Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Mar 2012

Vol. 759 No. 2

Written Answers

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

Questions Nos. 1-11, inclusive, answered orally.

Defence Forces Reserve

Derek Keating

Question:

12 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Defence his views on developing a community-based Reserve Defence Force service; if he will consider lowering the age from 17 years to 15 years and work with local youth services and youth leaders to make available the experienced services of the Equestrian School, the Naval School, the Military Cadet School, the Air Corps School, the Engineering School and the Infantry Divisions throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14023/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Defence Forces comprise both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force. The primary role of the Reserve Defence Force is to provide a capacity to augment the Permanent Defence Force, the State's regular force, in the event of a major crisis. In this context, members of the Reserve Defence Force may be called out on permanent service or in aid to the civil power, in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Acts 1954-2011. Accordingly, the minimum recruitment age to the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is 17 years and there are no plans to revise this downwards. Arising from the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the strength ceiling of the PDF was reduced to 9,500 personnel and the Defence budget was further reduced. In response to the reduced strength ceiling, I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, both permanent and reserve. This is to ensure that, within the reduced personnel numbers, the operational outputs of the Permanent Defence Force are prioritised and that the organisational structures of the Reserve Defence Force dovetail with those of the PDF.

Given the reductions in strength and resources, there is limited scope to broadly engage the Defence Forces in community based activities. However, the Defence Forces will continue to provide support to communities, within the available resources and subject to operational imperatives.

Overseas Missions

Patrick Nulty

Question:

13 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Irish Defence Forces currently serving in Afghanistan; the cost to the Exchequer of this deployment; if a timetable exists for the withdrawal of these members of the Defence Forces currently serving in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14012/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Defence Forces are primarily deployed on overseas missions in support of international peace and security under UN mandates. On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland has participated in the NATO-led UN mandated mission since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. With the increasing use of more robust Chapter VII missions, the UN has turned to regional organisations such as the European Union, the African Union and NATO, to launch and manage operations on its behalf and under its authority.

Since 2002, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. On 28 June 2011, the Government agreed to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with ISAF for a further period from July 2011, subject to ongoing ministerial review. Currently there are no plans to withdraw the Defence Forces personnel from the mission. Participation in the mission is subject to ongoing ministerial review.

The annual additional cost to the Defence Vote arising from participation by the Defence Forces in ISAF is approximately €320,000.

Throughout the years, Ireland has and continues to contribute highly qualified Defence Forces personnel to UN mandated missions in small numbers or for short durations. This is a tangible and visible expression of Ireland's continued support for organisations such as the United Nations and the European Union.

The seven Defence Forces personnel currently participating in ISAF are all located in ISAF HQ, Kabul and work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. I am satisfied that the work carried out by these personnel, particularly by those in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) cell, represents an important contribution to this UN mandated mission.

Defence Forces Property

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

14 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the military properties he intends to sell in the future. [14021/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. As the Deputy is aware, on 15th November 2011, the Government approved a proposal from me to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations with the closure of four barracks, Clonmel, Mullingar, Cavan and Castlebar. The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength. This latest phase of consolidation will bring to fourteen the number of military barracks closed since 1998. A number of other smaller properties have also been identified as surplus to military requirements. Some of these have already been disposed of whilst others are in the process of being prepared for disposal. These mainly consist of married quarters and Reserve Defence Force premises. I can confirm that no further barracks closures are envisaged at this time.

Defence Forces Personnel

Brian Stanley

Question:

15 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on any recent discussions he has had with Defence Forces representative organisations. [14018/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The most recent discussions I had with Defence Forces representative associations was on December the 12th last when he met with both the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) at separate meetings. At these meetings on the 12th of December the Representative Associations raised a number of issues of concern to their members, these included barracks closures, promotion, recruitment and the reorganisation of the Defence Forces. At these meetings I outlined the very difficult decisions facing the Government in the context of the extremely adverse economic and financial environment facing the country. I assured the Representative Associations that he was committed to maintaining the essential capabilities of the Defence Forces within the resource envelope available and acknowledged their contribution to secure economic recovery and renewal under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.

I am satisfied that there are sufficient and robust systems in place within the Defence Organisation to ensure that issues of concern to members of the Defence Forces are brought to his attention, as appropriate.

Overseas Missions

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

16 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence the persons who will be responsible for negotiating recoupment of the cost to the State of deploying members of the Defence Forces on an EU mission through participation in the Austro-German battlegroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14016/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

In 2010 the Government approved Ireland's participation in the Austro-German Battlegroup, which will be on stand-by for the second six months of 2012. The other members of the Austro-German Battlegroup are Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Each country contributing to this or any other Battlegroup pays its own costs. However, there are certain common costs, for EU missions including Battlegroups, which are financed by the ATHENA mechanism. ATHENA is the mechanism which administers the financing of common costs of EU operations having military or defence implications, on behalf of EU Member States contributing to the financing of EU military operations. These costs can include transport, infrastructure, and medical services, as well as the Nation Borne Costs, which include lodging, fuel, and similar costs linked to the national contingents.

During the Polish Presidency, a detailed review of the ATHENA Mechanism was completed which resulted in a new Council Decision on ATHENA on 19 December 2011. A Council Declaration on common funding for Battlegroup deployment was also agreed which allows for the transport costs of the deployment of a Battlegroup to be paid for through the ATHENA mechanism. This will enable Member States contributing to an EU Battlegroup that is deployed to receive recoupment of these costs instead of funding the costs themselves.

In the event that Ireland participates in the deployment of a Battlegroup, officials in the Department of Defence will be responsible for recouping the costs from ATHENA.

However, to date no battlegroup has deployed so the recouping of costs does not arise.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 9.

Defence Forces Reserve

David Stanton

Question:

18 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence, further to his announcement last year regarding Reserve Defence Forces promotions, the number of officer-level promotions he expects to be announced this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14294/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

In considering the issue of promotions for the Reserve Defence Force I was mindful of the fact that a Value for Money Review of the Reserve is ongoing. Additionally I had to have regard to the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which was underway at the time and which placed a requirement on Government Departments to identify opportunities for savings across all aspects of business. In October 2011, I agreed to sanction limited promotions within the Reserve Defence Force to bring the current strength in all ranks to 70% of the established strength in each rank as provided for in Defence Force Regulations CS 4. In the case of promotions from Private to Corporal, the sanction provided that promotions could be made which brought strength to 60% of the established strength as provided for in Defence Force Regulations CS 4. I also indicated that any ranks where the strength was at or above 70% (or 60% in the case of Corporal Rank) would not be considered for promotion.

The position agreed by me in October last remains in place. While it is not possible to put a figure on the actual number of promotions which will take place this year at officer level, in those ranks where strengths fall below 70% of the strength provided for that rank, promotions may take place to bring the officer numbers in the rank to 70% of the rank as provided for in Defence Force Regulations CS 4.

The table below shows the established strength of the officer corps of the Reserve Defence Force, the actual strength of the officer corps at 31 January 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, and the number of promotions required to bring each rank to 70% of its established strength at that point in time.

	Lt Col	Comdt	Capt	Lt	Total Officers
RDF Established Strength	4	138	319	278	739
RDF Strength as of 31 Jan 2012	2	83	186	292	563
% of strength at 31 Jan 2012 v Established Strength	50%	60%	58%	105%	79%
70% of established strength	3	97	223	194	—
Actual No. of Promotions to level of 70%	1	14 (plus a further 1 consequential promotions)	37 (plus a further 15 consequential promotions)	Nil

The total number of promotions required at officer level to bring those ranks to 70% of established strength is 68.

Irish Red Cross

Sandra McLellan

Question:

19 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14022/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Programme for Government provides for the initiation of a detailed legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Red Cross in Ireland to improve its functioning in the light of changing circumstances. Work has commenced in the Department of Defence in this regard and the Heads of the Bill should be ready for publication later this year. In addition, officials from the Department and the Office of the Attorney General have now finalised the text of a proposed Government Order that will amend the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939. The proposed amendments are the most wide ranging and fundamental set of changes to have occurred since the Irish Red Cross Society was established in 1939. These changes seek to provide corporate governance arrangements that will bring the Society into the 21st century and which will ensure compliance with a resolution that was passed in November 2007 by the Council of Delegates of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies which urged all National Societies to examine and update their Statutes — the rules of the National Societies — and related legal texts by 2010.

Amongst the key changes proposed in the Amendment Order, which will be brought to Government very shortly, is provision for the Chairperson to be elected by the Society's General Assembly in accordance with the rules of the Society. To date, the Chairperson has always been appointed by the President, on the nomination of the Government. Also, changes are to be made to the composition of the Society's governing body, its General Assembly, whereby not more than 10% of its membership can be nominated by Government — the current position is that not less than one-third is nominated by Government.

Furthermore, provision has been made in the rules of the Society that a member of the Board of Directors must stand down for one full three year term once they have served on the Board for two consecutive three year terms.

These changes to the Constitution and Rules of the Society have been fully endorsed by the "Joint Statutes Commission" of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies. Last year, the Head of Governance Support at the International Federation wrote to the Irish Red Cross congratulating the Society "for its continued efforts in revising its legal base" and, more recently, has confirmed in writing that the changes that the Society has made are in conformity with the requirements of its ‘Guidance for National Societies Statutes'. Furthermore, Dóchas (the umbrella body for Irish Development NGOs) has confirmed that the Society's Governance Framework is consistent with its Code of Corporate Governance.

I believe there is quite clearly a very strong process of reform under way at the Irish Red Cross Society and I am very supportive of the substantial efforts that it continues to make in bringing about real and meaningful reform, particularly in the areas of financial control and corporate governance. The proposed Amendment Order and the changes recently made to the Society's Constitution and Rules represent very important steps in this continuing process.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 7.

Army Barracks

Clare Daly

Question:

21 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the rationale behind closing Kickham Barracks in the context of remarks made by a spokesperson in relation to the importance of Kilkenny Barracks remaining open. [14027/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As I have previously outlined to the House the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength.

As with previous rounds of consolidation under the Defence Forces modernisation programme any barracks, once vacated, will be disposed of with the proceeds being used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure. Since the announcement of the Government decision on barrack closures the Department of Defence has written to each Government Department and various agencies and local authorities seeking expressions of interest in acquiring any of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures.

There have been preliminary discussions between officials of the Department and some other State agencies in relation to Kickham Barracks Clonmel but these discussions are at early stages. I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to dispose of the barracks so as to maximise the benefits to the local community.

Defence Forces Strength

Denis Naughten

Question:

22 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff within the engineering corps of the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14024/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the number of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force Corps of Engineers was 298 on 29 February, the latest date for which figures are available. The distribution of these personnel is contained in the following table:

UNIT	NO. OF PERS
1 FD ENG COY	72
1 LOGS SP BN	4
1 S BDE — HQ	1
1 S BDE RDF — HQ	1
104 INF BN UNIFIL (OFFICERS)	3
2 E BDE — HQ	1
2 FD ENG COY	59
2 LOGS SP BN	3
31 RES FD ENGR COY	3
4 FD ENGR COY	69
4 LOGS SP BN	2
4 W BDE — HQ	1
54 RES FD ENGR COY	3
62 RES FD ENGR COY	2
ARW	1
CSC	13
D COS (SP) — COE SEC	8
LBC	48
MIL COL	1
AIR CORPS	1
NAVAL SERVICE	1
SSU	1
Total	298

The Corps of Engineers provides engineering and combat support to the Defence Forces in operations at home and abroad. The Corps also provides education and training for operations at home and abroad.

Defence Forces Personnel

Brian Stanley

Question:

23 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence the number of complaints of bullying in the Defence Forces that have been lodged in each of the past five years; the number of these complaints that were withdrawn; and the number of these complaints that resulted in disciplinary action. [14017/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

In the period since 2007, 25 complaints relating to bullying have been made through the Redress of Wrongs process. Of these:

7 were withdrawn by the complainants

7 were ruled on by the Minister for Defence

4 are currently with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces

7 are resting with the complainants.

The Defence Forces have no record of any disciplinary action being taken as a result of any of these complaints.

The Deputy may wish to note that ‘A' Admin instruction Chapter 1 — Interpersonal Relationships in the Defence Forces, allows for issues relating to bullying to be dealt with in an informal manner and is guided by the principles of the Defence Forces Dignity Charter and Defence Forces policy. The informal nature of these procedures means that there are no centrally maintained records of the number of instances of these types of complaints in the Defence Forces, which are separate from the Redress of Wrongs process.

Bullying behaviour is not tolerated within the Defence Forces. Every member of the Defence Forces has a role to play in ensuring that the crucial issue of bullying behaviour in the workplace is kept to the forefront in the activities and procedures of the Defence Forces.

The development and maintenance of a positive and supportive work environment is a key objective of the Defence Forces management. The Defence Forces have made great strides in that regard over the past ten years. In 2002 the Independent Monitoring Group was established to oversee the implementation of recommendations arising from the Doyle Report "The Challenge of a Workplace". To date the Independent Monitoring Group has produced two detailed reports and good progress has been made with regard to implementing the recommendations contained therein. The most recent report of the Group which was produced in 2008 confirmed that the culture of the Defence Forces organisation is evolving positively and noted that the recorded number of incidents of unacceptable behaviour is low.

My colleague the Minister for Defence is satisfied that the Defence Forces are on the right path and are to be commended for the major progress achieved to date. The Minister is confident that this process will be further advanced and consolidated in the coming years.

Army Barracks

Denis Naughten

Question:

24 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his future plans for Custume Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14025/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As the Deputy is aware Custume Barracks Athlone is the headquarters of 4 Western Brigade. The barracks continues to function as an operational military installation and will shortly provide accommodation for personnel relocating from O'Neill Barracks Cavan and Columb Barracks Mullingar following their closure at the end of March. There are no plans to close Custume Barracks.

Personal Injury Claims

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

25 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence if litigation has commenced against the Defence Forces relating to the use of Lariam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14020/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I wish to advise the Deputy that personal injury claims arising from the prescription of Lariam (an anti-malaria chemoprophylaxis) by the Defence Forces' Medical Corps are managed by the State Claims Agency in conjunction with the Chief State Solicitor's Office. To date, High Court legal proceedings have been served in respect of four Plaintiffs. Legal proceedings have issued but not yet served in one other case.

European Defence Agency

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

26 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence the State’s role or interactions with the European Defence Agency. [14015/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The European Defence Agency (EDA) was established under a Joint Action of the Council of Ministers on 12 July, 2004. Following Government approval, Ireland joined the European Defence Agency (EDA) when it was established during the Irish Presidency in 2004. Ireland participates in the framework of the Agency and I represent Ireland on the EDA Steering Board along with Defence Ministers of all participating EU Member States.

The primary reason for Ireland's interaction and participation in the European Defence Agency is to support the development of Defence Forces capabilities for crisis management and international Peace Support Operations. Since its inception, the Agency has made significant progress on many military capability projects and programmes in support of EU crisis management.

As part of the EDA's annual work programme, Ireland participates in project teams and working groups engaged in the ongoing work in various capability development areas that will be of benefit to the Defence Forces. For example improved communication and network systems for use on the ground in operations; health and medical support for military operations, and the development of improved Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) capability to enable military forces operate safely in an environment where such devices are present. From their experience in dealing with Improvised Explosive Devices, the Defence Forces provide technical advice and support to the Agency.

The four main initiatives that Ireland is currently involved in are:

the Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection (JIP-FP) which was launched by the Agency in 2007.

the Maritime Surveillance Project launched in 2011.

the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear protection project launched in 2011.

Ireland has taken a lead role in a Naval Training study, involving a group of eleven Member States, launched in 2012.

In 2007 Ireland joined the Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection. The Programme covers 18 specific research and technology goals under 5 capability areas. An Irish Company was successful in two bids by a consortium and secured contracts to the value of €750,000. All of the studies in this programme will be completed in the coming year.

The Maritime Surveillance project involves a group of interested Member States joining together to further develop a Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) exchange network. An RMP is a picture or map that shows all vessels and activities that are present in a particular maritime area. It links to national and international data and information on vessels, the marine environment, infrastructure etc. that has been compiled from various monitoring and surveillance systems.

In order to improve and enhance CBRN capabilities Ireland has joined a Joint Investment Programme on CBRN. The scope of the programme ranges from the identification of emerging technology to CBRN protection as an operational capability, aimed at developing detection, identification, decontamination and medical countermeasures. The programme will involve research, technology development and demonstration activities.

In January this year, a proposal presented by Ireland was accepted by the European Defence Agency, whereby Ireland will lead a study on Naval Mariner training. The objective of the study is to review and evaluate what training is currently available across the Union with a view to consolidating EU capabilities in this area and deliver value for money training for our naval mariners.

In conclusion, Ireland's interaction and participation in the European Defence Agency means that we have access to research and information on developing and maintaining professional capabilities and research that we cannot self generate for crisis management and international Peace Support Operations. It also allows us to keep abreast of best practice and new developments in the defence environment particularly as it impacts on multinational crisis management operations.

Personal Injury Claims

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

27 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money awarded in compensation for injuries or accidents involving military vehicles during 2011. [14019/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the State Claims Agency deals with all claims arising from accidents involving Defence Forces vehicles since November 2011. Previously, the Agency dealt with claims that occurred in Ireland only. The Agency has advised that €310,428 was awarded in 2011 as compensation in respect of 34 injuries or accidents involving military vehicles. The Chief State Solicitor's Office managed claims arising from overseas accidents involving Defence Forces vehicles up to November 2011. €49,431 was awarded in 2011 as compensation in respect of 2 claims managed by the Chief State Solicitor's Office in respect of injuries or accidents involving military vehicles overseas.

The States Claims Agency works with the Defence Forces on an ongoing basis in order to identify and obviate, if possible, any risk of injury to civilians and Defence Forces personnel.

Army Barracks

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

28 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the method of disposal or alternative use to which military installations closed or decommissioned in 1998 have been put in the interim; if still in public ownership, if they have been disposed of by way of sale or otherwise; the extent to which any such receipts have gone to the upgrading of military facilities or establishments; his intentions for the alternative use or disposal of any such installations closed or scheduled for closure in the context of the McCarthy report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14292/12]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects to dispose of military installations decommissioned or closed arising from the McCarthy report; the use to which any such funds are likely to be put; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14536/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 150 together.

On 15 July 1998 the then Government approved a programme of the closure and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question were located at Ballincollig, Fermoy, Naas, Castleblayney, Kildare, and Islandbridge, Dublin.The sale of 97 acres approximately at Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig was completed in 2003 for a total of €42 million. The bulk of the lands were purchased by O'Flynn Construction. The sale of a site comprising c. 2.7 acres to the Southern Health Board for €1.73 million was completed in December 2004 and the sale of a further site comprising c.1.7 acres to the HSE South for a consideration of €1.1 million approximately was completed shortly thereafter. A half-acre site is being transferred to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for a consideration of €1.45 million to facilitate extension of the existing Garda Station located on Main Street, Ballincollig. As was agreed at the time of the closure and sale of Murphy Barracks, an area comprising approximately 27 acres of the property was transferred to Cork County Council for community use.

An area comprising 19 acres approximately at the former Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, was sold to Cork County Council in 2001 for close to €1 million for economic development of the site in conjunction with the IDA.

Castleblayney Military Post, Co. Monaghan, comprising c. 10 acres, was sold to the North Eastern Health Board for €0.8 million approximately in 2002.

An area comprising 7 acres approximately at Devoy Barracks, Naas, Co. Kildare, was ceded free of charge to Naas Urban District Council, while a further 14 acres were sold to that authority for €8.9 million approximately. The balance of the Barracks lands — one acre — was sold to Kildare County Council for approximately €0.4 million in 2002. Lifford Military Post and St. Bricin's Hospital Dublin was announced.

The sale of Monaghan to the local VEC for €3.1m was completed on 24 August 2010 while the sale of part of Longford to the VEC for €0.95m was completed on 16 July 2010. The position with Lifford and Rockhill is that agreement has been reached with Donegal County Council on the basis of them acquiring both premises over a 3-4 year period. Agreement has also been reached with Longford County Council for their acquisition of the remaining part of Connolly Barracks in Longford.

The closure of St Bricin's Hospital was linked to the decentralisation programme. It cannot be progressed until issues arising from the cancellation of the transfer under that programme, of Defence Forces Headquarters to the Curragh, have been addressed.

The total realised to-date in terms of sales of surplus property is €84m approx. This, together with income from the sale of other smaller military properties and married quarters has been re-invested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.

