The ultimate test for any proposal of this nature is whether it makes the social protection system work better and provides tangible benefits to customers and taxpayers in excess of costs. In considering this proposal, therefore, I have to be mindful of the primary objectives of the child benefit payment in assisting parents and others in meeting the cost associated with raising children and in contributing towards alleviating child poverty. While the Government appreciates any proposals to reform the social protection system and has established an advisory group on tax and social welfare in order to advise it in the area of child and family income supports, it would need to be satisfied on two fronts before it could give further consideration to the IBEC proposal.

Firstly, it would have to have the potential to improve how the child benefit system meets it stated objectives and serves best the interest of families with children. Secondly, it would have to ensure that there is no risk to the proposal being undermined for legal reasons, particularly in relation to Ireland's obligations under the EU treaties. On the basis of the case made by IBEC to date far, I am not convinced that either of these conditions have been satisfied.

On the first point, I note that IBEC claim that it is likely that a high proportion of payments are put into savings accounts by middle and upper income families. In addition, IBEC state that child benefit payments for children resident elsewhere in the EU paid to EU nationals working in Ireland are largely repatriated. However, IBEC have not advanced evidence as to why it believes that this represents a serious threat to the objectives of the scheme or that the benefit is being spent or saved other than for the benefit of households with children. In fact, on the basis of the consultations that I and my officials have had to date with representative organisations, the opposite appears to be the case with child benefit playing an important part in the ability of households with children to meet their ongoing needs.

More specifically, the introduction of a payment card could distort parental choice in meeting costs associated with chid raising and have the undesirable effect of inflating prices for child related goods and services if they were specifically targeted on particular products or outlets. While many transactions are currently effected by way of electronic/smart card technology, there would be further costs involved in setting up and maintaining such a payment card system without obvious benefits. There may also be security issues relating to the card that would need to be addressed.

Previous evidence, albeit from some time ago, suggests that child benefit is spent for the benefit of children. In the absence of fresh evidence, there is no reason to believe that channelling the support provided through a payment card — thereby pre-empting how and when those caring for children spent it — would improve the position of families with children.

Secondly, there may be legal issues around how such a proposal would comply with Ireland's legal obligations under the EU treaties. The Irish child benefit payment is classified as a family benefit for the purposes of the EU's social security systems' coordination rules and the payment of these benefits are governed by specific rules set out in EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009. EU nationals who come to work in Ireland, and who pay Irish social insurance contributions, are entitled to receive child benefit in respect of their children, even if the children reside in another EU Member State. The equality provisions of the regulations require that these payments are made at the same rate and under the same conditions as apply to a person whose family is resident in Ireland. As in many areas of EU legislation, national legislation must be implemented in a manner that is compatible with EU legislation.

It is most likely that changing the payment method to confine the use of the card to goods and services in Ireland would not be compatible with the current co-ordination rules. Neither would it seem feasible or practical to introduce a smart card that could be used throughout the EU.

In relation to the claim that benefits paid in respect of non-resident children are largely repatriated, some statistics may put this into perspective. Child benefit is at present being paid to an average of around 5,000 customers in respect of around 7,800 children resident abroad. This carries a full year cost at around €13 million compared with the estimated total spending on child benefit of around €2 billion per year. This suggests a relatively small impact on domestic spending of this requirement under EU legislation. For these reasons, I do not propose, therefore, to proceed further with consideration of this proposal at this time.

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

303 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [36265/11]

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

John McGuinness

Question:

304 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 304 of 14 September 2011, if she will confirm when the applicant (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved for jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will ensure they are fully paid before Christmas as they are suffering hardship. [36272/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25th August 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 31st August 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 5th October 2011 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

Michael Creed

Question:

305 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has a breakdown available regarding claims for illness benefit between public sector and private sector employees, if she will provide this information in relation to claims by public sector employees in each Government Department in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36342/11]

In processing claims for illness benefit the Department does not distinguish between claims made by public sector employees and those made by private sector employees. A person, whether employed in the public or private sector, may qualify for illness benefit if s/he is unable to work due to illness, satisfies the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) conditions, and is under age 66.

Departmental Schemes

Mick Wallace

Question:

306 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the cutbacks to the community employment scheme, the community services programme, the rural social scheme, local employment service networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30306/11]

I can confirm that there have been no cutbacks in the number of participants on the various schemes in 2011. The community employment scheme currently provides opportunities for 23,300 people, the community services programme supports the employment of an estimated 2,800 people and 2,730 continue to be engaged on the rural social scheme. The Local Employment Service operates through Local Development Companies on contract from FÁS with the objective of providing services to those most disadvantaged in the labour market. There have been no cutbacks in the funds provided in 2011. Future funding for all schemes and initiatives are matters to be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

Anti-Poverty Strategy

Micheál Martin

Question:

307 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the targets in the national action plan for social inclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32730/11]

The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2001-2016 (NAPinclusion) identifies a wide range of targeted actions and interventions to achieve the overall objective of reducing consistent poverty. My Department is currently preparing the third annual report on social inclusion. This report will outline progress in implementing the NAPinclusion over the two-year period from January 2009 to December 2010. It is envisaged that the report will be finalised in early 2012 and it will present a clear picture of progress across all of the various policy areas and the first impact of the current economic downturn during the review period.

One of the key targets in the action plan is the national poverty target to reduce the number of people experiencing poverty to between 2 and 4 per cent by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016, from a baseline rate of 7 per cent in 2005. The latest consistent poverty data from the Central Statistics Office relates to 2009, when the rate of consistent poverty was 5.5 per cent. I expect that the CSO will publish data relating to 2010 shortly and this will provide an opportunity to assess the impact of the current economic and fiscal crisis on the consistent poverty indicator.

As stated in the Programme for Government, the elimination of poverty is an objective of this Government and given the challenging economic and fiscal context, the Government initiated a comprehensive review of the national poverty target in order to ensure that it remains appropriate and achievable. As the lead Minister responsible for social inclusion policy, I launched a public consultation on the review of the national poverty target in August 2011 and invited all stakeholders to ‘have your say' on the review through a series of local workshops, an on-line survey, meetings with the social partners, and a technical workshop with poverty experts. In addition, the annual Social Inclusion Forum, which I attended, was held in November. Over 100 representatives of community and voluntary groups and people experiencing poverty participated and this gave an opportunity to present views on the review.

I expect that the review of the national poverty target will also be finalised in early 2012 and I will be considering it, together with my cabinet colleagues, as quickly as possible with a view to making the findings publicly available as early as possible next year.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

308 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36959/11]

The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman, which does not have a board, comes under the remit of the Department. No former holder of the Office of the Attorney General has been appointed to the board of any of the statutory bodies under aegis of this Department.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

309 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35507/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

310 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35523/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 310 together.

I regret it was not possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe permitted for this question. I will ensure the information is sent directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Harbours and Piers

Noel Grealish

Question:

311 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total cost of construction of the new pier on Inis Mór; the financial contribution from Galway County Council towards the overall cost; his Department’s financial contribution towards the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35613/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council is the contracting authority on this project. I understand that the construction work is ongoing and, accordingly, the total cost of the project is not yet known. My Department allocated a total grant of €44,092,411 towards the project and to date €42,574,122 of this grant has been paid. Galway County Council contributed €190,000 to the project. In addition, there was a contribution of €624,250 from the RNLI.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

312 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35824/11]

Under the Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016, capital expenditure in my Department will total some €190 million. With regard to the specific details of this expenditure, I am currently prioritising plans within the context of the forthcoming Budget. I can say, however, that this expenditure will focus in particular on supporting jobs in the film and television sector and in the Gaeltacht. It will also seek to target investment in priority areas in the cultural and heritage sectors that can support cultural tourism as one of the most important elements of Ireland's tourism product.

Expenditure will be directed at ensuring compliance with EU directives, including investment in alternative solutions for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation. Other investment will support the built heritage, strategic developments in our National Parks and the development of our waterways in the context of the implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements.

Arts Funding

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

313 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has received an application for funding in respect of a project (details supplied); when a decision will issue; if this project will be included for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35964/11]

No application for capital funding has been received from this group. Funding for major capital cultural projects in my Department comes primarily from the Cultural Development subhead, which has an allocation of €7.8 million in 2011, which is a reduction by over 50% from the €16 million that was allocated in 2010. This funding is fully committed and there is no scope for any funding being provided to defray the costs of any new projects.

The Deputy will appreciate that, given the current economic situation, it is unlikely that a new capital infrastructure scheme will be announced in the near future. Any application for current funding should be submitted to the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is statutorily independent of the Minister in its funding decisions and its processes and the Minister is not the responsible authority to the Dáil on these matters. Section 24(2) of the Arts Act 2003 precludes interference by the Minister in Arts Council funding decisions.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

314 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36221/11]

I regret it was not possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe permitted for this question. I will ensure the information is sent directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Irish Film Board

Terence Flanagan

Question:

315 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding the Irish Film Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36277/11]

The Irish Film Board is statutorily independent in the operation of its affairs. I have no role in its day-to-day operations, including matters relating to its website, which is an issue for the board and management of the organisation. Other matters referred to in the "details supplied" by the Deputy do not fall within my statutory responsibilities and but may be issues for other statutory authorities which have functions in relation to the areas in question.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

316 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36948/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht was established on 1 June 2011. I can confirm that, since 1 June 2011, no holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards or agencies under the aegis of my Department and there are no holders of the Office of Attorney General currently serving on State boards or agencies under my Department's aegis.

Energy Conservation

Brian Stanley

Question:

317 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications for the warmer homes scheme that have been received from County Mayo; the number of applications that have been fully processed and have had works completed; if all eligible applications submitted to Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland will have works as specified in the scheme carried out; if he will ensure sufficient resources are immediately allocated to Clár ICH, Claremorris and Mayo North East Leader Partnership to complete all outstanding applications without further delays; if he will ensure outstanding works will be allocated to private contractors to clear the backlog; and if the warmer homes scheme is still open for new applications. [35443/11]

Better Energy: Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households which are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations, augmented by a panel of private contractors. The measures installed include attic and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, hot water cylinder lagging jacket and CFLs. Homeowners are also given energy advice.

To date, energy efficiency improvements in over 75,000 homes have been made under Better Energy: Warmer Homes. Some 920 homes in County Mayo benefitted from the scheme in 2010. The 2011 target of 20,000 homes will be reached by the end of the year. A total of 16,400 homes have been improved to the end of October 2011, including 1,000 homes in County Mayo. There has been a significant uptake in applications and interest in the scheme over the last three years. The success of the scheme in 2010 led to increased awareness and demand.

There are currently 9,306 homes nationwide on the Better Energy: Warmer Homes waiting list, of which 816 are in County Mayo. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is working towards a six-month timeframe for service delivery. This scheme remains open and eligible homeowners can register for the scheme by calling the dedicated hotline number at 1800 250 204. Delivery in 2012 is currently determined in the context of budgetary decisions and the imminent publication of the Affordable Energy Strategy.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

318 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the verification measures that are undertaken to ensure that the applicant for grant assistance under the better energy homes scheme is the home owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35636/11]

Better Energy: Warmer Homes is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on behalf of my Department. The scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofitting measures, including attic and wall insulation, high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating assessments. Over 100,000 homeowners have availed of the scheme since its launch in March 2009.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has advised that the terms and conditions of the scheme include a requirement that the householder / applicant is the owner of the home, which is affirmed by way of self-declaration both at the point of application and when requesting payment of the grant on completion of works. In addition, the meter point reference number is requested for all properties, which is then validated against a database of such numbers. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland works continuously to ensure all requisite verifications are undertaken and to ensure the robustness of systems.

Environmental Policy

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

319 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will accept that there is a need to set terms of reference for the Environment Protection Agency in investigating the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing forgas. [35893/11]

I indicated recently that I had requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves. The EPA is currently funding preliminary background research in the form of a study being carried out by Aberdeen University. The EPA had consulted with my Department before finalising the terms of reference for this study and my Department will continue to liaise with the EPA in relation to the commissioning of a further and more extensive study in 2012. The final scope of this further more detailed study, which will be informed in part by the findings of the Aberdeen University study, will be determined by the EPA, which is an independent statutory body.

Inland Fisheries

John McGuinness

Question:

320 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the basis for his decision to allow 4,800 salmon to be caught and/or killed on the River Nore in 2012; the persons that advised him in this decision; the stakeholders that were consulted in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36271/11]

Regulations are made annually following statutory public consultation, for the management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery, based on the scientific and management advice provided by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). IFI in turn relies on input from its own staff and a variety of academic and scientific institutions and State agencies including the Marine Institute, the Environmental protection Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Services.

Every year salmon river stocks are reassessed and any new scientific information is included to ensure that the most up-to-date information is utilised in the formulation of the advice. If a river stock is determined to have surplus fish that are over and above the conservation limit for that river, a total allowable catch (TAC) is declared.

As the Deputy may be aware, I recently announced a 30-day public consultation process on the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No. 2) Regulations 2011 and associated conservation measures, which will inform the management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery for 2012, based on the scientific and management advice provided by IFI. The draft regulations provide a total allowable catch for the Nore River of 4,816. This represents a considerable and sustained improvement on an annual basis in salmon stocks since 2008 when the river was last under its conservation limit. Full details are available on my Department's website at: (http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Inland+Fisheries/).

Television Reception

Gerry Adams

Question:

321 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Saorview service will be available to all households in the North. [35457/11]

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the British and Irish Governments on 1 February 2010. The Memorandum deals with broadcast services and related radio spectrum issues in the context of the provision of digital terrestrial services on the island of Ireland. The MoU also provides for cooperation between the authorities in both jurisdictions on this issue.

One of the main aims of the Memorandum is to ensure the continued provision of TG4 in Northern Ireland after the switch-off of the analogue broadcast signals on 24 October 2012. Under the Memorandum, the UK Government has also agreed to facilitate the widespread availability of RTÉ 1 and RTÉ 2 on the Northern Ireland digital terrestrial television network. My Department continues to engage with ComReg, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, RTÉ and the Authorities in the UK on these issues and much progress has been made to date. I can confirm that the UK authorities have made spectrum available in Northern Ireland to facilitate this aim.

In addition, the Memorandum has facilitated the development of a coordinated approach on both sides of the border in respect of the roll-out of digital terrestrial television (DTT) and analogue switch-off. I recently announced Wednesday 24 October 2012 as the official date of completion of the digital TV switchover, when the analogue TV network in Ireland will be switched off. Digital UK also announced that the analogue TV network will also be turned off in Northern Ireland on 24 October 2012, in order to make the transition to digital as straightforward as possible for TV viewers and broadcasters.

In addition to the reception of signals from the Northern Ireland DTT network, certain parts of Northern Ireland will continue to receive the Irish channels from ‘overspill', which is when broadcast signals are received outside of the intended coverage area. This currently happens to an extent with the existing analogue system and will continue to occur after analogue switch-off with the SAORVIEW DTT system. Detailed information on the SAORVIEW service is available from www.saorview.ie. In addition, my Department has developed an information booklet and a dedicated website on the digital switchover process in Ireland and a copy of the booklet is available on the “publications” section of the website at www.goingdigital.ie.

Telecommunications Services

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

322 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress of delivery of the rural broadband scheme; the expected timeframe for delivery into people’s homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35458/11]

The Application Phase of the RBS closed on 29 July 2011. Approximately 5,000 applications have been received although not all of those applications will be eligible under the terms of the scheme. The Department has almost completed the processing of applications, which involved clarification of address details. This process will enable the Department to finalise eligible application numbers with a view to establishing services for these applications.

The next phase of the scheme is the Verification Phase. This is intended to provide the market with the opportunity to offer a service to applicants under the scheme and to verify any applicants who cannot be served by the market under prevailing market conditions. A total of 51 internet companies expressed an interest in participating in this Phase of the Scheme. This includes all of the major national companies. A process of engagement with these companies is now underway and I expect that agreements on participation in the process will be agreed and finalised in the coming weeks.

Subject to agreement with the companies concerned, the Verification Phase should be carried out in early 2012. It is expected that some of the applicants under the Scheme will be offered a service by these companies during this phase. My Department expects to carry out a procurement process to select a service provider to offer a service to remaining applicants once the Verification Phase has been completed. Roll-out of the service under the Scheme is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

323 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35509/11]

There are no computer servers leased by my Department. The computer servers leased by the bodies under the aegis of my Department are day to day matters for those bodies.

Denis Naughten

Question:

324 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35525/11]

My Department currently owns 69 computer servers. Each new server purchased comes with a 3-year warranty and the maintenance period is not extended beyond this time. My Department, earlier this year as part of the Croke Park Agreement, has implemented an ICT Shared Service agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the agreement that Department will be carrying out a virtualisation assessment exercise in the coming months and would expect to be able to reduce the number of physical servers held by my Department. The capacity of each server is outlined in the table.

Server

Memory

Cores

Disk space (GB)

1

2

4

68

2

2

4

68

3

1

2

68

4

4

4

143

5

4

4

143

6

4

4

143

7

4

4

143

8

4

4

143

9

3

4

68

10

2

4

68

11

2

4

143

12

4

4

143

13

3

4

143

14

3

4

143

15

2

4

68

16

2

4

68

17

2

4

200

18

4

4

468

19

4

4

68

20

3

4

68

21

4

4

550

22

1

2

33

23

1

2

33

24

2

4

68.2

25

2

4

274

26

1

4

33

27

2

4

68

28

32

24

136

29

2

2

68

30

8

2

136

31

2

4

1200

32

3

4

136

33

4

4

68

34

4

4

400

35

2

4

68

36

2

4

68

37

2

2

80

38

2

2

190

39

2

2

68

40

2

2

68

41

2

2

160

42

4

4

350

43

2

4

33

44

1

2

80

45

4

4

68

46

8

4

136

47

2

4

96

48

4

4

1024

49

4

4

1024

50

4

4

260

51

2

4

68

52

3

4

136

53

4

4

68

54

3

4

33

55

4

4

136

56

32

4

136

57

32

4

136

58

4

8

136

59

4

4

136

60

4

2

557

61

8

8

278

62

32

2

272

63

32

2

272

64

82

4

272

65

82

4

272

66

82

4

272

67

8

4

272

68

16

2

272

69

65

8

272

The computer servers owned by the bodies under the aegis of my Department are day to day matters for those bodies.

Postal Services

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

325 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made on the introduction of a national postcode system, as per the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010; if he will give any deadlines for when this will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35588/11]

The procurement process to select an organisation to implement a National Postcode System was launched in January 2011 with the publication of a Pre Qualification Questionnaire on www.etenders.gov.ie. This process is still ongoing. The final decision to proceed with implementation of a national postcode will be one for Government and will be based on appropriate financial, technical and operational considerations.

Television Licence Fee

Brendan Griffin

Question:

326 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a more affordable system of television licensing would be put in place for operators of multiple self-catering units for the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35749/11]

In response to concerns such as those outlined by the Deputy, my Department initiated a review on 30 June this year, which sought to consider the possible introduction of different classes of Television Licence, as provided for under Section 144 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. While this was primarily an internal exercise seeking to evaluate the feasibility and cost benefits of such a step, the Department also sought the views of certain key stakeholder groups as a means of informing our consideration of this issue.

Following this exercise I have decided not to pursue the introduction of different categories of licence at this stage but rather to deal with the issues arising in the context of a wider review currently underway. This wider review, which includes a comprehensive examination of both the effectiveness and efficiency of the current model of television licence fee, is being undertaken on foot of the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a household based Public Broadcasting Charge.

The review, which will include a period of consultation, will examine the role and collection of the current TV Licence Fee, in light of existing and projected convergence of broadcasting technologies, and will include an analysis of the most effective models in terms of efficiency, capability to fund our public service broadcasting service and also equity of applicability. The ultimate objective will be to transform the current TV licence into a Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device they use to access content. I look forward to all stakeholders and interested parties engaging with the proposed consultation at the appropriate time.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

327 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35826/11]

Under the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016, €425m has been assigned to my Department to underpin its key economic and development role in ensuring the priorities in the Programme for Government are implemented. This allocation has not been allocated on a geographical basis.

However, County Donegal will benefit from investments made under my Department's programme, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and rural broadband. For example, as part of the national Better Energy programme, Warmer Homes continues to target low-income households in Donegal for the provision of energy upgrade services through a combination of community-based organisations (Action Inishowen and Smart Energy) and private contractors appointed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. In addition to the Exchequer funded programme, essential investment in the electricity transmission and distribution networks, which is not funded by the Exchequer, will continue by EirGrid and ESB, with particular projects taking place in Donegal.

Prospecting Licences

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

328 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the fact that the legal ownership rights to 27,000 square miles of oil and gas were sold in 1958 for €500 by the then Minister for Industry and Commerce and that this legal arrangement still stands resulting in any potential gas or oil extraction being of little impact to the taxpayer. [35892/11]

The Agreement of 13 January, 1959 between the Minister for Industry and Commerce and Ambassador Irish Oil Ltd gave that company an Exploration Licence for 20 years from 29 March 1960. The area licensed to the company was the whole onshore area of the Republic of Ireland and any seas under Irish jurisdiction, subject to the surrender of 25% of the original area every five years. The extensive exploration rights conferred by that agreement have long since expired, with the only areas remaining under licence being the producing fields in the Kinsale area.

As can be seen from the acreage update reports regularly published on my Department's website, while a broad range of companies currently hold exploration authorisations in the Irish offshore and onshore, the majority of the area in fact remains unlicensed to any exploration company. In the event that commercial discoveries are made in the future by the exploration companies that now hold licences, or by companies that are granted licences in the future, then the tax provisions in the Finance Acts relating to petroleum production would apply resulting in a tax take of between 25% and 40%.

Electricity Transmission Network

Clare Daly

Question:

329 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will meet with the Rush Community Council, County Dublin, on the EirGrid project in the town; and if he will furnish a copy of the relevant documentation which gave rise to him being assured that the planning process had not been misled. [35904/11]

I have no role in the planning and construction of transmission infrastructure, which are operational matters for EirGrid. The planning process for strategic energy infrastructure is a matter for An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act. I have already responded comprehensively to correspondence from Rush Community Council with regard to the national strategic East West interconnector project and I will respond to their most recent request for a meeting shortly.

I would reiterate my position that I am satisfied that there was no misleading of the planning process by EirGrid. I would also like to make it clear that I have full confidence in EirGrid's commitment to completing this strategically vital project successfully to the highest standards in the national interest and without risk to the health and safety of local communities.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

330 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure the publication, on receipt, of the independent commission report on the proposed North-South interconnector; if he will commit to the report’s address in the relevant Oireachtas joint committee before Cabinet consideration, thereby allowing for the full gamut of views to be aired and noted by Cabinet members in advance of their consideration; when he expects the independent commission to present its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35933/11]

The Government fully endorses the strategic national importance of investing in Ireland's electricity transmission infrastructure. In that context the Meath-Tyrone 400KV Interconnector is a key strategic project for the economies and consumers both North and South. It is also critical to ensuring energy supply adequacy on the island of Ireland.

The Programme for Government committed to the establishment of an independent international expert commission to review within six months the case for, and cost of, undergrounding all or part of the Meath-Tyrone line. I would note that the Commission members met eleven public representatives on 13 October. The Commission was appointed in July and its work is nearing completion. The Commission will submit its review to me in the coming weeks. Following the necessary assessment by Department, I intend to bring the review to Government for its consideration in the first instance.

Emergency Call Answering Service

Pearse Doherty

Question:

331 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the emergency call centre at Ballyshannon, County Donegal; his plans to relocate the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36143/11]

The Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) has set up an emergency call answering centre in Ballyshannon. This centre is in operation for nearly two years. The Ballyshannon centre is fully staffed and is fully operational. There are no plans to relocate the Ballyshannon centre.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

332 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36223/11]

No employment agency provides staff to my Department. I have no function in relation to staffing matters in bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department. For the information of the Deputy a small number of contractors work in the Information Technology and Natural Resources areas of the Department. One member of Department staff is on secondment from the ESB.

Energy Resources

Robert Dowds

Question:

333 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the projected increases in oil and gas prices expected over coming years due to increasing demand from developing nations and reduced sources of reliable supply, if consideration has been given to delaying the exploitation of Ireland’s oil and gas resources until a time of higher gas and oil prices than those currently found in the market in order to maximise the benefit to the State. [36234/11]

Ireland currently imports approximately 95% of its natural gas needs along with 100% of its oil needs and this has implications for our energy security of supply. With the Kinsale area gas fields nearing end life, the only new indigenous natural gas source in development is the Corrib gas field. Rather than seeking to further delay the commencement of production from the Corrib gas field, it is in Ireland's interest that the development stage would be advanced as production from the field will significantly strengthen Ireland's energy security of supply and will also deliver tax revenue to the Exchequer.

On the wider question of the timing of the exploitation of Ireland's potential oil and gas resources, the reality is that other than the Kinsale area fields and the Corrib gas field, there are no other commercial discoveries of oil or gas in the Irish offshore. It is only through successful exploration that further discoveries will be made and we need an increase in the level of exploration activity if the petroleum potential of the Irish offshore is to be proven.

It is also important to consider that even in the case of successful exploration, there is a very long timeline between the commencement of an exploration programme, the making of a discovery, obtaining development consents and finally the construction phase of a project. In circumstances where no new commercial discovery has been made in the Irish offshore in a decade and a half, the emphasis should be on advancing rather than delaying activity.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

334 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36950/11]

I can inform the Deputy that, since the establishment of my Department in 2007, neither I nor any former Minister has appointed a former holder of Office of Attorney General to a State Board under the aegis of this Department.

Security of the Elderly

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

335 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an updated panic alarm will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35468/11]

My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme but has not received an application for the person referred to in the question. The Scheme supports qualifying older people, aged 65 and older, by providing funding towards monitored personal alarms and other items of security and safety equipment. Applications are made through the applicant's local community or voluntary group. My Department has contacted the relevant local community group operating the scheme. The group will be in touch with the person referred to with a view to facilitating an application on her behalf.

Overseas Development Aid

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

336 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the second instalment of the commitment to provide €100 million in fast-start finance between 2010 and 2012 for climate action in vulnerable developing countries; the amount of the 2011 instalment that will be new and additional ODA contributions; and if he will be making an announcement on the matter at the upcoming UN climate conference in Durban, South Africa, in December. [35639/11]

The developed country Parties who associated with the Copenhagen Accord (including the EU and all Member States) agreed to provide a fast-start finance package, over the three years 2010 to 2012, to assist developing countries address climate change. Ireland undertook to contribute up to €100m to the package and, to date, has reported funding amounting to €66m. The question of providing further funding for the package before the end of 2012 remains under consideration having regard to the availability of resources and competing priorities.

Emergency Homeless Accommodation

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

337 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the average cost for providing emergency homeless accommodation per person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35813/11]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

338 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money spent in providing emergency homeless accommodation between 2008 and 2010. [35814/11]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

339 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons that received assistance and support with emergency homeless accommodation between 2008 and 2010. [35815/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 to 339, inclusive, together.

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with the housing authorities and the purposes for which housing authorities may incur expenditure in addressing homelessness are prescribed in Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988.

My Department does not fund any service directly but recoups the local authorities 90% of the cost of the service provided with an additional 10% coming from the local authorities own resources. Funding recouped by my Department to local authorities in each of the years from 2007 to 2010 and to date in 2011 for the provision of homeless accommodation and related services is as follows:

2008

2009

2010

To Oct 2011

€00053,235

€00056,057

€00054,703

€00031,003*

(*recoupment to date out of total 2011 Estimates provision of €53.413 million)

Up to 50 different organisations provide emergency services throughout the country. The Simon Communities, Focus Ireland, Novas, St. Vincent de Paul, the De Paul Trust, the Salvation Army and Crosscare, who have built up the services over the years, receive the bulk of the funding that goes to the voluntary sector providers. The HSE also provides funding to these organisations in respect of health and social care services for homeless persons.

Funding is used to support emergency, transitional and long term accommodation of homeless persons, as well as prevention, assessment, placement, outreach and day services. The throughput of persons — single instance and also repeat presentations to a variety of agencies — receiving assistance and support with emergency homeless accommodation is not collected nationally. My Department therefore does not have information on the number of persons or the average cost per person of providing emergency homeless accommodation and supports. I also refer to the reply to Question No. 414 of 15 November 2011 which sets out the Government's commitment to adopting a ‘housing led' approach to homelessness and to ensuring more effective prevention strategies.

In respect of counting numbers of people in homeless services, the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS) is an accommodation management and inter-agency service user support system which is being developed in accordance with priority actions of the implementation plan set out under the national homeless strategy 2008-2013 The Way Home. The system commenced in January 2011 and is currently in use by almost all service providers of homeless accommodation and outreach supports in the Dublin region.

Work to ensure consistency of use and accurate information recording by the service providers, as well as the elimination of duplicate records, validation of data etc., has been completed in the Dublin region. Extension of the service nationally will now commence on a phased basis, and the first phase will consist of the South West and North East Regions comprising the County and City authorities of Cork, Kerry, Louth, Monaghan and Cavan. It is intended that the PASS system will be operational across the entire country by end 2012 providing that no unforeseen issues arise during the initial roll out phase.

The Counted In survey, which was a special purpose count of people using homeless services carried out in Dublin every three years since 1999 through the Homeless Agency, supported by my Department, was generally considered to provide the most robust indicator until the development of PASS. The results of the most recent Counted In survey, in March 2008, reported a total of 1,436 homeless households in Dublin. A further 708 households were recorded as residing in long-term or transitional accommodation. However, it would not be correct to regard all of these as homeless, particularly where, for example, households were resident in suitable accommodation that would be likely to provide their most appropriate home in the long-term, or where they had begun to make a transition out of homelessness.

The Counted In survey method was also used for the first time in Cork, Galway and Limerick in 2008. The results indicated a total of 767 households homeless in these centres. However, that figure includes households in long-term and transitional accommodation some of whom, as indicated in relation to Dublin, should not properly be regarded as homeless.

The PASS system will in future provide good quality, timely, data on homelessness nationally as an evidence base for all homeless services. PASS will determine the numbers in homeless services for the Dublin region in 2011 and pending roll out nationally ‘Counted In' in the traditional manner will take place later this month or early December in Cork, Limerick and Galway.

Local Authority Charges

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

340 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any scope for exemptions to the tax on the non-principal private residence that offer relief to or exclude persons who have moved out of their home in order to rent it out because they would otherwise not be in a position to make their mortgage repayments; and if not will he bring forward such an amendment. [35934/11]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence. I have no plans at present to amend the 2009 Act to provide exemptions along the lines indicated in the question.

Litter Pollution

Seán Kenny

Question:

341 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of revenue that would be generated if a 2 cent levy was placed on a packet of chewing gum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36192/11]

The value of the chewing gum market in Ireland is estimated at approximately €40 million per annum. Therefore, a levy of 2 cent per packet, assuming an average price of 50 cent per packet of chewing gum, would raise approximately €1.6 million per annum.

However, such a levy would not directly address the root cause of the associated litter problem, which is the incorrect disposal of chewing gum. There would also be substantial administrative costs involved, apart from any potential legal challenges which might arise. Furthermore the levy would have to be paid by all consumers of chewing gum, not simply those who dispose of their gum incorrectly, thus punishing all for the behaviour of a few.

It is for these reasons that I recently announced the renewal of the negotiated agreement between my Department and the Chewing Gum Industry for a further three years. The new agreement aims to build on the success of public awareness campaigns and education programmes to date and represents a €9.6 million commitment by the industry over the period. The renewed programme contains several important new elements aimed at reinvigorating and enhancing previous campaigns including:

responsible gum disposal messaging on all television advertising in Ireland,

responsible gum disposal messaging on chewing gum packaging, and

new online and educational programmes targeted at younger consumers.

I am confident that the new agreement, coupled with the substantial increase in funding, represents a genuine commitment by industry to finding a solution to improper gum disposal.

Fire Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

342 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has complied with relevant guidelines and qualifications in relation to ongoing upskilling in respect of the fire fighting services; if it is recognised that they have in fact exceeded the necessary number of points but have yet been requested to repeat or appeal the decision which determined their failure; if all other applicants are being subjected to the same criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35439/11]

The training of fire service personnel is the statutory duty of individual fire authorities under the Section 15.1 of the Fire Services Act 1981. Fire authorities provide initial recruit training, as well as training in the use of breathing apparatus to an agreed national syllabus, for all entrants to the fire service. While my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management provides a Central Training Programme for fire officers which complements and supplements local training programmes through a ‘Train-the-Trainer' model, it does not have involvement in examining the on-going competence or training of fire fighters.

Building Regulations

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

343 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give his assurance that the registration fee for architects, building surveyors and quantity surveyors, as outlined in the Building Control Act 2007, sections 17(1), 31(1) and 45(1), will be used solely for the purpose of registering an applicant with the relevant registration body and that no element of the registration fee will be used for membership fees or other administrative costs of the registration bodies. [35444/11]

The statutory position is set down at subsection 62(4) of the Building Control Act 2007 which provides that a registration fee must not in any case exceed the combined costs of providing the registration service and any reasonable charges incurred in collecting, accounting for and administering the fee.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

344 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35512/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

345 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35528/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together.

My Department does not lease computer servers. My Department is currently engaged in consolidating servers to a bladed infrastructure which utilises virtual server technologies thus reducing significantly the need for separate physical servers and the power consumption associated with them. This consolidated infrastructure is supported by a total of 21 blade servers split across two physical locations. At present the total remaining number of separate physical computer servers is 51 and the specification varies depending on the number of users, operating systems and applications housed thereon. My Department also currently provides ICT services to the Heritage Division of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Maintenance costs are normally built into the purchase price and are generally in the region of 10-25% of the initial capital outlay. The number of computer servers owned or leased by agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves.

Planning Issues

Dara Calleary

Question:

346 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of the decision to suspend many capital expenditure projects, he has any plans to review the policies that prohibit persons from building family homes on family land that has been provisionally earmarked for road or other capital projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35581/11]

My Department's Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing (2005) are designed to achieve a balance between a good planning framework for rural housing and the local housing needs of those who are part of, or have links to, local rural communities. They elaborate on the physical development policies for rural areas as set out in the Government's National Spatial Strategy (2002) which, inter alia, promotes sustainable rural settlement as a key component of delivering more balanced regional development.

The Guidelines set out how planning authorities should frame their development plan policies for the different types of rural areas which may exist within the development plan area, such as rural areas close to large towns and cities or those suffering from population decline. They also provide guidance to planning authorities on dealing with planning applications for rural housing including consideration of issues such as access to appropriate wastewater treatment facilities, potential impacts of the development on groundwater, landscape, natural and cultural heritage and addressing road safety issues (e.g. frontage onto national roads). I am satisfied that the Guidelines are being implemented effectively and fairly, and I will continue to keep them under review in this regard.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Brendan Ryan

Question:

347 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the potential overall costs of the monster waste water treatment plant proposed for north County Dublin; if no accurate figures are available, if he will evaluate the potential overall costs before proceeding any further with the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35599/11]

There is no firm estimate of cost for the Greater Dublin Regional Drainage Project — North Dublin Wastewater Treatment Plant and Orbital Sewer, being planned by Fingal County Council but my Department understands from the local authority that the entire scheme is not expected to cost more than €500m. A firmer estimate of cost will be available when the Preliminary Report for the scheme is completed and the locations of all three elements of the project are confirmed, along with the technology that will be used at the wastewater treatment works. Fingal County Council, as contracting authority, will be required to demonstrate that the optimum solution is proposed, from both an environmental and economic perspective, and that it has been subjected to cost-effectiveness analysis.

Election Management System

Niall Collins

Question:

348 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legislation that sets out the appointment of returning officers and polling clerks for Dáil, local, European and Presidential elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35603/11]

Niall Collins

Question:

349 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of polling clerks employed at Dáil, local, European and Presidential elections, broken down per election, from 2002 to date in 2011. [35605/11]

Niall Collins

Question:

350 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of returning officers employed for Dáil, local, European and Presidential elections, broken down per election, from 2002 to date in 2011. [35606/11]

Niall Collins

Question:

351 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of polling clerks employed in the Dáil election in February 2011, broken down per constituency. [35607/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 to 351, inclusive, together.