Defence Force Operations

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

29 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the explosive ordnance disposal teams have been deployed in the past three years. [14013/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The number of times that Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have been deployed in the past three years is set out in the tabular statement below:

Year:	Callouts:
2009	196
2010	198
2011	237
2012 to date	38

Defence Forces Pardons

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

30 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered the request from the Irish Soldiers Pardons Campaign to pardon Irish Defence Forces personnel who fought for the British Army during the Second World War; his plans regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13483/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Deputy will appreciate that this is a very complicated issue and covers a wider range of individuals than those who deserted to join the British Army during World War II. Having regard to the wider dimensions of the issue, including for those who were actually tried by Court Martial for desertion during the Emergency and thereafter, I referred the matter to the Attorney General's Office for advice. The matter required some further research by that office and detailed consideration of the wider implications of any proposed course of action. I recently received the advice of the Attorney General and as part of my consideration I am engaged in further contact with the Attorney General's Office. Once the legal considerations have been fully examined, I expect to make an early decision in the matter.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

31 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14519/12]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

My Department pays the rent on one office space which it occupies in Dublin, the ground floor of Findlater House, 27 -31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. This property is leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department. Consequently, all matters in relation to the lease are negotiated by the OPW. The rental costs were €417,450 in 2011. The space serves as a public office and volunteer centre for Irish Aid. Lease and rental commitments relating to all other properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are discharged by the Office of Public Works.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

32 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider having a consumer awareness campaign to inform consumers of the consequences of buying illegal cigarettes in that the people who are involved in this activity are also involved in prostitution rings and other forms of criminal activity. [14378/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

33 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact the average fine for smuggling tobacco into Ireland is €1,726, whereas if a shopkeeper inadvertently sells tobacco to a minor the fine is €3,000 and they will be debarred from selling tobacco for three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14379/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

34 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance why, out of 57 convictions for the smuggling of cigarettes into this country, only six custodial sentences were imposed and 15 were suspended; and if he will introduce legislation which will ensure a statutory length of time, such as five years in prison, for the illegal smuggling of cigarettes into our country. [14380/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

35 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance why, out of 31 convictions for illegal selling of unstamped tobacco products, the average fine was €2,803, in view of the fact that if a shop owner inadvertently sells tobacco to an underage person they must pay a fine of €3,000 and will be debarred from selling cigarette for three months; his views on whether a larger, standardised fine for the illegal selling of unstamped tobacco products would be more sensible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14381/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

38 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since he increased the cost of tobacco, persons selling illegal cigarettes on our streets have actually increased their prices from €4 to €4.50; his views that this makes a mockery of his policy of trying to price cigarette products out of existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14383/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

41 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that in the Ukraine 20 cigarettes cost €1.05, while in Ireland a pack of cigarettes is €9.10; his views on whether the policy of taxation on cigarettes does not stop persons from smoking cigarettes but encourages smuggling; in view of fact that €500 million is being lost in taxes and VAT every year, if he will consider reducing the cost of cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14507/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

42 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether practical and sensible legislation should be introduced with regard to the illegal importation of tobacco products, and that this should be done so as not to exacerbate the problem of the illicit tobacco trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14508/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 to 35, inclusive, and 38, 41 and 42 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products that they attach a high priority to combating tobacco smuggling and have adopted a comprehensive strategy, underpinned by annual action plans, for this important work. This 3-year (2011-2013) strategy, which is published on Revenue's website www.revenue.ie, includes a number of programmes, which are designed to complement each other in targeting the supply and demand sides of the market for contraband tobacco in Ireland. Key elements of this strategy include developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, development of analytics and detection technologies, and ensuring optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and within the country, in order to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.

One of the strategic actions in this strategy is to reduce the demand for contraband tobacco by educating the public on the negative aspects of contraband i.e. tax loss, criminality and increased health risks. Revenue optimizes media coverage for prosecutions, significant seizures and enforcement activities. Where large seizures are made, Revenue takes the opportunity to encourage members of the public to provide information to Revenue on the sale of illicit tobacco products.

I am informed that the penalties for the smuggling of tobacco products are contained in Section 119 of the Finance Act 2001 as amended and that the penalties for the illegal sale of unstamped tobacco products are contained in section 78 of the Finance Act 2005, as amended.

Where a conviction for an offence under section 119 of the Finance Act 2001 occurs following a summary prosecution, the fine that may be imposed is €5,000. A Court may also impose a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, either instead of or in addition to the fine. For convictions following prosecution on indictment, the applicable fine is an amount not exceeding €126,970 or, where the value of the tobacco products concerned is greater than €250,000, not exceeding three times the value of the products. The Court may also impose a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, as an alternative, or in addition, to the fine.

Where a conviction for an offence under section 78 of the Finance Act 2005 occurs a Court may, following a summary conviction, impose a fine of €5,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or both. The penalty following conviction on indictment is a fine not exceeding €126,970 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both a fine and imprisonment.

The specific 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% of the amount of the fine.

In relation to the sale of tobacco to an underage person, Section 5(2) of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002, provides that a person guilty of an offence under Section 45(1) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or to both. In proceedings for such an offence it shall be a defence for the person against whom such proceedings are brought to prove that:

he or she made all reasonable efforts to satisfy himself or herself that the person to whom the alleged offence relates had at the time of the alleged commission of the offence attained the age of 18 years, or

that the underage person produced to them an age card, for the time being in force.

In addition, following the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2009, the Court shall, in addition to any fine or term of imprisonment imposed by the court in certain circumstances, order that the registration of the person shall cease to have effect:

in the case of a summary conviction of the offence, for such period as is specified in the order not exceeding 3 months, or

in the case of a conviction on indictment of the offence, for such period as is specified in the order not exceeding 12 months.

The specific penalties for shopkeepers selling tobacco to underage persons are a matter for the Department of Health.

In 2011, 103 convictions were secured by the Revenue Commissioners via the Courts for cigarette smuggling. Custodial sentences were imposed in 31 of these cases, 21 of which were suspended. The jail sentences ranged from 1 month to 12 months imprisonment. Community Service Orders were imposed in 8 cases totalling 590 hours.

Also in 2011, 57 convictions were secured by the Revenue Commissioners via the Courts for illegal selling of unstamped tobacco products. Custodial sentences were imposed in 14 of these cases, 7 of which were suspended. The jail sentences ranged from 4 months to 24 months imprisonment. Community Service Orders were imposed in 2 cases totalling 140 hours.

In relation to the Deputy's questions concerning the level of tobacco taxation, Ireland has the dearest cigarettes, and the highest cigarette taxation, in the EU. This reflects the long-standing commitment by successive Governments to using taxation as a central part of the overall strategy for discouraging smoking. The increase of 25 cent, inclusive of VAT, on a pack of cigarettes that was introduced in the last Budget is in line with that policy, and there are no proposals to reduce the tax.

The high price and tax levels make Ireland an attractive location for cigarette smugglers. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that surveys undertaken in 2009 and 2010 estimated that 20% of the cigarettes consumed in the State had not been taxed in this jurisdiction, and that this broke down between 14% illicit product and 6% legally imported by passengers arriving into the State. Based on the estimate of 14%, the loss of excise duty and VAT to the Exchequer from illicit cigarette consumption in 2011 would be in the region of €250 million. A further survey is currently underway.

With regard to the level of penalties for illicit importation and sale of tobacco products, the threat to tax revenues from criminal activity in the cigarette market is viewed very seriously, and substantially increased penalties were introduced in the Finance Act 2010 as a deterrent. The need for further changes will be kept under review, taking account, among other considerations, of practical experience of the operation of the increased fines.

Proposed Legislation

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

36 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance when the proposed legislation to extend the betting duty regime will come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14495/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Finance Act 2011 provides for the taxation of bets that remote bookmakers enter into with persons in the State. This means, for example, that a business which engages in online bookmaking and which accepts bets from people in this country will be liable for betting duty on those bets, irrespective of where that business is based. The existing betting duty (1%) will be applied to such bets. The Finance Act also provides for the taxation of Betting Exchanges under the new arrangements; however the calculation of the tax will take account of their particular business model, in other words a tax on the commission charged. In addition, excise duties are being applied to the granting and renewal of remote bookmakers' and remote betting intermediaries' licences. The proposed Betting (Amendment) Bill, which is being drafted at present, will establish the regulatory framework for these licences. The tax changes provided for in the Finance Act can only be implemented once the Betting (Amendment) Bill is enacted. This Bill is well advanced and it is hoped that it will be published in the second quarter of this year.

Tax Reliefs

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

37 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare may be eligible for mortgage interest relief due to unavoidable circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14365/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question is currently and has been receiving the maximum amount of mortgage interest relief payable in respect of his qualifying home loan. Accordingly, he does not have an entitlement to additional tax relief on a home improvement loan.

Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 32.

Pension Provisions

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

39 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if the deficit in the AIB pension fund will affect the ability of the bank to achieve the announced number of voluntary redundancies; the correspondence his officials have had with both AIB management and the AIB pension fund trustees on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14405/12]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

43 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the current state of the pension fund or trust in AIB; if it is currently in surplus or deficit and by what amount; the type of schemes it operates; if it has the ability to absorb the required number of early retirements and announced redundancies; if the State will be exposed to any liability or deficit in the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14510/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 43 together.

The Deputy will be aware that AIB, as part of its announcement of 8th March 2012 of a voluntary severance programme, stated "as required under the bank's partnership principles with IBOA, a consultation process will begin immediately with trade union representatives." It went on to state that "AIB will not be making any further public comment until the consultation process with staff representatives is concluded." Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the issues raised by him in his questions. Any issues concerning the AIB pension fund will have to comply with any relevant regulatory and legal requirements.

I am informed by AIB that the occupational pension schemes operated by them are a mixture of defined benefit and defined contribution schemes with the relevant pension benefit being in the main determined, for the most part, by when a member joined the respective scheme.

Banking Sector Regulation

Terence Flanagan

Question:

40 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding electronic payments and a way to reduce costs for small business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14469/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

Each credit institution wishing to impose a new non-interest charge or increase an existing charge is required to notify this charge to the Central Bank under section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 (as amended). Each notification is assessed in accordance with the criteria laid down in the legislation as follows:

promotion of fair competition;

the commercial justification submitted in respect of the proposal; and

the effect on customers or a group of customers.

The Central Bank has confirmed to me that the charges referred to in the details supplied to this question have been approved by the Bank in accordance with the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act.

As I have no statutory function in relation to such charges, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the details supplied which, subject to their approval by the Central Bank, are a commercial matter for the institution in question.

Notwithstanding the particular circumstances referred to in the question, Government policy is to promote the increased use of electronic methods of payments throughout the economy. Ireland continues to lag significantly behind our European peers in the use of cheaper, more efficient electronic payment instruments. This is not only a competitiveness issue for Ireland, but our dependence on paper-based payments has social costs and also has implications for consumer choice and for financial inclusion. In addition, it has the potential to significantly impede Ireland's ability to take advantage of the foreign direct investment and indigenous growth opportunities that are likely to materialise from the advent of new technologies and from recent changes in the EU regulatory framework for payments.

In June of last year, I asked the Central Bank to develop a National Payments Plan, for Government consideration and approval, to achieve a decisive shift towards the greater use of electronic payments. The Central Bank has commenced its work in this regard and has convened a high level steering group to oversee this work, comprising representatives of consumers, businesses, the banking sector and the public sector. The Bank has engaged in a process of consultation with a broad range of stakeholders as well as undertaking the research that will be required to underpin a National Payments Plan. I am informed by the Bank that it expects to submit a draft National Payments Plan to me before the end of this year.

Questions Nos. 41 and 42 answered with Question No. 32.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 39.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

44 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are not used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14518/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Office of Public Works is involved in most purchases and leasing of buildings by the State including buildings leased by my Department. In relation to any property occupied by the Department of Finance, this Department would always consult with the OPW before any agreements are entered into with landlords. This question has been put down to all Departments, so the reply from the OPW will include any buildings, rented by them, which are utilized by the Department of Finance.

Tax Code

Jack Wall

Question:

45 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views on a submission (details supplied); the plans he has to address the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14527/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

It was announced in Budget 2011 that the necessary arrangements are being made to ensure that bets placed on the internet by domestic punters are subject to the same level of betting duty as applies to high street betting shops. This will serve to broaden the tax base and increase betting duty receipts. The Finance Act 2011 provides for the taxation of bets that remote bookmakers enter into with persons in the State. This means, for example, that a business which engages in online bookmaking and which accepts bets from people in this country will be liable for betting duty on those bets, irrespective of where that business is based. The existing betting duty (1%) will be applied to such bets. The Finance Act also provides for the taxation of Betting Exchanges under the new arrangements; however the calculation of the tax will take account of their particular business model, in other words a tax on the commission charged. In addition, excise duties are being applied to the granting and renewal of remote bookmakers' and remote betting intermediaries' licences.

The proposed Betting (Amendment) Bill, which is being drafted at present, will establish the regulatory framework for these licences. The tax changes provided for in the Finance Act can only be implemented once the Betting (Amendment) Bill is enacted. This Bill is well advanced and it is hoped that it will be published in the second quarter of this year. I am hopeful that by including the high-growth area of the betting sector the tax base from betting will be boosted significantly. In addition, this measure conveys a positive signal to international betting operations that have expressed an interest in or have already invested in Ireland. A location with an appropriate licensing regime coupled with relatively low taxes provides real investment and employment opportunities in this sector, which ultimately can potentially be beneficial to all concerned.

Banking Sector Regulation

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

46 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the total drawdown of new loans by small and medium-sized enterprises in 2011 compared with 2010 from the two pillar banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14574/12]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

47 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the total drawdown of new loans by small and medium enterprises from all credit institutions here in 2011 compared with 2010; if there are any plans to set targets for drawdown as opposed to approval of loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14575/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. I can confirm to the Deputy that both banks have achieved their 2011 targets.

I should stress that the targets are for approvals of credit. Targets have not been imposed for drawdowns and I have no plans to introduce such targets at this time. I would point out that the drawdown of funding is at the discretion of the borrower. There are many factors affecting whether or not funding is drawn down, such as changes in market conditions or company restructuring. The recent Mazars Survey of SME Lending, conducted on behalf of my Department, found that the most frequently cited reason for not availing of approved credit was ‘not needed at present time'. The two pillar banks have provided me with the relevant data on drawdowns but as this material is commercially sensitive I cannot share it with the Deputy. However, the Deputy may wish to note that the Central Bank gathers and collates statistics on a wide range of Financial Services Sector activities on an on-going basis. As a general rule, my Department does not engage in a separate exercise to collect such statistics, but has access to and relies on statistics provided and published by the Central Bank.

Data provided by the Central Bank indicate that the drawdown of new lending by non-financial SMEs from credit institutions in Ireland was €2.3 billion in the first 9 months of 2011. Figures for the equivalent period in 2010 show drawdowns of €2 billion. Excluding SMEs in the property related sectors these figures show drawdowns of new lending of €1.6 billion in the first 9 months of 2011, roughly equal to amounts drawn down in the first 9 months of 2010. Figures are not yet available for Q4 of 2011. For the Deputy's information, the relevant statistics for credit made available to small business are accessible at:

http://www.centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/cmab/Documents/ie_Table_A.14.1_Credit_ Advanced_to_Irish_Resident_Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises.xls

Pension Provisions

Alex White

Question:

48 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for Finance, in the context of a struggling domestic economy and limited access to investment funding, if he will explore the option of easing Revenue Commissioners rules governing the release of funds into additional voluntary contribution pension funds, allowing for a staged, earlier access to an individual’s fund, perhaps with an accompanying levy to claw back a ratio of the tax relief gained by the contributor. [14583/12]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

A number of proposals have been made that individuals should be allowed access to their pension savings prior to retirement. Various rationales have been advanced to justify these proposals including that such access would allow those individuals to pay down mortgage and other debt and would otherwise provide a boost to economic activity. This is not a simple matter. During 2011, at the request of the Government's Economic Management Council (EMC), an Ad-hoc group was established under the chairmanship of the Department of Social Protection to consider the idea of allowing people to access their pension savings before pension age in order to assist them in paying down debt. The ad-hoc group presented a detailed report to the EMC in September.

The conclusions of the Ad-hoc Group report were that:

There is no evidence that the group likely to be most affected by mortgage debt (or other debt) has access to sufficient pensions savings to make a difference to their situation.

The legislative and administrative implications for such a scheme would be extremely complex and would appear excessive given the overall impact.

Longer term difficulties whereby people are not making adequate provision for their retirement would be exacerbated, with potential for increased demands on the State.

Individuals cashing in their pension savings now would get poor value in current circumstances which they would struggle to replace in the future.

The "Keane Group" on mortgage arrears did not dispute these findings and early access to pension savings did not feature among the recommendations of that Group. A more general scheme of early access to pension savings would present significant problems in terms of the proper targeting of the use of accessed funds and controls over potential abuse.

The tax treatment of pension savings is only one aspect of the broad policy of encouraging people to provide for an adequate income in retirement beyond the basic State pension. This policy area is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, who I know is also aware of the proposals being made for early access to pension savings. I understand that the Minister for Social Protection intends to have a short and focused independent review carried out of broad pension policy in her Department. I have written to her asking that the issue of early access to pension savings be considered as part of that review.

FÁS Training Programmes

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

49 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) may expect to be called to the FÁS competency determination mechanism, CDM, scheme; if a person is able to get on a CDM scheme in a different part of the country, whether travel expenses will be provided if no CDM scheme is available near them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14402/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

I understand that the Competency Determination Mechanism (CDM) is a project based assessment which provides a redundant apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate their skill and knowledge against the occupational standard for the specified trade. Those who pass the CDM are progressed for the award of the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate — Craft. Eligible apprentices are contacted by the FÁS Services To Business Manager inviting them to register their interest in participating on the CDM. A waiting list of interested apprentices is then compiled in ‘date response letters received' order and distributed to the Training Centre delivering the CDM.

The CDM is a relatively new scheme and the number of apprentices indicating their interest in CDM is quite high. Consequently, apprentices such as the person in question due to the high demand, can expect to be waiting up to a number of months to be called. FÁS is constantly monitoring the waiting lists and may offer CDM in other locations depending on demand in those locations. I am informed that apprentices will be paid the standard adult training allowance provided that they have been in receipt of Jobseekers benefit/allowance immediately prior to commencing the CDM. An accommodation or travel allowance (not both) may be payable to those who meet the qualifying criteria for those attending FÁS adult training courses.

School Accommodation

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

50 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a devolved grant application for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14376/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for grant-aid towards re-configuring its existing accommodation. This application was assessed and my Department was satisfied that the school has sufficient accommodation to cater for its current staffing needs. Funding was therefore not provided. The school was advised that it is open to it to prioritise works that it wished to undertake within the terms of the minor works grant provided to the school in November 2011.

School Curriculum

Michael McCarthy

Question:

51 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his position on the reform of the junior certificate examinations and the effect this will have on certain core subjects (details supplied); the measures he will put in place to offset the impact of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14388/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

In the context of junior cycle reform, which will begin implementation on a phased basis from 2014 onwards, all of the existing subjects, including history, are being continued. Irish (except where there is an exemption), English and Mathematics will remain core full subjects. Schools will also have the option of providing locally developed short courses of 100 hours, supported by exemplars developed by the NCCA. All students will be required to achieve 24 statements of learning as part of their programme. These statements include valuing local and national heritage and recognising the relevance of the past to current national and international issues and events. It will be a matter for schools to determine, from the range of subjects and short courses on offer, how these statements of learning will be met. Overall, I am in favour of leaving the decisions on what is offered at the discretion of the school, and of students having a range of options to choose from. Good and enthusiastic history teachers have the opportunity to inspire a real interest in their subject and so ensure that pupils will want to sit the exam.

FÁS Training Programmes

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

52 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of all local training initiatives in the north east; the locations of same; the number involved in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14403/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

I have set out below the information requested by the deputy which relates to the FÁS Local Training Initiatives in the North East.

Local Training Initiatives North East

Project name	Location	Number of Learners	Number of Co-ordinators	Number of Assistant Co-ordinators
Early School Leavers Opportunities	Drogheda	16	1	1
Navan LTI Tabor House	Navan	14	1	0
East Coast Career opportunity	Duleek	14	1	1
Building your Future	Drogheda	14	1	1
Cavan Genealogy Centre	Cavan	16	1	1
Moving On, Monaghan	Castleblayney	16	1	0
Drogheda Training Initiative	Drogheda	16	1	1
North Monaghan LTI	Monaghan	14	1	1
Muirhevnamor LTI	Dundalk	14	1	1 P/T
4word Programme	Dundalk	18	1	1
Navan Career Start	Navan	16	1	0
Trim Forum for Employment, Meath Heritage Centre	Trim	12	1	1
CREATE	Dundalk	14	1	1

School Patronage

Peter Mathews

Question:

53 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14404/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy is aware, in June 2011 I announced that 20 new post-primary schools are to be established up to 2017 across a number of locations to cater for increasing demographics. This announcement included a proposal to establish a new post-primary school in the area referred to by the Deputy. This school is to be established in September 2014. The closing date for receipt of applications for patronage of the post-primary schools to be established in 2013 and 2014 was Friday 24th February 2012. The Forward Planning Section of my Department will assess all applications in line with the announced criteria and will prepare a report for submission to the New Schools Establishment Group, who will in turn submit their report to me for final consideration and decision. Details of the new arrangements for patronage of new schools and the criteria for deciding on patronage of these new schools are available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.

Schools Refurbishment

Mattie McGrath

Question:

54 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money that has been spent on refurbishment and extension works for small schools of four teachers and fewer in south Tipperary in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14410/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The expenditure information on refurbishment and extension works for small schools, four teachers and less, in South Tipperary is not readily available within my Department and it would require a substantial amount of administrative time to identify and extract the full range of details sought. The level of resources required to compile the information sought would not be warranted. However, I can confirm to the Deputy that the total capital invested in small schools of four teachers or less in South Tipperary from 2008 to date amounted to €7,799,421.31. Data for years prior to 2008 are not readily accessible.

Site Acquisitions

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

55 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in the context of his Department’s engagements with Kildare County Council on the matter of a site for a proposed school (details supplied), he has considered the local agreement which exists for the rationalisation of primary provision and for the development of an education campus; if he will have regard to the best long-term interests of education in the area and if, therefore, any site acquired will be sufficient in size to adequately meet the developing needs of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14411/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy has been advised, my Department has no record of receiving proposals in relation to the development of a new education campus in the area to which he refers. It is open to the schools in question to furnish details of their proposals to the Department for consideration initially. However, my Department has no plans at this point to develop an education campus in the area. As the Deputy is aware, total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 between now and 2018 (over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary) and will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary level.

The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place. The Deputy will also be aware that earlier this week I announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next five years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects are in addition to 56 major school building projects that I already announced to go on site in 2012. A project for the post primary school referred to by the Deputy was included in this announcement.