The position in relation to the appointment of returning officers is as follows:

Section 30 of the Electoral Act, 1992 sets out the provisions relating to the appointment of returning officers for Dáil constituencies. Section 30(2) provides that where a constituency is situated wholly within one county or city the returning officer shall be the county registrar or the sheriff. Section 30(2) also provides that where a constituency is not situated wholly within one county or city the Minister may appoint a returning officer for the constituency. The appointed returning officer must be one of the county registrars or sheriffs from the counties concerned,

Sections 9 and 10 Presidential Elections Act 1993 set out the provisions relating to the appointment of returning officers at a Presidential election. Section 9 provides that the Minister shall appoint a person to be the Presidential returning officer and section 10 provides that the returning officer for a Dáil constituency shall be the local returning officer for that constituency for the purposes of a Presidential election,

Sections 15A, 16 and 17 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 set out the provisions relating to the appointment of returning officers at a European Parliament election. Section 15A provides that the Minister shall appoint a person to be the chief returning officer for the purposes of European Parliament elections. Section 17 provides that the local returning officer in each county or city shall be the county registrar or the sheriff and Section 16 provides that the Minister shall appoint one of the local returning officers from within the European Parliament constituency to be the returning officer for that constituency, and

Article 4 of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 provides that the clerk or secretary of a local authority shall be the returning officer for the purposes of local elections.

The position in relation to the appointment of polling clerks is as follows:

Section 95 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that the returning officer at a Dáil election is responsible for the appointment of presiding officers and poll clerks at a Dáil election,

Section 39 of the Presidential Elections Act 1993 applies the provisions of section 95 of the Electoral Act 1992 and provides that the local returning officer at a Presidential election is responsible for the appointment of presiding officers and poll clerks at a Presidential election,

Rule 57 of the Second Schedule of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 provides that the local returning officer at a European Parliament election is responsible for the appointment of presiding officers and poll clerks at a European Parliament election, and

Article 58 of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 provides that the returning officer at a local election is responsible for the appointment of presiding officers and poll clerks at a local election.

The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. The legislative framework outlined above determines the numbers of returning officers appointed in respect of any election. As electoral law provides that returning officers are responsible for the appointment of polling station staff, my Department does not keep records in relation to those appointments.

Planning Issues

Niall Collins

Question:

352 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of retail floor space caps in the retail planning guidelines, the review of the retail planning guidelines in general; when the reviews are due to be published and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35609/11]

In response to the requirement in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland for an economic analysis of the potential impact on competition and consumer prices of eliminating or relaxing the floorspace cap on retail premises, my Department and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation commissioned Forfás to undertake an evidence-based and focused study to analyse the potential economic impacts of eliminating the cap on the size of retail premises. I issued draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Retail Planning for public consultation on 21 November 2011 together with publishing the above mentioned Forfás study.

Waste Management

John McGuinness

Question:

353 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposals, if any, he is considering relative to the waste market here; if any review of this market will include discussions with all stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35626/11]

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. A public consultation designed to inform the policy development process concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. 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.

Motor Taxation

Dara Calleary

Question:

354 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has given consideration to a review of the current motor taxation system which is based on emission measurements in view of the fact that the NCT system now measures emission levels for all cars and that many pre-2008 cars have similar emission levels to those post-2008; his views that the current taxation system penalises those who cannot afford to change their cars owing to the current financial climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35712/11]

The question of applying the new CO2 based motor tax system to all cars was subject to detailed discussion during the debate on the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008. Any retrospection would not be possible, as the CO2 data for the pre-July 2008 car fleet were not authenticated for business purposes. Furthermore, it is my understanding that a test for CO2 emissions does not form part of the NCT test. The cost of any retrospection could be substantial were it possible, depending on how it applied, and could have direct implications for the revenue base of local government. Notwithstanding the above, the motor taxation system is kept under regular review in my Department.

Community Development

Dara Calleary

Question:

355 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the most up to date situation regarding the outstanding RAPID application submitted by the Ballina Area Implementation Committee County Mayo; and when he intends to make a decision on the matter. [35713/11]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

371 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of those towns that were approved funding for RAPID programmes to be initiated within them; the total cost of the projects that were identified; the funding arrangements that were put in place to meet the commitment at the time; the situation at present in relation to the programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35921/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 371 together.

I assume the questions refer to the decision to approve disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund for a once-off measure up to the value of €1.25m for the five new provincial towns incorporated under RAPID. These are Ballina, Dungarvan, Enniscorthy, Mullingar and Rathkeale.

Under Government Accounting procedures, disbursements on Dormant Accounts measures are paid in the first instance "up front" from a Department's Vote in the same way as with any other spending programme. The Dormant Accounts capital budget for my Department for 2011 is fully committed to existing projects and our priority in the light of that allocation must be to ensure that there is sufficient funding available to meet existing legal contractual commitments. Accordingly, the matter of progressing projects in the new RAPID towns to contract stage will be kept under active review in the light of availability of funding/ levels of expenditure across my Department's Vote during 2011 and into 2012.

Local Authority Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

356 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he has taken in his capacity with oversight and responsibility for public expenditure to ensure that local authority county managers are subject to the same new pay and pension terms as Secretaries General. [35186/11]

I understand that implementation of the new regime for city and county managers will require legislation. As part of the overall reform of local government, it is my intention that the new system will be in place before any future appointments as city or county manager are made. My Department is currently examining the legal and practical aspects of the changes required and I will bring forward legislative proposals as soon as possible.

Fire Services

Pearse Doherty

Question:

357 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Arainn Mhór Island, County Donegal, fire service only has two retained crew members when all other fire stations have a minimum of nine; his views that this situation is adequate; if so, when he will remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35727/11]

The provision of a fire service in County Donegal, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable is a statutory function of Donegal County Council under the provisions of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003. Accordingly, the issue of the fire service on Arainn Mhór is a matter for the Donegal fire authority.

I understand from Donegal County Council that a volunteer fire unit operates on Arainn Mhór. The unit is served by islanders operating on a voluntary basis, similar to other services such as the RNLI and the ambulance service which also operate on a voluntary basis on the island. I understand that Donegal County Council funds the training of the volunteer fire fighters and also pays two people on the island to manage the service. The volunteer service receives the same standard of training as retained fire fighters on the mainland and has access to modern equipment of a similar standard to that used on the mainland. I understand from the Council that a voluntary unit also operates on Oileán Thoraí. Although the level of callouts for these volunteer brigades is thankfully extremely low, I understand Donegal County Council is satisfied with the current arrangements.

Local Authority Services

Derek Keating

Question:

358 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the plans of Dublin local authorities to undertake a systematic programme of roadside drain cleaning and removal of the mounds of autumn leaves that are clogging up the water drains and also posing a risk to older persons; if he will appeal to householders to display some civic duty by cleaning up the autumn leaves from outside their homes; if he will make contact with the Dublin local authorities to draw to their attention the urgency of this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35735/11]

I have no function in relation to roadside drain cleaning and the removal of autumn leaves by the Dublin Local Authorities, which is a matter for those local authorities.

Regulatory Bodies

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

359 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he recognises the conflict of interests inherent in the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland while it represents and promotes registered architects, advises the Government on building issues and protects the consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35752/11]

The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has been designated as the registration body for persons wishing to use the title of architect in accordance with the provisions of the Building Control Act 2007. The function of a registration body under the Act is limited to such administrative actions as are necessary to establish and maintain the relevant registers. The Act does not confer any further representational or regulatory function on a designated registration body such as the RIAI.

The Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) was established under the Building Control Act 1990 to provide advice in relation to changes to the Building Regulations. The membership of BRAB is comprised of persons nominated by key public sector and private industry stakeholders. BRAB has no executive or decision making powers and fulfils its function by way of making recommendations for changes to the Building Regulations. All recommendations for changes to the Building Regulations are subject to full public consultation and rigorous regulatory impact analysis before they can be signed into law. I am satisfied that the statutory processes for the registration of architects and for the revision of the Building Regulations are conducted in an open and transparent manner.

Local Authority Charges

John Lyons

Question:

360 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legal basis for imposing the monthly penalty charge of €20 for arrears of the non-principal private residence charge in view of a claim by a property owner that was unaware of the existence of this charge and that at no stage were they informed of the charge by either him or the local authority; in cases in which late registration fees can run into several thousand euro, if there is a cap on the liabilities that can be applied; and, in such cases, if there is a mechanism by which a payment plan can be implemented. [35765/11]

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 provides the legislative basis for the €200 charge on non-principal private residences (NPPR), including the application of late payment fees. The Act places the onus on an owner of a residential property which is situated in the State to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance and there is no obligation on local authorities, who levy and collect the charge, to issue notifications or invoices.

Nationwide advertising took place in each year since the introduction of the charge in 2009 to ensure general awareness of the charge and the liability dates. In tandem, local authorities have undertaken their own advertising campaigns locally. Communications have also been issued to persons who paid the charge in respect of previous years reminding them of their possible liability for the charge.

Significant efforts are being made to ensure that property owners are aware of the charge and the liability dates. However, the charge is based on self assessment principles and it is a matter for persons with a liability to pay the charge by the due date to avoid late payment fees. The Act places the charge under the care and management of local authorities.

Departmental Programmes

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

361 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the spend to date in 2011 on the Leader programme. [35821/11]

A breakdown of expenditure for 2011 under the Axis 3 and Axis 4(LEADER) elements of the Rural Development Programme is set out in the table.

Rural Development Programme Measure

Expenditure 01/01/2011 to 17/11/2011

311

Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activity €1,146,150.45

312

Business Creation and Development €2,682,882.60

313

Encouragement of Tourism Activities €3,860,070.74

321

Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population €6,941,390.79

322

Village Renewal and Development €3,481,596.38

323

Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage €1,623,411.40

331

Training and Information €2,386,531.59

341

Skill Acquisition, animation and implementation of local development strategies €271,608.53

421

Implementing Cooperation Projects€525,284.36

431

Running the LAG€11,326,488.00

Total

€34,245,414.84

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

362 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give assurances that the money agreed for the Leader programme between 2007 and 2013 will be maintained. [35822/11]

Funding of €427m is available under Axes 3 and 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. In line with European policy the programme is permitted a further two years, to the end of 2015, to realise approved commitments as expenditure. In this context it remains the aim of my Department to provide adequate allocations on an annual basis to achieve full commitment by the end of 2013 and spend by end of 2015. However, all funding decisions related to programmes delivered by my Department will be made in the context of the overall national budgetary situation and will be dealt in the estimates process each year of the programme.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

363 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the infrastructure and capital investment plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35829/11]

The Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework, published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 10 November 2011, sets out the scale and sectoral allocation of Exchequer capital funding over the coming years. The capital investment allocated to my Department in the framework is as follows:

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total

€million861

€million726

€million575

€million574

€million574

€million3,310

This investment will allow progress to continue to be made across the capital programmes for which my Department is responsible, including housing, water services, rural development, fire, libraries and other services. Details of individual projects to be funded will be made available as part of programme management in the period to 2016, following completion of appraisal and planning procedures and the allocation of necessary funding.

Community Development

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

364 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to particular towns or villages throughout the country that appear to have suffered particularly from the current economic situation; if any consideration has been given to the introduction of a specific response such as upgrading of physical infrastructure or services in such a way as to attract possible investment; if any thought has been given to the possibility of initiating a competition in respect of architectural layout and/or the production of a strategic plan to address the issues needing attention with specific targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35846/11]

A wide range of property-based tax relief schemes was introduced up to the mid 2000s including town renewal and living over the shop schemes. While many important developments were encouraged by these schemes, independent reviews concluded that the tax costs of the initiatives were high relative to the outputs achieved and the Department of Finance is in the process of winding down existing schemes in light of the current economic climate and the ongoing legacy costs of such schemes to the Exchequer as investors use their reliefs and capital allowances.

Similarly, the Urban and Village Renewal Programme 2000-2006, through which grant assistance was provided by my Department to local authorities for a range of interventions to upgrade the fabric of the built environment in cities, towns and villages, ended in early 2008. That scheme involved total EU and Exchequer co-financed expenditure of over €158m. The 2007-2013 Urban and Village Regeneration Programme, administered by my Department, was deferred due to budgetary constraints.

Nonetheless, my Department remains committed to working with local government and other community development and enterprise stakeholders to ensure that a recovering economy will result in an even distribution of opportunity. In this regard there is a particular need to target, in an integrated way, urban areas which face particular problems resulting from both the economic downturn and investments in the past which did not facilitate the development of sustainable communities capable of benefiting from the period of high prosperity or coping with the subsequent downturn. Major regeneration programmes in Ballymun and Limerick together with a range of other remedial works schemes across the country are being prioritised to assist in addressing this deficit.

Local Authority Funding

Joan Collins

Question:

365 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it has been brought to his attention that the Sligo county manager told a meeting of Sligo County Council on 7 November 2011, that officials from the county council had meetings with senior civil servants from his Department to discuss the council’s financial difficulties, further that the county manager said that the county council had also been in written communication with his Department in regard to the council’s financial situation; the dates that meetings between his Department’s civil servants and council officials took place; the dates he received written communications from the county council regarding the council’s finances; the dates written communications issued from his Department to the county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35864/11]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 395 of 15 November 2011 in which I confirmed that my Department met with the County Manager of Sligo County Council on 18 October 2011 to discuss the financial position of the Council. My Department is in ongoing consultation with the Council in relation to its finances and a meeting with the Council's Head of Finance is scheduled for 24 November 2011. My Department received written communications from Sligo County Council regarding the Council's financial position on 16 September, 29 October, 1 November and 9 November 2011. My Department issued written communications regarding the Council's financial position on 26 October, 4 November and 17 November 2011.

Local Authority Charges

Niall Collins

Question:

366 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a rating authority by rating authority and national average breakdown of the commercial rates charged by each local authority at five year intervals since 1979 and to date in 2011. [35894/11]

Niall Collins

Question:

367 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a rating authority by rating authority and overall national breakdown of the total revenue collected through commercial rates in 2000, 2005 and 2010. [35895/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 367 together.

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

Local Authority Funding

Niall Collins

Question:

368 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a local authority by local authority and overall national breakdown of local authority revenue sources in 2010. [35896/11]

Audited local authority financial data for 2010 are not yet available. The audit of the 2010 local authority Annual Financial Statements is scheduled for completion by end March 2012. The information requested in respect of 2009 is set out in the table.

Authority Name

Commercial Rates

General Purpose Grant

Grant Income & Subsidies

Income from Goods & Services

Carlow

5,374,918

12,088,786

16,770,706

9,324,663

Cavan

9,803,683

18,787,538

26,858,264

11,745,791

Clare

35,610,968

15,643,482

34,668,383

24,973,765

Cork

100,501,571

51,707,370

88,671,712

84,204,021

Donegal

20,911,384

40,140,418

47,244,838

43,185,105

Fingal

128,955,984

30,404,698

23,995,906

77,589,916

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown

88,212,296

37,893,406

22,511,354

54,783,311

Galway

22,494,723

36,888,227

55,591,820

23,152,422

Kerry

18,066,275

26,467,914

44,603,940

34,101,964

Kildare

38,904,433

25,754,427

31,138,065

42,558,235

Kilkenny

11,415,160

20,020,063

24,072,013

18,658,553

Laois

8,917,227

17,580,306

18,643,563

21,713,193

Leitrim

4,600,260

14,820,652

16,934,560

7,230,103

Limerick

26,570,796

24,864,456

32,017,016

32,926,006

Longford

3,957,801

14,118,481

15,530,779

8,804,841

Louth

7,879,049

12,725,376

23,728,898

14,156,909

Mayo

13,756,717

36,485,182

52,276,262

32,319,638

Meath

21,524,342

27,601,149

23,569,265

24,700,142

Monaghan

6,207,910

15,103,838

25,052,161

12,574,431

North Tipperary

7,037,876

18,630,156

23,920,518

12,733,810

Offaly

7,640,652

16,242,587

20,475,709

15,725,509

Roscommon

10,330,451

21,346,851

25,450,253

15,228,412

Sligo

4,747,159

16,997,791

23,811,083

12,721,688

South Dublin

121,180,161

24,676,357

34,233,358

58,382,301

South Tipperary

7,714,681

22,788,742

23,829,927

14,893,012

Waterford

6,946,607

22,059,029

19,671,540

12,859,511

Westmeath

7,807,175

20,625,403

26,117,517

21,467,384

Wexford

16,563,297

21,219,345

30,621,871

33,142,165

Wicklow

16,574,472

19,927,896

23,731,559

28,156,187

Cork City

62,217,674

26,676,025

37,431,716

62,288,827

Dublin City

316,107,522

94,748,613

136,641,272

266,950,653

Galway City

33,168,472

8,830,378

21,132,948

28,102,684

Limerick City

30,298,778

11,066,322

19,216,279

19,341,476

Waterford City

18,128,622

8,057,442

15,596,632

21,946,720

Clonmel

4,651,034

3,295,919

1,548,034

7,390,792

Drogheda

11,888,285

4,792,618

1,867,943

10,795,775

Kilkenny

6,009,034

1,893,103

364,453

5,103,710

Sligo

7,369,547

3,142,285

5,711,465

5,564,022

Wexford

7,088,670

2,414,309

1,128,333

5,142,412

Arklow

3,184,059

1,634,046

580,542

3,888,269

Athlone

4,561,714

1,921,650

691,958

3,379,426

Athy

1,311,115

767,623

392,844

1,742,348

Ballina

3,605,209

1,661,367

188,502

1,669,030

Ballinasloe

1,616,989

922,868

235,528

1,545,710

Birr

1,244,333

848,636

199,199

835,289

Bray

6,773,847

4,806,455

1,420,333

7,231,001

Buncrana

1,361,814

981,474

179,896

934,031

Bundoran

1,051,283

600,818

126,304

814,174

Carlow

5,579,976

1,830,585

461,691

3,875,519

Carrick on Suir

778,445

1,164,428

521,044

2,115,359

Carrickmacross

1,333,080

619,836

191,969

399,227

Cashel

607,955

684,703

447,085

1,331,957

Castlebar

3,764,682

1,073,298

278,825

2,118,171

Castleblayney

807,785

506,845

125,577

396,902

Cavan

1,996,081

913,825

250,341

2,005,173

Clonakility

1,322,273

626,151

117,124

607,839

Clones

447,869

583,249

125,888

280,597

Cobh

893,276

1,254,730

132,706

976,324

Dundalk

14,095,551

5,297,358

1,813,608

11,632,570

Dungarvan

3,092,323

1,037,498

579,990

2,518,392

Ennis

5,187,102

2,461,593

738,024

3,846,092

Enniscorthy

1,633,836

1,261,252

161,154

2,185,339

Fermoy

1,087,537

874,010

154,442

1,282,512

Kells

627,255

502,483

95,293

992,692

Killarney

7,135,609

1,852,243

228,007

5,018,368

Kilrush

702,981

641,914

203,050

684,591

Kinsale

1,083,929

419,623

177,000

704,161

Letterkenny

5,693,021

1,176,732

367,353

1,907,942

Listowel

1,601,635

797,947

177,000

1,176,421

Longford

3,075,264

1,260,049

390,396

3,088,173

Macroom

898,580

629,484

126,000

555,713

Mallow

2,374,515

1,132,311

177,000

1,878,629

Midleton

1,846,256

572,788

113,668

953,172

Monaghan

3,264,821

1,185,952

179,483

1,982,438

Naas

6,351,336

1,484,499

514,425

3,614,735

Navan

2,347,852

582,061

326,579

2,765,239

Nenagh

3,343,844

1,140,363

177,137

1,652,078

New Ross

1,144,256

1,016,390

177,000

2,224,781

Skibbereen

1,075,348

450,895

137,472

360,400

Templemore

444,672

673,814

137,250

446,771

Thurles

2,255,258

1,015,429

409,986

2,080,657

Tipperary

1,285,139

871,488

617,252

1,803,778

Tralee

6,711,316

3,285,695

3,375,596

8,469,131

Trim

747,751

595,171

179,814

629,695

Tullamore

4,326,334

1,367,942

250,701

2,195,936

Westport

2,844,498

882,506

198,755

1,547,736

Wicklow

1,672,388

1,739,933

177,000

2,227,061

Youghal

1,393,276

1,163,499

643,534

1,475,538

1,408,720,936

909,302,445

1,136,053,238

1,344,687,140

Niall Collins

Question:

369 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a figure for total local government debt; the percentage it represents of overall national debt and the details and implementation of the EU-IMF programme of financial support on local government debt. [35897/11]

In 2009, the latest year for which audited information is available, loans payable by local authorities amounted to some €5.7bn. My colleague, the Minister for Finance, has responsibility for the national finances, including the national debt. In accordance with the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland, my Department is required to provide quarterly data on short, medium and long term local authority debt falling due over the following 36 months.

Local Authority Housing

Michael McGrath

Question:

370 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to reform the shared ownership scheme for those who bought affordable housing units under the scheme in the past; specifically, if any intended reform will address the inequity of the scheme whereby the rental equity value of the properties retained by local authorities have not been adjusted to reflect the reduced current market values; and if he will resolve the position whereby purchasers of affordable units under the scheme cannot remortgage their properties in view of the fact that the local authority retains a first charge on the property. [35919/11]

The Government's housing policy statement announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes, including the shared ownership scheme, in the context of a full review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. I expect that this review will include detailed analysis of the rental portion of the shared ownership scheme. Should legislative change be recommended as a result of the review, I will give consideration to appropriate measures in the context of the proposed Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, drafting of which was approved by Government on 26 July 2011.

Question No. 371 answered with Question No. 355.

Proposed Legislation

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

372 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the number of reports of metal being stolen from unoccupied houses, including central heating infrastructure, cables being removed from sites under construction for wind turbines, removal of road art at locations across the country, if he will consider introducing legislation to control the scrap metal industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35922/11]

Metal theft is a crime and is therefore a matter for An Garda Síochána in the first instance. On that basis, my Department does not collect data in relation to numbers of reported thefts. A stakeholder forum on metal theft has been set up by the Gardai and is working to produce a Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan. My Department is one of many stakeholders participating in the work of the Forum and will continue to play its part in supporting the work in this area led by the Gardai.

Regulation of the Scrap Metal industry is not a matter within my Department's remit. The regulation of waste activities is, of course, relevant to the industry. Such activities require authorisation in accordance with the Waste Management Act 1996; the terms of such authorisations are primarily derived from requirements of EU Directives on waste and specific waste streams such as end of life vehicles or electronic waste. Depending on the authorisation required, these activities are controlled either by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or by local authorities as competent authorities nominated by the State to implement such legislation. The purpose of these controls is to regulate the collection, recovery or disposal of waste in order to protect the environment.

Enforcement of waste legislation is a matter either for the EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) in relation to waste licences or for local authorities in relation to waste permits. The OEE operates an Enforcement Network to foster co-operation between the various public service bodies involved in the enforcement of environmental legislation, so that a higher and more consistent standard of enforcement is achieved throughout the country. Local authority enforcement staff are cooperating with Gardaí in relation to metal theft, and the enhancement of that cooperation is an issue that is being examined at the Metal Theft Forum.

I have asked my Department to examine waste licensing and permitting legislation to ensure all necessary provisions, particularly those relating to traceability, are in place to avoid situations that might be exploited by criminal elements. This examination is ongoing.

Community Development

Billy Kelleher

Question:

373 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received an application from Cork City Council for funding for the regeneration programme in Knocknaheeny, County Cork; the amount applied for; if funding will be put in place for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36163/11]

My Department is providing an allocation of €14 million to Cork City Council in 2011 for the delivery of two major regeneration projects at Knocknaheeny and the Glen. A major focus of the 2011 regeneration programme for the City Council has been to complete the review of the Knocknaheeny regeneration masterplan. This revised plan recently received support from both the City Council and the community and represents a significant step forward for the regeneration of the area.

The revised masterplan presents a much broader view, beyond a simple upgrading of the housing stock, to address the underlying issues of social exclusion and socio-economic disadvantage. This document, which encompasses the wider Hollyhill area, sets out an ambitious plan for the social, economic and physical regeneration of the area that will begin in earnest in 2012. This plan builds on the foundations of previous initiatives, including the redevelopment of Knocknaheeny Block D which delivered 78 refurbished dwellings, 42 new units and the well-known "drum" community centre.

I intend to make sufficient funding available under the 2012 allocations to ensure that real progress is made in implementing the revised plan. My Department will liaise closely with Cork City Council in the context of determining the work programme for 2012 and the associated necessary capital allocations, within the wider National Regeneration Programme.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

374 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money that was funded to a group water scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal under the CLÁR programme; if the funding allocated was based on per house or per connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36181/11]

The funding paid to the group water scheme concerned under the CLÁR programme totalled €384,725. This amount was based on the number of houses in the CLÁR area that connected to the scheme.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

375 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36226/11]

The information requested is set out in the table. My Department does not engage employment agencies to provide staff.

Name of State Agency

Name of Agency which provides staff

Services Provided

Number of Staff Provided

Cost per WTE €

Equivalent cost of permanent WTE employed €

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

Julia Ross

Cover to allow receptionist attend once-off in house training for all staff

1.00

65.74

68.46

Julia Ross

Cover to allow receptionist attend once-off in house training for all staff

1.00

98.61

102.70

LaCreme (Premier)

Assistance with establishment of Radon Road Shows and radon query management

1.00

2,407.99

1,970.04

LaCreme (Premier)

Assistance with changeover to new Financial Management System and debt collection

1.00

11,653.51

13,300.04

LaCreme (Premier)

Technician to assist with unprecedented demand for radon measurements following Waterford Radon Road Show

1.00

3,315.40

3,660.86

Local Government Management Agency

IT Alliance

ICT Expertise

1.00

133,100.00

75,701.00

IT Alliance

ICT Expertise

1.00

133,100.00

75,701.00

IT Alliance

ICT Expertise

1.00

125,114.00

75,701.00

Vantage Resources

ICT Expertise

1.00

106,480.00

75,701.00

Version 1 Software

Application Developer

1.00

122,452.00

75,701.00

PRTB

Adecco Recruitment

Data Entry

2.00

808.14 pw

444.17pw*

La Creme Recruitment

Data Entry

17.00

751.95pw

444.17pw*

*Does not include Employers PRSI Contribution

Motor Taxation

Robert Dowds

Question:

376 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the motor tax issue discussed as a matter on the Adjournment on 1 June 2011, namely the current practice of declaring vehicles as off the road for tax purposes. [36240/11]

I am concerned at the high level of off-the-road ("gapping") declarations being made and I am aware that current procedures governing the making of such declarations may be open to potential abuse. I intend to bring forward legislation to address the issue of off-the-road declarations.

Fire Services

Seán Kyne

Question:

377 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that fire service response time of one hour 45 minutes in part of south Connemara is contravening fire and safety best practice, in terms of national policy. [36286/11]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003. Accordingly, the issue of fire services mobilisation and response in South Connemara is a matter for the Galway fire authority.

Fire services for Galway city and county are delivered by Galway County Council on the basis of an agreement between the two local authorities. The Galway city brigade is staffed by 36 full-time firefighters with backup from rostered and retained city firefighters. The brigade covers the city and areas west of it, including south Connemara. Fire cover in all the other brigade areas is provided by the retained staffing system.

A review of fire services in Galway is being undertaken by Galway County Council. This review, which is being conducted throughout the city and county, including the south Connemara region, is being informed by an integrated risk management analysis. The output from the analysis is intended to inform local decision-making on the effective deployment and use of resources, with a view to ensuring an appropriate balance between prevention, protection and response measures.

My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of training support, the issue of guidance on operational and other related matters and through the provision of capital funding. National guidance on a wide variety of community fire safety issues is being developed by the Department's national directorate for fire and emergency management in collaboration with fire services. It is expected that this Guidance will be of assistance to Galway County Council in the work that is under way.

The key approach to ensuring the safety of communities from fire, including those who live in the more remote areas of the country, is the provision of smoke alarms in all dwellings, and ensuring that these are working to give early warning of fire to those who may be in a building where there is a fire.

Seán Kyne

Question:

378 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will meet the Galway county manager to discuss the provision of fire services, in view of the seriousness of the issue and in view of the budget preparations currently under way at county council level and at departmental level. [36287/11]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003.

I have not received a request to meet with the County Manager from Galway on the provision of fire services or related budgetary matters. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of training support, the issue of guidance on operational and other related matters and through the provision of capital funding.

A primary concern of my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is the development of consistent and effective fire services to keep communities safe from fire and other emergencies. Value for money is also a key concern and future developments, including investment in infrastructure, will need to be brought to fruition within tighter resource constraints.

Further support from the Department's fire services capital programme for Galway County Council in the period ahead will have regard to the council's priorities, the extent of previous investment, the value for money offered by proposals, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands from fire authorities countrywide.

Library Projects

Brendan Smith

Question:

379 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be provided for a project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36350/11]

In 2008, local authorities were asked to provide details of their priority projects for library development within their areas. In its response, Monaghan County Council identified Carrickmacross branch library as its main priority. In July 2011, following detailed consideration of the high number of applications on the priority lists submitted by all local authorities, a new capital programme for public libraries amounting to €6.3 million in 2011, was announced. Unfortunately, in view of the overriding need to ensure deliverability of selected projects and in order to make optimum use of the limited capital funds available, it was not possible to allocate funds to Monaghan County Council for the Carrickmacross branch library project.

Local Authority Housing

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

380 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has issued guidelines to local authorities instructing that houses that were originally purchased by tenants from local authorities under the tenant purchase scheme are not eligible for the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36351/11]

Under the terms of the tenant purchase schemes provided for in the Housing Act 1966 and related Regulations, dwellings are sold to tenants at significant discounts. A special condition is attached that the dwelling must be occupied as a normal place of residence by the purchaser or a family member for 20 years from date of purchase, unless the housing authority otherwise allows. If a tenant purchaser, within 20 years of purchase, wishes to rent out the house either on the private market or through the Rental Accommodation Scheme, consent of the local authority is therefore necessary. My Department has not issued any guidelines to local authorities instructing them to exclude tenant purchase houses generally from RAS.

Water Services

Seán Kyne

Question:

381 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Oughterard waste water treatment plant; his views of the importance of this treatment plant in view of the status attached to Lough Corrib as a special area of conservation and its use as the source of drinking water for Galway city. [36356/11]

The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Galway. The Oughterard Sewerage Scheme is included in the Programme amongst the list of contracts in the county to start in the period 2010-2012. The inclusion of the scheme in the current Water Services Investment Programme reflects the importance attached to this scheme by my Department.

My Department received Galway County Council's revised Design Review Report for the Oughterard Sewerage Scheme in late October 2011. This report is currently being considered in my Department and a reply will issue to Galway County Council as soon as possible. Once approved by my Department, the Council can then proceed with the preparation of contract documents for the scheme.

Planning Issues

Seán Kyne

Question:

382 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views of An Taisce’s use of State money to lodge objections (details supplied) to planning applications in the Connemara region. [36357/11]

My Department does not provide funding to An Taisce to fund the making of submissions or observations on, or the lodgment of objections, to planning applications. My Department provides funding to An Taisce specifically to support their involvement in the County Development Plan process and to help educate the public about planning matters generally. The level of funding has declined from €72,000 in 2010 to €20,000 in 2011 reflecting an increasing awareness amongst the public of their rights and opportunities for participation in the planning process as provided for under the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the Aarhus Convention). My Department also provides funding to An Taisce for a number of successful environmental education and awareness raising initiatives such as National Spring Clean; Green Schools initiative; and the Blue Flag Awards.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

383 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or previous Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36953/11]

There are no former Attorneys General serving on the boards of Agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Residency Permits

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

384 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he was consulted regarding correspondence from his Department to the Health Service Executive, HSE, and directed to all HSE managers regarding a new stamp O to be introduced from 1 December for non-EEA nationals who have leave to remain in Ireland requiring them to hold private medical insurance and prohibiting them from receiving State benefits including public health care; if he has considered the implications for the health and welfare of those concerned and for public health generally; if he has considered the implications for HSE staff tasked with implementing same; if he approved this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36060/11]

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service recently notified other relevant government departments and the HSE of the proposed introduction of an additional immigration stamp, namely Stamp 0. The introduction of Stamp 0 is simply an administrative change to the immigration stamps and there is no change in policy nor any change in legislation regarding immigration permissions. I am informed that this has since been confirmed to the HSE.

Stamp 0 indicates a temporary and limited permission. It is intended to cater for some of the exceptions thrown up by the immigration system and to provide some additional flexibility. While its use is not expected to be widespread, it does provide in some cases, an alternative to refusal of immigration permission. It could include, for example, such persons as:

a service provider sent to Ireland by an overseas company to carry out a particular task.

Special humanitarian cases — e.g where a visitor becomes ill and a family member stays on in Ireland to assist with their recuperation.

The introduction of this additional category is designed to facilitate visitors who wish to remain in the State beyond the normal 90 days entry permission. Moreover it does not impose any additional burden on either the migrants or visitors to which it applies nor to staff in the HSE or other service providers.

The reason for writing to service providers, including the HSE, is twofold. Firstly it is to let the relevant officials know that a Stamp 0 is a legitimate immigration category, in case a foreign national presents with it, and secondly to provide some background as to the circumstances in which it might be obtained. This Department does not determine eligibility for public services on the basis of immigration category. Such matters are for the relevant bodies to decide. However, if a person is granted a temporary and limited permission to be in Ireland and it was granted on the basis that they would be self sufficient it should be of assistance to service providers in deciding any issues of eligibility. The requirement to hold private medical insurance is consistent with the self sufficiency requirement.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

385 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the correct procedure to be followed to facilitate a change of their name in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35434/11]

The person referred to by the Deputy has sought to have her personal details changed on my Department's records and this request is under consideration at present. The person concerned will be notified in writing once this consideration has been completed.

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:

386 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when stamp 4 will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35435/11]

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy is a dependant of non-EEA national parents of a child born in Ireland before 1 January, 2005 who were granted permission to remain in the State under the provisions of the IBC/05 Scheme. I am further advised that she was registered by the Garda National Immigration Bureau on stamp 2A conditions on 22 June, 2011 for a 6 month period. I should add that it is open to dependants at age 16 to seek permission to remain in the State on Stamp 4 conditions in line with that granted to their parents. In the circumstances, I would advise that the person concerned write to the IBC Unit of the INIS at PO Box 10003 to seek such permission.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by Email 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 this 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:

387 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to facilitate an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35436/11]

I am informed by the Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INIS) that the person concerned was granted a ‘Without Condition As To Time' stamp on the 14 April 2010 which was endorsed on her national passport. The person concerned was advised at the time to attend her local Registration Office to complete the necessary registration requirements as required under the Immigration Act, 2004 and to facilitate the issue to her of a new Certificate of Registration. The person concerned has not attended her local immigration office to receive a new Certificate of registration and should do so at her earliest convenience. It is essential that these requirements are fulfilled to ensure that the presence of the person in the State is in compliance with the permission granted by the Minister.

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:

388 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if stamp 4 has been processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the current and/or expected residency status of the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35437/11]

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy is the sibling of an Irish born child of non-EEA parents born in the State prior to 1 January, 2005. Under the direction of the INIS the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of family dependency by the local Immigration Officer on 20 April, 2011, and this permission is currently valid until 18 January, 2014. I should add that a written request has been received by the INIS in connection with a variation of the name of the person concerned and I understand that he will be written to shortly for additional information regarding same.

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.

Departmental Reports

Mattie McGrath

Question:

389 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has finalised his report on the criminal justice aspects of the cash for gold trade; when this report will be published and made available to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35442/11]

My Department is finalising a report on criminal justice aspects of the "Cash for Gold" trade and this report will be submitted to me shortly for consideration. Following consideration of the report I will make an assessment as to what, if any, action, legislative or otherwise, may be required. I will, in due course, make known the report's findings and any proposals which may arise.