Vocational Training Schemes

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

56 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of VTOS places approved for County Kildare in 2012; if he intends to increase the number of such places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14412/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

In 2012 there are 270 Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) places approved for County Kildare VEC. The overall number of approved VTOS places is set at its current level because there is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers and to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision. Any consideration of providing additional VTOS places would have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.

Special Educational Needs

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

57 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail the position in relation to a special education unit at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14413/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the matters raised by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

Schools Amalgamation

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

58 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if officials in his Department’s planning unit will accede to a request for a meeting with representatives of the boards of management of two schools (details supplied) considering rationalisation and realignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14415/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

My Department received correspondence from the school authorities in question earlier this week relating to the matter to which he refers. My officials will consider the contents of the correspondence and will respond to the schools as soon as this process has been completed.

Special Educational Needs

Simon Harris

Question:

59 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing failure of a school (details supplied) in County Cavan to introduce policy measures to allow a student of that school who is reliant on a trained assistance dog to attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14416/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

60 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any contact with a school (details supplied) in County Cavan in relation to its policy on the use of trained assistance dogs by students with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14417/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

61 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the guidelines currently in place for mainstream schools in addressing the needs of students reliant on trained assistance dogs; if he intends to review these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14418/12]

Simon Harris

Question:

62 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the use of trained assistance dogs by students with disabilities in mainstream schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 to 62, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department provides for the care needs of children with special educational needs who require support in the classroom through the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme. The policy of my Department in relation to the SNA scheme is set out in Circular 07/02. I understand that SNA support has been provided for the child and the school referred to in the Deputy's question.

My Departments Inspectorate Division has been in contact with the school regarding this matter. However, as my Department does not provide for a classroom assistance dog scheme, there are currently no Departmental guidelines on this issue. It is a matter for the Board of Management of each school to develop a policy on whether guide dogs or assistance dogs are allowed in the school, taking account the individual circumstances of each case and also taking into account the needs of all of the children in the school.

Higher Education Grants

Brendan Griffin

Question:

63 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his advice regarding the attached correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14439/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As announced in the 2012 Budget, five scholarship schemes for higher education, including the Easter Week 1916 and Irish scholarships, will be replaced with a new single scheme of bursaries based on merit.

The awards under the new scheme will be fixed at €2,000 per student. The bursary will be an extra support and incentive to recognise high achievement for students who are from disadvantaged families and attending DEIS schools. Those students to whom bursaries are awarded will also be entitled to apply for student grants towards the cost of maintenance and the student contribution or fees.

This change has been made in order to make the best use of scarce resources so as to focus on the best performing students in the cohort of those who are most in need of financial help. Awards will be made on a regional basis and students from all DEIS schools will be considered.

These changes will not impact on those who already hold scholarships under the existing schemes.

School Curriculum

Brendan Smith

Question:

64 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that the social personal health education programme is effectively delivering to students in the area of raising drugs awareness; if the programme is delivering value for money; when the most recent evaluation of the programme was carried out; if he intends to carry out an evaluation of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14465/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

A composite report on post-primary Social Personal and Health Education is currently being drafted. This report is based on an analysis of the findings of sixty-three subject inspections on the quality of teaching and learning of Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) in post-primary schools. The subject inspections were conducted between September 2010 and May 2011. Inspectors evaluated 301 SPHE lessons taught by 264 teachers.

It is expected that the composite report will be published by the end of this year.

Simon Harris

Question:

65 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered any alternative education programmes at post-primary level in the area of drugs awareness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14466/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

Substance use education is a specific module in the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum in junior cycle, post-primary level. The implementation of the curriculum is supported by a dedicated Post Primary SPHE Support Service which is operated jointly with the Health Sector.

There is a commitment in the Programme for a National Government, 2011-2016, to "update the out-dated drugs awareness programmes in schools to reflect current attitudes and reality of recreational drug use amongst teens". To meet this commitment, I have established a Working Group to examine the resource materials being used in the SPHE curriculum, especially those materials that are most relevant to substance use education. The Group has representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as well as from my own Department. In drafting its report, the Group will have regard to current international experience of substance use prevention programmes in schools.

I am expecting the Group to complete a report for me in the next few months.

School Accommodation

Brendan Smith

Question:

66 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that will be given the option of taking up rental contracts for prefabricated buildings in 2012; and the number that were given the option in each year between 2007 and 2011. [14476/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The number of new prefab rental contracts sanctioned from 2007 to date is outlined as follows:

Year	No. of Contracts
2007	715
2008	266
2009	41
2010	85
2011	65
2012	Nil (To date)

These figures exclude approvals to renew existing rental contracts.

Brendan Smith

Question:

67 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that will be given the option of buying their prefab rather than renting it in 2012; and the number of schools that were given this option in each year between 2007 and 2011. [14477/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

To date no school has been given the option to purchase their rented prefab in 2012.

Since 2009, as a result of my Department's review of temporary accommodation, 212 rented prefab units at 33 schools have been purchased, bringing an end to rental contracts at these schools. The yearly breakdown is as follows: 2009: 89 rented prefabs were purchased at 13 schools. 2010: 82 rented prefabs were purchased at 12 schools. 2011: 41 rented prefabs were purchased at 8 schools.

Brendan Smith

Question:

68 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that will be given the option of using grant aid to build a new classroom rather than renting a prefabricated building in 2012; and the number of schools that were given this option in each year between 2007 and 2011. [14478/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy is aware I recently announced a new initiative to replace rented prefabs in schools. Almost 200 schools have been offered an opportunity to replace rented prefabs with permanent accommodation. As this is a new initiative it was not available to schools previously.

Brendan Smith

Question:

69 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the savings he estimates for 2012 on prefabricated buildings; and the breakdown of savings made in relation to spending on prefabricated buildings for each year between 2007 and 2011. [14479/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As the Deputy is aware I recently announced an initiative to replace rented prefabs in schools. Almost 200 schools have been offered an opportunity to replace rented prefabs with permanent accommodation. The new initiative will result in savings of approx €5m per annum on the rental of prefabs in these schools in the coming years.

The amount spent on renting temporary accommodation at primary and post-primary level, including — but not limited to — prefabricated accommodation in the last 5 years is as follows:

Year	€ million
2011	28.9
2010	29.3
2009	39
2008	53
2007	35.5

Brendan Smith

Question:

70 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to completely end the practice of using prefabricated buildings; and when he expects this practice to end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14480/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The overall policy goal of my Department is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet the accommodation needs of schools.

My Department's current policy is to offer schools being approved for devolved grant aid for additional accommodation the option to use their capital grant aid to build a permanent classroom(s) rather than purchase a prefab. This policy will reduce the usage of prefabricated accommodation in schools. In addition the new initiative I announced recently will also reduce the number of rented prefabs in use in schools and will result in savings of approx €5m per annum on the rental of prefabs in these schools in the coming years.

My Department will continue to examine ways of reducing the use of prefab accommodation in schools.

Physical Education

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

71 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to implement criteria which would see secondary schools adopt active lifestyle policies; if his attention has been drawn to the practice of some schools to offer physical education only as a optional subject in their senior cycle; if it is his intention to issue a circular to schools requiring an active lifestyle and physical education policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14498/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

It is my belief that a well planned Physical Education programme has a vitally important role to play in a broad and balanced curriculum for all students.

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The junior cycle and senior cycle programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. The Rules and Programme provide that a basic minimum of two hours per week is required to implement the programme.

In addition to PE, the importance of healthy lifestyles and physical exercise is also featured as part of the Social Personal and Health Education Programme which is a mandatory part of the curriculum in primary schools and in junior cycle.

Apart from the formal curricula, schools take a range of measures to encourage physical activity among students during the school day and many provide extensive, broad-based programmes of co-curricular physical activities that are highly rewarding for both pupils and teachers alike. In particular, schools play a major role in nurturing and promoting the involvement of students in sporting activities in the wider community. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for such participation.

In 2012 I intend to carry out a follow up study to the 2009 Lifeskills Survey seeking updates on various aspects of social personal and health education and physical education activities in all schools.

Departmental Schemes

Brendan Smith

Question:

72 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if specific education grants are available for members of a group (details supplied); if assistance is not available at present, if he will ensure this proposal is given detailed and favourable consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14505/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

My Department does not operate or fund any grant scheme that is specifically targeted at former residents of Magdalene Laundries.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government considered the circumstances of women and girls who resided in the Laundries last year and decided that it was essential as a first step to fully establish the true facts and circumstances relating to the Magdalene Laundries. The Inter-Departmental Committee, chaired by Senator Martin McAleese, was set up to establish the facts of State involvement with the Madgalene Laundries, to clarify any State interaction and to produce a narrative detailing such interaction. I understand that this Committee hopes to complete its work later this year.

Schools Refurbishment

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

73 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 66 of 7 March 2012, if he will clarify his reply and state whether officials in his Department will meet with a deputation from a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14506/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I wish to advise the Deputy that my officials will make direct contact with the school in question in the context of the matter raised by him.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

74 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for those that are used and those that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14516/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The renting or leasing of Government offices and properties is the responsibility of the Property Management Services in the Office of Public Works, which acts as an agent for all Government Departments. The number, terms and cost of the leases is a matter for the OPW.

Schools Building Projects

Michael Creed

Question:

75 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial allocation in his Department in 2012 for devolved grants for school building programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that almost €142 million has been set aside by my Department for devolved school building projects in 2012.

School Accommodation

Michael Creed

Question:

76 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in spreadsheet format the number of schools with prefabricated classroom accommodation on a county basis; if he will indicate in each case the rent being paid for this classroom accommodation; if he will clarify whether it is his Department or the board of management that is paying the rent in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14546/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The amount spent on renting temporary accommodation at primary and post-primary level, including — but not limited to — prefabricated accommodation in 2011 is outlined on a county by county basis in the following table.

My Department provides 100% grant aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists. Generally, where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring such temporary accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor.

Rental Costs 2011

County	No. of schools	Total
Carlow	8	€451,559
Cavan	11	€473,625
Clare	17	€766,587
Cork	89	€4,359,436
Donegal	96	€1,276,444
Dublin	22	€5,741,021
Galway	42	€2,512,891
Kerry	19	€472,166
Kildare	11	€1,119,027
Kilkenny	21	€246,582
Laois	17	€556,210
Leitrim	3	€205,676
Limerick	23	€1,088,831
Longford	2	€289,932
Louth	32	€1,278,854
Mayo	29	€571,071
Meath	29	€2,067,207
Monaghan	8	€272,721
Offaly	10	€527,999
Roscommon	5	€166,960
Sligo	9	€372,339
Tipperary	15	€557,054
Waterford	17	€678,790
Westmeath	15	€447,694
Wexford	22	€1,221,432
Wicklow	19	€1,241,267
Totals	591	€28,963,378

Higher Education Grants

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

77 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding is available to cover fees and maintenance towards a third level course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14554/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Student Grant Scheme provides maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in publicly-funded third level institutions in other EU Member States.

Although fee grants are not payable abroad, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including in EU Member States and in non-EU countries.

Schools Building Projects

Brendan Smith

Question:

78 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a new second level school in Dublin (details supplied); if a sufficient site has been acquired for the provision of the school; if so, if the site is owned by his Department; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14566/12]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the new second-level school to which he refers is one of the 43 new second level schools which I announced earlier this week to proceed to construction as part of my Department's five year capital investment programme.

The school, when completed, will cater for 1000 pupils and it is intended that the proposed building project will go to construction during 2013.

A suitable site has been identified and Fingal County Council is leading negotiations on the matter on behalf of my Department. I am advised that the acquisition is at an advanced stage. However, due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to the site acquisition process, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

Departmental Expenditure

Terence Flanagan

Question:

79 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount that has been spent by Departments on lo-call numbers during the past five years; the number of Departments that make available a regular non-1850 or 1890 number (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14428/12]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

My Department will provide information in relation to the amount spent on Lo-call numbers by this Department. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

My Department is aware that calls to Lo-call numbers from mobile phones do impose additional costs. My Department does operate one Lo-call number. However, this number is accompanied in advertisements by standard geographic numbers for all services operated by my Department. While the advertisements do not highlight the cost differential at present, it is intended that future advertisements will include this warning.

My Department has advised all other bodies of this cost differential and has advised them of the need to provide standard geographic numbers where possible when advertising Lo-call numbers.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

80 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14523/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The Office of Public Works rents space in some 377 buildings for the purposes of providing office accommodation for various Government Departments throughout the twenty-six counties. The following table schedules by county the number of buildings involved and the total annual rent arising:

COUNTY	No OF BUILDINGS	TOTAL RENT PA
CARLOW	7	€647,941.78
CAVAN	5	€432,743.30
CLARE	7	€255,335.94
CORK	36	€3,007,196.37
DONEGAL	16	€367,147.78
DUBLIN	132	€77,040,460.15
GALWAY	27	€3,551,026.93
KERRY	11	€825,556.14
KILDARE	13	€1,046,207.95
KILKENNY	3	€65,618.20
LAOIS	8	€946,752.99
LEITRIM	2	€812,220.00
LIMERICK	12	€2,664,995.15
LONGFORD	4	€61,317.64
LOUTH	9	€610,954.50
MAYO	13	€625,649.36
MEATH	10	€2,059,502.60
MONAGHAN	8	€327,661.60
OFFALY	5	€363,384.30
ROSCOMMON	4	€61,497.55
SLIGO	7	€683,783.15
TIPPERARY	15	€1,196,767.46
WATERFORD	6	€280,534.68
WESTMEATH	6	€704,430.66
WEXFORD	5	€288,916.60
WICKLOW	6	€721,353.87

There are three buildings (including part building) which have unallocated space. The details associated with these buildings, which are also included in the previous table, are as follows:

Building	Rent Per Annum	Comment
Westward Town Centre, Sligo, Co Sligo	€31,000.00	OPW will be surrendering this lease in 2012.
Phoenix House, Conyngham Road, Dublin 8	€365,000.00	OPW will be allocating space in Phoenix House in early 2012.
Irish Life Centre, Block 1, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 (part building -5th floor)	€215,000.00	OPW will be surrendering this lease in 2012.

Flood Relief

Michael McGrath

Question:

81 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the Office of Public Works response to a flooding incident (details supplied) in County Meath; the measures that have taken place; and when other measures will take place to prevent recurrence. [14552/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The Office of Public Works undertook to carry out a detailed survey to inform the design of remedial works to the channel, which flooded in Drumconrath during the October 2011 event.

The survey has been completed and this Office is currently assessing a number of options for works to mitigate the risk of flooding in the future. The preferred option will take account of cost/benefit and environmental issues.

It is expected that the works will be undertaken by OPW during Summer 2012.

Wage-setting Mechanisms

Finian McGrath

Question:

82 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the JLC system (details supplied). [14371/12]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No.3) Bill 2011 was published on 22 December 2011. The Bill has completed Second Stage in the Dáil and is currently awaiting Committee Stage.

The main purpose of the Bill is to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to reform the Joint Labour Committee system. The reform of the legal framework for our statutory wage setting mechanisms is aimed at increasing employers' ability to retain and employ workers, particularly in sectors hard hit by the prevailing economic circumstances, including the Hotel sector, and to facilitate necessary cross-sector adjustment.

In addition, the Bill provides for the more comprehensive measures required to strengthen the legal framework for the Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreement sectoral wage setting mechanisms, under the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004, in the light of deficiencies in the original legislation identified in the July 2011 High Court judgment in the John Grace Fried Chicken case.

The fact that the process of making EROs has been found by the High Court to be unconstitutional, together with the identified lack of adequate Oireachtas scrutiny of this process, only underscores some of the main features of the recommendations for reform that were put forward by the Independent Review Report on these statutory wage setting mechanisms — the Duffy/ Walsh report. The commissioning of the independent review of the ERO and REA systems was one of the undertakings given by the last Government in the context of the EU and IMF-supported financial assistance programme for Ireland.

When enacted, this Bill, will implement the programme of reforms to the JLC/REA systems agreed by Government in July 2011. It will radically overhaul the system so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions. It will also reinstate a robust system of protection for workers in these sectors in the aftermath of the High Court ruling in the John Grace Fried Chicken case.

The principal measures in the legislation include:

JLCs will have the power to set a basic adult rate and two additional higher rates, based on length of service in the sector or enterprise concerned as well as the standards and skills recognised for the sector concerned.

JLCs will no longer set Sunday premium rates. In order to recognise the special status of Sunday working a statutory Code of Practice will be prepared by the LRC following submissions from employers and trade unions. This Code will provide guidance to both parties in the sectors covering EROs on the compensatory arrangements, including such additional amounts as are reasonable, for Sunday working and on the procedure to apply in the event of disputes concerning the varying entitlements to Sunday working.

Companies will be able to derogate from EROs and REAs in cases of financial difficulty. For this to occur, the Labour Court must satisfy itself that specified criteria have been met. Such derogation will be granted, for a limited period, in cases of proven economic difficulty, following consultation with the employees.

In setting rates, JLCs will have to take into account a series of economic and industrial relations factors.

The burden of compliance and record-keeping requirements for employers in these sectors will be reduced.

Providing for Ministerial involvement in the supervision of JLCs and in the making of orders to vary or revoke EROs.

Providing for use of civil remedies rather than an exclusive reliance on criminal sanctions.

The constitutionality of EROs and REAs will be restored through inclusion of robust principles and policies.

I am also proceeding with a series of complementary reforms to the JLC system which can be implemented without the need for legislative change, including:

Reducing the number of JLCs from 13 to 6;

Standardising benefits such as overtime through a nationally agreed protocol or Code of Practice, through the normal process of consultation with the employers and trade union interests.

From the beginning of this process I have been determined to strike a balance between protecting vulnerable workers and providing reforms that would make the systems more competitive and more flexible so as to allow the creation of jobs in these sectors.

From an employer's perspective, the overall effect of these reforms will be to substantially reduce the burden of record-keeping and compliance. This Bill will make the long-established minimum wage setting mechanisms fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and will eliminate rigidities that are considered to have had a negative impact on competitiveness and jobs in the affected sector.

Employment Rights

Simon Harris

Question:

83 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the legislative responsibility of an employer to an employee who acquires an illness, injury or disability, whether occupational or non-occupational; how this responsibility compares with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14390/12]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

In general, where an employee is absent from work for reason of illness, injury or disability, the monitoring of sick absences on the part of their employees and the payment of sick leave by employers is discretionary. There is no legal entitlement to sick leave.

However, some employment sectors have pay and conditions of employment regulated through Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) that are legally binding on employers in the sectors to which they apply. The following REAs contain binding regulations regarding the conditions, benefits and contributions of sick pay schemes:

Construction

Electrical Contracting

Footwear and Drapery

Alleged contraventions of the above regulations may be reported to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA).

In terms of comparative studies of reforms aimed at transforming sickness and disability schemes from passive benefits to active support systems that promote work, Ireland was included in a four country study by the OECD of "Sickness, Disability and Work" that also covered Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands and was published in 2008. This was part of an extended series of comparative studies by the OECD that concluded last year and aimed to explore the apparent paradox whereby at a time when the average health status is improving, a persistently large number of people of working age leave the workforce to rely on long-term sickness and disability benefits. The OECD report on Ireland highlighted how unemployment and disability had not been well differentiated in Ireland and how the eligibility criteria for disability payments had not been very stringent.

Reform of the disability allowance system is currently being pursued by the Minister for Social Protection in the context of a comprehensive programme of reforms to ensure a better targeting of social support to those on lower incomes, and to ensure that work pays for welfare recipients.

Transfer of Undertakings

Brendan Griffin

Question:

84 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14456/12]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

Where a business or part of a business is taken over by one employer from another employer as a result of a legal merger or transfer (including the assignment of forfeiture of a lease), a formal transfer of undertakings can occur. In these circumstances, the provisions of the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations (S.I. No. 131 of 2003) apply. These provide that an employee's length of service and terms and conditions of employment (other than pension rights) are automatically preserved and transferred to the new employer. There are also obligations on the old and new employer to consult and inform the employees of matters in relation to the transfer.

From the information provided, it is not possible to determine if the arrangements constitute a formal transfer of undertaking, as defined in the Regulations. The person concerned would be advised to contact the Workplace Relations Customer Services Unit at 1890 80 80 90 or visit the website www.workplacerelations.ie for further information on the protections that would apply in his circumstances.

I would advise, however, that any formal complaint that might arise as a consequence would need to be lodged within six months of first occurrence of the dispute.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

85 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14521/12]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

My Department and the eight offices of my Department do not currently rent any properties. All properties currently occupied by the Department and its Offices are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) without any cost to the Department or its Offices. Details of rental costs associated with the buildings occupied by the Department and its Offices may only be obtained directly from the Office of Public Works. The buildings currently occupied by staff of my Department and its offices are fully utilised.

Departmental Bodies

Finian McGrath

Question:

86 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the annual salaries paid, from 2004 to 2011, inclusive, for a body (details supplied) under his remit; when this body will be brought under the remit of the Freedom of Information Act, having regard to the fact that it was expected to be done shortly as stated in its 2007 annual report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14565/12]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton)

The matter referred to by the Deputy in the first part of the question is an operational matter for the body concerned, which is independent in the exercise of its functions, and is not one in which I have a direct role. In accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, details of the salary of the Chief Executive are published in the body's Annual Report.

In relation to Freedom of Information legislation, due to its quasi-judicial function, the body concerned was not a listed body for FOI purposes on its establishment. The question of the body's inclusion under FOI legislation in respect of its administrative records is a matter which will be considered further with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, who has responsibility for that legislation, in the event of a further revision of the First Schedule to the Act. The last amendment to the First Schedule by way of Statutory Instrument extending the list of bodies designated was in 2006.

Question No. 87 withdrawn.

Community Employment Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

88 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the effects that the cut in the material and training allowance will have on the community employment schemes run by a centre (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14369/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Community Employment Projects such as the Galway Centre for Independent Living in providing a service to both participants and the community. However due to the current economic circumstances, this Department has had to find significant savings in the Budget for 2012. The reduction only applies to the grant for materials and training and represents a reduction of 7.5% of the overall expenditure on Community Employment in 2011. There will be no decrease in the number of Community Employment places in 2012.

There is an ongoing financial review of all Community Employment projects. The purpose of the review is to establish the level of need and this review should be completed by the end of March 2012. In addition, my Department is undertaking a separate review of the effectiveness of a range of employment supports including Community Employment. The outcome of these reviews will inform the overall approach to be taken by the Department and ultimately determine future policy.

Employment Support Services

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

89 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of the 5,000 places which were to be allocated under the Tús scheme that have been filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14386/12]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

90 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to make additional Tús places available to those centres which have reached their quota already; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14387/12]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

91 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans, if any, to extend participation in the Tús programme beyond one year in view of the fact that it takes at least this length of time for a person to become familiar with the role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14389/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 to 91, inclusive, together.

Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, will provide up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year when fully operational. This initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Of the 5,000 placements initially planned for Tús, 4,540 were allocated between the individual local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Additionally, some 230 supervisor positions were assigned with the balance of placements being held for allocation to specific national organisations.

As of the week ending 9th March 2012, 2,922 participant and 180 supervisory positions had been filled nationally. Of the 52 companies delivering Tús, some 20 have filled their allocation with another 12 on course to do so the end of March. My department is moving this week to reallocate in excess of 400 placements to those companies that have reached full implementation and where there is demand from community and voluntary sector organisations for work to be undertaken. Implementation in some urban areas has been slower than expected for a variety of reasons, however, I am reassured that full implementation can be achieved during the coming months. The funds allocated for 2012 amount to €84m. I have no plans to extend the duration of 12 months for any individual on Tús.

Social Welfare Benefits

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

92 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and the timeframe within which they may expect a decision on their case. [14396/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 25th February 2011. 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 18th April 2011 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision. She was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21st February 2012 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 and appeals officers when they made their decisions, it is open to her to re-apply for the payment.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

93 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made regarding the request for a review of her decision to refuse back to school clothing and footwear allowance to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14401/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Applications for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme (BSCFA) are made between the beginning of June and the end of September each year. In general, a person may qualify for payment of BSCFA if he or she is in receipt of a social welfare payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below certain specified levels. The person concerned was refused BSCFA as her income was above the limit allowable to qualify for payment. The person then requested a review of this decision. This review took place in December 2011 and the decision to refuse the payment was upheld.

Social Welfare Appeals

John Lyons

Question:

94 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons for the decision not to fully backdate a payment of carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and when payment will be made in respect of this application. [14423/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, allowed the appeal of the person concerned from 27 October 2011. 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. Following the submission of additional correspondence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.

I have been informed by the Department of Social Protection that payment will issue to the person concerned on 15 March 2012 and that payment of arrears from 27 October 2011 to 14 March 2012 were issued to the person concerned on 8 March 2012. 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:

95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 7 March 2012, if she will clarify the intended meaning of “court approved access” in view of the fact that the applicant in question submitted court documentation issued by the District Court dated 20 September 2011 to the effect that not only was he a joint guardian of his son under section 6A of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, but was granted access to his son by order under section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964; if she will review the case in view of the fact that he is a single person with now two young children; if she will further set out specific, clear and incontrovertible guidelines as to the amount of time that single fathers with court approved access must have custody of their respective children in order to qualify for rent support in order to provide their children with a stable living environment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14426/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

As previously stated the purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.

Any person seeking a rent supplement must first satisfy the Department's representative that they have a housing need that they are unable to meet from their own resources. In addition, the Department must be satisfied that the residence is reasonably suited to the needs of the claimant. The Department must also be satisfied that the rent payable is reasonable having regard to the nature, character and location of the residence.

In a case where parents have joint custody of a child, the needs of both parents to have adequate accommodation to look after the child are taken into account when an application for a rent supplement is being determined. As previously stated there is no exact amount of time a parent must have access to their child and every claim for rent supplement is determined having regard to all of the circumstances of the case. In this case the Department is satisfied that the person concerned is in need of accommodation but that the accommodation needs of his children are already met. A rent supplement payment in this case will be considered when accommodation at the rate appropriate to his need is obtained.

Private Rented Accommodation

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

96 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has worked with the Private Residential Tenancies Board to inform landlords of the reduction of rent limits from January 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14435/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. Since 2005, rent supplement expenditure has increased from €369 million to a provisional out-turn of €503 million in 2011. The number of people claiming the allowance increased from almost 60,200 in 2005 to over 96,800 at the end of 2011, which was an increase of 61%. New maximum rent limits came into force on 1 January 2012. These new limits are in line with the most up-to-date market data available. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation. Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. As the Department has no direct relationship with landlords, it has not been in contact with the Private Residential Tenancies Board to inform landlords of the reduction to the maximum rent limits.

Sochair Leasa Shóisialta

Sandra McLellan

Question:

97 D’fhiafraigh Sandra McLellan den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí an gcuirfidh sí deifir le liúntas míchumais do dhuine (sonraí tugtha) i gCorcaigh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [14436/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Rinne an duine i dtrácht iarratas ar liúntas míchumais ar 29 Meitheamh 2010. Ón fhianaise liachta a soláthraíodh leis an éileamh, atreoraíodh í go dtí duine de lia-mheasúnóirí na Roinne. Tar éis an fhianaise sin a léamh, mheas an lia-mheasúnóir nár cháiligh an t-iarratasóir don liúntas míchumais ar chúiseanna liachta. Ghlac an t-oifigeach breithiúnachta leis an tuairim sin agus cuireadh in iúl don iarratasóir i scríbhinn nár éirigh lena iarratas. Rinne an t-iarratasóir an cinneadh a achomharc dáéis leis an Oifig Achomharc Leasa Shóisialaigh. Mheas an t-oifigeach achomhairc, bunaithe ar an fhianaise a bhí os a chomhair, nár thaispeáin an t-iarratasóir go raibh sé faoi shrian substaintiúil i dtaca le fostaíocht oiriúnach a fháil mar gheall ar mhíchumas sonraithe laistigh de chiall na reachtaíochta leasa shóisialaigh. Dícheadaíodh an t-achomharc dá réir. Cuireadh an cinneadh sin in iúl don iarratasóir i scríbhinn ar 20 Meitheamh 2011. Cinneadh críochnaitheach is ea cinneadh an oifigigh achomhairc in éagmais fíricí nó fianaise úr.

Social Welfare Appeals

Arthur Spring

Question:

98 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14449/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer's decision on 10 March 2012. 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. 99 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Noel Coonan

Question:

100 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. [14462/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 19th October 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 5 January 2012 advising of the decision.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed. In this case, a request for a review along with additional information in support of the application, was received on 29 February 2012. The application has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for review of the original medical opinion. Upon receipt of the review report, a decision will issue to the customer.

Social Welfare Appeals

Patrick Nulty

Question:

101 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason the payment has been suspended; if it can be urgently reviewed and put into payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14475/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

An appeal was registered on 2 March 2012 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.

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

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

102 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of buildings her Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings her Department has rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by her Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14524/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

My Department is not involved in the leasing or renting of property. The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of office accommodation for my Department. Matters of leasing and individual rents are managed by that Office.

Question No. 103 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Code

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

104 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reviewing the stopped payments in 198 cases of parents caring for a child with a disability who were receiving domiciliary care allowance; in respect of those stopped payments, if visits were made to parents to assess the needs of the child and the level of attention needed as part of the review process; if she will reconsider the process under which people no longer in receipt of domiciliary care allowance are no longer eligible for carer’s allowance and respite care grant, as this puts parents and carers in a vulnerable financial situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14532/12]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment to the parent/guardian of a child with a disability so severe that the child requires care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be provided to allow the child to deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

In advance of the transfer of the scheme from the HSE to this Department in 2009, an Expert Medical Group was established to agree a set of consistent and objective guidelines for use nationally in determining the eligibility of children for the scheme. The Group considered that the most appropriate way for the Department to conduct assessments for medical eligibility was by way of desk assessment of the evidence submitted by the claimant, rather than by way of individual examination by the Department's Medical Assessors, as they are not involved in the treatment of the child.

The application process operated by the Department involves the submission of a detailed statement by the parent or guardian of the child; a detailed statement by the child's General Practitioner; and any other relevant evidence from qualified experts who have examined the child that the applicant may wish to submit.

This evidence is assessed by designated Departmental Medical Assessors who are qualified medical doctors with a minimum of 6 years experience and who have received special training in the area of child disability assessment.

Individual DCA cases are routinely reviewed to ensure that the conditions for receipt of the payment continue to be met. Reviews are initiated with the parent/guardian being asked to complete a "review of medical criteria form", which also requires medical input from the child's GP. The parent returns this form together with any additional recent reports of on-going medical or therapeutic services the child may be receiving. This information is then sent for review by a medical assessor who will provide an opinion to the deciding officer on whether the child continues to meet the medical criteria for receipt of the payment.

The decision of the deciding officer is communicated to the customer in writing and if they are not in agreement with the outcome, they have the option to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Any new or additional information received after the issue of the revised decision and before the appeal is heard, is further assessed by a medical assessor. In this way, the review process affords parents/guardians every opportunity to provide additional information from any source they wish and to have this information assessed at an early stage with payment restored, where necessary, without the necessity of an appeal hearing.

Carers allowance in respect of children under the age of 16 years can be paid if the qualifying conditions are met. One of the conditions is that that DCA is in payment for the child. Respite care grant is paid to persons who meet the qualifying conditions or are in receipt of either Carers allowance or DCA.

Finally, I want to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to ensuring that those children who meet the conditions for the DCA scheme will continue to receive the payment.

Wildlife Protection

Clare Daly

Question:

105 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he will take to deal with the Ward Union Hunt, which has been reported as engaging in stag hunting; and if he will condemn this illegality. [14654/12]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

Officials of my Department monitor compliance with the Wildlife Acts across the country on an ongoing basis and carry out patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of these Acts as required. They also investigate reports of breaches of the Acts. Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged offences and to prosecute, if they see fit.

In this regard, my Department will follow up appropriately on any alleged breaches of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 which makes it an offence to hunt a deer with two or more dogs.

Turbary Rights

Frank Feighan

Question:

106 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of bog on Carrowkeel, Castlebaldwin, County Sligo, on which persons were prevented from cutting turf some years ago and have had no compensation, in the absence of which they would wish to resume. [14442/12]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

Part of the townland of Carrowkeel in County Sligo is within the Bricklieve Mountain and Keishcorran special area of conservation. The site encompasses an area of 1,696 hectares and is located west of Lough Arrow and about 6 km north-west of Boyle. The site is a large block of upper carboniferous limestone and contains some blanket bog.

The Bricklieve Mountain and Keishcorran special area of conservation is not one of those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation for reasons of environmental protection under the EU Habitats Directive. However, anyone wishing to cut turf on this site should apply for consent to the local office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department, which is situated in Ballinafad, County Sligo.

This is also a site of significant archaeological importance with monuments in the area which are recorded under the statutory Record of Monuments and Places and as such, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I must be notified prior to any works being carried out at these monuments. There are also a number of monuments in this area, in my guardianship. My consent is required under the National Monuments Acts, prior to any works being carried out at these monuments. My Department has no record of any prior notification of works or of any application for Ministerial consent for this site.

Finian McGrath

Question:

107 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the designation process for the 57 raised bogs on which turf cutting is prohibited has been completed; and the date of the passing of the statutory instrument that completed this process. [14503/12]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

Ireland has nominated 53 sites for the protection of raised bog habitat for designation as Special Areas of Conservation. These sites have been adopted by the European Commission as Sites of Community Importance and are afforded the full protection of the Habitats Directive.

Following adoption of a Site of Community Importance by the Commission, member states must proceed to complete the formal designation process. In Ireland, this will be done by making a statutory instrument for each site. The process is due to commence in due course. The formal designation will not alter the legal protection afforded to these sites, which, under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, applies from the time of notification of the Minister's intention to designate the site.

Special Areas of Conservation

Finian McGrath

Question:

108 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, further to Parliamentary Question No. 431 of 28 February 2012, his views on the possibility of compensatory habitat exchange whereby other raised bogs will be designated as areas of high conservation value and some of the 57 raised bog complexes on which turf cutting is currently prohibited could be de-designated, with this applying in particular when it is not possible to relocate turf cutters. [14504/12]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

The reply referred to by the Deputy reflects the legal position regarding de-designation, as provided for in Article 9 of the Habitats Directive.

Article 6 of the Habitats Directive provides for the protective regime for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). It outlines the obligations on Member States to prevent deterioration of such sites and to assess the impacts of proposed plans or projects that could have a significant affect on them. Article 6(3) provides that national authorities can agree to a plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned.

However, Article 6(4) provides for particular circumstances where a plan or project can be consented to in spite of a negative assessment. In such cases, it must be demonstrated that there are no alternative solutions, and that imperative reasons of overriding public interest exist to justify the damage. In the case of turf-cutting on raised bog SACs, where a priority habitat is involved, a member state must seek the opinion of the Commission before agreeing to such a plan or project.

When a project or plan is approved under article 6(4), compensatory measures must be taken to ensure the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. Such measures could involve the designation of additional areas of land for inclusion within the network of SACs. The Commission must be informed of the proposed compensatory measures.

In his report on the recently held Peatlands Forum, Justice Quirke recommended that a national raised bog SAC management plan be drawn up, incorporating all 53 raised bog SACs. In the vast majority of cases, protection of these bogs can be provided by relocating turf-cutters to undesignated bogs nearby. There are, however, a small number of bogs where relocation options seem less obvious. In the context of such a plan, it may be possible to bring some limited flexibility for a few of the most difficult bogs where there are no alternative solutions, provided the requirements of Article 6(4) are complied with as set out above, including in relation to the provision of compensatory habitats.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

109 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14512/12]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

Matters relating to the acquisition and leasing of property for the Department are generally the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW). Independent of this arrangement, my Department leases three properties. These are the Burren Information Point, premises located at Shanacloon, Ballymakeera, Co. Cork and premises in Swords, Co. Dublin.

The Burren Information Point has annual rent of €8,155. In May 2011, a lease was finalised to facilitate the new Burren National Park Visitor Information Point in Corofin. The first quarter of the agreement was exempt from rent to allow the NPWS to initiate the fit out of the new centre and the sum of €6,116.25 was paid in 2011. An interpretation planner was engaged to plan, design and oversee the production and installation of the Interpretation at the facility. The newly completed visitor facility will officially open at the beginning of April for 2012 season.

The Underwater Archaeology Unit's storage and maintenance facility is located at Shanacloon, Ballymakeera, Co. Cork, which has annual lease of €21,780 and is being fully utilised.

Finally, the premises located in Swords, Co. Dublin, is leased from the Office of Public Works by the National Museum of Ireland. A payment of €105,000 was made in 2010 to avail of storage facilities for archive material relating to the National Monument Service. A share (c. 14%) of this accommodation is provided to the National Monument Service. A one year rent free period arose for the facility in 2011 and rent will become payable again from mid 2012. This premises is also being fully utilised.

Turbary Rights

Billy Timmins

Question:

110 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position in respect of the turf cutters’ enhanced compensation scheme of €1,500 per year for a maximum of 15 years plus €500 early payment for turf cutters who have to cease cutting turf in special compensation areas, which was announced this week; the amount this will cost each year for the next five years (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016); the number of turf cutters eligible for this scheme; the criteria for qualification for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14582/12]

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

In 2011 the Government announced a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme comprised a payment of €1,000 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they could continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate could avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 10 tonnes of cut turf while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The cost of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State.

The Government has recently agreed to enhance this compensation package as follows:

a) The financial payment has been increased to €1,500 per annum, index linked, for 15 years;

b) An additional once-off payment of €500 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided this year where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht;

c) The quantity of cut turf to be delivered, as an interim measure, to those opting for relocation has been increased to 15 tonnes per annum; and

d) There will also be flexibility in terms of the provision of more than 15 tonnes of cut turf for those wishing to relocate where more than one household in the same family has sourced its turf from a single bog plot. Claimants will have to provide evidence to back up the claim and this issue will be discussed further with interested parties.

This decision increases the total value of the financial payment by €8,000 per qualifying applicant to a total of €23,000 and these payments will be exempt from capital gains tax.

It is estimated that there are approximately 1,540 actively cut plots on the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation.

The qualifying criteria for the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme require that:

The claimant must have a legal interest in a site that is in one of the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation. This could be through ownership of land or a turbary (turf-cutting) right within one of these designated sites.

The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25th May 2010.

The turbary on the site must not be exhausted.

The claimant must have been cutting turf on the lands in question during the relevant five year period (up to 25 May 2010 for 29 sites and up to 31 December 2011 for 24 sites).

If turf was cut, on a site in a raised bog special area of conservation nominated for designation between 1997 and 1999, in 2011 and all other qualifying criteria are met, compensation will not apply until 2012.

The estimated cost of the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for each of the years 2012-2016 is set out in a Table:

Year	Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme — Estimated Cost
2012	€5,000,000
2013	€3,000,000
2014	€3,000,000
2015	€3,000,000
2016	€2,250,000

Energy Resources

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

111 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the Corrib gas field, when it is in full production, will displace or reduce our dependency on imported fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14434/12]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

It is estimated that the Corrib gas field will be capable of supplying up to 60% of Ireland's gas requirements for a period of up to five years when at full production, declining thereafter.

Completion of the development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, which began last year, will take in the region of three years. First gas cannot therefore reasonably be anticipated before 2014.

Departmental Agencies

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

112 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will issue a breakdown of the remuneration package in place for CEOs of all semi-state companies under his remit as of 1 March 2012; the directives he has issued to CEOs of those same semi-state companies regarding the payments of dividends to the State in 2012, 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14493/12]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

I wish to advise the Deputy that, following a Government decision, the salary rate for newly appointed CEOs of Commercial Semi State Companies under the aegis of my Department is as set out in a table with effect from 21 June 2011.

Salary Rate for newly appointed CEOs of Commercial State Companies

Name of Company	New Appointment Rate
An Post	€240,448
BGÉ	€191,014
Bord na Mona	€191,014
EirGrid	€158,459
ESB	€318,083
RTÉ	€219,871
TG4	€139,104

The Annual Reports of the companies contain details of incumbent CEOs' salaries. The Annual Reports are available in the library of the House.

In relation to the payment of dividends to the State for the years 2012 to 2014, I have not issued any directive to the companies.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

113 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the directives he has issued to CEOs of all the semi-state companies under his remit regarding levels of salaries and wages, total costs of outputs and levels of investment spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14494/12]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

I wish to advise the Deputy that all directions issued by the Government in relation to remuneration of CEOs in Commercial Semi State Companies are brought to the attention of the relevant State Companies under the aegis of my Department.

The Government decided that the salary range for newly appointed CEOs of Commercial Semi State Companies under the aegis of my Department should be as set out in the table below with effect from 21 June 2011 and this has been brought to the attention of the Companies in question.

Salary Rate for newly appointed CEOs of Commercial State Companies

Name of Company	New Appointment Rate
An Post	€240,448
BGÉ	€191,014
Bord na Mona	€191,014
EirGrid	€158,459
ESB	€318,083
RTÉ	€219,871
TG4	€139,104

The Annual Reports of the companies contain details of incumbent CEOs' salaries. The Annual Reports are available in the library of the House.

I wish to advise the Deputy that any issues regarding outputs and level of investment spending for Commercial Semi State Companies are in the first instance a matter for each company and its Board, and subsequently subject to my consent. The proposed level of investment for 2012 is set out in the Revised Estimates for the Public Service.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

114 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14514/12]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

My Department is not involved in any direct rental of buildings. The Department's accommodation needs are provided for by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the following locations:—

Department Headquarters, 29/31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2.

Geological Survey of Ireland Core Store, Sandyford, County Dublin.

Elm House, Earlsvale Road, Cavan. (The Department occupies part of the building).

Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggars Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 (The Department occupies part of the building).

The rental costs, where appropriate, are a matter for OPW and the space occupied is fully utilised.

Telecommunications Services

Jack Wall

Question:

115 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or his Department has any plan to improve the broadband reception in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14560/12]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter, in the first instance, for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite.

In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention. It aimed to bring an affordable, scalable broadband service to certain designated rural areas where the extent of broadband coverage by commercial operators, at the time the Scheme was launched in 2008, was deemed to be insufficient.

The area of Calverstown, Kilcullen, County Kildare is located within the NBS Coverage Area. Since October 2010, 3, the NBS service provider, has made broadband services available in all of the areas designated to be covered under the Scheme.

The NBS contract guarantees service levels and imposes a service credit regime on 3 with financial consequences in the event that minimum specification service levels are not met. Under the NBS contract, specific service level agreement standards are in place, which define the service and support levels to be provided by 3 to NBS customers. Any NBS customer experiencing problems with the NBS service can contact 3's customer care centre 24 hours a day 7 days a week by phone at 1913 (free of charge), via email to [e-mail] or by post to 3 Customer Services, Hutchison 3G Ireland Limited, PO Box 333, Dublin 2.