Residency Permits

Sandra McLellan

Question:

390 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider extending the visas of US citizens residing here from one year to five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35446/11]

Under national immigration arrangements, permission to reside in the State is normally granted to a non-EEA national for 12 months at a time and on a renewable basis. Longer periods may also be allowed to migrants who have been granted long term residence. While Ireland enjoys a particularly close relationship with the United States of America, there would be no valid basis for departing from the normal arrangements for one particular nationality. Such an approach could also be open to legal challenge. I should also point out that I am not aware of any country which extends a concession of this nature to Irish citizens.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

391 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will issue on an application for leave to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35471/11]

The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on 27 September, 2005 for a 2 year period, under the Revised Arrangements applicable to the non-EEA national parents of Irish born children born in the State before 1 January, 2005, more commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. This permission to remain was renewed in 2007 and again in 2010. A decision by INIS to grant the person concerned permission to remain in the State for a further 3 years was recently conveyed in writing to him on 14 November, 2011. He should now register with his local Garda Immigration Officer.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by Email 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.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

392 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35517/11]

Neither my Department, the Irish Prison Service nor Financial Shared Services lease any servers. The management of servers within agencies of my Department currently not availing of the IT Shared Service is an operational matter for the agencies concerned and is not a function for which I have responsibility.

Denis Naughten

Question:

393 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35533/11]

My Department's IT Division provides a centralised IT Shared Service to approximately 2,000 direct customers in the Department across 27 national and international locations using 234 servers (both physical and virtual). The capacity of individual servers varies widely depending on the role and function of that server. In general the servers behind the Shared Service would have a cumulative capacity of between 30 and 60 terabytes depending on configuration and deployment.

Capacity can be supplemented by Storage Area Networks. Hardware maintenance costs for these servers currently amount to approx €30,000 per annum. The steps being taken to reduce these costs include an ongoing process of virtualisation of physical servers with resultant savings in energy costs. This work will continue with additional virtual servers being deployed as physical servers require replacement. An Enterprise Architectural Review will be undertaken to seek further consolidation of services across the Department and the wider Justice Sector.

In addition to the IT Shared Service, two areas of my Department maintain a separate IT infrastructure. Financial Shared Services in Killarney, which obtains its own desktop services from the Shared Service, operates a payroll and payments system using 34 servers with a capacity of 17 terabytes. Hardware maintenance costs for these servers currently amount to approx €24,000 per annum.

The Irish Prison Service has 169 servers. Given the timescale it has not been possible to get the individual capacity of each machine however the total aggregated storage capacity across all IPS servers is 21 TB. Irish Prison Service has no maintenance costs as all servers are covered under warranty. The management of servers within agencies of my Department currently not availing of the IT Shared Service is an operational matter for the agencies concerned and is not a function for which I have responsibility.

Departmental Reports

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

394 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to implement the recommendations of the An Garda Síochána training and development review group report, without delay. [35569/11]

The Garda Síochána Training and Development Review Group Report forms part of the Croke Park agreement which sets out that An Garda Síochána "will constructively engage in the enhancement of Garda training, in line with the Report of the Training and Development Review." Implementation of the recommendations of the Report is ongoing.

Garda Operations

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

395 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to request the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to examine the practices, policies and procedures of the Garda when policing public order situations, including the manner in which training is translated into practice in the management of incidents of crowd protest or civil disobedience by groups or persons. [35570/11]

The preservation of peace and public order is one of the core functions of the Garda Síochána and the management of this function in situations of crowd protest or civil disobedience requires, among other factors, skilled personnel to ensure the safety of all concerned. I am informed by the Garda authorities that public order training forms part of the Garda student/probationer training programme with additional specialist training provided for members selected for duty with Divisional and regional public order units.

Further training is provided for officers in the management of incidents requiring the deployment of public order units. In recognition of the sophisticated response which is required in handling situations relating to crowd protest or civil disobedience, the comprehensive training provided by An Garda Síochána includes nine separate elements from Garda induction to the supervision and tactical command of such incidents.

I understand that Gardaí training generally, which includes training to handle public order situations, was reviewed by the Garda Síochána Training and Development Group in 2008. Implementation of the recommendations of the Report is ongoing and forms part of the Garda Síochána commitments contained in the Croke Park agreement.

In view of the process which is already underway under the Croke Park agreement in relation to this matter, I do not propose, at this point in time, to request the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to examine Gardaí Síochána practices, policies and procedures concerning the policing of public order situations and training under section 106 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 . I will, of course, keep the matter under review, and I will consider carefully the views of GSOC. I would also point out that there is no impediment to GSOC independently investigating any individual complaints concerning Garda misconduct in public order situations.

Proposed Legislation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

396 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will amend the law to include appropriate safeguards in which inferences are drawn from silence. [35571/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, there are already a number of safeguards covering the exercise by the accused of his or her right to silence, in the limited number of circumstances where an inference may be drawn from such silence. In particular, a person must be cautioned in ordinary language as to the possible consequences of his or her failure to answer questions from which inferences can be drawn and a person may not be convicted solely or mainly on the basis of such inferences.

My Department is currently finalising regulations to give effect to sections 9 to 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 2011, which was signed into law on 2 August 2011. The existing safeguards will be further enhanced by providing that an inference may not be drawn unless the accused was informed of his or her right to consult a solicitor and, except where he or she waived that right, was afforded an opportunity to so do, before the failure to answer a question occurred. Previously the statutory requirement was that the accused had been afforded a "reasonable opportunity" to consult a solicitor. I am satisfied that with these amendments which reflect Garda practice, all the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure our compliance with the relevant provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Court Procedures

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

397 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to repeal sections 21 to 24 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, concerning secret detention hearings.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35572/11]

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the procedures introduced by the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 whereby judges dealing with applications to extend the detention of suspects may hear particular information from members of the Garda Síochána in the absence of the suspect and legal representatives. The 2009 amendments are intended to protect sensitive information relating to criminal investigations that may be required to be disclosed at ‘extension of detention' hearings.

The procedure is subject to judicial supervision and is circumscribed by clear statutory guidelines according to which the judge may only exercise his or her discretion to exclude certain persons where it is in the public interest; the particular evidence must concern steps taken, or to be taken, in the investigation of the detained person's or another person's involvement in the offence concerned, or any other offence; and the nature of the evidence must be such that the giving of it could prejudice in a material way the conduct of the investigation. Having heard the information, the judge may direct that it be re-given in open court if satisfied that to re-give it in this way would not, in fact, prejudice the investigation. I am satisfied, having consulted with the Garda Commissioner, that these amendments continue to have a role to play in the fight against organised crime. Consequently, I have no plans to repeal these provisions.

Garda Complaints Procedures

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

398 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to eradicate delays in the handling of complaints by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and, if necessary, allocate additional resources. [35573/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

434 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the staffing issues within the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; his further plans to lift the recruitment embargo that applies to the GSOC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35674/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 434 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the moratorium on Public Service Recruitment continues to apply to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The nature and complexity of the GSOC's remit, coupled with operational protocols and procedures and its legislative obligations, can at times result in lengthy investigations. However, it is necessary that GSOC complies with such protocols, procedures and obligations so as to ensure proportionate investigations which are fair and equitable to all parties.

GSOC monitors its operational procedures and work processes with a view to constant improvement and adherence to best practice. GSOC's 2010 Annual Report records that it had approximately 150 less cases on hands at the conclusion of that year than in January 2010. GSOC has suggested some legislative proposals in the interest of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation. I have asked my officials to examine these and to revert to me with an assessment of the proposals following consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Deaths in Prison Custody

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

399 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to put in place an independent system for the investigation of deaths in prison. [35574/11]

All deaths in prison custody are the subject of a Garda investigation and an inquest held in a Coroner's Court. The cause of death is determined by a jury on the basis of the information presented to the Court. There are also procedures in place within the Irish Prison Service for the investigation of deaths in custody. New procedures have been drawn up which will be supported by changes to the Prison Rules. Investigations will be conducted by independent persons who will undertake an investigation into all deaths in prison. The Irish Prison Service has, on an administrative basis, put in place an independent process for the investigation of deaths in prison in advance of the matter being placed on a statutory footing. This independent investigative system has been in place since March 2011.

Proposed Legislation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

400 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce human rights-compliant amendments to inquest procedures in the form of a new Coroners Bill. [35575/11]

The Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative. The Bill is in the course of being reviewed in my Department with a view, among other matters, to making it as cost-effective as possible. The Bill, as published, provides for the comprehensive reform of the existing legislation and structures relating to coroners and provides for the establishment of a new Coroner Service.

The Bill incorporates many of the recommendations made by the Coroners Review Group in 2000 and the Coroners Rules Committee in 2003. It also has regard to developments since in terms of jurisprudence and to ongoing reform of coroner services in other common law jurisdictions. The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides for some early reforms in coronial matters, including an amalgamation of the Dublin County and City coronial districts.

Human Trafficking

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

401 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give consideration to extending beyond 60 days the period during which a victim of trafficking may recover and reflect on the desirability of co-operating with the appropriate authorities. [35576/11]

The provision of a recovery and reflection period for victims of human trafficking is required by Article 13 of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. While Article 13 specifies a recovery and reflection period of at least 30 days, my Department's Administrative Immigration arrangements for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking provides for a recovery and reflection period of 60 days. Furthermore, where the victim is under 18 years of age, a recovery and reflection period greater than 60 days may be granted with regard to the arrangements that are in place for the care and welfare of the child. I am advised that these arrangements are appropriate and as such I have no plans for further modifications at this point.

Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

402 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will establish a comprehensive framework for the rehabilitation of torture survivors. [35577/11]

I have no plans to establish a comprehensive framework for the rehabilitation of torture survivors.

Domestic Violence

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

403 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will amend the Domestic Violence Act 1996 to include clear criteria to grant safety and barring orders and extend eligibility to all parties who are or have been in an intimate relationship regardless of cohabitation, in line with internationally recognised best practice. [35578/11]

The Deputy will be aware that significant reforms to the Domestic Violence Act 1996 have been introduced over the last two years. The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 allows civil partners to apply for a safety order or a barring order subject to the same rules as a spouse. Further reforms were introduced by me in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011.

That Act removed the minimum required period of cohabitation before one of a cohabiting couple may apply for a safety order (previously, the applicant was required to have resided with the respondent for at least six of the previous twelve months) and gave equal access to the protections of the Domestic Violence Act to opposite-sex and same-sex couples (the relevant provision previously referred only to couples "living together as husband and wife"). The 2011 Act also widened the scope of section 2 of the 1996 Act, which specifies who may apply for a safety order, to enable a person to obtain a safety order against a person with whom they have a child in common. This is the only exception to the general rule that the protections available under the Domestic Violence Acts are for the benefit of persons who have lived together in the same household.

Where persons have been in an intimate relationship but have not cohabited, and where one of them is threatened, harassed, intimidated or otherwise put in fear by the other person, the criminal code applies. In particular, a court may make an order under section 10 of the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 directing that other person to cease the behaviour complained of.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation to address all aspects of domestic violence, threatened violence and intimidation, in a way that provides protection to victims. The commitment will be progressed as soon as possible having regard to the need for consultations and the need to dispose of urgent legislative matters in my Department under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for the State.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

404 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will allow migrant women with dependant immigration status who are experiencing domestic violence to be afforded independent status under legislation and be facilitated to access the labour market and-or the social welfare system. [35579/11]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that at present the situation with regard to Non-EEA women in the situation outlined by the Deputy is that each applicant is dealt with on a case by case basis and independent status is granted where the known circumstances of the case warrant it. In considering the circumstances of each such application every effort is made to ensure that the most appropriate permission stamp is granted consistent with overall public policy and the requirement to ensure that the integrity of the immigration system is upheld.

Departmental Bodies

Jack Wall

Question:

405 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a security licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35601/11]

The Private Security Authority is the regulatory body with responsibility for the regulation and licensing of the security industry in Ireland. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department and so I have no involvement in the processing of private security licences. However, I understand that the Authority will be in touch with the individual concerned in an effort to resolve this matter.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

406 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to close any agencies or bodies connected to his Department; the reasons for these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35643/11]

I refer the Deputy to the Public Service Reform Plan published by the Government on 17 November 2011 — this may be accessed via www.per.gov.ie. This deals, inter alia, with the rationalisation of State Agencies. In so far as my Department is concerned, it is proposed to merge the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission to form a new Human Rights and Equality Commission. The purpose of this change is to promote human rights and equality issues in a more effective, efficient and cohesive way.

It is also proposed to merge the Equality Tribunal into a single agency under the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation along with the Labour Court, Labour Relations Commission, Employment Appeals Tribunal and National Employment Rights Authority. The rationale for this is that the overwhelming majority of cases that come before the Equality Tribunal relate to employment matters.

Prison Accommodation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

407 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to end overcrowding at Cork Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35644/11]

I can inform the Deputy that on 18 November, 2011, there were a total of 290 prisoners in custody in Cork prison compared to a bed capacity of 272. As I said last week in my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 196 and 197 on 16 November, 2011, the Government remains very much committed to addressing the twin problems of overcrowding and poor physical conditions particularly in Mountjoy and Cork prisons. The Deputy can be assured that the need to improve conditions in Cork Prison will form a significant element of the Prison Service's strategy.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

408 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to end the imprisonment of children at St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin; the timeframe he will use to meet this commitment as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35645/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

409 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to proceed with the national children’s detention facility, Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35646/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the children detention schools under Part 10 of the Children Act, 2001 will shortly transfer to my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The Children Act, 2001 allows for 16 and 17 year old males to be detained in St. Patrick's Institution until such time as sufficient places are provided under the children detention school model. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the practice of sending children to St. Patrick's Institution. It is the Government's intention that this practice will end when accommodation is available in the children detention schools in Oberstown, County Dublin through the development of new national children detention facilities at that site. Design work for the project to develop the additional capacity required in Oberstown is at an advanced stage and planning approval is in place.

The Government remains committed to ending the use of St. Patrick's Institution for the detention of 16 and 17 year old males. To this end, the Irish Youth Justice Service has been tasked with progressing the design work and tender documentation for the project during 2012. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and I are in consultations with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the funding of the subsequent construction stage of the project with a view to allowing the project to proceed to tender when the necessary preparations have been completed.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

410 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to set safe custody limits for each prison in line with the recommendations of the inspector of prisons. [35647/11]

The Inspector of Prisons recognised that in certain areas prisons will not be able to comply with all of his recommendations in the short term. As long as there is overcrowding and limitations on resources there will be difficulties in achieving full implementation.

As the Deputy will appreciate the Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the Courts into its custody and does not have the option of refusing committals. There has been a consistent increase in the total prisoner population in Ireland over recent years, with dramatic increases in the number of sentenced prisoners, those being committed on remand and a trend towards longer sentences. The problem of prison overcrowding therefore remains a challenging issue which unfortunately cannot be resolved overnight.

I share the view of the Thornton Hall Review Group that decisive action is required on a number of fronts in order to address the problem of overcrowding and poor physical conditions particularly in Mountjoy and Cork Prisons. Whilst the reduced capital envelope this year will not allow the Prison Service to proceed with the construction of the Thornton Hall or Kilworth prisons, this does not signal a reversal of the Government's decision earlier this year to approve in principle the recommendations contained in the Thornton Hall Review Group Report. It has been necessary to defer the commencement of these projects but the Deputy can be assured that it is my strong intention to revisit the timeframe for their delivery in 12 months time.

Temporary Release of Prisoners

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

411 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to reform parole and temporary release processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35648/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

416 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will implement a policy of structured release of non-violent, low risk offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35653/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 416 together.

The Criminal Justice Act 1960, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003 provides that sentenced prisoners may be approved temporary release. This discretionary instrument assists in gradually preparing suitable offenders for release and in administering short sentences, and is an incentive to well-behaved prisoners.

Temporary release arrangements operate similarly to a system of parole, which is a feature of prison systems worldwide. They are an important vehicle for re-integrating an offender into the community in a planned way. The generally accepted view is that the risk to the community is reduced by planned re-integration of offenders compared with their return to the community on the completion of their full sentence. The Irish Prison Service has also judiciously used temporary release as a means of reducing numbers in times of serious overcrowding. Each case is examined on its own merits and the safety of the public is paramount when decisions are made. In addition, all releases are subject to conditions, which in the vast majority of cases include a requirement to report on a regular basis to the offender's Garda Station. Of course, any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí.

A number of key recommendations contained in the Thornton Hall Review Group Report are receiving priority attention in my Department and many are in the process of being implemented most notably the introduction of an incentivised scheme for earned temporary release under which offenders who pose no threat to the community are offered early temporary release in return for supervised community service. In this regard, a six month pilot project commenced in October 2011 in which it is envisaged that a total of 130 prisoners will participate. To date, 31 prisoners have been released under the scheme.

Prison Accommodation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

412 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase use of open prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35649/11]

The objectives of open centres are to provide a place of detention aimed at the rehabilitation of offenders. Open centres have a regime that includes education, training and work which encourages a sense of personal responsibility and self respect in order to assist prisoners leading law-abiding lives on their return to the community. The profile of open centres generally include either low risk offenders, who are serving short sentences for minor offences, or offenders nearing the end of longer sentences whose transfers have been approved as part of a sentence management programme.

There are currently two such centres in the prison estate. The bed capacity and population as at 21 November 2011 are outlined in the following table.

Open Centre

Bed Capacity

Current Population

Loughan House

160

110

Shelton Abbey

110

97

The Deputy will be aware that the Thornton Hall Review Group's recommendations envisaged the incorporation of secure step-down facilities which will provide an open centre regime within the perimeter walls of both institutions. Whilst the reduced capital envelope this year will not allow the Prison Service to proceed with the construction of Thornton Hall or Kilworth prisons, this does not signal a reversal of the Government's decision earlier this year to approve in principle the recommendations contained in the Thornton Hall Review Group Report.

It has been necessary to defer the commencement of these projects but the Deputy can be assured that it is my strong intention to revisit the timeframe for their delivery in 12 months time. In the meantime, the development of further open centre spaces will be considered by the Irish Prison Service under the 5-year Capital Strategy which is currently being developed.

Prison Medical Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

413 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase levels of investment in prison health and drug treatment over the lifetime of the Government; if he will commit to maintaining current levels of investment in prison health and drug treatment; if he will increase investment in reintegration support and resettlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35650/11]

The Prison Service provides prisoners with the same standard of health care as members of the public who hold a medical card. Prisoners receive care through the primary care system (involving doctors, nurses and other in-reach health care professionals) which is delivered in each prison setting.

The Irish Prison Service continues to seek to enhance and expand health care services across the prison system. One such example is the opening of a High Support Unit in Mountjoy Prison in December 2010 with plans in train to establish similar units in other prisons. In parallel with that development, additional Drug Free Units will be coming on stream.

A critical component of prison health care is community links to services. The Irish Prison Service strives to improve these linkages as it is acknowledged that they are essential in providing effective throughcare and discharge planning bearing in mind that prisoners will at some stage return to the communities from which they came. Effective links in community settings ensure safe handover of care and help to reduce risk to both the prisoner and the community at large.

Violence in Prisons

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

414 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the increase in violence in prisons here; his plans to reduce these occurrences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35651/11]

No level of inter prisoner violence is acceptable. Every effort is made by prison staff and management to limit the scope of acts of violence. However, no regime can completely eliminate the possibility of violent incidents happening in a prison setting where a large number of dangerous and violent offenders are being held.

When you consider that in 2010 the Irish Prison Service provided over 1.5 million (4,290 x 365) bed nights to predominantly young males, the number of assaults on prisoners, particularly those using a weapon, was comparatively low. There were a total of 1014 incidents of violence among prisoners during the year and this includes very minor incidents. This amounts to an average of 2.5 incidents a day among a population of more than 4,300. Moreover, attacks by prisoners on prisoners are not usually random acts of violence — they are related to matters on the outside such as drug debts, gang rivalry, etc.

The Irish Prison Service have also successfully introduced a number of measures across the prison estate such as handheld metal detectors, netting over prison yards, BOSS chairs and security screening machines to detect and prevent weapons from entering the prison to further limit the scope of acts of violence.

Fines Act

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

415 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he envisages the full commencement of the Fines Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35652/11]

The majority of the Fines Act 2010 has been commenced and I recently announced in the context of the capital estimates that funding will be made available during 2012 for the full implementation of the remaining sections. It is important to note that Section 14 of the Act which was commenced earlier this year, for the first time places an obligation on the court to take account of a person's financial circumstances before deciding on the amount of a fine, if any, to be imposed.

Implementation work is continuing on two key sections of the Act. Section 15 provides for the payment of fines by instalment. There are a number of practical and technical issues to be addressed to commence this provision. The current system of payment allows only for a single payment in respect of each fine to be made within a specified period and this payment is recorded on the Courts Service IT system, the Criminal Case Tracking System (CCTS). In order to allow for a fine to be paid by instalments over a year or in certain circumstances longer, as the Act provides, it is necessary for the system to be substantially modified to allow for the payment of instalments and to ensure that such instalments are accurately recorded and tracked.

Earlier this year I met with the Courts Service management and informed them of this Government's commitment to ensuring that payment by instalments is introduced as speedily as possible. The Courts Service has now reported to me that work has commenced on the development of the specifications of the necessary changes required to the CCTS to facilitate implementation. The Service has also established a Project Board to oversee the development of the CCTS enhancements. It will take approximately 12 months to complete the administrative and technical modifications required.

Section 16 of the 2010 Act will require a judge, consequent on determining that a fine is to be imposed, to make an order appointing an ‘approved person', commonly referred to as a receiver, to recover the fine in the event of default.

The Courts Service is engaged in discussions with the Revenue Sheriffs, who have relevant experience through their work in the recovery of outstanding tax liabilities on behalf of the State, with a view to Sheriffs being nominated as approved persons. Again, some IT enhancements will be necessary in order to allow for the electronic transfer of recovery orders and data exchange with the receivers. This work will take approximately six months to complete and will be done concurrently with the other enhancement works already mentioned.

Question No. 416 answered with Question No. 411.

Community Service Orders

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

417 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to monitor implementation of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2011; the number of times that this has been used across the courts; the number of community service orders used in which the individual would otherwise have received a custodial sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35654/11]

The Probation Service of my Department has responsibility for the supervision and management of Community Service Orders in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 as amended by the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2011. This work, inter alia, involves providing assessment reports to the Courts and managing the completion of the Orders by offenders. The use of community service orders generally is monitored but the Courts are independent in exercising their functions.

I can provide for comparison purposes the following detail on the numbers of Community Service Orders supervised in 2010 and 2011:

Period Orders Made

2010

2011

Up to end September

1,439

2,212

1 to 31 October

197

269

1 October to 10 November

227

345

As the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2011 came into effect on 1 October last, it is not possible to make any real comparison at this stage. The Probation Service is however confident, if current usage trends continue, of a significant increase in the use of community service over and above previous years. The alternative to a Community Service Order is a custodial sentence.

Human Rights Issues

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

418 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that immigration detention contravenes international human rights standards; and his plans to end this practice. [35655/11]

It is not clear if the Deputy is referring to a specific area of immigration law. There are a wide range of offences within the overall legislative framework dealing with immigration and asylum, some of which may result in detention. Also, there is no general prohibition on immigration related detention in international human rights law that I am aware of.

This State, like every other sovereign state, has immigration laws to ensure that it can exercise control over who enters our country and for what purposes. Our courts have reviewed various aspects of immigration laws over the years, including the power to detain persons for breaches of those laws, and it is beyond doubt that this State is entitled to and is obliged to take responsibility for the control of immigration. In certain circumstances that will involve detaining a person. However, the Deputy can be assured that such provisions are only used as a measure of last resort.

The European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 requires every organ of the State to perform its functions in a manner compatible with the State's obligations under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. That Convention protects the liberty of every person but does acknowledge that there may be a lawful arrest and detention of a person in accordance with a procedure prescribed by law to prevent his effecting an unauthorised entry into the country or of a person against whom action is being taken with a view to deportation or extradition.

It should also be pointed out that persons in detention, for whatever reason, have remedies open to them to challenge their detention including, in particular, an application for an inquiry by the High Court in accordance with Article 40.4.2 of the Constitution.

Prison Committals

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

419 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of committals on remand during each of the last five years; the number of these persons remanded in custody who went on to receive a custodial sentence; his views of the necessity of using this measure to the extent it is currently used; his further views on the level of risk that remand prisoners pose to public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35656/11]

I can inform the Deputy that the number of committals on remand who were either released by Court or did not receive a sentence by year end are outlined in the table.

Year

Total

2006

5,311

2007

4,967

2008

5,052

2009

4,519

2010

4,836

Source: Irish Prison Service Annual Reports

The more specific figures requested by the Deputy are not available at present. However, the Irish Prison Service hopes that with the ongoing improvement and development of the prisoner recording system, these figures will be available in future Annual Reports.

On average about 15% of those in custody in prison on any one day are on remand. The indications are that the numbers on remand in this jurisdiction are, relatively speaking, lower than in neighbouring jurisdictions.

My Department has been engaged in work to consolidate and update the law on bail with a view to presenting a clear, accessible and modern statement of the law. In the context of that modernisation of the law, I will be seeking to restructure the law so that it has a focus on the protection of the individual and the protection of the public. My intention is that the new proposals will provide better guidance to the courts on how such protection might be provided. I am also taking the opportunity to introduce some general improvements to bail law to improve the overall working of the bail system.

Sentencing Policy

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

420 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce imprisonment as a last resort in legislation that would place a legal requirement on judges to first consider and rule out all other options before imposing a prison sentence, as well as a requirement for judges to provide the reasoning behind their imposition of a prison sentence in their judgments. [35657/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

429 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will commission a review of sentencing practices, which currently sees high numbers of women receive custodial sentences for less serious and non-violent crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35666/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 429 together.

I have already introduced a number of measures to encourage the use of non-custodial sanctions. Furthermore one of the recommendations of the Thornton Hall Review Group was the establishment of an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy which would incorporate an examination and analysis of all aspects of penal policy including prevention, sentencing policies, alternatives to custody, accommodation and regimes, support for reintegration and rehabilitation, the issue of female prisoners and 16 and 17 year olds within the system. I intend to establish a group to give effect to that recommendation. Details of the group will be announced shortly.

Prisoner Protection

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

421 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and percentage figure of the juvenile population at St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin, who have requested to be held on protection during each of the last five years. [35658/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

422 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of children in St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin, who have been held in single separation for reasons of protection during each of the last five years. [35659/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.

The number of requests made by prisoners for protection during the past five years is not centrally recorded by the Irish Prison Service. However, the total number of prisoners held on protection in St. Patrick's Institution, including prisoners who were over 18 years of age, for the last five years is outlined in the table.

*Year

Juvenile Population

Number of Juveniles on protection

% of Juvenile population on protection

2007

214

39

18.2%

2008

234

50

21.3%

2009

238

52

21.8%

2010

236

56

23.7%

2011

187

63

33.6%

*year as at 30/31 October in each case

As of 31 October 2011, out of the total figure of 63 on protection in St Patrick's, 8 of these were juveniles (16 and 17 year olds) who were held on a restricted regime for safety and security reasons. The gathering of the exact information requested for a similar breakdown of protection figures for the years 2007-2010 would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.

Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that it is at the committal stage that the majority of prisoners seek protection. On committal, all prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and based on the information available, a decision is made as to where a particular prisoner will be accommodated.

Prisoner Complaints Procedures

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

423 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow children held in St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin, access to an independent complaints mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35660/11]

The Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 provides for a visiting committee to be constituted for every prison in the State and one of the statutory duties of such committees is to hear any complaints which may be made to them by a prisoner. Under new legislation to be prepared, I intend to make Visiting Committees more effective while they continue their role. The arrangements for membership of the Committees will be changed and a link will be established between the Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons.

I should add that the Inspector of Prisons makes announced and unannounced visits to all prisons including St. Patrick's Institution throughout the year. He has shown a particular interest in juvenile prisons systems and has published inspection standards for juvenile offenders in St. Patrick's as a supplement to his general inspection standards.

There are also procedures within the Irish Prison Service (IPS) for the investigation of complaints by prisoners. I am not satisfied that the existing IPS procedures are sufficiently robust and independent of the local staff to meet best practice for the investigation of serious complaints. It is my intention to bring forward amendments to the Prison Rules 2007 which will introduce an independent element to the investigation. I have recently asked the Inspector of Prisons to give consideration to this matter and to advise me as to the most appropriate approach to be taken in an Irish context so as to ensure compliance with best practice. The Inspector's views will then be taken into account in relation to the framing of the amended Rules in this regard.

Juvenile Offenders

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

424 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure that child care legislation and standards that apply to the detention of children in other settings also apply to children in St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin, including those regarding health, education, child protection and qualifications and training of staff. [35661/11]

St. Patrick's Institution is a closed medium security place of detention for males aged 16 to 21 years of age and accommodates both remand and sentenced prisoners. As far as practicable, 16 and 17 year olds are kept in a separate wing with single cell accommodation. In the longer term, the Irish Youth Justice Service, an office of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, will take responsibility for managing the detention facilities for all boys under 18 years of age.

In the meantime, the Irish Prison Service has developed guidelines for child protection and welfare procedures for St. Patrick's Institution which are being amended to reflect Children First — National Guidance, 2011. The Prison Service is aware of the need for an age-appropriate regime and the importance of keeping 16 and 17 year olds separate from over 18s. It endeavours to ensure continuity of services with systems of care reviewed in partnership with key agencies such as the HSE, Gardaí, Probation Service and the Irish Youth Justice Service.

There is ongoing contact with the Irish Youth Justice Service on the exchange of best practices for addressing the needs of the 16 and 17 year olds currently detained in St Patrick's. A separate school was opened in 2007 and various initiatives have been taken to improve facilities and services and to reduce the potential for contact with those aged 18 and over. Education is provided in partnership with the City of Dublin VEC and there is currently an allocation of 20 whole-time equivalent teachers.

An extensive health programme is also available with all committals seen by surgery staff in the first instance. Part of their initial assessment includes a mental health component and all committals are referred to the GP within 24 hours. A scheduled request is made to the next available mental health clinic if there are any indications that mental health review or treatment is necessary and the Community Psychiatric Nurse reviews all committals on a weekly basis.

Senior managers from St Patrick's have also visited the Oberstown complex on a number of occasions and further visits aimed at the exchange of best practice are planned. Discussions have taken place on areas of cooperation between the Irish Prison Service and the Irish Youth Justice Service with a view to developing a new Child Policy for St Patrick's Institution aimed at enhanced delivery of age appropriate services, linking with external services during and after detention, and ensuring best practice while in detention.

In addition, the Irish Prison Service Training and Development Centre recently developed a programme for staff in St Patrick's working with children. They looked at practice in other jurisdictions and discussed requirements with staff and management in St Patrick's and with external experts. This course is currently being rolled out and delivered through modules which include Adolescent Development, Family Unit, and Restorative Justice/Victim Empathy.

The Office of the Ombudsman for Children has also engaged with the management and inmates of St Patrick's on a number of issues. Recently, the Ombudsman's Office facilitated the production of committal information booklets for new committals which are designed and written in a user friendly format.

Prison Accommodation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

425 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address overcrowding in both the Dóchas Centre and Limerick female prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35662/11]

The Deputy will be aware that the primary role of the Irish Prison Service is the provision of safe and secure custody for prisoners. The Deputy will also be aware that the Prison Service must accept all persons committed by the courts into custody and does not have the option of refusing committals. I am informed that there was 34 women in custody on 18 November, 2011 in Limerick Female Prison where the bed capacity is 34. There was 127 women in custody in the Dóchas Centre on the same date representing 121% of the bed capacity.

As I have said before, this Government is committed to addressing the twin problems of overcrowding and poor physical conditions in our prisons. An administrative building on the Dóchas Centre site has been converted into a new accommodation block which will provide an additional 70 spaces. It is expected that this block will be ready for occupation in early 2012. The opening of the new spaces at the Dóchas Centre will assist in alleviating the overcrowding issue.

Prison Medical Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

426 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the prevalence of mental health issues among women prisoners; the need for an adequate mental health care service to be provided within the centre; and his plans to ensure greater health and social care provision within the community. [35663/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

430 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase support services in the community that would address the complex issues and multiple needs of women offenders, including mental health and substance addictions. [35667/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 430 together.

In April 2011, I established the Thornton Hall Review Group. They reported to me in July 2011 and one of their recommendations included the establishment of an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy which would incorporate an examination and analysis of all aspects of penal policy including the issue of female prisoners. On foot of another of its recommendations, a group has also been designated to examine the issue of people with mental illness coming into the criminal justice system. Announcements in relation to both groups will be made shortly.

Aside from the work that will be undertaken by these groups, the Irish Prison Service makes every effort to appropriately address the complex physical and mental health needs which are prevalent among women prisoners. The Prison Service seeks to establish a robust system providing enhanced integration and further development of services with statutory and voluntary partners. The Prison Service is also engaged with the Health Service Executive (HSE) in advancing the objective of securing access for all appropriate prisoners to the general community psychiatric services with discussions ongoing to improve access to Community Mental Health Teams.

In terms of support services, the Probation Service of my Department is the lead agency in the assessment and management of offenders in our communities. The Service works in partnership with other statutory and voluntary agencies including the HSE mental health and addiction services to ensure appropriate supports and treatment services are provided to Probation Service clients.

In 2011, my Department through the Probation Service allocated funding to 48 Community Based Organisations working primarily with adult offenders. A number of these organisations provide services, such as accommodation, family support and drug programmes specifically to address the challenges women offenders face integrating back into their communities. The Probation Service also works closely with emergency housing and homeless agencies in relation to the accommodation needs of homeless women. In addition, the Service is reviewing effective programmes and methodologies for engagement and work with female offenders.

Prison Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

427 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to encourage and facilitate meaningful family contact between women prisoners and their children. [35664/11]

I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that every effort is made to allow women prisoners to fulfil their role as mothers having due regard to the best interests of the child. Contact therefore between women prisoners and their children is fostered, encouraged and facilitated where possible by the Prison Service.

Prison visits involving children, subject to the maintenance of good order and safe and secure custody, allow for physical contact between the mother and her children. I am assured that every effort is made to allow mothers as much flexibility as is possible on visits with their children, women prisoners, are also facilitated, where appropriate, with temporary release to attend significant milestones in their children's lives eg first communion.

Prison Accommodation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

428 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to provide mother and baby units in the Dóchas Centre and in Limerick female prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35665/11]

There are no babies at present in the care of mothers in custody. However, there is a considerable level of support available for mothers and babies in the Dóchas Centre when the need arises. Provisions are made to facilitate new mothers keeping their infants with them in custody where appropriate, so as not to disrupt early bonding. In such cases the mother and child are provided with their own single room with en-suite facilities on their return to the Dóchas Centre after giving birth. Required items such as a cot, baby food, nappies etc. are also provided. While there is no mother and baby unit in Limerick Female Prison, any woman who needs to be accommodated in such a unit is facilitated with a transfer to the Dóchas Centre.

Question No. 429 answered with Question No. 420.
Question No. 430 answered with Question No. 426.

Anti-Racism Measures

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

431 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will introduce a new national action plan to combat racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35669/11]

I would firstly like to state that this Government is firmly committed to combating and challenging any and all manifestations of racism. Ireland was one of the first states in the EU and, indeed, in the world in developing a National Action Plan Against Racism. When the National Action Plan Against Racism was launched in 2005, it was conceived as a four-year programme to run until the end of 2008. It was designed to provide strategic direction towards developing a more intercultural and inclusive society in Ireland and was largely integration driven. Under the Plan, support was provided towards the development of a number of national and local strategies promoting greater integration in our workplaces, in An Garda Síochána, the health service, in our education system, in the arts and sports sectors and within our local authorities.

The Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration in my Department maintains this Government's commitment and focus on anti-racism as a key aspect of integration, diversity management and broader national social policy. The Office continues to work with all the relevant sectors to further progress the integration and diversity management agenda. Many of the initiatives which were instigated through the National Action Plan against Racism 2005-2008 continue to be developed and progressed through the support and work of the Office. For example, an Arts and Culture Strategy and an Intercultural Education Strategy were launched in September 2010 and a Workplace Diversity Strategy is ongoing.