My Department has a role when customers have fully utilised the established complaints process. It operates a dedicated NBS mailbox, which NBS customers can contact by email at [e-mail] with any comments or complaints they may have about their NBS service. Should any customers in the Calverstown, Kilcullen area have unresolved problems with their NBS service, they can contact my Department and my officials will liaise with 3 to remedy their service performance issues.

A contractual upgrade of the NBS product specifications will take place from October of this year, without an increase in the monthly fee. Following the upgrade of the mobile broadband product, the minimum download speed will increase from 1.6Mbps to 2.3Mbps while the minimum upload speeds will increase from 1.2Mbps to 1.4Mbps, with a maximum contention ratio of 18:1. The combined data allowance will move from 25GB to 40GB.

Seirbhísí Sláinte

Sandra McLellan

Question:

116 D’fhiafraigh Sandra McLellan den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cén chúis nach bhfuil Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte ag déanamh tuarascálacha Teiripeoirí Saothair a thuilleadh do dhaoine atá ag lorg athchoiriú ar a dtithe de bharr sláinte; cad iad na roghanna atá ag daoine nach féidir leo íoc as Teiripeoir Saothair príobháideach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [14431/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

Déanaim tagairt do Cheist Uimhir 140 a bhí freagartha ar 29 Feabhra 2012 a leagann amach an scéal sa chas seo.

Foreshore Licences

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

117 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application for a foreshore license (details supplied); and when a decision will issue. [14474/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The application concerned was lodged by Donegal County Council with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in March 2009. In April 2009 that Department requested from the applicant certain additional information without which it would not be possible to progress the application. The additional information was only received by my Department last week.

My Department has also recently requested further information and clarifications from the Council about the application before it can proceed to public and prescribed bodies consultation and assessment by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee.

In the circumstances it is not possible to indicate at this stage when this application will be determined.

Local Authority Charges

Catherine Murphy

Question:

118 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, with reference to his decision to set the septic tank registration fee at €5 instead of the proposed €50 for an initial period to encourage affected householders to register early, how it is now proposed to fund the proposed inspectorate regime, in view of the fact that the total potential income accruing to the State from the levy is likely to be dramatically reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14374/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The reduced registration fee of €5 will apply for the first three months of the registration period which will commence in mid-April. A registration fee of €50 will apply thereafter. The risk-based approach to inspections will mean that the new system will be less expensive to operate but will be equally as effective in protecting public health and the environment. I am satisfied that the overall resources available will be adequate to fund the implementation of the registration and inspection systems.

Local Authority Funding

Timmy Dooley

Question:

119 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide 100% funding to local authorities in respect of housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability due to the decline in the level of local authority internal capital receipts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14375/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

The grant schemes are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed to each of the various grant measures, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within their allocation.

My Department is aware that these schemes are heavily subscribed at present. My Department is also aware of the financial constraints on local authority own resources funding at this time and in order to relieve the pressure on revenue funding has allowed local authorities to use Internal Capital Receipts to make up their contribution to the grants schemes.

Exchequer allocations totalling over €54 million were notified to local authorities under the grant schemes on 28 February 2012. Eliminating the local authority own resources contribution would reduce the overall level of funding available to households requiring grant assistance to undertake necessary adaptations or improvement works by about €13.5 million. I have no proposals to reduce or eliminate the local authority contribution at this time. I will, however, bear this in mind in any review of the grant schemes for 2013.

Environmental Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

120 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the classes of development and the circumstances which require environmental screening; the details of the legislative provisions covering environmental screening; the exemptions from environmental screening that may be permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14382/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

The Environmental Impact Assessment Directive is transposed into Irish planning law in Part X of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended.

Schedule 5 of the Regulations sets out the type of projects for which, and the thresholds above which, environmental impact assessment is mandatory and in respect of which an environmental impact assessment must be carried out as part of the planning application process. The Regulations also provide that where a planning application for sub-threshold development is not accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the likelihood of significant effects on the environment cannot be excluded by the planning authority (or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate), it must make a determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment (which determination is referred to as "screening") and where it determines that the development would be likely to have such significant effects it must require the applicant to submit an EIS and must carry out environmental impact assessment in respect of the project. Similar provisions apply in the case of development by a local authority.

In relation to the matter of an exemption, section 172(3) of the Planning Act makes provision for An Bord Pleanála to grant an exemption from the requirement to prepare an environmental impact statement, in the case of a particular development, where it is satisfied that exceptional circumstances warrant this (however an exemption may not be granted if another Member State of the European Communities or other state party to the Transboundary Convention has indicated that it intends to furnish views on the environmental effects of the proposed development).

The requirements of the Habitats Directive in relation to screening, insofar as consents under the planning code are concerned, are transposed into Irish law by section 177U of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as inserted by section 57 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010). Section 177U provides that every application for consent for a proposed development must be screened in order to assess whether, in view of best scientific knowledge, the development would be likely to have a significant effect on a European site. Unless, following the screening, it can be excluded that the proposed development would have a significant effect on a European site, an appropriate assessment must be carried out.

There is no exemption under the Habitats Directive from the requirement to carry out screening.

Local Authority Housing

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

121 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the type of heating system required to meet standards for local authority housing for new builds and when heating systems are being upgraded under planned maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14399/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997, as amended, sets out the minimum statutory requirements in relation to the thermal performance of buildings. The Building Regulations apply to new buildings and, in certain circumstances, to works involving an extension, material alteration or material change of use to existing buildings. The regulations do not distinguish between social or privately owned housing.

Under Part L of the Building Regulations, central heating and hot water systems should be as efficient in use as is reasonably practicable. In the case of central heating systems utilising oil or gas, the boiler seasonal efficiency should be not less than 90% while for systems utilising a biomass independent boiler, the boiler seasonal efficiency should not be less than 77%.

In addition, central heating and hot water systems should be effectively controlled so as to ensure the efficient use of energy by limiting the provision of heat energy use to that required to satisfy user requirements insofar as reasonably practicable. In this context, the aim should be to provide the following minimum level of control:—

automatic control of space heating on the basis of room temperature;

automatic control of heat input to stored hot water on the basis of stored water temperature;

separate and independent automatic time control of space heating and hot water;

shut down of boiler or other heat source when there is no demand for either space or water heating from that source.

Furthermore, all hot water storage vessels, pipes and ducts associated with the provision of central heating and hot water in a dwelling should be insulated to prevent heat loss.

My Department recognises the need continually to improve the standard and energy efficiency of local authority owned housing stock. Constraints on capital budgets for new stock are resulting in greater emphasis being placed on local authorities maintaining and improving their social housing stock and on the early return of vacant units to productive use. In this context, local authority improvement works programmes for 2012 should reflect the key national priorities of returning vacant properties to productive use, improving the energy efficiency of older stock and reducing both national energy usage and CO2 emissions.

Local Authority Funding

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

122 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amounts of funding approved to Kildare County Council for housing aid, housing adaptation and mobility grants in each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the amount of this money that was expended by the council in each year on its own local authority stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14414/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

My Department's involvement with the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. The grant schemes, introduced in November 2007, are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to determine how the funding is apportioned between the various grant measures and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within the allocation.

Exchequer funding provided under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability may not be used for the purposes of extending or adapting local authority owned houses.

Details of the funding provided to Kildare County Council in 2009, 2010, 2011 and the allocations for 2012 are set out in the following table:

Kildare County Council

Exchequer Funding 2009	Exchequer Funding 2010	Exchequer Funding 2011	Exchequer Allocation 2012
€2,018,693	€3,892,484	€2,852,228	€1,620,000

Waste Management

Anne Ferris

Question:

123 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his proposals for the remediation of a dump (details supplied); the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14447/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The site referred to in the question was cited in the European Court of Justice judgment in Case C 494/01 as an example of Ireland's failure to comply with the 1975 Waste Framework Directive. My Department, on behalf of the State, has been liaising with the European Commission to ensure that the requirements of the judgment are fully met. The Commission is concerned, as I am, to secure the urgent remediation of the site, a concern underlined by an additional letter of formal notice issued on 30 September 2010, which indicated that the Commission might refer the case back to the Court of Justice for financial penalties to be imposed against the Irish State for failure to comply with the judgment.

It is in these circumstances that my Department, in June 2011, requested Wicklow County Council to remediate the site, pursuant to its powers under section 56 of the Waste Management Act 1996. On foot of this, the Council, working with the EPA, has established a technical working group to oversee a programme of detailed investigation of the areas of illegal waste at the site. The purpose of this programme, which I understand is now complete, is to gain a greater understanding of the nature, character and distribution of the waste, and to assist in determining the requirements for the site's remediation. I understand that a procurement process for the remediation will be initiated by the Council later this year, with a view to work commencing in the Autumn.

The cost of remediation will be dependent on the technical approach taken to remediation and on the outcome of the tendering process. The costs involved will be funded by the State, with Wicklow County Council seeking cost recovery through the Courts. As the matter is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, I do not propose to comment further.

Gerry Adams

Question:

124 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for restructuring of the waste market and restrictions to side-by-side competition; if the regulatory impact assessment has been concluded; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14448/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which 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. A consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.

I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals in relation to household waste collection to Government by Easter this year. All policy proposals will be carefully considered by Government and will take account of the full range of issues and perspectives. My policy objective is to put in place a system of regulation of household waste collection that provides the optimal mix of economic, environmental and social outcomes.

Local Authority Charges

Brendan Griffin

Question:

125 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14457/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January, 2012 to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, that person is required to declare that liability by completing the household charge declaration form and to pay the household charge by 31 March, 2012.

Significant efforts are being made to ensure that property owners are aware of the household charge and the requirements to make a declaration of liability and to pay the charge by 31 March, 2012. There is a range of options available for persons to pay the household charge. An online system www.householdcharge.ie is in place in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to enable homeowners to pay the household charge by credit/debit card. In addition, homeowners can make payment by cheque, postal order, credit/debit card by completing the relevant payment details on the declaration form and posting it to Household Charge, PO Box 12168, Dublin 1.

A bureau is in place in the LGMA to administer the charge on a shared service/agency basis for all local authorities. In addition, all county/city councils have been requested to have arrangements in place for persons to attend their principal offices to pay the household charge up to 31 March, 2012. An Post is assisting in broadening the number of local outlets where the household charge declaration form is available. The declaration form will be available outside the counter in the network of 1,152 local post offices. Persons may complete the declaration and forward it to the central payment bureau at Household Charge, PO Box 12168, Dublin 1.

I am satisfied that there is a comprehensive suite of payment options available to persons to pay the charge.

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

126 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the role of executors of wills which include property with regard to payment of the household charge. [14459/12]

Gerald Nash

Question:

127 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address by legislation or any other means available to him the iniquitous situation whereby those who act as executors to wills and who are charged with selling a home on behalf of a deceased person’s estate are required to pay the household charge on that house; if he will provide an exemption in such cases and, furthermore, if he will provide an exemption in respect of the application of the non-principal private residence charge to the executor in cases in which he or she owns their own family home. [14468/12]

John Lyons

Question:

128 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the liability for payment of the household and non-principal private residence charge for those acting as executors of wills who are charged with selling a house on behalf of a deceased person; his views on whether, in such circumstances, this charge should be waived or deferred until the sale of the house is completed and then taken from the moneys received from the sale. [14473/12]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

129 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give consideration to introducing a waiver for the household charge and non-principal private residence levy, repayable upon house sale, to persons who have been appointed as executors and assumed responsibility for disposing of a deceased person’s house, considering that such executors assume liability, among other charges, for the household charge and the NPPR levy and are finding difficulty in selling the house in the current property market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14481/12]

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

135 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a change in legislation in relation to the household charge and the non-principal private residence charge in order that persons acting as executors of wills who are charged with selling a house on behalf of a deceased person are exempted from paying the household charge and NPPR charge until the house is sold; if it can then be allowed for them to make payment for the outstanding charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14568/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 to 129, inclusive and 135 together.

I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 378, 380, 381, 382, 386, 394, 405, 410, 417, 418 and 419 of 13 March 2012, which sets out the position in this matter.

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

130 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount An Post will be paid for facilitating the receipt of payments of the household charge on behalf of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14487/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

An Post is assisting in broadening the number of local outlets where the household charge declaration form is available. The declaration form will be available outside the counter in the network of 1,152 local post offices. Persons may complete the declaration and forward it to the central payment bureau at Household Charge, PO Box 12168, Dublin 1. An Post is not being paid for facilitating the making available of the declaration forms at the local post office network.

Local Authority Housing

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

131 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the proposed funding for redevelopment of the Dublin City Council maisonettes at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14496/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

Dublin City Council, with support from my Department, has been undertaking a significant remedial works and new build project on the site of the old Bunratty Road Maisonettes. The project includes elements of refurbishment, demolition and new build, as well as addressing the boundary on to Oscar Traynor Road. The first phase of the redevelopment of Bunratty Road Maisonettes was completed in 2011 and included major refurbishments to the original maisonettes with 16 high quality units provided from previously vacant stock. It also included the construction of 42 new units. My Department provided some €14 million to support this ambitious first phase.

My Department recently approved funding for Phase 2 of the project, the refurbishment of 36 units, at a projected cost of €3.6m. Dublin City Council is in the process of engaging a contractor to carry out these works, which are expected to be largely completed by year end. Further phases of the project may be considered within the context of the City Council's overall improvement works programme, housing need in the area and the availability of Exchequer funding. It remains a matter for Dublin City Council to prioritise projects within its annual improvement works programme.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

132 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on discussions with Dublin City Council on the future status of an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14497/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

There are no proposals with my Department at present regarding the flat complex at Cromcastle Court, Coolock. However, I understand that Dublin City Council is currently considering its options in relation to improvement works to vacant units at the site, as well broader remedial works considerations. The Council has already submitted its 2012 improvement works programme, without reference to this project. It is a matter for the Council to prioritise and progress individual projects within their annual programme.

Noise Pollution

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

133 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 7 March 2012 in which this Deputy stated that a mystery noise has been occurring in the area of Glencuttane Lower, in Beaufort, Killarney since April 2011, the current position, since the noise cannot be measured or complained about to the local authority as we are unsure what is causing it; whether there is a facility within his Department that can investigate this matter on behalf of the local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14509/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The investigation of noise complaints is a matter for the relevant local authorities. The reported noise source determines how a complaint is investigated and addressed.

My Department recently contacted Kerry County Council to enquire as to whether a complaint had been received concerning an alleged noise nuisance in the area of Glencuttane Lower. I understand that while a complaint concerning noise reportedly emanating from a water treatment plant was received and investigated by the Council's Water Services Section, that investigation found that the plant was functioning normally and was not causing a noise nuisance. The Council's Environment Services Department has indicated that it has not received any formal noise complaint and as such has not investigated the matter. In order to initiate a broader investigation into the matter, it is open to the persons concerned to contact the Environment Services Department in Kerry County Council, at [phone] or by emailing [e-mail].

A public information leaflet How to Make an Environmental Complaint has been prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist members of public by advising who they should contact regarding environmental complaints and what details should be provided to help resolve the problem. This leaflet can be viewed on the EPA website, www.epa.ie.

In addition, the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) of the EPA supervises the environmental protection activities of local authorities, including the enforcement of environmental legislation, through auditing their performance, providing advice and guidance, and, in appropriate cases, giving binding directions. In this regard, the OEE is an avenue of complaint for members of the public who are dissatisfied with a local authority response to an environmental complaint they have made. The OEE can be contacted at 1890 335599 or through the EPA's website, www.epa.ie.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

134 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14517/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

There are no premises or sites being leased or rented by my Department that are currently not in use. In general, premises and sites occupied by my Department are rented or leased by the OPW, rather than directly by my Department. The location, costs and landlord of the premises and sites currently rented directly by my Department are set out in the following table:

Location	Estimated Rental Cost For 2012	Landlord
Office space — Met Éireann, Dublin Airport	€87,954	Dublin Airport Authority
Office space — Met Éireann, Shannon Airport	€156,028	Dublin Airport Authority
Office space — Met Eireann, Cork Airport	Nil	Dublin Airport Authority
Land — Met Éireann, Valentia	€500	Private landowner

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

Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 126.

Local Authority Charges

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

136 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any dispensation from the household charge for persons who own two properties who have reduced the rent on their second home to accommodate their tenant, who is unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14588/12]

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on 1 January 2012 to declare that liability and pay the household charge by 31 March, 2012.

Residency Permits

Martin Ferris

Question:

137 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the residency application of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [14395/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

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

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

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for residence in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national was received from the person in question on 21 December 2011 arising from his marriage on 8 December 2011. INIS requested supporting documentation in relation to this application on 12 January 2012 and 15 February 2012 which included on both occasions a request to provide a valid national passport to establish the person's nationality and identity. The person concerned has advised INIS that he is unable to comply with this requirement. It is expected that a decision will be made shortly on this application based on the information provided.

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.

Commercial Rents

Terence Flanagan

Question:

138 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the business review Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14408/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 166 of 7 March 2012, the Government announced in December last that it had decided not to proceed with legislation to abolish upward only rent reviews in existing commercial leases, i.e., those entered into prior to 28 February 2010. There was a substantial concern that any legislative scheme involving interference in the contractual relationships of private parties would find it extremely difficult to survive a Constitutional challenge. In addition, at this difficult time in our economic circumstances, the Government was advised that any model proposed would require the payment of compensation to landlords whose rights were infringed in order to ensure that the proposal would be compatible with the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The Government was strongly of the view that payment of compensation to landlords in such circumstances could not be justified in the current economic climate.

While legislative intervention in this area is not deemed to be practicable, there is nothing to prevent landlords from engaging with their tenants in order to reach agreement on appropriate rent levels and the Government is strongly of the view that such engagement is highly desirable. I would also note that the Minister for Finance has outlined the role which NAMA can play in dealing with the problems caused by upward only rent reviews which apply to NAMA properties.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

139 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the licence granted to a pub (details supplied) which is near residential units and which residents claim is open until 2.30 a.m. and reopens at 7.30 a.m.; if regulations are in place to prevent pubs opening late and reopening early in the morning near residential units; the options available to residents to restrict the opening hours to avoid noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14430/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The position is that under section 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, as amended, the holder of an on-licence may apply to the District Court for special exemption orders which permit extended opening hours for special occasions. The Court shall not grant such an order in respect of any licensed premises unless it is satisfied that the special occasion concerned will be conducted in a manner that will not cause undue inconvenience or nuisance to persons residing in the locality or create an undue risk of public disorder there.

A licensee applying for a special exemption order must serve on the officer in charge of the Garda Síochána for the licensing area concerned a notice of intention to apply for the order at least forty-eight hours before making the application and the District Court may make the order if it thinks fit to do so having heard the officer concerned. A special exemption order expires at 2.30 a.m. (1.00 a.m. where it extends to a Monday that is not a public holiday) unless the Court, for stated reasons, grants the order for a shorter period. Section 4 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, as amended, provides that the District Court may grant general exemption orders which permit early opening of premises with on-licences where it is necessary or desirable to do so in order to accommodate any considerable number of people attending a public market or fair or following a lawful trade. Such an order requires the provision at reasonable prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages to customers.

Section 15 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962, as amended, provides that a general exemption order shall not be granted for a period beginning before 5.00 a.m. where the order is sought for accommodating persons attending a public market or fair, or for a period beginning before 7.00 a.m. where it is sought for accommodating those following a lawful trade (except fishing in tidal waters). Section 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides that no such order shall be granted in respect of any licensed premises unless an order was in force in respect of those premises on 30 May 2008. A licensee applying for a general exemption order must serve on the officer of the Garda Síochána for the licensing area concerned a notice of intention to apply for the order at least one week before making the application and the District Court may make the order if it thinks fit to do so having heard the officer concerned.

In light of the foregoing, complaints concerning licensed premises operating on foot of special exemption orders and general exemption orders should be brought to the attention of the officer in charge of the Garda Síochána for the licensing area concerned.

Garda Reserve

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

140 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria used in the selection process for the Garda Reserve; and the reasons a candidate might fail to be selected. [14451/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Recruitment of Garda Reserve members is governed by the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2006. Recruitment is a matter for the Public Appointments Service in the first instance and then the Garda Commissioner. I have no function in the process.

The booklet detailing the selection of personnel for the Garda Reserve and including the notes for applicants and conditions of service is available on the public jobs web site, www.publicjobs.ie.

Road Traffic Offences

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

141 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of speed detection vans currently operating here; if he will increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14488/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the outsourced safety camera network provides 6,000 hours of monitoring and 1,475 hours survey work per month across the country. The service provider is responsible for determining how many speed camera vans are required to meet its contractual obligations. I am also informed that, in addition to the outsourced speed detection, the Garda authorities currently operate eight mobile speed detection vans.

I am further advised that speed cameras are operated on sections of road which have a history of fatal and serious injury collisions occurring where speed was a contributing factor. In that regard, surveys continue to be conducted at these locations to ensure that the cameras are deployed where they are most needed.

Garda Transport

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

142 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda stations in the Dublin region that received an additional Garda vehicle or van in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14489/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational requirements.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

STATION	CAR	VAN
DMR — BALLYFERMOT	1
DMR — BLANCHARDSTOWN	3
DMR — BRIDEWELL	1
DMR — CLONTARF	1
DMR — CRUMLIN	1
DMR — DONNYBROOK	1
DMR — DÚN LAOGHAIRE	3
DMR — FITZGIBBON ST	1
DMR — HARCOURT TERRACE	2
DMR — KEVIN STREET	2
DMR — LUCAN	1	1
DMR — MALAHIDE	1
DMR — PEARSE ST	1
DMR — RAHENY	1
DMR — RATHMINES	1
DMR — SANTRY		1
DMR — STEPASIDE	2
DMR — STORE-STREET	1
DMR — TRAFFIC OFFICE	2

Crime Investigation

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

143 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank in each crime scene investigation unit; his plans to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14490/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Scenes of Crime Unit, broken down by rank, is as set out in the following table. The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in this process. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored and reviewed where necessary, 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.

Division	Sergeant	Garda	Total
DMR North Central	1	5	6
DMR South Central	1	8	9
DMR North	0	7	7
DMR South	1	7	8
DMR East	1	7	8
DMR West	1	8	9
Kildare	1	4	5
Meath	1	4	5
Westmeath	1	4	5
Wicklow	0	4	4
Laois/Offaly	1	4	5
Cork City	0	5	5
Cork North	0	3	3
Cork West	0	4	4
Limerick	1	4	5
Kerry	1	4	5
Tipperary	1	4	5
Wexford	0	3	3
Kilkenny/Carlow	0	3	3
Waterford	0	3	3
Clare	1	4	5
Galway	1	6	7
Mayo	1	3	4
Roscommon/Longford	2	4	6
Donegal	1	5	6
Sligo/Leitrim	1	4	5
Cavan/Monaghan	1	4	5
Louth	1	4	5
Total	21	129	150

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

144 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14522/12]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I can advise the Deputy that my Department is currently renting 15 properties. Of these properties 8 are located in Dublin, 2 in Limerick and 1 in Sligo, Cork, Donegal, Waterford and Cavan.

At present 13 of the 15 properties are being fully utilised and the annual total rent for these properties is €1,749,928.98.

There are currently two of the 15 properties that are not being fully utilised and the annual total rent for one of these properties is €31,905.28. In respect of the second property the lease is currently under query and no payment of rent has been made since November, 2011.

Ministerial Travel

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

145 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of times each Government Minister has requested usage of the ministerial air transport service for each of these years 2010 and 2011 and to date in 2012; the location of each trip; the cost of each of these trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14492/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Ministerial Air Transport Service is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose.

The CASA maritime patrol aircraft have been used infrequently for Ministerial Air Transport missions where no MATS aircraft has been available for operational or technical reasons.

Helicopters have been used on occasion for Ministerial air transport in situations where, for operational reasons, fixed wing aircraft may not have been available or suitable for a particular mission.

Details of usage of the Ministerial Air Transport Service for 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 are set out in the following tabular statement, and include details of the requesting Minister(s), dates of travel, mission route and Ministerial time on board. The details provided relate to requests from Government Ministers that have been approved by the Taoiseach.

The Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under each of two headings:

The direct cost which includes costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges.

The total cost which is the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft and includes depreciation and personnel costs.

Costs in 2011/12:

	Average Direct Cost Per Hour€	Average Total Cost Per Hour€
Gulfstream	3,270	3,790
Learjet	1,940	4,200
CASA	2,800	4,210
AW 139	1,410	3,410

Costs in 2010:

Aircraft	Average Direct Cost Per Hour€	Average Total Cost Per Hour€
Gulfstream	4,050	7,890
Learjet	1,270	2,950
AW 139	1,470	3,130
EC 135	430	1,590

These are average costs which take a number of variables into account. It is not possible to assign an exact cost to any particular mission or Minister.

Gulfstream IV 2010

Date	Return Date	Min. Time On Board	Route	Minister
18/01/2010	18/01/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Fisheries and Food / MOS Agriculture, Fisheries and Food / MOS Foreign Affairs
14/01/2010	14/01/2010	120	Baldonnel — Northolt — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Foreign Affairs
20/01/2010	22/01/2010	270	Baldonnel — Madrid — Baldonnel	Justice, Equality and Law Reform /Social and Family Affairs
25/01/2010	26/01/2010	105	Baldonnel — Northolt — Belfast City — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Foreign Affairs
27/01/2010	27/01/2010	40	Baldonnel — Belfast City — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
11/02/2010	11/02/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
05/02/2010	05/02/2010	75	Baldonnel — Belfast City — Cork — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach/ Foreign Affairs
23/02/2010	26/02/2010	700	Baldonnel — Cairo — El Arish — Cairo — El Arish — Cork — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
22/02/2010	22/02/2010	220	Baldonnel — Cork — Brussels — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs/Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
05/03/2010	06/03/2010	270	Baldonnel — Cork — Madrid — Seville — Cork — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
12/03/2010	18/03/2010	1420	Baldonnel — Chicago — Moffett Field (California) — Washington — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Foreign Affairs
07/05/2010	07/05/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
09/05/2010	09/05/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
17/05/2010	18/05/2010	270	Baldonnel — Madrid — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
21/05/2010	21/05/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
28/05/2010	28/05/2010	100	Baldonnel — Paris — Cork — Baldonnel	Enterprise, Trade and Innovation
14/06/2010	14/06/2010	240	Baldonnel — Cork — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs/ MOS Foreign Affairs
17/06/2010	17/06/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach
23/06/2010	23/06/2010	120	Baldonnel — Northolt — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
21/06/2010	21/06/2010	120	Baldonnel — Northolt — Baldonnel	Justice and Law Reform
27/06/2010	03/07/2010	1190	Baldonnel — Cork — Valletta — Kampala — Addis Ababa — Valletta — Cork — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
06/07/2010	06/07/2010	90	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Health and Children
11/07/2010	15/07/2010	980	Baldonnel — Teteboro — White Plains — Teteboro — Atlanta — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
16/07/2010	16/07/2010	90	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Justice and Law Reform
19/07/2010	20/07/2010	170	Baldonnel — Derry — Gatwick — Baldonnel	Transport
27/07/2010	28/07/2010	435	Baldonnel — Warsaw — Budapest — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
16/09/2010	16/09/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Foreign Affairs / MOS Foreign Affairs
27/09/2010	27/09/2010	190	Baldonnel — Knock — Brussels — Baldonnel	MOS Finance
04/10/2010	05/10/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
07/10/2010	12/10/2010	865	Baldonnel — Washington — Teteboro — White Plains — Teteboro — Baldonnel	Finance
28/10/2010	29/10/2010	230	Baldonnel — Brussels — Shannon — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach
25/10/2010	25/10/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
16/11/2010	17/11/2010	265	Baldonnel — Ronneby — Stockholm — Baldonnel	Defence
22/11/2010	22/11/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs / MOS Foreign Affairs

Learjet 2010

Date	Return Date	Min. Time On Board	Route	Minister
25/01/2010	25/01/2010	235	Baldonnel — Brussels — Shannon — Baldonnel	MOS Foreign Affairs
06/02/2010	08/02/2010	220	Baldonnel — Bilbao — Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
01/02/2010	01/02/2010	40	Baldonnel — Cork — Belfast City — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
12/02/2010	13/02/2010	220	Baldonnel — Coruna — Baldonnel	Transport
03/02/2010	04/02/2010	130	Baldonnel — Belfast City — Heathrow — Belfast Aldergrove — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
18/02/2010	19/02/2010	240	Baldonnel — Bern — Baldonnel	MOS Foreign Affairs
14/02/2010	16/02/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
21/02/2010	21/02/2010	90	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
28/02/2010	01/03/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
02/03/2010	03/03/2010	265	Baldonnel — Geneva — Northolt — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
13/03/2010	13/03/2010	130	Baldonnel — Derry — Munich — Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
15/03/2010	16/03/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
16/03/2010	16/03/2010	105	Baldonnel — Dusseldorf — Derry — Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
25/03/2010	26/03/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taosieach
22/03/2010	22/03/2010	220	Baldonnel — Cork — Brussels — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs / MOS Foreign Affairs
29/03/2010	29/03/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
23/03/2010	23/03/2010	60	Baldonnel — Heathrow — Baldonnel	MOS Enterprise, Trade and Employment
25/04/2010	26/04/2010	200	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Defence / MOS Foreign Affairs
28/04/2010	29/04/2010	335	Baldonnel — Berlin — Munich — Cork — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
10/05/2010	11/05/2010	265	Baldonnel — Brussels — Strasbourg — Baldonnel	MOS Foreign Affairs
27/05/2010	27/05/2010	240	Baldonnel — Leipzig — Baldonnel	Transport
17/05/2010	17/05/2010	190	Baldonnel — Knock —Brussels — Baldonnel	MOS Finance
24/05/2010	24/05/2010	90	Baldonnel — Cork — Brussels — Baldonnel	Enterprise, Trade and Innovation
30/05/2010	01/06/2010	300	Baldonnel — Badajoz (Spain) — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
04/06/2010	04/06/2010	200	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Justice and Law Reform
07/06/2010	07/06/2010	200	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Finance
24/06/2010	24/06/2010	200	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Transport
25/06/2010	25/06/2010	120	Baldonnel — Guernsey — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
22/06/2010	22/06/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Transport
21/06/2010	21/06/2010	180	Baldonnel — Cork — Brussels — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
06/09/2010	07/09/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance / Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
07/09/2010	08/09/2010	300	Baldonnel — Vienna — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
10/09/2010	11/09/2010	180	Baldonnel — Cork — Brussels — Cork — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
23/09/2010	24/09/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Defence
26/09/2010	28/09/2010	480	Baldonnel — Pristina — Sarajevo — Baldonnel	Defence
22/09/2010	22/09/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
29/09/2010	01/10/2010	190	Baldonnel — Brussels — Knock — Baldonnel	MOS Finance
06/10/2010	08/10/2010	490	Baldonnel — Sofia — Bucharest — Cork — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
11/10/2010	12/10/2010	200	Baldonnel — Cork — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Enterprise, Trade and Innovation
08/11/2010	08/11/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Justice and Law Reform
16/11/2010	17/11/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
28/11/2010	28/11/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
13/12/2010	13/12/2010	70	Baldonnel — Douglas(Isle of Man) — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy and Natural resources
14/12/2010	14/12/2010	120	Baldonnel — Heathrow — Baldonnel	Foreign Affairs
16/12/2010	17/12/2010	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach

Heli's 2010

Date	Aircraft	Min. Time On Board	Route	Requesting Minister
16/04/2010	AW139	60	Phoenix Park — Cork Airport — Curragh	Taoiseach/ Foreign Affairs
01/09/2010	EC 135	50	Phoenix Park — Galway Airport	Enterprise, Trade and Innovation

Gulfstream IV 2011

Date	Return Date	Min. Time On Board	Route	Minister
04/02/2011	04/02/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Foreign Affairs
10/03/2011	12/03/2011	185	Baldonnel — Brussels — Knock — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
15/03/2011	18/03/2011	825	Baldonnel — Washington — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Tánaiste Foreign Affairs
24/03/2011	25/03/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
12/04/2011	12/04/2011	200	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Tánaiste Foreign Affairs / Justice and Equality / MOS Foreign Affairs
17/04/2011	18/04/2011	120	Baldonnel — Northolt — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
04/05/2011	06/05/2011	810	Baldonnel — Teteboro — White Plains — Teteboro — Knock — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
09/06/2011	10/06/2011	200	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Justice and Equality
19/06/2011	19/06/2011	100	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Tánaiste Foreign Affairs
21/06/2011	22/06/2011	300	Baldonnel — Vienna — Baldonnel	Tánaiste Foreign Affairs
20/06/2011	20/06/2011	120	Baldonnel — Northolt — Stansted — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
23/06/2011	24/06/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach
21/07/2011	21/07/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach
25/09/2011	26/09/2011	420	Baldonnel — Algiers — Oran — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Marine and Food
29/09/2011	30/09/2011	330	Baldonnel — Warsaw — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
12/10/2011	13/10/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
22/10/2011	23/10/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Dublin	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach
06/11/2011	07/11/2011	455	Baldonnel — Moscow — Baldonnel	Tánaiste Foreign Affairs
16/11/2011	16/11/2011	275	Baldonnel — Berlin — Frankfurt — Baldonnel	An Taosieach
30/11/2011	30/11/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Defence
07/12/2011	07/12/2011	345	Baldonnel — Vilnius — Baldonnel	Tánaiste Foreign Affairs
09/12/2011	09/12/2011	90	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach

Learjet 2011

Date	Return Date	Min. Time On Board	Route	Minister
17/01/2011	17/01/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
14/02/2011	15/02/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
01/03/2011	01/03/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
13/03/2011	14/03/2011	230	Baldonnel — Shannon — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance / Environment, Heritage and Local Government
21/03/2011	21/03/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance / MOS Foreign Affairs
07/04/2011	09/04/2011	330	Baldonnel — Budapest — Baldonnel	Finance
16/05/2011	17/05/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance / MOS Taosieach
20/05/2011	20/05/2011	80	Baldonnel — Cork — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
07/06/2011	07/06/2011	100	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Agriculture, Marine and Food
11/07/2011	12/07/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
15/09/2011	17/09/2011	290	Baldonnel — Wroclaw — Baldonnel	Finance
22/09/2011	23/09/2011	360	Baldonnel — Brussels — Wroclaw — Brussels — Baldonnel	Defence / Justice and Equality
03/10/2011	04/10/2011	200	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Finance
21/10/2011	22/10/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
26/10/2011	26/10/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach
07/11/2011	08/11/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
24/11/2011	25/11/2011	280	Baldonnel — Poznan — Baldonnel	Public Expenditure and Reform
29/11/2011	30/11/2011	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance

Heli's 2011

Date	Aircraft	Min. Time On Board	Route	Requesting Minister
10/02/2011	AW139	125	Baldonnel — Tullamore — Cork Airport — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach

CASA 2011

Date	Return Date	Min. Time On Board	Route	Minister
27/10/2011	27/10/2011	330	Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel	Justice and Equality

Gulfstream IV 2012

Date	Return Date	Min. Time On Board	Route	Minister
12/01/2012	12/01/2012	120	Baldonnel — Northolt — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
25/01/2012	27/01/2012	240	Baldonnel — Zurich — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
30/01/2012	30/01/2012	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach
08/02/2012	09/02/2012	790	Baldonnel — Teteboro — Whiteplains — Teteboro — Dublin	An Taoiseach / Enterprise/Trade and Innovation
15/02/2012	17/02/2012	835	Baldonnel — Teteboro — White Plains — Teteboro — Boston — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
23/02/2012	24/02/2012	385	Baldonnel — Berlin — Rome — Baldonnel	An Taoiseach
29/02/2012	02/03/2012	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	An Taosieach / Finance

Learjet 2012

Date	Return Date	Min. Time On Board	Route	Minister
11/01/2012	12/01/2012	300	Baldonnel — Vienna — Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)
18/01/2012	18/01/2012	250	Baldonnel — Berlin — Baldonnel	Finance
23/01/2012	24/01/2012	250	Baldonnel — Brussels — Frankfurt — Baldonnel	Finance
26/01/2012	29/01/2012	725	Baldonnel — Naples — Tel Aviiv — Naples — Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)
09/02/2012	09/02/2012	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	Finance
20/02/2012	21/02/2012	180	Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel	MOS Finance
24/02/2012	24/02/2012	385	Baldonnel — Tunis — Baldonnel	Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs)

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

146 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Defence the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14515/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The properties currently being rented or leased by the Department are set out hereunder. All these properties are used on an ongoing basis by the Defence Forces. Information regarding the specific rents paid in respect of each premises is commercially sensitive and it would be inappropriate for me to provide this information.

Full Time RDF buildings	Part Time RDF buildings
County	Number of Buildings	County	Number of Buildings
Clare	1	Carlow	1
Cork	1	Cork	12
Donegal	1	Galway	2
Galway	1	Limerick	5
Leitrim	1	Mayo	2
Mayo	1	Meath	1
Monaghan	2	Tipperary	2
Offaly	1	Waterford	1
Sligo	1	Wexford	3
		Wicklow	1

Army Barracks

Willie Penrose

Question:

147 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm whether alternative accommodation for the 54th FAR, Reserve Defence Force, at Columb barracks, County Westmeath, has been sourced and secured, as the regiment is leaving the barracks on 16 March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14530/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Following the Government's decision to further consolidate Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations, Columb Barracks will close on 30 March 2012.

The Reserve Defence Force in Mullingar will be provided with alternative rented accommodation prior to the closure of the barracks. This is a normal arrangement for Reserve Units in other locations around the country and consistent with how the previous Government dealt with the matter.

In this regard the Department recently placed advertisements in local newspapers seeking expressions of interest for the provision of suitable accommodation in the Mullingar area to facilitate the local Reserve Unit. These expressions of interest are being examined at the present time and a final decision on accommodation will be made shortly.

Overseas Missions

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Exchequer has been fully reimbursed arising from overseas deployment of Irish military personnel on peacekeeping or other duties on behalf of EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14534/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The UN reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only mission for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs, is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The total amount currently owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Forces personnel in UN missions is calculated at €11.2 million approximately. This amount, includes €4.5 million in respect of the current UNIFIL mission and €6.7 million in respect of repatriation costs of both personnel and equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad. The amount owing in relation to the MINURCAT mission is the subject of ongoing negotiations with the UN.

The recovery from the UN of the monies owed is pursued with the UN on an ongoing basis by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in conjunction with the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN in New York.

Ireland is not entitled to any reimbursement in respect of Defence Forces participation in EU-led missions as all troop contributors to such missions are responsible for their own costs.

Defence Forces Reserve

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army Reserve receives ongoing training and upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14535/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Training in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is voluntary and comprises of both unpaid and paid training. The provision for paid training for Reservists for 2012 is €2.5m. Based on the average rate per man-day for 2011, the 2012 provision will enable approximately 30,000 paid training man-days to be made available in the current year. This will provide for training of existing Reservists and facilitate 14 days paid recruit training for approximately 400 recruits to the Reserve Defence Force during 2012. The number of training days in 2011 showed that some 2,788 Reservists utilised 30,176 paid training man-days. Based upon this trend, the 2012 provision should ensure that members of the Reserve wishing to avail of paid training are afforded the opportunity to undertake at least 7 days paid training.

The RDF Training is underpinned by modern content and delivery methods, including distance and modular learning and is based upon the RDF course syllabi. The Reserve Defence Force Training Authority (RDFTA) co-ordinates the conduct of courses as outlined in the Annual Training Directive. Unit level training also includes locally based field days and weekend camps.

A Value for Money Review (VFM) of the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing and the recommendations arising from this review will inform future plans for the Reserve, including training.

Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 28.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of positions to be filled at all ranks in the Army, Navy and Air Corps as at the present date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The table outlines the number of vacancies in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. The number of vacancies, by rank, is based on the Employment Control Framework of 10,000 all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force versus the strength of 8,918 as at 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are available. As the Deputy will be aware a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces will be initiated resulting from the Government decision to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500. This re-organisation, which will prioritise "front line" service delivery, will have an impact on the number of vacancies in each rank. I have asked the Chief of Staff and Secretary General to bring forward detailed re-organisation proposals for my consideration. The effect of the changes cannot be determined until the proposals are considered and decisions made. Pending the re-organisation, a portion of the vacancies will be filled.

In the period since 29 February, and following on from recent promotion competitions, the vacancy which existed at the rank of Major General was filled by the Government on 6 March. A further 4 vacancies at the rank of Brigadier General have also been filled. Arrangements are currently being made to hold Officer and NCO promotion competitions which have already been announced.

	LT GEN	MAJ GEN	BRIG GEN	COL	LT COL	COMDT	CAPT	LT	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	PTES CADETS	TOTAL
ARMY	0	2	4	15	24	59	23	+88	10	12	51	93	254	138	216	813
AIR CORPS	0	+1	0	0	1	9	7	13	2	1	26	6	22	22	19	127
NAVAL SERVICE	0	0	0	0	1	11	21	+6	2	3	31	6	55	8	10	142
TOTAL	0	1	4	15	26	79	51	+81	14	16	108	105	331	168	245	1,082

Defence Forces Personnel

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the female membership of the Defence Forces, in the Army, Naval Services and Air Corps, has increased or decreased in each of the past five years to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The table sets out the number of female personnel serving in the Army, Navy and Air Corps at 31 December for each of the years 2007 to 2011.

Female representation in the Defence Forces 2007-2011

Year End	Army	Air Corps	Naval Service	Total	% of PDF
2007	456	33	71	560	5.7%
2008	468	32	70	570	5.8%
2009	462	33	72	567	5.7%
2010	467	32	70	569	6%
2011	467	30	68	565	6%

In terms of the current position, the number of female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) on 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 557, of which 459 were serving in the Army, 30 in the Air Corps and 68 in the Naval Service. This represents 6.25% of the overall strength of the Defence Forces.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit. In 2007, the Department received the report of a TNS/MRBI study it had commissioned, titled "Retention and Recruitment of Women in the Defence Forces". This research was commissioned with a view to identifying areas where action could be taken to maximise the number of women applicants to the Defence Forces, hence increasing the number joining. The question of retention was also studied.

The results of the research were, on balance, positive. Three-quarters of serving females agreed that the Defence Forces are a good place to work. In addition there was a very high level of satisfaction (70%-80%) expressed as regards the issues of job security, pay and benefits and the variety of work on offer.

The recommendations of the report have been implemented and the challenges identified therein continue to be addressed.

The Defence Forces, on the direction of the Chief of Staff, has established a Working Group to examine levels of female participation in the organisation. The Working Group will, inter alia, inquire into why women apply or do not apply for positions within the Defence Forces and what can be done to increase awareness among the female population of a career in the Defence Forces. The data gathered from the review will be used to formulate new policies in this area, specifically aimed at increasing female participation in the Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

Defence Forces Equipment

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Army, Naval Services and or Air Corps vehicles, vessels or aircraft are upgraded on an annual basis; the extent of any such upgrading in the past three years to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14539/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

In the current economic situation, the acquisition of equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service takes place on a strictly prioritised basis to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out their roles at home and overseas. In recent years, a number of vehicle purchases took place which included Minibuses, standard patrol vehicles and mid-coaches for troop transportation. The main acquisitions for 2012 will be patrol vehicles for day- to- day operational use in the Defence Forces and a number of ambulances. In addition, funding is provided on a continuous basis for the required maintenance of vehicles in the military transport fleet.