The National Action Plan against Racism 2005-2008 was very ambitious and wide ranging in its scope. Since 2005, there has been a substantial penetration of anti —racist policies, programmes and activities and awareness raising initiatives. The focus is now on the continued implementation of the sectoral strategies which flowed from the Plan. In light of these measures, I do not intend to focus on developing a second National Action Plan against Racism.

Equality Issues

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

432 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to give ethnicity status to members of the travelling community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35670/11]

During the course of the examination by a working group of the UN Human Rights Council of Ireland's report to that Council, prepared under the Universal Periodic Review procedures of the Council, my colleague, Minister Shatter, was asked, among many other matters, about the position of Travellers in Irish society.

One delegation specifically recommended that Ireland should recognise Travellers as an ethnic minority while other interventions were of a more general nature. Minister Shatter replied that serious consideration is being given to granting such recognition. I am aware of the long standing wish of some Travellers that such status be granted but equally that there is no unanimity among Travellers about this issue.

The previous Government was of the view that Travellers are not an ethnic minority. I am aware that dialogue between staff of my Department and representatives of Traveller organisations has taken place on the issue, most recently on 11 November,2010, during the course of a seminar on the third State report under the Council of Europe Convention on National Minorities. Consideration is ongoing and it is intended that the question will be before the Government for decision as soon as possible.

International Agreements

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

433 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35671/11]

It is the Government's intention to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the treaty in question, including by amending domestic law as necessary.

The ongoing implementation of our National Disability Strategy in many respects comprehends many of the provisions of the Convention. In addition, the Inter-Departmental Committee on the UNCRPD monitors the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable ratification. At the Committee's request, the National Disability Authority, the lead statutory agency for the sector, has independently assessed the remaining requirements for ratification so as to ensure conclusively that all such issues will be addressed.

One of the key requirements in this regard is the enactment of mental capacity legislation. The Government's Legislation Programme as announced on 14 September 2011, indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in early 2012. The Bill will replace the Wards of Court system with a modern statutory framework governing decision-making on behalf of adults who lack capacity. The passage of this Bill will add substantially to the overall progress on implementation of the requirements towards ratification of the Convention.

Question No. 434 answered with Question No. 398.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

435 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to proceed with the ratification of the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, OP-CAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35675/11]

Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment requires legislation. On 17 May last, the Government approved my proposals for preparation of the General Scheme of a Bill to enable ratification of the optional protocol. Arrangements will be made to ratify the instrument as soon as possible after the necessary legislation has been enacted.

Anti-Racism Measures

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

436 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to step up efforts and improve data collection on racist and xenophobic incidents as well as to broaden the basis for in-depth research on underlying motives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35676/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

465 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to fund and mandate an organisation to co-ordinate the monitoring and reporting of racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35850/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 465 together.

There are currently a number of official mechanisms in place to record complaints about both racist crime and racial discrimination. All crime statistics, including statistics on reports of racially motivated crime are collated by the Central Statistics Office, using the data elicited from the Pulse system of An Garda Síochána. Information on reported criminal racist incidents from 2006 onwards are broken down into 10 different categories of crimes. I am informed by the Central Statistics Office that further breakdown of the data in relation to, for example, gender and geographic location is not made publicly available, as this could lead to the identification of individual cases.

The trends in these statistics are monitored by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration and are updated regularly and published on the website of that Office at www.integration.ie. In addition, the 2010 EU Fundamental Rights Agency Assessment of the Status of official criminal justice data collection mechanisms on racist crime in the 27 EU Member States categorised Ireland as having in place “a good system” to register racist crimes.

Statistics on the number of complaints to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission alleging discrimination on the grounds of race and/or religion are also available on the website of the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration, as well as statistics on the total numbers of cases taken before the Equality Tribunal under the race ground. In view of the above, I do not consider it necessary to have an additional complaints mechanism when there are already official mechanisms in place by organisations who have the capacity and authority to deal with complaints of racist incidents.

International Agreements

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

437 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ratify Protocol No. 12 to the European Court of Human Rights on the general prohibition of discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35677/11]

As a signatory to Protocol 12 to the European Convention on Human Rights, Ireland keeps the question of ratifying the Protocol under review. The major issue is the lack of clarity as to the precise extent of the obligations imposed on States Parties by the very broad general prohibition on discrimination in Article 1 of the Protocol. It is notable also that no definition of discrimination is provided in Protocol 12.

My Department will watch closely how the European Court of Human Rights interprets the scope of this Article when it comes to rule on individual cases. The open, non-exhaustive list of discrimination grounds in the Protocol would seem to be at variance with the prescriptive list of discrimination grounds enshrined in Ireland's Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts and on the face of it militates against legal certainty. There are no proposals to ratify the Protocol in the short term.

Probation and Welfare Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

438 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to resource the probation service to implement community sanctions as an effective sentencing option. [35680/11]

I can assure the Deputy that Probation Service management prioritises its workload and allocates its resources in such a way as to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness. This prioritisation includes particular focus on the delivery of front-line services and the supervision of Community Service Orders. My Department obtained Department of Finance sanction to recruit 8 Probation Officers and 3 Community Service Supervisors in 2011 having made a case for these front-line posts to be treated as exceptions to the current moratorium on recruitment in the civil and public service. Their recruitment is evidence of the priority attention being given to the important work of the Probation Service generally and the implementation of alternatives to custody such as community service. The allocation of resources will continue to be kept under review.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

439 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase collaboration and partnership between the probation service and the community and voluntary sector in offender assessment and management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35681/11]

In 2011, my Department, through the Probation Service allocated funding to 48 Community Based Organisations working primarily with adult offenders engaged with the Probation Service. A further 16 Community Based Organisations who provide services with young persons are in receipt of funding from the Irish Youth Justice Service through the Probation Service.

The provision of Probation Service funding to each organisation is subject to a funding agreement that prioritises and details the services to be provided and which are linked to measurable outputs. In consultation with those community based organisations from the Community and Voluntary Sector, I can advise the Deputy that the Probation Service continues to revise and restructure agreements to provide additional services from within available resources.

Council of State

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

440 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he proposed names for President Michael D. Higgins’s Council of State; and if he will provide the names [35682/11]

I can inform the Deputy that I did not propose any names to President Higgins in relation to the Council of State.

Prison Medical Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

441 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to prevent future outbreaks of tuberculosis, TB, and other illnesses in prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35683/11]

All prisoners are medically assessed on committal to prison. The initial health screen is used as an opportunity to develop care plans, make appropriate referrals as necessary and offer advice on various aspects of health care. Health promotion among prisoners is a key priority for the Irish Prison Service.

The Irish Prison Service has adopted a protocol for the management of Tuberculosis in prison. A high level of awareness is applied by health care staff to all committals. A similar level of awareness is applied to those who are known to be immuno-compromised or originate from regions where Tuberculosis has high prevalence rates. On committal, prisoners are asked specific questions that may be indicative of pulmonary Tuberculosis infection.

The Department of Public Health in the Health Service Executive manage any incidents of Tuberculosis in prisons and engage in contact tracing if deemed necessary. The contact tracing involves individual risk assessments, which include the time spent with an infectious case and the vulnerability of individuals being risk assessed. Any identified infectious Tuberculosis case will be immediately transferred to hospital and will not return to prison until it is confirmed that the patient is no longer infectious.

The Irish Prison Service and the Health Service Executive have worked collaboratively in raising awareness of Tuberculosis among staff and prisoners in all prisons. Prison specific Tuberculosis guidance (prepared by Public Health, Health Service Executive and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre) has been circulated to all staff across the prison estate.

Court Procedures

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

442 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow claimants with a human rights or public interest element to their case to apply for and receive protective cost orders. [35684/11]

It is a matter for the court to determine liability for costs and generally costs follow the event although the court may in some circumstances direct otherwise.

An exception to that general rule is provided for in section 50B of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended. Under that Act, my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government has provided that regardless of the outcome of proceedings, all parties to relevant judicial review proceedings must pay their own costs, including notice parties, save where the applicant is successful in proceedings because a public authority either failed to comply with or properly implement the relevant legislation or acted beyond its jurisdiction.

While the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 — which provides for regulation of the legal professions and of legal costs — does not provide expressly for the matter raised by the Deputy I am considering this matter in the context of further development of the Bill.

Special Criminal Court

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

443 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to abolish the Special Criminal Court. [35685/11]

I have no plans to abolish the Special Criminal Court.

International Agreements

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

444 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to fully incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into law. [35686/11]

Ireland has a dualist system under which international agreements to which Ireland becomes a party do not become part of domestic law unless so determined by the Oireachtas through legislation. The European Convention on Human Rights has been indirectly incorporated into domestic law by the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003. That Act provides that every organ of the State shall perform its functions in a manner compatible with the State's obligations under the Convention provisions. It also provides that judicial notice shall be taken of the Convention provisions and that a person who has suffered injury, loss or damage as a result of a contravention by an organ of the State obligation may, if no other remedy in damages is available, institute proceedings to recover damages in respect of the contravention.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

445 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to establish an institutional oversight mechanism assigned with responsibility to monitor the implementation of treaty monitoring body recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35687/11]

The range of issues covered by international instruments and international treaty monitoring bodies is extremely broad. There is a need for the responsible Department to have expertise in the specific policy areas involved when reporting on implementation and following up on recommendations made by treaty monitoring bodies, . Therefore, the creation of a single, centralised, institutional oversight mechanism for all treaty body recommendations would not appear to be an effective or appropriate means of managing the process of reporting on Ireland's international human rights obligations.

Immigration Appeals Mechanism

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

446 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow for independent oversight of decisions to refuse leave to land at ports of entry into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35688/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

447 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow for an independent appeals mechanism for immigration related decisions, including deportation decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35689/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.

The Government's plans for the immigration system are outlined in the Programme for Government which commits to the introduction of comprehensive reforms to the immigration, residence and asylum systems including a statutory immigration appeals mechanism, which will articulate rights and obligations in a transparent manner and which will provide for review of immigration decisions.

I have asked my officials to develop proposals for a statutory immigration appeals mechanism. Work is at an advanced stage and, as I have previously informed the House, I intend to implement the finished proposals by way of amendment to the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010. The question of those refused leave to land at the port of entry is being examined as part of this process, having regard to the operational practicality of maintaining sensible border controls.

Prison Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

448 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to eradicate slopping out of human waste in prisons here as a priority issue and set targets to meet this obligation; and his plans to minimise this in the interim. [35690/11]

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to the elimination of slopping out in all prisons and places of detention. The Programme for Government includes the objective to provide in-cell sanitation to all prisons, and in so far as resources permit, to upgrade prison facilities where possible. 72% of prisoner accommodation has in-cell sanitation at present. This will rise to approximately 80% when the extension currently under construction in the Midlands Prison is opened in 2012.

A refurbishment project in the C-wing at Mountjoy Prison is nearing completion and will result in all cells on that wing having in-cell sanitation. Depending on the findings of a post project appraisal, the Irish Prison Service will consider installing in-cell sanitation facilities in the remaining cells in Mountjoy and indeed to other facilities that do not have in-cell sanitation. I am committed to ending the practice of slopping out within the prison system, however, any project to provide in-cell sanitation to the remaining wings in Mountjoy or indeed in any other facility will, of course, be subject to the availability of financial resources.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

449 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the Irish Prison Service to introduce standard risk assessment procedures for all new prisoners upon admission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35691/11]

At present, all prisoners in this jurisdiction undergo a form of assessment on committal which includes an interview by a Governor and Nursing Officer along with a Doctor's assessment within 24 hours of committal. I have asked my officials to examine the possibility of introducing formal risk assessment procedures and to report their findings in the near future.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

450 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the use of safety observation cells and close supervision cells in prisons; his further plans to introduce guidelines setting out clear limits on the length of time prisoners can be held and the provision of services that must be available, and adequate record keeping detailing the usage of safety observation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35692/11]

At present the use of special observation cells is governed by rule 64 of the Prison Rules 2007 (S.I. no. 252). The original direction from the Governor for a person to be accommodated in such a cell must be for a period not exceeding 24 hours. Following consultation with the prison doctor, the Governor may direct that the period be extended for four further periods none of which may exceed 24 hours. Any extension beyond these periods requires a written report to be submitted to the Director General explaining the need for such an extension and written authorisation from him.

It is my intention to bring forward amendments to the Prison Rules 2007 which will draw a clear distinction between special safety observation cells to be used for medical reasons only and close supervision cells which are used based on operational management decisions. The proposed amendments will also contain time limits for the use of these cells and the maintaining of appropriate records for such use in all prisons.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

451 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to establish an independent prison complaints system and prisoner ombudsman. [35693/11]

The Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 provides for a visiting committee to be constituted for every prison in the State and one of the statutory duties of such committees is to hear any complaints which may be made to them by a prisoner. Under new legislation to be prepared, I intend to make Visiting Committees more effective while they continue their role. The arrangements for membership of the Committees will be changed and a link will be established between the Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons.

There are also procedures within the Irish Prison Service for the investigation of complaints by prisoners. I am not satisfied that the existing IPS procedures are sufficiently robust and independent of the local staff to meet best practice for the investigation of serious complaints. It is my intention to bring forward amendments to the Prison Rules 2007 which will introduce an independent element to the investigation. I have recently asked the Inspector of Prisons to give consideration to this matter and to advise me as to the most appropriate approach to be taken in an Irish context so as to ensure compliance with best practice. The Inspector's views will then be taken into account in relation to the framing of the amended Rules in this regard.

Prison Medical Services

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

452 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the doctor to prisoner ratio within each prison in the State; his plans to increase the attendance time of general practitioners in prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35694/11]

Primary care is the model of care through which healthcare is delivered in the prison system. The service is currently delivered by a mix of part-time and full time doctors, who attend the various prisons for varying periods of time commensurate with the numbers and needs of the prison population. The service is provided using a multi-disciplinary model and intra-disciplinary working processes. This service is supported by Nursing staff in all prisons.

The table illustrates the current level of service provided by doctors in all prisons from Monday to Friday inclusive. Doctors also are available on call outside of surgery hours. There is also provision for locum doctors attendance at prisons at weekends.

Prison

Doctor Numbers

Doctor Hours(Monday-Friday)

Average Daily Population 2010

Arbour Hill

0.3 WTE

12hrs

153

Castlerea

0.4 WTE

15hrs

378

Cloverhill

1.5 WTE

59hrs

465

Cork

0.4 WTE

15hrs

303

Dóchas

0.6 WTE

22.5hrs

131

Limerick

0.4 WTE

15hrs

333

Loughan House

0.25 WTE

10hrs

134

Midlands

2.0 WTE

78hrs

542

Mountjoy

1.4 WTE

55hrs

667

Portlaoise

1.0 WTE

39hrs

263

Shelton Abbey

0.25 WTE

10hrs

99

St. Patrick’s Institution

0.4 WTE

15hrs

214

Training Unit

0.3 WTE

11.5rs

113

Wheatfield

1.5 WTE

59hrs

495

WTE* whole time equivalents

The Irish Prison Service Healthcare Directorate continually monitor the level of service provided by Prison Doctors.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

453 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the medical service in the Irish Prison Service. [35695/11]

The Irish Prison Service seeks to ensure that prisoners receive the same standard of healthcare as members of the public who hold a medical card. Prisoners receive care through the primary care system (involving doctors, nurses and other in-reach healthcare professionals) delivered in each prison. Where a doctor or other healthcare professional operating in a prison determines that a prisoner requires treatment in an external setting (emergency department, out patients department, surgical procedure etc), following a comprehensive clinical assessment, a referral is made to the public health system. Where prisoners attend for hospital appointments, decisions regarding their clinical care are determined on the same basis as persons in the community accessing public health services.

Research and practice has identified three main care domains in the prison context:

Primary Care

Primary care is the model of care through which healthcare is delivered. The primary care service is provided using a multi-disciplinary model and intra-disciplinary working processes and strives to provide proactive healthcare with a focus on health awareness and preventative medicine. Each prison has a complement of Nurses, Medical Orderlies and attendance by a prison doctor commensurate with the healthcare needs and prison population of the institution.

Addiction

Given the large number of prisoners requiring drug treatment services, the Irish Prison Service endeavours to provide a comprehensive range of such services in closed prisons. Drug rehabilitation programmes for prisoners involve a significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory organisations.

Mental Health

The prevalence of severe mental illness is significantly worse among prisoners compared to the general population. The Central Mental Hospital, National Forensic Mental Health Service provides consultant led in-reach sessions weekly by arrangement at all Dublin prisons and also at Portlaoise and the Midlands Prisons. Specialist in-reach services are in place for consultant led mental health sessions in the remaining closed prisons.

In addition, professional in-reach healthcare services are provided as required in relation to, inter alia, pharmacy, dental services, chiropody, physiotherapy and optical.

Drugs in Prisons

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

454 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drug-free units within the Irish Prison Service; if he will ensure that non-drug using prisoners are not accommodated with known drug users; and if he will develop a structured approach to reducing and eventually stopping prisoners’ dependency on drugs. [35696/11]

The Irish Prison Service continues to implement its Drugs Policy & Strategy, entitled "Keeping Drugs Out of Prison", which was launched in May 2006. This has involved the implementation of stringent measures to prevent drugs from getting into prisons while, at the same time, continuing to invest in services to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population as well as meeting prisoners' treatment and rehabilitative needs.

Given the large number of prisoners requiring drug treatment services, the Irish Prison Service endeavours to provide a comprehensive range of interventions, where demand is high. Drug rehabilitation programmes for prisoners involve a significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided by the Prison Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory organisations.

There are currently drug free units in Wheatfield Prison and St. Patrick's Institution. Allied to this, the Training Unit, Arbour Hill, Loughan House and Shelton Abbey are regarded as drug-free institutions. Plans are well advanced for the development of a drug free unit in Mountjoy Prison to coincide with the reopening of the refurbished C Wing. The dedication of additional drug free areas in other institutions is being pursued.

Merchants Quay Ireland provide an addiction counselling service delivering approximately 1,500 prisoner contacts per month in prisons and places of detention, where prisoners require such a service. The HSE provide consultant led in-reach addiction services to Cloverhill, Wheatfield and the Mountjoy Complex. A GP with a special interest in substance misuse operates in Mountjoy Prison and a similar service is in place in the Midlands/Portlaoise complex. Drug Treatment Pharmacist Services are available in Mountjoy, Dóchas, Midlands and Portlaoise Prisons.

Methadone Substitution treatment is available in 9 of the 14 prisons and places of detention (accommodating over 80% of the prison population). Clinical studies have found specific positive outcomes as a result of methadone maintenance in prison, including inter alia, reduced drug and heroin use, better links to treatment agencies in the community and improved mental and physical health through accessing treatment.

Prison Committals

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

455 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to end the practice of placing mentally ill individuals in prison; his further plans to extend the court mental health liaison programme to operate across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35697/11]

There is no basis for placing mentally ill individuals in prison because of their mental illness. However it is not sustainable to say that any person with a mental illness, no matter how mild, should be immune from imprisonment. There is a strong argument that persons with severe mental illnesses who are involved in minor offences should be diverted away from the criminal justice system and measures have been taken to promote such an approach.

However if a serious crime such as a homicide is involved, the issue has to be addressed by the criminal justice system and the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 provides that persons found not guilty by reason of insanity cannot be imprisoned but may be committed for the purpose of in-patient care or treatment. Furthermore we also have prisoners properly convicted and imprisoned for serious offences who may develop mental illness after their imprisonment. Depending on the nature and severity of that illness the question has to be determined, as with any illness, whether it can be appropriately treated in a prison environment or whether a transfer to a designated centre is required.

An interdepartmental group is being designated to examine the issue of people with mental illness coming into the criminal justice system and this is in line with the recommendations of the Thornton Hall Review Group which were approved by Government last July. My officials are consulting with the Department of Health on the arrangements involved including the terms of reference and an announcement will be made shortly.

As to the present measures, the diversion system ensures as far as possible that those people presenting before the courts, or indeed at an earlier stage of the criminal justice system, where the infraction is a reflection of an underlying mental illness, are referred and treated appropriately. The Health Service Executive have advised the Irish Prison Service that the Prison In-Reach and Court Liaison Service (PICLS) in Cloverhill will guide appropriate individuals on remand in other prisons towards their local Community Mental Health Team.

The existing Prison In-reach and Court Liaison Service (PICLS) in Cloverhill successfully diverts circa 110 prisoners annually to appropriate psychiatric facilities in the community. Statistically 80% of prisoners diverted are already known to Community Mental Health Teams.

Prohibition of Torture

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

456 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure that law enforcement, judicial, medical and other personnel who are involved in custody, interrogation or treatment or who otherwise come into contact with prisoners are provided with the necessary training with regard to the prohibition of torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35698/11]

The Judiciary is independent in the exercise of its functions under the law and the Constitution. Responsibility for Judicial training is a matter for the Committee for Judicial Studies, which was established to provide for the training and ongoing education of the judiciary. As the Deputy will appreciate, training is judge-led and the content and topics are designed by the judiciary itself.

An Garda Síochána has a comprehensive education, training and information system for the professional development of all members. This development programme incorporates training in human rights issues. The Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987 and 2006 govern all detentions by An Garda Síochána. These regulations make comprehensive provision for the treatment and care of detained persons. Compliance with the regulations ensures that members of An Garda Síochána at all times respect the personal rights and dignity of each detained person and do not subject them to ill treatment of any kind.

Training in the Irish Prison Service begins with induction training at recruitment stage during which Human Rights and Prison law is explored extensively in the Higher Certificate in Custodial Care programme. The Higher Certificate in Custodial Care aims to introduce custodial care professionals to Human Rights Law, specifically, the impact/influence of relevant international legal instruments/conventions on the custodian and prisoner. The provision of training and information is continued on an ongoing basis throughout an Officer's career.

The Irish Prison Service Training and Development Centre, in consultation with the Irish Human Rights Commission, is currently developing a Human Rights Module designed to upgrade the module currently being delivered and have met with the Inspector of Prisons and the Irish Penal Reform Trust in this regard.

Residency Permits

Michael Creed

Question:

457 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency and other such entitlements in this country that a niece of an Irish citizen has if coming from a non-EU country; the way they should apply for their entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35733/11]

In the absence of any further details on the person's situation it is difficult to address the question in any specific manner. The Deputy will be aware that, in general, a non-EEA visa-required national wishing to visit Ireland must first apply for a visa. A non-visa required national can apply at the port of entry for permission to enter the State. If the non-EEA national wishes to remain in Ireland beyond 90 days, he or she is required to register their presence with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Non-EEA nationals who wish to change their status should write to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, outlining the reasons to support their case.

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.

Proposed Legislation

Tom Hayes

Question:

458 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the new Explosives Bill to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35757/11]

The Explosives Bill proposes to repeal the Explosives Act 1875 in its entirety and replace it with a modern statutory framework for the control of the manufacture, importation, storage, transport, possession, acquisition and supply of explosives for legitimate civil uses. I can inform the Deputy that the Bill is currently on the "B list" of the Government's legislative programme. However, as drafting is at an advanced stage, it is envisaged that the Bill may be ready for publication in the coming legislative session.

Judicial Appointments

Michael McCarthy

Question:

459 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of judicial appointments made between June 1997 and February 2011 to the District, Circuit and Supreme Courts separately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35760/11]

The persons appointed to the District Court, Circuit Court, High Court and Supreme Court from June 1997 to February 2011 are as follows:

1997 (June — Dec)

No Appointments

1998

Supreme Court

No appointments

High Court

Frederick Morris (Appointed President of the High Court)

Matthew Smith

Fidelma Macken

Nicholas Kearns

Circuit Court

Diarmuid Sheridan (Appointed President of the Circuit Court)

Esmond Smyth (Appointed President of the Circuit Court)

Yvonne Murphy

John O'Hagan

John Clifford

District Court

James Scally

Mary Devins

Thomas O'Donnell

James O'Connor

David Anderson

1999

Supreme Court

John Murray

High Court

Iarfhlaith O'Neill

Joseph Finnegan

Aindrias O'Caoimh

Circuit Court

Bryan McMahon

District Court

Sean MacBride

Patrick Brady

Leo Malone

Timothy Lucey

2000

Supreme Court

Ronan Keane (Appointed Chief Justice)

Adrian Hardiman

Hugh Geoghegan

Niall Fennelly

Catherine McGuinness

High Court

Roderick Murphy

Daniel Herbert

Paul Butler

Liam McKechnie

Circuit Court

Desmond Hogan

District Court

David Maughan

Gerard Furlong

2001

Supreme Court

No appointments

High Court

Joseph Finnegan (Appointed President of the High Court)

Circuit Court

Michael O'Shea

Sean O'Donovan

Brian Curtin

Katherine Delahunt

District Court

James McNulty

Conal Gibbons

Bridget Reilly

2002

Supreme Court

Brian McCracken

High Court

Henry Abbot

Eamon de Valera

Mary Finlay Geoghegan

Michael Peart

Barry White

Circuit Court

Mary Faherty

Alan Mahon

Gerald Keys

Patricia Ryan

Miriam Reynolds Buckley

James O'Donohoe

District Court

Geoffrey Browne

Bryan Smyth

Anne Watkin

Cormac Dunne

John Coughlan

2003

Supreme Court

No appointments

High Court

Paul Gilligan

Sean Ryan

Sean O'Leary

Circuit Court

No appointments

District Court

Angela Condon

2004

Supreme Court

John Murray (Appointed Chief Justice)

Nicholas Kearns

High Court

Fidelma Macken

Michael Hanna

John MacMenamin

Elizabeth Dunne

Circuit Court

Alice Doyle

Doirbhile Flanagan

Donagh McDonagh

Cornelius Murphy

Terence O'Sullivan

District Court

Hugh O'Donnell

Ann Ryan

2005

Supreme Court

Fidelma Macken

High Court

Kevin Haugh

Circuit Court

Matthew Deery (Appointed President of the Circuit Court)

District Court

Miriam Malone (Appointed President of the District Court)

Patrick Clyne

Derek McVeigh

Brian Sheridan

Aeneas McCarthy

2006

Supreme Court

Joseph Finnegan

High Court

Richard Johnson (Appointed President of the High Court)

Kevin Feeney

Brian McGovern

Peter Charleton

Maureen Harding Clark

Circuit Court

Tom Teehan

District Court

Dympna Cusack

Patrick McMahon

Desmond Zaidan

2007

Supreme Court

No appointments

High Court

John Hedigan

Bryan McMahon

George Birmingham

John Edwards

Mary Irvine

Patrick McCarthy

Garrett Sheehan

Circuit Court

Tony Hunt

Rory McCabe

Martin Nolan

Gerard Griffin

Petria McDonnell

Raymond Fullam

District Court

Anthony Halpin

John Lindsay

Eamon O'Brien

David McHugh

Elizabeth MacGrath

Denis McLoughlin

2008

Supreme Court

No appointments

High Court

Dan O'Keeffe

John Cooke

Circuit Court

No appointments

District Court

Dermot Dempsey

Kevin Kilrane

Victor Blake

David Kennedy

2009

Supreme Court

No appointments

High Court

Nicholas Kearns (Appointed President of the High Court)

Circuit Court

No appointments

District Court

Heather Perrin

Seamus Hughes

2010

Supreme Court

Donal O'Donnell

Liam McKechnie

High Court

Gerard Hogan

Circuit Court

Leonie Reynolds

Margaret Heneghan

District Court

Olann Kelleher

Patricia McNamara

Catherine Staines

Paul Kelly

2011 (Jan — Feb)

No appointments

Prisoner Releases

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

460 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners who have benefitted from early release from Cork Prison in each of the past five years; and the categories of offences for which they served their sentences. [35805/11]

It is not possible to provide the Deputy with the specific information requested as this would require the manual examination of records. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.

However, I can inform the Deputy that, on 21 November 2011, there were 141 prisoners on temporary release from Cork Prison. Taking 21 November as a comparable or near equivalent date, the table below outlines the number of prisoners on temporary release from Cork Prison for the past 5 years:

Year

Number on Temporary Release (21 November)

2006

37

2007

37

2008

71

2009

59

2010

149

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

461 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35832/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that detailed planning is currently underway in my Department in line with the priorities detailed in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016. While this planning is not yet complete, at this point it is not envisaged that there will be any significant Justice capital investment required in Donegal during the period 2012-2016.

Prisoner Releases

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

462 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current procedures and guidelines in place to facilitate the temporary release of prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35844/11]

The Criminal Justice Act 1960, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003 provides that sentenced prisoners may be approved temporary release. The Act sets out the circumstances when temporary release may be provided and what matters must be taken into account. Temporary release assists in gradually preparing suitable offenders for release and in administering short sentences, and is an incentive to prisoners. It is an important vehicle for re-integrating an offender into the community in a planned way.

The generally accepted view is that the risk to the community is reduced by planned re-integration of offenders compared with their return to the community on the completion of their full sentence. The Irish Prison Service has also judiciously used temporary release as a means of reducing numbers in times of serious overcrowding. Each case is examined on its own merits and the safety of the public is paramount when decisions are made. In addition, all releases are subject to conditions, which in the vast majority of cases include a requirement to report on a regular basis to the offender's Garda Station. Of course, any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí.

I might mention that a number of key recommendations contained in the Thornton Hall Review Group Report are receiving priority attention in my Department and many are in the process of being implemented, most notably the introduction of an incentivised scheme for earned temporary release under which offenders who pose no threat to the community are offered early temporary release in return for supervised community service. In this regard, a six month pilot project commenced in October 2011 in which it is envisaged that a total of 130 prisoners will participate. To date, 31 prisoners have been released under the scheme with a further 7 due for release this week.

Prison Service

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

463 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current rehabilitative and educational facilities available to prisoners serving sentences in prisons here; his future plans regarding same; if the provision of such facilities is in line with the current economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35845/11]

The Irish Prison Service provides a range of rehabilitative programmes which have the dual purpose of providing prisoners with purposeful activity while serving their sentences and encouraging and equipping them to lead productive lives on release. The Irish Prison Service places a strong emphasis on the provision of education, work and training for prisoners with a wide range of education classes and training workshops available across the prison estate. The Irish Prison Service will continue to improve services available to prisoners insofar as resources allow.

In this regard, a number of projects are currently under way which will improve the facilities available. A significant programme of works is nearing completion in the Dóchas Centre where, in addition to improving the overall standard of the Centre, will provide for additional training workshops and a new training kitchen. At the Midlands prison, as part of the new accommodation block to be fully commissioned in 2012, additional work training and educational facilities are being provided. It will also include a new fully fitted kitchen which will provide enhanced training opportunities for prisoners.

The Irish Prison Service continues to develop its IT facilities in the prison schools which will enhance prisoner educational opportunities. An in-cell education pilot project to allow prisoners continue their classroom learning is also being introduced in St Patrick's Institution and Wheatfield prison.

I am further informed by the Irish Prison Service that, as the prison estate is developed by new building projects or by refurbishment of the existing estate, education and training facilities will be enhanced to the greatest extent that resources will allow.

Proposed Legislation

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

464 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to legislate for and define racist crime and introduce racism as an aggravating factor in sentencing. [35849/11]

The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 defines "hatred" as "hatred against a group of persons in the State or elsewhere on account of their race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, membership of the travelling community or sexual orientation". Under the 1989 Act it is an offence, inter alia, to use words, publish or distribute written material, or broadcast any visual images or sounds which are threatening, abusive or insulting and are intended, or, having regard to all the circumstances, are likely to stir up hatred.

In addition to the foregoing legislation, where criminal offences such as assault, criminal damage, or public order offences, are committed with a racist motive they are prosecuted as generic offences through the wider criminal law. The trial judge can take aggravating factors, including racial motivation, into account at sentencing.

In this jurisdiction, the legislature enacts criminal laws which usually provide for maximum penalties in the form of a fine or imprisonment, or both. In general, there are no statutory sentencing guidelines. Within our legislative framework, the determination of penalty in any individual case is largely a matter for the trial judge, taking case law, including appealed cases, into account. This allows the courts to take all the circumstances of the offence and all the relevant aggravating and mitigating factors into account. The gravity of the offence, the facts surrounding the commission of the offence, the criminal record of the accused and the impact on the victim are among the critical factors taken into account before a sentence is imposed. The judge must take into account the circumstances of the offence and the offender. Also, the Director of Public Prosecutions can appeal against the sentence imposed if he believes it to be unduly lenient.

Moreover, it would be very difficult to justify legislative provision for racially aggravated sentencing without introducing similar provisions to deal with crimes (possibly numerically greater and just as reprehensible) against other vulnerable groups, for example, children and the elderly. In all the circumstances, I have no plans, at present, for statutory guidelines for the purpose of racially aggravated sentencing.

Question No. 465 answered with Question No. 436.

Garda Deployment

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

466 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to increase resources to the Garda racial and intercultural office; the funding allocated to it for each year since its establishment; the number of persons employed in that office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35851/11]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office (G.R.I.D.O.) forms part of the Community Relations Division. The personnel strength, at the latest date for which figures are available, of the Community Relations Division is 29 and currently 1 Sergeant, 1 Garda and 1 Clerical Officer are allocated to the G.R.I.D.O.

There is no specific budget allocated to the Garda Racial and Intercultural Office from the Garda Vote. The annual expenditure, inclusive of salaries, incurred by the Garda Community Relations Division is approximately €2.8m. Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of resources, including transfers and retirements, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Senior Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient policing service to the community. This situation will be kept under review.

Joint Policing Committees

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

467 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure migrant representation on the joint policing committees to establish a better relationship with new communities. [35852/11]

The functions and powers of Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) are set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for a Committee in each local authority area. JPCs provide the framework for a partnership process involving An Garda Síochána and elected members and officials of the local authority, which are the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing crime in an area, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and of the community and voluntary sector.

The Act provides that JPCs operate under guidelines issued by the Minister for Justice and Equality after consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The current guidelines were issued in September, 2008 and provide inter alia for the selection of members of the JPCs by the relevant local authority and Oireachtas members and An Garda Síochána, as appropriate.

Members of the public and community representatives and groups, including groups representing migrants, can interact with their JPC by communicating with the Committee directly or by communicating with any member of the Committee, including the appointed Garda representatives. All JPC meetings are as a rule open to the public, and documents are generally available. Any person may submit questions in writing in advance of each JPC meeting. Each Committee is also required to hold regular public meetings, at which those attending have the right to make their views known and ask questions in accordance with the guidelines.

The Code of Practice which forms part of the guidelines underlines the need for engagement with local communities. The guidelines give flexibility to Committees to operate in a way that addresses local needs and circumstances. In this context there is scope for JPCs to ensure that the concerns of migrant communities are properly considered. The guidelines emphasise the need for informal procedures and include provision for the invitation of non-members to speak on particular agenda items.

It is my intention to communicate in the near future with local authorities to get an overview of how the JPCs are operating and the extent to which their activities are constructive and beneficial to the community and the Gardaí. My Department, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and An Garda Síochána have commenced work on reviewing the operation of the Committees. It is intended that a document will be prepared, on the basis of which consultations will take place with the local authorities on how the operation of the Committees might be improved, with a view to updating the guidelines. It is envisaged that this process will be substantially complete in the early part of next year.

Garda Training

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

468 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the intercultural training provided to gardaí; and his plans to introduce a new training programme that involves all Garda personnel. [35853/11]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the ethos of training within An Garda Síochána is based upon the Irish Constitution, Legislation (including Human Rights and Equality Legislation) and An Garda Síochána's Policy and Procedures. This ethos informs and underpins the content of all training interventions facilitated by An Garda Síochána.

Details of the Intercultural and Diversity Training provided in the period 2006 to date are as follows:—

A "Diversity Works" one day Training Programme in ‘Diversity Awareness was developed for delivery by Continuous Professional Trainers. A total of 69 trainers undertook a Train the Trainers Programme in March 2007. Diversity training was included on the Continuous Professional Development (C.P.D.) core programme for 2007/2008.

A ‘Human Rights, Cultural Diversity and Refugee Law' training programme, developed with U.N.H.C.R., was delivered to 380 Garda Immigration Staff during 2006, 2007, and 2008.

37 members of Inspector and Superintendent Rank received training in ‘Human Rights & Constitutional Law' during 2007. This was delivered jointly by Senior Management Development and Barristers at the Kings Inns.

A ‘Diversity Works' training workshop was delivered to Garda Employee Assistance (Welfare) Officers.

450 Ethnic Liaison Officers were trained for liaison with ethnic communities nationwide.

A ‘Cultural Diversity Awareness Training' programme was completed by 275 staff (Garda & non Garda) at the Garda College in 2008.

Human Rights training was delivered to participants on Sergeants & Inspectors Promotion Courses in 2007 and 2008.

80 members of Inspector and Superintendent Rank received ‘Managing Diversity Works' Training during 2007 and 2008.

A suite of C.P.D. Programmes for Superintendents and Chief Superintendents on incorporating Human Rights in Executive Decision making was delivered in 2009, 2010 and 2011 with 95 personnel trained.

In 2011 the Leadership and Management Development Faculty have provided Diversity Master Classes to Senior Management in the Garda Organisation, resulting in 29 personnel trained.

The new Student / Probationer programme (B.A. in Applied Policing) addresses the area of ‘intercultural training' both directly as part of the curriculum and indirectly within the Student/Probationer competency framework.

Basic equality and diversity awareness is introduced in the Foundations of Policing Module which is the first study module for new recruits. This introduction is further developed in the Policing with Communities module which has a 21 hour Unit of learning entitled ‘Diversity'. This unit covers:

Dynamics of Difference

Stereotyping and Prejudice

Each of the nine grounds of discrimination

Legislation

The unit is delivered using blended learning methodologies including; problem-based learning scenarios, workshops, seminars, a debate and role-plays. As part of the implementation of An Garda Síochána's Diversity Strategy 2009-2012 a number of information seminars, with representation from every division in the country, were held to raise Diversity awareness among Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELOs) and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Liaison Gardaí (LGBT) in preparation for their future role in the areas of each of the nine strands of Diversity; Age, Gender, Membership of the Travelling Community, Race/Ethnic Origin, Religious Belief, Sexual Orientation, Family Status, Disability and Marital Status.

Garda Recruitment

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

469 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to target and reserve places in the Garda for migrants when the recruitment embargo is lifted. [35854/11]

Recruitment in An Garda Síochána is governed under Statutory Regulation namely, the Garda Síochána (Admission & Appointments) Regulations 1988 — 2005. While there is no recruitment taking place at the moment, any person who meets the criteria set out in the Regulations, including citizens of an EEA member state or persons legally resident in Ireland may apply to join An Garda Síochána when recruitment next commences.

Judicial Appointments Board

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

470 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the judicial appointments board with a view to ensuring greater diversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35855/11]

Following my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality, I requested my officials to conduct an examination of the current appointment procedure with particular reference to the practice in other jurisdictions. This review is wide-ranging and includes consideration of the following issues:

the need to ensure and protect the principle of judicial independence;

eligibility for appointment;

composition of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board;

the appointments process;

accountability in respect of its functioning; and

promoting equality and diversity.

The review is ongoing and I will consider the matter further on completion. Any proposal to revise the current system of judicial appointments would, of course, be a matter for consideration by Government.

Immigrant Welfare

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

471 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the level of communication between his Department and the Department of Social Protection which often results in immigrants who are often refused in the first instance but then succeed on appeal; and his plans to ensure better information co-ordination between Departments. [35856/11]

On the assumption that the Deputy is referring to applications for social welfare assistance made by non-nationals to the Department of Social Protection, decisions on such applications are solely a matter for that Department and my Department has no role or function in relation to that process. In that context it is unclear as to what the Deputy means by poor communication between my Department and the Department of Social Protection. I can assure him that there is ongoing cooperation between our respective Departments at both an operational and policy level on all issues where such cooperation is required.

Asylum Support Services

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

472 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to reform direct provision centres; his plans to introduce an independent complaints mechanism for direct provision centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35857/11]

The accommodation of asylum seekers through the direct provision system is the responsibility of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department. As of today, RIA has 39 asylum seeker accommodation centres throughout the country. The system is a constantly evolving one, taking account of the declining number of residents and of the financial resources available to RIA. At the beginning of 2009, RIA was accommodating an overall number of 7,002 asylum seekers. Today, it is accommodating just over 5,400 persons, a reduction of over 22 % during this period.

I would refer the Deputy to my response to previous Dáil Questions on this subject where I pointed out that the Direct Provision system was subjected recently to a rigorous Value for Money (VFM) examination. This Report was published in 2010 and is on the RIA website —www.ria.gov.ie. The Report found that there are no cheaper alternatives to the Direct Provision system. In fact, if we were operating a system which facilitated asylum seekers in living independent lives in individual housing with social welfare support and payments, the cost to the exchequer would be double what is currently paid under the direct provision system.

In relation to the issue of the introduction of an independent complaints mechanism for Direct Provision centres I would refer the Deputy to my detailed response to the Dáil Question of 3 November, 2011 (ref. PQ 32452/11) on this issue in which I stated, inter alia, that the system of direct provision is sui generis and that I am informed that the complaints resolution procedure currently in place is considered to be the only one appropriate to the circumstances which obtain in that system.

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

473 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce a condition into contracts with direct provision accommodation providers which allows full access to centres for mental health personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35858/11]

The accommodation of asylum seekers through the direct provision system is the responsibility of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department. In addition to full board accommodation, RIA coordinates, through other Government bodies, a number of ancillary services to asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation. All asylum seekers are allowed access to health services on the same basis as for Irish citizens. The provision of all health services, including those related to mental health, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and it is a matter for the HSE to determine how it wishes to deliver that service to residents in Direct Provision centres. RIA will, of course, facilitate the HSE in any way it can in the delivery of such services.

Equality Issues

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

474 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the Equal Status Act to disallow schools differential treatment of applicants based on religion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35859/11]

Equal status legislation aims to strike a necessary and appropriate balance between the right to the free profession and practice of religion, recognised by the Constitution and the principle of equality and has done so by providing a qualified exception, of limited scope, in Section 7(3) of the Equal Status Act 2000. A denominational primary or post-primary school may, under this provision, admit pupils of one religious denomination in preference to others and may refuse to take someone who is not of that denomination if this is essential to protect its religious ethos. Application of this provision is, moreover, subject to review by a court or tribunal, such review being on an objective basis and having regard to the need to reconcile the various constitutional rights involved. I have no plans at present to amend these provisions of the Equal Status Act.

Prison Medical Service

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

475 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) will receive adequate dental treatment including the provision of false teeth; and the timeframe that this will occur. [35869/11]

The range of dental services available to prisoners reflects similar provision which is available to medical card holders in line with arrangements under the GMS Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) which operates in the community. This is entirely consistent with the objective of the Irish Prison Service to provide equivalence of care in relation to the provision of medical/dental services comparable to that available to medical card holders in the community. However, as I am sure you are aware, medical confidentiality is a time honoured principle of professional healthcare ethics and accordingly I am not at liberty to divulge information relating to this person's dental treatment.

Visa Applications

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

476 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35899/11]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved. Queries in relation to general immigration matters 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.

Immigration Policy

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

477 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the criteria for non-EU nationals without a residency permit to start up a business here; his plans to replace the business permission scheme with more flexible rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35931/11]

My Department has been working on new immigration schemes in the area of entrepreneurship and investment. I believe there is scope for a proactive approach from my Department in this sphere so as to contribute to our national recovery. I anticipate being in a position to publish the details of these schemes shortly.

Legal Aid Service

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

478 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on criminal legal aid to date in 2011; and the number of legal aid certificates granted over that period. [36095/11]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

479 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in the matter of criminal legal aid, if he will confirm the number of accused persons in the past ten years who have been awarded more than one legal aid certificate; and the cost to the State in respect of such class persons. [36096/11]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

480 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of accused persons in the past six years who have been convicted of an offence and who had been awarded a legal aid certificate in respect of their case distinguishing the number of such convictions arising by way of plea and specifying the number of prison sentences imposed in such cases. [36098/11]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

481 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers of re-offenders and the rates of re-offending in the past ten years distinguishing between summary and indictable offences and setting out the number of re-offenders who have received legal aid certificates. [36102/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 478 to 481, inclusive, together.

Unfortunately, I am not in a position to advise the Deputy in relation to the number of accused persons in the past 10 years who have been awarded more than one legal aid certificate and the cost to the State in respect of such class of persons as this information is not currently collated in the system. This is also the position in relation to the information sought by the Deputy on the number of accused persons in the past six years who have been convicted of an offence and who have been awarded a legal aid certificate in respect of their case distinguishing the number of such convictions arising by way of plea and specifying the number of prison sentences imposed in such cases.

I can advise the Deputy in relation to re-offending that the Irish Prison Service facilitated a major study of prisoner re-offending by the UCD Institute of Criminology, the findings of which were published in the May edition of the academic journal Criminology & Criminal Justice . The recidivism rate was found by this study to be under 50% after 4 years which is in the mid to lower range of recidivism rates when compared to similar countries internationally. The Irish Prison Service keeps records of periods in custody for every prisoner which allows calculation of re-imprisonment rates by type of offence, including sex offences. However, these do not allow calculation of a comprehensive rate of re-offending that includes non-custodial sentences. I am pleased to say however that the Probation Service is in the process of conducting initial research into re-convictions and much work is being done to collate the relevant data which will add to our knowledge in this area.

Information on the number of re-offenders who have received legal aid certificates is not collated as, at the time of assignment of the legal aid certificate, this information is not made known to the court for legal reasons. As the Deputy will be aware, the interests of justice require that a person accused of a crime before the court is innocent until proven guilty and as such is entitled to apply for legal aid regardless of whether he or she has previous convictions.

Court Sittings

Michael McGrath

Question:

482 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a statutory instrument is in place which would allow the sitting of a court (details supplied) in County Cork; and his plans to resume court sittings in the area. [36144/11]

The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions which includes management of court venues and designation of court areas and I have no role in the matter. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that, due to the lack of suitable premises in Castletownbere, the District court sittings were moved to Bantry with effect from 1 October 2010. I am informed the Court sat six times in 2010 dealing with only 232 matters. Unfortunately, due to current economic conditions, the Courts Service is not in a position to provide a premises or facilities of an appropriate standard in Castletownbere and a proposal about its future is due for consideration at the next meeting of the Courts Service Board. In the meantime, the sittings will continue to be held in Bantry.

Legal Aid Service

Billy Kelleher

Question:

483 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an appeals board will be appointed for the legal aid board; his plans to deal with the back log of appeals that have built up since September 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36150/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that I am currently in the process of appointing members to the Legal Aid Board. I expect that the new Board will be in place in the coming weeks and that the appeals on hand will be addressed promptly.

Criminal Prosecutions

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

484 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the number of prosecutions resulting in fines being handed down following court proceedings during the year 2010; the proportion of the fines that remain unpaid; his plans to introduce a deduction at source scheme for those persons who refuse to pay fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36153/11]

The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions which includes the provision of information on the operation of the courts and I have no role in the matter.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that in 2010 there were 92,624 fines imposed with 68,032 paid. This left 24,592 or approximately 27% fines unpaid at the end of the year. In the same year a total of 63,620 defendants had fines imposed. It should be noted that some defendants may have received two or more fines. The Programme for Government 2011-2016 includes a commitment to recover unpaid fines by use of attachment orders and legislative proposals along those lines are being developed.

Proceeds of Crime

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

485 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the proceeds of crime legislation makes provisions for the inclusion of PPS numbers in the sale and purchase of assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36154/11]

The Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005 target property which has been received as a result of, or in connection with, criminal conduct.The legislation does not make any particular provision in relation to PPS numbers in connection with the sale and purchase of assets.

Proposed Legislation

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

486 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress being made on legislative proposals to abolish upward only rent review clauses; if he has considered other alternative options for facilitating commercial tenants to obtain reduced rents which reflect the current economic realities faced by businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36171/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

487 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in an effort to alleviate the pressure that commercial rents are placing on businesses if he will consider legislating to provide an incentive for landlords to reduce commercial rents to a verifiable sustainable level provided that any such incentive would be proportionate to the effect of a rent reduction on the landlord’s income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36173/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.

As I indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 166 and 173 on 17 November, 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.

Garda Transport

Seán Kenny

Question:

488 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on purchasing Garda vehicles for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36185/11]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that expenditure on the purchase of vehicles for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 is outlined in the table.

Year

Cost

2007

€11,403,105

2008

€8,117,641

2009

Nil

2010

€3,074,236

2011

€238,535

Garda Civilian Staff

Seán Kenny

Question:

489 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of civilians by grade currently in the Garda dog unit; the number of civilians by grade currently in the Garda mounted unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36186/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no civilians attached to either the Garda Dog Unit or the Garda Mounted Unit.

Garda Stations

Seán Kenny

Question:

490 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual cost to An Garda Síochána of operating five Garda stations (details supplied) in Dublin excluding staffing costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36200/11]

The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that financial operating cost statements are maintained at District Headquarters level rather than at Garda station level. Additionally it is the case that certain expenditure in respect of a Garda station premises is funded separately by the Office of Public Works and this can contribute significantly to the costs involved. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the information he has sought is not readily available and I understand that the provision of such information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

491 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36230/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the details requested in respect of my Department and agencies/bodies within its aegis are as follows:

ICT

My Department has recently put in place a framework of 17 companies to supply a range of specified ICT skills. No contracts have yet been placed.

Auditing

A range of auditing services are provided to my Department by Capita (formerly Tribal Consulting Ltd). The services in question cover both technical/specialist audits and more general audit services and these are drawn down as and when required. The services are drawn down where appropriate skills sets are not available in the Department. The cost of this service in 2011 was €75,755. This is in line with internal staff costs when pension and PRSI costs are included.

Reception and Telephonist Staff

A total of five staff have been employed at three of my Department's main buildings in Dublin at a cost of €258,554. Three staff have been employed by the Probation Service at a cost of €143,704. Two part-time staff have been employed at my Department's Financial Shared Services office in Killarney at a cost of €52,256. Two full-time persons have been employed at the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) at a cost of €85,200. The above amounts were incurred in the year ending 31 October, 2011 and were payable to Eircom.

Courts Service — Accountancy Services

Contract accountancy services were provided by two separate companies 1) Reed and 2) Hays to the Courts Service. There were three staff provided in total, two through the company Reed and one through the company Hays. Two of the staff were employed in the Office of the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy and one in the Office of the General Solicitor for Minors and Wards of Court. The cost of the services to date in 2011 is €195,260. The equivalent grade for these contract staff is Assistant Principal Officer level.

Courts Service — ICT Services

ICT Services were provided by Brightwater. Two staff were provided in total, a technical architect and a senior developer. The cost of the services to date in 2011 is €80,000. No equivalent staff are employed in the Courts Service.

Irish Prison Service (IPS)

CPL Healthcare Limited provide agency nurses to fill critical vacancies, both planned and unplanned, in any or all locations where the Irish Prison Service provide healthcare services. Agency nurses provide services similar to that provided by nurses employed directly by the Irish Prison Service. There are currently eight agency nurses engaged from CPL by the Irish Prison Service and are deployed to prisons across the prison estate.

In the first half of 2011, the cost of agency nurse services to the Irish Prison Service was €262,275. The cost of engaging an agency nurse is approximately 5% less than the cost of employing a nurse directly by the Irish Prison Service. However, when pension entitlements for civil servants (which are payable in the future) are factored in, the differential in employing nurses directly increases from approximately 5% to circa. 20% less than the cost of employing a nurse directly.

The Irish Prison Service holds contracts with two agencies, Locumlink and Locumotion, for the provision of GP services. The primary purpose of the contracts is to provide locum GPs to cover annual leave, sick leave and other absences of Irish Prison Service doctors.

National Disability Authority

The National Disability Authority (NDA), a small organisation with 33.4 whole time equivalent staff, uses recruitment agencies on an ad hoc basis to provide reception cover in exceptional circumstances, most notably when the full-time receptionist is out for a period of more than one week. Other than that the NDA covers leave taken by the full-time receptionist from internal resources. In this regard, the amount paid by the NDA to Premier Recruitment for the period from January 2011 to October 2011 was €1,113.78. This works out at an hourly rate €21.17 per hour plus VAT. This compares with approximately €13 per hour at the minimum point of the Receptionist pay scale and approximately €21 per hour at the maximum of the scale.

Finally ,in the time available, it was not possible to finalise information in respect of An Garda Síochána. The relevant information, if any, will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.

Judicial Appointments

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

492 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which a second judge will be appointed to Limerick District Court; the number of cases the court has dealt with over the past 12 months; the number of staff currently employed in this court; his plans to increase staffing levels to cope with demand for services in this court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36236/11]

I understand that the President of the District Court had hoped to provide an additional District Court judge to Limerick city to facilitate the sitting of a second court with effect from 1 November 2011. However, this was not possible due to a number of District Judge vacancies. A second District Court judge will be available from 28 November to 22 December 2011 subject to the availability of judicial resources. The position which will apply in 2012 is under review by the President of the District Court and the Courts Service.

The Courts Service has informed me that, at present, there are 17 staff in the District Court Office in Limerick. The Service is committed to maintaining the level of support required to ensure that courts sit as scheduled. The issue of staff and other resources is kept under constant review. The Public Service Agreement Action Plan for the Courts Service includes the introduction of unified multi-jurisdictional offices in each county which will introduce efficiencies and help alleviate the difficulties which will arise through staff retirements etc.

The case load managed by the Limerick District Court in 2010, the latest year for which figures are available, is set out in the table.

Case Count

Court Area

Crime

Section 29 apps

Family Law

Civil

Licensing

Total

Limerick City

24,603

73

1,816

2,441

3,874

32,807

Abbeyfeale

753

5

23

203

139

1,123

Kilmallock

2,156

30

189

752

560

3,687

Newcastlewest

1,343

22

117

434

208

2,124

Rathkeale

1,861

14

176

492

257

2,800

Totals

30,716

144

2,321

4,322

5,038

4,2541

Human Trafficking

Robert Dowds

Question:

493 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide up-to-date figures on the extent of forced labour that he is aware of nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36242/11]

The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 (which came into effect on 7 June, 2008) criminalises the trafficking of persons for the purposes of labour exploitation (including forced labour), sexual exploitation and exploitation consisting of the removal of a person's organs. For the purposes of the Act, the term "trafficks" is broadly defined. For example, the commission of an offence does not require cross-border movement or illegal entry into the State. It includes recruitment, taking a person into one's custody, care or charge, and providing the person with accommodation or employment. However, the legislation is primarily an anti-trafficking measure and was never intended to address any of the exploitative phenomena outside the context of human trafficking.

Since 7 June 2008, the number of cases of alleged human trafficking for labour exploitation that have been investigated by An Garda Síochána are as follows: 2009 — 19 cases; 2010 — 19 cases; 2011 — 9 cases (up to September 2011). To date no proceedings for the offence of human trafficking for labour exploitation have been commenced. Three investigation files having been submitted to the Law Officers. Directions for no prosecution have been received in two of these cases. Additional information has been sought and provided in respect of the third investigation File.

The Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit works closely with labour inspectors attached to the National Employment Rights Authority with regard to cases of alleged labour exploitation. An Garda Síochána also works closely with other police forces. In December 2009, three Romanian men were sentenced in Romania for the human trafficking of Romanian nationals into Ireland for labour exploitation. In this case Romanian males and females were recruited in Romania and trafficked into Ireland where they were exploited for labour purposes on farms in Wexford. An intensive investigation was conducted in Ireland and evidence was transferred to Romania where the men had been arrested on their return to Romania from Ireland. Sentences of 7 years, 5 years and 5 years respectively were handed down.

In some cases that have been referred to An Garda Síochána as human trafficking for labour exploitation, prospective evidence of other offences including immigration offences, employment permits offences, false imprisonment and assault has been uncovered. These matters remain under investigation.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

John McGuinness

Question:

494 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the delay being experienced by applicants to the Garda vetting unit and that the delays in clearing applicants is affecting employment; if he will introduce efficiencies in the system; if he will fast-track applicants who are trainees and operating within a tight timeframe; the number of staff in the unit; the average number of clearances being processed each month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36274/11]

Garda vetting disclosures are provided to organisations registered with the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) in respect of a particular post or employment in response to a written request and with the permission of the person who is the subject of that request. Decisions on the suitability for the recruitment/engagement of the person concerned rest at all times with the recruiting organisation.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the average number of applications processed each month for 2011 is 25,384. The average processing time for Garda vetting applications at the GCVU at present is 5 weeks. This is a significant improvement on the average processing time of 12 weeks at the end of last year. All organisations registered for Garda Vetting are aware of the processing timeframes for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to factor this into their recruitment and selection process. This processing time can, nevertheless, be affected by seasonal fluctuations or the necessity to seek further information on particular applications which may result in the processing time exceeding the present average of 5 weeks.

At present there are a total of 100 personnel assigned to the Garda Central Vetting Unit comprising of 5 gardaí, 75 full-time Garda civilian personnel and 20 temporary civilian personnel. This represents a very significant increase in the level of personnel assigned to the unit, which stood at only 13 before the current process of development in Garda vetting began in 2005.

I am very conscious of the need to keep the time required to obtain a vetting to the minimum possible. Since becoming Minister I have taken a number of measures which have significantly reduced the time taken for the processing of vetting applications. The sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was obtained to retain the services of 10 temporary employees working in the GCVU. Sanction was also obtained to engage an additional 10 temporary employees and these are now working in the GCVU. A further initiative to provide internships through the National Internship Scheme, "Job Bridge", under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, is also currently under way. All of this should have a further positive impact on processing times.

I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that in order to observe equity and fairness in respect of applicants for Garda vetting, the general processing procedures are such that applications are processed in chronological order, from the date of receipt at the Vetting Unit.

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

Question:

495 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if appropriate resources will be allocated to a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36344/11]

The provision and allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified policing priorities and available finance. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the policing requirements of the Monaghan Garda District, which includes the station referred to by the Deputy, are continually monitored and reviewed to ensure that Garda resources are deployed in the most appropriate manner. I am further informed that the current arrangements in place for the station in question are providing an effective policing service for the area.

Garda Investigations

Timmy Dooley

Question:

496 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the criminal investigation currently under way in respect of practices at particular national car test centres, as highlighted earlier this year in a television programme (details supplied); if he will inform Dáil Éireann when the Garda is expected to conclude its investigation; when a decision on whether to pursue criminal charges will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36354/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda investigation into the matters referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. When the investigation is completed, an investigation file will be submitted to the Law Officers for a decision regarding what criminal charges, if any, are to be preferred. The Deputy will appreciate that it would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Severe Weather Events

Denis Naughten

Question:

497 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence further to the publication of the be winter ready strategy, if he will clarify that the clearing of snow from roads by the farming community is covered by this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35610/11]

Following a number of severe weather events, advice was sought of the Attorney General in relation to certain legal matters that arose during the response, including questions relating to whether there is any liability arising for individuals and community groups who clear snow from footpaths during a period of severe weather. The Attorney General subsequently provided that advice, which indicated that the issue of liability does not arise for snow that is cleared in a safe manner. On the question of people, such as the farming community, clearing roads by spreading grit supplied by local authorities, the legal advice is that the issue of liability does not arise where the material is delivered, stored and used in a safe manner. Any equipment used for road gritting and snow clearance should be suitable and safe for that purpose and people should be competent to use it.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

498 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35510/11]

In total there are three (3) computer servers leased by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces as follows: Two (2) servers are leased by the Department, both of which have a capacity of 50GB. No maintenance costs are associated with these servers. One (1) server is leased by the Defence Forces with a capacity of 4GB. No maintenance costs are associated with this server. No computer servers are leased by agencies under the aegis of the Department of Defence.

Denis Naughten

Question:

499 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35526/11]

The use of computer servers in my Department , the Defence Forces and the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is spread over a number of mainstream applications, including Local and Wide Area Networks, business, administrative and financial systems, web hosting, mission-critical support systems and a wide range of local and specialist applications. The capacity varies according to need. The following is a summary of the position:

Department of Defence, including integrated civil/military modules

The Department owns a total of 90 servers. The storage capacity varies from 20GB(gigabyte) to 3.6TB (terabyte; 1 TB=1000GB) per server. The average cost of maintaining these servers is approximately €282 per server per annum. This comprises the hardware warranty and support costs for the servers.

Defence Forces — military only applications

The Defence Forces own a total of 126 servers. The storage capacity varies from 33.8GB to 750GB per server. Since 2006 maintenance costs for 5 years are included in the initial purchase price for all new servers.

Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF)

The ODF owns 2 servers each of which has a capacity of 150GB. The average cost of maintaining these servers is approximately €2,850 per server per annum. The maintenance of these servers includes the provision of the following services; domain and security administration, backup support, log file monitoring, performance monitoring, account management, patch management and network administration. The ODF, in order to move to a more robust and economic server environment, intends to complete the process of procuring, installing and migrating to a single new server before the end of 2011.

The Department and the Defence Forces are examining ways, including server virtualisation, to minimise the number of servers required in order to achieve savings in server procurement and to reduce energy usage. In addition, the number of servers required will be reduced as a result of an upgrading of financial management and HR systems currently under way.

Army Barracks

Robert Troy

Question:

500 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence in view of the departmental report confirming that the closure of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, will actually cost money, if he will confirm that this barracks will not close in any further consolidation process. [35608/11]

The Deputy is mistaken in his belief that the closure of Columb Barracks will cost money. As I have said previously annual savings in respect of utilities, security duty allowances and maintenance amount to approximately €1.3 million per annum in respect of the four closures. In addition to the cost of utilities each barracks requires a security detail and additional further personnel are tied up on purely administrative duties connected to the management of the particular barracks. Because maintaining barrack security can require around the clock cover, a much larger pool of personnel is required. Therefore, several hundred additional man years will become available for operational duties. At a minimum, the value of this efficiency gain across the four locations will exceed €5 million per year.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Denis Naughten

Question:

501 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans to commence a recruitment campaign for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35611/11]

I have on a number of occasions placed on the record in Dáil Éireann my view that the personnel strength of the Permanent Defence Force should be maintained at 9,500 to ensure that the Permanent Defence Force have the capabilities to meet both their international (UN/EU) and domestic obligations. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at the 31 October, 2011, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,393 which is the lowest number since the early 1970s. Given the particular circumstances of the Defence Forces it is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

502 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the infrastructure and capital investment plan 2012 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35827/11]

There are currently no projects listed for County Donegal on the Department's Capital Plan 2012. However, in future years, needs will be considered as they arise in the context of the planned approach to capital projects for the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Property

Seán Kenny

Question:

503 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the type of refurbishments works carried out at the Air Corps base in Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel, County Dublin, for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the type of refurbishment works carried out at the Naval Service headquarters, Haulbowline, County Cork for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36194/11]

The Department is engaged in ongoing capital building and maintenance programmes designed to modernise and enhance the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The capital building programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. Under this programme there has been considerable capital investment at both Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and the Naval Service, Haulbowline. Please see the tables for a list of works carried out for the years from 2007 to date in 2011.

Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel

Year

Project

2007

Sewage System Upgrade (Phase 1)

Q Blk, NCO Mess & Apprentice Hangar — fire alarm

Road barrier (ILS area)

Catering complex Air handling unit

NCO’s Mess fire alarm

Illuminated signage

Apprentice Hostel — repair roof & replace windows

Boiler & BMS maintenance

Main Gate — replace gates

Hangars 2 & 3 — painting internal walls

O/Mess Public Rooms & Auditorium — painting

Church — internal painting

2008

Refurbishment & Alteration of ‘A’ Block

Transformer upgrade

Flight Safety building — heating

Apprentice Hostel — heating upgrade

Guardroom upgrade

Living-in accommodation — toilet refurb

Nr 2 Hangar — heating upgrade

Officers Mess — upgrade front elevation

Painting generally — inc HQ block, apprentice accom and downpipes

2009

Apron Drain — replace

Boiler maintenance

Demolition of Avionics demountable bldg — Ph 1

Antenna Farm power supply — replace

Fire alarms & emergency lighting maintenance

Officers Mess — replace fire alarm

Flight simulator — refurb building to house equipment

Catering Centre — replace fire alarm

Nr 3 Old Stores — demolish

Main Square — road reinstate / repair; access to fire ground

2010

Sewage System Upgrade (Phase II)

BFW Offices & Stores — fire alarm

Canteen — fire alarm

Tech Stores — power supply

BFTS power supply / isolate Hangar 1

Recycling centre

Catering Centre — roof repair

Hangar 1 demolition

2011 to 21/11/2011

Painting 3 Support Wing HQ — external

Naval Base, Haulbowline

Year

Project

2007

Refurbishment of Ground Floor, Block No. 4

Conversion to Naval Service Reserve HQ of Old Married Quarters

Reroofing & Ancillary Works, Block 8

Telecom ducting to 6 Block

Ambulance garage

Naval HQ — refurb entrance & internal offices

Concrete slab and bund

Oil storage tanks — remove 2 old tanks

Derelict houses demolition

Theatre Building roof repairs

2008

New 25m Rifle Range

Block 4, Structural Stabilisation

Re-roofing & Ancillary Works at the Seamanship Bay

Resurfacing

Parade viewing area — pave

Quay Wall — fendering

House 52 & Diver’s HQ — reroof

2009

Dockyard — storage building

Dockyard — electrical upgrade

Dockyard — safety railing

Auditorium Building — reroof

Disaster recovery site — upgrade old facility

Upgrade PMS building

2010

Gunnery Bay — upgrade to house gunnery simulators

Old Naval College HQ — change to Gym

Masthouse FSG upgrade — insulated doors to workshops, enclose lean-to

Naval Base power supply — upgrade

2011 — to Nov 21st

Petrol storage tank and dispensing pump

Dredging of NS basin

Naval Service Recruitment

Seán Kenny

Question:

504 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if there are any plans for a recruitment drive in the Naval Service dive recovery team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36195/11]

I am advised by the military authorities that vacancies within the Naval Service Dive Team are filled as they arise from those personnel who have satisfactorily completed the requisite course and have the required specialisation. The Naval Service conducts one (1) Diving Course each year (SCUBA to 36 meters). The course is open to serving Naval Service personnel only. Applicants undergo a rigorous medical examination and Diving Aptitude testing before being selected for the course. The course is of 11 weeks duration with students required to pass a physical fitness phase before progressing to the Diving phase. The Naval Service advertised the Diving Course in Naval Service Routine Orders on 1 June 2011. Applicants who were recommended by their Unit Commanders are currently undergoing Diving Aptitude Testing for the next course which will commence on 9 January 2012. Those who successfully complete the course will, subject to their specialisation, be assigned to the Dive Team as vacancies arise.

Defence Forces Personnel

Seán Kenny

Question:

505 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotions in the Naval Service, Air Corps and Army at each rank for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36196/11]

In relation to the number of promotions in the Naval Service, Air Corps and Army at each rank for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011, the Military Authorities have advised that it is not possible within the time available to source the necessary information in order to fully answer this question. I will revert with a complete answer at the earliest possible opportunity.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

506 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36224/11]

The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. The Department and its agencies source its staff through the Public Appointments Service. There is no cost to the Department for using this service.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

507 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Defence if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36951/11]

The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. No former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to these boards by the current or former Governments.

EU Agreements

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

508 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his policy on the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Morocco, which is currently under a one-year extension and may be renewed or extended; and if he has made any representations on this issue at the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35590/11]

When the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) was adopted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 22 May 2006, Ireland voted for the proposal but made the following statement, setting out its position on the issue:

Ireland supports the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco on the basis that it does not prejudice the longstanding position of the EU on the status of the Western Sahara. The EU continues to support the efforts of the UN Secretary General to encourage a negotiated solution which will allow the people of the Western Sahara to exercise their right to self-determination.

Ireland emphasises the importance of the future dialogue within the EU-Morocco Joint Committee foreseen under this agreement. It is essential that the Joint Committee make use of all instruments under the Agreement to ensure that the Agreement is implemented to the benefit of all the people concerned and in accordance with the principles of international law.

This statement contains the essence of Ireland's policy. Ireland has been, and continues to be a firm supporter of the right to self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara, and the Government remains firmly committed to this principle. In the past, the advice of the Council's Legal Service has been that the FPA with Morocco does not entail a de jure recognition of Morocco’s legal rights in respect of the area. Therefore there is not a conflict between Ireland’s position on Western Sahara and its support for the agreement.

The previous protocol remained in force for four years but expired on 27 February 2011. The Commission had sought information regarding the regional socio-economic impacts of the EU's annual financial contribution, through the annual Joint Commissions at the behest of Ireland and other Member States, but was unsuccessful. The Commission accordingly did not seek a mandate from the Council to open negotiations until it received some information in December 2010 and after internal consideration proposed in February 2011 to negotiate a one year extension of the protocol while consideration could be given to the overall approach to the agreement. The Council agreed to this recommendation and on 25 February 2011 the Commission (on behalf of the EU) and Moroccan authorities initialled a 12-month extension of the current protocol, thus preventing a very substantial dislocation of fishing activity by the many EU vessels active in the area. Furthermore, a new condition is included in the extension which obliges Morocco to report before the end of the 12 months on the socio-economic impacts of the EU's financial payment and the geographical distribution of these impacts.

Given the urgency and seriousness of the situation, Ireland supported the Commission's proposal to extend the protocol for a maximum of 12 months in order to allow time for negotiations to take place between the EU and Morocco on a new protocol. Ireland voted in favour of adopting the protocol extension when it came to Council in July, but we joined Germany and Slovenia in an additional joint declaration on the issue. This joint declaration calls on the Commission to inform the Council regularly and comprehensively about the benefits the people of the Western Sahara receive from the FPA as it continues to operate under the new Protocol.

The one year extension of the Protocol was formally signed by representatives of the EU and Morocco in Brussels on 13 July 2011. However, as the European Parliament is still considering whether it will give its consent to the one year protocol extension, the formal process of concluding the extension is not yet complete. Its decision is expected in January.

The European Commission has the authority to propose the opening of negotiations for a new protocol with Morocco but it has yet to make any proposals in the matter. Any decisions on the future of this fisheries agreement will be informed by geographic distribution of the funds and the Commission's analysis of this data.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

509 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment, headage payment and agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36116/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 April 2011, processing of which has been recently finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment and payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to issue in the coming days.

The person named was also approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. This application was also randomly selected for an on farm inspection and the application is now being processed further.

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

510 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under the single farm payment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35441/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 14 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue to the applicant on 17 November.

Dara Calleary

Question:

511 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a suckler cow welfare scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [35451/11]

The person named registered twenty three animals under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment issued on four of these animals but discrepancies were established during the payment validation programme in respect of the remaining nineteen animals. These errors have now been amended and payment will issue shortly to the applicant provided the requirements of the Terms and Conditions have been respected.

Sugar Beet Industry

Michael Creed

Question:

512 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the progress made regarding re-establishment of a sugar beet industry here; if this will be established for the purposes of sugar production or energy production; the negotiations that are necessary in this context with the EU Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/11]

In 2006, a temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry, was introduced by the EU Commission with the aim of reducing EU sugar production in order to comply with WTO and other international obligations. The scheme provided an incentive for sugar processors to renounce sugar quota and dismantle the associated sugar processing plant and it provided compensation for affected stakeholders. Greencore, the sole Irish sugar processor and holder of the Irish sugar quota, decided to avail of this scheme and accordingly the company renounced the quota and dismantled the last remaining sugar factory at Mallow in compliance with the conditions of the scheme.