With regard to the Naval Service, a contract for the provision of two new ships was placed with Babcock Marine, UK in October, 2010. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2014, the second a year later.

The equipment and aircraft available to the Air Corps are of a high standard and are maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2012 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hour contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational with specific maintenance work being carried out on the CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft over the next two years. As was the case in 2010 and 2011, there are no plans to acquire any new aircraft for the Air Corps this year.

Defence Forces Training

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that adequate training facilities and services are available to the Army, Naval Services and Air Corps even in the present economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14540/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Defence Forces maintains a wide portfolio of training facilities. The portfolio includes class rooms and lecture halls throughout the Defence Forces' Barracks and Schools, tactical training lands, and firing ranges. Sufficient resources are made available on an annual basis to ensure that these facilities are both maintained in proper working order and developed to meet future requirements. The infrastructure of class rooms and lecture halls is equipped to a standard laid down by the military authorities and is adequate to meet the Defence Forces' immediate and foreseeable requirements.

The tactical field training requirements of the Defence Forces are met through a network of field training areas in the Glen of Imaal, Kilworth, Bere Island, Kilbride and other smaller dedicated training areas. The accommodation facilities in these training areas are maintained and upgraded in accordance with prioritised plans to ensure that they continue to meet Defence Forces needs.

The Defence Forces also operate a network of firing ranges to exercise individual and collective weapon skills. These ranges are maintained and developed on an ongoing basis in accordance with international military standards and are adequate to meet the Defence Forces needs. It should be noted that Defence Forces firing ranges are also used by An Garda Síochána to practice weapons handling skills.

Army Barracks

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to upgrade accommodation in the various military barracks throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14542/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Department is engaged in an ongoing building and maintenance programme. One of the key objectives of the building programme is the modernisation and enhancement of 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. The ongoing maintenance programme ensures that necessary repairs are carried out at all military installations. My Department maintains a master list of projects for development and the list is reviewed periodically based on current needs and priority projects are identified.

The 2012 provision for capital works at military installations is €6.74 million, including a capital carryover from 2011 of €500k. This compares with a capital provision of €10.14 million for 2011. A further €7.46 million has been provided for maintenance (non-capital) works at military installations compared to €8.36 million for 2011.

Despite the reduction in the allocation for 2012, the building and maintenance programme will endeavour to ensure that members of the Defence Forces are provided with the best possible facilities to meet their needs.

Emergency Planning

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the chain of command; if the power to activate major emergency services has been sufficiently updated, with particular reference to the actual determination of an emergency and consequent call-out of the rescue services; the extent to which past experience is called upon in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14543/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Emergency planning in this country is based on the ‘lead Department' principle. This means that each Department is responsible for assessing the risks, making appropriate plans and leading the response to those emergencies that impact on its areas of responsibility. I am satisfied that the lead Departments have the necessary powers to activate a national-level emergency. In April 2011, the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning approved guidelines for coordinating a national-level emergency/crisis response. The guidelines provide that when a coordinated national-level emergency response is required, the lead Department will request the Office of Emergency Planning to convene a meeting of a National Coordination Group.

The guidelines also include indicative ‘triggers' for calling such a meeting. When a National Coordination Group meeting is convened, the National Emergency Coordination Centre is activated and staff from the Office of Emergency Planning (civil and military) manage the Centre on an ongoing basis during the period of the emergency. Also, under the Framework for Major Emergency Management there are clear procedures set out for declaring a major emergency and these have been activated twice in the recent past. A major emergency was declared following the air accident at Cork Airport that occurred in February 2011 and again during the severe flooding that hit Dublin and its environs in October 2011.

Learning lessons from past experience is an important part of emergency planning and management. In 2011, the Office of Emergency Planning requested Dr. Caroline McMullen, Lecturer in Emergency, Crisis and Business Continuity Management at Dublin City University (DCU) Business School to identify how reporting on emergency responses could be strengthened in order to harness opportunities for learning. DCU recommended that a standard template be introduced for reviewing an emergency response based around key areas, including issues on:

how the additional demands placed on the Department/ Agency during an emergency impacted on its day-to-day activities,

how it fulfilled its emergency management functions,

how it mobilised personnel and resources, and

how it undertook task delegation and communication with the public.

The template was adopted by the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning in April 2011.

Proposed Legislation

Pearse Doherty

Question:

157 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has responded to the concerns raised by a fishermen’s association (details supplied) with regard to the by-laws in place to regulate activity in Inver Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14391/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

In my response to Question No. 219 from Deputy Calleary on 2 February, 2012, I stated that, in my view, the loss of or damage to gear caused by trawlers operating in Inver Bay in breach of Fisheries Bye-Law No. 7 of 16 February 1857 is most effectively dealt with as a civil matter between the parties involved, as the Bye-Law is effectively unenforceable given the very low level of penalty involved. The Bye-Law is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I also stated that the issue arising in Inver Bay is effectively a matter of access to inshore waters by larger fishing vessels, using particular types of fishing gear and if any changes to the current arrangements were to be considered, this would have to be examined on a national basis.

Departmental Staff

Pearse Doherty

Question:

158 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will comment on the concerns submitted to him in relation to the transfer of staff in County Donegal (details supplied); if he is concerned about the matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14398/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My Department is set to complete a significant reorganisation of local offices during 2012. The original reorganisation savings targets have substantially been met, involving the redeployment of some 400 staff from the Department's local offices without replacement. This has reduced operational costs by some €30 million annually.

A strategic analysis of staffing levels in the local offices was undertaken in 2009 and this analysis formed the basis of the staffing requirement for the new structure of 16 enhanced regional offices. The majority of these enhanced offices have already reached their reduced 2009 staffing levels and are delivering an enhanced service to our customers. We are in the final phase of this adjustment in the remaining offices, including the Donegal regional office in Raphoe. I am satisfied that the Raphoe office will be fully capable of meeting the business requirements of the enhanced office.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Croke Park Agreement facilitates these arrangements and in particular provides the opportunity to redeploy staff to another Department, which, in this instance has a demand to fill vacancies in Letterkenny, Buncrana and Donegal.

Animal Welfare

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

159 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at the recent JP McManus Irish Cup coursing at Limerick racecourse, eight hares were mauled over the three days, proving that muzzled greyhounds can cause injury and death to hares; if he will therefore consider a ban on coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14409/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under section 34 of the Wildlife Act 1976, has responsibility for the issue of an annual licence to the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) and its affiliated clubs to capture live hares.

I have been informed by the ICC that a veterinary surgeon and an ICC Control Steward were present and that a total of 87 hares commenced the meeting, none were injured, 86 were subsequently released back to the wild and one died prior to the final day's coursing.

The ICC has also informed me that 98.32% of hares netted for coursing in the past season were released back to the wild and that injury to hares by muzzled greyhounds is a very rare occurrence. The ICC has a robust system of regulation in place to underpin the maintenance of standards in the sport.

A Monitoring Committee on Coursing was established in 1993/94 comprising Departmental officials and representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the ICC to monitor developments in coursing and in that regard the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well-controlled and responsible manner in the interest of animal welfare for hares and greyhounds alike. Consequently the Government does not plan to ban hare coursing.

Forestry Sector

Michael Moynihan

Question:

160 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale behind the restrictions on certain areas for forestry without a concrete scientific basis, including lands which are restricted on the basis of hen harrier or unenclosed issues; if the demand forecast for roundwood is 2 million m3 greater than supply by 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14420/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The afforestation schemes provide attractive grants and premiums to incentivise the planting of agricultural land by farmers and other landowners, to support the continued development of a viable and sustainable national forest resource.

All applications submitted to my Department for approval to undertake afforestation are examined regarding the suitability of the site from a silvicultural, productivity and environmental perspective. This includes an evaluation of site productivity issues such as soil type, fertility, exposure and access, and an assessment of any potential environmental impact of the project on water quality, nature conservation, archaeology and landscape.

Certain sites are less suited for forestry. Poorer quality site types are predominantly peat and are often characterised by poor fertility, high elevation and constrained by poor access, wind stability issues, high fire risk, etc. These poor site types are also very sensitive from an environmental perspective and have limited timber productivity. In the current economic climate, my Department is not prioritising the use of limited Exchequer funds to support the establishment of new forests on such sites, on silvicultural, site productivity and environmental grounds.

My Department has a legal responsibility to ensure that every hectare approved for afforestation complies with requirements set out under various environmental European Directives such as the Birds and Habitats Directives, the EIA Directive and the Water Framework Directive, and with corresponding national legislation. This will ensure that the ongoing expansion of the national forest resource is compatible with the protection of Ireland's environment. My Department is in regular communications with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and with other bodies, to ensure an ongoing streamlining of procedures to ensure the afforestation programme is compliant with the legislation outlined above. Changes to the restrictions in place to enable more farmers to plant are continually being looked at by my Department within this context.

A Working Group will be established shortly by my Department to examine the future management of existing forests on peatlands. The group will also be examining the afforestation options with regard to unenclosed land. The priority must be to ensure that limited financial resources are targeted towards lands that provide the best value for money with a view to expanding the forest estate so that it can be sustainably and economically managed into the future. Planting on unenclosed land has represented a very small proportion of total planting in recent years (i.e. 7% and 5% in 2009 and 2010 respectively).

In relation to projected roundwood supply and demand, the All Ireland Roundwood Forecast, published by my Department in 2011, estimates that annual net realisable roundwood volume production will increase to 4.94 million cubic metres by 2020. The All Ireland Roundwood Demand Forecast, also published by my Department in 2011, estimates that annual demand for roundwood will increase to c. 6.04 million cubic metres by 2020, including an estimated demand of 3.08 million cubic metres of wood biomass for energy purposes.

Poultry Industry

Michael Moynihan

Question:

161 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he has yet to introduce a statutory levy agreed by the poultry industry a year ago to Bord Bia for promotion of chicken. [14421/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Bord Bia already operates a Poultry Quality Assurance Scheme which makes a critically important contribution to the marketing and promotion of the product.

I have recently received representations from the poultry industry seeking, inter alia, the introduction of a statutory levy with matching funding from the Exchequer to assist in the continued promotion of chicken. My Department is at present considering relevant legal state aids and other issues, including the scope for poultry promotion, for example through the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme, to which I have already referred.

On the question of additional exchequer funding however such consideration must ultimately have regard to the exigencies of the public finances, and against that background, I will not be in a position to make a further financial contribution to the activities of Bord Bia at this time.

Michael Moynihan

Question:

162 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a grant will be introduced for the broiler grower producer who is required to invest in new welfare standards due to an EU directive and who has not been grant-aided for this purpose. [14422/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The Poultry Welfare Scheme which was one of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes under the Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013, provided aid for investment required to meet welfare standards in relation to laying hens. The scheme is now closed. I have no plans at present to introduce grant-aid for broiler growers.

Farm Waste Management

Brendan Griffin

Question:

163 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding slurry exportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14427/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The Nitrates Regulations, which are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, require farmers to keep within the limit of 170 kg of organic nitrogen from livestock per hectare per year, or up to 250 kg per hectare if approved for a nitrates derogation by my Department.

The continuation of this nitrates derogation is of critical importance to Ireland achieving its targets under the Food Harvest 2020 strategy. The derogation will again come up for renewal in conjunction with a review of our National Action Programme in 2013.

In order to remain within the limits set down above, a farmer has the option of exporting organic manures to another farmer and a record of such movements must be submitted to my Department before the end of December in any given year.

The additional requirement to submit these forms by the end of December each year was introduced in 2011. My Department provided interim Nitrogen and Phosphorus statements in August 2011 to farmers who were considered to be at risk of exceeding the regulatory limits, and the requirement to submit records before the end of 2011 was clearly stated in this correspondence. In addition my Department placed advertisements in the farming press highlighting this requirement.

It should also be noted that to facilitate as many farmers as possible to submit exports forms for 2011, an extension was granted until the end of January 2012.

Planning Issues

Dan Neville

Question:

164 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter in respect of persons (details supplied). [14429/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the requirement that planning permission or a declaration of exemption must be submitted with all applications under the Dairy Equipment Scheme for external bulk milk tanks. Under this condition, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that any building in which a milking machine or milk cooling equipment is installed in compliant with the planning permission legislation. The issue of such planning permission is a matter for the relevant local authority and does not come within the remit of my Department.

Animal Identification

Billy Kelleher

Question:

165 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a documentary (details supplied) regarding cruelty to horses; if he will address the following: the lack of traceability for equines, the absence of a record of transfer of ownership, and the lack of enforcement of existing legislation regarding microchipping and passports for horses by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14440/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I am aware of the documentary referred to by the Deputy. All equines must be identified in accordance with EU and national legislation whereby equines require a passport, a microchip which creates a link between the passport and the animal for all equines issued with a passport after 1 July 2009 for the first time and a unique equine life number which is recorded in the database of the approved passport issuing organisation and on the passport.

All equines must have a passport issued within the calendar year of birth (by 31 December in the year of birth) or within six months of birth, whichever is later. Possession of an unidentified equine is an offence under the legislation. Only equines identified properly, with a valid passport, may be moved and traded legally. A passport must accompany the equine whenever it is moved to events such as shows, sales and to slaughter plants. There is an exception in the case of a "foal at foot" when it is accompanied by the mare.

Equines that have been identified and registered with a Passport Issuing Organisation within the year of birth (or within 6 months of birth) are issued with a passport that may enable the animal to be considered for slaughter for human consumption. Equines intended for slaughter for human consumption must be accompanied to the slaughterhouse by its passport compliant with current veterinary requirements — this requirement is an essential part of the food-chain information required by food law.

Transfer of ownership is not a requirement of EU legislation but is an internal rule of some passport-issuing organisations. There is no central database in Ireland but equines issued with passports are recorded in the database of an approved passport issuing organisation.

Significant efforts have been made to advise horse owners on the legal requirement that all equines must have passports. The enforcement activities used by my Department have contributed to a major improvement in awareness and compliance amongst horse owners in relation to the requirements of the identification legislation. The Department prioritises enforcement activities in relation to equine identification with a focus on slaughter plants, sales venues, ports and airports.

Furthermore my Department provides funding to Local Authorities to enforce the Control of Horses legislation, whereby stray or wandering horses can be seized by the Local Authorities. Feedback from Local Authorities indicates that the population of stray and neglected equines has reduced considerably especially in respect of horses in urban areas.

Finally I would also like to draw the attention of the Deputy to disease control legislation introduced recently which requires locations of premises where equines are kept to be registered with my Department from 1 May 2012.

Grant Payments

Dara Calleary

Question:

166 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in processing an agri-environment options scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when he expects the application to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14500/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 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 completed and the digitisation of two plots which was required in this case to enable the application to be processed has also been finalised. Payment in respect of the 2010 scheme year will issue shortly.

Payments in respect of the 2011 scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process, once the 2010 payment has issued the checking process in relation to 2011 will get under way.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

167 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by the Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14511/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My Department is currently in the process of completing a nationwide comprehensive reorganisation of its Local Office Network. This process, when complete will involve the closure of 42 offices. We are currently well advanced in this programme.

As offices close, they are handed back to OPW for other use or termination of leases. In general, all issues in relation to leases for Government Departments / Offices, including my Department is a matter for the Office of Public Works.

There is one building in Portlaoise which is leased directly by my Department at an annual rent of €39,999.96. This office is fully occupied and utilised.

Grant Payments

Willie Penrose

Question:

168 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will take steps to expedite an application for farm payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, where all the necessary registration documentation has been furnished to the office in Cork, and is duly registered there, although the Department offices in Portlaoise claim it has not been received and that ten animals have not been so registered; if same can now be reviewed immediately and all payments made to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14531/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The person named registered 51 animals under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has been made for 33 of these animals. The necessary information relating to the required measures has not been submitted for three animals and therefore, payment cannot be made on the animals.

Payment has not issued in respect of the remaining fifteen animals as they were not registered within the statutory twenty-seven day timeframe as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. A letter issued from my Department on 4 August 2011 setting out the position in respect of these animals. To date, no reply has been received from the participant.

Fishing Industry Development

John Browne

Question:

169 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is currently undertaking to protect the interests of the Irish fish producers and processors against the proposal by the European Commission to introduce individual transferable quotas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14553/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My overarching goal for Ireland's fishing industry is for a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to deliver a sustainable and eco centred fisheries landscape for future generations.

The proposal by the European Commission for the introduction of a mandatory scheme of Transferable Fishing Concessions (TFCs), otherwise known as individual transferable quotas (ITQs), is to my mind totally at odds with the unique dynamic that is the Irish fishing sector.

This proposal will, I believe, lead to a privatisation of fish quotas and their concentration in the hands of multinational companies with limited or no links to Ireland's coastal communities, resulting in the likely loss of the economic benefit and ultimately jobs which flow from Irish fish quotas being treated as a public good and allocated to Irish fishing vessels.

This is not only an economic argument, the unique social and cultural fabric of our coastal communities would be devastated if the link between the fleet and the ports and processors was broken.

I have forcibly voiced my opinion at EU Fisheries Councils and indeed privately in bilaterals with fellow Ministers and indeed Commissioner Damanaki herself. I have been heartened by the support I have received from other like minded Member States but recognise that it will be an uphill battle to get the mandatory nature of the TFCs removed from the CFP reform proposals.

In partnership with the Irish industry, I am taking every opportunity to lobby and influence the key decision makers at European level and have made a strong case when I met key members of the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament at the beginning of the month.

The negotiations on the CFP reform are ongoing, indeed they are on the agenda at next weeks Council of Fisheries Ministers on 19 March. I will continue to defend Ireland's right to determine how our quotas will be allocated in the best interests of our fleet, processing sector and the communities dependent on them for their very survival.

John Browne

Question:

170 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he fully supports the concept of regionalisation or decentralisation in the context of the ongoing review of the common fisheries policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14555/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Ireland is a strong proponent of a regionalised policy as part of the proposal for the new CFP. I am actively pursuing a policy for a more regional and holistic approach to management where responsibilities are clearly established under an overarching policy established by the Council and European Parliament. This would involve increased stakeholder involvement through the Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) and Producer Organisations (POs). I want to see measures developed under this overarching framework at regional level that will be given legal effect under the EU legislative framework in order to ensure that all fishing fleets are treated equally and to ensure a level playing field across the relevant Member States in each fishery. Where there is full agreement among all regional Member States on specific measures, I would support the full introduction in European law by the EU Commission under delegated powers. However, where agreements cannot be secured, I consider that measures must be adopted under co-decision by the Council and European Parliament.

The Commission suggest after establishing a high-level framework at Union level that it is a matter for Member States at regional level to co-operate, agree and implement a joint approach for fishing operations at a regional level with the measures implemented nationally and individually by each Member State. It also provides that where regional Member States are not in agreement, the Commission would itself introduce measures under delegated powers. This approach is I believe flawed and would result in either a diversity of measures operated in the same fishery by fleets of each Member State or, and more likely for fisheries in Western Waters where our fleet operates, the EU Commission having power to implement measures under delegated acts. That is an even greater centralisation of power than applies now and would appear to be moving in exactly the wrong direction, considering the shared diagnosis before the reform that poor compliance with aspects of the CFP was often a result of the lack of involvement of relevant players in the decision making.

John Browne

Question:

171 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position in regard to the ongoing discussions on the long-term management plan for Atlantic horse mackerel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14556/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The EU Commission proposal aims to establish a long-term plan for the conservation and management of the Western stock of Atlantic horse mackerel. The proposal was initially tabled by the EU Commission in early 2009. In drawing up the new plan stakeholders were consulted by the EU Commission through the Pelagic Regional Advisory Council, including Irish stakeholders. As had been in the case with other management plans adopted by the Council up to that point, the proposal included a Harvest Control Rule, to place strict boundaries around the annual Total Allowable Catch to be set by the Council.

The original proposal was made and the proposal was expected to be adopted before the passing of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which extended co-decision to fisheries policy matters, other than where related to the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, which remained solely a Council competence. The proposal was not adopted before the application of the new Treaty and is now subject to co-decision between the EU Council and the EU Parliament.

Since early 2010, the matter of legal competence for aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy, particularly Harvest Control Rules (HCRs) has been a matter of intense debate within the Council and between the Council and the European Parliament. In essence some interpretations point to HCRs as being central to fisheries conservation policy and therefore a co-decision matter, whereas others see HCRs as intrinsic to the fixing of fishing opportunities and therefore a Council only matter. The seriousness of this debate is such that despite the acknowledged value of long term plans to the conservation of fisheries stocks, no new management plans have been adopted since 2009. With Council and Parliament divided on the issue of the legal base for the Harvest Control Rule under a long term management plan for Horse Mackerel, the Council, despite the on-going efforts of successive Presidencies, did not adopt its position on the plan, and therefore no formal negotiations had taken place with Parliament and the plan was not adopted.

The Polish Presidency made a compromise proposal late last year. This was progressed by the Danish Presidency in the early months of their Presidency and secured a Council position, which was supported by all Member States. The intention, under the Council position, is to remove explicit reference to Harvest Control Rules and instead to simplify the approach by establishing an objective, rather than a rule, and to focus on the need to ensure the sustainable exploitation of western horse mackerel on the basis of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), which would be achieved by aiming at a fishing mortality (F) at MSY or less on appropriate age groups. Ireland, with all other Member States, supported this position with a view to progressing the adoption of the long term management plan for horse mackerel.