There is no mechanism under the present EU Regulations which are in force until 30 September 2015 which would allow for the re-instatement of the sugar quota for the growing of sugar beet in Ireland for the production of sugar. I have strongly supported the abolition of sugar quotas from September 2015 as part of the CAP reform discussions in the Council of Ministers. In this regard, I have also met with two separate groups who have conducted feasibility studies, over the past several months, into the possibility of establishing a sugar/bioethanol facility. At both meetings I stated that any venture to develop a combined sugar/bioethanol production facility would have to be a commercial proposition, financed in total by investors and interested parties and make sound economic sense in order to be viable.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Pat Breen

Question:

513 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35474/11]

The person named was admitted to the Early Retirement Scheme with effect from 20 May 2002. Following an on farm inspection carried out on 24 August 2011, my Department notified the person named of a recoupment of pension that was being sought in relation to an over declaration of lands. I understand that previous correspondence which issued to the person named related to an area aid issue and is not relevant to the Early Retirement Scheme application. The person named has the right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.

Aquaculture Licences

Noel Harrington

Question:

514 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress of an application for an aquaculture licence (details supplied); when this application will be processed; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35502/11]

My Department is currently examining an application for an aquaculture licence from the company referred to by the Deputy. The assessment process is ongoing and every effort is being made to expedite a determination in this case.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

515 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35506/11]

My Department does not lease computer servers. The information regarding the leasing of computer servers by each State agency under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves and the information is not readily available to my Department.

Denis Naughten

Question:

516 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35522/11]

The number of servers that are owned by my Department is 303 — providing production, test and development environments for both internal and external services. The average windows based server memory capacity of each is 8.8 Gigabytes. The average windows based serverhard disk capacity is 355.1 Gigabytes. The total SAN based storage allocated to these servers is 50.7 Terabytes.

My Department maintains critical systems on which the agri-food sector is dependent and must be available 24x7. The cost of providing maintenance support for these servers and associated storage is €115,854 per annum. The number of physical computer servers and its associated maintenance is being reduced over time through a policy of amalgamation and increased use of virtualisation technologies. The number of computer servers that are owned by each State agency under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves and the information is not readily available to my Department.

Grant Payments

Dara Calleary

Question:

517 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue from his Department in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [35704/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 11th May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance 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.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

518 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35722/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2011. The application included a part of Coumduff commonage. This commonage has been over-claimed in the 2011 scheme year and payment cannot issue until this matter is satisfactorily resolved and my Department is attempting to do so with a view to making payment on the earliest possible date.

John O'Mahony

Question:

519 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive financial approval for a forestry grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35736/11]

The person named was given preliminary technical approval to plant on 16 November 2011. To proceed with planting under the grant and premium scheme the person in question requires financial approval from the Department. Financial approval for planting a total of 1,500 hectares was recently issued in respect of certain applicants with valid technical approvals. However, the number of applications received exceeded the available funding and further financial approvals will not issue until the funding situation for the Afforestation Programme for 2012 is known.

Thomas Pringle

Question:

520 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has not received a single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35739/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 2 April 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue to the applicant on 15 November.

Thomas Pringle

Question:

521 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a file is still in the mapping section of his Department waiting to be digitised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason the person not received a single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35740/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 27th April 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance 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.

Thomas Pringle

Question:

522 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a file is still in the mapping section of his Department waiting to be digitised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason the person has not received a single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35741/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15th April 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.

Sean Conlan

Question:

523 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the disadvantaged area payment will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35746/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment and full payment of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment to issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Sean Conlan

Question:

524 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the 2010 REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35747/11]

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, had to be completed before any payment could issue. These checks have been successfully completed and 100% payment in respect of 2010 totalling €1558.38 have been made to person named.

John O'Mahony

Question:

525 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35758/11]

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of a land parcel that required digitisation for AEOS purposes. This particular problem is now being addressed by my Department with a view to progressing the application to payment stage as quickly as possible.

Proposed Legislation

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

526 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to end fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35763/11]

It is my intention to publish an Animal Health and Welfare Bill shortly. However, as the Deputy will be aware the Bill is a complex one and will require extensive work in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to complete the required legal drafting. Once a complete draft is available I intend to publish the Bill. I have established a group within my Department to review all aspects of fur farming and have invited interested parties to make submissions. I anticipate that their review will be completed in the near future.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

527 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the infrastructure and capital investment plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35778/11]

Under the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016 the Government have committed €168m over each of the 5 years of the programme acknowledging the important contribution that the Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Marine sectors make to the economic and social development and the further potential to contribute to economic recovery.

As of now, no decisions have been made on the breakdown of the capital allocation for 2012 or beyond between programmes or measures. The Government is continuing its deliberations on the 2012 Budget and Estimates for Departments and when this process is concluded I will decide on the distribution of the funding for 2012 among the various capital programmes and schemes being implemented by the Department.

Grant Payments

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

528 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not received headage payment for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35812/11]

An application under the 2010 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. This case was paid in full on 26 November 2010, directly to the bank account of the person named. An application under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2011, with payment issuing on 21 September 2011, again directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Beef Sector

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

529 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to make the Irish beef industry more sustainable and viable and not, like the Teagasc report stated, dependent on subsidies. [35823/11]

The results of the 2010 National Farm Survey published by Teagasc in July 2011 highlight the dependence of farm families, especially beef farmers, on income supports and reinforce the need to ensure that efficient producers are making viable profit levels from the marketplace. Reducing producer dependence on direct payment receipts will mean increasing their output efficiency and securing better returns from the marketplace for farmers and other industry stakeholders. This in turn entails meeting the exacting specifications of EU markets which account for some 98% of our beef exports. My beef policy strategy is geared towards maintaining and expanding the position of Irish beef products in the high-value segments of those markets.

In this context, the Food Harvest 2020 report published by my Department in July 2010 provides a blueprint for the future development of the entire agri-food sector, including the beef industry. The report acknowledges that there are significant challenges in relation to farm-level profitability in the beef sector and urges the adoption of new smart approaches throughout the supply chain to improve product quality and thereby grow output value.

Maximising beef output potential from the national herd is contingent on a number of factors, not least the price of beef on EU and international markets. In light of current and future market developments, it is essential that a co-ordinated approach is taken by stakeholders to improve efficiency at farm and processing level, to breed better animals, to maintain high standards of food quality and safety and to realise the market potential of Ireland's unique natural advantages. Central to this approach will be the role played by an increasing number of efficient, market-oriented beef producers.

Inside the farmgate, there is enormous scope to increase profitability through increased stocking rates, animal performance, better breeding and better grass utilisation. Teagasc initiatives such as the BETTER Farm Beef Programme are designed to target these performance indicators and to demonstrate that significant profit and productivity gains can result from the adoption of best practice at farm level. Moreover, increased product differentiation, based on the carbon efficiency of our predominantly grass-fed beef production system, can build on the success of current Bord Bia marketing strategies.

Even at this early stage of the implementation of the 2020 strategy, I can cite tangible progress in the areas of innovation and collaboration. Bord Bia, for example, has secured accreditation for its beef carbon footprint model. This is now part of the Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme making it the first such scheme to include environmental criteria. Plans are in train to extend this model to other products and to include additional environmental benchmarks on water and biodiversity. I see this as an important practical step towards the goal of creating an umbrella Brand Ireland identity as recommended in the 2020 strategy.

On the production side, Teagasc is working with the processing industry on research projects investigating dairy beef production and optimal bull beef production systems. Equally important is the substantial financial contribution provided by my Department to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation in support of its efforts to improve breed quality.

While all these initiatives serve to improve the competitive position of Irish agriculture, I appreciate that direct supports under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will still remain important to the future development of the livestock sector and I have repeatedly stated my commitment to protecting the level of supports available to farmers under the CAP post-2013 regime. In this regard, I shall resolutely defend the funding supports available to Irish agriculture, including livestock production, in the forthcoming negotiations on the CAP reform package.

Grant Payments

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

530 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay of payment issuing to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if payment will be expedited. [35870/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the persons named on the 11 May 2011. It has been fully processed with payment of the 50% first instalment having issued on 17 November 2011.

Animal Welfare Bodies

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

531 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the application of North West Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Ballina, County Mayo, for funding for animal welfare; when they will receive a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35871/11]

An application for ex-gratia funding has been received from the organisation in question. Provision of ex-gratia assistance this year is subject to the availability of funds and the application will be considered in this context and having regard to competing claims for financial assistance submitted by other animal welfare bodies.

Control of Horses

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

532 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to introduce additional measures to control horses on public roads and on open spaces; if he intends to issue instructions to local authorities regarding the control of horses on lands owned by local authorities, including those lands designated exclusively for housing purposes; if he is satisfied that local authorities are dealing adequately with the issue of the control of horses; if he will consider introducing additional measures to identify the owners of horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35923/11]

My Department's statutory responsibility extends to the welfare of farmed animals only i.e. animals bred or kept for farming purposes. This legislation is enforced under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010.

Issues related to controlling stray and wandering horses is legislated for under the Control of Horses Act 1996 which provides extensive powers to Local Authorities. For purposes of the Act, stray horses are defined as horses in a public place or on any premises without the owner's consent. The Act specifically provides for a Local Authority to make bye-laws for the control of horses in its functional area including exclusion of horses from certain areas by bye-laws. Such bye-laws may specify the manner in which a horse is to kept under control by a person having charge of it in a public place, including on the open road or other place. The Act enables Local Authorities to require the licensing of horses within such areas and provides powers of seizure, detention and disposal of horses.

My Department funds Local Authorities in their work in implementing the Control of Horses Act and in this context, officials of my Department are in discussions with Local Authority representatives with a view to finalising a protocol to improve implementation of Control of Horses activities throughout the different areas. Discussions are focusing on those areas where the Act has been working well with a view to incorporating best practices in other areas with the aim of implementing practical and sustainable operating procedures across all the Local Authority areas.

On the issue of strengthening measures on horse owner identity, my Department is currently in the process of drafting legislation which will require that keepers of horses register their premises with the Department. Cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry premises are already registered on the Animal Health Computer System (AHCS) and while some horse premises are already registered as part of other holdings on the AHCS, a dedicated equine premises registration is now being drawn up. The purpose of the legislation is to enable the Department to have a complete picture on the location of horses for disease control purposes.

In addition my Department is now enforcing the enhanced rules governing equine identification which is required to comply with EU legislation, namely European Commission Regulation No. 504/2008. The legislation requires horse owners to ensure that all horses have a passport and that foals be identified before 31st December of the year of birth or within six months of birth whatever date is the later. The enhanced system for identifying horses has three elements, an equine passport, a microchip and the assignment of a unique equine life number to the equine in the database of the approved passport issuing organisation.

Grant Payments

Pearse Doherty

Question:

533 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the 25% of REPS 4 will be paid in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35983/11]

The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and received payments for the first two years of the contract. In addition, 75% of the year 3 payment issued on 31st December 2010 for the amount of €6,754.31 and the remaining 25% balancing payment of €2251.43 issued on 16th November 2011 for the amount of €1568.99 less a penalty deduction of €682.44 for an over-claim which was discovered following the cross check between the application for the Single Payment Scheme for 2010 and REPS 4 agri-environmental plan.

Area-based schemes under Rural Development Programme, 2007-13, in particular are subject to EU Regulation which require rigorous detailed administrative checks on all applications. I have given the highest priority to the processing and payment of all scheme payments and to the elimination of all unnecessary delays.

Noel Harrington

Question:

534 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received any payment for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36065/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 April 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.

Tom Hayes

Question:

535 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36070/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment Scheme to issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

536 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not received an agri-environment options scheme payment; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36078/11]

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) with effect from 1st November 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks it was established that the claimed area on the AEOS application of the person named does not match the area declared in the Single Payment Scheme in respect of one of the land parcels. This parcel also has a status of "Rented in" under the Single payment Scheme. My Department has been in direct contact with the person named and the problems are being addressed with a view to issuing payment as quickly as possible.

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantage Areas Schemes was received from the person named on 11 May 2011. Processing of the claims has recently been finalised which will allow the 50% advance of the Single Payment Scheme and full payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to issue in the coming days.

Michael Creed

Question:

537 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a single farm payment and REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36113/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment Scheme issue to the applicant on 15 November 2011. The Terms and Conditions governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme require applicants to maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared, for a period of at least three consecutive months during the year of application.

My Department wrote to the person named on 1 September 2011 requesting him to submit appropriate evidence of the numbers of livestock maintained on the holding, as Department records did not show the person named as having yet achieved the minimum stocking density. As no reply was received, the person named was written to again on 10 November 2011. On receipt of a satisfactory response, the application will be further processed with a view to making a final decision on the case.

The person named participation in REPS 3 commenced in April 2005 and he received full payment for the first four years of their contract. In addition, the payment in respect of year five was issued on 25 May 2009 for the amount of €7,775.80. The applicant's contract under REPS 3 ended on 31 March 2010.

Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

538 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an mbeidh an scéim um roghanna comhshaoil talmhaíochta oscailte d’fheirmeoirí nua i 2012 a d’fhág an scéim cosanta comhshaoil tuaithe i 2011 agus a bhfuil a gcuid talún i Limistéar Oidhreachta Nádúrtha/Limistéar Caomhantais Speisialta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36138/11]

Beidh tuilleadh rannpháirtíochta sa Scéim um Roghanna Comhshaoil Talmhaíochta a chinnfidh an leibhéal maoinithe atá ar fáil do mo Roinn tar éis toradh an phróisis na Meastacháin 2012 agus beidh mé ag déanamh fógra ar an staid ag an bpointe sin.

Grant Payments

Tom Hayes

Question:

539 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [36139/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue to the applicant in the coming days.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

540 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their agri environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36145/11]

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of a land parcel that required digitisation for AEOS purposes. This particular problem is now being addressed by my Department with a view to progressing the application to payment stage as quickly as possible.

Michael Creed

Question:

541 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment and disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36155/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 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.

Job Creation

Pearse Doherty

Question:

542 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made since he unveiled a pilot jobs initiative for the Killybegs region, County Donegal, aimed at creating an additional 250 jobs in the area by 2014; the number of jobs created; the location of the jobs; the steps that were taken in reaching the 250 jobs target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36179/11]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

543 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of the 58 new jobs in the seafood processing sector that he announced for Killybegs, County Donegal, on 3 June 2011 that have materialised; if he will provide the details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36180/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 543 together.

On 3 June 2011, I announced the award to 18 seafood processing companies of €1.7 million in grants under the Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme. Leveraging total investment of €7.4 million, this initiative is projected to create 158 new jobs in the sector by 2014. Since that announcement, an Taoiseach announced on 6 October the award of further grants under the Scheme of close to €1 million. Leveraging total investment of €3.5 million, this is projected to create a further 62 jobs by 2014. As little time has passed since those announcements, the seafood processing companies concerned would only now be completing their capital investment works. The anticipated new jobs are expected to arise as these companies win new business using the new or upgraded facilities supported under the Scheme.

On 3 June, I also announced a pilot jobs initiative for Killybegs, following the launch of an economic report for the European Commission, which assessed the status, development and potential diversification of Killybegs as a fisheries dependent community. The aim of this initiative was to create 250 jobs in the Killybegs area by 2014, including those arising from investments in the Killybegs area supported under the Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme.

To drive forward the initiative, I established a High Level Group on Job Creation in the Killybegs Region and requested that the Group identify the potential actions required to deliver job creation in the following five key areas, that is; promoting seafood value added activity; enhancing ancillary services; developing offshore supports; promoting tourism and marine leisure; and promoting the green economy and renewable energy.

I understand that the High Level Group has now completed its work and I have arranged to meet the Group later this week to hear the outcome of their deliberations and receive the formal report of their work. I will make the Report available generally to the public and will ensure that a copy is sent to the Deputy.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

544 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36220/11]

My Department, from time to time, employs staff from agencies to provide certain services when such proves to be more cost effective and Department staff are not available. Details are provided in the table. As to the Bodies and Agencies that fall under my Department's remit, the sourcing of services and engagement of agency staff is an operational matter for the State Bodies and Agencies themselves.

Name of Agency

Service

Cost of Service in 2010

Number of Staff (FTEs)

Farm Relief Service

Ancillary services to support Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Programme

€2.28m

84 operatives

Farm Relief Services

Cow Monitoring Scheme as part of the Brucellosis Eradication Scheme. This involves the blood sampling of culled cows in Meat Plants and assists in the detection of brucellosis reactors in a herd

€0.524m

24 operatives

Techskills Resources, 2 Merrion Place, Dublin 2

Provision of security service to Cavan office

€76,284

2

Techskills Resources, 2 Merrion Place, Dublin 2

General operative DVO Clonakilty

€17,323

1

Backweston Laboratories Facilities management contract drawn up with OPW. Costs are apportioned between State Labs and DAFM labs in the ration 1:2

Facilities Management

€593,824

25.33

Disposal of Contaminated Material

John McGuinness

Question:

545 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he has taken regarding the disposal of waste from a site (details supplied) in County Carlow, relevant to the dioxin crisis of 2008; if he will fund the disposal; if he is in consultation with other parties regarding the method and cost of disposal; if the EU funds will cover the cost; if the correspondence (details supplied) has been considered; if so, if he will respond to each issue raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36275/11]

The material referred to by the Deputy is the feed material that was impounded in the premises and also the feed that was recalled from farms by officials of my Department at the time of the detection of the dioxin contamination. In accordance with S.I. No. 432 of 2009 on Food and Feed Hygiene governing, inter alia, the disposal of the contaminated material, the obligation is on the Feed Business Operator to submit proposals for consideration by my Department. A number of proposals which were submitted were examined and my Department indicated that it had no objections, subject to compliance with Regulations regarding the disposal of such material. The Feed Business Operator concerned is now in the final stages of having the material exported to the UK for incineration.

In accordance with the above Regulation, responsibility for disposal of contaminated material and all associated costs, must be borne by the Feed Business Operator concerned. The issues raised in the letter referred to have been considered by my Department and I am satisfied that matters raised therein have been addressed in various correspondence between both parties.

Sugar Beet Industry

Billy Timmins

Question:

546 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans, if any, he has to re-establish the sugar industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36360/11]

In 2006, a temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry, was introduced by the EU Commission with the aim of reducing EU sugar production in order to comply with WTO and other international obligations. The scheme provided an incentive for sugar processors to renounce sugar quota and dismantle the associated sugar processing plant and it provided compensation for affected stakeholders. Greencore, the sole Irish sugar processor and holder of the Irish sugar quota, decided to avail of this scheme and accordingly the company renounced the quota and dismantled the last remaining sugar factory at Mallow in compliance with the conditions of the scheme.

There is no mechanism under the present EU Regulations which are in force until 30 September 2015 which would allow for the re-instatement of the sugar quota for the growing of sugar beet in Ireland for the production of sugar. I have strongly supported the abolition of sugar quotas from September 2015 as part of the CAP reform discussions in the Council of Ministers.

In this regard, I have also met with two separate groups who have conducted feasibility studies, over the past several months, into the possibility of establishing a sugar/bioethanol facility. At both meetings I stated that any venture to develop a combined sugar/bioethanol production facility would have to be a commercial proposition, financed in total by investors and interested parties and make sound economic sense in order to be viable.

Land Drainage Works

Billy Timmins

Question:

547 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding landowners who wish to carry out drainage works or reclamation works to land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36361/11]

On 8 September 2011 I introduced the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 to address a European Court of Justice judgement against Ireland in relation to the implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. The Regulations will be underpinned by a comprehensive guidance document. The consultation period for the draft guidance document has now closed. The submissions received will be taken into consideration by my Department, along with the views of the European Commission, before the guidance document is finalised.

Under these Regulations, landowners who intend to undertake land drainage works that will involve more than 15 hectares must apply to my Department for screening. Similarly if the proposed activities do not exceed the above size threshold, but the works may have a significant effect on the environment, then a screening application must also be made to my Department. Drainage and reclamation of wetlands is included in separate regulations introduced simultaneously by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government and remain part of the planning process.

The new Regulations should not be seen as an impediment to development. There is no cost involved to the farmer in the screening application process and I envisage a turn-around time for applications of between four and six weeks. If proposed works do not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, then there is no reason why they cannot proceed. I am satisfied that we have a workable solution that will minimise the administrative burden on farmers. Furthermore, with the exception of drainage and reclamation of wetlands, farmers will be able to carry out drainage works without recourse to the local authority planning system.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

548 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36947/11]

No former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to the boards of State Agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Child Care Services

Finian McGrath

Question:

549 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has plans to further regulate the child minding, child-care sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35564/11]

Pre-school services are currently regulated under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, as provided for under Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991. Under the Regulations, pre-school services, including childminding services, are required to notify the Health Service Executive (HSE) of their services. It should be noted, however, that under Section 58 of the Child Care Act 1991, childminders taking care of not more than 3 pre-school children of different families in the childminder's home are exempt from the requirement to notify the HSE.

The scope of the existing Child Care Regulations is limited to pre-school children and does not include after-school services. The position in regard to after-school care services needs to be examined so that consideration can be given to introducing appropriate regulatory controls. I believe the introduction of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which is implemented by my Department, is a very significant development for pre-school services which should be taken into account when a review of the Child Care Regulations is undertaken.

Arrangements are already in train between officials in my Department and the Department of Education and Science and the HSE, for an evaluation of ECCE services to be carried out. The evaluation would involve the Education Inspectorate, possibly in conjunction with the HSE Inspectorate. This will assist the general review of the regulatory environment and inspection process for pre-school and after-school services which I expect will be undertaken in the near future.

Corporal Punishment

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

550 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a ban on corporal punishment. [35672/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the issue of the introduction of a ban on corporal punishment in all settings including the home/family setting must be considered in the context of the prohibition by the State of physical punishment of children in all other settings in recent years such as schools, crèches, detention, public care settings etc introduced under the Children Act 2001.

While a full prohibition of physical chastisement (Corporal Punishment) within the family/home setting has not been brought forward to date, the matter is being kept under continuous review and an introduction of a full prohibition at some future date has not been ruled out. I am aware that the Ombudsman for Children has recently indicated strong support for the introduction of a ban as have a range of international agencies.

Until now, the approach taken has been that there is a balance to be found in trying to dissuade parents from using physical chastisement and supporting them in effective parenting versus criminalizing parents who smack. Recent Research carried out by my Department entitled "Parenting Styles and Disciplines" (2010) indicates that the practice of the direct use of physical punishment of children by parents has declined to very low levels in Ireland. The findings suggest that the vast majority of parents (88%) disciplined their children mainly by discussing why their behaviour was wrong and using sanctions other than physical punishment for so called bad behaviour.

In terms of frequency of use of physical punishment the evidence is extremely encouraging with less than 1% (0.5%) recorded smacking their child "regularly or always" and just 11% of parents saying they smacked their child "now and again". The remaining 88% "never or rarely" smacked their child. While this leaves no room for any sense of complacency it does indicated clearly that the practice of physical punishment of children in the home setting is declining rapidly in Ireland.

The issue of the possibility of introducing a ban on Corporal Punishment within the home setting, mirroring its prohibition in all other settings in recent years, is as I have said under continuous review. It is anticipated that in due course there will be an appropriate time for the introduction of an outright ban on corporal punishment in the family setting, which will be widely accepted and endorsed by society.

Child Protection

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

551 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to expand the guardian ad litem system. [35673/11]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

552 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to assign a guardian ad litem to each separated asylum-seeking child as an additional safeguard to combat trafficking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35679/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 551 and 552 together.

Appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) is provided for under Section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991. Under this provision the court may, if it is satisfied that it is necessary in the interests of the child and in the interests of justice to do so, appoint a guardian ad litem. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I do not have any role in their appointment. Under existing arrangements, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the funding of the GAL service.

However, I am of the view that there is considerable scope to improve the organisation of the current service which has evolved in an ad hoc manner over a number of years. My Department is currently reviewing the provision of GAL services having regard to previous reports and current data on demand. Officials are working closely with the HSE in this regard with a view to establishing the most appropriate arrangements for the future organisation and delivery of this service. Preliminary discussions have also taken place with the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence in relation to this matter.

Separated children seeking asylum are deemed to be in need of care and protection under the Child Care Act, 1991 and are entitled to the same treatment and rights as indigenous young people. The immediate and ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the HSE in accordance with the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act 1991. Where children are identified by An Garda Síochána, at the point of entry, the circumstances are investigated and if there are any concerns about the welfare of the child, they are placed into the care of the HSE.

The HSE has developed a national policy on the standards and services to be provided to separated children seeking asylum. The policy seeks to achieve equity and equality of services to separated children seeking asylum vis-à-vis indigenous or resident children and to ensure that there is no differentiation of care provision, care practices, care priorities, standards or protocols.

Child Care Services

Timmy Dooley

Question:

553 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the decision was made by the Health Service Executive to abolish the position of county child care manager; if she sanctioned this decision; and if she is satisfied with the decision. [35737/11]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

554 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will confirm that funding for the child care employment and training support scheme has stopped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35881/11]

The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September last year and is implemented by my Department. The CETS programme provides free childcare places to qualifying FÁS and Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) trainees and students.

Under the CETS programme, funding is provided by my Department to participating childcare services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. The maximum weekly capitation fee payable under the programme is €170 for a full-time childcare place with reduced amounts for parents availing of part-time or after-school care. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme is determined by FÁS and the VECs.

It is not the case, as the Deputy has suggested, that funding under this programme has stopped. Some 2,800 full-time equivalent childcare places are currently provided for under the programme and demand has increased very significantly from earlier this year, with the number of places funded exceeding 3,000 at one stage. The number of places allocated at present is at the limit provided for under the programme, as agreed with the Department of Finance in 2010, and it is not proposed to increase the number of places in the programme at this time.

It is not anticipated that the total number of students on courses will increase over the year, and so it is hoped that where a given number of parents commence short-term courses and require CETS places, they will, in the main, be replacing other parents completing similar courses, and be in a position to avail of CETS places that become available. According to the figures available to my Department, some 15% of CETS places will become available for re-allocation between now and the end of next month, and the local City and County Childcare Committees will assist my Department in matching these places with parents seeking them.

Adoption Services

Willie O'Dea

Question:

555 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will confirm when she expects adoptions from Vietnam to resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35504/11]

The Vietnamese authorities deposited the instrument of ratification of the Hague Convention earlier this month. Therefore, the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption will enter into force for Vietnam on 1 February 2012. As provided for in Section 72 of the Adoption Act 2010, the Adoption Authority may establish administrative arrangements concerning the processing of applications with other Hague countries in relation to intercountry adoptions. 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.

While the Hague Convention will take effect in Vietnam in February next, it is not yet clear how soon after that arrangements will be in place, in both jurisdictions, to allow inter country adoption recommence. It might also be anticipated that for any sending country, commencing implementation of the Hague framework, will begin slowly and may prioritise children with higher levels of need. While every effort is being made by Irish authorities to develop the necessary administrative agreement and other requirements, certain operational elements of the process are purely a matter for the sending country.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

556 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of computer servers that are leased by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35508/11]

The IT services for my Department, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children are provided by the Department of Health on a shared service basis. I understand my colleague, Dr. James Reilly T.D., Minster for Health, will take account of these offices in his overall reply to the Deputy. There are no leased computer servers in the remaining two agencies under the remit of my Department: namely the Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board.

Denis Naughten

Question:

557 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of computer servers that are owned by her Department and each State agency under her aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35524/11]

The IT services for my Department, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children are provided by the Department of Health on a shared service basis. I understand my colleague, Dr. James Reilly T.D., Minster for Health, will take account of these offices in his overall reply to the Deputy. IT services for the Family Support Agency are currently provided by the Department of Social Protection.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has 6 physical servers with a combined disk capacity of 7.00 TB. These are new servers and as a result are more efficient in terms of enhanced security, lower energy consumption and reduced maintenance costs. The NEWB will be hosting them with the Revenue Commissioners on a shared service basis which again reduces costs.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

558 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the specific projects that she plans for County Donegal arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35825/11]

Under the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme, 2012-2016, €8 million has been allocated to my Department for each year from 2012 to 2016. €6.5 million of this funding will be allocated to the Childcare area of my Department. €0.25 million will be used to continue to provide small amounts of grant funding to assist Parent and Toddler groups, particularly in areas of disadvantage. The remaining amount, of €6.25 million will be used to assist community based childcare facilities faced with urgent and essential maintenance work. Funding will be prioritised but not confined to services which have received large-scale capital funding under either the Equal Opportunities Childcare Investment Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) or the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP).

€1.5 million of the funding will be allocated to the Youth Affairs area of my Department to support projects targeted at young people including Youth Cafes. Arrangements for the new funding programmes, including the application process and criteria that will apply, will be announced in the coming months.

Adoption Services

Simon Harris

Question:

559 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding inter-country adoptions between Ireland and Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35925/11]

The negotiation of bilateral agreements on intercountry 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. As the Hague Convention is designed to ensure a minimum set of standards in intercountry adoption, the Adoption Authority have indicated that their first priority is to reach agreements on arrangements with other Hague countries.

National Lottery Funding

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

560 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of money her Department receives in national lottery funding. [35984/11]

Details of the resource allocations made available to my Department in 2011 under Vote 43 which are supported by National Lottery funding are set out in the table.

Subhead

Title

Allocation

D

Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities (Part Funded by the National Lottery)

€23.795m

The funding under this Subhead supports certain youth activities and other projects under the Young People`s Facilities and Services Fund and the administration of 21 Local Drugs Task Forces. It also provides support for national and major regional youth organisations involved in youth-work related activity and support for projects, schemes and organisations involved in the provision of out-of-school educational and other opportunities for young people.

G

Grants to Community Organisations (Part funded by the National Lottery)

€500,000

The funding under this Subhead supports applications for grant funding from individuals, groups and organisations with an involvement in the provision of services to children and young people.

Departmental Funding

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

561 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current value of all applications for funding from her Department on a county basis and by type of organisation. [36061/11]

The application based funding scheme administered by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under Subhead G of Vote 43 provides grant funding to individuals, groups and organisations involved in the provision of services to children and young people. The current value of applications received by my Department since its establishment in June last amounts to just over €2.4 million and particulars relating to individual applications on a county basis are set out in the accompanying table.

Applications for National Lottery grants far exceed resources so it may not be possible, unfortunately, to assist all applications. All applicants for National Lottery funding will be informed of the outcome of their application as soon as the final decision has been made. It will also be open to projects to apply for funding in 2012 under the National Lottery allocation available to this Department. Details of this will be available on my Department's website www.dcya.gov.ie.

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

National Lottery Applications

Name of Organization

County

Subject

Grant Sought

Kilnaleck Foróige Club

Cavan

Youth Work

€60,000

Cootehill Youth Café

Cavan

Youth Work

€40,000

€100,000

Ballymore Community Association Ltd

Cork

Childcare Services

€10,917

Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services Ltd

Cork

Youth Work

€50,000

Briery Gap Cultural Ventre Ltd

Cork

Youth Work

€15,000

SVP Family Resource Centre

Cork

Family Support

€50,000

€125,917

Milford Community Youth Project

Donegal

Youth Work

€6,500

Three Rivers Badminton

Donegal

Youth Work

€4,000

Letterkenny Youth & Family Service (LYFS)

Donegal

Youth Work

€6,950

Foróige Carrigart

Donegal

Youth Affairs

€2,000

Club Óige Chill Chartha

Donegal

Youth Work

€2,000

Oige na Gaeltachta

Donegal

Youth Work

22,920

44,370

Ballymun Regional Youth Resource

Dublin

Youth Work/Health

€20,000

Irish Girl Guides

Dublin

Youth Work/Health

€1,331

Rathmichael Girl Guides

Dublin

Youth Work

€1,300

Ringsend Créche Ltd

Dublin

Childcare Services

€85,000

Irish Red Cross Youth

Dublin

Youth Work

€39,000

Foróige Balbriggan Youth Services (FRED)

Dublin

Youth Work

€90,124

Foróige (Rush-Martins Shop Management Committee)

Dublin

Youth Work

€100,000

Foróige Balbriggan Youth Services (The Base Programme)

Dublin

Youth Work

€4,110

Foróige Balbriggan Youth Service (Friday Night Band Night)

Dublin

Youth Work

€3,287

Foróige Balbriggan Youth Service (Youth Leadership Conference)

Dublin

Youth Work

€8,000

Foróige Balbriggan Youth Service (Link Youth Project)

Dublin

Youth Work

€4,500

Foróige Balbriggan Youth Service (Holloween Community Carnival)

Dublin

Youth Work

€6,567

Foróige Balbriggan Youth Service (Youth Musical Festival)

Dublin

Youth Work

€8,000

Spere 17 Regional Youth Facility

Dublin

Youth Work

€10,000

North Fingal School Completion Programme

Dublin

Youth Work

€2,400

CUMAS

Dublin

Youth Work

€22,000

Dublin Co-operative Housing Society/Island Key child & Family Service

Dublin

Childcare Services

€5,000

Castleknock Celtic

Dublin

Youth Work

€10,000

Lucan Festival

Dublin

Youth Work

€1,000

DePaul Ireland

Dublin

Family Support

€66,990

iScoil

Dublin

€63,000

Canal Communities Partnership

Dublin

Family Support

€7,000

CARI

Dublin

Family Support

€55,000

North Fingal School Completion Programme (Maps)

Dublin

Youth Work/Education

€1,300

North Fingal School Completion Programme (After Schools Girl’s Group)

Dublin

Youth Work

€500.00

Beacon of Light Counselling Centre

Dublin

Family Support

€33,000

CDVEV, Catholic Youth Care, Foroige and Carline

Dublin

Youth Work

€140,000

CDVEC/Foroige

Dublin

Youth Work

€35,000

The Cottage Home

Dublin

Family Support

10,000

Barnados Rialto family Centre

Dublin

Family Support

52,526

Little Gymstars Academy

Dublin

Childcare Directorate

30,000

Cúnamh Childcare Agency

Dublin

Adoption

50,000

965,935

Caislean Oir Creche and Montessori

Galway

Childcare Services

€15,000

Sign-out Youth project

Galway

Youth Work

€7,500

Ionad Tacaíochta Teghlaigh Teoranta

Galway

Youth Work

€15,000

Youth Work Ireland Galway

Galway

Youth Work

€1,500

Renmore Gymnastics Club

Galway

Youth Work

40,000

79,000

Castlemaine Childcare Services

Kerry

Childcare Services

€2,500

Kerry Diocesan youth Service

Kerry

Youth Work

€91,978

Kerry Life Education

Kerry

Youth Work/Education

€50,000

Ballybunion Youth Café

Kerry

Youth Work/Health

€21,000

Kilgarvan Community Childcare Centre

Kerry

Childcare Services

€65,000

€230,478

Foroige Regional office

Kilkenny

Youth Work

€12,000

€12,000

Timahoe Foroige Club

Laois

Youth Affairs

€2,000

€2,000

Limerick Youth Service

Limerick

Youth Work

€15,000

Northside Learning Hub (Learning Hub of Limerick)

Limerick

Youth Work

€87,395

St Joseph’s Scout Group

Limerick

Youth Work

€30,000

€132,395

The Foróige Attic Youth Café

Longford

Youth Café

€250,000

€250,000

Lifestyle Development Group Ltd

Louth

Childcare Services

€7,335

€7,335

Stepping Stones, St. Coleman’s Community Playgroup

Mayo

Childcare Services

€14,975

€14,975

Cork Life Centre

Meath

Youth Work

6,300

6,300

Edenbeag Childcare Centre

Monaghan

Childcare Services

€40,000

Youthwork Ireland Monaghan

Monaghan

Youth Work

€100,000

Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin Community Development Ltd

Monaghan

Family Support

€5,000

€145,000

Little Acorns Afterschool

Offaly

Childcare Services

€8,000

Parents First (Laois, Offaly) Ltd.

Offaly

Family Support

€15,000

€23,000

Elphin Childcare Ltd/Elphin Resource Centre

Roscommon

Childcare Services

€120,000

€120,000

Lifestart National Office

Sligo

Family Support

€99,500

€99,500

Foroige Nenagh Youth Development Project

Tipperary

Youth Work

€35,390

Nenagh Childcare Centre

Tipperary

Childcare Services

€23,600

Templemore Youth Project

Tipperary

Youth Work

€21,500

€80,490

Upholding Youth Club

Westmeath

Youth Work

€3,000

Helium

Westmeath

Youth Work

€16,560

€19,560

Wexford Centre Project

Wexford

Family Support

€8,001

€8,001

County Wicklow Playbus Project

Wicklow

Childcare Services

€4,000

€4,000

€2,470,256

Child Care Services

Pearse Doherty

Question:

562 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the conclusions of her review into the community employment training scheme child care provision; the total budget available for the 2011/12 training year; the number of child care placements available for existing trainees for 2011/12; the number of child care placements for new students for 2011/12; the number of students who have applied for and secured training places for 2011/12 but who will not be awarded child care placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36103/11]

The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September last year and is implemented by my Department. The CETS programme provides free childcare places to qualifying FÁS and Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) trainees and students. Under the CETS programme funding is provided by my Department to participating childcare services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme is determined by FÁS and the VECs.

The CETS programme is funded on an annual basis and in the region of €23 million is allocated for 2011. This funding currently provides for some 2,800 full-time equivalent childcare places. This is the total provision under the programme and the places are allocated, when available, to students or trainees who are deemed to qualify by FÁS and the VECs. The number of places allocated at present is at the limit provided for under the programme, as agreed with the Department of Finance in 2010, and it is not proposed to increase the number of places in the programme at this time.

It is not anticipated that the total number of students on courses will increase over the year, and so it is hoped that where a given number of parents commence short-term courses and require CETS places, they will, in the main, be replacing other parents completing similar courses, and be in a position to avail of CETS places that become available. According to the figures available to my Department, some 15% of CETS places will become available for re-allocation between now and the end of next month, and the local City and County Childcare Committees will assist my Department in matching these places with parents seeking them.

Pearse Doherty

Question:

563 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 will be awarded child care provision under the community employment training scheme for 2011/12. [36104/11]

The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September last year and is implemented by my Department. The CETS programme provides free childcare places to qualifying FÁS and Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) trainees and students. Under the CETS programme funding is provided by my Department to participating childcare services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme is determined by FÁS and the VECs.

In relation to the person referred to by the Deputy, I understand that funding has been provided by my Department, under the CETS programme, to enable her to avail of free childcare for the duration of the FÁS course in which she is currently participating, and that the local County Childcare Committee has been informed of this outcome.

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

564 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the names of agencies which provide staff for her Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36222/11]

The schoolreturn.ie system requires schools to submit absence reports to the National Education and Welfare Board (NEWB) on a quarterly basis. Some schools submit this information manually and in order to capture this data in a timely manner and to assist schools with their queries, the NEWB employs data entry staff from Arcline and Gillian Black. Staff are used only as required and are available at short notice to the NEWB. The total cost to date is approximately €51,800. A comparison is not possible as there are no direct employees with these equivalent roles. The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is an independent statutory body established under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 and I have referred the Deputy’s question to that Office for direct reply.

Child Abuse

Robert Dowds

Question:

565 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the implementation of recommendations contained in the Ferns Report, 2005, and the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009 [36241/11]

The Ferns Inquiry Report was published in October 2005 and contained 20 separate recommendations. The then Government accepted all of the recommendations. Many of the recommendations related to the provision of services and accordingly, from a child welfare and protection perspective, were taken forward by the HSE given its statutory responsibilities in this area.

In this context the HSE established five working groups to address the various recommendations made by the Inquiry team, as follows:

Audit of Catholic Church Dioceses and Religious Orders: The HSE is finalising a national audit of child protection practices in each Catholic Church diocese. The completed report is due to be submitted to me shortly. A separate audit of Religious Orders is also being undertaken by the HSE, and this is currently at an early stage.

Nationwide publicity campaign in relation to child sexual abuse: The HSE ran a campaign — "Parents who listen, Protect" — which was a public information campaign on parenting and the importance of listening to children.

Review of Children First: The HSE contributed to the national review of compliance with the Children First guidelines by State bodies and NGOs. This review was conducted by my Department's predecessor and the process involved extensive consultations with stake-holders. In July of this year my Department published revised Children First Guidance, and the HSE has also recently published an accompanying Child Welfare and Protection Practice Handbook for staff.

Counselling Services for Children and Adults: Two separate working groups were established to consider the counselling needs of adult victims and child and adolescent victims. The National Counselling Service (NCS), which has been in operation since 2000, continues to provide services to adults who have experienced trauma and abuse in childhood, with priority given to adult survivors of institutional abuse. The provision of additional counselling services for victims of child abuse was given priority emphasis in the HSE's 2011 Service Plan. The HSE's Employment Control Framework exempts the Counsellor grade from the current public service moratorium on recruitment and filling of vacancies.

Treatment services for persons who have exhibited sexually harmful behaviour: In 2007, the HSE completed its Report on Treatment Services for Persons who Have Exhibited Sexually Harmful Behaviour. The HSE committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the report in its 2011 National Service Plan. The necessary funding has been provided to progress implementation.

The Ferns Report also recommended the establishment of Inter Agency Review Committees which would provide a forum for the sharing of a range of information in relation to child abuse. Particular concerns, however, arose in this context around the sharing of soft information, a matter which was subsequently considered by the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children. The Committee recommended that appropriate legislation be drafted. Accordingly, draft Heads of a Bill for a National Vetting Bureau were developed by my Department and following consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality we agreed that this legislation will be brought forward by Minister Shatter. A working group to progress this legislation has been established on which my Department is represented. In addition there continues to be regular and ongoing contact at official and Ministerial level in relation to this very important piece of legislation.

The Ferns Report also commented on the powers of the HSE to intervene in relation to child sexual abuse perpetrated by a non-family member. The established policy position of my Department, informed by legal advice, is that Section 3 of the Child Care Act, 1991 places no limitation upon the HSE in relation to its ability to assess and respond to third party child sexual abuse. HSE practice reflects this policy position, and the HSE responds to all allegations of child sex abuse regardless of the circumstances of the allegation. The HSE has provided additional guidance for staff on this issue as part of the recently issued Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook.

The Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (the Ryan Report) was published in May 2009. The Report served to highlight the need to strengthen the organisation and delivery of child welfare and protection services nationally. Following the publication of the Report a detailed Implementation Plan was prepared and published in July 2009. The Plan sets out a series of 99 actions designed to address the effects of past abuse, reform and strengthen service provision and ensure that children and young people have a stronger voice.

Implementation of the Plan is being overseen by a high level group which I personally chair. The group includes representatives from my Department, the HSE, HIQA, the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS), the Department of Education and Skills and An Garda Síochána, and the Children's Rights Alliance. I laid the second annual progress report before the Oireachtas in July 2011, and the report can be accessed by the Deputy at: www.dcya.gov.ie/documents/publications/Ryan_Final.pdf.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

566 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36949/11]

There are no former holders of the Office of Attorney General currently on the boards of any State Agency under the aegis of my Department.

Medical Cards

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

567 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35453/11]

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

Michael McCarthy

Question:

568 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties with the centralised system for medical card applications, which directs persons who ring its 1890 number to call their local health office, which in turn informs the caller that the files have been sent to Finglas, Dublin, meaning that no answer is forthcoming; his views whether this service is satisfactory; if he intends to review this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35480/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Nicky McFadden

Question:

569 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card application will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35563/11]

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

Consent for Medical Treatment

Clare Daly

Question:

570 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views that it is acceptable that the Office of the Ombudsman will allow the Health Service Executive to prolong a response to a complaint (details supplied); the amount that has been spent on legal advice on this matter so far; and if he will enquire as to the difficulties that the HSE has in resolving the issue of parental consent. [35584/11]

The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent office and it would not be appropriate for me to comment in relation to its handling of any particular case. In relation to the cost to the Health Service Executive (HSE) of legal advice obtained in relation to the case mentioned by the Deputy I have asked the HSE to provide that information to my Department and it will be communicated to the Deputy when it becomes available.

The issue of consent to examination and treatment in health and social care is highly complex. Currently there are a number of local and regional policies and guidelines in place pertaining to seeking consent for medical treatment. However, there is no single national HSE consent policy. The HSE has established a National Consent Advisory Group (NCAG) in order to draw up a national policy on consent for health and social care. A public consultation on the national policy is planned for early next year.

Health Services

Nicky McFadden

Question:

571 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the home care package will be transferred and awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35732/11]

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

Medical Cards

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

572 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will approve 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. [35803/11]

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

Hospital Accommodation

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

573 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the basis on which it is proposed to close Crooksling Hospital, County Dublin; if patients and staff are to be accommodated elsewhere; if alternative accommodation has been provided; the extent of any saving accruing in view of the fact that alternative accommodation is likely to be provided; if there are extra costs arising from the proposed closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35440/11]

Clare Daly

Question:

628 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the projected savings from the closure of a nursing home (details supplied) in view of the fact that more than 70% of the cost is staff wages and salaries and all the staff are apparently being redeployed. [35979/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 628 together.

The nursing home in question was established in 1959. It was originally a Tuberculosis clinic opened in 1935. There are 80 residents currently at the facility. There is also a day centre at the front of the main building providing a service to older persons from the local community. The HSE completed a survey of the physical infrastructure, mechanical services installations and water and drainage services at the Unit and found substantial issues and deficits in these areas. It is estimated that it would cost almost €3m to carry out the essential works to address these issues. However these works would not ensure compliance with National Quality Standards.

The HSE decided to close St. Brigid's and transfer the majority of services to the new modern purpose built unit at Hollybrook Community Nursing Unit at Inchicore. The new CNU at Inchicore has a total capacity of 50 beds. It has not been opened to date due to the current constraints on staffing.

As capacity of the new CNU is less than that at St. Brigid's the proposal also envisages that some staff and residents will transfer to other public units. This will provide the HSE with an opportunity to reopen beds that are closed at these facilities. Selection of an alternative placement for residents will be informed by the medical and care needs of each resident as evaluated by clinical staff. It is important to emphasise that no resident will be placed in a more costly financial position because of the move.

The day-care services at St. Brigid's are used by approximately 18 people daily from Monday to Friday. Part of the relocation plan will include the placement of these clients in alternative day centres suitable for their needs in their local areas.

Ongoing consultation will continue to take place with residents, their families, staff, representative organisations and public representatives. The Deputy will be aware that the Health Service Executive has sole operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at this facility. Accordingly, the aspect of the Deputies queries concerning the extent of any saving accruing or extra costs arising from the proposed closure has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

574 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if this application will be expedited [35447/11]

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

Medical Cards

Michael McCarthy

Question:

575 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35452/11]

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

Health Services

Michael Creed

Question:

576 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the manner in which he discriminates against children legally resident here who have been born through surrogacy as regards their access to health services including infant screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35469/11]

I wish to reassure the Deputy that all children legally resident in Ireland are entitled to access our health services, including infant screening, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. In the case of children born abroad and subsequently legally resident in Ireland, their parents should contact their local HSE health office to access these services.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

577 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a full medical card will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite this matter. [35501/11]

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

Departmental Strategy Statements

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

578 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 8 November 2011, if he will confirm that the national Alzheimer’s strategy and other dementia strategies will address the development of these conditions in persons under the age of 65 years. [35505/11]

As I have indicated previously, my Department has begun the process of developing a policy on Alzheimer's and other dementia in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government. While age is the single strongest risk factor for dementia, a growing number of people under 65 is being diagnosed with dementia.

Officials in my Department have engaged with relevant stake-holder groups on the first stage of the process which is to assemble the research and evidence upon which the policy will be developed, including data on the under 65 cohort. I expect this will be received shortly, at which stage work on the policy will commence formally.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

579 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35515/11]

Denis Naughten

Question:

580 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of computer servers that are owned by his Department and each State agency under his aegis; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers; the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35531/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 580 together.

My Department currently provides shared ICT services to the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer. In total there are 60 operational servers providing a range of ICT services with a total disk capacity of approximately 68 TB (terabytes) making the average server capacity approximately 1.13 TB. None of these servers are leased.

At point of purchase, the price includes a 3 year warranty as standard. My Department's policy is to extend warranties and operate servers for a minimum of 5 years where feasible, to achieve better value for money. Due to the variety of server hardware and the fact that they are covered under a global ICT equipment support contract, it is not possible to accurately calculate specific costs per server. Department is also investigating the possibilities of implementing virtualised server environments as a further cost reduction measure. All its server hardware is purchased by way of public procurement exercises.

The requested details in relation to the agencies under my Department's aegis are not readily available as it is an operational matter for the agencies themselves and my Department does not routinely compile or hold this information. I am referring the Deputy's questions to the relevant agencies including the Health Service Executive for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Departmental Expenditure

Frank Feighan

Question:

581 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will quantify the Health Service Executive west’s current budget deficit; if he will quantify the portion of that budget deficit that relates to each of University College Hospital Galway, Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, Roscommon County Hospital, and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, Galway. [35538/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

582 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will identify the operation and service areas within the Health Service Executive west in which there have been overspends in the context of the HSE west’s total budget deficit. [35539/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

583 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will identify the amount of money that has been overspent in the operation and service areas outlined in the context of the Health Service Executive west’s total budget deficit. [35540/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

584 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will identify the amount of money overspent in the operational and service areas outlined which relate to University College Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, in the context of the Health Service Executive west’s total budget deficit. [35541/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

585 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will identify the amount of money overspent in the operation and services areas outlined which relate to Roscommon County Hospital in the context of the Health Service Executive west’s total budget deficit. [35542/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

586 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will identify the amount of money overspent in the operational and service areas outlined which relate to Portiuncula Hospital, Galway, in the context of the Health Service Executive west’s total budget deficit. [35543/11]

Frank Feighan

Question:

587 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will specify the Health Service Executive west’s cost saving proposals in the context of the Health Service Executive west’s total budget deficit. [35544/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 581 to 587, inclusive, together.

The budget position at 30th September for the hospitals specified by the Deputy is set out in the table:

Full Year Budget

Hospitals

Year to Date

Budget

Expenditure

variance

€’000

€’000

€’000

€’000

248,730

GUH

187,430

199,528

12,098

41,075

Portiuncula

30,787

35,403

4,616

18,915

Roscommon County

14,151

16,548

2,397

1,986,899

HSE West Total

1,486,952

1,533,970

47,017

All hospitals are required to operate within their allocated budgets and to meet the service level activity targets that the hospital has agreed for 2011. I recognise that the management of funding allocations by public hospitals poses a serious budgetary challenge. It is clear that if existing spending trends remain unchecked there will be a significant overrun at the end of this year. I have made it clear that such an overrun is not acceptable given the state of the public finances and this country's obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding with the IMF and EU.

I am on record as saying that every individual agency must take responsibility and do everything possible to stay within budget while delivering their planned level of service. Under its reform programme the Government has committed to achieving greater efficiencies in patient care and service delivery. These efficiencies will not be easy to achieve but I am certain that over time they will help to ensure that more people get access to services within a given quantum of funding. In this regard it is important that the management capacity in our public hospitals is sufficiently robust to meet these challenges.

The HSE has implemented a wide range of cost containment measures across all hospitals and Local Health Offices nationally. The HSE has advised me that these measures in the West have delivered cost savings to date in the following areas:

(a) pay savings amounting to €22.2m comprising:

a reduction of 780 WTEs due to the moratorium and exit Schemes,

reductions in overtime across all grades including the elimination of unrostered overtime,

a reduction in on-call across all grades including the implementation of the Laboratory Agreement,

a reduction in weekend and night duty across all grades, and

a reduction of all agency staff except in critical circumstances in accordance with the National Contract, and

(b) non-pay savings of some €30.9m through procurement contract savings across a wide range of non-pay spend items such as drugs and medicines and medical/surgical supplies.

HSE is also reporting that the hospitals in HSE West have also achieved additional income of €16.1m through a range of income maximisation measures, including maximising the use of private beds, reducing the debtor days and ensuring an efficient process for consultant medical staff sign-off of private health insurance claim forms. These measures have already reduced expenditure within the Western Region by €69m to the end of September, and will be intensified between now and the end of the year.

Health Services

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

588 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of respite services in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35546/11]

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

Hospital Staff

Gerald Nash

Question:

589 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason the clinical nurse specialist and therapist posts which were approved for the establishment of a stroke unit in Drogheda at the start of 2011 have not yet been filled. [35548/11]

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

Health Services

Brian Walsh

Question:

590 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for the provision of crisis pregnancy support accommodation in Galway city, which was discontinued last year, in view of the fact that similar important services are provided in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford [35549/11]

The HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme has advised me that funding for the Galway crisis pregnancy support accommodation service ceased at the request of its Board in 2011. Moreover, the Programme has confirmed that additional funding is not required for services operating in this area at this juncture. The Programme has undertaken a national review of supported accommodation services for women during and after crisis pregnancy, and the findings from this review indicate that services have capacity to take on additional clients if required. Uptake figures show that demand for supported accommodation of this nature has fallen off substantially since the research was commissioned in 2010. The Programme intends to publish the final report on the review of services, entitled "Review of Supported Accommodation Services for Women During and After Pregnancy", in the near future.

Care of the Elderly

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

591 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the shortcomings in the area of right to information and accessing vital support and services, specifically as it applies to older persons and their entitlements, including access to home helps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35559/11]

There are several mechanisms in place within the Health Service Executive to address the right to information and accessing support and services by older people. The first point of contact for any older person seeking information or assistance is through their Public Health Nurse, or General Practitioner, who can be contacted through the local Primary Care Unit or Health Centre.

The HSE provides details on a wide range of entitlements, including for example Medical Cards and other schemes, Home Support Services, Residential care, and concerns regarding abuse on its website (HSE.ie). An Information Helpline is also available (1850 24 1850). In addition, the HSE supported website www.myhomefromhome.ie provides information to people concerning access to residential services for older people, or potential residents of nursing homes. This includes links to other information sources for alternatives to residential care. Also, all older people have a right to access personal information under routine administrative access, such as the Data Protection Acts (1988 and 2003). Other related information can also be accessed under the Freedom of Information Act (1997 and 2003).

In relation to the specific area of Home based supports for older people, the HSE is at present pressing various initiatives aimed at clarifying and standardising issues such as Information, Access, Planning, and Delivery of such services. This includes rolling out across all Local Health Offices new guidelines pertaining to these services, and the procurement of such services in partnership with the Not-for-Profit and Private Providers sector.

The issues raised by the Deputy will also be addressed, as appropriate, in the forthcoming National Positive Ageing Strategy, which will set the strategic direction for important issues such as Information and Access across a range of statutory or other services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

592 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the lack of standards, regulation and inspection of providers of home care services to older persons, particularly, though not exclusively, focusing on the providers of commercial home care services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35560/11]

Government policy is to support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible and, where this is not an option for whatever reason, to support access to high quality long term residential care. Significant development of community based services for older people has taken place in recent years. In some cases, where services are approved and funded by the HSE, this may be undertaken by the Executive through partnership arrangements with non-statutory providers to maximise service delivery.

The Government for National Recovery, 2011-2016 commits to developing and implementing national standards for home support services, which will be subject to inspection by the Health and Information Quality Authority (HIQA).

All relevant factors will have to be taken into account in relation to the regulation of home care services. These include, for example, the July 2008Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance which recommended,amongst other things, the extension of any licensing systems to the primary health care area. In July 2009 the Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper entitled Legal Aspects of Carers, which considered various legal issues surrounding home care, and made a number of provisional recommendations concerning standards and regulations generally.

The Department of Health accepts the need for a more standardised approach to the regulation of Home Care, whether by statutory or non-statutory providers. The HSE is implementing guidelines on Home Care Packages, and is finalizing additional guidelines in relation to the Home Help service, and Quality for Home Care Support Services. In addition, the HSE will shortly conclude a new Public Procurement Framework for Home Care services. These measures have been designed to enhance service provision overall, including Quality and Safety, for HSE home care recipients.

The question of possible changes to legislation, including regulation and inspection, for Home Care services for older people is under consideration. The Department is, at present, examining this matter in the overall context of the licensing of Health Care providers. Legislation is currently being prepared in this regard, taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety, and the Law Reform Commission. In addition, work is being undertaken to ensure that access to community services is provided on a nationally consistent and equitable basis having regard to each person's care needs and means. Various options are being considered at present, including the complex legal issues involved.

The Government will continue to do everything possible to protect vulnerable older people. This includes progressing the various initiatives I have outlined above, while examining the options of introducing the statutory regulation of all home care providers. Such options would have to take account, for example, of any resource or implementation implications, and the need to prioritize new legislation in the context of the wider Social Care area.

Positive Ageing Strategy

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

593 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the current status of the national positive ageing strategy; the extent of engagement to date with representatives of older persons; when same will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35561/11]

The Programme for Government published in March 2011 has committed to completing and implementing the National Positive Ageing Strategy so that older people are recognised, supported and enabled to live independent full lives. It is not the intention that the Strategy will propose new service developments. Rather it will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland.

The Strategy will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by Government Departments. These operational plans will clearly set out each Department's objectives relating to older people. Mechanisms designed to monitor the implementation of measures contained in operational plans will also be developed in consultation with Departments. In recognition that a wide range of policies, programmes and services impact directly on the lives of older people, development of the Strategy is being assisted by a Cross-Departmental Group (CDG), comprised of officials from 11 Government Departments, the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Síochána.

In 2009, an NGO Liaison Group comprising representatives of twelve national level non-governmental organisations working with and for older people was established under an independent Chair. The role of this Group is to facilitate the exchange of information and views between the organisations, their members and the Cross Departmental Group during the development of the National Positive Ageing Strategy. To date, this Group has met with Government officials on six occasions.

In addition, given that the National Positive Ageing Strategy will have a wider focus than any previous strategy relating to older people, it was important to hear the views and opinions of older people themselves in addition to the views of representative organisations, non-Governmental organisations, services providers and other interested parties.

To this end, a wide ranging public consultation process between Government and older people in Ireland was concluded in November 2010. This process comprised a public call for written submissions, of which 190 were received; a series of public regional consultation meetings, which were attended by over 1,100 older people, representative organisations and service providers; and face to face meetings between Government officials and groups representing vulnerable and marginalised older people. Work on developing the Strategy is on-going and taking place within the constraints posed by the present fiscal situation. This work will not be concluded before the end of the year.

Mental Health Services

Gerald Nash

Question:

594 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the reasons the after care service operated at the St. Brigid’s mental health day centre in County Louth has been reduced to four days per week; his views on that, in view of his commitment to a community-based model of mental health care, that a full five-day day service should be reinstituted in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35567/11]

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

Medicinal Products

Brendan Griffin

Question:

595 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the licensing of drugs; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35580/11]

Fingolimod (Gilenya®) is licensed for the Irish market. The manufacturer has submitted an application to the HSE for the product to be reimbursed under the High-Tech Drug Scheme. The list of medicinal products provided under the High-Tech Drug Scheme is reviewed on a regular basis. The application in respect of the product in question is currently under consideration.

Health Service Staff

Sean Fleming

Question:

596 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the recruitment of professional qualified social workers in the Health Service Executive area and especially those who understood that they would be offered a job but their employment was not proceeded with over the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35585/11]

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

Community Care

Ann Phelan

Question:

597 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to work being done by the previous Government and the Opposition spokespersons on health to amend the Nursing Homes Bill to accommodate the Health Information and Quality Authority demands on community care homes; if his further attention has been drawn to the way these demands are affecting the continuation of a number of community care homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35596/11]

My Department has initiated a review of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009, as amended. These Regulations set out detailed requirements regarding, among other things, staffing and environmental conditions for all designated centres, including welfare homes.

As part of the review process submissions were invited and received from interested parties, including the support care homes referred to by the Deputy. The Department also met with a representative from the care homes. Due consideration is being given to the issues raised including the nature and status of the care homes. It is expected that the review will be completed shortly and that amending regulations will introduced in 2012.

Domestic Violence

Catherine Murphy

Question:

598 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that no funding will be made available for any crisis accommodation for domestic abuse victims in Kildare this year, the alternative Health Service Executive funded provisions in place for women in County Kildare who are seeking refuge from domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35602/11]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

599 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and when the operation will be performed. [35612/11]

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.

Substance Misuse

Sandra McLellan

Question:

600 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the efforts he is making to tackle the alcohol and substance abuse problem here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35614/11]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

601 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the efforts he has made to ban below cost selling of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35615/11]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

603 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health when the national substance misuse strategy will be published; if the steering group developing proposals for inclusion in the strategy are giving due consideration to the alcohol abuse and misuse problem here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35620/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 600, 601 and 603 together.

I assume that the Deputy is referring in her question to a minimum price for alcohol. Minimum pricing is a mechanism of imposing a statutory floor in price levels for alcohol products that must be legally observed by retailers; its primary function would be to discourage at risk levels of alcohol consumption. A National Substance Misuse Strategy was established in 2009. It is examining the development of policy to deal with a wide range of key issues relating to the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol — including the question of a minimum price for alcohol — along with measures for the policy areas of prevention strategies, treatment, rehabilitation and substance dependency, research and information. The report of the Steering Group is close to completion. I expect to receive proposals in the coming months and I will then brief my colleagues in Government on these.

In the meantime, the health promotion services of the Health Service Executive (HSE) are undertaking key activities nationally to address the issue of alcohol misuse. In the Education setting, current activities include support for the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme; alcohol and drug awareness training for teachers/staff and parents; the development of a substance use policy; and the current development of materials for young people on alcohol by — among others — HSE staff and representatives from a variety of organisations.

In the community setting, the health promotion services are engaged in a number of programmes and projects. These include the Putting the Pieces Together programme that targets youth between the ages of 10 to 18 years, parents and communities of mixed abilities in literacy skills for the purpose of tackling substance use in the community; the Strengthening Families programme that is an evidence based parenting skills, children’s life skills and family life skills training programme aimed at preventing and reducing alcohol and drug misuse; a community training programme that provides scheduled and on-demand training to community groups on alcohol awareness; a social marketing programme made up of national media campaigns using information websites such as www.drugs.ie, www.yourdrinking.ie and www.healthpromotion.ie — along with regional awareness raising events such as Drug Awareness week; club projects that are developed on a partnership basis for the purpose of working with the owners and staff of licensed premises to identify and address issues arising from alcohol and drug misuse in their venues and local areas.

In the health setting, the HSE is developing a Brief Interventions/Skills health training programme for HSE staff to include a module for addressing alcohol related risk behaviours. A report on the work of "Towards a Framework for Implementing Evidence Based Alcohol Interventions" and the results of a feasibility test for screening and brief interventions in four hospital emergency departments was completed in July 2011. The results show that there was good cooperation from the public with only 6% declining to be screened. The screening tool detected 36% requiring brief advice and 9% required referral to specialist services. In total 49% required no further intervention.

Following from the report's recommendations, the project has finalised A Guiding Framework for Education and Training in Screening and Brief Intervention for Problem Alcohol Use for Nurses and Midwives in Acute, Primary and Community Care Settings. This framework has been developed in partnership with the Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services Director. It aims to provide a standardised approach for the education and training of Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals who undertake screening and brief intervention. The framework supports safe, quality and effective care for service users who access healthcare across the HSE and promotes the effective management of problem alcohol use in acute, primary and community care settings.

In partnership with drugs.ie, the project is at an advanced stage in the development of an online alcohol self-assessment tool and video-based brief interventions. This will initially be rolled out on drugs.ie and on the drugs.ie FaceBook page. HSE staff will have access to an online alcohol self assessment tool both as a patient resource and for personal use. The aim of the online intervention is to identify "at risk" individuals among the general population. Those whose alcohol use is likely to be harming their health or increasing their risk of future harm are the main target group intended to benefit from this initiative.

Finally, the HSE has provided funding to a number of organisations in 2011 — such as Alcohol Action Ireland, the Coombe Hospital, Crosscare, GAA, Northwest Alcohol Forum, Trinity College, and No Name clubs for various initiatives, activities and research in the area of alcohol and drugs misuse.

Health Promotion

Sandra McLellan

Question:

602 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the efforts he has made to ensure the appropriate selling and marketing of alcohol in pubs, off-licences, supermarkets and in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35616/11]

Section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the structural separation of alcohol from other products in mixed trading premises such as supermarkets, convenience stores and garage forecourts. The then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform deferred commencement of these provisions subject to achieving sector-wide compliance to the agreed Code of Practice on the Sale and Display of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises. This Code, which was agreed with trade representatives and the Departments of Health and Justice and Equality in 2008, sets out voluntary commitments on structural separation, advertising and training. It is subject to independent monitoring and submission of an annual implementation report to the Minister for Justice and Equality. Implementation of the code is overseen by the independently chaired Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland — a group which is comprised of representatives of the mixed traders.

The Chairperson of Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland (RRAI) submitted the 3rd Compliance Report on the Implementation of the Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises to the Minister for Justice and Equality on the 30th of September last. It has been published on the Department of Justice and Equality's website and the Minister for Justice and Equality is currently seeking the views of interested bodies on the report's conclusions and, more generally, on the effectiveness of the voluntary approach to implementing structural separation objectives in mixed trading premises preparatory to a decision on whether to commence the statutory provisions on structural separation in section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.

In addition, Codes of Practice on the placement of alcohol advertising were agreed between the alcohol industry, the advertising industry and the Department of Health. The purpose of these Codes was to reduce the exposure of children and young people to alcohol marketing. The Codes aim to limit the overall level of alcohol advertising and sponsorship across all media and adherence and compliance with the Codes is monitored by the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body (AMCMB). The Codes of Practice were strengthened in July 2008.

Finally, a National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was established in 2009. It is examining the development of policy to deal with a wide range of key issues relating to the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol, along with measures for the policy areas of prevention strategies, treatment, rehabilitation and substance dependency, research and information. The report of the Steering Group is close to completion; I expect to receive proposals in the coming months and I will then brief my colleagues in Government on these.

Question No. 603 answered with Question No. 600.

Departmental Expenditure

Derek Keating

Question:

604 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the amount of public moneys awarded by him or the Health Service Executive to an agency (details supplied) in the past ten years in tabular form; the criteria for such amounts being awarded; if he is satisfied with the bona fides of this organisation; if this organisation publishes accounts; if he has had audited statements from this organisation regarding public finances, if any, supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35619/11]

The table sets out the funding that was allocated to the organisation referred to by the Deputy between 2001 and 2011 through the National Lottery Scheme. I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to you in respect of any funding it may have made to the organisation.

Year

2011

50,000

2010

0

2009

100,000

2008

100,000

2007

25,000

2006

50,000

2005

100,000

2004

0

2003

0

2002

0

2001

0

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

605 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will expedite the approval. [35617/11]

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

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

606 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the occupational therapist services now available in the Carlow — Kilkenny area; if he will confirm the level of OT services provided by the Health Service Executive for students (details supplied); if these services will be continued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35622/11]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

Question:

607 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a cancer operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was cancelled three times in view of the urgency of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35623/11]

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.

Medical Cards

John McGuinness

Question:

608 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [35625/11]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

Question:

609 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 146 of 21 April 2011 and 148 of 28 September 2011 and a separate reply from the Health Service Executive, if he will confirm the details or status of the special delivery unit; if the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be dealt with through the unit as the case is urgent and the HSE has not responded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35632/11]

John McGuinness

Question:

659 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will insist that the Health Service Executive arrange an early date for an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the operation will be dealt with by the SDU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36273/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 659 together.

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. Regarding the Deputy's patient query I have been advised that the person involved has been allocated a date for his surgery in mid December later this year.

National Lottery Funding

Dara Calleary

Question:

610 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if his Department have received a grant application from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will approve the grant for this project. [35635/11]

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. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.

Medical Cards

Michael McCarthy

Question:

611 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the situation relating to the issuing of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); if the matter has been rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35641/11]

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

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

612 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35726/11]

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

Grant Payments

Denis Naughten

Question:

613 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when payment will commence to a person (details supplied) in County Galway in relation to an application that has already been approved; if the payment will be back dated; if so, the date it will be back dated to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35730/11]

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

Prescription Charges

Ciara Conway

Question:

614 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to abolish the 50 cent prescription charge for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35742/11]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

644 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health when the 50 cent prescription charge will cease to be charged by pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36148/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 644 together.

Prescription charges are provided for under Section 59 of the Health Act 1970 as amended by the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2010. Revoking these provisions requires primary legislation. It is my intention, subject to Government approval, to introduce legislation to abolish prescription charges for medical card holders.

National Lottery Funding

John O'Mahony

Question:

615 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a group (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on a grant application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35743/11]

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. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.

Services for People with Disabilities

Derek Keating

Question:

616 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in Counties Clare, Galway and Limerick included on the intellectual disability database in tabular form; the disability strategy for this region; the services offered to those persons on the database; the body that provides disability services in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35759/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the questions raised on the HSE's disability strategy for Counties Clare, Galway and Limerick and the bodies that provide disability services on behalf of the HSE in those Counties.

With regard to the Deputy's question on the number of persons in Counties Clare, Galway and Limerick on the Intellectual Disability Database and the services offered to those persons, I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD) is maintained by the Health Research Board (HRB). The HRB have advised me that the number of individuals registered on the NIDD in 2010 for Counties Clare, Galway and Limerick are as follows:

Clare

Galway

Limerick

Male

268

Male

928

Male

638

Female

225

Female

604

Female

423

Total

493

Total

1,532

Total

1,061

According to the HRB, the Services being provided are as follows:

Clare

Number

Home support

1

Mainstream pre-school

1

Mainstream school

33

Special class — primary

9

Special class — secondary

3

Special school

94

Rehabilitative training

49

Activation centre

52

Programme for the older person

11

Special high support day service

13

Special intensive day service

13

Sheltered work centre

41

Sheltered employment centre

1

Multidisciplinary support services

14

Outreach programme

76

Other day service

16

Supported employment

14

Open employment

4

Vocational training

4

Generic day services

40

Not receiving service

4

Total

493

Galway

Count

Home support

13

Home help

2

Early services

38

Mainstream pre-school

8

Special pre-school

37

Child education and development centre

49

Mainstream school

117

Resource teacher

68

Special class — primary

17

Special class — secondary

19

Special school

143

Rehabilitative training

90

Activation centre

423

Programme for the older person

63

Special high support day service

35

Special intensive day service

19

Sheltered work centre

172

Sheltered employment centre

5

Multidisciplinary support services

70

Centre-based day respite service

1

Outreach programme

3

Other day service

28

Supported employment

38

Open employment

10

Vocational training

18

Generic day services

13

Not receiving service

33

Total

1,532

Limerick

Count

Home support

12

Early services

8

Mainstream pre-school

8

Special pre-school

6

Mainstream school

52

Special class — primary

2

Special class — secondary

3

Special school

197

Third level education

3

Rehabilitative training

81

Activation centre

196

Programme for the older person

42

Special high support day service

19

Special intensive day service

15

Sheltered work centre

250

Sheltered employment centre

1

Multidisciplinary support services

71

Day respite in the home

1

Outreach programme

1

Other day service

20

Supported employment

15

Open employment

2

Vocational training

13

Generic day services

1

Not receiving service

42

Total

1,061

Pension Provisions

Jack Wall

Question:

617 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be furnished with a statement of the pension they receive from the Health Service Executive in respect of their late spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35761/11]

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

Care of the Elderly

Tom Fleming

Question:

618 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will secure the future of a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry as a provider of long-stay care by reclassifying the hospital similar to public providers thus ensuring an increased level of State funding per bed which will make the service sustainable into the future. [35770/11]

Valentia Community Hospital is run by a voluntary organisation, Valentia Community Health and Welfare Association Ltd, and has a service level agreement with the HSE under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004. All organisations with Service Level Agreements under this section of the Health Act 2004 are required to negotiate with the National Treatment Purchase Fund as they provide services in addition to, not on behalf of, the HSE, and are therefore not legally regarded as public services.

In the past, Valentia Community Hospital would have been allocated a lump sum annually by the HSE. However, the introduction of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in October 2009 brought about a fundamental statutory change in the way in which long-term nursing home care is funded and, consequently, the way in which nursing homes and community hospitals are funded. The principle is that funding follows the patients. The new scheme supports the individuals in need of long-term nursing home care, not the facilities providing the care, and it is designed to ensure that nursing homes are not being funded for empty beds.