Grant Payments

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

172 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in relation to a ewe grassland payment for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14563/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Under the 2011 Grassland Sheep Scheme, farmers were required to:

maintain ewes;

complete the Sheep Census return by 11 March 2011;

submit the SPS application form by the closing date of 16th May 2011.

While an application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme and other area-based schemes was received from the person named on 12 May 2010, following validation it was found that the person named had not submitted the Sheep Census Return, by the closing date, as required. Therefore, no payment is due under the Grassland Sheep Scheme to the person named.

International Agreements

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

173 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will guarantee that he will not support any move to allow the EU-Morocco fisheries partnership agreement to return to the EU’s agenda. [9616/12]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

In January 2012, the EU Commission introduced a draft negotiating mandate for a new protocol for the EU Morocco Fisheries Agreement. The mandate sought to conclude a protocol which would oblige Morocco to comply with international law and to report regularly on its use of the funds for the population concerned, including the people of the Western Sahara.

Following discussions, Ireland supported a Presidency compromise subject to a joint statement with Germany and Slovenia to the effect:—

“Germany, Ireland and Slovenia would have preferred an explicit reference to Western Sahara in the mandate. Germany’s, Ireland’s and Slovenia’s acceptance of the mandate does not, in any way, pre-empt our final position on any draft Protocol that will eventually be submitted for approval. The attitude of each of the above Member States to the draft Protocol will be determined by the extent to which the rights of the people of Western Sahara are protected in accordance with international law and the extent of the related reporting requirements that must be fulfilled by Morocco”

Any decision on Ireland supporting the future ratification of new protocol to the FPA with Morocco will be made having due consideration to all issues and in particular the qualifications outlined in this statement.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

174 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of buildings her Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings her Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by her Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14513/12]

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

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

Health Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the possibility of obtaining respite care for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14366/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Drugs Task Forces

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

176 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of interim funded drugs task force projects administered through the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee and City of Dublin Youth Service Board; if he will provide details on the amount of funding provided to each project in each of the years from 2006 to date in 2012; if he will confirm that payments were made in 2012 to City of Dublin VEC and to the drugs task force project for which those funds were approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14432/12]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

177 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that requiring CDYSB to sign off a verification of 2011 expenditure in order to receive funding would mean the CDYSB would require more resources for administrative costs; if funding is then refused because verification is not signed off, eight local drugs task force projects in the Dublin city area will be affected and the organisation (details supplied) will be danger of closing in two weeks if funding is not resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14433/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.

Funding allocated to interim Drugs Task Force projects is channelled through designated agencies including the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC) and the City of Dublin Youth Services Board (CDYSB). All designated agencies were asked to confirm the actual amount of funding disbursed to Drugs Task Force projects during 2011. In line with Government accounting rules, savings arising at the end of 2011 must be taken into account in calculating the overall payments to projects in the current year. However, this process has not resulted in any delays in the transfer of funding to designated agencies. The accountability arrangements in relation to Drugs Task Force projects funded through the CDYSB have been finalised and payment of the first quarter of the 2012 allocation has issued to interim funded projects in the relevant Local Drugs Task Force areas. It is expected that the funding will be in the bank account of the project referred to by the Deputy on Wednesday, 14 March.

Details of the funding provided to projects channelled through CDYSB and CDVEC from 2007 to date are listed in the table below. There was no funding provided to either agency in 2006 for interim funded projects.

Payments to City of Dublin Youth Services Board

Task Force	Project Name	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012 (Jan-June)
		€	€	€	€	€	€
Ballyfermot	CEOL Project	15,744	16,122	16,122	0	0	0
Ballyfermot	The BASE	32,500	67,471	42,471	57,314	55,766	27,208
Ballymun	Best SCP Early Birds Club	119,420	125,934	67,266	121,649	121,649	60,824
Ballymun	Expansion of After School Clubs	27,486	29,146	26,689	28,886	0	0
Ballymun	Drugs Education Project	50,000	56,567	56,134	55,225	56,568	28,284
Ballymun	Outfit Programme — BRYR	26,266	63,026	63,026	63,026	126,159	93,761
Ballymun	Mentoring Support Programme	13,933	15,283	15,284	14,534	14,534	7,267
Ballymun	Fourth Aisling Project	0	50,000	50,000	48,335	51,690	25,845
Canal Communities	Community Capacity Support Grants Scheme	0	0	0	44,718	13,500	0
Canal Communities	Skills based Co-ordinator	70,558	71,978	59,724	66,905	65,098	31,761
Canal Communities	Youth Worker	50,238	58,858	56,317	0	40,227	26,213
Canal Communities	YEAH Project	37,833	76,313	51,609	68,656	68,766	33,551
Dublin 12	Crumlin Community Youth Band	9,573	9,803	8,202	8,512	8,459	3,502
Dublin 13	Support for the activities of Club ’98	4,639	4,750	4,492	2,062	0	0
Dublin 12	Youth Club Lower Crumlin	68,048	58,385	66,034	57,914	57,366	28,068
Dublin 12	Early School Leaving Initiative	21,893	36,500	11,209	19,462	19,300	9,150
Dublin 13	Establishment of an Education/Bursary Scheme	43,676	44,723	22,362	20,044	0	0
Dublin North East	Prevention Education	112,730	115,946	90,832	108,488	135,000	67,500
Dublin North East	MIC Project	191,340	199,517	131,512	172,738	192,738	93,960
Dublin North East	Traveller Support Group	46,737	48,648	24,324	44,238	70,000	34,125
Finglas Cabra	Contribute to new Counselling Service	60,508	55,500	60,500	47,500	50,000	25,000
Finglas Cabra	After School Project Drug Prevention Initiative Fund	50,297	56,504	51,504	51,504	50,000	25,000
Finglas Cabra	Coláiste Eoin Equine Prog	0	0	4,699	0	0	0
North Inner City	Summerhill Comm. Yth DG — HOPE	39,989	24,134	25,258	43,169	42,003	20,581
North Inner City	Step by Step	0	24,500	0	0	202,327	118,959
North Inner City	IADP-Community Participation	100,778	110,708	102,248	92,400	83,400	40,358
North Inner City	Macro Step by Step	42,380	45,098	44,091	40,447	40,447	0
North Inner City	IADP Annie Kelly Education Bur	22,937	23,487	23,951	22,700	30,000	14,250
North Inner City	Belong to Youth Project	25,869	55,417	51,802	50,294	50,294	24,644
South Inner City	Westland Row CBS After-school Project	10,706	10,971	10,995	9,728	9,728	4,864
South Inner City	Whitefriar Aikido Club Juniors	3,761	3,851	3,665	3,242	3,240	1,620
South Inner City	School St and Thomas Court Bawn FRC	0	0	0	0	50,134	25,067
	Total	1,299,839	1,559,140	1,242,322	1,363,689	1,708,394	871,362

Payments to City of Dublin VEC

Task Force	Project Name	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012 (Jan-June)
		€	€	€	€	€	€
Finglas Cabra	Coláiste Eoin Equine Prog	0	0	0	10,000	10,000	5,000
Ballyfermot	Matt Talbot Community Trust	0	0	0	0	116,000	56,596
	Total	0	0	0	10,000	126,000	61,596

Water Quality

Emmet Stagg

Question:

178 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health if he has seen the recently published report by a person (details supplied) on the impacts of injecting silicofluorides into public drinking water; if he will review this policy in view of the report’s findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14533/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

I have received, earlier this week, a copy of the Report to which the Deputy refers and I have asked the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health to examine it. The Forum on Fluoridation, which reported in 2002, advised that the fluoridation of piped public water supplies should continue as a public health measure. One of the recommendations of the Forum was to amend the Regulations regarding fluoridation of public water supplies to redefine the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water from 0.8 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm) to between 0.6 and 0.8 ppm. Regulations were introduced in 2007 to give legal effect to this change.

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. The report of the EU Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER), published in June 2011, has not made any findings of negative health or environmental effects concerning fluoridation of water. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.

Health Services

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

179 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health when an eating, drinking and swallowing disorders clinic (details supplied) will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14372/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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.

Departmental Reports

Pearse Doherty

Question:

180 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the findings of the report by his Department and the health protection surveillance into the association between the swine flu vaccine Pandemrix and narcolepsy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14394/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am aware of the submission of the report which is being considered by my Department in the context of other evidence from international studies. I will revert to the Deputy when my officials have briefed me on the contents of the Report.

Mental Health Services

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

181 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health if he intends to appoint a child psychiatrist and consultant for CAMS in Ballina, County Mayo; when he expects such an appointment to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14455/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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

Medical Cards

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a full medical card may be granted in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14464/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Proposed Legislation

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

183 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring forward legislation to set standards and regulate the provision of private home care companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14472/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

Primary legislation and resources will be required to introduce a statutory regulation system for home care services. 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 taking into account, for example, the recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance, as set out in its report: Building a Culture of Patient Safety, and two reports by the Law Reform Commission entitled Legal Aspects of Carers and Legal Aspects of Professional Home Care. Various options are being considered including the complex legal issues involved, the need to prioritise legislative proposals in the wider Social Care area, and taking into account various operational improvements being progressed by the HSE in relation to the Home Support service for vulnerable older people.

Hospital Services

Brendan Griffin

Question:

184 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be called to see an orthopaedic consultant at Kerry General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14482/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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 were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day case surgery.

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

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

185 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay in dealing with this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14486/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Health Services

Brendan Smith

Question:

186 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in relation to the provision of adequate general practitioner services at a centre (details supplied) in County Cavan; if this issue will be resolved without further delay due to the concerns of the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14501/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

187 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will advise and support a new group for autism (details supplied). [14502/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

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.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

188 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14520/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The sourcing of property on behalf of Government Departments is a matter for the Office of Public Works. The Department's Headquarters is in Hawkins House, Dublin 2 which is not subject to any lease. There are two leases currently held by my Department as follows:—

Block D, Irish Life Mall, Dublin 1 which formerly accommodated the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer. This office is now located within my Department's Hawkins House Headquarters.

1 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1 which formerly accommodated the Irish Council for Bioethics. This lease was signed by the Council itself when it was still a separate corporate entity. As part of the winding up of this entity, my Department absorbed the staff on a secondment basis and took on the lease on the Council's premises.

My Department is actively seeking an alternative use for these premises for the remainder of their leases. The following are the yearly cost of rents:

Premises	Cost
Irish Life Building	€98,5000
Ormond Quay	€48,000

Medical Aids and Appliances

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of women known to have had PIP breast implants; the extent to which defects in the procedure have been reported or detected; if it is intended to address any issues arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14544/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

My Department is aware of the issues being raised by concerned recipients of PIP implants. Since concerns were first raised regarding the issue of breast implants provided by the now defunct French company Poly Implant Prosthèse (PIP) the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) and my Department have been in constant touch with European and UK investigators of the matter and with any relevant initiative involved. Approximately 1500 Irish patients were implanted with the Poly Implant Prosthèse (PIP) silicone breast implants. Recall of these implants was taken following an inspection of PIP's manufacturing plant where it was found that most implants manufactured were filled with an unauthorised silicone gel which differs in composition from the originally approved material.

Currently the Irish rupture rate is approximately 5% of devices. Reports received indicate that ruptures have occurred at or between one month to eight years after implant. Factors which may contribute to the rupture rate seen include the fact that there is more intensive patient follow up, use of diagnostic scans, the increased time since implantation and more active rupture reporting by surgeons. In early February 2012, the European Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks published its initial findings on ‘The Safety of PIP Breast Implants'. The scientific opinion concludes that "further work is proposed to establish with greater certainty the health risks, if any, that may be associated with PIP silicone breast implants". The report also concludes that each case needs to be assessed individually.

The advice from the IMB and my Department continues to be that there is no evidence of increased risk of cancer for women with this brand of implant, the risk of rupture is low and anyone with a concern about their breast implants should discuss the matter with their GP or surgeon. My Department and the IMB continue to liaise with the Health Security Committee's Health Threats Unit which is maintaining the up to date position on the issue for all Member States. As information on PIP implantation worldwide and within the European Community emerges, my Department and the IMB are continuing to review advice for recipients of PIP implants.

My Department is engaged at present in meeting all the treating clinics with a view to ensuring that best practice and patient support is paramount in the service provided to concerned recipients of PIP implants. My Chief Medical Officer will arrange to meet with a representative group of concerned recipients of PIP implants as soon as possible with a view to assisting in the resolution of the concerns raised.

I am satisfied that all relevant emerging information and updates on the PIP implant issue are being thoroughly assessed and all concerned and interested parties kept aware of the emerging position.

Health Service Staff

Billy Kelleher

Question:

190 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the total cost of transatlantic flights for his special advisors and interim Health Service Executive board members over the past 12 months; if he will provide particulars of the flights, including names of persons and flights paid for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14547/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

There were no transatlantic flights undertaken by my special advisors or Departmental interim Health Service Executive board members over the past 12 months. I have forwarded your query regarding the remaining interim Health Service Executive board members to the Health Service Executive for their attention and direct reply.

Accident and Emergency Services

Billy Kelleher

Question:

191 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the basis on which he intends to standardise the calculation of accident and emergency waiting times; if the current method of calculating waiting times will continue to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14548/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Building on the achievements of 2011, the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) will work with the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the HSE Clinical Programmes and hospitals to minimise patient waiting times in emergency departments along with reducing waiting periods for in-patient and day case elective surgical care. The SDU is currently working on a refined methodology for recording Emergency Department waiting times across the system. This methodology is known as the Patient Experience Time (PET). It is planned to have 21 hospitals reporting using the PET method by the second quarter of 2012. Work will continue to bring the remaining hospitals on stream as quickly as possible.

During 2012, the SDU will extend the coverage of the Patient Experience Time methodology to ensure that the data are captured in a uniform manner across the hospital system. Details of Emergency Department waiting times will continue to be published in the HSE's website under the Monthly Performance Report (PR) using a combination of full PET and sampling PET data. Full PET data for individual hospitals will be published when it comes on stream and in the interim, data derived from sampling will be used.

Universal Health Insurance

Billy Kelleher

Question:

192 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health which other countries’ health systems have been examined with respect to implementing universal health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

193 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health which country’s health system his model of universal health insurance will be based on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14550/12]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

194 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his model of universal health insurance will be based on the Dutch model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14551/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.

The Government is committed to fundamental reform of the health system. This will see the delivery of a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, which will ensure equal access to care based on need, not income. The reform programme is a complex and major undertaking that requires careful planning and sequencing. Detailed consideration must be given to the optimal structures for delivery of different services and to the critical inter-relationships between services as well as best practice in health care reform.

Officials in my Department have been examining the experience of health reforms in a range of countries. Part of this work included organising a seminar on universal health insurance which was attended by experts from the World Health Organisation, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the Dutch Health Ministry. My officials also undertook a study visit to the Netherlands in June 2011 to examine the Dutch health insurance model and a similar visit to Germany is in the process of being arranged.

Such contact with relevant bodies, both at national and international level, is vital to enhancing our knowledge and informing policy. I see it as imperative that we continue to engage with interested parties and gain from the experiences of other countries in this area and this is reflected in the membership of the Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance which includes international experts working with the World Health Organisation and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. I should point out, however, that ultimately, this Government's reform proposals will be designed to meet the needs of the Irish system and to ensure the best outcomes for Irish patients.

Medical Cards

Jack Wall

Question:

195 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14557/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Billy Timmins

Question:

196 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14570/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

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

Hospital Accommodation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

197 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if it is the case that a 24-bed ward in James Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, is to be closed to public patients and to become a ward for private patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14571/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

I am not aware of any change to the private bed capacity in James Connolly Memorial Hospital. The current private bed capacity remains as is — 19 single rooms and 10 semi-private beds. The private bed capacity is being reorganised across a number of wards but the overall number of private/semi private beds remain the same.

Hospital Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

198 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, received notice from an orthopaedic paediatrician (details supplied) of their intention to resign on 17 December 2011; the reason the position was not advertised as soon as such notice was received; when authorisation to advertise the position will issue; if candidates have come forward for the position; the number of same; the cost thus far of employing this person as a part-time locum and of flying them from Prague and accommodating them in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

199 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital consultants based outside of the island of Ireland who are employed by the Health Service Executive in hospitals in this jurisdiction on a part-time or locum basis and whose travel costs and accommodation are covered by the HSE for the duration of their working time here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14573/12]

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

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

Search and Rescue Service

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the Coast Guard and other emergency services to meet requirements in all eventualities with particular reference to surveillance and air or sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14541/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The Coast Guard co-ordinates a multi-disciplinary approach in undertaking search and rescue operations. It has available to it a range of service providers and assets, including the National Maritime Operations Centre in Dublin and sub-centres in Malin and Valentia, fifty volunteer Units located mainly around the coast, contracted search and rescue (SAR) helicopters, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and community rescue boat teams, air mobile fire and ambulance teams and a variety of other resources. I am satisfied that the approach taken in Ireland is on a par with other air sea rescue organisations throughout Europe.

Despite the current difficult financial climate continuous improvements are being made to our search and rescue services. These improvements include the upgrade to the Coast Guard's boat and vehicle fleet, the recent opening of a new Station House on Achill Island and two further Station Houses to open in Crosshaven and Goleen, Co Cork in 2012, and during 2012 and 2013 the introduction of a new generation of Search and Rescue helicopters to replace the existing 40 year old fleet.

The issue of surveillance is to be addressed by my Department chairing an inter-departmental group at Assistant Secretary level which includes the Defence Forces, Customs Service, An Garda Síochána, Commissioners of Irish Lights, Marine Institute and others. A work programme is expected to progress this matter in tandem with the EU's Common Information Sharing Environment project in 2012.

Railway Maintenance Contracts

Martin Ferris

Question:

201 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the company which received the contract for maintenance on Iarnród Éireann lines was subject to a due diligence test; if so, if it passed same; and if that report can be made available. [14392/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The issue raised is a 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.

Road Project Contracts

Dessie Ellis

Question:

202 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the issues in dispute between the National Roads Authority and a contractor (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14393/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

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 national road projects are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting this position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Departmental Expenditure

Dan Neville

Question:

203 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the financial allocation to the National Road Safety Authority for 2012. [14397/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Under my Department's Vote in the Revised Estimates Volume, published on 23 February, just over €18.6 million is provided from the Exchequer for road safety agencies in 2012. Of that amount, almost €13.9 million has been provided to the Road Safety Authority.

Tourism Industry

Timmy Dooley

Question:

204 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action being taken on foot of the information before him and Fáilte Ireland’s report on the caravan sector with regard to the way he wishes to restore confidence to the 100-plus licensed caravan sites and campsites throughout the country; the actions he will take to deal with the illegally operated camper van sites of Safe Nights Ireland, SNI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14407/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

This matter is covered extensively in the Strategic Review of the Camping and Caravan sector which was conducted by Fáilte Ireland in 2011. The review contains a number of key recommendations and key tasks. Responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations and the tasks lies with Fáilte Ireland and the industry itself. Responsibility for the regulation of registered tourist accommodation is also a matter for Fáilte Ireland and so I have, accordingly, referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Rail Network

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

205 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is permissible to carry out, or if he will give direction as to the suitability of carrying out, construction work outside of daylight hours, which is having a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of residents adjacent to the rail line (details supplied). [14437/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The issue raised is a 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.

Taxi Regulation

Clare Daly

Question:

206 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider introducing legislation that will prevent taxi firms offering discounts to customers, sometimes as much as 40%, without the prior consent of the taxi drivers affected by the discount. [14443/12]

Clare Daly

Question:

207 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider introducing enforceable guidelines or legislation, if required, that prevents taxi drivers from being forced by taxi firms to bear the cost of uniforms and phone calls to customers. [14444/12]

Clare Daly

Question:

208 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider introducing enforceable guidelines or legislation, if required, that will regulate the power of taxi firms to disable taxi drivers off the air if the taxi drivers hand their job back. [14445/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 to 208, inclusive, together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including issues relating to the setting of the maximum fare for SPSV services and the regulation of dispatch operators, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003.

I should add however that I do not envisage introducing legislation relating to the commercial arrangements that apply between dispatch operators and taxi drivers in areas such as price discounting below the maximum fare. However I will refer the Deputy's question to the NTA for any further information on the matters raised.

Clare Daly

Question:

209 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will explain the rationale whereby only taxi drivers whose licence numbers are above 45,000 must not have cars older than nine years. [14446/12]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly)

The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues pertaining to vehicle standards, is a matter for the NTA under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009.

I have arranged for your question to be sent to the NTA for direct reply. If you have not received a response within ten working days, please notify my private office.

EU Funding

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

210 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding received from the EU towards the cost of construction of new public transport and road projects in the years 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14491/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

Under the 2007-2013 Border Midlands and Western Regional Authority (BMW) Operational Programme of the European Regional Development Fund only 2 roads projects qualified for funding. These are the M6 Athlone-Ballinasloe motorway and N52 Tullamore bypass.

As the funding for these projects was channelled through the NRA, I have referred your question to them for direct response. If you do not hear them within 10 days please contact my private office.

In relation to public transport projects, €5.5m has been claimed to date from the Ten-T Multi-annual Programme 2007-2013 in respect of studies relating to the Dart Underground project.

Departmental Properties

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

211 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by his Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14525/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

All office accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport is arranged by the Office of Public Works.

In addition, this Department rents space in five locations for the Irish Coast Guard, details as follows:

Property	County	Annual Rent	Purpose
Goleen	Cork	€17,424	Temp. local Coast Guard unit — for surrender 14 March 2013
Doolin	Clare	€5,200	Shed for Coast Guard equipment
Kilkee	Clare	€840	Shed for Coast Guard equipment
Drogheda	Louth	€5,000	Coast Guard local volunteer unit
Dunmore East	Waterford	€2,000	Shed for Coast Guard boat