In order to qualify for the scheme, all private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes which previously received funding for long-term residential care under section 39 of the Health Act 2004, including Valentia Community Hospital, must negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.

The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process. This method of negotiation is necessary in order to ensure that the State obtains the best value for each individual in a nursing home and to comply with competition law.

As stated, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme only applies to long-term nursing home care. Valentia Community Hospital can continue to have separate agreements with the HSE for the provision of other services, e.g. day care, respite and convalescence.

In conclusion, it is not possible to re-classify Valentia Community Hospital as a public provider. There have been ongoing discussions between the Board of Management of Valentia Community Health and Welfare Association Ltd. and the HSE with regards to future service provision. In addition, the Minister for Health met with a delegation from Valentia Hospital in June. I understand that, following the meeting, the HSE is continuing to engage with the Board of Management with regard to the future of services.

Health Service Allowances

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

619 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a mobility allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35816/11]

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

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

620 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35830/11]

Following the publication last week of the ‘Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework', the Health Service Executive will commence drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Medicinal Products

Seamus Kirk

Question:

621 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if the drug Pradaxa is available on prescription to medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35885/11]

Pradaxa 110mg and 75mg are available on prescription to patients availing of the GMS Scheme and other community drugs schemes for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.

Following a recent economic evaluation the HSE is assessing the availability of resources in 2012 to consider long term treatment with Pradaxa 150mg for the prevention of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation. This is a complicated process with long term implications. The HSE has written to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors to outline the current situation. The HSE will continue to update health-care professionals in relation to these matters.

Medical Cards

Finian McGrath

Question:

622 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding medical cards in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [35887/11]

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

Hospital Staff

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

623 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number and hospital location of consultants currently employed by the Health Service Executive and in voluntary hospitals who were initially employed on temporary contracts and who have been since awarded a contract of indefinite duration; the number and hospital location of consultants employed by the HSE and in voluntary hospitals who were not appointed through public competition; the number and hospital location of consultants employed by the HSE and in voluntary hospitals who have not done higher specialist training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35920/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive to compile the information requested by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Health Service Staff

Simon Harris

Question:

624 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if payment can be expected in respect of an unfair dismissal successfully taken by a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow against an agency under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35928/11]

I am advised that the case referred to by the Deputy concerns a complaint to the Employment Appeals Tribunal under the Unfair Dismissals Acts against an organisation which was allocated funding by the East Coast Regional Drugs Task Force to deliver addiction services in Wicklow until the end of December 2010. The implementation of the findings of the Tribunal are a matter for the organisation concerned which is an independent company limited by guarantee and not an agency of my Department.

Medical Cards

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

625 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl 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. [35975/11]

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

Hospital Budgets

Clare Daly

Question:

626 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide figures for the hospital budget deficit coming into this year and the projected deficit going into next year for St. James’s, the Mater, Beaumont, St. Vincent’s and Tallaght Hospital. [35977/11]

All hospitals are required to operate within their allocated budgets and to meet the service level activity targets that the hospital has agreed for 2011. I recognise that the management of funding allocations by public hospitals poses a serious budgetary challenge.

The Health Service Executive has advised me that St. James's Hospital will break even in the current year which will allow it to commence in 2012 in a healthy financial position. St. James Hospital had no opening deficit at the start of 2011. Tallaght Hospital carried an accumulated deficit of approximately €22m into the current year and is projecting a deficit of €11m for 2011. The hospital has implemented cost containment measures that has seen it break even in each of the last three months, and is projecting a break-even run rate each month to year end. In that context, the hospital will commence 2012 in an improved financial environment. The hospital will, however, have to deal with its accumulated deficit in the future within its overall financial resources.

St. Vincent's University Hospital carried a €1m accumulated deficit into the current year and is projecting an overspend of €7m or 3.5% for 2011. Cost containment plans are being considered in order to deal with this carrying deficit. The Mater Hospital carried an accumulated deficit of €1.86m into the current year and is projecting a deficit of €2m for the current year. It will also carry this deficit into 2012 and will have to deal with it within its overall resources. Beaumont Hospital carried an accumulated deficit of €0.340m into the current year and is projecting a €3m deficit in 2011. As with all other hospitals with deficits, Beaumont will carry this deficit into 2012 and will have to deal with it within the overall financial resources available to it.

I am on record as saying that every individual agency must take responsibility and do everything possible to stay within budget while delivering their planned level of service. Under its reform programme the Government has committed to achieving greater efficiencies in patient care and service delivery. These efficiencies will not be easy to achieve but I am certain that over time they will help to ensure that more people get access to services within a given quantum of funding. In this regard it is important that the management capacity in our public hospitals is sufficiently robust to meet these challenges.

The Deputy will also be aware that it is the role of the Special Delivery Unit, which I recently established, to address issues around the better and more efficient delivery of health services. The work of the SDU will contribute significantly to improving outcomes for patients and to greater efficiencies in the system to avoid any budgetary overruns, while at the same time endeavouring to ensure the maintenance of services in line with the commitments given by the HSE and public hospitals.

Clare Daly

Question:

627 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if hospital budget deficits are counted as part of the overall Exchequer budget deficit in the national accounts. [35978/11]

The Health Act 2004 provided for the establishment of the Health Service Executive with its own Vote and Accounting Officer with effect from 1 January 2005, and requires the Executive to operate within the limits of its Vote as approved by the Dail. All hospitals, both statutory and voluntary, are required to operate within their allocated budgets and to meet the service level activity targets that the hospital has agreed for 2011. The HSE is, therefore, obliged to comply with the principles set out in Public Financial Procedures and has, as one of its central objectives, the requirement to keep overall expenditure with the approved voted limits.

Any deficit which arises within a statutory hospital owned and operated directly by the Health Service Executive, must therefore be funded by a surplus elsewhere. Voluntary hospitals are funded on a net basis by the Executive, and a service level agreement is signed between the hospital and the Executive that the hospital will operate within its approved funding and any deficit is a matter for the hospital and not the State. On this basis, hospital deficits do not form part of the overall Government deficit in the national accounts.

Question No. 628 answered with Question No. 573.

Hospital Services

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

629 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken towards establishing a stroke unit at Cork University Hospital; when the unit will be open and staff assigned to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35980/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Catherine Murphy

Question:

630 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the full contact details of the Health Service Executive legal services division including its address, phone number, fax number and email address; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36063/11]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

631 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the full list of personnel employed in the Health Service Executive legal services division, including their respective grades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36064/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 630 and 631 together.

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Brendan Smith

Question:

632 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that adequate funding is provided to voluntary organisations providing services to persons with an intellectual disability (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36077/11]

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 front-line services.

The level of funding available for the health budget is being considered as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and Estimates process for 2012 which is currently underway. Deliberations by the Government on the expenditure allocations for next year 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. The very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure.

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, €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.

As Minister for Equality, Disability, Mental Health and Older People I am committed to ensuring that the needs of our citizens who have a disability are addressed across the whole of Government.

Hospital Services

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

633 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health the number of patients under the age of 65 years, by county, treated for foot ulcerations, which do not require a full or partial limb amputation in 2009; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36107/11]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

634 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health the number of patients, by county, treated for foot ulcerations, which do not require a full or partial limb amputation in 2009; the number of those patients who had diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36108/11]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

635 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health the number of full and partial lower limb amputations that were carried out on persons under 65 years of age in 2009, by county of residence; the number of these patients who had diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36109/11]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

636 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health the number of full and partial lower limb amputations that were carried out on persons in 2009, by county of residence; the number of these patients who had diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36110/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 to 636, inclusive, together.

Due to the volume of information, the details requested by the Deputy will be supplied in a table.

Ulcers without amputation, 2009 by county

Number of these with diabetes

Ulcers without amputation, 2009 by county, under 65 years

Ulcers without amputation, 2009 by county, under 65 years, with diabetes

Total Number of Lower Limb Amputations 2009

Total Number of Lower Limb Amputations 2009, with diabetes

Total Number of Lower Limb Amputations 2009, under 65 Years

Total Number of Lower Limb Amputations 2009, with diabetes under 65 Years

Carlow

66

35

24

10

8

7

5

5

Cavan

88

26

10

12

7

7

5

Clare

126

55

26

18

30

15

13

8

Cork

330

122

83

38

60

33

22

12

Donegal

105

69

25

14

20

12

Dublin

956

258

286

91

156

96

68

41

Galway

143

64

37

16

32

10

16

5

Kerry

89

35

18

6

26

9

13

6

Kildare

119

51

36

18

29

15

9

Kilkenny

116

68

25

14

19

12

8

7

Laois

44

27

13

10

10

8

Leitrim

35

13

12

8

8

6

Limerick

139

59

46

32

51

27

16

9

Longford

13

8

7

Louth

90

29

30

10

14

7

9

5

Mayo

96

30

27

11

17

11

Meath

108

30

30

9

16

7

Monaghan

66

19

11

14

7

7

Non-Resident/No Fixed Abode

8

6

Offaly

31

17

8

7

8

6

Roscommon

75

27

12

5

8

Sligo

48

14

11

5

Tipp North

81

29

23

10

13

8

Tipp South

136

56

24

16

13

5

Waterford

131

60

33

15

18

11

5

Westmeath

43

14

10

5

12

8

6

Wexford

164

66

34

17

28

18

11

10

Wicklow

92

21

29

11

17

6

10

National

3,538

1,303

935

408

646

354

258

149

Source: Hospital Inpatient Enquiry

Note: Data refer to discharges from publicly funded acute hospitals. Private hospitals are not included.

Note: For reasons of patient confidentiality it is standard policy not to report cells of less than 5 cases.These cells have been marked with ‘—'.

This table has been produced by the Information Unit and is based on Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE).

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

637 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork can expect an orthopaedic appointment at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36120/11]

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 Funding

Gerry Adams

Question:

638 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the level of funding that has been provided to the issue of tackling osteoporosis in each of the past five years; if he will provide a breakdown of same; the level of funding that has gone to the Irish Osteoporosis Society in those years; the amount of funding the Irish Osteoporosis Society has sought in each of those years; if he has carried out an assessment of the practical impact of cuts to the funding of the Irish Osteoporosis Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36122/11]

The Health Service Executive does not gather figures on the level of funding specifically provided for tackling Osteoporosis as there is no specific allocation for Osteoporosis treatment or prevention; however, the Health Service Executive have an extensive programme of work aimed at reducing the burden of this disease among the Irish population. This programme includes work across hospital, primary care and community settings involving geriatricians, services for older people, primary care and health promotion specialists. All of the above have implied responsibility for prevention, treatment and care. Services provided range from bone density scanning to falls prevention programmes and the issue has been identified as a key priority by all regions in the last 4 years and again for 2012.

From a disease prevention and management perspective, the Health Promotion Services incorporate this specific topic across all its programmes. Specifically these are Dietetic treatment and education programmes (72 Community Dietitians are employed), smoking cessation (as smokers are at greater risk of developing this disease), physical activity programmes (as exercise strengthens bone and muscle thus preventing development of osteoporosis), women's health programmes as this population group are most at risk and many other community programmes across the spectrum of risk factors for Osteoporosis.

With regard to the funding provided to the Irish Osteoporosis Society, below are the details provided to me by the HSE:

Allocated

Sought

€128,000 in 2006

€250,000 in 2007

€250,000 in 2008

€225,000 in 2009

€205,000 in 2010

€225,000

€150,000 in 2011

€205,000

Finally, I have requested my officials and the HSE to meet with the Irish Osteoporosis Society in the coming weeks.

Health Services

John McGuinness

Question:

639 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a bone density test will be arranged as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36132/11]

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.

Medical Cards

Tom Fleming

Question:

640 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry. [36135/11]

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

Tom Fleming

Question:

641 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry [36136/11]

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

Tom Fleming

Question:

642 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry. [36137/11]

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

Mental Health Services

Jim Daly

Question:

643 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the shortfall of staff for patients in the mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36146/11]

This Government is committed to implementing A Vision for Change, the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy and reforming our model of healthcare delivery so that more and better quality care is delivered in the community. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services and this is currently being considered as part of the Estimates process for 2012 and future years.

In this regard, I have asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific recommendations of A Vision for Change that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, structures and identifiable person(s) responsible for driving the change including delivery on the commitments in our Programme for Government. Issues related to staffing levels particularly in community mental health teams will be examined in this context.

Question No. 644 answered with Question No. 614.

Health Services

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

645 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his views that the decision to move the Rialto early morning methadone clinic from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. to 12 noon will have a detrimental impact on the service users because the later time does not facilitate participation in education, training and work; and if he will intervene to ensure that the earlier slot remains open to service clients. [36151/11]

I am advised by the HSE that the change in the morning opening hours of the Rialto Methadone Clinic will result in an additional hour's treatment time and will enable the service to cater for more clients. It is the view of the HSE that clients who are in a position to engage in full time work, training or education should receive their treatment from GPs rather than clinics as this will assist them in normalising their lifestyles.

Hospital Services

David Stanton

Question:

646 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the average occupancy in 2010 for each of the Cork University Hospital, the Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36166/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

647 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by him and the Health Service Executive on agency staff in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36167/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

648 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if there has been any instruction given to local Health Service Executive service providers to cease using agency staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36168/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

649 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if he will consider mandating the Health Service Executive to assign the budget used for agency staff to recruit additional front-line HSE staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36169/11]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

655 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36228/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 647 to 649, inclusive, and 655 together.

The Health Service Executive spent €117 million on agency staff in 2008, €108.3 million in 2009 and €153.4 million in 2010. The use of agency staff, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants, has always been a feature of the health system and will be an ongoing requirement. Agency staff are used to fill vacancies that arise for a variety of reasons including sick leave, annual leave and maternity leave, and to ensure continuity of service provision.

The Employment Control Framework (ECF) for the Health Sector requires reductions in employment levels in line with the Government's fiscal and budgetary strategy. Notwithstanding this, some exceptions can be made in order to address critical service risks. Where possible and in the context of the moratorium, part time and work-sharing staff are being offered the opportunity to increase the number of hours they work before agency staff are used.

The ECF provides that while agency staff is not specifically included in the employment ceiling in the employment control framework such staff can only be made use of in exceptional circumstances to provide emergency relief for medical/professional staff providing essential frontline health, welfare and protection services. They may not be used to: substitute for management/administrative staff, substitute or replace temporary positions which have been terminated or posts which have been suppressed under this framework, or to effectively increase the numbers of staff employed in a body.

The decision to use agency staff is made at local service level. The reliance on agency staff is one of the expenditure items being reviewed as part of local cost containment plans. The new contracts for the provision of agency services put in place by the HSE earlier this year have resulted in significant unit price savings being available to the service, though service requirements in certain areas have resulted in a higher level of usage than anticipated.

The HSE has engaged the following agencies since in it introduced a new contract for the provision of agency staff in March 2011:

Nurse on Call — Agency Nurses to HSE South, HSE Dublin Mid Leinster & HSE,

CPL Health Care — Agency Nurses to HSE West, Agency Health Care Assistants to HSE South, HSE Dublin/Mid Leinster; Allied Health, Professionals and Social Care Workers to HSE South, HSE Dublin /NorthEast, and HSE Dublin Mid Leinster,

TTM Healthcare — Agency Allied Health Professionals & Social Care Workers to HSE West; Agency Health Care Assistants to HSE West,

Locum Express — Agency Doctors to HSE Dublin Mid Leinster and HSE West,

Global Medics — Agency Doctors to HSE South,

Agency staff costs can by broken down as follows:

a) Pay to agency worker,

b) Agency Commission as follows : Nurse on call 5.5%, CPL Healthcare 5.9%, TTM Healthcare 8%, Locum Express 8.75%, Global Medics 11.75%,

c) Employers PRSI at 10.75%,

d) Holiday and public holiday pay at 12%, and

e) Vat at 21% on all of the above.

The rates paid to agency staff are aligned to the consolidated salary scales approved by my Department. Agency Nurses are currently paid at either the 1st point of the salary scale or the 5th point of the 2010 salary scale and receive the statutory minimum in terms of annual leave. Agency Health Care Assistants are currently paid at 30% less than the 1st point of the approved salary scale and receive the statutory minimum in terms of annual leave. Agency Allied Health Professionals and Social Care Workers are currently paid at 15% less than the 1st point of the salary scale and receive the statutory minimum in terms of annual leave. Agency Hospital Consultants are paid at the approved salary scale for the job. Agency Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) are paid approximately 20% more than the current approved salary scale. This is due to the shortage of NCHDs in the Irish market.

The information in relation to the Non-Commercial State Agencies is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available. Agency staff are not utilised within the Department of Health at any stage.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

650 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for an orthopaedic bed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36170/11]

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

Health Service Staff

Seán Kenny

Question:

651 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors, nurses, health care assistants and other medical staff currently working in a health centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36190/11]

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

Health Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

652 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 945 of 14 September 2011, the progress made to date in determination of the extent of support services available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36216/11]

I have made enquiries with the Health Service Executive and I have been informed that the local area health office is compiling a response for the Deputy. I have asked the HSE to expedite their response to you.

Medical Cards

Tom Fleming

Question:

653 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the over 70 medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [36217/11]

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

Grant Payments

Simon Harris

Question:

654 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health his plans to alter the criteria of the motorised transport grant to enable parents of children under the age of 17 years to apply for a grant in view of the severe hardships that many such parents have transporting their severely ill children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36219/11]

There are no plans to extend the eligibility criteria for the Motorised Transport Grant. All public expenditure programmes and schemes are being considered as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and Estimates process for 2012 which is currently underway.

Question No. 655 answered with Question No. 647.

Hospital Services

Brian Stanley

Question:

656 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring into full use the 59 beds in the psychiatric unit in Portlaoise Hospital, County Laois; of particular concern are the six beds for the over 65 year olds, which have been shut for over two years. [36237/11]

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

National Lottery Funding

Catherine Byrne

Question:

657 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) has been successful in its application for national lottery funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36243/11]

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. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.

Medical Cards

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

658 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [36269/11]

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

Question No. 659 answered with Question No. 609.

John McGuinness

Question:

660 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the long delays in processing medical card applications; if he will take immediate action to clear the backlog; if he will explain the reason medical card renewals are taking so long to approve; if he will also investigate the delay in the appeals system and confirm the action he is taking to clear the backlog; if he will clarify the options available to members to make representations on behalf of applicants listed (details supplied) and expedite a response in each case; if he will explain the reason the local Health Service Executive staff will not give information regarding applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36276/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the general issues raised by the Deputy and I will revert to the Deputy on these matters as soon as possible. I have referred the individual queries to the HSE for investigation and direct response to the Deputy.

Infectious Diseases

Ann Phelan

Question:

661 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will address the disproportionate distress imposed on the relatively few persons in this country who contract Lyme disease, if he will now consider adding Lyme disease to the national categories list of notifiable diseases. [36289/11]

This disease can present as a mild illness or, in a small percentage of cases, can lead to more serious illness. A fact sheet on the disease, developed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), is available on their website (www.hpsc.ie) to provide members of the general public and media with advice on minimising the risk of Lyme disease. The HPSC site also provides international guidelines on treatment. The HPSC has also produced a leaflet “Protecting Yourself Against Tick Bites and Lyme Disease” which may be downloaded from their website.

Hospital Services

Brendan Smith

Question:

662 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if urgent consideration will be given to a request by Monaghan County Council (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36345/11]

Brendan Smith

Question:

663 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding a proposal to establish a medical assessment unit at Monaghan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36346/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.

I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner. In particular, I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller hospitals. To this end, the Government will publish a framework for the development of smaller hospitals to set out how their future will be secured. The framework will give clear information about the role of smaller hospitals and will address any safety issues arising from HIQA's reports. Consultation covering all the key stakeholders, including patients and public representatives, will be an integral part of the process.

In addition to the framework, the organisation of hospital services will be informed by the clinical programmes, currently being developed and implemented by the HSE. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. The change in the opening times of the Monaghan MIU is the direct result of the current budgetary and financial position facing the health system. The HSE has reviewed other possible options to save money or increase revenue, but has concluded that they would not generate sufficient savings in the short term. Following a detailed analysis of this issue, the HSE has estimated that total annual savings of almost €400,000 would be generated with this alteration of opening hours.

I am favourably disposed towards the development of Medical Assessment Units, as they provide excellent service for patients. However, it is essential that such units be justified, from both a service delivery and value for money point of view. The HSE has established an independent feasibility study which will examine if there is a clinical need for a Medical Assessment Unit in Monaghan Hospital for the population of Monaghan. It will also establish the pay and non-pay costs and internal/external support services associated with the establishment and running of an MAU in Monaghan. The group commenced its work on 17 October 2011 and the time frame for completion of the project is 6-8 weeks.

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

664 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed primary care centres for Corduff and Mulhuddart, County Dublin, including timelines for start date and completion. [36352/11]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the management and delivery of the health capital programme. I have, accordingly, referred your question to the Executive for attention and direct reply.

Billy Timmins

Question:

665 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding proposals to develop a primary care centre in Carnew, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36358/11]

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

Billy Timmins

Question:

666 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding proposals to develop primary care centres in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36359/11]

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

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

667 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36956/11]

No former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to boards under the aegis of my Department.

Road Safety

Michael Creed

Question:

668 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider extending the speed limit on the national motorways to 140 km/h; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35462/11]

Different default speed limits apply to particular categories of roads. Default speed limits are termed as "ordinary speed limits" by the Road Traffic Act 2004. There are also speed restrictions for certain classes of vehicles. As of 2007, the ordinary speed limits are as follows:

120 km/h for motorways

100 km/h for National Routes (Primary and Secondary) that are not motorway status.

80 km/h for local and regional roads.

50 km/h in built up areas.

Within these ordinary speed limits, it is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities to determine the appropriate speed limits for individual roads or sections of road in their areas of responsibility. In general, motorways in Ireland are designed for 120 kilometre per hour speeds. Given issues pertaining to road safety and climate change, I have no proposals, at present, to increase this default speed limit on national motorways.

Information Technology

Denis Naughten

Question:

669 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of computer servers that are leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; the amount of capacity on each server; the cost of maintaining these servers and the steps being taken to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35521/11]

My Department does not lease any computer servers. The expenditure of agencies is an operational matter for the agencies concerned. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Public Transport

John Lyons

Question:

670 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of buses in the Dublin Bus fleet that are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35767/11]

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

EU Funding

Dessie Ellis

Question:

671 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding supplied from the European Union to the State to fund the development of the A5 road; the amount that has been spent; and his plans for any remaining funds. [35772/11]

The Irish Exchequer is not in receipt of any EU funding in respect of the development of the A5 project.

Dessie Ellis

Question:

672 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding supplied by the European Union to the State to fund the development of the DART underground; the amount that has been spent; and his plans for any remaining funds. [35773/11]

The Dart Underground was allocated €10 million from the EU Ten-T Budget to cover the design and development process, geotechnical investigations and various surveys and studies that include topographical surveys, condition surveys, archaeological surveys and utility surveys. Most of the work for which funding was granted has already been completed and €5.5m has been claimed to date.

My Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) are in discussions with the Ten-T Executive Agency regarding the phasing of the remaining payments now that the project has been postponed. Some further payments are likely to be received in the next 18 months. The amount spent to date on the project is €36.1m and any remaining expenditure will relate to orderly wind up activities and the bulk of this is likely to be drawn down by year-end.

Dessie Ellis

Question:

673 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding supplied from the European Union to the State to fund the development of metro north; the amount that has been spent; and his plans for any remaining funds. [35774/11]

Dessie Ellis

Question:

674 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding supplied from the European Union to the State to fund the development of metro west; the amount that has been spent; and his plans for any remaining funds. [35775/11]

Dessie Ellis

Question:

675 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of money that has been spent to date on the BXD, metro north, metro west, DART underground and the A5 road respectively. [35776/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 673 to 675, inclusive, together.

I am advised by the National Transport Authority (NTA) that the following amounts have been spent to date on the relevant public transport projects:

LUAS BXD — €10.8m

Metro North — €153.2m (including accruals of €5m)

Metro West — €18.3m

DART Underground — €36.1m

I would point out that there will be further costs associated with the orderly deferral of these projects. In the case of Metro North, the main item will be the works at the Mater Hospital which are required to be undertaken in order to preserve, ahead of the completion of the new Adult Hospital, the necessary clearance envelope for the subsequent construction of the underground Metro stop whenever it is decided to proceed with this project in the future. I believe it is important to carry out these works so that the Metro can be built at some point in the future without the requirement to close the Adult Hospital.

With regard to Metro West, any remaining expenditure will also relate to orderly wind up activities by year-end and there are no plans for additional expenditure beyond 2011. I expect to have full details of all outstanding costs for these projects by year-end. No funding has been sought or received from the European Union in respect of Metro North or Metro West. DART Undeground has been allocated €10 million from the EU TEN T budget for technical and preparatory studies and reports of which €5.5m has been claimed to date.

As regards the A5 project to date funding of £19 million (Sterling) has been paid by the Irish Government towards its planning. A further £3 million (sterling) is due to be paid in 2012 in conjunction with the achievement of the fourth project milestone — the completion of the Public Inquiry. As the A5 project is being implemented by the Roads Service of Northern Ireland, overall expenditure to date is a matter for them.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

676 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the specific projects that he plans for County Donegal arising from the Capital Investment Framework 2012-16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35835/11]

As indicated in the Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016 investment in transport infrastructure is being scaled back significantly over the next five years. In the roads sector the bulk of available funds will be focused on maintaining the existing road network. Within the capital allocations now set, the implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days. Regarding the funding of individual regional and local road projects in 2012 the Grant Allocations for that year will be announced early in 2012.

Road Network

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

677 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of money invested over the past 15 years in order to complete the dual carriage motorway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35860/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

678 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of money invested in the past 15 years in order to complete the dual carriage motorway between Dublin and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35861/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

679 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of money invested over the past 15 years in order to complete the dual carriage motorway between Dublin and Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35862/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

680 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of money spent over the past 15 years in order to complete the dual carriage motorway between Dublin and Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35865/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

681 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of money spent over the past 15 years in order to complete the dual carriage motorway between Dublin and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35866/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

682 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of money spent over the past 15 years in order to complete the dual carriage motorway between Dublin and Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35867/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

683 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of money spent over the past 15 years in order to complete the dual carriage motorway between Dublin and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35868/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 to 683, inclusive, together.

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

Cycle Facilities

Catherine Byrne

Question:

684 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way the €10 million which was allocated in 2009 to develop cycle paths in Dublin along the Grand Canal to Fairview has been put to use; if there is any residual funding for additional stretches of the canal walkway which need to be upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35886/11]

Since 2009 my Department has recouped €3.4m spent by Dublin City Council and it is expected that a further €1.2m will be recouped this year on the construction and development of the premium cycle route between Portobello and Guild Street. Completion of the proposed route between Sheriff Street and Ossory Road has encountered local difficulties in terms of route selection. Further consideration is being given to the most appropriate route in conjunction with Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority with a view to co-ordination with planned National Transport Authority investment in cycling infrastructure in the area and securing value for money while maximising strategic cycle route delivery.

Public Transport

Robert Dowds

Question:

685 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that there is no cut to the subsidy for Dublin Bus next year, and could he make economies elsewhere. [35916/11]

The funding of public service obligation (PSO) services is governed by Public Transport Contracts between the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the three CIÉ subsidiaries. In 2011 Dublin Bus will receive, through the NTA, an estimated €72.4 million in Exchequer subvention.

Decisions on the overall level of subvention available for PSO services in 2012 will be made following the comprehensive review of expenditure currently being undertaken by Government. Given that in excess 75% of my Department's expenditure on Transport in 2011 will relate to Road Improvement/Maintenance Work and Public Service Provision Payments, any reduction to my Department's allocation will inevitably impact on expenditure in those areas. Therefore it is inevitable that, in the current fiscal environment, there will be a significant reduction in the level of subvention in 2012 and following years. I support a continuation of the efforts by the company to improve its efficiency and reduce the costs of providing Public Service Obligation services.

Taxi Regulations

Brendan Griffin

Question:

686 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a hackney business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35917/11]

The NTA has direct responsibility for the regulation of taxi services and many of the issues mentioned are appropriate to the NTA. I have therefore arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA. If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please notify my private office.

Insofar as the matters mentioned refer to the wide-ranging terms of the taxi regulation review group, that I am chairing, I expect the review to complete its work shortly. As I have said repeatedly, the aim of the review is to enable necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced.

Driving Licences

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

687 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason persons who have held a US driver’s licence for years on return to Ireland have to sit a test; the reason this does not apply to persons returning from countries where they drive on the same side of the road as here; if there will be a change of legislation on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35976/11]

Irish driver licensing rules operate within the framework of an EU-wide licensing system. The criteria essential for recognition of licences from other countries are testing and licensing regimes which meet the requirement of the EU directive on driver licences. On this basis Ireland recognises licences from, and has mutual recognition and exchange of licence arrangements with, other EU Member States and a number of other jurisdictions where research and discussion has shown that standards in those jurisdictions match those here. The question of whether those countries drive on the left or the right side of the road is not an issue.

Driver licensing regimes in the United States of America vary between the different States, and not all of the States meet the EU requirement. As a result, the USA is not one of those countries with which Ireland has mutual recognition of licences.

In the absence of an exchange agreement, persons taking up residence in Ireland, who hold a US driving licence and who wish to obtain an Irish licence, must go through the normal procedures for obtaining a driving licence by passing the theory test, obtaining a learner permit and sitting the driving test. As of last April, it is a requirement that learner drivers take lessons before sitting the test. While this may seem demanding in cases where people have a safe driving record in another jurisdiction, the overriding policy concern behind these regulations is that the Irish system must be satisfied that people are properly qualified to drive on our roads. Where the driver licensing system in another jurisdiction is not compatible with EU standards, we cannot engage in a licence exchange relationship and must insist on testing drivers from such jurisdictions. However, the six months waiting rule before sitting a driving test does not apply to applicants who come to Ireland with a full in date licence from their own country.

Driver Testing Service

Martin Ferris

Question:

688 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if plans are in place to close the driving test centre in Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36062/11]

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

Sports Capital Programme

Billy Kelleher

Question:

689 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if sports capital grants are to be made available in 2012; if so, when will organisations be invited to apply; the amount that will be allocated to County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36097/11]

I will be announcing two new rounds of the Sports Capital Programme between 2012 and 2016. The first of these will be advertised in the New Year. The amount allocated to any county under the Sports Capital Programme is dependent on the quality and quantity of the applications received from that county and the overall level of funding available.

Taxi Regulations

Michael Creed

Question:

690 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 29 September 2011 and Parliamentary Question No. 546 of 11 October, 2011, if he will clarify the reason the National Transport Authority revoked the nine-year rule only for those who had applied for their first vehicle licence prior to 1 January 2009; the reason those holding their first licence after this date are treated differently with regard to vehicles of nine years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36121/11]

I understand that on 21 November the NTA has written to the Deputy clarifying the position as regards PQ No. 545 of 11 October 2011, which was referred to the NTA for reply direct to the Deputy. The NTA has completed a public consultation on vehicle standards with a view to advancing new regulations to come into force in 2012. As part of the review of the taxi sector announced by me on 8th June last, the NTA examination of appropriate vehicle standards including the nine year rule is being taken into account in the course of the the review due to be completed shortly.

Rail Network

Brendan Griffin

Question:

691 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action Iarnród Éireann proposes to resolve an issue of an unmanned and not automated level crossing (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36161/11]

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

Railway Stations

Brendan Griffin

Question:

692 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a ticketing machine at a railway station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36165/11]

The issues raised are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Tourism Promotion

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

693 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is envisaged that Irish family associations through membership of Clans of Ireland will be involved in the Gathering 2013 and the role, if any, of these organisations. [36174/11]

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

London Olympics

Seán Kenny

Question:

694 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials met either the chairman or chief executive of London 2012 Olympics to ensure Ireland’s full potential with regard to training facilities in the build up towards the 2012 Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36197/11]

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

695 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the names of agencies which provide staff for his Department and for bodies and agencies under its aegis; the services they provide; the numbers of staff they provide; the cost of those services; the way this compares with direct employment of staff in equivalent roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36233/11]

My Department has used a number of options for obtaining specialist expertise which is not available in-house. This includes the engagement of a small number of information communications technology contractors and some specialist financial expertise. A short-term pilot arrangement with Irish Rail is also in place. A member of my Department is seconded to Irish Rail and an engineer from Irish Rail is working in my Department. In addition, an accountant has been seconded in from the National Roads Authority. Two external receptionists and a relief telephonist have also been engaged.

The question as to whether requisite expertise can be provided from internal rather than external resources is reviewed on a regular basis. The details of the current arrangements are contained in the table.

Agency Name

Number of staff

Service Provided

Cost (1/1/11 to date)

Vero Solutions

1

ICT — Database Administrator

€71,801

IT Force

3

ICT — Network Support Administrators

€182,592

Version 1

1

ICT — Java Development

€140,053

Spanish Point

1

ICT — Sharepoint Development

€118,892

Hays

1

Accountancy

€141,108

Aramark

2

Receptionist

€58,750

NCBI (National Council for the Blind)

1

Relief Telephonist

€882.60

National Roads Authority

1

Accountant (on secondment)

Recoupment of salary costs is yet to be agreed and will be effective from 1st January 2012

Iarnród Éireann

1

Pilot Exchange

No cost

The total cost of the ICT contractors above to date in 2011 is €513,338. If it is assumed that specially trained Higher Executive Officers could provide these services, direct employment of staff in equivalent roles would have cost €475,540. The total cost for external receptionists to date in 2011 is €58,750. The figure for two Services Officers to fulfil the same role for the same period is estimated at €42,281. The cost of external accountancy services to date in 2011 is €141,053. The cost of direct employment of a Professional Accountant, Grade 1 for a ten month period is estimated at €86,816.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the agencies is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the agencies concerned for their direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my private office.

National Car Test

Timmy Dooley

Question:

696 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the criminal investigation under way in relation to alleged criminal practices at a number of national car test centres as uncovered on a television programme (details supplied) earlier this year; if he is satisfied that the issues which were uncovered in this programme have now been fully addressed; if so, if he is confident that such practices will not recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36355/11]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The testing function is carried out by Applus+, since January 2010, under a contractual arrangement with the RSA.

The RSA exercises a supervisory role to ensure the service is provided in line with the conditions of the contract. In order to assist the RSA in carrying out this supervisory role, the Authority has appointed a contractor to carry out certain supervisory services on its behalf. These relate to monitoring the achievement of the performance and acceptable standards by Applus+, and reporting regularly to the RSA. This service is currently provided by a consortium made up of PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Automobile Association. The RSA continuously monitors Applus+ performance and has regular meetings with them to ensure compliance with contract requirements.

Following the "Prime Time Investigates" programme, earlier this year, Applus+ undertook an internal investigation and the seven vehicle inspectors who were identified as a result of the programme and internal analysis were suspended. Three were dismissed soon afterwards. Since then, investigations have resulted in the dismissal of three additional members of staff. Whilst any process that results in loss of employment is regrettable, it demonstrates that, given evidence of wrongdoing, NCTS will act quickly and decisively. Applus+ has submitted a number of requests to RTE for the information under the Freedom of Information Act. "Prime Time" has refused to provide the information on the grounds that it is outside Freedom of Information.

I am advised that a Garda investigation is currently underway and Applus+ is providing all information and assistance required. Applus+ is implementing a number of measures to address the issues raised. While details of many of these must necessarily be kept confidential, they include preventative measures and fraud detection measures based on following up on specific risk areas identified. Notwithstanding the issues highlighted by the "Prime Time" programme, the RSA has acted swiftly and proactively to address the issues raised. I am assured that it will continue to take every possible action to tackle these issues head on.

Appointments to State Boards

Gerry Adams

Question:

697 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if former holders of the Office of Attorney General have been appointed to State boards by the current or former Governments; the details of such appointments to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36960/11]

There are no former holders of the Office of Attorney General serving on any State boards under the aegis of my Department.

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